Taxpayer funds should not be used to pave nature trail

The Linn County Conservation Board put in the works to pave more of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. The length being paved is from County Home Road to Lafayette, about four miles. This trail is actually a marked “wildlife reserve.”

They have begun cutting down older-growth trees along this stretch in preparation for paving (asphalt enhances wildlife and nature so much). Where did they get the dollars? One would think we would have no better use of taxpayer funds than paving a nature trail through a wildlife reserve that in itself is only as wide as a railroad right of way.

What this is all about is bicyclists and economic promotion, not about nature or wildlife. Contact the Linn County Trails and Linn County Conservation Board and let them know this is ridiculous, a complete waste of money and a detriment to wildlife along the trail.

Matt Shaffer

Cedar Rapids