TY - JOUR T1 - The politics of conservation: An SCSA perspective JF - Journal of Soil and Water Conservation SP - 244 LP - 244 VL - 37 IS - 5 AU - Robert C. Baum Y1 - 1982/09/01 UR - http://www.jswconline.org/content/37/5/244.abstract N2 - TWO challenges confront SCSA members. The first is for members and chapters to extend our participation in “the politics of conservation.” The second is for this participation to be responsible and constructive. SCSA has been described as an association with a broad base of disciplines. This is a strength of our organization. We therefore have a special opportunity to make a positive contribution toward achieving the objectives of SCSA-to advance the science and art of good land and water use. Rex Resler, executive vice-president of the American Forestry Association, discussed this point in an editorial in the July issue of American Forests magazine. He raised the question: Will we have posturing and polarization or coalition and consensus? Resler pointed out the great pressures on our natural resources at this time. However, he noted the long-range attitude of conservation leaders and professionals. He stated that it becomes more realistic to believe that our system, based on the collective wisdom of each of us, will prevail if we have the will to stay the course-to be responsible in our demands on the system, to exercise individual initiatives … ER -