A board member called me before the last board meeting and expressed concern regarding the possibility that our chapter might be seen as an organization that says "no" to too many things, too often. That is a valid concern. What can we do about it?
The pragmatic approach to environmentalism, using law and science to achieve the goals of preserving wildlife habitat and a good quality of life for all life is not always the easy path. I have been blasted with both barrels from opposite sides of environmental issues. Our chapter has been accused of both being environmental wimps in cahoots with big business and at the same time a being bunch of bird watching environmental radicals. Fortunately, these jabs come infrequently and from the more extreme activists on either side of some issues. Most people recognize that our chapter and National Audubon Society have earned respect not only for what we do, but how we do it.
Typically, we come out against the way something is being done--or is proposed to be done--rather than the project itself. And more often than not, it is the noncompliance with environmental law by omission of information that we protest. This is the Audubon way.
You can do something about our chapter being perceived as "opposed to everything" by being familiar with local, regional and national issues and not being afraid to take a stand when challenged by an offhand remark. By listening and being reasonable you can often convince an opponent that our position has a basis in reason--even if you can't change their mind. By pointing out the benefits of a project done in environmental compliance you may get an opponent to stop and think. That's the first step.
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