Recently there has been an unfamiliar feeling in the political air, hope. We’ve discussed over the last few weeks some of the changes rocking the political landscape that have opened the door for hope, change and the exciting possibilities for future victories. The fact remains, though, that these are dreams that are not guaranteed, in fact will take massive effort by us. So on the road to winning these fights, it’s important to celebrate tangible victories, where organized citizens won against big money and special interests.
Look no further than, Abingdon Woods in Harford County, Maryland, which is safe thanks to the herculean multi-year efforts of Harford County Climate Action HCCA. Development has been stopped inside this residential area which contained schools, places of worship and an estuary. Allied with residents there and beyond, pro bono lawyers and other organizations including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, deforestation and plans to build massive warehouse space have been halted by the county executive.
Pam Dehmer co-president of HCCA chats with #DSOT about the long fight culminating in this environmental and community victory. This just doesn't benefit the area and the state but our shared and fragile ecosystem. Nearly 300 acres of core, old growth forest was protected from destruction by the county executive’s action, an irreplaceable ecosystem, and powerful carbon-sink. It also demonstrates the power of united action and proves that real change and progress comes from the citizenry who unite and demand that government must take the right actions. But the HCCA’s fight to protect Abingdon woods also shows that to win we need persistence and solidarity, and even when we win, we can’t just rest easy, assuming our victories are permanent. That’s why after celebrating last weekend, the HCCA is back to work on the next step in securing Abingdon Woods’ future, getting it zoned as agricultural land to protect it from future development.
It may seem that these local victories are small in the face of the huge challenges ahead, but these bright spots can act as blueprints, to be used as both inspiration and a guide to more effectively, and efficiently win future battles.
So tune-in to our Zoomchat with Pam from the HCCA, and then join us each Tuesday, in growing solidarity as we celebrate and learn from these people powered victories to make government more responsive and representative.
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