Never doubt that a few, thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world --indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.--Margaret Mead
Hopefully by the time you've started reading this page you have had an opportunity to read the articles written by the on-the-ground activists in Branching Out that explore the worthy environmental projects, rich natural world, and determined activists that offer hope for the future of California's wild and spectacular North Coast.
Each article clearly demonstrates the interconnectedness between place and people. Specifically, the ecological and cultural recovery of northwestern California would not be possible without these "thoughtful, committed citizens" who have embraced changing the world from a grounding in the wilds of the region.
These forest, river, and wildlife advocates manage lean organizations that focus on eco-issues from the scale of local, watershed, and regional--all with ramifications for the national and international. Each organization grows and is sustained by community-based, grassroots support. It all comes down to community supporting community.
In this time of severe ecological challenge, regulatory neglect, and political ambivalence, it is these grassroots groups who are at the vanguard of a movement that employees a range of tactics and strategies restoring a region and establishing a sustainable stewardship ethic before it's too late. The urgency is real and the need is now.
You are a part of the North Coast community as are the place-based activists, towering redwoods, coho salmon, Scott Bar salamander, and raging rivers. As Chief Seattle said: "For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things
are connected."
Help us to strengthen that connection now. Support as many of the effective and unique groups listed below as you can with as much as you can. You are one of the "...few, thoughtful, committed citizens [that] can change the world..."
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TOC for Forest & River News, Fall 2006