Friday, December 4, 2009
I Debate Minnesota Sierran on PBS.
If you want to see me debate Clyde Hanson, Conservation Committee Chair of The North Star Chapter of the Sierra Club about timber issues, click here.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Press release issued in 2007. After 60 buildings burn.
This was released after the fire along the Gunflint trail torched 60 buildings, many old historic and sentimental log cabins and homes.
May 9, 2007
PRESS RELEASE: Sierra Club Agenda proves costly again.
Statement by: Forrest C. Wilkinson. FCWilkinson@hotmail.com
Editor of “The Warren Report”; official newspaper of...
The River Warren Research Committee, RWRC.
Go www.riverwarren.org for more info.
Statement: Here in Minnesota we have great pride in the outdoors. There are basically two ways to discuss items concerning the territory that is Minnesota.
A) Assume a heavily regulated people – prevent potential harms and hazards to people through State agencies.
B) Assume a lightly regulated people – deal with harms and hazards to people as they arise through courts and juries.
In "A" we tend to trust the data from the agencies of the State and severely question the facts and motives of anyone suggesting less regulation.
This is what I refer to as “The Sierra Club Way”.
In "B" we tend to trust the data from a free-people and severely question the facts and motives of anyone suggesting more regulation.
This is what I refer to as “The American Way”.
We as a people through our elected representatives here in Saint Paul have chosen "A" …”The Sierra Club Way”.
We did this through long debate and with our eyes wide open over decades. So we must accept the natural results of our political decisions.
As we continue to follow the Sierra Club Agenda for Minnesota we must stoically admit and accept that there will be costs to be paid by individual people. By our fellow Minnesotans.
When we accept that dams are; as Sierra Club Hero David Foreman puts it, “At the center of environmental hell”, we must accept all the facts resulting from these positions. We must expect that places on unique rivers like the Red and the Minnesota will experience wild fluctuation of water level. If we refuse to use dams for “Flood Flattening”; towns like Ada, and Breckenridge and Granite Falls will have regular floods, with the resulting destruction to people and their property.
When we say that we must stop some odd concept like “sprawl” we should expect less roadwork and bridge building. Stillwater has been waiting for a new bridge for over fifty years. We will; and have seen, not only loss of productivity, but also human life, to the Sierra Club Agenda directing our transportation infrastructure.
And when we say all logging should stop in all National Forests, it is only rational to expect the conditions the people of Cook County are experiencing right now. With the resulting property loss and atmospheric contaminants. Why is a burned stump better than a logged one?
The Sierra Club Agenda is not necessarily worse for the “environment”, but it is most certainly very hard on People.
Forrest C Wilkinson. FCWilkinson@hotmail.com
May 9, 2007
PRESS RELEASE: Sierra Club Agenda proves costly again.
Statement by: Forrest C. Wilkinson. FCWilkinson@hotmail.com
Editor of “The Warren Report”; official newspaper of...
The River Warren Research Committee, RWRC.
Go www.riverwarren.org for more info.
Statement: Here in Minnesota we have great pride in the outdoors. There are basically two ways to discuss items concerning the territory that is Minnesota.
A) Assume a heavily regulated people – prevent potential harms and hazards to people through State agencies.
B) Assume a lightly regulated people – deal with harms and hazards to people as they arise through courts and juries.
In "A" we tend to trust the data from the agencies of the State and severely question the facts and motives of anyone suggesting less regulation.
This is what I refer to as “The Sierra Club Way”.
In "B" we tend to trust the data from a free-people and severely question the facts and motives of anyone suggesting more regulation.
This is what I refer to as “The American Way”.
We as a people through our elected representatives here in Saint Paul have chosen "A" …”The Sierra Club Way”.
We did this through long debate and with our eyes wide open over decades. So we must accept the natural results of our political decisions.
As we continue to follow the Sierra Club Agenda for Minnesota we must stoically admit and accept that there will be costs to be paid by individual people. By our fellow Minnesotans.
When we accept that dams are; as Sierra Club Hero David Foreman puts it, “At the center of environmental hell”, we must accept all the facts resulting from these positions. We must expect that places on unique rivers like the Red and the Minnesota will experience wild fluctuation of water level. If we refuse to use dams for “Flood Flattening”; towns like Ada, and Breckenridge and Granite Falls will have regular floods, with the resulting destruction to people and their property.
