The environmental movement in the United States seeks to protect forests and other pristine lands. To most Americans, respecting natural lands andanimals probably is consistent with their ethical system. In some other countries, laws protecting the lands do not exist. Farmers and ranchers routinely"slash and burn" in order to farm or raise livestock, and loggers harvest trees indiscriminately. There is no ethical dilemma, since their society acceptsthese practices as normal and necessary.

In America, state, federal, and local governments have enacted laws to protect forests from destruction. Through these laws, the overall community isprotected, even though individuals may be negatively affected. By meeting the needs of the overall community, these laws exhibit: