In a message dated 9/28/01 11:30:46 AM US Eastern Standard Time, hccu@voyager.net writes: > Subj:[INPCRP] Cemetary Barren > Date:9/28/01 11:30:46 AM US Eastern Standard Time > From: hccu@voyager.net (Howell Curtis) > Reply-to: <A HREF="mailto:INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com">INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com</A> > To: INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com > > > > > The casual observer might think Cemetary Barren to be a mess, but to > one who studies plants it is a wonder to behold, a microcosm of a > grassland ecosystem that at one time comprised an estimated seventy > thousand acres in Harrison and Washington counties. Today there is > probably less than a hundred acres left of this prairie which supported > herds of bison, elk and deer as well as many species of small mammals > and birds. Cemetary Barren is the most diverse of the barren remnants > with well over one hundred species of native forbs and grasses. The > bison and elk are gone but this precious remnant should be preserved > for future generations. In my opinion it is a fitting memorial to the > early > settlers and to those who are buried there. > > Howell Curtis > > Dear Mr. Curtis, The following is how I feel about the "Beauty" of your "Memorial" If you are so impressed with it, why don't you have some transplanted to your own > cemetery. I also take great offense at you referring to St. Johns Lutheran > Cemetery as "BARRENS" Maybe we can get the name of your familles cemetery > changed to "BARRENS, if we can get the Grass Transplanted. In the mean time > I would appreciate it if you would, in any further communications refer to > the cemetery of MY ANCESTORS as ST JOHNS LUTHERAN, Or Keep your Ecological > opinions where ever they belong. If you live close to the cemetery, you are > an exception as to appreciating the "aesthetic Beauty of Grass and weeds." > A cemetery is not the place to Grow this "Type of Beauty" It is there only > because the Former Township Trustee was not Qualified, nor cared to follow > IC-23-14-68-3 (4) as added by P.L.52-1997, Sec.42 to keep it cleaned. This > was Implemented after the DNR started their "Maintaining" of the cemetery, > as they say, "About" 20 years ago. As I am SURE you must know if a Law is > passed, or amended, it must be adhered to, to the letter. Allowing this > cemetery to grow up is in direct violation of the Law as now written. My > family did not Bury their dead in a weedy field as you suggest. I would > venture to guess yours didn't either. Before you consider this Cemetery a > "Beautiful memorial" , Remember you said there was approximately 100 acres > Left. SO WHY IN GOD'S NAME THIS CEMETERY. Clean this up and go study your > plants in some Field where it doesn't interfere with people wanting to pay > their respects.!!!! You said this was once covered by 70,000 Acres of this > Grass and "Weeds" at one time. Maybe a GLACIER did to, but I don't want it > back. Heck lets Import some Bison, they could feed on the Grass. Please > Feel quite free to answer this. !! I would love to hear your response. And > Jack E. Briles Sr. Floyd County PCRP Coordinator Po Box 444 New Albany, In. 47151-0444 (812) 282-6585 Fax (812) 282-6585