Grizzlies, wolves, wildlife key to ecosystems’ health

I read with great appreciation an editorial you wrote about the importance of supporting the return of grizzly bears to Washington state (“Give Grizzlies chance to return to North Cascades,” The Herald, Nov. 15).This reintroduction contributing to a more healthy ecosystem. In this time of climate change and arguments about whether or not it’s being caused by anything other than Mother Nature correcting itself, your article brought a lot of common sense observations to this issue.

What it also brought to mind was the wonderful YouTube video (less than 5 minutes long) about the effect of the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone Park. It’s called “How Wolves Change Rivers” and is an excellent short tutorial about how ecosystems work, specifically describing a process called a “trophic cascade.” I would highly recommend a viewing of this wonderful film by your viewers.

Jim Bloss

Monroe

Talk to us

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, June 10

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

The WA Cares law is designed to give individuals access to a lifetime benefit amount that, should they need it, they can use on a wide range of long-term services and supports. (Washington State Department of Social and Health Services)
Editorial: What good is that new payroll deduction?

Along with a modest benefit for long-term care needs, it should prompt family discussions and planning.

Comment: Families living with Alzheimer’s can find support

For a job that no one asks for, it’s vital for family caregivers to know where to take their questions.

Comment: More dam studies won’t change what we know

Studying how to replace the carbon-free electricity of the Snake River dams ignores their other benefits.

Comment: Congress needs to fully fund bees’ highway habitat

Providing bees and butterflies with habitat along U.S. highways can assure their pollination work.

Dan Hazen
Forum: When pink slips go out, why can’t the best be kept on?

Union rules about who stays and who goes don’t seem to benefit students, schools or teachers.

Ron Friesen
Forum: We seem locked in cycle where we allow wealth to rule

Twice in America’s history we’ve allowed greed to lead at great cost to society. It’s happening again.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, June 9

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Phlebotomist Heather Evans preps JaNeen Aagaard a donation at Bloodworks NW Friday afternoon in Everett at July 3o, 2021.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Editorial: Get back in (or start) your habit of giving blood

The pandemic’s effects and fewer younger donors too often leave blood supplies dangerously low.

Most Read