Therefore, not many people will miss that dam when it is gone. Meanwhile, the international report puts in broader perspective a proposed dam on the Mattaponi River. Newport News says it needs the water, but opponents say the dam would harm both the natural environment and the cultural heritage of Virginia Indians who live along the river. The report by the World Commission on Dams offered a wise suggestion. When new dams are proposed, everyone who would be affected should be given a voice in the decision.
Somebody needs to speak up for the fish, too.
I've been thinking about big trees since a visit weeks ago to the Pacific Northwest. That's because natural scenes have a way of refreshing us and staying on our minds. That's a large part of the reason the U.S. government created a system of national parks. As for this nation's system of national forests, they often have been set aside as tree farms for timber companies. Amazingly, the U.S. Forest Service is recommending President Clinton ban logging in almost all the roadless areas that remain in national forests.