Regarding the proposed large amount of logging on Vashon’s south end, I agree with the comments made by other residents. I am also wondering what will eventually become of the land. I’m reminded of the recently proposed methanol plant that gave rise to an environmental impact statement (EIS) on issues of land and water use in Tacoma. This was to be the largest methanol plant in the world and was backed by foreign interests. It would have used 14-22 million gallons of fresh water daily, along with natural gas piped in from Canada. The methanol was to be shipped to China to produce plastic. Yes, plastic, that synthetic compound we find everywhere that is polluting our land and water and killing our wildlife. But the people, thinking of their image of Tacoma, their property values and hazards unknown to the environment, worked and fought hard, and now the hope is that the issue has left the area. Yet, plans are still in the works to bring methanol plants to Washington, Oregon and elsewhere.

So what is it that we love about this island? I love the trees. They clean our air, give us cooling shade and provide habitat for all the beings we love, the mostly unseen organisms in soil, the squirrels, chipmunks, birds, frogs, deer and yes, raccoons, coyotes, cougars and the occasional bear.

So many decades for trees to mature. So little time needed to cut them down. There are many questions and concerns. And again, what is it that we love and feel the need to protect about our island?

— Patricia Herbert