Wal-Mart vs. the Wilderness: A win-win compromise exists in Orange Co.

The Wal-Mart Battle for the Wilderness has waged far longer than the historic Civil War battle, and I have to confess, I don’t get it! Perhaps, if the stakeholders had been involved from the beginning, it would now be a different scenario.

Regardless, there is a solution on the table that: gives Wal-Mart what it wants (retail opportunities in Orange County), provides Orange County with much needed tax revenue and employment opportunities, and protects the environmental and historic nature of a national park.

Seems like a win-win by anyone’s definition. So tell me, please, what is the problem? The entire issue about where Wal-Mart will locate in Orange County seems unnecessarily perplexing:

* Is there anyone on record opposed to Wal-Mart building a store in Orange County? No.
* Is there more than one viable choice for locating the super store in Orange County? Yes.

A& K Development and King Properties, both in Orange County and in very close proximity to the gate at Lake of the Woods, have made offers to Wal-Mart.

* Have the advocates for the historic and environmental preservation of the Wilderness Battlefield offered substantive solutions? Yes.

They have offered $80,000 to Orange County supervisors to conduct a planning study and subsequent tool for the future development of the Route 3 corridor. Advocates agreed to complete the study within four to six months. Orange County supervisors rejected the offer in February, stating it would delay the vote.

You do the math.

Furthermore, Gov. Kaine and Speaker Howell have offered to the Orange County supervisors and Wal-Mart the full and immediate services of several state agencies in support of finding an alternative site in Orange County.

* Does the Wilderness Battlefield provide large sums of revenue generated by tourists to the Orange County coffers? Yes.

It is the largest tourist attraction in Orange County, maintained entirely by the National Park Service and a cadre of local members of the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield, at no expense to the county.

* The word “outsider” has been tossed around quite a lot. Who are the real stakeholders of the Wilderness Battlefield? In the mighty words of Woody Guthrie, “This land is my land; this land is your land.”

Are Americans who walk the hallowed ground as a reminder of the dear costs of freedom to be derided as outsiders and denied the right to speak as stewards of this sacred American soil?

The Wilderness Battlefield is a national park owned by and preserved for the citizens of the United States of America. Are their interests less important than those of an Arkansas-based retail tycoon?

Excuse me, what exactly is the definition of “outsider?”

The good news is this: Though the path is challenging, there is a solution that gives everyone what they desire. I believe at the end of the day the lines in the sand will be eradicated, egos will be left at the door and true leadership will rise to the surface.

The eyes of America are on us.

Will the supervisors excel in negotiating and strategic planning and become legendary as visionaries?

Will Wal-Mart stand up for American ideals that have little to do with making money?

Will the preservationists raise the funds to protect and preserve this particular piece of land from future assault?

All will soon know.

Nelson, a 58-year resident of Culpeper, is president of the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield. She writes a weekly history column for the Star-Exponent on the community page.