A new pattern of behavior must be implemented that encourages a level playing field, rather than one in which corporations and state and federal regulatory agencies are able to weaken the enforcement of regulations. There are increasing contradictions between those who advocate free market, local autonomy approaches to regulating human activities, and those who advocate the rule of law. Over the past generation, bioregional culture has succeeded in developing some social institutions in response to a growing awareness of the interrelationship between the intrinsic value of nature, the quality of human culture and the importance of upholding the bioregion. The restoration of fisheries, wildlife habitat, soils, forest processes, and changing attitudes toward wildfires, are major themes of this emerging bioregional culture. Watershed associations, native plant associations, and many enterprises devoted to organic gardening and living in place located throughout the bioregion, are indicators that the seeds of social change have sprouted.
Social change is also evident through an increase of non-violent civil disobedience.
The demonstration affirmed a strong commitment toward preserving the well-being of the remaining ancient forests in this bioregion. Hopefully, a commitment toward these various ecosophies will form a basis for cultural transformation, resulting in a restorative community that exists in a healthy bioregion. Excerpted from a talk by Bill Devall. Appears here in edited form.