Support needed
Dear Editor:
The recent legislation to protect the Methow headwaters from development of a copper mine shows the power we have when our community comes together. As has occurred with past threats, the Methow community has united to protect our way of life, our economy and the landscape that we love from the irreversible damage of a copper mine in the headwaters above Mazama.
Sen. Patty Murray and bill cosponsor Sen. Maria Cantwell are to be thanked for introducing the Methow Headwaters Protection Act of 2016. Their understanding of what is at risk and appreciation of the community’s broad opposition to large-scale mining gives us hope that this terrible plan can be derailed.
I fear what a mine above Mazama means for our local community and the valley beyond. Noise, dust, truck traffic and stress on our infrastructure are sure to affect those of us near the site. More broadly problematic is the harm to the scenic, unspoiled nature of the valley and to our water quality and the salmon habitat in which so much has been invested. Our valley stands to lose much too much for the benefit of a very few if a mine moves forward.
Continued community support is needed if we are to prevail in protecting our valley. We must continue to make our concerns heard, and time is short as exploratory drill could begin in August. Connecting with the Methow Headwaters Campaign –methowheadwaters.org — is a way that we stay connected, take action, and continue to build our voice in support of the valley we love.
Rick LeDuc, Mazama Store
What’s up at the market?
Dear Editor:
“What has happened to the Methow Valley Farmers Market?” some long-time Methow friends just asked me. They know I have been a market attendee and fan for many years. Where is the variety in stands (once sometimes overflowing into the adjacent park); where are the weekly surprises? What happened to the music, the zucchini races, the tables of kids selling benefit raffles or The Merc Playhouse selling tickets to their performance, or the former Methow Valley News editor (and others) with massage booths?
To my friends, the market seems smaller and basically boring. Most important, where it used to be a weekly community gathering event where they knew they’d meet lots of local friends, it hasn’t had that feeling in several years. They rarely come any more, when they used to be regulars like me.
I didn’t have a good answer for my friends. In fact, I’ve been hearing similar questions and comments from other locals for a while. I have wondered if part of the issue could be that the list of rules, regulations and restrictions just seems to keep growing.
I do keep going myself. I pick up some fruits or veggies when I can, and say hello to friends who own stands. But I go earlier and stay a shorter time because I don’t find nearly as many old friends to meet and spend time with. It is disappointing.
The newspaper reported recently on the town of Twisp having funds to spend on developing tourism. Maybe a little of that effort could go into looking at how the market could play a greater role in attracting tourists, including bringing back the locals.
Randy Brook, Twisp
Liked the letter
Dear Editor:
Great letter, Gloria Quintal (“Love not Hate,” June 8). You rock!
Julianne Seeman, Mazama
