Gidel Urges DNR: Keep Twin Lakes Beautiful
The following letter from Barb Gidel, chair of the Twin Lakes Trail, appeared in the November 15 edition of the Fort Dodge Messenger, and the <a href="http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061128/OPINION04/611280360/1035/OPINION">November 28th Des Moines Register</a>.
To the editor:
I am currently serving as the chairman of the Twin Lakes Trail on beautiful North Twin Lakes (20 miles west of Fort Dodge). The purpose of our committee has been to enhance the newly constructed bike/walking trail around the lake with trees, split-rail fencing, benches, plantings, gazebos, solar lighting and attractive oases. For three years this has been an ongoing labor of love for us. We all live on the lake and have delighted in contributing with our time and money to the quality and beauty of this area through this project.
A year ago, we began correspondence, drawn out discussions and multiple telephone conversations with the Department of Natural Resources to place ''three memorial benches'' in the state park, along the path. Finally, at the end of this summer, they agreed that these benches could be placed, but with very strict guidelines as to location to the trail and distance apart. And, we had to purchase, plant, and tend to several new trees in the park as a payoff for their generosity to us. What irony that several months later a company from out of state, with no ties to our area other than corporate gain, slides into our county and is given permission by the DNR to build a hog confinement operation (the third operation within miles of our location) that places one of Iowa's featured lakes in serious jeopardy. What is wrong with this picture? Who out there is protecting Iowa?
Who out there is representing the taxpayers of Iowa? Where is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people in Iowa? Is anyone listening?
Our motto: Keep Twin Lakes beautiful.
Barb Gidel
Twin Lakes Trail, chairman
Upated: Tuesday November 21, 2006
