The Poppers said radical changes need to be made in land-use practices, "living lightly on the land," in the 10 Plains states, including Oklahoma.

They cite dropping aquifer levels from overpumping for agricultural use, particularly in the Ogallala aquifer under many of the Great Plains states.

"Does the diet for the 21st century require that we all get more acquainted with our food chain," she asked.

Rural populations have been dropping for the past 80 years in the Great Plains states, and moving to the urban areas.

She said Oklahoma has an abundance of wind and solar energy and "we need to use it."

Deborah said Oklahoma needs to work toward having walkable communities and conserve its energy.

Frank said the "Buffalo Commons" already are happening in several areas. He gave the example of media mogul Ted Turner purchasing about 20 ranches in Montana, about 2 million acres, and returning them to grassland conservation and reintroducing buffalo.

"It's clearly going to happen. It's clearly accelerating," Frank said of the basic concepts of the "Buffalo Commons." "These things are all happening. ... It's starting to have the feeling of a movement that is going to be accelerating into the future."

Some other groups encouraging naturalizing of land include the Nature Conservancy, the Native Prairies Association of Texas and the Great Plains Restoration Council in Fort Worth, Texas.

"The challenge for Oklahoma and other Great Plains states ... for the future is how to actively achieve the buffalo commons," he said.

Deborah said looking forrward she expects profound change and said the key elements are how the area organizes its settlements, food, transportation and energy use.

"How it reinvents itself matters everywhere. It has land and space in abundance but the quesiton of how to occupy it is the most important," she said.

The Poppers' original article "Great Plains: From Dust to Dust" is online at www.planning.org/25anniversary/planning/1987dec.htm.

Carol Cole-Frowe

366-3538