I am writing to urge the Whatcom County Council to approve the Lake Whatcom reconveyance immediately. It's time to do what is right for the majority of this county's residents, instead of pandering to a vocal minority.

As a lover of outdoor recreation and our beautiful natural heritage, I recognize that when logging is done right, it is a much preferable economic engine for our county than strip mall/McMansion development. I believe our county should focus on a sustainable "4-F" economic platform for the future: farming, forests, fish and fun. These economic drivers take advantage of what our county naturally offers, and can be completely renewable long into the future.

Reconveyance seems like a good deal for our 4-F economy. Many of the acres being consolidated are in areas that would be inappropriate for sustainable logging, as they are on steep slopes above our municipal water supply. The Department of Natural Resources would be able to retain large chunks of forest in areas more suitable for logging. Meanwhile, Bellingham's only water supply would be better protected. Recreation opportunities would be developed, aiding the "fun" portion of the 4-F economy.

The bottom line is this: I believe reconveyance is a win-win for our community. Don't let a handful of polarizing figures make this into a culture war. Our county will be better with this deal done, now.

Kelly Grayum

Bellingham