Thursday, August 18, 2016

WI DNR adds to controversial Kohler golf plan comment period

If you object to the destruction of a forested nature preserve, rare sand dunes, important wetlands and native artifacts to build a high-end golf course that will also take publicly-owned acreage from the adjoining Kohler-Andrae State Park along Lake Michigan south of Sheboygan - - 
.

- - then pay attention to this announcement from the agency reviewing the proposal:
Public input opportunity: The public is invited to review and provide comments on the DNR's draft EIS [PDF] through close of business on August 26, 2016 [EXTENDED]...
Comments may be sent by email or by US Mail to: Jay Schiefelbein, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 2984 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54313-6727.

3 comments:

Laurie Longtine said...

Great! I missed the first deadline. I won't miss this one. Thanks for posting, Jim and for keeping us informed about all of the critical issues you do.

James Rowen said...

YOu are welcome.

Anonymous said...

Golf courses are usually environmental disasters. Since there is no chance of stopping business grabs in Walker's Wisconsin, can someone (I grew up there, now live in Virginia) insist/'suggest' that they use the cutting edge 'organic' management of their courses?

It could be a huge (sorry) draw: all the chemicals applied - and that golfers are exposed to - are starting to concern golfers. Maybe Kohler just doesn't realize they could have more marketing mojo (organic grass) AND not foul Wisconsin's waters.

It is going to happen (sigh) but you guys could 'give in' to it (fight, then negotiate and act reluctant, okay?) and score a huge win for Wisconsin by limiting the usual chem dump: Kohler could do all of its golf courses organically, be a leader (well, okay, not really since others already are, but don't mention that) in doing the right thing. Protecting the planet, protecting golfers, blah blah blah. Whatever it takes to get them to stop the chemical dump coming.

The course could run off into Lake Michigan? Maybe? Get other states to help protest the water thing somehow to pressure Kohler into organic. (I know it sounds ludicrous but maybe Illinois et al would rather pollute Michigan themselves and help you. Which sucks but 'enemies of my enemies' and all that.)

This is common in Europe: make Kohler agree to open up the course twice a year (usually Spring and Fall) to Wisconsonites/locals at public-course rates. Couple days. Twice a year. Shame them into it. (They wouldn't continue to build these things if they weren't monstrously profitable. They shipped their plumbing manufacturing to China so maybe they can at least let a guy from Wisconsin play a round or two.)

Oh yeah, and not the dunes. Don't let them run over that. Look up Trump and his plowing the dunes in Scotland for his stoopid golf course. (I'm pretty sure the wetlands is a lost in Wisconsin's current government. Fight for what you can win.)