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5 <br /> 1 Are we thinking that those who have been denied other such freedoms of access <br /> 2 will not be feeling unfairly treated? <br /> 3 If we go ahead with this MTS trail through Cane Creek, shouldn't we expect <br /> 4 others already denied to vigorously renew their efforts? <br /> 5 Shouldn't we expect yet others to insist on who-can-tell what encroachments and <br /> 6 cry foul if they don't get them? <br /> 7 Moreover, the MTS already has an existing trail elsewhere that has been already <br /> 8 satisfactorily traversed from one end to the other. <br /> 9 In any case, is MTS now to be given liberties others were denied? Please, let's <br /> 10 deny them, one and all! <br /> 11 If you are unwilling to do so, can we at a minimum count on: <br /> 12 1. Strict Controlled Access —as with Eno State Park's five controlled access <br /> 13 points <br /> 14 2. Daylight hours only <br /> 15 3. NO camping and no fires whatsoever <br /> 16 4. Regular surveillance and strict enforcement <br /> 17 Are we absolutely committed to these and other constraints? <br /> 18 <br /> 19 Why? Four reasons: <br /> 20 1. We're protecting a primo drinking water source reservoir. <br /> 21 2. It has 19 miles of shore line surrounded by mostly forested roadless land <br /> 22 which has been drought stricken more than once lately, and there are no fire <br /> 23 roads! <br /> 24 3. We're talking about many long range hikers not necessarily adverse to <br /> 25 overnight camping or smoking en route, (and not just cigarettes). <br /> 26 4. With uncontrolled access, just far enough out of sight and sound, we can <br /> 27 expect those with intentions other than a great hike from the mountains to the <br /> 28 sea to find their way to ideal nooks, crannies, and coves — and once there to <br /> 29 have some uncontrolled parties. <br /> 30 <br /> 31 And we're talking about a contiguous habitat for rare and skittish species found <br /> 32 few other places in the Piedmont, if any. The exceptionally rare eagles, bobcats, snowy <br /> 33 egrets, coyotes and such will have to head elsewhere, some no doubt ending up as <br /> 34 roadkill. <br /> 35 And we're talking about what our children will think of our not being mindful that <br /> 36 the Creator surely wanted us to care for every living thing and part of the creation, that is, <br /> 37 for every kind of being to have a place to live and procreate under the sun! <br /> 38 In conclusion, let's say YES to a MTS trail as originally planned — or elsewhere; <br /> 39 but, let's decidedly say NO to an invasion of the reservoir. <br /> 40 In other words, I'm for us not letting this MTS trail through OWASA's Cane Creek <br /> 41 Reservoir. <br /> 42 Speaking in defense of rare and disappearing wildlife and their precious habitat, <br /> 43 the: Jewel of the Piedmont." <br /> 44 John Silva read a prepared statement: <br /> 45 <br /> 46 <br /> 47 <br /> 48 <br /> 49 <br /> 50 <br />