Recreational Land
What is Recreational Land?
This is an important question, as the definition is changing, becoming more encompassing. It is certainly lake and river frontage. Further, it is becoming ponds, creeks, and mountain tops and other scenic views. It can also be swamps--an appealing locale for deer hunters.
Types of recreational land include residential, hunting, hiking, motor vehicle joy-riding, land for blue-berry pickers, star-gazers, campers, skiers, bird lovers--the list goes on and on.
Depending on who owns the land, perceptions of recreational potential differ. For example, the creeks can have residential value to the public, but minimal value to a timber company. However, when the timber company sees that a skilled real estate staff can get a good price for creek frontage, they begin to change their minds. For the timber industry is changing too--with sharper and unrelenting competition, and the rising cost of doing business. Revenue from recreational land sales can no longer be ignored.
So because of their own need to improve company profits, as well as in response to rising demand from the public, timber companies have been selling off their higher-tier recreational lands. I rue the day when they begin to rid themselves of second-tier recreational properties as well. But I fear that day has already arrived. This ongoing fragmentation is a big reason for my presence here, pleading for a new idea for the UP called Four Parks.