Rules and National Parks

Recently, I traveled to the Rocky Mountains and, after feeling as though I was dying from lack of oxygen for the first few days, I settled into a regular daily hike on the myriad trails the parks offer.  It was really nice to move amidst plant life that I couldn't identify.  Not even a clue. 

Here in New England I find my hikes are marred by thoughts of "that's an invasive plant", "that invasive is crowding out the native maple-leaved viburnum", "when did the Japanese Stiltgrass get here", "the bittersweet will probably take out that tree in a few winters".  There, in the west, although I did have a guidebook, it was pleasant to live in ignorance for a while.  But then I noticed the signs. 

"No pets on the trails", "Stay on the trails", "No Parking", "Carry out what you carry in".  And of course, there were people walking on the trails with their dogs, forging new trails over decades old lichen, parking on the grasses, and leaving evidence of themselves.  Why do people do these things?  Why is this attitude so prevalent?  Are there states (neighborhoods?) that are home to people who actually follow the rules?  Do people know these rules are not random, that they're there for a reason. 

Dogs can disturb nesting birds, trample sensitive plants, and void all over...and you know the owner isn't going to pick it up.  Hell, they don't pick it up on their neighbors' lawns, they're going to pick it up in a national park?   Is that why a perfectly decent-looking older couple had their dog (obviously not a guide dog, or even a trained dog) in the park on the trails? 

Having worked in enforcement, I saw this all the time.  Rules were there, but when it came to protecting the environment, people would break them.  In addition, some enforcement agents would look the other way.  It was just too much to tell the nice little old lady that Fido can't be on the trails.  The guy in the BMW was going to be trouble and could park where he liked.  The family could let their kids trample where they pleased. 

Most people want to be liked and don't like confrontation, but when it's your job and you know (or learn quickly) that the attitude "I can do as I please" is rampant, you learn to put on your big boy/girl pants and protect the environment.  Or get out. 

Flying back home, I saw the widespread changes we've made to our environment. I do worry about the future.  My children's, their children's, and even yours.  I'm concerned about the plants and animals.  I can do nothing but hope that for their future, for all our futures, we learn to do the right thing before it's too late for many of the species we're just not caring enough about day to day.

Fact is that we don't have all the knowledge we need to identify the species that absolutely must be preserved.  Which are the "keystone" species that we really need?  Funny thing is that all species have their place and few, if any, if lost have no negative impact on the habitat or on the other species remaining.  And that includes us.  So, it's in our best interest to protect what we can.

But then I remember that I can do somethings.  I can talk to others about what I've learned and try not to be so disappointed when it doesn't change their minds.  I can hope to lead by example.  I can keep my dogs on trails that allow them, can carry out what I've carried in.  I can stay on the trail.  And I can stay the hell off the grasses.  And hope that will be enough before I add myself to the compost heap.