Oh Char!!
I'm so sorry. HUGS There's no rule that every post has to be upbeat. Mostly that we can learn from mistakes and there's even the possibility that somebody reading and lurking might give pause before doing something like this.
So many people believe that once they "Own" something, they're free to do as they please-- and they are "legally"--- but morally? So why? Is it ignorance?- maybe. Arrogance? -maybe. A combination of the two?
We have the same issue here. The majority of New York and New Jersey folks came to visit us in Amish country. They like it so much they move here. They sell dear there, and buy more cheaply here and build McMansions. They also want all the conveniences of home.
Translation: Stores. Lots of them! The more the better and they speak of it as "improving" Lancaster County.
Since none of us as as wealthy as King Midas to buy up hundreds of acres, the only option is too educate as gently as possible. Do our best with what we own ourselves. I've been slowly talking with shoppers and coworkers at my workplace, and especially my neighbors helping to plant pollinator gardens, handing out literature, and connecting properties to enlarge habitat.
You didn't have time to build a relationship with the new neighbors, but despite your disgust of their actions, maybe eventually you can talk with them to try and reverse some of the damage already done.
