Flying High with Consequences

By T H. Harbinger

The focus on Professor John Karl of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh provides an inside look at the life of university led research. A professor selected and guided a group of students to develop a new capability for geological prospecting. His love of flying connected with his passion for physics-related research established one of the most successful geomagnetic surveys in the United States. He arranged for the US Army to donate an airplane to the university after obtaining funding from the United States Geological Survey. This research mapped the northern half of Wisconsin's magnetic field. From these maps various mining related explorations and exploitations resulted. Who knew at that time the controversy this research would awaken? The establishment of hundreds of surface mines provided the sand that enabled the hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling process to be so expansive in the United States. It also caused a fracturing within the Northwestern Wisconsin and Minnesota communities involved, that some say will never be repaired.The frac sand mines of Northern Wisconsin illustrate the fact that citizens must empower themselves to address environmental concerns. Organizations like the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) were expected to lead the establishment of regulations and their enforcement. The election of a governor in 2010 almost immediately led to a less regulatory government (as a disguise for cutting government spending). The people inside the DNR watched helplessly as frac sand mining worked this 'business friendly' government for maximum profits and minimal environmental responsibilities. Deals were being done, complaints were raining in, town board meetings were shouting matches, experts were speaking, environmental groups were forming, and mines were still opening at ever increasing rates. Local governments were expecting the Wisconsin DNR to be proactive and save the environment, and their communities. But the DNR was being directed to reduce its regulatory activity. A break came, and awareness was born, in February 2012 when the Wisconsin Supreme Court overruled a lower court clarifying that local communities have the right to introduce ordinances to regulate mining. Since that time the local communities have been taking actions. Environmental groups are expanding and becoming more empowered to make things happen. There is still much to accomplish to assure a healthy environment for years to come. This situation in Wisconsin is an example of how the future environment may be saved more by local citizens than large government organizations. This story is not complete. The oil boom is over for now, and business in these small communities is returning to what it was before, but the relationships will not. Business is reversible, human interactions are not.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1546877053
• ISBN13: 9781546877059
• Release Date: August 2017
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 210 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.5" x 6.0"