Argues that the mythology of the cowboy should be replaced by new icons reflecting the realities of the modern West, including water shortages, overgrazing, and the need to protect western wildlife and wilderness
To environmentalists, wilderness is a valuable resource and a sacred place; to many ranchers, wilderness means eviction and government interference. Russell, herself a westerner, here tackles the complex and controversial issues of land health and wildlife in the West. Overgrazing is a major problem that can cause permanent damage. The figures are awesome: 80% of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management regions, 50% of designated Wilderness Areas and 35% of National Wildlife Refuges are grazed. Fewer than 15% of all grazing permits remain with the original holders; "ranchers" include the Vail Ski Corp., the Union and Getty oil companies. In 1990, federal agencies spent $52 million more on programs dealing with livestock than they collected in grazing fees. Russell ( Songs of the Fluteplayer ) presents a number of viewpoints and profiles courageous individuals who are making an effort to restore the land. She stresses that although ranching traditions must be preserved, we need not graze 70% of the land. A provocative and enlightening account.

Book details

• Format Paperback
• Pages217 pages
• LanguageEnglish
• ISBN100201626934
• ISBN139780201626933