The struggle to conserve

In the Colvin reading, the section where he explains the need for a railroad is symbolic of many peoples' general perspectives on how to use the Park. The idea that little changes add up to big changes and effects is brushed aside when policy makers make decisions based on the desire short term or economic results. The language used when Colvin presents the case for a railroad is evident of this concept. "For the development of iron mines in the region, only railroads are needed." The use of the word "only" is suggestive that Colvin maybe does not think railroad introduction is a big deal. It was one of the first major industrial additions to the Park, so at the time it might not have seemed to be a large negative impactor. 

This idea still resonates today with new things that are allowed in the Park such as the Tupper Lake Resort. Yes, it is only one resort, but it is contributing to all the other harmful policies and activities that are taking place in the Park. If we are to have any success in conserving the Park, a stop to these "little" changes is what will add up to a major positive outcome for the Park in the long run.