Conservationists should thank Byrd
Editor:
America's great outdoors lost a strong supporter on June 28, with the death of Sen. Robert C. Byrd, but his legacy will live on in the mountains, rivers and forests that future generations of West Virginians will enjoy.
During his long tenure in Congress, Sen. Byrd guided millions of dollars from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to conserve beloved recreation areas throughout the Mountain State, including places in the Monongahela National Forest, the New River Gorge National River and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and to protect our nation's heritage at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
Hikers, hunters, anglers and all those who enjoy wild places can thank Sen. Byrd for his conservation vision and his leadership in protecting thousands of acres of wildlife habitat.
He will be missed, but not forgotten, in the lands and waters of wild West Virginia.
Lynda Frost
Trust for Public Land
Reggie Hall
The Conservation Fund
Beth Wheatley
Conservationists should thank Byrd
Editor:
America's great outdoors lost a strong supporter on June 28, with the death of Sen. Robert C. Byrd, but his legacy will live on in the mountains, rivers and forests that future generations of West Virginians will enjoy.
During his long tenure in Congress, Sen. Byrd guided millions of dollars from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to conserve beloved recreation areas throughout the Mountain State, including places in the Monongahela National Forest, the New River Gorge National River and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and to protect our nation's heritage at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
Hikers, hunters, anglers and all those who enjoy wild places can thank Sen. Byrd for his conservation vision and his leadership in protecting thousands of acres of wildlife habitat.
He will be missed, but not forgotten, in the lands and waters of wild West Virginia.
Lynda Frost
Trust for Public Land
Reggie Hall
The Conservation Fund
Beth Wheatley
The Nature Conservancy
Washington, D.C.
Don't miss chance to thank public servants
Editor:
Recently, I was sitting in a doctor's waiting room when a man arrived in his work suit and sat beside me. I was then fortunate to talk with Jim Wazelle, employed buy our state Department of Transportation, Highways Division. His work unit is responsible for maintaining more than 500 miles of state roads, primarily east of Charleston.
This crew of 35 men makes it possible for travel all year on their roads. The work is vital - many people from Boone County, for example, work in Charleston.
This past severe winter created unusually difficult and dangerous conditions for the men. Lens Creek Mountain was often covered by snow, but the road over it had to be passable for traffic day and night.
Mr. Wazelle likes his demanding and sometimes dangerous job because it serves and is vital to the public. Perhaps in the complexity of our own lives, some of us, including me, fail to recognize and thank those who, in so many capacities, labor intensely so our lives can be more comfortable, even safer. If so, you and I are missing the opportunity to serve.
James W. Rowley
Charleston
