Editor,

What’s wrong with us?

Witnessing every single year the cutting of huge amounts of brush and trees makes me write this letter to the editor. It is just sad that every year in the midst of nesting season residents of Whidbey Island have to destroy important habitats.

I do understand that vegetation has to be trimmed, but what I am seeing again just in our little neighborhood happens elsewhere on the island too, even on a greater scale.

We have rules that are there to be ignored. There is no law regulating the taking down of vegetation.

On a recent trip to Germany, I learned that trees, even dead ones, are not allowed to be cut from March until October unless the trees represent a proven danger to structures. Even then a permit is needed. Residents have to take care of replacements.

Bird populations are indicators for a healthy environment. It just hurts to see birds in despair when their nest was destroyed or see a squirrel trying to transport its baby somewhere safe. Many houses around here changed owners and the first thing they do is cut down trees.

Oak Harbor lost a beautiful willow tree that needed decades to grow to this beauty. There should have been a way to incorporate this tree into the scenery of new houses. It would have instantly improved the sight of the coming development.

I could name many examples that just make me cringe thinking about it.

If the cutting continues at this rate we might literally “enjoy” the view of our island as a rock that it is.

Christina Bromme

Coupeville