Number: 1978-01
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. More conservation must be taught in the schools, emphasizing the science of ecology and the wise use and management of natural resources.
The National Wildlife Federation is firm in its conviction that contamination of the environment, which is related to a degree to the production of energy, is among the paramount problems facing the Nation in this year and in this age. Consequently, believing that pollution abatement creates jobs rather than costing them, this organization is dedicated to fighting environmental pollution by cleaning up public waters, by curbing chemical pollution, by enforcing clean air standards, and reducing waste of finite resources.
The National Wildlife Federation also stresses that conservation of energy and resources is essential to the national well-being. Thus, this organization calls upon policymakers at all levels to develop energy programs which emphasize conservation while guaranteeing continued energy supplies to support reasonable economic growth and an adequate standard of living while protecting the environment. We do not believe these goals are incompatible.
The National Wildlife Federation continues to view protective management of farmlands through sound land use practices and planning; the preservation of natural areas such as parks, wildlife refuges, and wildernesses; the conservation of wildlife, especially endangered species; the encouragement of world population control; and the stimulation of simpler life styles as primary objectives 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 1978:
Water Pollution. This organization continues to be convinced that the Nation must press for the achievement of fishable-swimmable water quality goals by July 1, 1983, with the federal government providing adequate funding to help municipalities meet these objectives. Particular emphasis should be directed to developing and implementing methods to curb nonpoint sources of water pollution. Protection must continue to be given to ecologically-rich and biologically-productive wetlands. Protection should be given to our waterways by encouraging the use of holding tanks by boat owners and construction of the necessary containment facilities in marinas.
Land Use. The National Wildlife Federation continues to be deeply concerned about the degradation of prime agricultural land through unwise practices which encourage erosion, and by the conversion of farms and quality wildlife habitat into industrial, commercial, and residential sites. Consequently, this organization believes the Nation must develop a comprehensive plan to identify and classify the best uses of land resources, both public and private. Coordinated among governmental agencies at local, state, and national levels, such planning should result in suitable priorities of land use best suited for the overall public good. Incentives then can be developed to encourage conformance to those priorities.
Wildlife. The National Wildlife Federation continues to emphasize the importance of providing increased and improved wildlife habitat for the purpose of providing variety and optimum numbers of wildlife for all users and supporters of wildlife conservation and invites hunters and nonhunters to join the coordinated efforts to achieve objectives of mutual interest. Of special concern is the need to prevent the adoption by the Congress of amendments which would weaken the Endangered Species Act, and to encourage the adoption of amendments strengthening the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act.
Population Control. The National Wildlife Federation offers its encouragement to educational efforts, tax incentives, and conditions on assistance to all countries whose populations are overtaxing their natural resources, recognizing that a steadily-increasing human population is a root problem exerting adverse impacts upon conservation efforts. This organization is convinced that people should have an opportunity for pleasant and productive lives in healthful and stimulating environments rather than merely struggling for survival. The adoption of simpler life styles in developed countries would help ease many resource problems.