What is Non-Native?

What is a non-native? On a recent trip through Cody and Jackson Hole I noticed the predominance of wild horse and "Western" art in the galleries and shops. Paintings and photos depicting life on the range, but in reality a ranching society rapidly morphing into an environmental haven. I found it hypocritical that elite environmentalists who support groups like the Sierra club decorate their second homes with animals and people they are paying to have removed. Cattle, horses and cowboys. Environmental groups intent on preserving native species would like nothing better than to have wild horses and cattle eliminated as grazing competition. Yet what constitutes a native species? Wild horses and wild cattle roamed with bison and the antelope from the time of the Spanish conquistadors, but apparently that isn't native enough. The hypocrisy of this new West a world of designer boots , SUV's, log mansions, fine wine and rare art, is that by removing the cattle, the dust and motley mustangs, the West is lost forever and becomes nothing more than an affluent resort destination. I can't abide that. I'm Susan Allen and this is Food Forethought. Source: High Country News June 13, 2005+