Dear editor,
In a recent letter to the Record, Frank Burden describes the abandoned Field’s sawmill site as an offensive sight for sore eyes (What’s derelict to some are dream homes to others, July 17).
It is indeed an eyesore, particularly when one considers its potential as an environmental asset with continuity to the natural “Hollyhock Flats” area immediately to the south.
Fish and wildlife habitat, and flood mitigation are but two of the many “environmental services” that would be provided by restoration of this important area.
These lands should be protected and they should be restored to their naturally functioning condition.
Comox Valley Project Watershed Society has a vision to accomplish just this objective (while providing further public access to the K’omox Estuary) re. this derelict and heavily impacted piece of ground that is a blot on our community.
Go to bit.ly/XAOQVx for an earlier Comox Valley Record article on this issue and Project Watershed’s site bit.ly/1y25KHM to become better informed on this community initiative.
With a municipal election coming in the fall, an important question that should be posed to those running for office is “Will you make the restoration of this site a major priority?”
I and the board of Project Watershed believe that there is a great deal of public support for this restoration whose time has come.
Bill Heidrick
Comox Valley Project Watershed Society