The Pacific Northwest is arguably one of the most beautiful places to live. With sprawling mountains, and evergreen-capped hills, many looking for solace in nature settle here. I was lucky enough to grow up on this landscape.

Being raised in the woods taught me many valuable lessons. I learned respect from the rivers we fished in fall and floated in summer. The rain and wind taught me to be prepared for anything, as did flood and drought. The beauty and awesomeness of nature instilled a lasting love and respect for the lands that taught me how to survive.

Snoqualmie Falls has been, and always will be, for everyone.

I was recently informed of plans to bulldoze land surrounding the falls to allow for 200 new homes. Not only is it irresponsible, but it is wildly disrespectful to the people whose land they are marring.

It is one thing to allow a community to grow, it is another to abuse the means extended to the city via insertion of a suburb on burial grounds. It breaks my heart to see such senseless actions to capitalize on a land that is sacred to the indigenous people of our community.

Is the rest of this land not enough, that this sacred place must be ripped from their hands, too?

Carly Benedict

Duvall