Mon, 17 Dec 2001:
Subject: RE: The Effects of Mountain Biking on Wildlife and People
The children can sure get upset, can't they. Poor babies, they want their
public land to destroy and you are a thorn in their side.
Keep up the good work!
Fri, 14 Dec 2001:
Subject: Re: SHUT UP!!
Keep sticking it to the bastards. This stuff you get from mountain bikers
includes almost every kind of logical fallacy known.
Thu, 06 Dec 2001:
Subject: Re: "Human-Free Habitat", by Edward M. Smith
Yes!!! Thanks, this is great and yes, I want to help.
Thu, 22 Nov 2001:
Greetings Mike, thank you for keeping me on your "Green" list !, and
apologies for the electronic silence.
Mike I DO read and pass on your info over here, ... you are of course
not alone, but you certainly take the trophies for perseverance and
dedication, ..congratulations ..!!
Mon, 29 Oct 2001:
Subject: Re: "Where man himself is a visitor who does not remain"
I agree with your views. It's good stuff.
Mon, 29 Oct 2001:
Subject: Re: Ohlone Regional "Wilderness" Mismanagement
Well done, keep up the good work and get rid of those useless bureaucrats.
Sat, 27 Oct 2001:
Subject: Re: "Where man himself is a visitor who does not remain"
Your essay below is one of the most exceptional I have ever read, and it
masterfully captures my sentiments on the contentious issue of "native
rights" versus conservation and related conflicts, including some I have had
with the Sierra Club on "social justice" issues. I believe that
conservation organizations must place their priorities on their primary
mission and not on being "politically correct," which is a recent and
lamentable trend.
Thu, 25 Oct 2001:
Subject: Re: "Where man himself is a visitor who does not remain"
I agree. I felt compelled to reply.
I am "Native American" by my mother, but still that doesn't give me or
anyone, any right over other living things. I thought that was inherent in
our Native Cultures to feel reverence for other living things and not to
take too much or disturb what should be left untouched. Those who are hunting
something that is endangered are using the excuse of their heritage, and
are not doing it to preserve their Culture, but to seek the profits and
money.
Unfortunately we may all have to learn the hard way if we are to become
endangered ourselves.
Thank you for taking on what can't speak for itself.
Thu, 25 Oct 2001:
Subject: Where man himself is a visitor who does not remain
I thought your response is excellent. Can I forward it to some of the deep ecology discussion groups here in the Madison area?
Wed, 24 Oct 2001:
Subject: Re: "Where man himself is a visitor who does not remain"
Mike....Passionate concern sometimes leads one to speak of things which are
difficult to express....truth sometimes arrives in words that don't hesitate
because of the desperate nature of what they address....you are a good
spokesperson for those whose voices many can't hear....thanks....well spoken,
and, as far as I'm concerned, a truthful look at our state of affairs....
Wed, 24 Oct 2001:
Subject: Re: "Where man himself is a visitor who does not remain"
I agree with you.
Wed, 24 Oct 2001:
Subject: Re: "Where man himself is a visitor who does not remain"
I'm with you 100% mike.
Mon, 22 Oct 2001:
Michael, a colleague sent me one of your recent pieces. Thanks much for
being a strong advocate for wildlife. … Thanks for providing the rest of us with an excellent bibliography for action and for responsible living.
Fri, 19 Oct 2001:
Subject: Re: Why We Should Provide Wildlife Habitat Off-Limits to Humans
Well, I thought the idea was brilliant! :-)
Here, it's considered wildly radical to suggest that cows be kicked out
of wilderness areas!
After reading your posts, I want everything but the wildlife kicked out
of Wilderness!
Tue, 16 Oct 2001:
Subject: Re: Why We Should Provide Wildlife Habitat Off-Limits to Humans
konnichi wa Mike, keep up the good work.
Thu, 18 Oct 2001:
Subject: Re: Why We Should Provide Wildlife Habitat Off-Limits to Humans
[me:]
>Thanks for the valuable feedback. It's always nice to know that we are
>being understood. Since life is short, we want to know that we are leaving
>something behind as a result of our passing through.
