I guess that wasn't my last post.

Duckmastor- I think we'll have to agree that we see this from different sides. I don't see a problem with the woman in the article clearing the trees and habitat from HER land to raise its value. She obviously bought that land as an investment and feared that its value could be lost if she was unable to sell or develop it. If throwing a coat of paint on your house would net you an extra $10k when you go to sell it, you'd do it. While you may look ate HER land and see it as different then some other typed of owned property, many do not. Just like a car you buy it, pay taxes on it, insure it and when you feel like it you sell it. Also like a car there are rules to protect the environment (very limited albeit) and other surrounding people but as long as you follow the rules and laws, it is your property and you can do what you want. Such as chop every single tree down on your land.

AJ52 - If youthink land values will decrease, you are just flat wrong. While your property value could and may take short term dips over the long haul you can bet your last dollar on land values increasing. As it was stated, you can't make more of it which means that its value will only increase over time. That is one of the main reasons people buy land, it WILL increase in value over time. Remember, while you may cry inside when you lose a farm to houses and think no one will want to live there now... it is still more open than the city people are moving from. It is purely relative.

Rem1100 - I don't think it is fair to lump "country people" as a whole as not having enough money to buy land with the "developers". This is not the case across the board. I know many farmers from Iowa to Washington to New Hampshire that make much more money than the average "city/suburbanite". Of course the ratio is the same as with information workers, it is always the 80 / 20 rule. 80% of the money is made by 20% of the people which in my experience is the same for farmers and country folk. My point is it is not for lack of opportunity, as any person who has worked very hard and watched their credit and took a few risks others may not have the stomach to make (such as buyinga neighboring farm) there is currently and hopefully always will be opportunity to buy and own your piece of the "pie".

and finally-
As a veteran myself, as was my father and grandfather I promise you that I will never forget that. My point is that just using your "voice" from the sidelines does not entitle you to be heard. But using your voice to gather other voices and the hands, heart and minds behind their voices to a cause, such as preserving open space, is the only way to influence this particular issue. 1000 people yelling from the top of their lungs off their porch won't secure 1 acre of open space. Get 10 people together who put thier mouths, money and votes together and you could buy a piece of open land and open it up for eveyones use and potentially recruit more mouths and money to your cause. Of course this takes "effort" not just yelling from the porch.... which I believe was my beef with this post.

For the record, open space is VERY important to me. But I do not blind myself with the "wish it was" or the "shoulda" or "woulda", it tales a lot of effort and money to make a difference. I invite any and all to come down off the porch.