Number: 1979-01
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, related to a major degree with the production of energy, is among the paramount problems facing the nation in this year and in this age. Consequently, convinced 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.
Achieving environmental goals is made infinitely more difficult by energy shortages. These shortages, with attendant price increases, aggravate problems of inflation and unemployment, result in imbalances of international trade, adversely affect production of food and fiber and manufactured goods, and create severe difficulties relating to transportation in addition to impacting on American lifestyles. Consequently, the National Wildlife Federation feels that solutions to the short-term, intermediate, and long-range energy shortages must have a high priority among our nation’s goals.
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 1979:
Environmental Pollution. Regulations designed to curb air, water, and toxic pollution are under attack from certain interests which disregard public health benefits and other values, alleging that these controls are inflationary and create unemployment. These interests, generally hopeful of lessening or removing governmental controls, are exerting tremendous pressure on the Congress and Executive Branch agencies. This organization, on the other hand, calls upon conservationists and environmentalists everywhere to join efforts in improving lax pollution standards, urging that strong clean air, clean water, and toxic substances laws be protected from weakening amendments and/or regulations and be fully and vigorously enforced. The Federation urges that particular emphasis be directed toward curbing toxic discharges, improving water quality, and protecting productive wetlands.
Endangered Species. Many species of animals and plants are in danger or are threatened with extinction. The National Wildlife Federation feels that persons living in this age have responsibilities to future generations to ensure that as many species as possible are prevented from becoming extinct, either through man’s direct actions or by indirect factors. Consequently, this organization strongly supports protection of land and water habitat required by endangered species. Further, the Federation recommends that the United States exert a vigorous worldwide leadership for reducing illegal international trade which may result in further losses of endangered species. This organization also advocates the early implementation of research and management programs designed to ensure that additional species are brought back from the brink of extinction.
Protecting Farmlands. Productive farmlands, coupled with technical knowledge and dedicated efforts, enable the American farmer to produce far more food and fibre than this Nation requires and allow him to help feed the world. However, the National Wildlife Federation continues to be highly concerned about the continuing piecemeal losses of prime agricultural lands to competing uses and to erosion. Consequently, this organization strongly urges that farmers, governmental leaders, and conservationists work together to develop means such as tax exemptions, zoning laws, and open land laws as methods of ensuring that prime farmlands are set aside and retained for agricultural use under management principles in accord with sound soil and water practices, including those which provide for fish and wildlife.
Energy. To meet needs for reasonable economic growth and adequate standards of living, while protecting environmental resources, the National Wildlife Federation calls for the Nation to adopt a strong national energy policy. This policy should be built upon the premise of energy conservation and more efficient use of existing energy supplies, coupled with a concerted national effort to publicize and promote the use of nonpolluting sources of energy such as solar. The Federation also encourages the adoption of a lower per capita energy consumption and more efficient use of all natural resources.
Conservation Education. A sound understanding of the science of ecology and an appreciation for wise use and management of natural resources must be stimulated among school children through suitable education projects. Such approaches provide the background for active roles as adults. Consequently, the National Wildlife Federation calls for the development and implementation of vigorous environmental education projects and programs at appropriate age levels. These projects and programs shall be such that they can be integrated into existing curricula using a multi-disciplinary approach.
Natural Values. The National Wildlife Federation believes it is essential that natural areas, and the forms of fish and wildlife which characterize most of them, possess values which must be protected through the establishment of wildlife refuges, forests, parks, recreation areas, and wildernesses. Consequently, this organization hereby expresses its conviction that suitable areas should be identified and set aside as soon as possible under governmental controls. Publicly owned lands, inland waters, and the marine environment should be managed in accordance with balanced, multiple-use principles.
Population Control. The National Wildlife Federation continues to stress its recognition that an ever-increasing human population is a basic problem gravely influencing demands for natural resources. Thus, this organization offers its encouragement for the widespread adoption of the principle of population stabilization through education, tax incentives, and economic controls. The Federation reiterates its belief that humans deserve pleasant and productive lives spent in healthful and stimulating environments rather than merely struggling for survival.
Water Projects. The National Wildlife Federation continues in its strong belief that the Federal Government must adopt and implement principles of a sound water policy, one opposing the construction of projects which fail to meet minimum economic, environmental, and safety criteria. In the overall public interest, the Nation must eliminate subsidies, inflated claims of benefits, and waste. Conservation and environmental values must be given sincere and honest consideration in all water project evaluations.