Mike, you are definitely "leaving behind" some important ideas that all
humans need to consider... and you're doing it in a reasoned, calm way
which contrasts with the "oppositional" and strident manner in which people
often try to express unpopular ideas.
Keep it up... even though it's a lonely road at times, I imagine!
Wed, 17 Oct 2001:
Subject: Re: Why We Should Provide Wildlife Habitat Off-Limits to Humans
Mike, thanks for sharing this "conversation." Your analysis is a good one
(and your good humor and friendliness is refreshing, too... most people get
defensive and angry when a friend "critiques" them!)
I like your idea that the opposing peoples should withdraw and leave the
land for the critters... the world needs more such "crazy ideas"... we
desperately need to try doing things differently... so thank you for being
honest and presenting a new, even if unpopular, idea.
Your recognition that not everyone shares your freedom of speech is another
important point...many people who try to communicate new and unpopular
ideas usually complain that others lack courage and won't follow them...
but you have rightly noted that many people suffer consequences and live in
circumstances where courage means they pay a price. Thank you for
acknowledging this situation and treating with compassion those of us who
may not be so outspoken.
I appreciate the opportunity to read your work.
Mon, 15 Oct 2001:
Subject: Re: Why We Should Provide Wildlife Habitat Off-Limits to Humans
That's a good article. We found a good quote and will list your website.
Mon, 15 Oct 2001:
Subject: RE: Why We Should Provide Wildlife Habitat Off-Limits to Humans
Thank you. I wish more people would come around to this way of thinking.
Sun, 14 Oct 2001:
Subject: Re: Why We Should Provide Wildlife Habitat Off-Limits to Humans
Mike....I like your solution in the Israel/Palestinian conflict, simple and
affective....will they bite?....will human beans sacrifice
voluntarily?....hmmmmmmmmm....still waiting, drumming, watching the
bees....
Mon, 17 Sep 2001:
Subject: Re: Human-Free Habitat Resolution
I agree there should be places off limit to humans. I don't see why man
thinks every thing was put here for them to do with as they please.
Fri, 14 Sep 2001:
Subject: Re: Mountain Biking in Your State Parks
Thanks for your comments. We agree.
[me:]
Can you please pass the following to your Director of State Parks? I hope
that you are not allowing off-road bicycling in your parks! It is extremely
destructive, and completely unnecessary. We have precious little wildlife
habitat left, and cannot afford to sacrifice any more of it, particularly
for a frivolous pastime like this. Anyone who wants to see the parks can WALK!
Sat, 08 Sep 2001:
Subject: RE: Are Mountain Bikers "Allies" of the Sierra Club?
Right On!! I am totally supportive of this stance. Lee
Wed, 05 Sep 2001:
Subject: Re: Human-Free Habitat at Mount Umunhum (San Jose, California)
I agree with you, Mike....when indeed?
[me]:
> If this is such good habitat, isn't it high time we gave it back to its
> rightful owners -- the wildlife? Why does every square inch of the Earth
> have to be overrun by PEOPLE?! This is a good example of human hubris. Have
> ANY of the parties given even ONE SECOND's thought to not turning it into
> yet another human playground? I know, you spent MONEY on it, so you have to
> get your MONEY's worth out of it. You have an OBLIGATION to the PEOPLE. I
> think that we have an even greater obligation to the wildlife from whom we
> stole all of this land, who lived there for 3.5 billion years before we
> showed up. Designating the area off-limits to all humans would really get
> people's attention, and teach them a lot about what wildlife need to survive.
Mon, 03 Sep 2001:
Subject: Re: Are Mountain Bikers "Allies" of the Sierra Club?
Mike: If you want to share this with your "suppressed list" feel free to do so. I find mountain bikes an abomination on the trail, even though I have some good friends who enjoy them a great deal. I appreciate your strong words and good thinking on this subject.
Mon, 03 Sep 2001:
Subject: Re: Are Mountain Bikers "Allies" of the Sierra Club?
