Meets the following requirements: HS   

In his seminal essay on the "Land Ethic," Aldo Leopold explores the incongruity between man's legal structures and the natural world around him.  This incongruity is particularly acute in the area of wildlife conservation.  This course examines the legal, philosophical, scientific, economic, and political problems surrounding man's relationship with other species on this planet.  The far reaching goals and impacts of the Endangered Species Act are a central focus of the course.  Significant time is also dedicated to legal issues concerning marine mammals, Native American's wildlife concerns, migratory birds, animal rights, and agencies entrusted to manage wildlife.  The growing role of international agreements to protect migratory and commercially valuable species is also covered.  Special attention is given to debates currently underway over reauthorizing the Endangered Species Act and pending biological diversity legislation.  Students are engaged in a term-long project that attempts to apply the principles of the course to a pressing wildlife issue in Maine.  Evaluation is based on class participation and contribution to the group project.  

Level:  Advanced.  Prerequisite:  Environmental Law and Policy or permission of the instructor.  Offered every third year.  Lab fee $15.  *HS*