Scientists have begun to explore a massive Antarctic lake, hidden 10,000 feet beneath the ice. The phenom is not a rarity, as some 150 similar rivers and subterranean lakes have been discovered there, one of them nearly matching the area of Lake Ontario. via Outside Online.

Should the state of Minnesota buy 2500 acres of land from U.S. Steel for use as a new state park, or let the sale go to a residential developer? If you’re of a mind like me, chances are you’re standing up now, shouting your answer.

Not surprisingly, the ‘should’ part hinges on money. But not just the money for a new park, but for the all the old state parks that desperately need it — you know, the ones that don’t have showers because their facilities were built before running water existed. What about all those picnic tables that’ve been whittled down to just the four legs, by every car-camping 11-year old boy with initials to share with the world? Or the aluminum outhouse seats whose paint has slowly, [pregnant pause] slowly been eroded by tens of thousands of rear-ends? Hmm, I could see that point too.

My question: Why not designate it as a wildlife reserve until funds are available to build? Sure, the ROI isn’t immediate, but purchase of this land is an investment in the truest sense of the word. The beauty and resources of the forest won’t suffer or go into ‘disrepair’ while funds for facilities are built.

You can read the DNR Task Force’s plans for the park, here.