The longstanding conservationist versus preservationist perspective among environmentalists is investigated among contemporary environmental group members in Michigan and Ontario. Based upon survey data, it is clear that this dissension continues to exist among contemporary environmental activists. Moreover, a number of background characteristics, use preferences for public lands, and political and environmental belief constructs effectively predict conservationist and preservationist orientations. The Canadians in the study were more likely to have preservationist orientations when compared with Americans, and the self-identified behavior of these Canadian activists tended to be more protective of natural resources than their US counterparts. It is argued that such cross-national differences are a likely consequence of differing features of the US and Canadian political cultures.
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