Mulholland Gateway Park

* Re editorial “2 Sides to This Environmental Coin,” July 7.

This editorial was written by a biased and environmentally uneducated staff and is an unfortunate commentary on behalf of wilderness preservation.

Sod lawns and Frisbees do not help create a wilderness experience and do not belong in natural walk-in parks. People who like lawns and lots of activity can and do go to their local parks. Mulholland Gateway Park (Big Sky) was never intended or approved to be developed “as it is”--500 trees, sod lawn, permanent irrigation system and maintenance in perpetuity, ultimately at the public’s expense. It was supposed to have been a naturally restored park, one that would offer the visitor that firsthand wilderness experience referred to in the editorial.

Thousands of visitors have enjoyed weekly guided hikes through the peaceful solitude of this unique natural walk-in park for years. Now, suddenly, it’s not appealing enough to attract the masses without man-made alterations. Trees, shade, grass and water are good things, but those elements are not natural to Reseda Ridge. They do exist, however, in the canyon below the ridge, naturally. And, it’s very accessible.

The message in this editorial seems to be a product of our times. It is misleading and dangerous. [That message] is that it’s OK to inflict “minor damage” for the survival of the whole. The long-term survival of the Santa Monica Mountains depends instead upon individuals’ and organizations’ refusal to compromise the integrity and beauty of that which we wish to preserve and protect.

SUSANNE BELCHER

Tarzana