~Pesky Bears~

Can people live in harmony with bears? What do you think?

See my latest article, Can people live in harmony with Bears, for my feelings on the subject.

*Summer Luv from Okanagan Wildlife*
Jessica

~Poetry: Fireworks~

Fire exploded in the sky

Igniting a fire in my life.

A new leaf grew and turned in the sun,

Growing from the darkest part of my soul

Into the light exploding in the humid, night sky.




From the dark, warmth of that summer night

Fireworks exploded for days.

The world surrounding, did not matter anymore

As the Booms, Cracks, and snaps of the blasts

echoed across the lake and erupting high in the distance.



The span of time left so much,

While uncovering how to finally move on.

Colours so vivid, light up a sky previously so dull

Reassuringly, welcoming blessings of a fresh new year.




http://www.helium.com/items/1508232-poetry-fireworks

http://www.helium.com/users/277591

Is Tourism Aiding in the Destruction of Wildlife?

Every time the tourism industry saves another small, North American town from financially going down the drain, so to speak, another species of sensitive wildlife is put at risk of destruction. Whether it is from population growth, increased road traffic, or large recreational facilities, the tourism industry contributes to the destruction of wildlife, one way or another.

Unfortunately, one of the largest effects that the tourism industry has on the destruction of wildlife is the increased interest it has created in the smaller rural areas heavily promoted by tourism in the last few years. Small communities that double in population over the summer months because of weather or other attractions the tourism industry uses to attract visitors are becoming more popular as full time homes for many that only once visited as guests.

Large, undeveloped areas once inhabited by wildlife are torn up for condos and gated communities to house the influx of people. Properties previously used for grazing of farm animals that also where home to many different species of wildlife are being subdivided, developed, and sold off to make room for the increase of human population, pushing animals farther and farther from water and familiar hunting grounds.

With less and less viable water sources in the mountains during the dry, summer months that are so normal of today, wildlife is found to leave the safeness of their treed homes in search of fresh water sources. This search tends to lead them across busy road ways and highways that have subsequently crossed migratory paths of the different species of wildlife of that region, killing thousands of wild animals every year.

Another aspect of tourism that largely contributes to the destruction of wildlife includes some of our oldest sports and past times prominent to North America. Hundreds plus acres are needed to accommodate recreational properties necessary for activities such as skiing or golf. Even with the many facilities already operating, new golf courses and ski hills keeping popping up. Many of these projects promote the environmentally friendly nature of their development and building practices; however, this is seldom the case.

Certain niches of the tourism industry, unfortunately, also promote the destruction of wildlife. These niches include hunting and other destructive hobbies that threaten wildlife and their habitats. Hunting lodges and expeditions top this list, offering guided tours and packages to satisfy the taste of every hunter.

Although the tourism industry is essential to the financial growth of many of these small towns which rely on the income generated by it, nature and wildlife does not need to be destroyed in the process and must be considered foremost in the future.

http://www.helium.com/items/1499613-how-the-tourism-industry-contributes-to-wildlife-destruction

.....wild roses of BC..........