Here on the west side of the Missouri River we sit on a bluff that was most probably a sandy river bank long ago when glaciers melted. It trees weren't in the way we would be able to see that large herd of deer that has been wintering on the large flood plain field just below us. They creep stealthily into our yard to eat tender bark off Mary's bushes, a fact revealed by their tracks in the snow. The wild turkey flock can be likened to a patch of weeds since they always keep sprouting up. Pheasants, squirrels, and birds of many colors roam or flit about, too. There's an event that makes us sit up and look, though: the spectacular sunrises viewed through our patio door. To see such a thing of beauty is a great way to start the day!
Enter the evil developers! River side land, up and down the river, has become a prime target for profit minded activity, and who can blame potential home buyers for wanting a piece of the same thing we have here on our hill? It still rankles a bit, though. Land all over the region is being purchased at high prices for recreational or home site purposes; wide vistas of natural beauty become interrupted with man-made structures or are turned into private hunting estates which the common person cannot access.
Back to the river, I see development taking place all the way up to Washburn. Several houses have taken root on the east side of the river where they enjoy a spectacular view of the river at one of its most beautiful locations. Good for me, the capitalist argues. This is an example of the free market at work. Bad for me, the conservationist laments. I can no longer enjoy such a thing of beauty that all of us should be able to use.