I think you're absolutely right. I've always had an almost resentful feeling about mountain bikes and have refused to allow our kids to have them. I have mentioned that I feel very strongly that there must be human-free areas. Enormous areas! I am tired of the idea that we own this planet and we deserve to explore and enjoy every inch of it that we can get to, no matter how we get there! I find myself at times feeling guilty just hiking in a remote spot, feeling like I really don't belong there.....
I am surprised, as a relative newcomer to Sierra Club, that there isn't a stronger stand on this idea within the Club.
I enjoy your writings very much. Our last ExCom meeting was canceled, but I look forward to sharing you ideas and resolutions with them as soon as we gather again. If you ever find yourself in Michigan, I'd be very much interested in having you speak to our Group if the timing would work out.
Sun, 02 Sep 2001:
Subject: Re: Are Mountain Bikers "Allies" of the Sierra Club?
I agree with you, Mike. I am a bicyclist, but only on roads (where vehicles belong).
Sun, 02 Sep 2001:
Subject: Re: Are Mountain Bikers "Allies" of the Sierra Club?
Keep up the good work, Mike
Mon, 27 Aug 2001:
Subject: RE: Habitat Off-Limits to Humans -- Background Information
Mike this reminds me that some of the best wildlife habitats left on earth are Military Reservations, especially the bombing runs in the American West and the DMS between North and South Korea. Animals have found that losing a few members to bombs is well worth the benefit of having humans out of the area. It is a sad but true commentary that some of the safest places on earth for animals are war zones that are too dangerous for humans to live in.
Wed, 22 Aug 2001:
Subject: Re: Background Info. for Human-Free Habitat Resolution: Rethinking the Impacts of Recreation
I am the wildlife issue coordinator of the … sierra club and I support
you 100% re. the below concept. …, the ESA coordinator of
this chapter, and I have requested the resolution be put on the conservation
committee agenda for next month's meeting. Thank you very much!
Sun, 19 Aug 2001:
Subject: Re: Background Info. for Human-Free Habitat Resolution: Rethinking
the Impacts of Recreation
Mike, I like the way you think. I asked that this issue be put on our next ExCom agenda. I also forwarded the first post to the Exec Director of Friends of Nevada Wilderness. And we think it will take decades just to get the *cows* out of designated wilderness areas! Yours is a radical idea, but needs to be said!
Sun, 19 Aug 2001:
Subject: Re: Habitat Off-Limits to Humans -- Background Information
I like this article ["Wildlife Need Habitat Off-Limits to Humans"].
Sun, 19 Aug 2001:
Subject: Re: Habitat Off-Limits to Humans
What you said!
Way to go Mike!
Sat, 18 Aug 2001:
Subject: Re: Habitat Off-Limits to Humans -- Background Information
[My wife] and I agree with your thesis that establishing "pure habitat" that is off limits to humans is desirable and necessary, long -term. ... I will forward your essay to the Chair of the Sierra Club … Chapter who holds a Ph.D. in ecology and to an activist in Western Maryland.
Fri, 17 Aug 2001:
Subject: Re: Habitat Off-Limits to Humans
I agree with you 100%. I have been saying for years do humans think they have to invade every place. I think there should be lots of places off limits even to us. Just for the sake of nature.
I will ask at our next meeting and send it to my list of members if you think
that is prudent.
Fri, 17 Aug 2001:
Subject: Re: Habitat Off-Limits to Humans
Thanks so much for sharing this--it's wonderful! My feelings exactly. In fact, I just battled an issue here in northern Michigan on this very concept. I am presenting this to our ExCom at our meeting this Sunday.
Sun, 22 Jul 2001:
Subject: Re: Your email list?
I'm interested in all these items, so please add me to each [email list]. In the past your clear thinking has been very useful to me. Thanks.
Thu, 21 Jun 2001:
Subject: Sierra Club controversy over mountain bikes
Thanks for sending me copies of the e-mails concerning the Sierra Club's
policy on mountain bikes. Vandeman is right when he says the Sierra
Club's policy on mountain bikes is an embarrassment. If a comparable
environmental impact was being created by corporations working on public
land, Sierra Club members would be up in arms. However, they seem unable
to deal with adverse environmental impacts caused by the behavior of their
own members.
