Comment on High in the treetops above Glen Lake? by Dr. Kenneth Abate

We recently were made aware of the proposed “Air Walk Project” for Kasson county. Although we have only lived in this area since Nov., 2012, the main reason we moved here and established residence was that it was an area of natural beauty where one could enjoy the best of Michigan’s outdoor living. We are opposed to the Air Walk project because if its adverse impact on the congestion to the area, due to increased vehicle traffic, the additional road wear, and the accompanying trash and pollution, air, night light, and surface. The potential for increased night light pollution is assured as to operate a parking lot, restaurant, and outdoor night activities will require additional lights.
Eco-tourism has not been shown to protect the environment. It leads to environmental damage, loss of wildlife, congestion, and an influx of people who do not care about the impact of their visit nor do they have to live in the area full time and clean up the messes they leave.
Have we considered the effect the sky walk would have on the natural beauty of the area, i.e., a huge structure across the sky line? What about in the winter? What will the owners do with their sky walk and restaurant and other facilities in the winter? How will these influence the natural beauty of the area? If for some reason the business does not profit and the owners decide to close it down, what will then happen? Will we have a eye sore to deal with as they walk away? Will they sell it and if so, then what will be there? Who will pay for the increased road traffic and management of traffic? There are a lot of questions that need to be considered. Most of the scenarios will end with Leelanau county, i.e., primarily the residents of Kasson township, having to clean up someone else’s mess and pay for it.
Let’s protect the Kasson Twp’s beauty and not allow it to be destroyed by presumed well meaning but harmful commercial ventures. The Air Walk project’s main goal will be profit for those who own it. Once here, they will place the natural environment second and profitability first.