Posts

Activity 4.2.1 Applying your environmental policy frameworks (

Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” is extracting natural gas and oil from underground shale formations. The process involves injecting high-pressure water, sand, and chemical fluids into rock layers to release trapped hydrocarbons. While hydrofracking has unlocked vast energy resources and created economic opportunities, it remains highly contentious. Critics cite environmental and health risks, such as groundwater contamination, methane leaks, and induced seismic activity. Proponents, however, argue it promotes energy independence and economic growth. According to Cohen, Wannemacher, and Weisbecker (2014), much of the conflict stems not only from differing interpretations of science but also from competing values, interests, and political structures that shape public response. Fracking illustrates how deeply environmental policy debates are influenced by identity, trust, risk perception, power dynamics, and economic framing. For many rural communities like Pennsylvania or upstate Ne...
Post a Comment
Read more

2.3.2 Critical Thinking 6-Point

Six-Point Critical Analysis of Current Event My blog posting is available online at:  1. Exploratory Probe basic facts and knowledge found in the reading and video. ( What research evidence supports _________? Type up several facts and basic knowledge from the reading and video. Relate this to what you find in other resources, prior activities for stronger scores.) ) Jim Howell, CEO of Grasslands LLC and co-founder of the Savory Institute, advocates for Holistic Management a grazing strategy based on mimicking natural grazing patterns of wild herbivores (Roberson, 2016). This method supports the idea that properly managed livestock can actually regenerate land instead of degrading it. According to Howell, rotational grazing areas allows grasslands to rest and recover, boosting soil health, water retention, and plant diversity. These practices connect to Earth system concepts we’ve studied, particularly how the biosphere (plants, animals) interacts with the lithosphere (soil...
Post a Comment
Read more

2.3.1 Critical Thinking 6-Point

Six-Point Critical Analysis of Current Event My blog posting is available online at:  1. Exploratory Probe basic facts and knowledge found in the reading and video. ( What research evidence supports _________? Type up several facts and basic knowledge from the reading and video. Relate this to what you find in other resources, prior activities for stronger scores.) ) The video Tipping the Hat and the article by Fesenmyer (2016) describe collaborative efforts between the Bureau of Land Management, ranchers, and conservation groups to restore degraded riparian zones in the Intermountain West, particularly at South Fork Salmon Falls Creek, Nevada. They used a combination of rotational grazing and beaver reintroduction to improve habitat. This approach resulted in up to 40% more vegetation productivity in managed areas (Fesenmyer, 2016). The article also mentions that encouraging natural processes, such as beavers building dams, can be a cost-effective and ecologically sound me...
Post a Comment
Read more

Activity 2.3.1 Ranchers, Anglers, and Beavers

Six-Point Critical Analysis of Current Event My blog posting is available online at:  1. Exploratory Probe basic facts and knowledge found in the reading and video. ( What research evidence supports _________? Type up several facts and basic knowledge from the reading and video. Relate this to what you find in other resources, prior activities for stronger scores.) ) The video Tipping the Hat and the article by Fesenmyer (2016) describe collaborative efforts between the Bureau of Land Management, ranchers, and conservation groups to restore degraded riparian zones in the Intermountain West, particularly at South Fork Salmon Falls Creek, Nevada. They used a combination of rotational grazing and beaver reintroduction to improve habitat. This approach resulted in up to 40% more vegetation productivity in managed areas (Fesenmyer, 2016). The article also mentions that encouraging natural processes, such as beavers building dams, can be a cost-effective and ecologically sound method ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Activity 4.2 Environmental Policy Frameworks

Frame Type Davis & Lewicki (2003) Bryan (2003) Vincent (2009) Identity / Values Identity: Who am I in this conflict? What are my beliefs and values? Cultural context: Shared beliefs, traditions, and ways of life shape perceptions. Frames rooted in community identity and historical context; local vs. outsider perspectives. Characterization How parties perceive each other, often in terms of blame or trust. Demographic: Background factors (class, race, age, etc.) influence perspective. Community members and external stakeholders often stereotype each other’s roles and motives. Conflict Management Attitudes toward resolving disagreement (e.g., collaboration vs. confrontation). Political: Decision-making power and authority in managing conflict. Competing governance perspectives (federal vs. local control); lack of collaborative framing. Risk / Threat How parties define and prioritize environmental and social risks. Ecological: Objective vs. perceived environmental dangers. Risk framed ...
Post a Comment
Read more