Many public and private land uses related to forestry or fishing have been nearly wiped out by regulation. The land, the trees, the water and the animals are still there. What is missing is logic, wisdom and understanding.

Some would dare say the science surrounding land use management and proposals to curtail multiple-use was fraudulent. Others would agree that site specific planning was the key, instead of computer modeling or textbook planning. 

Today, political maneuvering, power and greed have become the basis for land use management, or mis-management. Politicians and judges are misguided at best, or bought off at worst.

Conspiracy theories about our public lands being set aside as collateral for the national debt have surfaced. There are conspiracy theories about the United Nations and something labeled Agenda21. UN Agenda 21

On the surface, Agenda21 seems to hit all of the notes in relation to sustainable forestry and the goal of communities being involved in land use planning and implementation. It has been my observation and experience that wisdom and community people have been taken out of the equation. 

Managing for photosynthesis instead of healthy communities has broadened the divide between common sense and some other agenda.

Sound judgment and common sense are rare species and not so common in the 21st Century.

Our families, our communities and, I dare say, our country's future are at stake.

 -Brian Petersen