Austin Blood

Blattman 1
Biology 1010
16 December, 2014
Conservation Issue Paper
Environmental conservation has been a very controversial issue throughout history in the
United States. One major field of debate is deforestation. Deforestation is the conversion of
forested areas to non-forest land use such as arable land, urban use, logged area or wasteland.
Currently there are two powerful opposing sides in the dispute over deforestation. Those who are
strong defenders for the protection of forests and other ecosystems as well as those who are
advocates for the removal of many forests in exchange for more commercial space and other
needs. There are many negative consequences that are due to deforestation. However, there are
also many pros that come with deforestation. Personally, I share a similar sentiment with those
who see themselves as the protectors of forests and ecosystems.
First, cutting down forests carries quite a few negative effects on ecosystems and in
society. Deforestation alters the hydrologic cycle, altering the amount of water in the soil and
groundwater and the moisture in the atmosphere. (ScienceDaily) Anton Pavlovich, a Russian
physician and playwright, stated, A tree is beautiful, but whats more, it has a right to life; like
water, the sun and the stars, it is essential. Life on earth is inconceivable without trees. Forests
create climate, climate influences peoples character, and so on and so forth. There can be neither
civilization nor happiness if forests crash down under the axe, if the climate is harsh and severe,
if people are also harsh and severe. ... What a terrible future! This quote shares the point of view
of multiple parties in America. Pavlovich states that forests create climate. Although

romanticized, this phrase is true. Without forests, the climates would become more and more
harsh. After a long stretch of time, much of our planet would be uninhabited due to climate
change. One of the most influential figures in United States history was Theodore Roosevelt. He
protected more than 250 million acres of American lands.(NWTF) Roosevelt opened up
multiple National Parks such as Yosemite as well as Yellowstone. He exclaimed that A grove of
giant redwoods or sequoias should be kept just as we keep a great or beautiful cathedral.
Through this exhortation readers can incur that Theodore Roosevelt felt so strongly about the
conservation of forests. He felt a certain reverence when speaking of the subject.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, there are the supporters of deforestation.
Urbanization is the leading factor for deforestation. As a whole, American suburbs and cities are
encroaching upon previously vegetated areas. Where a pasture once stood a factory or market
place now stands. Although this is not a very romanticized view of deforestation, there are many
pros that come from this as well as urbanization. Urbanization leads to a more financially stable
economy. when more cities and suburbs are erected; in turn, there will be more jobs created.
Through deforestation, more people are able to purchase wood products. There is more land for
marketplaces and housing available to the public. (HealthResearchFunding.org)
I believe that conservation is very important in todays society. When studying Theodore
Roosevelt, I became very intrigued with the fact that he fought extremely hard to save
ecosystems and the beautiful world that we all live in. I also am a supporter of what Anton
Pavlovich believed. The truth is, without trees and forests our entire atmosphere and climate
would be affected. I believe that everybody should be somewhat concerned with the continuous
expansion into vegetated areas.

Works Cited