Welcome to Kohler, WI: Tourism vs. Nature

My hometown is Kohler, Wisconsin which is famous for its tourism and toilets have provided a unique experience growing up through the number of tourists it brings in and attempting to please them through its ascetic appeal. The Kohler Company is a huge factory in the town that produces toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and everything needed to make a successful bathroom. Moreover, it is known for its golf courses as that is where the PGA and WPGA are held when it is played in Wisconsin. Currently, one of the Wisconsin State Parks, Terry Andre, is being threatened to be destroyed to build yet another golf course. Considering all of these factors, the land, soil, air, etc. had been significantly impacted over time. What used to be native land near Lake Michigan has been turned into factories and tourism golf courses, both to generate revenue instead of considering the ecology of the area. Learning about the use of land and water in the module this week it has become apparent that this has been ignored for personal and economic gain. The natural resources and environment need to be protected and preserved so it can continue to serve future populations, but instead, pollution from the Kohler Company floods into the Sheboygan River and Lake Michigan, what used to be cleaner sources of water. In continuation with the concept of tourism, Lake Michigan is a mere 10 minutes from Kohler. The Sheboygan Beach is the surfing capital of the Midwest. I feel as if this is just another tactic to generate income for the area instead of acknowledging the true meaning of the lake and the resources it has provided for centuries. This continues the idea that the land that the golf courses are now on we natural woods where animals, crops, and other types of nature existed. This continues to be a pressing issue for preserving wildlife and nature with constant protests regarding the Village of Kohler’s proposition to destroy a state park and create another golf course for tourism and revenue. Lastly, Kohler has made man-made lakes for tourism as well as a specific place for hunting called River Wildlife. Both of these continue to be harmful and disruptive services to nature and the environment. I feel as if my hometown used to be a critical part of ecology through the rivers it has leading into the massive Lake Michigan, however, tourism and the massive Kohler Company have made the area unconcerned with its ecology and environment and more focused on money and fame.