Editor,

I was disheartened to learn of the planned removal of the madrona tree in Oak Harbor to make way for the McDonald’s expansion.

It evoked the the recent logging of a large chunk of the Douglas fir backdrop that used to be a beautiful natural feature of Coupeville. Even town code couldn’t protect this as the logging was done contrary to clearing and grading requirements.

Done swiftly during the Christmas holidays of 2019, the only repercussions faced by the developer were a $500 fine and temporary stop-work order — the sign blew down.

In times of enormous national and worldwide challenges and crises, these local matters may seem to pale in comparison. However, the microcosm of our immediate environment is sometimes the only thing we have some control over.

Or not.

Ann Dannhauer

Coupeville