Efforts of the 'Few' Hurt All in Lake District

(Published Monday, June 6, 2005)

Editor, the Gazette:

Recently, the Lake Koshkonong Wetlands Association chairman responded to questions by a Gazette reporter relating to the Rock Koshkonong Lake District's request for the 7.2-inch increase in depth: It wouldn't be fair to charge all district property owners for a battle brought on by a few, Rick Persson said (Page 1B, May 24).

Once the correct "few" is determined, the statement could become accurate. Persson would be well advised to look at the facts. The "few" he refers to are (10) wetland owners who've held other lake users hostage for 14 years.

"Many" (4,000) owners of property comprise the district, and thousands visit our lake each year. The wetlands group holds us hostage due to useless winter drawdowns, lower summer levels, obsession with duck hunting and the group's alignment with environmental groups to front for their own narrow interests due to lack of real informed and studied data.

The lake district "many" have paid for and secured this data using the best of experts.

Many, including Persson, spend winters in Florida, fishing and boating where water is much deeper. If Persson would like to open to the public his private property and that of the wetlands groups he represents, he would have credibility. The "many" pay taxes for the $30,000 grants of public monies recently received to study private wetlands.

We're also asked to pay for $60,000 in public monies to armor the private wetlands from erosion so the "few" can enjoy duck hunting.

JERRY RICHARDSON
Milton