The politics of making conservation happen: A panel discussion

Merilyn B. Reeves; Kenneth G. Higgs; Donovan M. Collins; Dennis C. Le Master; Peter C. Meyers

Excerpt

WHAT are the public's concerns regarding soil and water conservation and other environmental protection measures? First, there is no dispute that there are serious conservation and pollution problems. A number of recent books and reports document alarming increases in soil erosion, the depletion and pollution of groundwater, conversion of prime agricultural land to nonfarm uses, and degradation of water quality, particularly from nonpoint sources.

Second, there appears to be no doubt that the public supports environmental protection. Public opinion surveys and other data on citizen attitudes toward the environment continue to demonstrate broad-based support. Public opinion pollsters seem to agree that support for pollution control comes from all segments of the population: men and women, conservatives and liberals, rich and poor, blacks and whites, rural and urban residents.

The public is also aware that the problems are not entirely new. The photos of the human misery caused by the dusty, dry winds of the 1930s continue to be vivid reminders that nature gives long terms but always collects the bill.

The informed public also understands how …

Footnotes

Merilyn B. Reeves is the Second Vice-president and former coordinator of natural resource programs for the League of Women Voters of the United States, 1730 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. This article is based on her presentation at SCSA's 37th annual meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Kenneth G. Higgs is general manager of the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, Ontario, M3N 1S4. This article is based on his presentation at SCSA's 37th annual meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Donovan M. Collins is director of product development for the Monsanto Agricultural Products Co., 800 North Lindberg Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63167. This article is based on his presentation at SCSA's 37th annual meeting, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Dennis C. Le Master is an associate professor and chairman, Department of Forestry and Range Management, Washington State University, Pullman, 99164. This article is based on his presentation at SCSA's 37th annual meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Peter C. Myers is chief of the Soil Conservation Service. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20013. This article is based on his presentation at SCSA's 37th annual meeting in New Orleans. Louisiana.
Copyright 1982 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society

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