Sometimes you just have to wonder, is anything sacred anymore? It seems like everyday you hear about expanded drilling here and there, off this coast and that coast, on federal land and parks.

Can you imagine the day where there is no wilderness left? I don’t know about you, but if I was going on back-country trip in Alaska in the so called wilderness and hiked pass a pipeline, that would be depressing.

It’s not like everyone does not know that buying oil overseas is a problem, but how far are we willing to go to break that bad habit? It seems pretty far right now. Is there a problem with not setting some limits? Should we be able to say we can get this far and no more?

How do we know that the last untouched places left in the public trust will stay that way? If offshore drilling is being approved right now, how long will it be before the mines and drilling in the middle of untouched wilderness will start?

Photo by mikebaird

Recently it has been reported by multiple main stream news media's that the current administration, especially the Interior Department has offered up some new leases for drilling off of Alaska’s coast.

Big deal? Maybe yes and maybe no. The major problem is that just opening up more wilderness, no matter where it is at, does not solve the energy problem. Why not actually figure out a solution that doesn't not involve pursuing something we know is ending?

The little wilderness that we have left is fast disappearing into the sunset of pipelines and oil rigs.

What if anything can we do? Probably education is the only key to success in making sure our wilderness adventures can always continue. Being uninformed about what is affecting our public lands is probably the most harmful action being taken. When we don’t what is going on, a lot of things can go on!

So, what can be done to make sure the future of our land is secure?

1. Education - If all have to be aware of what plans are in the works that affect our public lands and wilderness.

2. Action - Even if it's emailing, calling, or talking to your elected representative letting them know how you feel.

3. Getting Involved - There are plenty of groups and clubs that take care of public land, give your time.

Is there anything sacred anymore? It sure doesn't seem like it these days. In the ever expanding quest for energy and land resources our public wilderness is taking it on the chin. Why can be done to stop this? What can the average person do? Is it even a real problem?