As a volunteer “ranger” for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, I’m very familiar with the issues and problems of recreational use on local public lands. Your story on off-road vehicle damage to the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) was needed and, I hope, will help to educate people on the negative impacts of their activities and about appropriate uses of this land.

Whether it’s ORV use, garbage dumping, poaching, dogs off leash, improper fires and camping or any other violation of the necessary rules, these illegal activities create serious impacts to public lands and natural resources, and affect fellow citizens seeking to legitimately enjoy these areas. It must be stopped.

Tens of thousands of people visit the Mount Si NRCA each year, and local residents of the Snoqualmie Valley have treasured Mount Si’s natural beauty for centuries. Most behave and follow the rules designed to protect the area’s resources and ecological integrity. Those who fail to respect our public lands, abide by the rules and help protect the limited and fragile areas we enjoy, must be punished and stopped from causing further damage. All of us must work together to protect our treasured public lands.

Ken Konigsmark

Issaquah