Is your hill environmentally friendly?

This whole climate change issue is such a cluster F.   The truth of the matter is that climate change is a complicated web of evolving science, politics, business, and environmentalism - all with competing agendas.  Alpymarr, keep us informed about your research. You have a great writing style and I like your objectivity. Best of luck.

Hey everyone,

I really appreciate your input. The outcome of just posting on TAY looking for opinions is exactly what one would expect when asking such questions. Thanks for the Hydro correction. The drainage basins in question still supply to someone or something, whether it be humans, salmon, or water insects, which are all part of the intricate ecological web that we are a part of.
This query presents very typical outcomes of env. issues. There is always some debate, there are always the locals who resist and represent a whole new perspective, and there are always different ways to assess the impacts. I'll keep you posted on what I learn and hope to see you on the hill soon!!!

Alpymarr,
You should consider a career in diplomacy as your reply to all of us who have ranted is very well done. As a previous poster says, your write very well and are very thoughtful. Good stuff.
We should ski together again soon. Drop me a PM when you feel the need to get out and hopefully we'll have a better day than the one at Alpental.
Chris

This whole climate change issue is such a cluster F. The truth of the matter is that climate change is a complicated web of evolving science, politics, business, and environmentalism - all with competing agendas.

AGREED!!!!AMEN BROTHER!!
It is great that we talk about these issues, but the environmental issue has become such a hotbed for controversy that it is difficult to discuss unless you are talking to people that own your point of view. Somewhat like religion and politics, nearly every interest group has an agenda that thinks it is best for everyone.

There are certainly steps that need to be done to make the world habitable in the foreseeable future, every species fights to survive the changes to their living environment. I think that it is the height of human arrogance is we think that mankind is in control of their destiny of the planet or own it for that matter. How did the dinosaur fail in it's campaign to survive the changes of the planet? Did anyone foresee the continental shift? Things just evolve...Could it be that humans evolved to create the greenhouse effect that support another evolving species?
IMHO-This is not meant to be negative-The global warming ax started to swing long before recycling was a concept and has set forth a destiny that will never be completely remediated, but become an evolutionary history of the planet and it's surviving inhabitants.

Good Luck on your project-
My suggestion is that since their are reports on the effects of the ski areas, why not do a report on the effect of the clear cutting and compare two, total the amount of area affected by ski areas and total the amount of area affected by clear cuts and see who gets the passing grade?
It sounds interesting!

Joe

I couldn't agree more about the confused state of affairs involved in global climate change (GCC). There are definately many things that have nothing to do with resorts that are the main contributors to such problems. Resorts come under scrutiny because they are often situated in areas where impact is more noticeable, therefore questions are raised. I am definately of the frame of mind that the problems lie far from the mountains, and in the urban centers. These are obviously the more pressing problems and in many cases are the roots. Environmental repair begins with the big picture. I take the stand that the resorts can simply better their current methods in everyday things such as fuels and water quality/usage standards. The problem is not the areas themselves, but there are solutions to small problems before they grow large. Another reason that the resorts come under pressure is their close proximity to wilderness and wildlife reserves, greater heightening their visiblilty as degraders of the environment. In the case of large scale commercial logging, I feel that the comparison is of a different scale, nontheless the obvious damages and degradtion resulting from such practices are startling. Thats a whole other ballgame. Again, Im not advocating that ski resorts are evil, and for the most part are vastly more aware of the environmental effects of their operations than almost any other industry. Is it unfair to point fingers? Absolutely. It is just easier to recognize impacts when you are so isolated and operating in a sensitive ecosystem. How can we stop the blame game and singling out of ski areas? I feel that ski areas and skiers can begin to set examples of how the industry can coexist in harmony with it's surroundings by making a few adjustments that show there is an effort. So many questions, variables, opinions, and yes....solutions.