To the editor:

We strongly support the six-month building moratorium. Current city regulations permit extreme clear cutting and disruption of native vegetation and soils in island forests.

This IS a public emergency that threatens our water supply, our environment, our wildlife and our core community values.

Because the damage is irreversible, we need to stop the destructive practices while we update our Critical Areas Ordinance and forest stewardship regulations. Development interests must be fairly balanced with the interests of neighbors, neighborhoods and our cherished island way of life.

JULIE AND MICHAEL SMITH

Battle Point