Swinomish would hurt environment

For years the Swinomish Tribe has claimed and assumed in its briefs before the Growth Management Hearings Board and courts how Skagit County farmers' farming activities have polluted and caused the decline in the fish numbers. After years of complaining the Swinomish Tribe has yet to prove any of their claims in the real scientific world. Now, the Swinomish Tribe is going to commercially develop an environmentally sensitive area into strictly recreational activities for their monetary gain disregarding all of the restrictions and regulations they have forced upon Skagit County. These unscientific regulations and restrictions are economically ruining agriculture in Skagit County.

The Skagit County Cattlemens data, the Skagit County Public Works data and others have conducted real field tested reports to find practices that will mitigate pollution and protect the fisheries. The Swinomish need to get off their assuming and assumptions claiming best available science and pay attention to real true field tested science in the real world. Then, the Swinomish Tribe will soon realize that their proposed huge development with concrete, asphalt parking spots and increased tourism will be causing the harm and decline in fish populations not Skagit County farmers. If the Swinomish truly believe fish are in danger they would have first got the nets out of the waters and let the fish repopulate.

Aileen Good, Sedro-Woolley

Letters to the Editor - Skagit Valley Herald