My first steps in life were straight into the woods behind my house. The natural environment has always held a sense of warmth and fascination for me. Like every third person who lives in Boone, I moved here to be closer to the elements that improve the quality of life. Twenty two years later, I became involved in BRRLT. When one benefits from living in a community such as this for two decades, it becomes crystal clear that he must become involved in the endeavor to maintain the resources that afford us all this quality of life. In light of the fact that construction and development are not diminishing, it is clear that we must endure it and find viable solutions to preserve the remaining resources that define our communities. The land trust is my solution.