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Re: What will the Grand Traverse region look like in 2159?

adiantum — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 10:14:54 -0000

This is Richard Fidler, here. Thanks for the opportunity to contribute to your discussion.

In 2159 the environment will be degraded, I predict. Lakes Huron and Michigan will be down perhaps three feet from the level they are today due to increased evaporation derived from global warming. The hardwoods forest will be under great stress with beech, hemlock, white ash, and sugar maple under attack from insect invasions already on the horizon. Tourism will be strong--people will travel to get away from the heat of Chicago and Detroit--and the population will grow somewhat, giving the area traffic problems it is not used to.

People here care about the environment and there will be quiet, unspoiled places they can go visit in order to escape the business of urban life. Northern Michigan will still be seen as a haven, a vortex turning in a backwater,isolated from the main flow, and it will reflect old values--both the good ones and the bad--narrowness of vision along with a sense of pride in community. Traverse City will be known across the nation as a community that honored and preserved its past--and that will make our community attractive to all who seek stability and a good place to raise a family.

Re: What will the Grand Traverse region look like in 2159?

LoraineAnderson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:02:49 -0000

Gayle,
Thanks for your post and forecast. It's a great vision for the generations of 2159. What we see is often what we get. Do you believe that?.

Here's a link to one of my favorite pictures of the 150th series:
http://photos.record-eagle....

It was taken in 1896 and shows the railroad track along the West Bay where Clinch Park and the Open Space are now.
Some people back then sure had some enduring visions.

I call the picture "Hope" because it shows how far a community can come when it envisions a beautiful place.

Re: What will the Grand Traverse region look like in 2159?

gayle skubick — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:15:20 -0000

I think the Grand Traverse region will be just as beautiful as ever! The waters of Lake Michigan will sparkle in the sunlight and shimmer in the moonlight. The fragrance of the pines will fill the air, as will the fruit blossoms in the spring. The heat of summer will contrast to the crispness of fall and the deep cold of winter which will continue to blanket the region with snow that falls in the wonder of winter. Best of all, the people will continue to live peacefully in one of God's best gifts to us all!!!