My Problem with Leave No Trace

Okay, I have a confession to make.

Deep down, something about leave no trace outdoor ethics troubles me.
First, a few disclaimers. For those not familiar with LNT, it is a philosophy of the outdoors that states, "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints." Of course, I heartily agree with this in national parks and other heavily human-trafficked areas. Take picking blueberries for example- You're out there on the trail, and figure, what would it hurt to taste a few? So you have 3 blueberries. But! The trail you're on takes 100 people a day and your three berries multiplied by every person can quickly influence a bear population. Okay, so so far I agree with LNO. Also, I (obviously) agree with proper waste disposal. In fact, I'd say I agree with LNO about 90% of the time.

Here is where it gets sticky for me: Human beings, as a species, are incapable of leaving no trace. What it really comes down to is leaving the LEAST and MOST POSITIVE trace we can. To clarify- I'm not talking here about heavily-trafficked National Parks, but more a "true" wilderness situation. Wherever that may be. In that case, I'd say go for it, eat your blueberries, collect your clay, trap small animals, harvest reeds for baskets, as long as it is done in a respectful, sustainable manner. Because let's face it. Humans are going to eat fruit one way or the other. Which has more impact on the planet: eating a fruit growing wild, or clearcutting rainforests to factory farm and then ship that fruit from South America?

I'm not saying we should alter the ecosystems we find ourselves in, but I'm not exactly saying we shouldn't, either. Humans are a part of those ecosystems naturally, and our return to them, if done correctly, would not injure them. At least not any more than the alternative.

Introductions

About this blog
This blog is going to be part documentation, and part research journal to my experiences and interest in "primitive" survival or earth skills.

This has always been an interest of mine, and lately it has matured to something that really affects my life. I'd like this journal to connect with others who may share this interest and use it to get feedback on my processes, and perhaps to share what I've learned with others.

What's up with the name?
Agarita is the name of a wildflower much like a holly. It is also the name of a ranch in Hockley, Texas where I spent my weekends growing up. It is here still that I explore with different earth skills and camp.

The name references not only this place with its cow trails, but also my experiences in it, which will hopefully serve as a launching-off point for further adventures.