A similar thing is happening here in the Arkansas Ozarks. It’s coming from two directions. In the west there are huge numbers of clueless east/west coasters pouring in to the once-small communities and causing many problems with infrastructure and water management, not to mention the cultural loss that occurs when the original inhabitants are replaced 10:1 (unintentional on their part but no less impactful). The second is on the east from Buffalo National River becoming hugely popular and drawing in thousands of tourists which make this once peaceful location now a tourist destination for out-of-staters and college spring-breakers. Simultaneously, the federal government is seeking to expand its ownership of the land surrounding the National River further forcing out the families who’ve managed and cared for this area for generations.
I’m glad that developers seem to be deterred about expanding into dense hill areas, which should protect most of the central Ozarks from a similar fate being suffered by the western edge, but it’s very depressing to see a holdout of traditional culture and unique natural beauty dying before my eyes. It almost seems hopeless to try to keep up the old ways and teach newcomers about this flora and fauna of this beautiful place.
Didn’t mean to get depressing there at the end. I’m glad you and your family have found a new beginning back in the homeland. Enjoy the beautiful Tennessee hills.
Wonderful news Wayne, and what an honourable step you are both taking. I wish you every success.
This was a great line: "Basically, I’m a cog in the wheel of Davidson, Williamson, and Rutherford counties being able to brag about how “green” their cities are some day or providing the statistical data they can use for political fodder as politicians push for or against various environmental policies and building codes. It’s all nonsense, really"
- which is so true. The era of "offsetting" has arrived with all its moral dubiousness.
Ahh, the "offsetting." I don't know how the discourse is on your side of the pond, but carbon offsets and carbon sales are getting to be a big deal here. I keep meaning to write something on the good the bad and the ugly of it all, at least from the perspective of someone who preaches active management/involvement in ecosystems.
I'm very happy for you Wayne! I get down to middle TN from time to time; an old friend from school lives in Nashville. I lived in Franklin in the mid-90's; it's unrecognizable to me now. Next time I'm down I'll give you a heads up; maybe we can get a coffee or something.
The Emerald Ash Borer has hit here, too. They're all dying. Our forest ecosystem is a southern mesic forest, beeches and sugar maples dominate (very shade tolerant species); where more sunlight is available we get a lot of Red Oak and Black Cherry. These pests are an incalculable cost of "free trade." When the maples come under attack, and I'm reasonable certain they will, it might be time to head elsewhere; I hate to even think of that day coming. There's an old book I have on my shelf; Five Acres and Independence: A Practical Guide to the Selection and Management of the Small Farm," if you don't have that already you might want to pick it up, if you can find it. All the best, and God bless, John
Thanks for the feedback John! Definitely feel free to hit me up. Franklin and the surrounding areas have definitely changed a ton. You can't hardly find poor people there anymore, and I don't know that that's a good thing.
Lots of maple and beech where I'm at too, but the relatively poor soils help oak compete. I haven't decided exactly how I'm going to manage the woods yet. I'm sure I'll post about it some time or another.
Never heard of the book, I'll try to get hold of a copy.
A similar thing is happening here in the Arkansas Ozarks. It’s coming from two directions. In the west there are huge numbers of clueless east/west coasters pouring in to the once-small communities and causing many problems with infrastructure and water management, not to mention the cultural loss that occurs when the original inhabitants are replaced 10:1 (unintentional on their part but no less impactful). The second is on the east from Buffalo National River becoming hugely popular and drawing in thousands of tourists which make this once peaceful location now a tourist destination for out-of-staters and college spring-breakers. Simultaneously, the federal government is seeking to expand its ownership of the land surrounding the National River further forcing out the families who’ve managed and cared for this area for generations.
I’m glad that developers seem to be deterred about expanding into dense hill areas, which should protect most of the central Ozarks from a similar fate being suffered by the western edge, but it’s very depressing to see a holdout of traditional culture and unique natural beauty dying before my eyes. It almost seems hopeless to try to keep up the old ways and teach newcomers about this flora and fauna of this beautiful place.
Yeah, I definitely relate to what you're saying. Who knows where it all ends.
Didn’t mean to get depressing there at the end. I’m glad you and your family have found a new beginning back in the homeland. Enjoy the beautiful Tennessee hills.
Man, you don't need to worry about that! Sometimes it seems half of what I do here is depressive contemplation about loss and death. And thanks.
That first quote from Leopold is beautifully expressed and disquieting. May God bless your desire to care for what He's given you.
Wonderful news Wayne, and what an honourable step you are both taking. I wish you every success.
This was a great line: "Basically, I’m a cog in the wheel of Davidson, Williamson, and Rutherford counties being able to brag about how “green” their cities are some day or providing the statistical data they can use for political fodder as politicians push for or against various environmental policies and building codes. It’s all nonsense, really"
- which is so true. The era of "offsetting" has arrived with all its moral dubiousness.
Thanks Hadden!
Ahh, the "offsetting." I don't know how the discourse is on your side of the pond, but carbon offsets and carbon sales are getting to be a big deal here. I keep meaning to write something on the good the bad and the ugly of it all, at least from the perspective of someone who preaches active management/involvement in ecosystems.
I'm very happy for you Wayne! I get down to middle TN from time to time; an old friend from school lives in Nashville. I lived in Franklin in the mid-90's; it's unrecognizable to me now. Next time I'm down I'll give you a heads up; maybe we can get a coffee or something.
The Emerald Ash Borer has hit here, too. They're all dying. Our forest ecosystem is a southern mesic forest, beeches and sugar maples dominate (very shade tolerant species); where more sunlight is available we get a lot of Red Oak and Black Cherry. These pests are an incalculable cost of "free trade." When the maples come under attack, and I'm reasonable certain they will, it might be time to head elsewhere; I hate to even think of that day coming. There's an old book I have on my shelf; Five Acres and Independence: A Practical Guide to the Selection and Management of the Small Farm," if you don't have that already you might want to pick it up, if you can find it. All the best, and God bless, John
Thanks for the feedback John! Definitely feel free to hit me up. Franklin and the surrounding areas have definitely changed a ton. You can't hardly find poor people there anymore, and I don't know that that's a good thing.
Lots of maple and beech where I'm at too, but the relatively poor soils help oak compete. I haven't decided exactly how I'm going to manage the woods yet. I'm sure I'll post about it some time or another.
Never heard of the book, I'll try to get hold of a copy.
Congrats on the house move man, awesome post.
Thanks Cody!