Scientific evidence is abundant and available | LETTER TO THE EDITOR


October 7, 2012 · 11:48 AM

To the editor:

The 12th Annual Bainbridge Island Environmental Conference was terrific for its organization, great speakers, and education about our water quality and protection. Many thanks to the Bainbridge Island Land Trust and IslandWood for giving us this important conference and making it so focused to our local water management.

Science has amassed so much evidence now about stormwater runoff, protection of sensitive species (especially coho salmon), pollutant pesticides, metals, excessive nutrients and flame retardants. The evidence presented, both detailed and referenced, cannot be denied. And there are effective ways to mitigate, also scientifically proven.

A striking observation was that plenty of space was still available for attendees who oppose environmental regulations known to be beneficial. Many property owners, shoreline or otherwise, seems content, without being well-informed, to claim “I can do whatever I want on my property!” Isn’t it clear already that populations of orca, salmon, forage fish, eel-grass, etc. are failing and need our protection?

Please consider attending next year in order to keep abreast of how we can help our environmental problems.

DICK BAKER

Bainbridge Island

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