Johnny Coho,

You're wrong about one thing. There was a ten year very public process that led to designating the Sauk River under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. I understand that people may be upset, but complaining (can't use *****ing on this BB) about a public process while they sat on their @ss while the process ran its course doesn't elicit my sympathy.

Also, designated or not, the Sauk is a bonafide wild and dynamic river. It floods severely. Always has and alway will unless a flood control dam is built. Of course such a dam would permanently destroy the very property along the river that residents want to protect. Actually, I think the best thing we could do for Sauk valley residents is give them a copy of the book, "The Control of Nature." Punch line is that, except in small cases, it can't usually be done, especially cost-effectively. I think it comes down to tough choices, learn to live with it, or don't live there.

I do feel bad for any resident's loss. However, I cannot sympathize with the ignorance that lets someone live there and believe they really won't be affected by flooding eventually.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.