Greed and Selfishness, White Mountains – As the new year progresses, I find myself re-evaluating my values as both an environmental photographer and outdoor enthusiast. The sacred places I love and cherish in the New Hampshire White Mountains are all falling victim to the greedy hand of man.
The trail system is being vandalized in different ways, the fragile alpine zone is being trampled, and designated wilderness areas are under constant attack by the new anti-conservationist movement. And with social media being what it is, many want social recognition, so they leave their mark everywhere in the White Mountains.
Thousands of outdoor enthusiasts (campers, fisherman, hikers, skiers, etc.) visit the White Mountains every day and then leave. And they do not see the impact from the greedy hand of man. But us locals are seeing it first hand. And what is worse, the New England outdoor community supports the greed in different ways.
We support businesses that want to build in the fragile alpine zone. We donate our hard earned money to trail maintenance organizations that have members who willfully vandalize the National Forest. And we support politicians who want to invade New Hampshire’s designated wilderness areas. And I am sure you can think of many other ways we contribute to the greed. As an outdoor community, why do we support these guys? We all complain about the human impact in the White Mountains, and yet we support the greed. It makes no sense.
Before I became a photographer, I was a hiker, and I spent an excessive amount of time exploring the White Mountains trail system. I wanted to hike every inch of the White Mountains. But once photography took over my life, this goal changed. I now use photography to create awareness for the White Mountains environment, an environment near and dear to my heart.
Greed and selfishness are destroying New Hampshire’s wild places. And I hope my photography encourages all of you to speak up against this movement that is hell bent on defacing the White Mountains.
Happy image making..
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Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.