Did you know?

To the Editor,

     PBS (Public Broadcasting System) had a program featuring the importance of the sights, sounds, and smells of water.

     In 1980, a gentleman by the name of Mr. Jim Gibbs purchased 292 acres of land specifically because of its access to water (the land had multiple springs on it). Since then, Mr. Gibbs has devoted his life to developing this tract of land into beautiful gardens for the WORLD to see.

     His major endeavor in this project was to concentrate on the water. He has built 19 waterfalls, 29 ponds, and bridges crossing water, all with the focus on the sights, sounds and smells of the moving water, trickling water, falling water, running water, flowing water, light sparkling like diamonds on the water, mist over the water, reflections in the water, flowers that grow in and along the water, wildlife which visit because of water, and fish that live happily surrounded by the water.

     Imagine all the above-mentioned in Jones County. We have a good start on an area, which could be as beautiful as Mr. Gibbs’s right here in Monticello. We have the Mon Maq Dam on the Maquoketa River. It already gives us the moving, trickling, falling, reflecting, misty, wildlife, and yes the fish that have survived in the water both above and below the dam for over 100 years. The county owns land alongside the dam which could be developed, expanded and beautified beyond belief.

     The dam area is eligible for historical preservation. There is a boat dock in place. Pools could be built for all to see and feed fish. It could be handicapped accessible. Shade with benches could be provided for those who want to enjoy the serenity of the sights, sounds and smells of the water.

     Do “We the People” have the courage to stand together to speak with one voice? It is our right to let those in power know our feelings.

     Go to Jim Gibbs’s website, gibbsgarden.com. See for yourself what we could have if only we had a little imagination and formed a coalition of “We the People.” The world could come to us to see what we’ve accomplished. Jones County could be receiving awards. Tourism, economic development, employment, and hotel/motel taxes would all increase.

     Oh, I forgot. We have about two million dollars of FREE money from the government to blow up the dam. Too bad for us.

 My opinion,

I’m just saying

Cindy Davies

Anamosa, Iowa