Reading the current proposal for a Bellingham Community Bill of Rights, I learned the following about the rights of natural communities:

Natural communities and ecosystems, including, but not limited to, flora, fauna, the atmosphere, soils, wetlands, bays, streams, rivers, aquifers, and other water systems, possess inalienable and fundamental rights to exist and flourish within the city of Bellingham. Residents of the city of Bellingham, acting individually or collectively, or the city itself, or the city acting together with one or more residents, shall possess legal standing to enforce those rights on behalf of those natural communities and ecosystems.

OK then, all power to the skunk cabbage pond around the corner, the mud puddles around Whatcom Falls down the street and the wet moss that makes its home on my roof! If they call upon me, I solemnly promise to do all that I can to protect their sacred rights.

David Mason

Bellingham