Development hurts residents, wildlife

This letter is in rebuttal to Ralph Sletager's guest opinion on July 25, "Remember the public as we plan for change." Remember them, yes, but do "we" listen?

Mr. Sletager talks of the magic of Dover and its wetlands. Is it the magic of the nesting bald eagles, the cow and calf moose and the 90 cataloged species of birds that call this area home? Is it the magic of being able to jump off the diving rock or swimming in the clean water on sweltering summer days? Is it the magic of the mystical feeling knowing you can walk on the land the Kalispel people honored for more than 1,000 years?

Will there be magic in 535 homes and 274 boats and commercial buildings of every description?

The forward-thinking public wants the Dover Beach left alone. The unselfish public wants the bluff left undamaged by dynamite and massive homes left empty most of the year. The intelligent public that understands the importance of our environment wants the wetlands left undisturbed. This public includes at least some of the City Council members of Dover. Are you really listening, Mr. Sletager?

I need to continue to repeat myself; this land can be protected by leaving ordinances 14 and 46 intact. Ordinances put in place by the recommendation of the federal government to protect these "magical places" from destruction by a few who want to make a "buck."

Honor 2,070 feet.

PERKY SMITH-HAGADONE

Dover