Bill Meadows, President, The Wilderness Society
“Filmmakers Ann and Steve Dunsky describe the ultimate conservation dilemma, the challenge that splits coalitions and organizations – and ends friendships: when does the “perfect” become the enemy of the “good” ? Butterflies & Bulldozers is a case study for conservation leaders who struggle every day over decisions that can literally affect the survival of a species.
What is possible politically? Does one choose to protect some of the land today because it is possible, knowing that important places may be sacrificed? Or does one wait until the political climate improves so that “all” the land can be protected?
Butterflies & Bulldozers is a compelling story because it is very personal examination of this archetypal schism. Two strong leaders worked to protect San Francisco’s iconic mountain, San Bruno. One believed in the perfect; the other believed that the Mountain could not wait until local politics allowed for the perfect outcome.
The dilemma is present today as Congress debates climate policy. Do we wait for scientifically sound legislation or do we start a transition with what many believe is a deeply flawed approach? These are the tough questions we all face.”
Jeffrey K. Stine, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
“San Bruno Mountain is the nation’s largest undeveloped urban area, yet for many it remains hidden in plain sight on the San Francisco peninsula. Butterflies & Bulldozers captures the drama, passion, and commitment of the ongoing citizen-led efforts to protect this natural oasis and its endangered species. A brilliant film portrayal of environmental politics in America.”
Malcolm Margolin, Publisher, Heyday Books
“The film has extraordinary depth and nuance, rare these days when people feel they have to scream to be heard.”
Review from Nina at the Eco-Film Festival, India
“The film sets out to address (and not necessarily answer) one universal question “can people and endangered species co-exist?” The question and dilemma associated with it is played out in the context of The San Bruno Mountain in San Mateo (County) California – a rare remnant patch of the San Franciscan ecosystem. The film highlights that the struggle for conservation is a long one; it needs people with diverse points of views and strengths when rights to “develop” is pitted against the rights of other species, some of them endangered and endemic to the area.
The story is not new, and it gets played over and over again where housing complexes takes over remnant wilderness with only new road signs as memories of species and habitats that it replaced. The film-makers present a balanced view of all the players and complexities that the issue entails and in doing so it is a deserving tribute to the San Bruno Mountain, its wilderness, and the ongoing efforts. It is also a tribute to the David Schooleys of the world, who are endangered species themselves.
The narrative is a testament of what one dissenting voice from the heart can do. Budding conservation biologists from around the world would benefit from watching the film, and those who are in a similar struggle can draw inspiration. However, all groups can benefit even more if they can follow up the screening with a walk up the San Bruno Mountain with David Schooley.”
Sally D. Collins, Director, USDA Office of Environmental Markets
“I saw the film ‘Bulldozers and Butterflies’ at the Environmental Film Festival in Washington DC this Spring and continue to contemplate its messages. We are a country that tightly values our rights on private lands, and yet these lands often hold some of the most critical biodiversity in the country. Protecting and sustaining biodiversity on private lands as pressures mount to develop that land is the dilemma facing nearly every growing community in America. Every acre being debated has human drama, often played out over a lifetime, a story that illustrates how deeply the land affects the people living on and around it. Rarely has this story been told so beautifully — in the home town of the film makers — as in this treasure of a film.”