[OCDACTIVE]

I agree clear cutting in many cases needs to be done to avoid trees falling in a storm. While I would hope that many people would make sure they brought back the asthetics to their property to have it fit in with its natural surroundings, each person has their own say in what is done to their property and what they like.

That being said I feel there has been some outrageous examples of people clear cutting, then not completing the job, which should be illegal frankly. A perfect example is the scar on Red Hill. This area, i have heard, was purchased by a developer which unfortunately went belly up. However the land has been stripped to the rock which has not grown back in at least 5 years because the topsoil has washed away. Although not on the lake, it is visable by almost the entire north west portion.

Issues like this is a major reason why "protective" laws have been enacted that have made it so difficult to build on the lake. However it also makes it difficult for the regular property owner to legally develop their property. Case in point: I have a friends where it took over 2 years to add a 150 square foot addition on the back of their house to make their bathroom bigger. Because they were on the lake it took 2 years and upwards of 100 hours of doing the planning and submitting the paperwork to get approved. Apparently you have to now count and measure the diameter of every tree and count every shrub. Apparently if one were to hire a surveyor to do the leg work for a permit you are looking at $7500!!

So I am not commenting on whether I believe someone's house is "ugly" etc. and I am not for more legislation, but there has to be a fine line between asking for laws to protect against clear cutting and restrictions that are outrageous for and everyday land owner without thousands to invest.