Number: 1976-02
WHEREAS, the Bicentennial observance is highlighting the history of the Nation and those factors, including natural resources, which were significant in its development; and
WHEREAS, the conservation-environmental movement evolved from documented needs for better husbandry and wise management of both renewable and non-renewable resources which have contributed so much to our national strength and wealth; and
WHEREAS, lessons learned from the past should provide intelligent guidance for decision-making during the last quarter of this century and further into the future;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 19-21, 1976, in Louisville, Kentucky, hereby invites the attention of all Americans to the following “Blueprint for Progress”, which lists the goals and objectives which this organization believes the Nation should achieve by the Year 2000 A.D.:
Fish and Wildlife — Sufficient habitat will have been set aside as part of sound management programs providing opportunities both for good hunting and fishing and for observing wildlife, ensuring that no species becomes extinct because of man’s actions or inattention. All users of outdoor resources will adopt and carefully adhere to codes of ethics which stress conformance with laws and regulations, rules of safe conduct, abilities to identify species, and consideration for the rights of property owners.
Energy — Research and development will have allowed the U.S. to achieve energy independence through increasing use of renewable energy sources which are environmentally sound and socially acceptable, thereby allowing finite fossil resources to be conserved for uses other than as fuels. Vigorous programs will encourage energy conservation and resource recovery.
Land Use — There will have been acquired or otherwise set aside, through comprehensive and coordinated land planning at local, state, and national levels, natural areas whose highest use is for management for outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, wilderness, and aesthetic appreciation as well as for scientific purposes. Planning also will have identified and designated those lands which are best adapted to agriculture and forest products and for housing, industry, commerce, and transportation.
Water — The concept of “holding water where it falls”, through sound land and water management practices rather than by manmade structures, will have been adopted generally. This approach, accompanied by flood plain zoning and revised agricultural practices, will allow the construction of only those water resource developments which are proven to be economically sound and environmentally acceptable. Most potential water development projects should have been identified, with the view of phasing down of all other construction projects and the agencies which plan and operate them.
Pollution — The impacts of contamination of the air, water, and land resources by organic and inorganic wastes, chemicals, and toxic substances will have been identified and recognized as having profound effects on the public health and well-being. This recognition will have resulted in the establishment of vigorous programs for pollution abatement and control.
Ocean Resources — International planning and research on this “last frontier” will ensure wise management of the seas for future sources of food, minerals, medicines, recreation, and energy for the benefit of mankind.
Weather — Man will have learned to use weather modification for beneficial peaceful purposes without impacting unfavorably upon his environment.
Education — Man’s dependence upon the intricate ecological relationships will have been recognized, with environmental education being given prominence as an integral part of curricula in all institutions of learning.
People — The United States will have stabilized its population at levels consistent with the ability to sustain itself by the production of food and fiber, thereby setting an example emulated throughout the world. The National Wildlife Federation is convinced that these goals are attainable even though reaching them may require restructuring institutions, reorienting research and development, and refocusing governmental policies. We are further convinced that, since the changes can be spread over a quarter century, no serious dislocation need occur and the benefits to present and future generations of Americans more than justify the effort.