To the editor:
What’s done is done! Our hearts were broken when on Saturday, Feb. 16, my husband and I drove passed the clear-cut deforestation on the State Road 135 ridgeline. As part-time Brown County residents and full-time Brown County landowners, we have always “viewed” the ascent up from Bean Blossom and drive along this historic ridgeline as something special. There is no other ridgeline in the state of Indiana quite like it! It is truly “one-of-a-kind”! This beautiful tree-lined corridor gracefully leads us (and other contributors of Brown County economic development) into the county’s beating heart and historic sites beyond. To borrow a music analogy, the ridgeline is to Nashville what a beautiful overture is to a grand and classic opera.
While we have seen mostly positive changes in recent years, the unbridled clear-cutting along the ridgeline is both shocking and visually disturbing. Quite frankly, to some observers, it begs the question: Does Brown County understand how to take care of its resources, both natural and human-made? I understand the need for a cell tower. I appreciate the care in minimizing loss of trees to get the job done. But don’t use the merits of a cell tower to dismiss and obscure the scope of damage done with the “scenic view” project.
Why another scenic view, anyway? There’s already one restored on the other side of the highway. A few people requesting another scenic view should not override the collective reasoning and discernment of Brown County officials. I (perhaps naively) assumed appointed Brown County officials and leadership execute and exhaust all checks and balances before and during a project of this scale and taxpayer scrutiny.
And what of embarrassing exposure to tourism? It is now sadly ironic to be stuck with a “scenic view” that is, in reality, a geographic eyesore. For those who care, the destabilization of the ridgeline and surrounding land, water and habitats now force the county to implement damage control. What that will look like, and what that will ultimately cost, remains to be seen.
Brown County leadership’s response is to ask for volunteers to plant new trees. Really? Who will buy the trees? Who will pay for other necessary erosion safeguards? Does the unnamed timber company have any financial accountability in this complicated restoration?
When natural disasters or community tragedies happen, it is amazing to see the free-flowing generosity in the people of Brown County. The fundraisers and/or tax hikes to correct this debacle will not likely be accomplished with the usual cheerful and generous hearts.
Lest we forget, the glaciers from thousands of years ago gifted Brown County with its beautiful, legendary hills and valleys. The trees are nature’s appointed stewards of that magnificent but fragile topography. The trees help maintain the health of vital water sources. The trees sustain our diverse ecosystem. The trees create a habitat for all living things choosing to grow here, including people. The trees are what bring people to visit and sometimes stay. Trees are the economic engine that drives Brown County development. It’s about the trees! It must always be about the trees!
Shame on us if we continue to debase and leave vulnerable our most iconic and precious resource.
Kay Calvert, Brown County
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