MAILBAG:

The “Natural Perspectives” column in your May 28 to June 3 edition (“Land Trust’s plan for the mesa revealed”) left this reader wondering: Is this a case of professional envy?

Why else would Lou Murray and Vic Leipzig publish such a vitriolic critique of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust’s plan to create a functioning ecosystem for flora and fauna on the most important open space in Huntington Beach?

Could they be feeling the disappointment of opportunity lost, knowing that this 10-year plan is to be accomplished with volunteer labor?

Well, given the state’s current economic woes, it would seem like volunteer labor is the preferred option (are the Orange County Conservation Corps really “professional labor”?).

They also failed to inform their readers that the $4.3-million price tag is to be raised by the Land Trust from public grants and private donations, not taxpayers’ coffers, and that the plan had been developed by a volunteer landscape architect in conjunction with the California Department of Fish and Game, the agency with authority over the ecological reserve.

And it should be noted that the term “restoration,” while en vogue for such projects, is a misnomer, since environments should be managed for future generations as they were even before non-native peoples arrived.

Instead of taking potshots at their rival environmentalists, you would think that your columnists could offer an encouraging viewpoint that would generate public support for this project.

After all, this is an innovative plan that strives to involve our local education and business communities, along with the area’s citizenry, while being on the forefront of the “greening” of America.

Now, isn’t that good for all of Huntington Beach?

JEFF ROKOS

?

Where’s our Memorial Day spirit?

America, America, where are you?

I went for my daily walk on Memorial Day between Regatta Drive and Bermuda Drive in Huntington Beach.

In respect to our wonderful holiday, I was looking forward to seeing every home proudly waving our American flag.

Alas, only 10 homes displayed our proud flag.

I repeat: America, America, where are you?

FLORENCE YINGLING