Streams of Consequence: Dispatches from the Conservation World

by Lorne Fitch

A collection of essays highlighting the splendour and diversity of the landscape of southern Alberta. Streams of Consequence weaves together a bit of “ecology for dummies,” a cross-section of stories and essays on Alberta’s biodiversity riches and treasured landscapes, and a backdrop of selections on conservation issues. These are stories of the land and of Alberta’s plants, fish, and wildlife told through the voice of a biologist with decades of experience on the front lines of conservation efforts. Through stories, metaphor, and allegory, basic ecological principles are made clear, ecosystems are described, and our human role in stewarding these natural treasures is revealed. Infused in these “dispatches from the conservation world” is the special magic of biology, taking mute organisms at a variety of scales and understanding their lives and habitats so that they have meaning and a connection to us. The role, the unstated objective of biologists, is to remind us, unceasingly, that it is only in our minds that we live apart from the natural world. These stories have power to engage and educate, to help create and sustain an ecologically literate constituency that knows and cares about Alberta’s wilder side. Readers can look back on the changes, weigh their significance, and think about where we came from, where we are today, and where the trend might take us if we choose one road or another. There are some rocks heaved at our economy-centred, consumer-driven world. Scattered between them are the acts of altruism, of caring, of forethought, and of stewardship. These are rays of hope amid dark clouds threatening our very existence.

232 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2023

Reviews

[Debborah Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Streams of Consequence’ is a compendium of stories about the wildlife and wild places of Alberta, told through the lens of an experienced biologist who grew up on this land. This is not a typical science book, but an insightful and thought-provoking compilation of essays interspersed with humour and relatable examples. If you have never met Lorne Fitch, you would likely come to like him after reading this book. He doesn’t directly criticize or blame but highlights a hopeful path for consciously doing the right thing to protect nature.

Lorne’s ability to weave topics into interesting tales is well-known to many in Alberta. He is a ubiquitous friend of the environment, and his cheeky jam-filled expressions sum up the generational amnesia present in the economic biases of industry and the Alberta government. He laments that “We continue to be deluded into thinking that all our problems will have solutions – that our pace of development can continue and we can salvage some vestiges of biodiversity.” He provides a moral compass through delightful tales of the land.

Fitch speaks of species, great and small, and the landscapes that support them, and their inherent right to exist. For many readers this may be an introduction to the likes of hare-footed locoweed and short-horned lizards, but his weavings bring the reader to a connection with, and a wonder to explore and protect this fragile world. His references to chocolate, Star Trek, Picasso, dragons, Dr. Seuss, and other memorable quotes make the book even more enjoyable. He does this just as he also points out how many of Alberta native species are making ‘their last stand’.

Every Albertan should read this book. You won’t be lost in technical speak or feel like you were hit over the head, but quietly absorb the message: “To lose the abundance of biodiversity in Alberta, within a century of European settlement, to the demands of the corporate world (and to disconnected shareholders) is comparable to shredding all the books from every library to relieve a temporary paper shortage.”

This book made me laugh, and think, and even cry a tear or two. It is what I want in a book, to learn, and understand, and feel.

Debborah Donnelly, BSc, MA
Executive Director, Alberta Wilderness Association

[Rhys · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It has always been government policy to protect the Eastern Slopes; it’s just that it has never been government practice to do so. The process follows the Law of Inverse Relevance – the less you intend to do about something, the more you have to keep talking about it."

Witty & poignant - walking the path of Aldo Leopold, Wallace Stegner and other philosophers of the land.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very thoughtful piece of work and a strong call to action - throughout, Fitch shares many tidbits of wisdom:

"For too long, we floated, like complacent tourists, in a sea of oil money." (166)

"Some mitigation techniques work some of the time, in some locations, and with some species. Unlike a categorical 'No' to development, there is no mitigation silver bullet that has a universal application." (97)

"Labels are unhelpful, given the enormity of the environmental issues and tasks in front of us that require collective action."

Unfortunately, these tidbits of wisdom are interspersed with repetitive (but well-considered and valid) complaints and forced metaphors... There are parts of the book that seem unnecessary (several pages dedicated to an extended metaphor about dragons, for example). There are parts of the book that are incredibly engaging (beavers and fescue, I'm looking at you!).

But some of it is a slog. And it's very preachy (is it possible to explore this topic without being preachy?) - which, as someone who leans heavily to the "environmentalist" side, made me wonder how someone who is not an "environmentalist" would see it? I can't imagine this would attract good attention from conservative-leaning folk in Alberta, but I think Fitch is used to that (and I don't think he'd care!).

Overall, some spots were leaning to 4 stars and some to 2, so overall I'd give it 3 stars - lots of interesting information, really makes you think (and dread the uncertainty of the future), but could use a little pruning in spots to make it more digestible.

[Kale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent information presented in a very readable package. It is interesting and engaging start to finish despite dealing with scientific subject matter that could be difficult to digest if not presented so artfully. It showed the seriousness of the situation without being hopeless. My only critique would be the fact that it doesn’t present the conflict of conservation. There is always a cost, even to conservation, and even though the cost is worth paying, I believe it is still worth acknowledging. This would make the argument more complex and therefore more compelling. Although it might impair the aforementioned readability.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stellar collection of essays! I live in Alberta and so much of what Lorne addresses I have noticed and worried about myself. As someone currently in a conservation and education career, I have felt the same concerns and the lack of urgency among others when it comes to guarding our natural spaces and populations. But at the same time, Lorne does an excellent job of ensuring that his essays aren’t all doom and gloom. While creating calls to action, he celebrates the beauty of Alberta and all our natural areas still have to offer, and can continue to offer if we act to protect them. I especially appreciated his focus on native trout populations, as that is a cause near and dear to my heart. This collection is easy to read, and a must for anyone who cares about preserving Alberta’s natural spaces for generations to come.

[Don Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you live or have lived in Alberta and care about her natural resources, topography and the quality of the land that provides Albertans life, this book is a must read. Lorne writes clearly and passionately about the place where he was born, grew up and became a biologist and concerned environmentalist.

[Sarah Neumeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorne Fitch is a gifted author. This book was a joy to read, from start to finish. Every Albertan who drinks water in this province needs to read it!