Pages Turn–Sunday, August 2, 2015

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When my brother and I grew up, our parents owned a couple of lakes on Grand Mesa.  One was the reservoir attached to the orchard, upon which we lived.  Another one was a small natural lake above the reservoir, where spring snow melt collected and then was allowed to feed into the reservoir. This one was privately owned by my Mom and Dad.

Over time, my parents moved from Cedaredge, Colorado to Craig, Colorado…the orchard and the attached reservoir went on to other owners, but the small natural lake stayed under my parents ownership.

Pages turn and then become chapters. The chapters open up new and interesting things and ideas and sometimes lead to scary situations. In 2010 a new chapter started for this little lake.

Soon the small beautiful little lake on Grand Mesa, Colorado had a huge enemy made up of men, who had formed a quasi-governmental group, which  bought up water to rent to other people in need of shares of water.   Because they had purchased so much water they then needed to have lakes in which to store the water.

Mom and Dad’s little lake fell into their greedy sight, which caused me many nights of lost sleep, my brother and I lots of dollars, to try and save the little lake for our prosperity forever.

Doyle-Lake

It was a long slog and a HUGE up-hill battle.  Finally the quasi-government of men threatened ’eminent domain’ to take the tiny little natural lake, full of native and (protected) yellow water lilies, surrounded by a gigantic meadow of (protected) peat.

Post (After cutting the dam and other damaging things— like removing the sign–they did leave the post.)

They had their lawyer call me and say the next step would be in court.  I told them to talk to my lawyer not to me.

Serious this whole thing was.

My brother and I decided we could not fight financially (or in court) anymore.  So we deeded the beautiful little natural lake to the Forest Service.

I know it’s gone forever from the family, but it’s safe.

Water-Lillie

No one can tear up the peat bog, or damage the meadow, or rip out the water lilies.

It’s still a lovely little place.

See-SawWe go up often, taking the grandchildren so they can see and understand that this little lake is a special little lake.

Doyle

I go, because I know we fought the good fight and it’s safe for ever more.

Your Friend,

Linda

 

 

47 thoughts on “Pages Turn–Sunday, August 2, 2015”

  11. Well done – you and your brother triumphed over greed
    and you now have a lake to show it – “The Doyle Lake”.
    The “doyle” part has a family connection with me – ha ha!
    The lake area sure is picturesque as shown in the family photo
    shot – Terry, Bladin and ? and ?.
    Cheers
    Colin
    PS; Day 3 of August and all is going well – the perfect 3 days.
    Only 28 to go – ha ha! Could this be an August miracle????

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  12. A fight well fought. So much stress, too. Your decison has kept the lake from being destroyed. It is still part of your family, sharing with the many generatons to come. Sharing with others is special, too. What a wonderful way to spend the day with your family. It must be wonderful picnicing on a hot day. The water lilies are beautiful. Linds, thank you for sharing.

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  13. What a tough decision. I’m glad the lake will be protected for the generations that come. Too bad the bad guys’ names can’t be published ( too risky for you) so we could generate bad publicity for them, maybe sic the ” greenies” on them.

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  16. that is a wonderful example about ‘little people; against ‘big people’ and little people won. It must have been very distressing for you but you have saved part of our planet from danger and greed…well done to you, your brother and your family. Long may you live to enjoy the beauty

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  19. Thank heavens the greedy guts did not win this one. Not quite the best outcome for your family, but definitely the best alternative under the circumstances. Now it belongs to the people and you can show your grandchildren their special heritage. Is the Lake for your family? It’s a beautiful spot!

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  21. What a battle Linda. Good on you for fighting and for finding the creative solution. You eluded the lake grabbers, and the lake is still safe – and so beautiful. I can feel its specialsness all the way from across the world.

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  22. I am sure that was a tough decision to make but so glad it will be safe for future generations! I loved exploring all those little lakes on the Mesa when I was young, so many good memories.

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