In a recent edition of your newspaper I was shocked and surprised when I saw the photo taken in the 1940s of the bare boulder of Pass Island. The comparison between the lush greenery of the present day was astounding. To cut trees and even greenery between the spans of the bridge would in my opinion be disastrous and ruin the beautiful scenery of the existing park.

I have had a hobby of photography since high school, and have lived in Oak Harbor on and off since the early ‘60s. The pass has been and is one of my favorite local spots to visit with my camera and some of the results are among people’s first choice when they seen the finished photos.

When I enlarged one of my views of the bridge, a bald eagle was sitting on one of the very trees that could be destined for cutting.

When I think of all the hassle over one lone oak tree near the post office . . . how many people stop to gaze or take photos of it?

Deception Pass State Park is the number one most visited park in Washington and I think this idea should be given serious thought. Evergreen trees (the state emblem) surely have an impact on tourism with all the many people who traverse through that area and stop to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The bald eagles who perch there are the federal symbol of our country.

I wonder what the future of this island will be. Do you?

Russell Dempsey

Oak Harbor