As someone who enjoys adventuring out into the wilderness, including the Adirondacks, it is hard to come to terms with its gradual destruction. In the Adirondacks, there are many invasive species that threaten the success and stability of ecosystems. Zebra muscles travel from one body of water to another on water vessels and the environmental community is trying to put an end to it. While they may be aware of the zebra muscles and other invasive organisms, they tend to turn a blind eye to the ultimate invasive species. Humans have caused more damage to the environment than most other invasive species. So while we are criticizing the zebra muscles for their species promoting migration through bodies of water, it is important to notice the the similarities to the human species.
Humans, as the ultimate invasive species, facilitate the introduction of all other invasive species. In the park, the boaters use the same boats in multiple different water ways. They initiate the spread of the zebra muscle across the bodies of water in the park. The US Department of Agriculture defines an invasive species to be one that is non-native to the ecosystem that they are “invading” and could harm the ecosystem, the economy, or human health in the areas they are invading. This definition is ironic because humans are the ones causing the problem and therefore are the ones endangering human health along with the economy and ecosystem.
Humans traverse wild lands, stomping on wildlife, to fulfill recreational needs and reap emotional benefits. This is mildly selfish, but also could increase support for the environmental protection movement. By documenting what is left of the incredibly beautiful wild land and the curious, unique organisms that reside in the land, we open the public’s eyes to the need for preservation. Drawing attention to the fragile ecosystems may lessen the damage. As an invasive species, we invade but we also protect. The Forever Wild Adirondacks provide a lot of enjoyment for recreational activities but those activities may cause more harm than they are worth. I feel this conflict every time I decide to take a trip into the Adirondacks. There are ways to mitigate the impact we have on the environment, but no ways to eliminate the damage we cause all together. However, without the experiences I have had in the wilderness, I would have less of a drive to protect it. As a member of the human race, it is important to bear in mind the role we play in protecting and harming the ecosystems in the park and across the world.
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I feel like calling ourselves an invasive species leads to a lot bigger discussion regarding our place in the natural world. Through evolution and subsequently technological advancements, we are now able to inhabit almost any area on Earth and have the capability of beating out any species. While natural processes have allowed us to achieve this level, it seems that we're far too advanced to fit in this natural world. Instead of us adapting to the environment, it feels like the environment is trying to adapt to us.
ReplyDeletewe are a inavasive species 100%
ReplyDeleteBall
ReplyDeleteI am a big ball
ReplyDeleteI am a big ball
ReplyDeleteAlso we are ballers, so yes we are invasive to the hole
ReplyDeleteWe are all balls, so yes we are invasive to the earth