Kohler’s inc. owns a 247-acre piece of land that overlooks Lake Michigan located in Wilson, Wisconsin on the outskirts of Sheboygan. The company would like to develop the land into a high efficacy golf course but when area residents and environmentalists found out about it, opposition to the proposal mounted.

According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal during the town’s planning commission meeting over 300 people showed up 70 of whom voiced their opposition while only 4 expressed support, respectfully. The main thrust of the arguments against were environmentally-based. The ones who voiced their opposition based their arguments on the potential of the Black River which is located directly west of the property. Also, opponents further claim that the tree removal that would take place would ruin the forest on the land as well as stating that the shore which is used by migratory birds would be compromised.

Kohler’s made the case that the project would be environmentally sensitive while adding to the town’s tax base, attract tourism and create jobs. I have no doubt the opposition to this renovation of the land in question was hyped up mainly by environmentalists. Their activities related to fracking are a prime example of the kind of hype, half-truths if not outright lies green groups tell about projects like this and oil drilling.

Like Wisconsin State Representative Brett Hulsey who talked up the proposal pointed out that the land in question is going to be upgraded from farmland to golf course. This would be an improvement, he said. I understand the resident’s concerns but I agree with Hulsey that building a golf course on a piece of land that is used for farming is an upgrade. More importantly, the property is owned by Kohler’s inc. Therefore, the town commission should respect the property rights of the company and approve the proposal.

Concerns even about increased traffic can be addressed with the town making abutments or some kind of rearranging parking in the area much less even with the construction of parking lots on the part of Kohler’s, the town of Wilson itself or both parties. Otherwise, concerns about pollution and tree removal are merely distractions if not hurdles erected or put up to prevent improvements to people’s quality of life.