TO THE EDITOR:

I wonder if Isanti County residents understand that the requested change in zoning ordinance will affect us all? Yes, thatís right. If changed, this would allow similar type developments in all portions of the county. How about a moto-cross in Dalbo? Perhaps an OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) park in Wyanett? Your backyard will not be immune.

Consider the legacy that we wish to leave to future generations. ìGrandpa and Grandma, why did your generation allow foolish land use, water toxification activities in the name of entertainment and unchecked urban sprawl to ravage our county?î

Go ahead. Start thinking up a good answer now. Perhaps youíll say, ìWell, we thought that driving around in circles, burning up limited fossil fuels for purely entertainment reasons was a good idea. We figured we would play today and let you kids clean up the damage.î

That sounds fair, right? Hmm. Hey, donít worry that it further increases green house gases and global warming (Yes, itís real. Get over it.) and increases United States dependence on foreign oil and potentially moves U.S. dollars into the hands of countries sympathetic to terrorist causes. Not as long as they can zoom around in a circle.

One last point with developer Jed Copham in which he indicates that ìItís getting harder and harder to make a profit farming ... heís being paid to not till it.î This statement is false, misleading and frankly shows his blatant ignorance of the U.S. Farm Bill.

The CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) as stated by the USDA has, ìBy providing a stable source of income to participants, it has been credited with allowing financially vulnerable farm operators to remain on the farm when they might otherwise have been forced to leave in search of other employment. And, by improving wildlife populations and helping to provide a cleaner and more scenically appealing environment, CRP may have contributed to the quality of life in many rural communities and helped support a growing tourist and recreation industry.î

The population of the Twin Cities area is estimated to increase by at least 1 million by 2020. How do you suggest that we feed them Mr. Copham and Mr. Quick? Perhaps by trying to raise crops on soil contaminated with your ìfor fun and profitî petrochemicals? Answer that one to the grandkids!

Roland Sigurdson
North Branch Township