This weekend we received an email that was like a slap in the face - please read the following Letter to the Editor that was send to Ashland Daily Press today as well as the DNR Secretary and Dept of Tourism Secretary... ~~~~ Proposed Reicks View CAFO a “dealbreaker” The recent Letter to the Editor written by Mary Dougherty on the proposed Reicks View CAFO in Bayfield County did an outstanding job of expressing many of our concerns and fears. It is critically important that everyone take the time to think through the many issues: environmental, social and cultural. While those issues are incredibly important we also need to VALUE our local economy. Mary Dougherty did touch on the potential impact on Tourism. As local business owners it is evident to us we need to examine this issue more closely. As owners of Pinehurst Inn south of Bayfield, we work hard to ensure that our business thrives within a context of “community.” But after over 19 years in business this is truly the first time that we have felt threatened about the future of the tourism industry in Bayfield County. This past weekend we received an email from a potential guest inquiring about availability and the status of the proposed CAFO in Bayfield County. “We received a gift certificate from Wisconsin B&B and were thinking of using it for a trip to Bayfield for the garden tour in June at one of the WB&B inns. We are wondering about the status of the proposed CAFO that will be coming in to your area. That is a dealbreaker for us if things are moving along by then. Any information will be appreciated. Thanks.” (bold added by author) To inquire about availability is clearly normal, but for our region to be taken out of consideration due to this proposed CAFO is hugely frightening. The importance of tourism to Bayfield County cannot be overstated: • Sales and Room Tax revenues from area visitors generated $5.36 Million in 2013. • Visitor dollars spent in Bayfield County was $40.75 Million in 2013. • While Bayfield County is the 64th largest county in Wisconsin by population, it is 46th in the state for visitor spending. ~Wisconsin Department of Tourism Visitors come to this area for the very reasons we choose to live here: the LAND, the FOREST, and the WATER. Visitors are amazed at our local food systems, our attention to the environment, and our regional collective vibrancy. To allow any business to threaten those very assets that are the backbone of our economy is simply insane. We as citizens have choices. We can sit silently and watch with concern, or we can participate in the discussion. If you have concerns of any kind, please take the time to contact the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, the Wisconsin DNR and the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. We also encourage all to attend an important “After the Siting” panel discussion on February 28th at the Great Lakes Visitor Center starting at 1pm. Nancy & Steve Sandstrom Owners, Pinehurst Inn Bayfield, Wisconsin
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 23:15:58 +0000
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