Recently we moved to Carrboro. We chose our house, in part, because across the street is a huge forest with no paved trails in it. We've been in there a lot. I've marveled at some vines larger than my thigh climbing up some very large trees. It's an impressive place. It's also a place with impromptu to steam crossings, steep hills (some difficult), and my favorite: rope swings.
Where we moved from (Cary) there is almost nothing like this. All the trails there are nicely paved and manicured. We got claustrophobic there and marveled at our good fortune at finding a place where things are just not like that.
So it was with great shock and sadness that I learned late last year of a plan to pave a trail next to Bolin Creek all the way from one end of the forest to the other. To be sure this would make it easier to get from point A to point B. But when I saw the consultant's report, with only one alternative given, with the black and white before vs. color after photos (complete with Disneyfication), I got angry. Then I got active.
I helped form Save Bolin Creek. We have a blog, a facebook group, Yahoo groups for email, and an online petition. Never having done anything like this I have no idea where this will go, or what will happen. But I'm willing to find out.
Thank you for your efforts to preserve this natural area. I live in another state, but face a similar issue......trying to protect a designated "nature park" from an asphalt paved bike trail. Researching this is how I came upon your website. Thank you for this blog, for the example of your organized effort could be helpful to my own. I know your work has involved untold hours of dedicated research and advocacy. Along with the Barred Owls and the beavers, you can add me to the list of those who appreciate all that you are doing to preserve this natural area.
ReplyDeleteThank you, good luck and keep up the great work!