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- Furthermore, hunters and a rowers' club who wanted access 365 days a year <br /> were denied their requests. <br /> So why would we now even consider opening a "door" for all to follow? <br /> Are we thinking that those who have been denied other such freedoms of access <br /> will not be feeling unfairly treated? <br /> If we go ahead with this MTS trail through Cane Creek, shouldn't we expect <br /> others already denied to vigorously renew their efforts? <br /> Shouldn't we expect yet others to insist on who-can-tell what encroachments and <br /> cry foul if they don't get them? <br /> Moreover, the MTS already has an existing trail elsewhere that has been already <br /> satisfactorily traversed from one end to the other. <br /> In any case, is MTS now to be given liberties others were denied? Please, let's <br /> deny them, one and all! <br /> If you are unwilling to do so, can we at a minimum count on: <br /> 1. Strict Controlled Access — as with Eno State Park's five controlled access <br /> points <br /> 2. Daylight hours only <br /> 3. NO camping and no fires whatsoever <br /> 4. Regular surveillance and strict enforcement <br /> Are we absolutely committed to these and other constraints? <br /> Why? Four reasons: <br /> 1. We're protecting a primo drinking water source reservoir. <br /> 2. It has 19 miles of shore line surrounded by mostly forested roadless land <br /> which has been drought stricken more than once lately, and there are no fire <br /> roads! <br /> 3. We're talking about many long range hikers not necessarily adverse to <br /> overnight camping or smoking en route, (and not just cigarettes). <br /> 4. With uncontrolled access, just far enough out of sight and sound, we can <br /> expect those with intentions other than a great hike from the mountains to the <br /> sea to find their way to ideal nooks, crannies, and coves — and once there to <br /> have some uncontrolled parties. <br /> And we're talking about a contiguous habitat for rare and skittish species found <br /> few other places in the Piedmont, if any. The exceptionally rare eagles, bobcats, snowy <br /> egrets, coyotes and such will have to head elsewhere, some no doubt ending up as <br /> roadkill. <br /> And we're talking about what our children will think of our not being mindful that <br /> the Creator surely wanted us to care for every living thing and part of the creation, that <br /> is, for every kind of being to have a place to live and procreate under the sun! <br /> In conclusion, let's say YES to a MTS trail as originally planned — or elsewhere; <br /> but, let's decidedly say NO to an invasion of the reservoir. <br /> In other words, I'm for us not letting this MTS trail through OWASA's Cane Creek <br /> Reservoir. <br /> Speaking in defense of rare and disappearing wildlife and their precious habitat, <br /> the: Jewel of the Piedmont." <br /> John Silva read a prepared statement: <br />