It is probably five years now since I began subscribing to Forest Planning Canada (FPC) [the predecessor of the International Journal of Ecoforestry (IJE). Ed.]. The switch from the reactive nature of FPC to the proactive nature of the IJE still has me confused‹not that it wasn't something occurring I my own life. The reactive mode has left a lot of detritus in my home, mostly in mounds of paper on Alberta forest issues. I've used FPC for speeches (background and quotes), recommended it to many, and always wanted to write articles for it.
It was a real pleasure to read about Gary Schneider [IJE 1995;Vol.11, No.1] and remember a beautiful day with him and his associates in the McPhail woods, after a meeting of the Canadian Environmental Network at the old CFB Summerside. I was a small sawmill owner (Mobile Dimension Saw) and outdoor worker for 12 years before I was glad to be out in the forest talking about it. Also, I've been at too many meetings about the forest and rivers of this province, hundreds of miles away from them.
A renewable resources technology graduate (Saskatoon, 1972), I've often thought of going back to school for a forestry degree. But I just as soon realize I only have to open my eyes and heart and listen to the goings on in the woodlot surrounding my home, or drive 10 minutes to the Crown land where I pick hazelnuts and seven or eight kinds of berries.
Some of your articles sound too preachy at times. Maybe it's because, at the tender age of 46, I'm surrounded by the consequences of my willful acts in the forest these past 18 years‹there are definitely some things I did wrong. Unlike my professional forestry foes hiding behind limited corporate liability, I'm a proprietor who is personally responsible for his actions.
Bob Cameron Debolt, Alberta, Canada
I just got a look at your Volume 10, No. 4 issue and it looks intriguing. A bit shrill yet, but new movements tend to be. Sign me up for both the Journal and your Institute.
As a forester for most of the last 15 years, this is the direction that I've wanted to go and now have to chance to do so. I'll be looking forward to some practical information on the fine points of convincing real clients to forgo financial gain for some common good. From what I've seen, Garrett Hardin is still right. Hope to see something in forthcoming issues.
Michael Hagen Port Angeles, Washington, US