Even'n Wesley,
As a conservationist and a
Native American, I don't like land development. As a traditional timber wright, and artisan, I build and restore architecture. The paradox it has left me in, has taught me that development is not bad, but how it is done, most often is. I am involved in my own community here in Vermont, to change some of the outdated zoning regulations, that force land owners, large and small, to break up there land, instead of allowing for cluster housing as a related alternative development strategy. I believe you can put a group of investors together, and work cohesively and in concert with the land, to develop it and protect it at the same time. With out knowing your location, character of the land, details of the environment, there would be know way for me as a timber wright or environmentalist, to say whether your forest could endure development, or if it is better off left alone. I tend (I only do on
project I control) to build only in low impact methods, with traditional modalities, so if the land can endure, you can achieve this approach, if you feel it is best for you, and the land that is under your protection. I have read your questions well, and think I have grasped some of the nausea of you thoughts. You want to save the forest, but still make a living of some kind from it. You have a love for it, but limited skill sets to achieve your aspirations, and you are worried that seeking outside influence will facilitate the loss of control you want to maintain. You could loose control, but only if you let it happen. Go slow, plan well, and only surround yourself with people that put the land before there bank accounts. Also, build into the plan, caveats of control and clear exit strategies, for not only the land, but yourself.
Good luck,
jay
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