Overview

In The Book of Yaak, Rick Bass makes an argument for preserving the wild areas we have left. Bass would like to keep sections of the wilderness roadless and wild. The idea of wilderness preservation is one of several methods we can use for managing our wildlife and lands.

In this discussion you will explore and compare three methods of land and wildlife management, and begin to consider which of these methods you prefer in preparation for your Module 5 Assignment 3: Researched Argument Essay. Reading critically can help inform your opinion, which will help you build and write a more effective argument. Use the skills you have built throughout the semester to critically analyze these arguments, in order to inform your opinion and build a strong basis for your argument.

You should spend approximately 2 hours on this assignment.

Instructions

1. Closely read and annotate the following articles:

   • Falk, Donald A.  Arizona State Law Journal, vol. 48, no. 1, Spring 2016, pp. 144-155. EBSCOhost.

   • Leroux, Shawn J., and Bronwyn Rayfield.  Diversity & Distributions, vol. 20, no. 3, Mar. 2014, pp. 258-271. EBSCOhost.

   • Sarkar, Sahotra.  Bioscience, vol. 49, no. 5, May 1999, p. 405. EBSCOhost.

2. Think: In the articles above, there are three main methods of forest/land management discussed: adaptive management, biodiversity conservation, and wilderness preservation. Carefully consider the main arguments for each method. What evidence does each article give that the method described is effective? What are your opinions of the different methods? Does one method seem preferable? Why?

3. Write:

   • Explain the main message/thesis of each article. (1-2 sentences each)

   • Then, respond to the message/thesis of each article, explaining what you see as the positive and negative features of the land management method described. (1-3 sentences each)

   • Finally, explain which method seems most effective to you, and list three relevant facts or pieces of information that support your assertion that this method is the best solution. (3-4 sentences)

4. Post one original post, and reply to at least two of your classmates on at least two separate days. Your initial post should be 12-13 sentences. Your replies to peers should each be 4-6 sentences. In your replies to peers, give feedback on the summaries and responses presented. Did your peer notice details that you missed? Do you agree with your peers analysis of the arguments? Why or why not?

5. Don’t forget that your initial posting is due by the date listed in the Course Schedule. Please post over several days. Points will be lost if you post on only one day of the module.