Letters to the editor: Land swap, school safety, Black Lives Matter, leave no trace
Land swap
I recently learned of the proposed land swap by Alec Williams/Trident Holdings to acquire 28,000 acres of land In the McCall area. We value these public lands tremendously. Much of our time is spent enjoying the hiking, biking, skiing and kayaking in these proposed areas. This development would also affect wildlife, hunting and water quality in Payette Lake. These lands are priceless and once privatized, they are gone. Please do not allow another Wilks Brothers type of situation without thorough public input. It was devastating to people of this state to have access closed for camping, hunting, biking, hiking, fishing, dirt bike/atv riding, snowmobiling, skiing and all other outdoor activities that we as Idahoans enjoy. These lands are what makes our quality of life here in Idaho so appreciated. The way this recent proposal has been presented as “Preserve McCall” to the public as well as in such a short time frame prior to the Land Board meetings is underhanded and suspect. Development is in stark contrast to preservation. Trident holdings is a FOR profit entity that intends to develop and sell our precious land for their financial benefits. Say NO to Trident Holdings and Alec Willams!
Darby Webb, Boise
School safety
This pandemic is unprecedented for myself and my generation.
Born after 9/11 and with no memories of the ‘08 recession, we have never experienced a significant crisis. I echo the sad sentiments regarding the cancellation of school events. When proms and graduations were unable to be held, we all felt the gravity of reality. Still, we understood it was for the good of public health.
How can schools reopen safely with the increase of Corona-virus cases? As a high school senior, I can attest that myself and my peers are worried. It is imperative to reopen in a safe manner. It should only be done in a way that does not jeopardize the lives of teachers and students.
The implementation of social distancing, mask wearing, and strict sanitizing is necessary. Combined with the utilization of online platforms, hybrid schedules, or other innovative ideas reopening could happen. No matter what, sacrifices will have to be made.
While we miss traditional school experiences, we miss the over 130,000 fellow dead Americans more. On behalf of my generation, please wear a mask and social distance. If not to save lives, then to have our school reopen safely.
Xavier Christy, Meridian
Leave no trace
We love our public lands. Are you camping and recreating more than ever in national forests, state and BLM land this summer? Notice signs posted in campgrounds and day use areas.
One shows a knife and hatchet striking a tree with a big red circle/line. We all love the beautiful trees that define the campsites and provide shade and privacy. Who would even think about injuring them and shortening their lives?
Then there are signs at water spigots that we shouldn’t bathe, clean fish, wash dishes, etc at the faucet. Well, that’s a no brainer since, unlike our city sinks, there isn’t a drain leading to the sewer.
Are you wondering why dogs are not allowed on the public swim beaches? Dogs just don’t know pooping on the beach or in the water is a no-no. Probably your dog never would but if they do, the water can be too contaminated to allow for swimming.
Please take care of and enjoy our public lands respectfully.
Kayla Dodson, Boise
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter is not just a movement of young people being radical and looking for change. It is a diverse group of all ages saying enough is enough. It is a group of patriots who deeply love our country and know that we can do better. This challenging time can also be viewed as an opportunity as an awakening for the United States to recognize the injustice within our country and the privilege that many live with. As writer Jeremy Helligar states, “Don’t be afraid of the word racist. …racism doesn’t always wear a white robe and burn crosses. It’s lurking in everyday microagressions.” We all carry biases based on how we have been raised and our experiences. Recognizing that experiences differ due to skin color in our country is a beginning step. Educate yourself. There are recommended books, documentaries and actions that people, especially white people, can access to help understand the anger and frustration of black people.
Read “White Fragility” by Robin Diangelo; read “75 Things White People can do for Racial Justice”; Watch The 13th : a documentary on the 13th Amendment (Netflix).
Do your part — help positive change happen.
Lynn Bridges, Sandpoint