Puget Sound is truly an iconic area, and one that we must preserve if we want to ensure our kids and theirs have clean water, healthy fish populations and the myriad recreational opportunities we have enjoyed. Likewise, there is no guarantee that the ancient forests, sparkling streams and snowcapped mountains of the Olympic Peninsula will stay as they are without protection. Fortunately for us, safeguarding one benefits the other.

Thank you for the op-ed by Martha Kongsaard and Bill Ruckelhaus in the Sept. 26 Bellingham Herald.

It's good to be reminded of this connection ("Preserving wilderness areas vital to maintaining the health of Puget Sound") and the opportunity we have today to take steps to maintain the health of the Puget Sound. Healthy and intact wild forests will keep our rivers healthy, too, and feed clean, clear water into the sound, continuing its ability to thrive as an estuary. The Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 2012, championed by Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Norm Dicks, will do just that, permanently protecting portions of the Olympic Peninsula. It's a great plan and should become law.

Bob Aegerter

Bellingham