Eye Opener: Summary of Reading #7 Hostile Beauty

Before reading the chapter, I tried interpreting what “Hostile Beauty” meant. I didn’t know what it dealt with or what I was preparing myself for. Well, after reading the article here’s what I figured out.
This chapter discusses the Red Desert, its resources, and the dangers headed its way. The Red Desert, known as the heart of the Great Divide Basin, has large reserves of coal, uranium, oil and gas. With our nation currently in need of these resources they are considering digging up the resources in the Red Desert. Tom Bell, a wildlife biologist, defended the Red Desert against those who dig up its minerals, wipe out its wildlife, or string power lines. He believes that the Red Desert is “one of our very best wildlands, and one of our last.” This is a very scary thing to think about.
Bell discovered that plovers, sage grouse, and other species are declining to the east as the Great Plains are fenced and cultivated for agriculture; to the west, energy development and exotic species have invaded and compromised their habitat. If we install oil reserves in the Red Desert, we have a lot of problems headed our way. Oil is only a temporary resource! Oil spills are another risk we would face if industries were built. The natural ecosystem would cease to exist if these actions take place. It’s almost as if they would be changing nature to industrialization.
Wyoming’s has a reputation as the nation’s energy breadbasket since they have large reserves of coal, uranium, oil and gas. What will become of it if we take over and industrialize this landmark?

DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS:

"Green River Resource Management Plan (approved August 8, 1997) - The Green River Resource Management Plan (GRRMP) provides management direction for resources contained within the Rock Springs Field Office area. The objective for management of oil and gas resources is to provide for leasing, exploration, and development of oil and gas while protecting other resource values."

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has decided to give priority to oil and gas development over these rare and irreplaceable resources. The BLM's plan would allow several hundred new oil and gas wells to be drilled in sensitive wildlife habitats.

CHRISTEN’S THOUGHTS
I think that building these industries in the Red Desert is an insane idea. Ya America is in need of these resources, but this is not the right action to take. What if we used all of the resources provided, then what? All that's left is destruction for the remaining desert and animals. We will not only be hurting the environment, but ourselves as well. We have already been the cause of glaciers melting and other destruction related incidences of nature. I don't think that any of these programs should be implemented. Even if you limit your usage, you're still damaging the terrain and wildlife living within the area.

Discussion Question:
Now that I've told you what what my beliefs are about the topic, now it's time for you to tell me yours. Do you think that digging up these resources is a positive or negative action? Are you more concerned about getting these resources or the future of wildlife in the Red Desert?
Let me know what you think!

DEFINITIONS:
Red Desert
Oregon Trail
Great Divide Basin
Plovers
Sage grouse