To the editor:
Upon first seeing the clear-cut of the ridgeline across the highway from the 135 North overlook, my heart sank while simultaneously going out to all the folks living below.
I wondered what possible affects might have occurred to the two reservoirs below the clear-cut and wished to see for myself and did so on Monday the 25th, with the permission of a homeowner.
To my mind, the reservoirs resembled two large mud puddles. The water appeared murky and silted, with zero visibility beyond the water’s surface. The muddied waters appeared to me, to be a direct result of erosion due to the clearcutting above and not merely disturbance brought on by recent rains.
I know Mark Shields, the director of parks and recreation. We serve together on the Town of Nashville Tree Board. Together, we’ve planted and talked trees. I firmly believe his vision for and the reality of the site are two very different things.
So, what happened!?
It is my opinion, the parks and rec contract, as written, was too spare in laying out the intent and scope of the project. Likewise, boundary markings guiding the loggers where vague. Communication and oversight between the parties seems to have been lacking, yet should have been paramount. Were there pre-contract negotiations and joint, on-site discussions and inspections? If so, and the loggers felt parks and rec were requesting a clear-cut such as they delivered, I feel that would have been the time for them to step in and offer judicious guidance, to educate parks and rec about best practices, and share their experience and expertise in timber harvesting, especially as it relates to logging a steep slope with people, watershed and development below.
Like many others, I was in attendance at the parks and rec board of directors meeting on the afternoon of Monday the 25th. It appeared to me, the entire board was truly disheartened from this whole affair.
The board gave the issue their immediate attention. I feel they were most gracious and attentive, allowing those of us in the audience who wished ample time to state our minds on the matter. Likewise, those addressing the board used polite, measured and reasoned debate while airing their comments and concerns — no easy thing, I would imagine, for those living below and feeling the direct effects of the cut.
During the meeting, I was given to understand the loggers have agreed to do whatever is required to mitigate issues caused from the clear cut. If so, that is good news — though I have to say, I would have felt better were a representative from the logging company present to address concerns, field questions and offer their assurances. It is my hope, a civil, compassionate, honest and open dialogue continues between all parties involved, while moving towards an equitable solution. May missteps lead to better judgment in the future and the hard lessons learned, not forgotten.
During rehabilitation and stabilization of the site, I humbly suggest that parks and rec and the loggers consider, consult and inform along every step of the way, our Brown County neighbors who are the most affected.
I would like to close by saying how much I enjoyed Dan Shaver’s guest column in the 2-27-19 Brown County Democrat. I found his perspective uplifting and it gave me cause to feel hopeful about the rebounding of this particular woodlands.
Sincerely,
Rick Patrick, Brown County
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