An excellent compromise
My husband and I were delighted to see the long-awaited collaborative proposal designating new wilderness and other positive changes to the Colville National Forest (CNF). As longtime users of the CNF, we have spent countless hours horseback riding, hunting, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in these beautiful areas.
We believe the wilderness proposal is an excellent compromise for all user groups. It would protect invaluable wild country for wildlife, recreation and water quality for all future generations. No other designation can achieve the same level of protection. Many areas that are overgrown that would benefit from thinning and increased management are also in the plan. The coalition has taken grazing and motorized interests into consideration as well.
I realize that mountain bikers stand to lose bike access to the proposed wilderness areas, but the long-term protection of these invaluable areas must take precedence. It will not benefit them if these areas can’t be maintained in a roadless designation.
We are fortunate beyond measure to have scenic wild areas within a short distance of our home. Northeast Washington residents should support this measure when it comes before the Congress. We all stand to benefit.
Pat Thompson
Colville
In a recent letter to The Spokesman-Review, serial prosecutorial candidate Jim Reierson alleged his opponent Chris Bugbee stated at a forum that robbers should not do jail time.
Either Mr. Reierson has a hearing deficiency or a vested interest in spin. This kind of distortion is shameful and the antithesis of conduct to be expected of one who seeks to hold the highest law enforcement position in our county.
I was present for the forum, and Chris made no such assertion. In fact, Chris discussed the need, and his intent, to focus limited county resources on crimes of violence such as robbery in order to heighten public safety.
I was a deputy prosecutor for more than 10 years. The prosecutor’s office has a few exceptional deputy prosecutors, and Chris was the gold standard even among this most talented group of lawyers. As a major crimes prosecutor Chris worked tirelessly to hold serious offenders accountable in each and every case he handled. He was a prosecutor to be admired, honored and emulated. To suggest Chris would be soft on crime is contrary to his record of tough prosecution as demonstrated during his many years as a prosecutor.
Deborah King
Spokane