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White Rock Valley neighbor Ken Coutant is making some waves online with his petition to expand the trail system near Flag Pole Hill.
According to the online bio, Coutant has lived near White Rock Lake for 26 years, and he regularly runs, hikes and bikes at Flag Pole Hill, which is located just north of White Rock Lake.
While using the dirt trails already available, Coutant “came up with the idea to expand the trail system into the trees on the northeast corner of the park,” he explains, and then he quickly adds that “no trees will be felled in the expansion, only invasive undergrowth identified by the city forester will be removed and a 12-inch dirt trail will be created.”
He also clarifies that no trail head will be added. “In fact, the area as viewed from Lanshire will be the same as it appears today,” he says.
Coutant claims he has received an endorsement of the White Rock Valley Neighborhood Association near White Rock Lake and the White Rock Lake Task Force. As of this morning, there were 377 signatures on his online petition.
Ted Barker posted a link to the petition on the Save White Rock Lake Facebook page a few days ago, pointing out that “this area is a habitat area for a wide variety of animals and birds.”
The reception has been less than enthusiastic. Some neighbors accuse Coutant’s agenda of being “selfish.” Others wish to “fight” the petition and demand for a counter petition, although we’ve yet to see one surface online. If you see one, post it in the comment section below.
We’ve left messages with the key players involved and will post updates as we have them.
