Wednesday, December 13, 2006

DNR: DeWester deal is off, already--Not trading steak for squab

From: "Doug Rowlett"
To: Pam Dorris, Lutsen
Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2006 10:42:36 -0600

Subject: Re: Trading a Steak for a Squab in the Grand Marais Land Swap

Pam: The land exchange proposal between Mr. DeWester and the DNR has
been officially withdrawn (as of about noon on 12/12/06). No further
actions will be taken to pursue this exchange.

12/13/2006 10:38 AM

Dear Mr. Rowlett,

The proposed swap of prime Gunflint Trail property on the outskirts of Grand Marais for over-cut, obscure backwoods acreage in Hovland would give any sensible person pause. It is, to say the least, one of the worst deals since the Indians swapped Manhattan for a handful of beads, and carries with it the whiff of a bad smell.

It's no secret that Grand Marais and Lutsen are supporting somewhere in the neighborhood of 75 hungry realtors, as well as some land-shark residents of dubious integrity, all of whom have personal profit as the bottom line for despoiling the area in and around Grand Marais. In fact, the pristine nature of the town is under siege with dispiriting regularity.

The land comprising the hillsides above the city presently targeted for this senseless DNR trade is similar to what has happened in Phoenix, AZ, where the city stupidly permitted people with deep pockets to build obscenely grandiose houses all over what used to be interesting and unique rock formations ringing the city. Now the average commuter in Phoenix stares up
through his windshield at hills pocked with ugly ego-based monuments instead of the restful beauty of nature. In the case of Grand Marais, the view above the town, looking back from Artist's Point, will be forever defiled and the overall tax base of the area will be impacted irrevocably, like it has in Phoenix, permanently altering the flavor of the community.

This trade would constitute an eye-brow raising triumph of such poor judgement that, at the very least, the integrity of the DNR would be called into question. Please put a halt to this foolishness right now.

Sincerely,
Pam Dorris
Lutsen

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