Читать книгу Boundary Waters Canoe Area: Western Region - Robert Beymer - Страница 9

Although the numbers of people visiting the BWCA has increased, the demographics of those visiting (like the demographics of American society) are undergoing a watershed change. Outdoor industry trade associations and manufacturers of outdoor equipment have been noting that in the past two decades, the numbers of people participating in paddling, camping, hiking, and other wilderness-oriented activities are in serious decline. Longer work weeks, frantic family schedules, and children’s interest in organized sports, computers, and video games have pushed paddling or camping far down the list of leisure time activities.

There are two ways to react to those findings. Some, who prefer the solitude of their favorite BWCA route, may say it’s a good thing, but others fear this may lead toward waning support for protection of the wilderness. Today, if a logging or mining industry executive presented a proposal to open even the smallest portion of the BWCA to commercial development, millions of people would stand up in opposition. But will that same ethos to protect the wilderness continue?

As the Baby Boomer generation ages and participation rates of younger Americans continue a downward trend, will that same passion hold? Will a young man who grew up as an Xbox master fight for the forest?

Will a young woman who spent her outdoor time playing soccer understand the threat? Will they recall waiting for an early morning mist to burn off before starting out on the day’s journey? Will they remember the scent of the trees and earth the wind presents to them? What about the eagle circling high over a lake or a loon’s cry that cracks the stillness?

There’s no question America’s wilderness areas are under constant threat and need daily diligence to protect them. But wouldn’t it be sad if a new generation of children could not understand the value of these areas?

The interest is there. Kids of all ethnicities and cultures are waiting for the invitation. It’s time to extend a hand and take a kid into the wilderness for the first time. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is the perfect place to inspire a life-long love of the natural world. We need to create the next generation of stewards who will stand tall to protect this wilderness for people who follow a century from now.

—Lou Dzierzak

May 2009