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don hultman commented on the blog post Draft Vision 12 months ago · View
Roger, a wonderful summary of what refuges are and what they should continue to be. I hope your language makes it to the final.
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don hultman commented on the blog post Draft Vision 12 months ago · View
I have followed this process for several months now, commented on earlier chapters, and read through the current draft. This process has embraced social media, which is fun, and there are some wonderful thoughts (and some awful ones), but I don’t know if they lead to better writing in this vision. I really can’t see [...]
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don hultman posted an update in the group
Relevance to a Changing America: 1 year, 3 months ago · ViewInteresting dialogue on instilling an ecological conscience or land ethic in America (and the the world?). A lofty goal, and if ever achieved, would certainly solve many of the fish and wildlife problems facing this country and beyond.
But let’s face it. This country set aside parks, forests, and refuges to protect a portion of the landscape from the darker consumptive side of humans. It was so 100 years ago and remains so today.
Attempting to influence or change the collective behaviors, beliefs, and value systems of the public is a worthwhile endeavor, as long as one keeps in perspective that it’s a long slog. And yet we must remember that our mission, our job, first and foremost is to take care of the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Refuge System. That is the charge from the American people through Congress. If we do that job to the best of our ability, we show millions of people an actual, concrete example of an ecological conscience and the land ethic of Aldo Leopold. Is it enough? No, but it is our charge.
For much of my career I worked on the prairies, a landscape of critical importance to two clashing value and economic systems: prairie wetlands and their wildlife and agriculture. Economic needs of farmers and agribusiness almost always trumps the land ethic. It was sad to see even new generations of farmers with the benefit of more education and knowledge of ecological systems still farm the land from road to road (I’d say fence row to fence row, but they are mostly gone). Without the acquisition of millions of acres in fee and especially easement on the northern prairies, I’m convinced the wetlands would have all gone the way of the bison. On landscapes across the country, the Refuge System has made a difference and shown by example to all citizens that there is another way.
We must remember that if everything becomes a priority, nothing is a priority. However, I do see a place for teaching and talking about environmental sustainability as we welcome visitors to their refuges and conduct our interpretive and educational programs. Rather than a goal that makes the communication of sustainability a high priority for the Refuge System and the Service, why not ensure that we live these values in our land management and public use programs. Leading by example may have more power to change than communication of the ideas alone.
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don hultman posted a new activity comment: 1 year, 4 months ago · View
Hey will, hope you are coping well in Washington. Sounds like you are on the team which makes me smile. Remember Roosevelt’s quote: ”It is not the critic who counts……. And or course that famour North Dakota quote: ”if you aren’t taking flak, you’re not over the target.” Take care, Don
In reply to - Will Meeks posted an update in the group Leadership and Organizational Excellence : Doug, Don, and Jimmy, Thank you for the insightful comments and review. Indeed we need to raise the bar and comments like this challenge us to do just that. I agree, we need to take into account your comments and revise the document to reflect [...] · View -
don hultman posted on the forum topic Comment of Draft Vision Document in the group
Leadership and Organizational Excellence: 1 year, 4 months ago · ViewJimmy, wonderful and thoughtful comments that I hope the authors take to heart. You make many great suggestions and thanks for taking the time to provide your input. I loved your self-development list at the end! Good stuff!
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don hultman started the forum topic Comments on Draft Leadership in the group
Leadership and Organizational Excellence: 1 year, 4 months ago · ViewHaving recently read the draft chapter, I kind of had the feeling that hits one after a poor sermon by a great minister: geez, it sounded good when I heard it, but I didn’t come away with anything. In short, this first draft: o Is all leadership fluff and generalities o Provides nothing bold or [...]
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don hultman became a registered member 1 year, 4 months ago · View
Excellent input and ideas Don! I agree with much of what you wrote. I’m not convinced the communication of a land ethic shouldn’t be a priority but you’ve given me much to think about.
I have to agree Don, Very well said. I also agree with most of what you stated and I have always belived that and have stated in a few posts here that once ”Everything” becomes a priority, nothing is really a priority anymore.
You can’t change human nature, we see it not only in Ranchers and Farmers but the so called conservationalists who hunt, fish and understand the natural balance of things but then want to eradicate the Wolves…It makes no sense but the mighty dollar does. It’s not so much about what we can do for others anymore, it’s more of what can I get out of it mindset that we are trying to change with this vision process. It will be hard and NO we won’t reach everyone we want to reach, but if we can grab a good sized cross section then I think it will be advantagous to us in the long run!
These words resonate with me:
”teaching and talking about environmental sustainability as we welcome visitors to their refuges and conduct our interpretive and educational programs. …why not ensure that we live these values in our land management and public use programs. Leading by example may have more power to change than communication of the ideas alone.” Well said Mr. Hultman!