How can anyone look at water being channeled down trails in Annadel in
deep, narrow bike-tire ruts and say bikes don't have significant
environmental impacts?
Wed, 20 Jun 2001:
Subject: Re: Goings-On in the SF Bay Chapter regarding Mountain Biking
While I don't necessarily agree with all of Vandeman's reasoning or
emphasis, I am very clear that mountain bikes used off pavement are indeed
very injurious to the environment and, on trails which people on foot use,
are completely destructive of the conditions of naturalness--serenity,
quiet, and stillness--which those of us who walk count upon and which I
believe have been the fundamental reason for which natural places have been
preserved and non-city parks created.
In summary, I believe and feel strongly that mountain bikes have no place in
parks unless they are restricted to separate, hardened, well-engineered and
maintained trails.
Accordingly, I was shocked to learn, through your earlier forwarding, of the
existing Sierra Club policy on mountain bikes and now am dismayed to read
the scornful, contemptuous letter which you just forwarded from Bob Solotar.
I've had to give up all my memberships in other environmental groups, but
have recently re-joined Sierra Club because I assumed it still to be the
first rank and longest time defender of public lands and their qualities.
I know that my opinion is no big deal to those in leadership positions in
local chapters, regional governing committees, and at the national level of
the Club, but I don't see how I can continue to belong if the Club continues
its present policy on mountain bikes and fails to take a clear and
uncompromising position relative to bikes in public lands on dirt and on so
called multi-use trails (an abominable rationalization, that term).
Tue, 12 Jun 2001:
Subject: Lawndale Trail & Sierra Club policy
Regarding the Sierra Club's policy on mountain bikes, I'm shocked! I was
totally unaware that their policy would allow bikes on unpaved trails - I
guess I missed that, or just assumed they, of all groups, would not want to
allow that.
Sat, 09 Jun 2001:
Subject: Re: San Francisco Bay Chapter Resolutions on Mountain Biking
Right on, Mike. When I attend meetings where mountain bikers are demanding
more access, I point out that every reason that they give (we pay taxes, we
are nice people, we demand the same rights to public land as everyone else)
would apply as well to proponents of motorcycles and off-road vehicles.
Occasionally, I introduce myself (in jest) as a representative of a
motorcycle club, applaud the mountain biker's presentation, and announce
that we want the same rights, for the same reasons. Interestingly, the
mountain bikers have no response to this approach. But they don't want
motorcycles, because it would make their sport more dangerous. and spoil
their enjoyment of the area. They lust, but they do not hear.
Mon, 04 Jun 2001:
Subject: Re: Background Info. for Human-Free Habitat Resolution: Rethinking the Impacts of Recreation
Mike: I am so very happy to receive your message below. I have always
believed strongly in preservation of human-free habitat. So many of our
fellow environmentalists and nature-lovers feel they just have to get out
there and tramp through it all. They have to have "access". I believe in
leaving our wildlife habitat alone for the animals and plants. We have so
much; why can't we leave theirs to them.
Mon, 04 Jun 2001:
Subject: Re: Scientific Report on the Effects of Recreation and Dogs on Wildlife
Hi Mike, would be interested in helping. Bear in mind that due stroke am
wheelchair bound. Right arm and leg affected. Can walk short distances with
four pronged cane - 50 paces at a time-. Cheers, …
Mon, 04 Jun 2001:
Subject: Re: Background Info. for Human-Free Habitat Resolution: Rethinking the Impacts of Recreation
Mike -- Thanks for this article... you've made a compelling case, with lots of reasonable examples, of why we need to keep some areas as true "wilderness." Your points make sense intuitively to me... and they should to anyone who thinks about the impact of his/her presence in the wilds...
You're not going to make a lot of points with the sellers of recreational equipment or "eco" tourism, however! And these folks think they are "good guys" because they don't make munitions or are not land developers! ...
Well, there are just so many of us people, that whatever we do now, we're having an impact!
Thanks for your good work!
