Regional Environmental Concerns Environmental problems are complex and interrelated with issues specific to a given region. A regional approach to solving environmental problems is ideal. Development and logging in the Pacific Northwest conflict with the survival needs of owls, grizzly bears, and other species. In most metropolitan areas, the problem of endangered species is purely historical, as the construction of cities has destroyed previously existing ecosystems. Regions of North America

The Wilderness North Much of Alaska and northern Canada can be characterized as “wilderness” — areas with minimal human influence. Much of this land is owned by governments, so governmental policies have a significant impact. These areas have important economic values in their trees, animals, scenery, and other natural resources. Resource exploitation involves significant trade-offs. These ecosystems are sensitive to insults and take a long time to repair damage. In the past, many short-term political and economic decisions failed to look at long-term environmental implications. Today, politicians are more willing to consider the scientific and recreational values of wilderness. Native peoples in this area are sensitive to changes in land use or government policy that would force changes in traditional ways of life. They have become increasingly sophisticated in negotiating with state, provincial, and federal governments to protect rights they feel they were granted in treaties.

The Agricultural Middle The middle of North America is dominated by intensive agriculture. Original, natural ecosystems have been replaced by managed agriculture. Farmland has tremendous economic value. It is mostly private land. While governments cannot easily control what happens on private lands, they can Encourage activities such as research. Grant subsidies to farmers to encourage the planting of certain crops. Develop markets for products. Managed agricultural land is a major nonpoint pollution source. Tilling causes air pollution in the form of dust. Soil erosion causes siltation of rivers and other bodies of water. Nutrients from fertilizers are washed into rivers and encourage algae growth, lowering water quality. Fertilizers and pesticides may enter groundwater and cause contamination.

The Dry West This term refers to areas where rainfall is inadequate for agriculture, but adequate for ranching and livestock production. Because much of the land in the western U.S. is of low economic value, most is still the property of the U.S. government. The government encourages its use by providing low-cost water for livestock and irrigation, and low-cost grazing rights. It also encourages mining and other development. Water is an extremely valuable resource in this region. As cities grow, conflict over water rights arises between urban dwellers and ranchers and farmers. Increased demand for water will result in shortages and trade-off decisions. Low population density areas have a wilderness character. Conflict has developed between economic land management for livestock vs. wilderness preservation.

The Forested West Coniferous forests dominate the Pacific Northwest landscape. Government and commercial timber companies own large sections of land. Historically, the government sold much of this timber at a loss. In 1993, the U.S. Forest Service was directed to stop below-cost timber sales. Timber officials claim access to public land is necessary for them to remain in business and support the economy. Conservationists argue ecological and intangible values outweigh economic values. Grizzly bear habitat could be significantly altered by logging. The northern spotted owl has become a symbol of conflict between logging and preservation.

The Great Lakes and Industrial Northeast The Great Lakes and Northeast are dominated by large metropolitan complexes with large, complicated resource demands. Many older cities have declined, leaving behind abandoned sites and environmental problems. Industrial use of the Great Lakes and East Coast has resulted in contamination of the water with toxic materials. These pollutants bioaccumulate in the food chain. Governments have advised consumers not to eat fish and shellfish from these areas. Water generates recreational value. Much of the North American population is concentrated here, so the economic value of water for recreational use is high.

The Diverse South The South is a microcosm of all other regions. Extremely rapid population growth in some areas has led to problems with groundwater, transportation, and regulating the rate of growth. Poverty in some areas encourages state and local governments to accept industrial development at the expense of other values. Use of the coastline sometimes encourages development in unwise areas.