Editor,

We understand that, here in the Pacific Northwest, trees are harvested as crops. We also know these trees provide scenic beauty appreciated by many.

The sight of the 40 acres of clearcutting done recently at State Highway 20 and Sleeper Road is devastating. This ugly scene is now what greets residents and tourists alike on their drive from the north into Oak Harbor.

Signs along Highway 20 proclaim it as a “Scenic Byway,” but this is a depressing sight.

Was there any forethought given to this project? Apparently not much. At the very least a barrier of trees should have been left to screen the sad sight from the road.

Please don’t tell us another gravel pit is planned for North Whidbey where there are already at least five active ones. What a shame some people don’t appreciate the unique beauty of this area and fail to safeguard it.

The Oak Harbor City Council seems clueless as to how to benefit from its locale and natural assets.

Susan and Jerry Schopf

Dugualla Bay