‘Hyper-Negotiated’ Land Swap

I wish to write you about a grave ecological matter whose outcome is being decided right now. Bob Hope has proposed a land deal that would net the state of California a great deal of acreage for park usage, at the expense of 59 acres from an existing park. However, some folks are taking a puritanical stance of not wanting to give up the 59 acres stipulated in the deal.

I do not see this issue sets a precedent. This sort of bartering goes on all the time, though probably not involving already designated parkland. I see this as opting for common sense over the letter of the law. We stand to win so much for our future generations, and for the wildlife corridor from this deal.

However, perhaps everyone is thinking too small to begin with. What should happen is the government should buy out Bob Hope and all others owning land we need to complete our desired parks and to complete the corridor.

It seems tantamount to what would have happened had the government allowed Mesa Verde, the Grand Canyon, Red Rocks and any number of other national treasures to have been bought up by private parties for development.

ANDRE VAN MEULEBROUCK

Chatsworth