Tamarack's letter here shows that there is a win-win situation to be found. Safety and beauty indeed can exist together.
Dear Editor:
There is one concern nearly everyone has who is in favor of the proposed upgrading of Military Road near Three Lakes--safety. These people are not anti-tree by any means; they just don't see how the road can be made safe without cutting down trees. That prompted me to do some research to see if there were any realistic alternatives, and here are some challenges other areas faced:
- California--preserving big trees adjacent to roads in Redwood National Park and Monterey Peninsula.
- New England--preserving traditional stone fences along roads.
- Texas--maintaining wildflower prairies and rock outcrops adjacent to roads.
By using guardrails, posts, reflectors, retaining walls, creative road grading, posting and enforcing speed limits, these states have been able to maintain their heritage and scenic beauty--and show excellent safety records.
Yes, the old-fashioned chainsaw and bulldozer approach works, but what does it give us? Something that looks like it was chainsawed and bulldozed, of course. I believe we are just as capable as California and New England, and I believe our heritage and scenic beauty here in Northwoods Wisconsin are just as valuable as theirs. I bet we can do the same thing as they did if we want to. Let's scratch the old reconstruction plan, do our research, and come up with a plan for a road that is safe AND beautiful.
Tamarack Song,
Three Lakes
4 comments:
In regards to the beauty of military road, one can see the lush greenery of the trees along the road by clicking on the link below and then clicking on aerial view.
Military Road
wow, dan. thanks for that link. all that green sure is something special.
I have driven the Military Road as well as so many roads in Northern Wisconsin in my 26 years in State employment, and a resident of Wisconsin. I see the beauty of the land and waters of our northern country. I also see the encroachment of civilization in areas that are our natural heritage. There is a place for both, but one should not displace the other. It is our watch and we have been entrusted with the land from our parents. We must make wise decisions and the preservation of the Military Road as a historical entity should and must remain as it is with no further "modernizing". It is intended to be historical in it's present design not an altered state as many things in our culture have been made "safe" only to loose more of our and our native peoples culture. Drive slow and live in our land and appreciate it's beauty.
People should read this.
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