The right decision

People who attend governmental meetings sometimes leave them feeling bad about decisions that were made or announced during that particular gathering.

But I think it would be hard to find many people upset about a decision announced at last week's Caldwell County Commission meeting.

During that meeting, an announcement was made that a large tract of property along a four-mile stretch of Wilson Creek in western Caldwell County would be sold to the Foothills Conservancy from the Lutz Family Partnership at a cost of $7 million.

That's indeed good news, especially for environmentalists looking to preserve that rustic area of the county.

Wilson Creek has been designated a wild and scenic river by the federal government, and it would have been a shame to see the property there used for anything but outdoor enjoyment.

The Lutz Family Partnership had considered selling the property to a residential developer for the proposed 250-lot Preserve at Wilson Creek, but there was quite a bit of public outcry about the potential damage that could be done by developing such a pristine area of Caldwell County.

Now, the property will be turned over to the state for management by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Not only was the decision a good one, it was the right one.

The property along Wilson Creek is an example of nature at its best. It is an area that should be enjoyed by all and not a select few. To clear-cut any portion of that area for development would be taking away from one of Caldwell's County's gems, a piece of its heritage.

Wilson Creek has long afforded outdoor enthusiasts with plenty to do, from its numerous hiking and horseback riding trails to the many picturesque settings for camping. And don't forget about the fabled waters of the river that draw kayakers from miles away, along with plenty of anglers who come to catch one of the stream's many beautiful trout.

To devastate that gorge area by dozing trees, blasting away millions of years of rock and putting condominiums or homes there would be a dagger through the hearts of many who hold that landscape so dear.

Yes, there will be a loss of revenue for the county because there won't be any property taxes to be claimed from homes or condos that could be located there. But that's OK because, contrary to popular belief, it's not always about the money.

Right is right, and wrong is wrong. The sale of this property to the Foothills Conservancy is the right thing to do. Selling it off and allowing it to be developed is not.

Commissioner Ron Beane said Wilson Creek is “sacred ground to the people of Caldwell County,” and he's right. Those of us who grew up in the Collettsville area know how special it is, and others from across the county and even other states who have visited have made that same assessment after experiencing all that the Wilson Creek area has to offer.

It's good to know that the Lutz family felt it important to preserve a treasure that Caldwell County residents have held in such high regard for so long. Now, our children and grandchildren will be able to experience Wilson Creek as they grow up, just as we have, and get to appreciate its history and beauty.

Nathan Key

Managing Editor

nathankey@newstopic.net

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