The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant, "What good is it?" If the land mechanism as a whole is good, then every part is good, whether we understand it or not. If the biota, in the course of aeons, has built something we like but do not understand, then who but a fool would discard seemingly useless parts? To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.

Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.

The oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without spoiling it.

There is value in any experience that exercises those ethical restraints collectively called sportsmanship.

Teach the student to see the land, understand what he sees, and enjoy what he understands.

The good life of any river may depend on the perception of its music; and the preservation of some music to perceive.

Examine each question in terms of what is ethically and aesthetically right, as well as what is economically expedient.