The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants and animals, or collectively: the land. A land ethic of course cannot prevent the alteration, management, and use of these 'resources,' but it does affirm their right to continued existence, and, at least in spots, their continued existence in a natural state. In short, a land ethic changes the role of Homo sapiens from conqueror of the land-commodity to plain member and citizen of it. It implies respect for his fellow-members, and also respect for the community as such. (Leopold, 1949)

As agricultural land fragmentation occurs, it changes dimensions related to sustainability and profitability of individual operations; in addition, this change also presents a more direct interface between agricultural and urban lands. Such changes will lead to increased challenges with nuisance wildlife, public perceptions of "rural" activities (including farming, fisheries and wildlife related recreation, forest management actions), and even water quality. (Extension Fisheries and Wildlife Area of Expertise Team Action Plan, June, 2002)

Hillsdale County is the headwaters of five (5) major watersheds: the Grand, Kalamazoo, River Raisin, St. Joseph, and Maumee.

Land use issues, if not planned for, will inevitably present society with lost opportunities, a variety of social and environmental problems and immense monetary costs. Simply ignoring the problems in favor of status quo is leaving all the problems to our children and grandchildren. All of us must begin by accepting responsibility for the land use pattern that has developed and imagining how different things could be. (Patterns On The Land, 1995)