Visioning

The Upper Delaware River Corridor

Crudely shaped or finely crafted?

By LINDA SLOCUM

Many years ago in the city, I worked primarily with textiles, and created a series of pieces entitled “Velvet Landscapes.” It is amazing to me, when I look at those images now, that they could all be portraits of our Upper Delaware River Valley. The countless variations of form in water, earth and sky are all there in my artwork and they are all around us now in their splendor.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to live in the Upper Delaware River Valley are surrounded by an extraordinary landscape, formed during the Ice Age, that is made even more unique in that it remains, for the most part, intact. As citizens, we are responsible to all of the future generations to do everything within our individual and collective power to preserve this awe-inspiring treasure.

How many places can you find where you can sit quietly and be soothed by the water lapping against the river bank, listen to the eerie staccato of a woodpecker, or hear the individual wing beats of a passing bird? Where else can you take a long walk, in proximity to thousands of uninhabited acres, and feel the power of the high water trembling the earth under your feet, become aware of the huge trees creaking in the wind, or be amazed at the sound of an individual leaf fluttering in a mild breeze? 

My intentions, as a member of the Town of Tusten Planning Board, have always been to carefully examine each project, large or small, and try to evaluate its impact on our community character and scenic values. Depending on the complexity of the project, I read the many zoning, planning, district, town, and environmental laws that may be applicable to determine what questions I need to have answered before any final decision is made.

We are all painfully aware of the enormous development pressure that is focused on our river valley. That pressure means that every citizen needs to be as informed as possible on what the zoning laws actually mean to them and to their community. It is simply not enough to criticize the various boards and board members, or their decisions, if you have not taken the time to familiarize yourself with the specific proposal under discussion.

Everyone within our community can be involved in the process of determining what our valley will look like in the future. Plan to attend the next meeting of your zoning, planning or town board, all of which are open to the public. Express your concerns. Bring your questions. Don’t think that your voice does not matter. If you would be interested in participating in one of your local boards, let your supervisor know that you are willing to serve.

Our Upper Delaware River region is a rare and priceless jewel. We all have to decide, right now, if its future will be crudely shaped by a rusty old sledge hammer or crafted with care using the very best tools available.

A selection of my photographs of our river valley are online to accompany this visioning statement. To view them, go to www.worksbyhand.com/visions.html.