Regarding the Sunday letter, “Audubon Society is way out of line”: I wonder what population the letter writer is authorized to represent when he advocates for “old folks, handicapped and physically impaired people.” Perhaps he is not aware of the age of many of the members of Pilchuck Audubon Society’s Board of Directors. Perhaps he missed the Aug. 30 letter by Bonnie Phillips regarding disabled access in the proposed Wild Sky Wilderness Area. Phillips uses a wheelchair and if she feels discriminated against, it is because she is deprived of the opportunity to get out into the wilderness away from automobiles, due to a lack of accessible trails. I know other disabled individuals who feel the same way.
The portion of the Mountain. Loop Highway that has been closed by the Sauk River would provide an excellent opportunity for just such a trail. If the letter writer had taken the time to visit the place, he would know that it is a far cry from a “difficult trail system.” It is relatively level and smooth, with a fantastic view of the river, and more importantly, a proximity that is best appreciated without the noise and dust of passing cars.
As I told reporter Scott Morris, I have sympathy for people inconvenienced by the interruption of the “loop.” As a lifelong local resident who uses the area for hiking and backpacking, I am part of this group. However, I care more about the greater good that would be served by closing the washed-out portion of the road – protecting fish, clean water, providing for improved wildlife habitat and survivability, and saving millions in tax dollars – than I do for my own convenience. I might add that those tax dollars will be asked for again when the road washes out in the next big storm.
Katherine Johnson
Pilchuck Audubon Society Forest Practices Committee
Marysville
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