I'm very thankful for the leadership of the county council for its May vote to establish a large county park on forests around Lake Whatcom that are presently managed by the state for logging. Some people are pushing the council to reconsider that vote, but I hope they stay the course.

We live near Deming, and it means a lot to me that our sons and their friends spend their time playing outside instead of at a screen. Our oldest son is getting into mountain biking. Since the state shut down trails on public land up the North Fork Nooksack, we're counting on the opportunity that the new park will create for biking and hiking trails on Stewart Mountain. Whatcom County Parks Department does a great job, so I trust that they will take care of the new park to provide for public benefits within budget.

Our mountains, forests, streams and wildlife are our heritage. As native Washingtonians, my husband and I care deeply about the land and want it well stewarded for the future. The Lake Whatcom forest re-conveyance is a big step in the right direction.

Kristina Coyne-McHugh

Deming