I'm one of the many people who live in Bellingham because of its incredible outdoor recreation. The forest trails here are a big part of my life. But I'm concerned that my mountain biking opportunities are dwindling.

First, the state DNR closed down our trails on Slide Mountain. Next our access to Galbraith Mountain - the pinnacle of mountain biking areas - is at risk due to unstable private ownership. I still have hope that one or both of these areas will be available in the future, but I can't count on it.

That means that the bird in hand for mountain bikers is the Lake Whatcom Forest Preserve Park, which a majority of our county council members voted for in May. This action takes state forest on Stewart Mountain and Lookout Mountain, which has been managed for logging, and reconveys it to the county for park purposes.

Some people contend that this park isn't needed for recreation and are pressuring the county council to backtrack. We can't let that happen. If you hike, run or bike in our forests or just enjoy the wildlife and scenery, please urge the county to proceed with the reconveyance.

Guy Ortiz

Bellingham