Sci_275_Conservation_&_Preservation_Checkpoint

Conservation and Preservation CheckPoint While conservation and preservation share the same goal, protecting the resources of the Earth, they have very definitions in terms of how to accomplish this goal. Conservation is the ideology that the resources available can be utilized for subsistence as long as it is properly managed and what is taken be only minimum needed and replaced, such as planting a tree for every tree cut down (Conservation and Preservation, 2008). In contrast, preservation is the idea that a natural area, such as a state park or wildlife reserve, should remain untouched by human innovations (Conservation and Preservation, 2008). According to the Bridger Teton VLR (2010), Bridger Teton is the “largest intact tempered ecosystem” also known “management area 71”. There are many who want to use this area for oil and gas exploration and development in hopes of producing enough oil to break the United States high dependency on foreign oil. Oil and gas exploration and development in areas, such as Bridger Teton, would destroy the natural ecosystem of the area. Because exploration and development require the construction of roads and transportation of equipment, such as drills and pipelines, conservation would fail to protect the ecosystem in this area. In addition, animals, like the bison herds located in Bridger Teton, tend to avoid humans and the surrounding areas where human contact exists. As a result, if mining and drilling cut off their natural paths to water sources, these animals would perish. When considering harvesting forest a resource, preservation of public lands is critical to maintaining the natural state of the ecosystems located within state parks and natural wildlife reserves. First, consider other locations and proposals that will not adversely affect the ecosystem surrounding it. Second, conservation of these locations and proposals will increase the longevity of the resources available from these areas without having to locate new areas for resources. Last, questioning whether the resources desired from a particular area can be found elsewhere and whether they are abundantly available in another area, is important to establishing a strong argument before consideration can be given to destroying or altering forests or land for human consumption and use. References: Axia College. (2010). Week 2 Supplement: WileyPlus: Bridger Teton VLR [Video File]. In Chapter 2. Retrieved on May 9, 2010 from SCI/275 – Environmental Science course website. Conservation and Perservation. (2008). Retrieved on May 9, 2010 from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/592387/conservation_and_preservation.html'cat=9