Embrace Collaboration, Not Boundaries

Addressing environmental challenges like wildfire smoke requires a holistic approach to resource management that transcends arbitrary political boundaries. Bioregionalism advocates for an integrated view of ecosystems, recognizing that resources such as rivers, like the Columbia, cannot be managed effectively within the confines of state or national borders. Instead, inclusive collaboration among various stakeholders—such as local communities, farmers, hunters, and environmentalists—is essential to develop a sustainable and equitable management framework. By fostering cooperation and considering all voices, we can shift from a competitive, scarcity-based mindset to one that promotes collective stewardship and shared responsibility for our natural resources.