Number: 1977-01
From knowledge as an association of independent state organizations and their affiliated local groups, the National Wildlife Federation believes that an alert and fully-informed public will demand sound management of natural resources. Public education, therefore, is the solid foundation upon which conservation practices must be based.
The National Wildlife Federation continues firm in its conviction that conservation of energy is essential to the National well-being, and calls upon industries, businesses, groups, and individuals to make substantial sacrifices to conserve their uses of energy. Further, this organization supports the principle that mandatory conservation measures should be imposed if such a program is necessary to prevent the U.S. from becoming more dependent upon foreign sources of energy.
Otherwise, the National Wildlife Federation believes that contamination of the environment, unwise management of resources, and losses of natural areas and other wildlife habitats, complicated by population growth and energy shortages, constitute the primary problems of the age.
It is in light of this background that the National Wildlife Federation invites the attention of all Americans to what it considers the major conservation issues of the year 1977:
Water Pollution: This organization is convinced that the basic provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act which are designed to achieve fishable-swimable water quality goals by 1983 must be retained unweakened. Further, it is essential that the Federal Government provide adequate funding to ensure that these goals are achieved. Protection must continue to be given to ecologically-rich and biologically-productive wetlands. Particular emphasis should be directed to planning and implementing measures to control non-point sources of water pollution.
Air Pollution: The Congress must move quickly to extend stringent regulations designed to protect the quality of vital air resources. It is critical that the quality of air over pristine areas be protected from further degradation. Economic growth in specific areas should be permitted only when it does not impact adversely upon the achievement of those air quality goals which are so necessary for the maintenance of a healthy biosphere upon which all living organisms depend.
Toxic Chemicals: Since many chemicals pose serious threats to human health and the welfare of other living organisms, it is essential that the Federal Government devote adequate funding and personnel to full implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act enacted in 1976. This organization is firmly convinced that the U.S. must establish and develop a better toxic substance data base upon which sound judgements relating to human health and environmental hazards can be made.
Endangered Animals and Plants: The National Wildlife Federation continues to believe that man has a basic responsibility to take every reasonable means, including financial expense, to ensure that his actions do not result in the extinction of any animal or plant. Further, it is believed essential that units of federal, state, and local governments must work together closely to preserve areas of critical habitat, prepare and manage recovery plans, and enforce regulations protecting rare, threatened, or endangered species, enlisting the aid of interested citizen groups and individuals to the degree possible.
Population Control: Convinced that people merit pleasant and productive lives in quality types of environments, including the natural world, rather than merely struggling for survival, the National Wildlife Federation deplores the adverse impacts which a steadily increasing human population exerts on conservation efforts. As a result, this organization lends its encouragement to zero population growth as a world population goal, educational efforts and tax incentives in the U.S., and conditions on assistance to any areas whose populations are outrunning their resources.
Land Use Planning: The United States has reached the point where it must develop a comprehensive plan to identify and classify the best uses of land resources, both public and private, with the capacities of the land. If coordinated between the appropriate federal, state, and local governmental agencies, such a plan should result in determination of those priorities of land use which are best suited for the overall public good. Suitable incentives then can be developed to encourage conformance to the priorities which are developed.
Energy: This organization recommends in the strongest possible terms that the President and the Congress develop a realistic and environmentally responsible comprehensive national energy policy, identifying attainable short-term, mid-term goals and long term goals. Such a policy should stress energy conservation and provide funding for highly-accelerated programs designed to develop and implement clean and safe sources of power, using wisely placable fossil fuels, especially natural gas and oil.
Parks, Refuges, and Recreation Areas: If people are to enjoy wholesome outdoor recreational and educational experience, it is necessary that existing facilities are operated at a viable level and that additional facilities such as parks, wildlife refuges or management areas, seashores, lakeshore, and recreational areas be established on national, state, and local levels. As a consequence, the National Wildlife Federation urges executive and legislative branch agencies on all levels of government coordinate their activities to ensure that funds are sought and appropriated in amounts suitable to acquire and manage natural areas for the best public purposes.
Life Styles: The National Wildlife Federation encourages the American public to adopt “leaner” life styles, giving the utmost consideration to the husbandry of natural resources, recycling solid wastes, and utilizing the most efficient modes of transportation and temperature controls in homes, businesses, and industries.
Wildlife Habitat: The National Wildlife Federation invites hunters and non-hunters to join in coordinated efforts to provide increased and improved habitat, the essential key to healthier, more abundant, and diverse wildlife populations of value to everyone.