Reconveyance of state forest on Lake Whatcom for a county forest preserve was good public policy before last Tuesday's hearing. Despite the heat and noise that night, it still is. A preserve on the edge of Bellingham provides world-class recreation and scenery accessible from downtown. The preserve will improve our quality of life, benefit our drinking water, and help build our economy. Thanks to the five County Council members, including Sam Crawford and Kathy Kershner, who voted for the reconveyance after five years of study and open public process. That's leadership. Some people say go backward, demanding the council undo years of decisions. They claim they weren't informed. Citizenship implies responsibilities to inform yourself, folks. In the dark on reconveyance after a five-year public process? You haven't been paying attention to council minutes or attending public meetings. Whose fault is that? Twenty years ago after many public meetings, a few people tried to stop the Critical Areas Ordinance at the last minute - "no one told us about this!" Elected officials stood firm and we're better today for their integrity. Just like we'll be 20 or 50, or 100 years from now, drinking clean, safe water and enjoying the economic and health benefits of protected community forestlands, because today's leaders put aside politics and passed the Lake Whatcom reconveyance.

Rodd Pemble

Bellingham