I have been active in the preservation of old-growth forests and in the restoration of salmon habitats. I have camped hundreds of nights in black and brown bear country and have practiced the intelligent camping precautions one should follow in bear country.
I am opposed, however, to the restoration of grizzlies into the Cascades [“Grizzly bears can make North Cascades a piece of wild America,” Opinion, March 22].
Knowing that such top predators are loose to roam at a sustainable level of population would certainly keep me from hiking the nearby forests.
I suspect many people share with me the dread of being eaten alive. And if people do not visit and feel a modicum of safety in the woods, then who would there be left to champion the forests?
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If we are to have any chance of ushering the forest ecosystem into the 22nd century, even somewhat intact, we must not discourage the leisure use of the woods by an urban populace. Having grizzlies in the woods would mean fewer people enjoying the wilderness — who would, in turn, possibly not be interested in defending our forests.
Thor Thompson, Seattle