wrote on Feb 11^th, 2005 at 4:36pm:

Sig Olson used the BWCA for profit by running tourists fishing and camping and hunting with gas motors into the future BWCA.  As he aquired wealth...his view of a "good thing" changed.

That could be one reason. Another could be that as he acquired a deeper appreciation and understanding over the years he looked back and was able to see what it was he appreciated most, and what it was really worth.