Troutbirder II

Troutbirder II
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Wednesday, November 5, 2014

The Goldilocks Planet

 


Does anybody know what the term Goldilocks planet means in scientific terms? It means not too hot and not too cold. And that's just what our planet has been in recent weeks here in southeastern Minnesota's "Bluff Country."  Bluff Country is the unglaciated corner of the State with few lakes, deep valleys filled with trout streams and limestone cliffs everywhere.  It also means the weather can be perfect for extra long hikes with Mrs. T and Miss Lily..... Come on along!
 
 
One last note: this beautiful piece of property was recently purchased by the State of Minnesota and added to our nearby Forestville Park.  More interesting is the fact that Minnesota's Legacy Amendment made the purchase possible. Several years ago the voters of our State voted for an amendment which raised their taxes for a set aside fund whose purpose was to enhance Minnesota's cultural, historical and natural resources. 
 
 It was in  2008, that  Minnesota's voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment (Legacy Amendment) to the Minnesota Constitution to: protect drinking water sources; to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve arts and cultural heritage; to support parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.  Way to go gophers!
 
 
 
 
 
 

24 comments:

  1. it looks beautiful and darn near perfect.

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  2. Glad to see the voters of 2008 had some foresight. So often nowadays, folks just want to get by on the cheap. Understandable, but yet--it's SO important to look to the future as well.

    Beautiful hike. Glad you always take us along!!

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  3. Beautiful country -- wonderful that the citizens of your state voted for the preservation of your natural areas.
    Sure would be horrendous to see a few McMansions in the areas of your post's photos. -- barbara

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  4. It is interesting to see those trees growing right up to the edge of the cliffs. A great addition to you park.

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  5. Bluff Country was always one of my favorite places in MN. Good job, voters!

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  6. You'd think the government could do this as it's elected to do a job. However, it's the right thing to be done.

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  7. Wow. Such a pretty place.

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  8. Preservation is vital. Long may it continue.

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  9. Good job, Minnesota! Thanks for sharing the beautiful natural environment you are lucky to live in.

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  10. How great of your state to pass that amendment... Shows what a great state you are in!!!!!! AND--it's a gorgeous state also!

    Love your hiking trail(s).... There's mostly bare trees around --but loved seeing some color on the top of the escarpment. Gorgeous!

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  11. You have some smart legislators but even smarter voters. Well done Minnesota.
    We have similar bluffs and they are so pretty.

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  12. We had the same wonderful weather here all week long. Then Saturday brought us a freakishly early snowstorm. Loved your photographs.

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  13. That looks like a beautiful place to hike. It's awesome that Minnesota voted for such a law.

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  14. Looks like a great place! That Legacy Amendment made a difference at the local Historical Museum too! It was a good deal for all of Minnesota!! :)

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  15. This is the first time I've heard the term 'Goldilocks planet' :-)

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  16. I think I have a Goldilocks apartment. Life is possible here.

    It's not surprising that such an intelligent amendment would pass in the home of the Farm-Labor Party. And home of intelligent educators like HHH and yourself.

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  17. Beautiful area. Some of the cliffs remind me of Wisconsin Dells'. So you must be along the Mississippi or nearby because it looks like the scenery on the road that follows the Miss. River. Thanks for sharing your long hike!

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  18. Beautiful. I'm glad the Legacy Amendment passed, though at the time I believed it should not be done through a constitutional amendment.

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  19. It's nice to see our tax dollars used for what they were set aside for. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful area.

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  20. What a beautiful place to walk - and that dog is pretty good-looking, too :)

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  21. I feel almost certain that I've seen photos from these very scenes from my Driftless Area fly fisherman brother in law. Such a gorgeous area!
    Coincidental to the info you provided - he works for the MPCA as a water quality specialist.

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  22. I look once again with envy as the 3 of you get to enjoy this beautiful land of ours. I think of the kids that grow up never spending even an hour with their feet on 'wild" soil with no concrete in sight.

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