Читать книгу Boundary Waters Canoe Area: Western Region онлайн

12 страница из 90

There are two ways to react to those findings. Some, who prefer the solitude of their favorite BWCA route, may say it’s a good thing, but others fear this may lead toward waning support for protection of the wilderness. Today, if a logging or mining industry executive presented a proposal to open even the smallest portion of the BWCA to commercial development, millions of people would stand up in opposition. But will that same ethos to protect the wilderness continue?

As the Baby Boomer generation ages and participation rates of younger Americans continue a downward trend, will that same passion hold? Will a young man who grew up as an Xbox master fight for the forest?

Will a young woman who spent her outdoor time playing soccer understand the threat? Will they recall waiting for an early morning mist to burn off before starting out on the day’s journey? Will they remember the scent of the trees and earth the wind presents to them? What about the eagle circling high over a lake or a loon’s cry that cracks the stillness?