What a pleasant surprise I received when I opened the Sunday Herald and read of Larry Sundquist’s donation of 5.7 acres of land at the headwaters of Lund’s creek. (“Developers give the gift of land to Snohomish County.”) What a great Christmas gift to the people of Snohomish County. The creek runs through a beautiful corridor of mossy maple trees, towering Douglas firs and sturdy cedar trees. Home to eagles, blue heron, coyote, rabbit and countless other furry or feathered animals. And let’s not forget the salmon who use the creek as a nursery. Next time you hear the cry to “save the whales!” remember, my fellow readers, it all starts in these greenbelts and tributary streams that flow to the Salish Sea.
What is not mentioned in the article is when Mr. Sundquist developed the south side of the creek to build his 40 homes, about 20 large trees fell into the creek as a result of construction putting a fairly large barrier across the headwaters. Such is the impact when development is allowed so close to these precious streams. Currently under assault is Picnic Point Creek, also a salmon-bearing stream, with the permitting of Frognal development. This housing development is directly above and along side the creek within a mile or so of saltwater. Merry Christmas, salmon! Here’s a gift of runoff filled with oils and pesticides! I use this letter to ask my fellow citizens of Snohomish County to elect leaders who will help protect these natural resources before they’ve been developed into obscurity and left as a distant memory for our children. Thank you and happy new year.
Howard Slauson
Lynnwood
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