21 May 2008
Words from above…
Posted by Ivory under: General .
This site was created to be a communication vehicle. For whatever reason, there seems to have been a big disconnect between the people who made the decisions about the logging, and the rest of us. This much is clear from not only the online survey results, but also from the many impassioned e-mails I received from people (who, sadly, have requested that I not disclose their identities lest there be repercussions).
I’ve contacted both Mark Miller and Tom Labayewski, pointing them to this web site, and encourage them both to participate in the discussions. On 5/19, mark wrote back…
Thank you John, nice site! Some day soon I’ll help provide the answers you seek. First, lets see how many folks are incited and what they have to say.
While we wait for Tom or Mark to join in directly, I thought that I’d post relevant parts of some of their e-mails to me. I’m taking best effort to keep their replies in the proper context, and will be willing to forward along the full e-mail to those that ask (politely).
On 5/19, after viewing the photo section of this site, Tom wrote in the following…
The Chapel was condemned 4 years ago. At a work weekend volunteers went to put a new roof on and almost went thru it. The fact that it took 4 years to take down shows the limited amount of volunteer help we have and that other projects were of a higher priority. A close examination of the buildings sill shows the rot that went completely thru. If I have my stories straight the building was built with lumber salvaged from the barns that were located on the property in 1960’s.
I appreciate the input here - thanks. My photos of the old chapel were not meant to imply that it’s collapse was a direct result of the logging. The area near the waterfront was largely untouched by the logging effort, as can be noticed in the aerial photos of the camp . Even so, I do hope that some of the $80k received from the logging will help go to re-build the structure.
I’ll add more to this post as time and interest allow and dictate respectively. In the mean time, I look forward to Tom or Mark to join in directly to help explain what’s happened here.
5 Comments so far...
Phil Olin Says:
30 May 2008 at 1:51 pm.
This is quite depressing to see. I’d like to see what opinions people have after they see it in person at Beaver Weekend this weekend. I’m better there will be alot of angry scouters. There is a big difference between logging to clear out the camp to open it up and razing it. From the looks of your aerial photos, its leaning very heavily to razed.
jon13440 Says:
1 June 2008 at 3:15 pm.
The long range plan that the council has for all of it’s camps is discussed often amoung the members of the council committee. It has to be, for in this day when membership if falling, cost of maintaining a camp have risen so high and yet, this council choses to maintain 3 camps, discussion is always taking place.
This includes Cedarlands and it’s use for logging.
Yes, even I (who has not been to Cedarlands in 3 years) was surprised at the photos. But then, I am use to seeing it in the summer. After the trees have finished blooming, after the work weekend, after staff week and so I see it in a different “light” then what most seem to be saying based on 2 pictures taken before those things I mentioned.
It is totally unfair to base one’s thoughts or views on the camp because of these 2 pictures. Especially if you are only use to seeing the camp as I am use to seeing it.
To say people are not using good judgement when it comes to logging as CSR, based on these pictures or comments left here, is not good judgement to judge the council, Mark or Tom.
The owner of the site says he is open to all sides, let us see if he allows my post, which clearly is on the side of the council, Mark and Tom AND not on his side or in line with most of the views expressed here.
Ivory Says:
1 June 2008 at 3:31 pm.
Actually, I’m happy to hear all views, much to the surprise of some. I understand, however, that some blistering e-mails have circulated telling some people in no uncertain terms that they are NOT to speak their mind on this or any on-line boards about this topic. Pity.
In fact, if I remember, my recent posting on the MSN group about this topic was summarily refused, since it did not agree with the party line. The moderator made it clear that only things which are “positive” and have the endorsement of the “council vice president for camping and camp properties, the council president or the council executive” will be allowed. It was exactly this cloistered mindset that resulted in my starting these pages… to facilitate open public discussion.
So be it.
None the less, I should point out that there are more than just two photos on the main site for people to consider. I’ve provided more than a dozen from the air, and more still from the ground. These can be reviewed on the following links…
http://www.cedarlandsnews.com/photos_080510.html
http://www.cedarlandsnews.com/photos_080503.html
jstratton Says:
1 June 2008 at 3:51 pm.
I was pretty nervous going to beaver weekend. I didn’t know what to expect. I have been to Cedarlands as a scout and as a Scoutmaster and consider it to be a very special place. My reaction after seeing the camp is that I don’t see what all the fuss is about. Yes, if you look or take pictures down some of the skid trails, it is ugly. The pictures don’t tell the whole story. The camp sites look alot better after the hard work of alot of people who truly care about the camp. Everyone should go to the camp before making a judgement. Logging was needed and will never be a pretty operation. The camp will continue to provide a great experience for scouts. Those who suggest the motive was to close the camp don’t make any sense. A new office/trading post and new range building for a camp that is planning to close? Why would anyone make that kind of investment without long range plans to use the camp? Come to camp and work with the council to make it better. Look for the fall beaver weekend to make a positive contribution to the camp. Join the Friends of Cedarlands. Get involved!
jstratton Says:
1 June 2008 at 3:57 pm.
The reaction of volunteers at beaver weekend was overwhelmingly positive. A great bunch of people worked hard and made a great contribution to the camp. At the Friends of Cedarlands meeting I was in a line of people turning in their completed applications to join. Thanks to all who took time out of their busy schedules to help out this weekend!
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