When we say that we must stop some odd concept like “sprawl” we should expect less roadwork and bridge building. Stillwater has been waiting for a new bridge for over fifty years. We will; and have seen, not only loss of productivity, but also human life, to the Sierra Club Agenda directing our transportation infrastructure.
And when we say all logging should stop in all National Forests, it is only rational to expect the conditions the people of Cook County are experiencing right now. With the resulting property loss and atmospheric contaminants. Why is a burned stump better than a logged one?
The Sierra Club Agenda is not necessarily worse for the “environment”, but it is most certainly very hard on People.
Forrest C Wilkinson. FCWilkinson@hotmail.com
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Cruising to the End of November
Yesterday; Saturday, November 21, 2009 Steve, Gary and I took the 28 foot pontoon boat out for one last cruise on Eagle Lake near Big Lake.
It was nice and sunny, although a little windy by the end of the day. Gary and Steve both got skunked and didn't catch a thing.
I, on the other hand (who does not fish), brought my portable propane oven and was cooking nonstop.
Cinnamon rolls, pizza poppers, a whole rice and enchilada family meal, a blueberry pie and chocolate chip cookies.
All hot and tasty while we puttered about, the only boat on the lake.
We never made it to the bratwurst.
It was great. Check out the pictures at my facebook account here.
On another note, I have begun correspondence with the organizers of Stillwater's "Lumberjack Days" to see if I can set up and operate our lumbermill at next years celebration.
I hope we can. Stillwater is the birthplace of Minnesota and was born by a sawmill.
However these days the folks of the area seem to like the "theater" of the lumberjack but not so much the actual enterprise of logging and timber cutting.
I would not be surprised if I were to be informed that cutting logs into boards on a lumbermill does not "fit" with their "vision" for the future of lumberjack days in Stillwater.
Still I think it is worth doing and they may be all for it, who knows?
It was nice and sunny, although a little windy by the end of the day. Gary and Steve both got skunked and didn't catch a thing.
I, on the other hand (who does not fish), brought my portable propane oven and was cooking nonstop.
Cinnamon rolls, pizza poppers, a whole rice and enchilada family meal, a blueberry pie and chocolate chip cookies.
All hot and tasty while we puttered about, the only boat on the lake.
We never made it to the bratwurst.
It was great. Check out the pictures at my facebook account here.
On another note, I have begun correspondence with the organizers of Stillwater's "Lumberjack Days" to see if I can set up and operate our lumbermill at next years celebration.
I hope we can. Stillwater is the birthplace of Minnesota and was born by a sawmill.
However these days the folks of the area seem to like the "theater" of the lumberjack but not so much the actual enterprise of logging and timber cutting.
I would not be surprised if I were to be informed that cutting logs into boards on a lumbermill does not "fit" with their "vision" for the future of lumberjack days in Stillwater.
Still I think it is worth doing and they may be all for it, who knows?
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Mid November
It has been raining overnight, not heavy, light and off and on. It is Saturday morning November 14, 2009 in Forest Lake Minnesota.
I have been working in Joe Haines Tree and Horse world in Stillwater. I have brought the band saw from Wisconsin to his property there.
This makes me very happy. Buck my brother lives there just across the Mississippi a piece. He is doing things too, I checked out the dry kiln he has put together to the specifications drawn by John Wilkinson, Our dad.
Dads Dry Kiln my be revolutionary to those interested in drying wood.
Buck (Blake), has got a neat set up there in Gainsville Wisconsin. Joe, my boss let me use the one ton to haul the lumbermill to Stillwater.
Today it is 7am and I thought I'd note this before helping Steve haul metal chips to the recyclers. Yesterday we wrestled down and chunk-hauled a black walnut tree.
I have been working in Joe Haines Tree and Horse world in Stillwater. I have brought the band saw from Wisconsin to his property there.
This makes me very happy. Buck my brother lives there just across the Mississippi a piece. He is doing things too, I checked out the dry kiln he has put together to the specifications drawn by John Wilkinson, Our dad.
Dads Dry Kiln my be revolutionary to those interested in drying wood.
Buck (Blake), has got a neat set up there in Gainsville Wisconsin. Joe, my boss let me use the one ton to haul the lumbermill to Stillwater.
Today it is 7am and I thought I'd note this before helping Steve haul metal chips to the recyclers. Yesterday we wrestled down and chunk-hauled a black walnut tree.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
That's Not The Wells Fargo Wagon You See on the Horizon.
