Much improved vegetation policy

As I drive on county roads and approach “Brush Cutter Ahead” signs, I always want to say “Thank you, Snohomish County” for your enlightened policy regarding roadside vegetation management.

I’m reminded of a former time when the county’s standard method of control was to douse every weed and blade of grass within sprayer range with herbicides, including suspected carcinogens and neurotoxins. (During a meeting which I and fellow Audubon Society committee members attended, the following memorable statement was made by a public works department leader: “Take DDT for example, nobody ever proved it harmful. All it did was kill some birds”) (December 14, 1984.)

As a result of strenuous objections to this practice by Audubon members, and with support for our position from the public, the press, and finally the county council, then executive Willis Tucker ordered a mediation firm to resolve the differences. Changes followed.

We’ve come a long way, thanks to county leadership and subsequent public works department staff.

Don Kusler

Snohomish