Our mountain regions are unique and beautiful places. We must preserve them for future generations. One of the most serious threats to our mountains is ridgetop development. Large housing developments built on steep slopes and along mountain ridges are unsightly. Also, they adversely affect the scenic views that draw tourists to our region each year. Who wants to drive to the mountains to see not the lovely tree-covered outline of the gently sloping mountain ridges against the sky, but rows of houses jutting from the ridges and slopes with little or no tree cover between them? With tourism as the biggest industry in our area, maintaining our scenic ridgelines is crucial to continued economic success here.

Ridgetop development not only detracts from scenic mountain views and threatens our area’s top industry, it also harms the environment. Stripping large areas to create multiple building sites removes the trees and other plants. These resources provide natural erosion barriers on steep slopes. Large housing developments on ridges often increase erosion and runoff into streams and rivers.

What is the purpose of this essay?

A.to describe the beautification of mountain ridges and beaches
B.to chronicle the growth of the economy due to ridgetop tourism
C.to clarify the role of the city council in protecting the environment
D.to expose the environmental threats posed by ridgetop development

academic success question

The essay that is presented has the purpose to expose the threats that come in with the development of the ridgetops. The ridgetops are very attractive for development because they have very nice locations, are very beautiful naturally, and have excellent view. Unfortunately, the ridgetops are not safe for development, as very often the soil and rocks are not suitable for supporting heavy buildings. They are also risky after they are cleared from vegetation because of the intense erosion and danger of landslides. The environment is heavily affected by the ridgtop development as whole communities are destroyed, and the ridgetops are totally reshaped forever.