Money needed for public lands
Re “A hike on the wilder side,” May 5
The flood recovery efforts at Mt. Rainier point to a familiar and unfortunate refrain -- chronic under-funding of America’s public lands. More funding will be needed to repair the flood damage, including to trails and campgrounds. The Student Conservation Assn. has been appointed by the National Park Service to coordinate a massive volunteer recovery effort. Nonetheless, full recovery won’t be possible without additional funding from Congress, through foundation grants and corporate contributions. The situation at Mt. Rainier is indicative of the need to reinvest in the stewardship of America’s parks and national forests.
JAY THOMAS WATSON
Oakland
The writer is Western regional director of the Student Conservation Assn.
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