Big River - March 1997

Page 1

March 1997

The monthly newsletter for people who live, work and play on the Upper Mississippi River

Vol. 5, No. 3 $2.75

Developing the River Blufftops

Sizing Up Opinions

by David Syring

By Reggie McLeod

S

tanding at the picture window in your new home, you look out at the river unfolding below. Silver ribbons of water alternate with green islands. Across the valley you see the sun rising above beautiful limestone bluffs. The Mississippi Queen steams its way upstream, and you occasionally see an eagle hovering over the water at a height lower than your blufftop home. Now, picture a different view. Looking out the window of your riverside home, past the dock where your canoe lies moored in the water, beyond the river, the green islands and the far shore, you see eroding bluffs and what you consider to be an ugly house built in a cleft cut into the rock by heavy machinery. Depending on where you live on the river, one of these two views might be yours. The Upper Mississippi blufflands is the fourth fastest growing region in the nation, according to a recent study by University of Wisconsin professor,

Phil Lewis. Growth brings opportunities for businesses and increased property tax bases, but also a number

Tbe Upper Mississippi bluff/ands is the fourth fastest growing region in the nation, according to a recent study by University of Wisconsin professor, Phil Lewis.

E

nvironmental protection is usually more important than economic development. We need to take care of the river so that future generations can enjoy it. We need to reduce industrial pollution in the river. Environmental regulations have not gone far enough. While these conclusions may sound like part of the mission statement for an environmental group, they are actually the strongest messages to emerge from a recent telephone survey of 2,500 ran-

"

(Suroey continued on page 4)

of potential problems, including soil erosion around blufftop development, gradual degradation of the scenic character of the bluffs, destruction of blufftop prairie habitat, loss of agricultural land and increased infrastructure costs to local governments.

Grants & Campaigns "This region is rapidly changing," (River Bluffs continued on page 2)

What's Inside.

• •

Current Events Paddlefish Slaughter, Zebra Wars, Bass Camp ................... 5 River Calendar & Almanac Maple Syruping, DNR Hearings, Book Signing, River Quiz ...... 8


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