This should not have happened, though it is quite possible that given the uniquely public-private nature of Little Missouri State Park, there was little state government could do without leaving itself vulnerable to the charge that it was denying private landholders the free use of their mineral rights. Still, if there is any legal way we can still insist that—at the very least—no wells be permitted within the immediate vicinity of the park, we ought to make our views known to those responsible for this decision—with civility and firmness. Not only has one of the last, best places in North Dakota been casually tossed into the oil barrel without public debate or even a serious attempt to inform the people of North Dakota of what is at stake. Worse, the action would seem to symbolize an official development philosophy that gives the citizens of North Dakota very little to hope for from the bureaucrats and elected officials whose civic responsibility it is to manage the energy boom for the benefit of everyone and to make wise decisions to conserve our homeland and our way of life in the face of unprecedented industrial activity. If the Industrial Commission’s hand was truly tied, I hope the governor will ask for new legislation to enable him to protect the remaining scenic and recreational wonders of North Dakota.