Well, we are into November and the political baggage trains are beginning to sort out into common flagged assemblies. And they have begun their dusty and clattering treks about the State.
On the crazy meandering paths that leave no home or hamlet un-touched, these overloaded wagon trains of campaigns; like gypsies of old, rattle into sight, coming in over the horizon cloaked in a haze of dust, movement, noise and flies.
By the end of the month, these nomads will have, more or less, concentrated into two long lumbering wagon trains, each full of pack animals, rough handlers, noisy hangers-on and lots of "bummers" walking with the noisy rabble.
They'll eventually reach the Capitol in Saint Paul, however each individual colorful and noisy wagon may be in a different train by the time it gets there. And many a sad and worn out wagon doesn't complete the arduous and inefficient slog. The countryside is littered with old rotting corps' of once noisy and colorful sturdy platform-wagons.
Until they return to the dust from which they came, the gaudily painted wood and fabric decays alongside the main roads, and back roads. These derelicts always bring forth the same stories when passed by the trains. It reminds the observer of a line of elephants passing the grave of a now gone but once strong companion, each trumpeting the same sad note as they pass.
The Minnesota Legislative Session is to Convene 12 noon, Thursday, February 4, 2010.
Minnesota used to meet every other year, and I think it still could and should, however that isn't the way we do it now.
Minnesota budgets on a bi-annual basis. This years session is to deal with the "bonding Bill". Coupled with it also being an election year, there is a great deal of incentive for them to get to "business" and leave fast.
They have campaigns to tend to....
...and...
The wild card on everyone's mind is that the Governor of Minnesota has said he will not be seeking re-election. The throne is open for occupancy in November 2010, one year from now.
However, the clamoring mobs constantly hovering around the circus always want more. And they often condense into one. Like a school of herring they can mesmerize with their flashing colorful mosaic show. Unlike herring they can shout, and they do, in large placard waiving throngs.
Do they, the elected, safely evacuate the coral confines of the Capitol buildings to hunt for their supper, or will they be mesmerized and baffled into the endless twists and turns to be found in the labyrinth of Saint Paul?
On the crazy meandering paths that leave no home or hamlet un-touched, these overloaded wagon trains of campaigns; like gypsies of old, rattle into sight, coming in over the horizon cloaked in a haze of dust, movement, noise and flies.
By the end of the month, these nomads will have, more or less, concentrated into two long lumbering wagon trains, each full of pack animals, rough handlers, noisy hangers-on and lots of "bummers" walking with the noisy rabble.
They'll eventually reach the Capitol in Saint Paul, however each individual colorful and noisy wagon may be in a different train by the time it gets there. And many a sad and worn out wagon doesn't complete the arduous and inefficient slog. The countryside is littered with old rotting corps' of once noisy and colorful sturdy platform-wagons.
Until they return to the dust from which they came, the gaudily painted wood and fabric decays alongside the main roads, and back roads. These derelicts always bring forth the same stories when passed by the trains. It reminds the observer of a line of elephants passing the grave of a now gone but once strong companion, each trumpeting the same sad note as they pass.
The Minnesota Legislative Session is to Convene 12 noon, Thursday, February 4, 2010.
Minnesota used to meet every other year, and I think it still could and should, however that isn't the way we do it now.
Minnesota budgets on a bi-annual basis. This years session is to deal with the "bonding Bill". Coupled with it also being an election year, there is a great deal of incentive for them to get to "business" and leave fast.
They have campaigns to tend to....
...and...
The wild card on everyone's mind is that the Governor of Minnesota has said he will not be seeking re-election. The throne is open for occupancy in November 2010, one year from now.
However, the clamoring mobs constantly hovering around the circus always want more. And they often condense into one. Like a school of herring they can mesmerize with their flashing colorful mosaic show. Unlike herring they can shout, and they do, in large placard waiving throngs.
Do they, the elected, safely evacuate the coral confines of the Capitol buildings to hunt for their supper, or will they be mesmerized and baffled into the endless twists and turns to be found in the labyrinth of Saint Paul?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A Chilly October.
The first Saturday of October I had a good evening at the Minnesota Harvest Horse Show. I borrowed Steve's cool camera and went to the State Fair Ground and the Hippodrome to photograph the lead line class just before the nine thousand dollar Grand Prix.
Also, I took pictures of the "Jumping with the Stars" that took place just before the Prix. You can see pictures here
It was fun to watch the jump-crew, half of whom I know, at work from the stands for a change.