Sun, 03 Jun 2001:
Subject: Re: Have you seen my web page?
At once point I even professed that one whole continent should be set
aside....lol....my front yard is a sanctuary, not totally wild, but it is
preserved for critters, plants, nature spirits, elements, etc.....I don't
pick the flowers, eat the plants, kill the bugs, (though I do remove the
snails when a plant is totally inundated, moving them off to a wilderness
area to their liking, I hope)....this sanctuary is in the middle of a small
town and lots of folks seem to be attracted to it, (I know because I see
them trying to peer around the thick hedges or to see in through the narrow
entrance/walkway, and sometimes I have seen them sneak in)....whoever does
come in (invited) most always responds what a great amount of energy is
here and that it is like being out in the country....it is lush, cool,
moist, robust, vital, full, teeming with life....it is my environmental
"battleground".....a busy place midst many barren yards....it feels
fine....Pan advocates (via Peralandra) these kinds of garden/sanctuaries as
part of a connecting power grid that nature can use to restore
balance....thanks for your pages....I haven't read but a few, but found
myself in total agreement with what I read, the only other person I have
heard from, besides me mate and one friend, that is in agreement with these
"radical" ideas....doesn't seem radical at all to me; just common sense,
respectful, and based on the Universal Law of Value Fulfillment that
pertains to all realities....glad to see your page....I've bookmarked it
and will check in for a fix every once in awhile....Love, …
Sat, 02 Jun 2001:
Subject: Homo Sapiens, the problem
As Pogo once said, "I have seen the enemy, and it is us." Truer words were never spoken. In a relatively short time we emerged from the caves or trees, take your pick, invented machines that could transport us through the air or under the water; made enormous advances in all fields; including how to kill each other faster and in greater numbers. But, we have failed miserably in our ability to get along with each other or with this planet. The best thing that could happen is for homo sapiens to die off and let the birds, fish and animals take over. Religion has been a complete farce and failure.
I applaud what you are doing and wish you luck. I am on the downside of the bell curve of life and have more faith in some animals than I do in most people.
Sat, 28 Apr 2001:
Subject: sock it to 'em
Mike, you are terrific!
Wed, 26 Apr 2000:
Subject: Re: Rethinking the Impacts of Recreation
What a thoughtful article. I read the whole thing and it says so much. I
would like to include it on my website. Thanks for the research and your
obvious skill as a wordsmith. Your writing is informative and a pleasure to
read. You've put across your thoughts on this important subject in a
beautiful way. I want to read it again and again, and will.
Sun, 01 Apr 2001:
Hi,
Like your website .... I am sending you the URL of my own.
Look beneath the surface ... and in particular read through some of the discussion documents. Some of the ideas expressed there are very much in tune with your own.
Wed, 21 Mar 2001:
Subject: Re: Do you know of studies about the effect of noise on wildlife?
Thanks for your reply. I'll take a look at those studies and at the link
about your "pure habitat" cause. I'm for that!
Thu, 08 Mar 2001:
You might remember the two German physics students that you met on the bus
from San Francisco.
It was nice of you to give us your card: we just had a look at your web page - and I can say, that we do agree with all of your articles that we have read so far. If people would only listen ….
Greetings from Germany
Thu, 15 Feb 2001:
Bless your heart, Mike, I'm reading comments from 1995 regarding trail
conflict and there is your name fighting all the way. I hate awards
ceremonies but if anyone ever deserved an award, it's you for your tireless,
unselfish, altruistic persistence.
Fri, 02 Feb 2001:
Newsgroups: alt.mountain-bike
Subject: Re: Mike Vandeman
As much as Mike annoys me, I have to agree with his stance on
mountain bikers. You guys are a bunch of annoying spoiled little
yuppies with way too much time and disposable income on your hands, you
see a couple of Jeep Cherokee ads and you're off to buy your little
$5,000 mountain bike and rip up the trails just like those cool people
on TV! The next time I see one of you fuckers coming up from behind me
on the trail I'm going to [defend myself]!
Fri, 02 Feb 2001
Subject: Re: Wildlife Need Habitat Off-Limits to Humans!
