Enviroment Quote by John D. MacDonald
““Now, of course, having failed in every attempt to subdue the Glades by frontal attack, we are slowly killing it off by tapping the River of Grass. In the questionable name of progress, the state in its vast wisdom lets every two-bit developer divert the flow into drag-lined canals that give him 'waterfront' lots to sell. As far north as Corkscrew Swamp, virgin stands of ancient bald cypress are dying. All the area north of Copeland had been logged out, and will never come back. As the glades dry, the big fires come with increasing frequency. The ecology is changing with egret colonies dwindling, mullet getting scarce, mangrove dying of new diseases born of dryness.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The River of Grass by John D. MacDonald, 1957
Human alteration of wetlands for profit leads to ecological collapse, increased fires, and loss of biodiversity.
In simple terms: Developing wetlands harms nature and raises fire risk.
Key Takeaway
Protect wetlands, limit harmful development.
Themes
environment
development
consequences
Mood
concerned
urgent
Type
cautionary
analytical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- environmental policy
- conservation projects
- community education
Key Concepts
ecosystem degradation
unsustainable growth
climate impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance development with ecosystem preservation?
- What policies could prevent similar habitat loss?
A Different Perspective
Economic gain often outweighs long‑term ecological health.
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