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Pine River CreationUntil the middle of the nineteenth century the Pine River watershed remained largely as it had been for centuries, with the exception that some fur bearing animals had been depleted during the previous two centuries with the growth of the fur trade controlled from Canada. Of course, even before the fur trade, humans had an impact upon the environment. As authorities such as William Cronon of the University of Wisconsin [see his books Changes in the Land and Nature's Metropolis, both in the Alma College Library] have pointed out, places such as the Pine River watershed were used and impacted by humans throughout all periods since Native Americans came to the area. Forests were cleared for fields, animals and fish hunted, and the ecosystem modified. However, both as a result of technological limitations and cultural beliefs, early residents of the watershed used resources in ways that preserved them for use by future generations. The Pine River Task Force believes it is essential that we learn lessons from this early era of creation and its sustainable resource use. By sustainability, we mean that sufficient resources survived daily utilization for the resources to rejuvenated themselves. Residents in subsequent eras, with different technologies and often showing contempt for their descendants, have depleted and abused resources at unsustainable rates. This website and allows us to recall the changes brought to our watershed and the lessons those changes teach about stewardship of our creation. All are welcomed to work with the Task Force and help us achieve restoration of our watershed and future sustainability. Please contact us at (989)463-7203 if you wish to work with us or need information. |
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