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"When we strive to pass wilderness legislation, what we are really engaged in is democracy at work."
- Bart Koehler
Read an important message about patriotism and the purpose of wilderness from our friends at the Wilderness Support Center in Colorado.
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Perspectives on Wilderness : Darryl Geurin
I grew up in Arizona. My dad was a heavy equipment operator, a “dozerman”, if you can believe that, back in the 1950’s. If I wasn’t riding around on the back of a Cat, I was out exploring the desert—that’s where my love of this place took hold. My heart and my memories are connected to this hot dusty desert. My body, too, I’d swear—you know, they say once you get that caliche dust in you, it never leaves. And I’m about as dry and crusty as they come these days.
My favorite memories of wilderness and being out in nature are snapshots over time: in places the wilder, the better, where the trail gets dimmer and dimmer. And with names that fit--Desolation Canyon, Lonesome Lake. Just sittin’ somewhere on the edge of a rim and lookin’ off into the distance as far as you can see and for as long as you want.
Even though I haven’t been out in awhile—I don’t drive and my knees aren’t what they used to be—I still need to be around other people who understand this stuff. I get so disgusted when I talk to folks who think we should sell off this land for development or mining or what-have-you—THESE LANDS ARE OUR NATION’S CROWN JEWELS—given to all of the American people even before our country was officially a country. Not only are they important wildlands, a lot of these places contains ancient cultural and historical artifacts, too. I get into arguments with a lot of people about it, but I don’t care—I’m still gonna keep talking to whoever will listen, especially to the kids, ‘cause they understand better than a lot of the older generation, who seems to be only concerned about money. Makes me sick.
I may only have a little compared to some, but I spend carefully so that I can do my part. I want there to be something to pass on to my kids and grandkids that nobody can touch; something that’s there forever. I’ve seen the way they’ve worked to protect land up in the Northwest, how important it is to have areas for botanical and biological research, for history, and I want to do the same here. Whether the young ones fully appreciate it right now or not, or whether the older ones can see beyond the bottom line or not, I know the true value of this land.
Note: Darryl has not driven in 15 years and walks with a cane. He rode the bus—his standard mode of transportation--to our office for this interview. He is one of AWC’s most dedicated supporters, full of enthusiasm and tales that span the nation, and is an example to conservationists of all ages. We hope you are as inspired by him as we are!
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