A 'Greener', Electric Airship

#301:  Immaculate Transport

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According to this article on the history of airships (probably tl;dr, unless Zeppelins move you), an electric (partly solar) version is in the works.

Many years ago, when in my twenties, I checked out a book from the library on airship potential.  What got me excited was the realization that people could live in roadless wilderness, being supplied periodically from above.

And recently, while driving to work, I noticed how the drop in Fall temperatures haw revealed the uniform takeover of roadside forest by an invasive plant (in this case, false honeysuckle, which retains its leaves compared to other plants, and so the revelation).  The effect is, of course, for invasives to smother native flora.  This got me thinking.

In many cases, to ever return natural ecosystems to their original glory, people will have to actually dwell on land for a decade or two or three, even if they eventually exit the scene.  It'll be their life's work to thin a forest (to prevent overwhelming fire), re-introduce native plants, and repair other damage, on one- two- or three-thousand acres.  

Life in a wilderness, even if part of a human family, would be limiting for most people.  But with modern conveniences (internet to stay in touch, vacations to visit friends and family, some modern comforts), there'd likely be many a willing volunteer (and perhaps vacationers to help pay the bills).  Never a disturbing sound, except the occasional visit, with supplies, from a purring airship.  

Since it's almost impossible to imagine what a homestead would feel like without a road providing the outside world access to one's front door (Has anyone other than oddball hermits ever lived that way?), it could be touted as a pioneer experience, a celebration of this country's early history.  Most likely, we're talking about a state or federal program (on state/federal land) that would train and equip those involved, provide the airships/supplies, and oversee the science-based efforts undertaken, perhaps with Native American tribal advice--and participation.

When I first came up with this idea many years ago (before the internet), I sent it, as part of a newsletter I published at the time, to a friend at an environmental organization.  The reaction was that wilderness needed to be wild, not settled.  I agreed then, and now as well.  I think, though, that some wild-ish areas may need a light touch of some kind in order to return to their original health.  And, if so, it may be that roadless transport has a part to play.

Image: BBC