THE REAL TREASURE OF THE TREASURE STATE 



by George Darrow ^k 



Montana's treasure of relatively unspoiled, uncluttered living space is a unique asset 

 in tlie final third of the twentieth century. No other one-third of one percent of the 

 United States population enjoys such elemental environmental affluence. Our wide, fir- 

 tile valleys, rimmed by mountains, laced by clear streams, are a surviving remnant of the 

 way other areas of the country used to be. 



Montana in this decade will make the choice of how this land will be used for gener- 

 ations to come. We are poised on the threshold of a new wave of development unequalled 

 since the homestead era of a half-century ago. With our environmental heritage yet in- 

 tact, we now must make the irreversible decisions which will either enhance or degrade 

 the future productivity and livability of this magnificent chunk of America. Our choice 

 is clear. Unique Quality or Common Tragedy? 



We now realize that there is only one interwoven, interacting, interdependent life- 

 support system on this planet - the biosphere. The world is a single organic unity. Our 

 human systems, including industrial, agricultural, social and urban systems, are dependent 

 upon the healthy functioning of the biosphere and inseparable from it. Our lives, no less 

 than those of eagles and antelope, depend upon it. 



The problems we niu^r resolve can be described in four categories: I - Depletion; 

 2 -Degradation:' Disruption; 4 - Destruction. 



The solutions stated in broad terms are really very simple. To put these solutions 

 into effect will require painstaking study, patient analysis, and persistent, dedi- 

 cated effort for years to come. |t will require a major cooperative effort by the state 

 administration, the legislature, counties and communities, and citizens working together^ 

 The six solutions are briefly outlined below. ^ 



1. REDESIGN our technology for environmental compatibility and resource conservation. 

 Our human systems are ultimately dependent upon natural systems and must be harmoniously 

 intemieshed with them if they are to remain productive. 



2. RECYCLING and RE-USE of nutrient elements, minerals and "waste Products." Pollu- 

 tants and "wastes" are simply "resources out of place." 



3,RESTRAINT in the consumption of irreplaceable resources in intervention in natural 

 ecosystems, and in the Introduction of contaminants. A reduction in our demands on the 

 environment is often the easiest way of increasing the supply and maintaining the quality 

 of what is available for use. 



4. RESTORATION and REHABILITATION of degraded environments and disturbed ecosystems. 



5. REORDERING of the goals of our state and a re-thinking of the previously unques- 

 tioned assumptions of our time. 



6. RESPECT for all life and recognition of the fragile interrelationships between 

 I i ving organisms. 



Montana has the fleeting option to choose to maintain its environmental quality and 

 the sustained productivity of its healthy ecosystems. The choice we make and the actions 

 we take in support of that choice will establish a pattern of land use and resource 

 allocation that will determine Montana's future productivity and livability. 



Montanans have both the ability and the determination to go beyond repair and restora- 

 tion. We have a fleeting opportunity to enhance the livability of our environment. We 

 are now aware, as earlier generations in other places were unaware , of the interdependent 

 links between a healthy natural environment and human well being. We have the knowledge, 

 we know the pitfalls. Can we fail to choose the opportunity for a better future for all 

 Montanans, for all generations, for all time? ^ 



