Our waterways are for all islanders | Letters, Dec. 3

Published 4:42 pm Tuesday, December 2, 2008

At the recent Harbor Commission meeting I proposed establishing a navigation channel down the middle of Port Madison.

My concept was to balance areas for boats stored on moorings with open space in the harbor. It was roundly opposed in public commentary.

But I ask those opposed to please take a few moments and consider our harbors as more than just areas for private boat storage.

Our harbors are open space. They are beautiful, natural scenic vistas and home to abundant wildlife. They are a shared resource owned by the public and deserve our respect and preservation. I urge you to please think about the consequences of so many moorings.

Filling Port Madison, or any of our bays, with private moorings dedicated to boat storage is not the highest and best use of these precious natural resources.

The harbors are for everyone and I believe we need a managed approach when establishing moorings that assures open water for the future.

My goal in proposing a navigation channel is to assure that as buoys are permitted and more added we maintain dedicated open space down the middle of Port Madison harbor.

An open channel will provide safe navigation, allow visiting boats room to anchor, provide space for sailboat racing, kayaking, rowing, wildlife habitat and public enjoyment of a scenic open water vista.

To me, establishing an open channel is the right thing to do and worthy of your consideration and support.

Ross West, Harbor Commission

Port Madison