The word “conservation” has appeared regularly in Wisconsin news — whether it is continued funding of Knowles-Nelson “conservation” funding or WisCorps “conservation” activities or nature trail marathon running.

My concern is that the word “conservation” is misrepresented in all these conversations. If the purpose of Knowles-Nelson is to “conserve” what little of our natural land cover is left — then why is public access emphasized? Possible scientific areas have been, and should be, prioritized due to sensitivity of the land and for future generations. What will future generations see when native plants are damaged or destroyed by recreational activities? There is the notion that nature is for our “eye candy.”

As “conservatives” also mislabel their opposition to land preservation, we should “conserve” what we have as “conservatives.” These have long been bipartisan activities and should not become contests for who can grant the public the most access to our few and shrinking natural treasures.

Recreation, is not preservation.

Thomas Murn, Beloit

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