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Watershed signs: more government waste?

By Scott Beasley | March 24, 2008 |

TDOT and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation are placing watershed signs along roadways across the state. Perhaps you’ve seen them on the way to Nashville alongside I-24. The purpose of the signs is to increase public awareness about the importance of watersheds and to encourage good stewardship of the state’s rivers, streams, wetlands, lakes, and ground water.

What is a “watershed” some ask? A watershed is the entire land area that drains into a lake, river, or other water body. Watersheds can be small, like the area that drains into a creek, or large areas that drain into a major river. So why the need for public awareness? To educate and raise awareness for their protection, they claim. I suppose its just fine to litter where there are no signs, sarcastically speaking. I see little value in this expenditure.

It has been reported this endeavor is costing us $289,000! I have been told the budget was $400K. State college tuition just went up, but we have an extra 289K to let people know water seeks its lowest point? TDOT has yet to return my inquiries, but I suspect it’s more of the “spend it this year so we get it next year” mentality, which needs to cease.

Would someone in our state government please stop these random acts of lunacy and be more responsible with OUR tax dollars? Most people are already aware water drains into lakes and rivers. It was taught in high school and college that some will not be able to now attend. Perhaps the people would be better “stewards” of the environment if the elected officials would lead by example and be better “stewards” of our money. If we have a need, fulfill it, but quit wasting our money. At least the kids that can’t afford college because of the tuition increase will have some lovely signs to gaze upon to make them feel better.

About Scott Beasley

I was born in Charleston, SC. I moved to Tennessee in 1977 and into Clarksville in 1989. I am currently employed by a shipping company and recently got married. I am conservative in most of my political views and I oppose government waste with a passion. I believe in personal responsibility and accountability. As far as my stance on the issues, I am against abortion, against the death penalty, I believe we did the right thing by invading Iraq(but we've made many mistakes since that decision), I believe we are over-taxed by an inefficient government at all levels, and I'm against gay marriage(though I have no problem with homosexuality, I believe it should be called a civil union and they should have all the rights as married couples.) I abhor racism and believe Martin Luther King to be the greatest asset to civil rights this country has ever seen. I believe a person should be viewed by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. I'm a Christian and believe the biggest problem in society today is abortion. I recently graduated from APSU and will now continue my education towards a degree in Political Science.

Web Site: http://www.myspace.com/beazgod

Email: beazgod@msn.com

Sections: Issues, Opinion
Topics: TDOT, Tennessee Deaprtment of Environment and Conservation, Watershed

3 Responses to “Watershed signs: more government waste?”

1. Christine Anne Piesyk Says:
   March 24th, 2008 at 9:15 pm

   I am all for a halt on government waste, but on the issue of watersheds and signage for such areas, I am less concerned than Mr. Beasley. I like to know that areas such as the ones where I have canoed, fished, had picnics, or simply admired, areas that may be the source of our water supply, are part of a protected and valued area. Such signs are small reminders of big issues. When I look at government waste, my eyes stop first at military spending: I instantly shift my balance sheet to what a trillion of those Iraq war dollar could do for this country and for our own people, our mothers, fathers, children and grandchildren: education from pre-K to college, affordable housing, universal health care … my laundry list is extensive. I remain deeply concerned about the environment, and believe it or not, over my years in news coverage I have learned that too many people have no clue what or where a watershed is, nor do they understand the importance of an aquifer, or what the impact everyday use and abuse of such areas can mean for the long haul. Our earth is fragile, and if a watershed sign proves to be reminder or makes someone ask the question “why is that important?” — it be worth it.

2. Scott Beasley Says:
   March 25th, 2008 at 8:47 pm

   Admittedly, Christine, I had no idea what a “watershed” was until these signs were posted, as did many of my co-workers. That being said, I DID know that water seeks out its lowest point, and anytime one litters, its bound to end up in our streams, lakes or rivers, or contaminating our planet in some fashion. Its basically common sense, which again, admittedly, many Americans lack. The war in Iraq has undoubtedly cost us more than any state project we have undertaken, and though many disagree with the Iraq war, I do see a just cause there. I understand many do not agree with me and the argument can be made that Iraq never was a threat to us, but the argument can also be made that Germany wasn’t viable threat in 1937 either, but had we invaded then, think of how many lives would have been saved. I know the prognostication aspect is a moot point, for we will never truly know, but Iraq had had 12 years, since THEY invaded a soverign nation, to comply with the sanctions from the UN. They didn’t hold up on their end of the deal. Enough about Iraq, no matter what you or I say, we aren’t withdrawing anytime soon! What we can do is speak out against government waste anytime we see it. The concept of spend it this year, so we get it next year, needs to cease in our state government. This is why the funds were allocated for this “common sense” promotion. This really has NOTHING to do with the environment. To think these signs will constitute a decrease in littering or promote awareness of watersheds is an exercise in futility. Why would one need to be informed of this driving down the road? I know how you feel, Christine, the environment needs all the help it can get, and I’m right there with you, but at some point, we’ve got to realize that $10 TRILLION dollars in debt is an inculcation into future slavery to our debtors, and we’ve got to start somewhere. I feel very comfortable addressing the City, County and State levels and demanding responsibility. I know people at all three levels very well, but before I go attacking the Federal government and the “Republican propaganda machine”, along with the Democrats, I feel we have to start small and build our way up. I think if promoting “awareness” of watersheds was the goal, my letter would have played right into their hands, but I feel, from past experience and demonstrated performance, it just more government waste, and “spend it now, so we get it next year” mentality. Our mother earth is very resilient, regardless of what the pathetic humans can muster, it will overcome. It has endure much more drastic changes that we could ever hope to subject it to. I find it ironic, that I, being quite skeptical of man made global warming, seem to be looked upon as a “fool” if I don’t subscribe to the idea that Manhattan will be submerged by 2050. We will adapt or we will perish, the earth will change, regardless of what we do.

3. Intro to TN Watersheds « this gd life. Says:
   May 5th, 2008 at 12:39 pm

   [...] besides the fact that this is a $300,000 project (and yes, we paid for it), this is just about the strangest illustration of water and (maybe) [...]

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