Thanks -- I agree. Good luck.
Thu, 25 Jan 2001:
Subject: Re: The (Hopefully Non-)Development of Mulholland Ridge (Moraga, CA)
I love receiving your missives, by the way. Very
informative. Sometimes, I even get inspired and try to do something about some of them.
Thu, 25 Jan 2001:
I saw your website link over at the ca.environment Usenet group. I briefly checked and filed it away for future investigation, but it really struck me that you posted a Ph.D. against your name. This completely disqualifies you in the minds of many who are completely reactionary about ecological issues as having any kind of respectable opinion. I know better myself, but for purposes of generating interest, you might consider omitting the Ph.D. from your name at the site.
Thanks for your rare and intelligent website,
Wed, 24 Jan 2001:
Subject: Re: Appeasing the Mountain Bikers
Really good letter. Who is Helen? The mountain bikers here in Los Angeles
tried to promote the Sierra Club agreement with IMBA as a
permissive/supportive document. Fortunately, Sierra Club members were
present who were familiar with the document and corrected the false premise.
We give no ground on this. Maybe the Sierra Club will re-think the words of
the agreement; or write an appendix to clarify the Club's position and
emphasize that the agreement DOES NOT endorse mountain biking.
Tue, 23 Jan 2001:
Subject: Re: "Leave Wildlife Alone Day"
Hi Mike,
That was one of the components of the world holiday idea I came up with with a
couple friends back in 1969, but is strong enough that it should have its own
focus on a day all its own. Then there was the silence and paying attention
aspect of the world holiday, in the natural cycles, that I'd proposed to call
Life Day. Then a few days later I learned about the early work on the
environmental teach in on the environment that became known as Earth Day....
Good ideas all....
Mike Vandeman wrote:
> At 08:56 AM 1/22/2001 -0700, … wrote:
> >Mike:
> >
> >Thanks for passing along our gift idea for saving habitat.
>
> You guys sure have a LOT of good ideas! But that one, in particular, is
> priceless. But why stop at Christmas????? There are a lot of OTHER holidays
> where gift-giving is or could be appropriate, such as Valentine's Day, or
> Earth Day! :)
>
> By the way, how'd you like to support my proposal for a "Leave Wildlife
> Alone Day", where all parks & open space would be closed, & land managers &
> field biologists would have a mandatory holiday?
Tue, 23 Jan 2001:
Subject: Re: Habitat Off-Limits to Humans
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit
This resolution is clearly thought out, balanced, and long, long overdue.
Tue, 23 Jan 2001:
Subject: Re: "Leave Wildlife Alone Day"
Nice idea, "Leave Wildlife Alone Day." You need my support, you've got it.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001:
I took your advice and gave the gift of the rainforest this year. It was
the best thing I have ever done for Christmas. Thank you. Now to start working for more wildlife areas.
Wed, 17 Jan 2001:
Greetings Michael
I very much enjoyed your sentiments. Lots to read.
Tue, 16 Jan 2001:
Subject: Re: Mulholland Ridge
You're wonderful. Thanks so much for your letter and your ideas. I will continue to forge forward!!
Tue, 09 Jan 2001:
Subject: TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION
DEAR SIR
MY NAME IS … AND I DO TRAFFIC SIGNAL REPAIR. I WAS VERY GLAD TO SEE AN OPPOSING VIEW. THE CITY OF FRESNO CA. IS SPENDING MILLIONS TO SYNCHRONIZE OUR SIGNALS. QUIET FRANKLY I HAVE QUESTIONED IT TOO. THE MAIN REASON IS THE SOFTWARE IS NOT REALLY WORKING PROPERLY TO LET SIDE TRAFFIC GO WHEN NO ONE IS ON THE CO-COORDINATED STREET CAUSING MORE DELAYS. I HAD NOT CONSIDERED THE POINTS THAT YOU BRING OUT IN YOUR LETTERS. I COULD DISCUSS THIS IN MORE DETAIL BUT NOT HERE. THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERN ABOUT THE SIGNALS.