Eric Elmgren (Voice, Jan. 8) states that hunters and fishermen are the real conservationists, due to licenses and fees (a portion of which does support conservation efforts). While not a hunter, I do fish, and I say baloney!
The real conservationists are those who give cash contributions to help save or enhance the pitiful little of what is left of biodiverse ecosystems. I speak of supporting organizations like The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Society, Sierra Club, Wilderness Society, National Wildlife Federation, Greenpeace and some notable others.
These organizations buy land outright, fight in court to enforce environmental laws, lobby for or against legislation, support and initiate scientific study and education and generally mobilize and focus the resources to continue in the face of half-victories, ignorance and exploitive mentalities.
Hunters and fishermen, if your only monetary contribution comes from licenses and fees, get out your wallets and join the fight, or watch as the good places continue to disappear.
