From: Pinon Penny (p012.limo.socket.net)
Subject: Re: Action Plans?
Date: October 1, 2002 at 6:13 am PST
In Reply to: Re: Pine Nuts, American Public Lands and Politics of Cattle posted by non-pine tree inhabitable environment on September 30, 2002 at 4:40 pm:
As an activist, using the language of our government and culture - economics, I acquired expanded legal rights through having a commercial interest in public lands. Using that expanded legal interest, I was able to impact in excess of 100,000 acres managed by the BLM in Ely Nevada over the course of one year. With the help of several environmental organizations, multiple woodland to grasslands conversion projects were stopped. While the BLM was not responsive on the District level, (see link below)on appeal, the failures bit them in the behind. I know, at least today, that my work made a difference.
In problem solving, we must see answers - then create plans to make those visions reality. We have to be realistic about the power base and land control issues,as we evaluate the problems and develop solutions. I wanted to find a way to protect what we have NOW. Limiting public lands treatment projects designed to support cattle grazing through promoting a wild food is working, now. I am very interested in the work others are doing to actualize change.
How would you actualize the transition in the market place? How do create a power base? How would you impact the large land owners decision making process ? I ask myself these type of questions all the time, as I evaluate my work.
There is one more factor, the resources one has to implement their action plan for change. My family lives way, way below the poverty line. This is the first pine nut harvest in 4 years. To work keep this work going has consumed a lot of our resources. Yet, the work has continued. My point, one does not need a tremendous economic resources to create and enact a plan for change. Passion and commitment to a person's own vision for the future is the make or break factor in success. I am tremendously interested in what other individuals are doing to facilitate change. Thank you for the chance to engage in this discussion.
