Bioregionalism: A comparative study of the Adirondacks and the Sierra Nevada

Abstract

The traditional approach to resource management emphasizes local autonomy in regulatory policy, sustained yield in resource allocation, and management by single resource. While maintaining consistency with this paradigm, a number of states have expanded their regulatory and management responsibility as resource issues and problems have outpaced the capabilities of local government to resolve them. This paper contrasts such state efforts with a new paradigm in resource management— ecosystem management. The requirement of a fundamental change in beliefs, attitudes, and values concerning the interaction of humans with their natural environment distinguishes bioregionalism from other forms of ecosystem management and provides the theoretical basis for managing resources as an interrelated whole. Addressing the specific topics of sustainable economics, empowerment, education, and equity within the context of two case study areas—the Adirondacks and the Sierra Nevada—this paper explains how bioregionalism can help to resolve environmental issues and problems.