Development threatens Falls

Published 1:57 am Friday, October 3, 2008

One time or another most of the citizens of the state of

Washington have had an opportunity to visit Snoqualmie Falls. It is the second

most heavily visited tourist attraction in our state, over a million people each

year. People from around the world stop and find themselves emersed in the

beauty and energy of this sacred spot. Yes sacred. The Snoqualmie Tribe has

for thousands of years visited this area as a sacred place to worship as many

of us would use a church or great cathedral. Tribes from Eastern

Washington and the coast would come and visit them and share in the energy of

this place.

The federal government in October of this year just recently

recognized the Snoqualmie Tribe. Whether you are a Native American,

American or a visitor from another country, standing at the edge of the Falls is

an experience that we all go away from feeling much better than when

we came. That may all change soon.

A company called Puget Western has plans for the 181.9 acres

directly across the Falls on a beautiful forested hill. They say the viewshed will

not change and that they will leave a buffer of trees to screen the houses,

condos, apartments and businesses that will be located there. Anyone living

in Snoqualmie Valley soon becomes aware of the high winds, which

will take out trees that have never been exposed before. What about the

glow of lights which will rise up above their screen? There are many other

concerns such as, traffic problems, additional flood problems, large evergreen

trees and wildlife endangered.

Please take the time to contact our city, state, and federal

representatives, senators and governor. This is not

only a local issue but also a state and federal one that concerns everyone

who believes that there are some things that man must make the effort to

preserve for future generations and not destroy for a quick buck.

Daniel W. Nelson

Snoqualmie