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A Disturbing Presence: Earth Movers in our Wheat Fields

6/10/2013

7 Comments

 
One of the pleasures of life in Cheney, Washington, is taking a walk through the Eastern Washington University campus to a hilltop overlooking the rolling fields of wheat beyond. I have often thought that the university should create a trail through the fields -- what a superb hike that would allow, leading right  from campus into the open country beyond. So I was hopeful when I saw some earth moving equipment "staged" above the parking lot on the edge of the fields.
Picture
I was cautiously optimistic when I hiked up to the hilltop late this afternoon. Could it be that we were actually building just the kind of trail which I had envisioned?  There were no signs whatsoever at the construction site, indicating what was afoot. I walked down a path cleared by bull dozers through the fields, and here is what I saw. At first glance the trail seemed wider than needed for bicyclists, hikers, or joggers. But I walked on, hoping for the best.
Picture
I soon discovered, however, that the scale of this earth-scraping enterprise is far beyond anything needed for a simple trail, friendly to its natural setting. This work has more the feeling of a shopping mall parking lot or a freeway interchange.
Picture
And so I ask myself, what will we gain and what will we lose in this bold enterprise? And what is the meaning of all these machines in the garden of our lovely fields? Stay tuned....
Picture


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7 Comments
Patricia Chambers
6/12/2013 01:06:47 am

this looks like a very interesting project...I look forward to following your stories...History is being created all the time on the macro and micro levels and everything in-between...Your view will be interesting to read and experience... Best Wishes!

Reply
Bill Youngs
6/13/2013 03:57:00 am

Thanks for your support! I hope to place some interesting material here.

Reply
Used Heavy Equipment For Sale link
3/24/2020 07:05:27 am

Thank you for information

Reply
Retaining walls Port Hills link
8/31/2020 10:05:32 pm

This article gives detail about a walk in Cheney.This article give suggestions on limitations and delimitation of such selection. I enjoyed reading while going through this article and this is the best link for gaining all the information about it. Find an incredible site Smcnz.nz having lots of ideas and tips that can be handy.

Reply
Tex Hooper link
9/27/2021 04:32:50 pm

I like your excavation tips. I need to get a construction crew. That way they can dig a pool.

Reply
Derek D link
6/3/2022 08:43:42 pm

Loved reading this thankks

Reply
Greg Teamons link
7/8/2022 04:49:48 am

Individuals are not aware of building a timber house; a good timber house increases the value of their home or location. So they should be applying what is stated in this blog and try to avoid these errors and mistakes. I like the way these were explained.

Reply



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       Some years ago, while writing a biography of Eleanor Roosevelt I jotted this note in my journal: "I want to tell the stories of American History as though I were among friends, sitting beside a fire." In this web site and blog I aim to tell some of those stories in words, images, films -- and with other media marvels.

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