Since then the weather here in Minnesota took a turn for the winter. We have had three snowfalls of an inch or more, and we haven't got to Halloween yet.
The first fell soft and white straight down while I was at "HH" (double H) stables in Stillwater. It was nice and began to feel like Thanksgiving.
It was week two of October.
Since then it has been cold and we have had two other snows, slow to melt and lingering for over a day. I am ready for the winter, maybe one more pair of gloves...
Since then it has warmed back to the fifties and even sixties.
It has been a good week, I got into the woods with Steve and Gary. They have a permit to cut trees for fire wood in a State Managed wooded park. I helped out and we made a good two hauls with Steves truck; a load to Gary and his family home and one to Steve and Melodies house.
We brought the grill and cooked steaks and had lots of snacks. I like logging camp WAY better than hunting camp. The woods were sunlite and stunning with yellow and gold maples while the oaks held green big leaves. It was right out of the picture books. Steve brought the camera and I intend to upload pictures on facebook.
Today is Sunday the 18th of October and the sun is up and I have some personal chores to tend to.
It also has been a week of decision and redirection.
One of these seem to lead to the concept of moving the Band-sawmill rig to Stillwater. (If we do, it would be the only sawmill in Stillwater Minnesota. I like that Idea.)
Much is happening out in the field on the political fronts, here in Minnesota as well as at a National level.
Today the weather is beautiful and the trees are bright and happy, I'll put some of that stuff in the next post. Right now I have to get a gas bottle and test out my.... new portable oven/stove!
Check it out here I got it on e-bay and it is so cool.
Also, I took pictures of the "Jumping with the Stars" that took place just before the Prix. You can see pictures here
It was fun to watch the jump-crew, half of whom I know, at work from the stands for a change.
Since then the weather here in Minnesota took a turn for the winter. We have had three snowfalls of an inch or more, and we haven't got to Halloween yet.
The first fell soft and white straight down while I was at "HH" (double H) stables in Stillwater. It was nice and began to feel like Thanksgiving.
It was week two of October.
Since then it has been cold and we have had two other snows, slow to melt and lingering for over a day. I am ready for the winter, maybe one more pair of gloves...
Since then it has warmed back to the fifties and even sixties.
It has been a good week, I got into the woods with Steve and Gary. They have a permit to cut trees for fire wood in a State Managed wooded park. I helped out and we made a good two hauls with Steves truck; a load to Gary and his family home and one to Steve and Melodies house.
We brought the grill and cooked steaks and had lots of snacks. I like logging camp WAY better than hunting camp. The woods were sunlite and stunning with yellow and gold maples while the oaks held green big leaves. It was right out of the picture books. Steve brought the camera and I intend to upload pictures on facebook.
Today is Sunday the 18th of October and the sun is up and I have some personal chores to tend to.
It also has been a week of decision and redirection.
One of these seem to lead to the concept of moving the Band-sawmill rig to Stillwater. (If we do, it would be the only sawmill in Stillwater Minnesota. I like that Idea.)
Much is happening out in the field on the political fronts, here in Minnesota as well as at a National level.
Today the weather is beautiful and the trees are bright and happy, I'll put some of that stuff in the next post. Right now I have to get a gas bottle and test out my.... new portable oven/stove!
Check it out here I got it on e-bay and it is so cool.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Minnesota Harvest Horse Show.
This morning there was a inch of snow on the ground. You could just see the tips of the grass poking through giving the snow a neat green tinge.
October 10, 2009 started more than a little chilly.
The sun is now out and its almost noon. I intend to go to the State Fair Grounds for the Minnesota Harvest Horse Show, we have an entrant in the Lead Line Class.
I am not working this show, I have in the past. My friends Roberto and Jamey are working. It will be packed, the Hippodrome with about five thousand people.
The Grand Prix has a good size prize and will draw some talent. They'll get to six feet on the jumps in class six.
It will be good.
October 10, 2009 started more than a little chilly.
The sun is now out and its almost noon. I intend to go to the State Fair Grounds for the Minnesota Harvest Horse Show, we have an entrant in the Lead Line Class.
I am not working this show, I have in the past. My friends Roberto and Jamey are working. It will be packed, the Hippodrome with about five thousand people.
The Grand Prix has a good size prize and will draw some talent. They'll get to six feet on the jumps in class six.
It will be good.
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