yellocoyote wrote:
I wonder how one would be active in nature/animal/land conservation while also being active in land use issues (keeping trails and such open for responsible off-road use)... as well as incorporating photography and writing into the mix. That's where my head and my interests have been during the last 1-1/2 years. I find that it's more difficult still to incorporate this sort of thing into my lifestyle while living in the Midwest.
Jayme, I’ve been trying to get you to move west for two years now! Sarah and I took the plunge from 2003-2006 and then moved back to the Midwest (finished graduate school) and then couldn’t take it any longer, so we moved back to the mountains. It’s a huge lifestyle change. I’m an hour away from groceries and other modern conveniences. The local gas station is only open during the week days and closed at 7:00 PM nightly plus closed on Sundays, otherwise, it’s a good 30 miles for fuel. The lifestyle that we have is fabulous.
There are over 300 miles of hiking trails that are being developed in our National Forest. I’m a volunteer for the southwestern portion of the trail. My job has been trying to recruit local youth for trail building. It will take 7-8 years to complete the trail system. As more grant monies become available, we are expanding the trails.
There are lots of jobs in the national forest and parks system that do not require a college degree. If you have a college degree, then you have better chances at getting a long-term position.
At the end of the day it comes down to this, YOU NEED TO MOVE WEST!