MMeM, Vol.2 Issue 14
I
n an earlier edition of Midwestern Meditations eMagazine, the email periodical you never asked for but always seem to get, we highlighted the plight of the state of Arkansas (Vol.2 Issue 9).
To recap, my brother moved to southeastern Arkansas to work at a wildlife refuge. This refuge has been brought to the forefront in recent years due to the supposed sighting of a previously long thought to be extinct, Ivory Billed Woodpecker.The possibility of a once thought to be extinct animal actually living in a national refuge could have immeasurable impacts on the area.
As was previously highlighted, this area of the state hasn’t yet felt the “Wal-Mart Boom” economically as other parts of the state. So, the Ivory Billed Woodpecker could mean increased tourism and federal funds with regard to the refuge. This is the kind of shot in the arm that this area has needed for decades. Now, people of the area can reap the benefits of a successful refuge management story.
Well, let’s check in on some of the progress in the area.
Here’s the first sighting about 30 miles from the refuge itself;
Admitedly, not the kind of progress I had anticipated but still, you have to love the entrepreneurship here. We’ve got a nice rendering of the Ivory Billed Woodpecker on a motel sign. Hey, that’s progress!
“Get Your Woodpecker Souvenirs HERE!” the sign reads! Well sure, why not? I’m sure local craftsmen and artisans have been hard at work creating one-of-a-kind collectibles and keepsakes for the bird watching tourists.
Then there’s another sign behind the first one.
Ok, it says, Woodpecker HAIRCUT $25. Wait, what???
So, there is such a thing as a woodpecker haircut AND it costs $25? What are you kidding me?
Oh forget it. I give up.
UPDATE!!! 02/11/2008 And, the hits just keep on coming.