I want to take just a moment to personally say a big “Thanks!” for your contribution to PCEC (Park County Environmental Council). There aren’t many county-based organizations like PCEC but as you probably know, Park is not a typical county. From Yellowstone National Park and Paradise Valley on the south to the Crazy Mountains and the Shields River Valley in the north, this is historic and beautiful country with a rich heritage of both human development and protection of the natural environment. PCEC has an important role to play in this heritage and your contribution helps us to do that.
In 2012 I’m thinking specifically of the Shields River valley north of Livingston, which is the location of natural gas extraction within a few years. One of PCEC’s major programs centers on the Park County Natural Gas Committee, which we hope will provide education, guidance and advocacy for the Shields Valley environment, in particular the water resources.
This reminds me of something my wife said while we were touring around the Crazy Mountains last fall: “A lot of the concern is about water isn’t it? The ranchers have to have clean water to stay in business. People like me who love to fish need unpolluted streams. The wildlife relies on the same thing. The gas companies will touch huge areas of the underground water and need whole lakes of water for their processes. No wonder people are nervous about this.” “Yup,” I said.
It’s a balancing act, keeping growth of all kinds from exerting destructive pressure on the living environment, people included. Sometimes, like around Yellowstone Park people can love the wilderness to death. Other times, some people are inclined to shy away from preservation in favor of making money or satisfying a demand for resources. PCEC and its programs reflect a broad range of environmental concerns as well as the willingness to work with people on all sides of the issues. That’s what I mean by a balancing act and frankly your outstanding contribution helps us to have the flexibility to act quickly when needed and to plan and carry out programs that sometimes take years.
We deeply appreciate your generosity, and hope that you will continue to follow the work of PCEC throughout the year.
Nelson King
President
PCEC Board of Directors
