Bringing Sustainability to the Ground Level

CHAPTER 3

Environmental Well-Being in the Yellowstone River Valley

Introduction

We turn our attention to a second key concern for sustainability theory and practice: the long-term well-being of the environment. Our case study leads us to examine two environmental concerns in the Yellowstone River Valley. To begin, we will learn about the Pallid Sturgeon—a federally protected, endangered fish species—and we will examine efforts to save this species. Next, we will look at the cottonwood forests of the valley, where, in some areas, it appears that tree reproduction and growth are not occurring as expected. We will learn why these impressive and much-loved trees are potentially threatened. In both examples, it appears that human practices, especially ...