Speaking out for conservation

An editorial from the Early August 2014 North Woods Call

     When we first began publishing the revived North Woods Call two years ago, we imagined a time when the newspaper could be returned to the forests, lakes and rivers of northern Michigan.
     After all, that’s largely what it’s about and where it belongs.
     Yet, life events and family obligations have kept us from doing that and it doesn’t appear likely that we’ll be able to facilitate such a move anytime in the near future.
    Unfortunately, we don’t know anyone else who is qualified, interested and willing to take over the operation.  If we did, we might be open to some deal-making.
     Publishing in the southern Lower Peninsula is OK, although it keeps our direct connection with the north woods inconsistent, at best.  But with the help of those readers who provide news tips and contribute content to The Call—not to mention our numerous loyal subscribers—we have thus far been able to continue the legacy begun in 1953 by Marguerite Gahagan, and continued for many years by Glen and Mary Lou Sheppard.
     We believe that Michigan conservation needs this publication, which is why we’ve been trying to keep it alive despite some personal setbacks during recent months.
     In the end, though, it’s not about us.  We’re merely a voice for others and a repository for divergent viewpoints that are sometimes overshadowed by more powerful voices in the civic arena.
     It’s really the hunters, fishers, explorers, hikers, local conservationists, and numerous others who care deeply about the environment that are doing the heavy lifting out in the field.
     The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has its role, to be sure, but the agency doesn’t always seem as effective as it once was.  The DNR’s legendary field staff—arguably the heart and soul of many state-sponsored conservation efforts—are today so hampered by bureaucratic pressures  and special-interest politics that they’ve been forced to keep their heads low to avoid the crossfire.
     That’s why good journalism and active citizen participation are vital.  We must keep errant public servants, businesses, industries and even the nonprofit sector in line if we are going to preserve both our endangered representative republic and rich natural heritage.
     This has been our goal.  We trust it is one you share.