Shors urges DNR to conduct study, protect green space

September 14, 2005

Attn: Cheryl Laatsch, Water Management Specialist
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
625 E. County Road Y.
Suite 700
Oshkosh, WI 54901

Re: Docket Number: IP-NE-2005-71-0562UF (Otter Street Fishing Club Permit to
Construct Pier in Miller's Bay)

Dear Ms. Laatsch:

The placement of the Otter Street Fishing Pier is a controversial issue. I
urge you to reject the Otter Street Fishing Clubs proposed location for the
children's fishing pier.

I addressed my concerns at the most recent Common Council Meeting. I have
attached my slide show presentation with this letter.

The Department of Natural Resources is dedicated to the preservation,
protection, effective management, and maintenance of Wisconsin's natural
resources. I urge the DNR to conduct a wild life study on Miller's Bay,
including the entire Menominee Park before this pier is placed.

The proposed location of this pier will eliminate the last open green space
in the Park. Green space serves many functions such as:

• Green spaces provide habitat for a variety of birds, fish, animals,
  insects, and other organisms, while also providing corridors and greenways
  to link habitats.
• They prevent soil erosion and absorb rainwater, thereby improving
  drainage.
• Green spaces and their inhabitants are a good indicator of overall
  ecological health of the ecosystem. This is an important measure in judging
  the ecological sustainability of the community.
• Green spaces provide a place to play, meditate, gather, or rest.
• Green spaces give a sense of social place, allow one to gain social
  recognition, enhance feelings of family kinship and solidarity, allow one to
  teach and lead others, provide opportunity to reflect on personal and social
  values, promote spiritual growth, and in general allow users to feel free,
  independent, and more in control than is possible in a more structured home
  and work environment.
• Green spaces introduce the natural into the urban environment.
• Green spaces foster a connection between community residents and the
  natural environment that surrounds them, thus allowing for a more livable
  city. This is essential in order for a community to be sustainable.
  

By the year 2025 it is expected that 80% of the United States population
will live in urban areas. This causes concerns not only for the quality of
life for humans, but for all biological systems and the natural environment.

Green space is vanishing in the U.S. Politicians, planners or public
officials or anybody else needs to get out in front on these issues.

Please recognize that ordinary citizens of Oshkosh acknowledge this need.
The DNR's leadership should be at the forefront of preserving this space.
Given the above reasons, I urge the DNR to make the right decision to
explore and approve an alternative location of this pier.

Sincerely,

Teri Shors
terishors@sbcglobal.net