Monday, November 21, 2011

Losing sight?

Here's a fresh quote from the North Cascade Conservation Council's AALP blog:

"Many traditional allies of wilderness and lands protection have lost sight of who/what the real threats to the glorious North Cascades are, and rise in opposition (be it direct, or behind a cloak) to American Alps. It is baffling and disappointing.
"Talk about egos and big dollars run amok …"
– NC3 board member Tom Hammond


It does makes one wonder why other Northwest conservation groups are not backing the park expansion proposal? Aside from the rants and accusations of the proponents...

Friday, November 11, 2011

A view from Marblemount

Here's a little snippet from an article printed last month in the Skagit Valley Herald:

The threat of restrictions has raised concerns among some, including Marblemount business owner Don Clark. His family has owned Skagit River Resort since before the park was formed.
He watched firsthand the original proposal for the park, which promised economic prosperity, but instead shut out industries like logging and depressed nearby towns. Ideas like a tram, expansive trails and visitor centers didn't happen, he said.
"With every five-year plan revision they've removed more of what was promised," Clark said.
He doesn't believe the expansion would do anything but restrict use and hurt the area, which is already struggling to stay viable.
With a federal budget crunch, the last thing politicians will spend money on is developing a national park, he said.
"What is the economic climate in the U.S. right now? he said. "The U.S. government is busted and they're not taking on things like this. What guarantee do these communities have that a single dime would be spent in their communities when this designation occurs?"