>>1485435>that's not where the cool shit isMy /out/ experience says the cool shit is everywhere. Nature can be amazing if you look to really see it.
>>1485560This.
Sure I wish I had it all to myself but we are stuck with a whole bunch of us living here. The best we can do while we have large societies is to have more of us appreciate what's left of nature and become invested in taking care of it. That's very hard to achieve with low levels of engagement.
It is currently estimated that 49% of Americans engage in regular /out/ings, and the numbers are projected to grow. That is a lot of people, but it also brings benefits to our preserved wilderness. Not only does this result in increased maintenance funding through permits and fees, but it also generates a ton of economic activity. The outdoor recreation sector of our economy currently generates about 2% of GDP, and provides jobs for a range of people across the country, from park workers themselves, to guides, to equipment and clothing manufacturing and retailers, to expendable supplies and travel accommodation. This segment of the economy is large enough to surpass gas & oil in both GDP and employment.
All of the above are incentives to preserving the wilderness left. If we didn't have these things going for us, everyone knows we'd keep the crowded cools spots and bulldoze around them to build on the rest.
