More River Bank Development

Many people seem to think the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a "wilderness".  Well, I suppose if you live a typical urban/suburban setting, then I suppose it might me.  However, if you observe through the lenses of nature, it is not.  Not by a long shot.  The "Pure Michigan" campaign claims are lies . . . but then it's marketing and what else would you expect? 

I paddled a middle stretch of the Ford River.  Most of the private property, which is at least half the adjacent land, has a cabin or house on the river.  Prime habitat "developed " against wildlife by those who supposedly claim a love of wildife.  Idjits.  This spring there were five new houses and/or major additions.  Most were within 30-50 feet of the river bank.  One had spoils over the bank into the river. 

In a sense, the Upper Peninsula is still 'wild' in that compliance with such mickey-mouse ordinances like set-backs and other environmental protection regulations can be successfully ignored.  County and township officials don't care.  Why should arrogant property owners?

Cutting Trees

There is nothing inherently wrong with cutting trees, as long as the harvest is done with science-based forestry practices in mind.  At least not in North America.  All forests and tree species require forest disturbance for regeneration.  Forestry practices imitate these natural disturbances but happen without the negative consequences to humans and provide essentials for humans.  "Natural" is not necessarily better.  Management provides more "stuff" for people per unit area, and without the negative environmental consequences.  Management also adds value (monetary and otherwise) to forests and helps keep forestlands intact (as opposed to urban splatter).  A properly harvested forest, which includes clearcutting of certain forest types, is not harmful, evil, devastation, ruin, or any other undesirable outcome.  The only possible downside is the change in visual quality, which is basically a selfish "me now" attitude.  Get over it and think of someone else for a change.