Imperfect easement system still works
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Here in Wisconsin, I don’t see anything like
the conservation easement abuses that Ray Ring describes as
occurring in Montana (HCN, 5/30/05: Write-off on the Range). I
wonder if Ray has captured anything approaching the typical land
trust or conservation easement experience. Montana has been a true
leader in the private-sector voluntary protection of working lands
and natural habitats.
I sense that Ray was looking for sensation as opposed to balance. The alternative to a less-than-perfect land-protection movement is ranchettes and subdivisions as far as the eye can see.
I could be wrong about this; maybe global warming and a let-burn forest fire policy will protect the landscape from development in Montana. Unfortunately, it is too wet in Wisconsin for that. Around here, I guess we will just have to keep slugging away, protecting what we can from the bulldozer. I am glad Ray summarized the Land Trust Alliance’s program of reform. This will go a long ways toward curbing the limited amount of abuse that does occur.
Doug Booth
Driftless Area Land Conservancy
Dodgeville, Wisconsin
I sense that Ray was looking for sensation as opposed to balance. The alternative to a less-than-perfect land-protection movement is ranchettes and subdivisions as far as the eye can see.
I could be wrong about this; maybe global warming and a let-burn forest fire policy will protect the landscape from development in Montana. Unfortunately, it is too wet in Wisconsin for that. Around here, I guess we will just have to keep slugging away, protecting what we can from the bulldozer. I am glad Ray summarized the Land Trust Alliance’s program of reform. This will go a long ways toward curbing the limited amount of abuse that does occur.
Doug Booth
Driftless Area Land Conservancy
Dodgeville, Wisconsin
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