Editor,

Thanks so much for printing the letter to the editor by Nathan Howard regarding clear-cutting and its extensive and damaging effects on the dwindling forested acreage of Whidbey Island.

I’m in full agreement that this destructive practice should be curtailed, and certainly Island County should not be subsidizing it with the current timber tax laws.

It’s time to expand the Public Benefit Rating System, or PBRS, and reward property owners for sustainable management of their lands. We need incentives to preserve and protect our precious forests that form the beautiful backbone of our Island ecosystem — vital to everyone who lives here.

I hope our elected officials take note and take long overdue responsible action.

Christie Hammond

Clinton