The anthropomorphic tears illustrated above express “personification” which is an innate and valuable characteristic of human beings. However, it is sadly and easily misplaced and misused resulting in destructive mismanagement of forest ecosystems. It can also result in dehumanizing those who advocate for conservation, which this illustration does. Conservation includes logging and other hands-on management strategies. A preservation mentality in a biological system simply results in a slower progression towards death filled with disease.

Entropy (deterioration, collapse, decay, decline), in our current “fallen” existence, is persistent and unyielding. Death, being the ultimate disorder or state of maximum entropy. Hugging a tree with your arms will not defeat the inevitable and may result in a diseased and unhealthy forest ecosystem. However, hugging a tree with a chainsaw may be the best way to ensure a healthy forest. This can include even and uneven-aged management strategies, depending upon the condition of the forest, along with fire management that does not look at every fire as an enemy to be suppressed.

There is room for both Wilderness areas and Multi-use-management areas in this philosophy. Homes and communities need to be protected. A natural legacy also needs to be protected. There are reasonable, established best-management practices for both. Let’s use them!

Mike

PS The Good News about death. It will be defeated!

“When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:54

“…and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

“He has put an end to death for ever; and the Lord God will take away all weeping; and he will put an end to the shame of his people in all the earth: for the Lord has said it.” Isaiah 25:8