LETTER: County was wrong in spraying herbicide on park prairie grass

To Ozaukee Press:

Ten years ago I wrote a letter to the editor published in Ozaukee Press addressing the “pay to play” rules going into effect at Ozaukee County’s Tendick Nature Park in the Town of Saukville. Prior to those rules, the disc golf course was maintained by a small group of individuals who understood the game and the need to preserve the natural environment. (The county provided minimal mowing services.) The park was crowded with teens having a good time while enjoying nature.

Fast forward 10 years to “post pay to play.” What has the county done with the proceeds? They sprayed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma-causing herbicide across dozens of acres of beautiful natural prairie grass that is frequented by families with children and pets.

Not only did the natural prairie look good, but it served as a barrier to excessive run-off. Now, we have excessive run-off containing a large concentration of chemicals. Well done, Ozaukee parks department.

You managed to take a beautiful, donated parcel of nature and turn it into a cancerous wasteland that you charge admission to. You should be ashamed.

Stephan Geis
Port Washington