Saturday, December 2, 2017

Opportunity

  "a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something"

        We were talking about a meeting to discuss how they could “help us” with the land purchase.  That does not sit well with me, that they are "helping us".  It is a terribly narrow view to say that we need help.  I want a clear understanding of what is happening out here on Austin Road.  There is a real opportunity here that is significant to many aspects of Earth life.  We are presenting an opportunity to significantly positively impact air quality, water quality, and sound quality (noise pollution) in this small part of planet Earth.  People talk about saving the environment but that is such a huge topic.  How does one save the environment?  One may throw a paper coffee cup into the recycling bin and turn down the house furnace while away.  All of this surely makes a difference and our actions together are cumulative.  But what if one looked at their local environment and was able to immediately and simply ensure the health of a small section of mother earth?  It is similar to Central Park in New York City.  New York is an amazing place and I imagine anyone who lives there or has visited would agree that if Central Park existed instead as a cluster of tall buildings and traffic-clogged streets, the entire City would reflect that horror.  The opportunity on Austin Road imitates the genius of Central Park.  Provide continued sanctuary for a small section of the earth’s natural health to enhance and support the surrounding area.  
We do not have a formal mission statement here in this place where we live.  By examining our way of life maybe one could say that our mission statement would include the phrases “have fun, relax, work just a little each day, take care of yourself so you can offer some love to others”.   There are formal organizations and tax funded government agencies that do have mission statements.  They have made it a priority to clearly articulate and publish their mission statements.  The project with the land out here is just an opportunity for these groups to follow their public declaration of mission.  
For example:
 "The purpose of the Michigan Nature Association is to acquire, protect and maintain natural areas that contain examples of Michigan endangered and threatened flora, fauna, and other components of the natural environment, including habitat for fish, wildlife and plants of the state of Michigan and to carry on a program of natural history study and conservation education."

The 260 acres in question have been protected and maintained since their acquisition by the Wilson family beginning in 1980.  As it comes up for sale in the near future, ensuring its continued preservation is an opportunity for MNA to fulfill its published mission.  

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The mission of Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy (MMLC) is:
  • To protect natural, scenic, recreational, and agricultural lands and their natural diversity in mid-Michigan so rural landscapes are preserved,
  • To encourage and promote the protection of these lands and their natural diversity through education and other assistance.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Lake Erie Region Conservancy is to identify, conserve, and protect the Lake Erie region's unique natural and cultural resources.  We also promote sustainable development through research and outreach.
The Nature Conservancy our mission:  Conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends

You are the ones who publicly declare what your purpose is.  We are a family that brought to your attention the opportunity to pursue that purpose.  Are you helping us or have we helped you? 
I am not saying that any of these organizations are obligated to participate in the project.  I am trying to clarify what is happening out here on Austin Road.  Maybe we are functioning as Real Estate Agents or Stock Brokers or just the local news.  The sale of this land will have unmeasurable impact on the surrounding environment.   There is a set of circumstances here that makes it possible to do something positive.  Opportunity  



Copperbelly Water Snake sunning himself next to our swamp
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerodia_erythrogaster_neglecta
The copperbelly (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) is a species of nonvenomous snake, which is listed as a threatened species.
Copperbellies live in lowland swamps or other warm, quiet waters.
Lowland and some upland woods are almost always part of the swamp habitat. Recent studies have shown that at least 500 acres (200 ha) of more or less continuous swamp-forest habitat is necessary to sustain a viable population over time.
These snakes have declined mainly because of the drainage, pollution, loss and filling over of their lowland swamp habitat and clearing of adjacent upland woods where they spend the winter (hibernation sites).
The copperbelly water snake was added to the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants on February 28, 1997. The population that was listed as threatened occurs in southern Michigan, northeastern Indiana, and northwestern Ohio.



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