Landscape Artist

I am an artist who has painted 9 Mile Creek for over 20 years and I never tire of its charm and beauty. I paint it year round and spend 4-6 hours on each painting. doing a few paintings a week I spend a lot of time here. I paint along the creek between Moir and 106th as I can no longer climb the steep hill beyond that although in my opinion that is where the " best " spots are.

When I first heard of the plan to put in a bike path I was immediately saddened for the wildlife that I have seen over the years have their homes disturbed if not destroyed. The mink that I see by one of the bridges early in the morning or all the deer that have a safe haven from cars and people. The fox who I seldom see any more but I know is still around and of course the birds the glorious birds that make any painting session special. I am getting a bit long in the tooth and have a finite amount of trips to paint left. I would love to see the creek as it has been the last couple decades stay the same as I am selfish and dislike change.

I find it puzzling why the city can not see what is in front of them and are being blinded by political agendas and money. What you have is priceless, A safe place full of beauty and wildlife and of course the creek itself that beautiful creek! I get comment on my paintings from people all over the world who can not believe this is in the heart of a city. They are jealous and they have every right to be. This is a special place, has been since before the soldiers came from Ft. Snelling and hope it will stay that way. First do no harm is a good rule to follow. Think of your grandkids having a place to walk in peace without bikes bearing down on them in the race to get to the next place. I implore you to leave it be as it has been in the name of progress see it for the jewel it is!