Nature needs many restorative measures

From ancient civilizations to modern times, all nations have removed more from nature’s bounty than has been restored. To reduce the coming disasters of climate change, some of the damage should be repaired. Example 1: The primary purpose of national parks is to provide watersheds. However, excess traffic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is damaging foliage on trees. High horsepower vehicles should not be admitted to the park.

Example 2: The arid American West is in a state of crisis. In Washington state on the Pacific coast, where giant redwood trees once stood, there is now a golf course. This land should be a national park and trees should be restored. Overlogging has reduced western national forests to highly flammable small growth. All national forests in this dry area need years of no-logging natural growth.

Example 3: Lumber from abandoned buildings should be recycled.

Example 4: Where Mongolia borders China, the Gobi Desert is encroaching on former agricultural lands and creating a giant “dust bowl” that deposits soil in the streets of Beijing. This area needs wind farms and deep rooted, drought resistant native grasses.

Maude Gilmer, Asheville

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