Alec Toufexis
INTD 105-19 Scientific Writing
Most believe that wildlife sanctuaries are a place to see nature in its most untouched state. However, Cronon claims that these serene landscape are not actually wild, but are in fact an “Illusion”. An illusion that began with the search for the “religious experience” and continues to this day with the fear of a diminishing frontier. Places such as Niagara Falls, Yosemite, and Yellowstone are littered with lodges, dams, trails, and boardwalks which cater to the needs of human recreation and their false sense of being in a true wilderness.
Cronin believes that wilderness can be found everywhere, not just in a protected state or national park. To truly be responsible with regards to nature, we have to find the middle ground between using nature or not.
I thought that Cronin’s stance on the issue was very insightful. A lot of his ideas, such as the false sense of true wilderness and the need to find the middle ground made sense. Also the idea that humans and nature can coexist, if humans are responsible, loosely connects to The Greek Tree, in that the tree survives even though it is directly affected by humans.
Cronon’s argumentative points are made very clear in your response. Though the first few sentences may need some grammatical editing, the transitioning in your paragraphs is clear and precise.