Q: You have a firsthand view of what is happening to wildlife and wilderness out west. What are the biggest environmental problems you see?
A. The landscape is changing right before our eyes. We can see the glaciers melting and forests dying from insects, disease and drought -- all associated with global climate change.
Q. How well is NRDC doing in addressing these environmental challenges?
A. NRDC has risen to the top of the conservation groups I see making a difference here in the West -- and really all over the world -- protecting our wildlife and wildlands and fighting global warming.
Q. You have worked directly with NRDC staff members, haven't you?
A. Yes, I've worked in Montana directly with Louisa Willcox, an NRDC senior wildlife advocate, for many years and I'm grateful for the work she and her team do to save wolves and grizzlies, preserve wildlife migration corridors and protect critical habitat. There are a lot of people out here who want to eliminate the large carnivores, but bears and wolves are what make the wilderness wild. Without them, all you have is a pretty view. Hearing an amazing chorus of wolf howls has helped make the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem whole again.
Q. How did you and Tory decide to include NRDC in your will?
A. These days, Tory and I are easing into retirement. Looking out our windows at the Continental Divide, we find ourselves at another important divide in our lives, and it's been a good time to pause and think about our legacy. We decided to complete the circle we started when we first became NRDC Members by including NRDC in our will -- so that our environmental commitment will live on through NRDC's work.
For information about becoming an NRDC Legacy Leader by including NRDC in your will, please contact Michelle Quinones, senior gift planning specialist, at legacygifts@nrdc.org.
|
