Southeastern O.C. Needs Wilderness

* The June 7 editorial “Directed Development” was excellent on balancing growth and quality of life, especially as it pertains to south Orange County.

Adequate growth here has certainly taken place already or is already approved: the Ladera, Forster Ranch and Talega developments, for example.

Wall-to-wall housing, commercial and light industrial structures completely covering the vast majority of our formerly bucolic Orange County are not a legacy which we should hand over to future generations.

Laguna Beach has been able to surround itself with a greenbelt through the heroic efforts of the Laguna Greenbelt, the Laguna Canyon Foundation, the Laguna Canyon Conservancy and several other local groups. Similar efforts are now needed in the southeastern portion of the county to create open space, a “backyard wilderness” for future generations.

Setting aside open space for endangered species of plants and animals is necessary and is currently being planned under the Natural Community Conservation Plan. But it isn’t just the species that should be saved. Less development will bring less traffic, less air and water pollution and a sense that we are not being hemmed in.

A “foothill greenbelt” from the Starr Ranch through Caspers Wilderness Park and down to Camp Pendleton will give southeastern county residents a backyard wilderness for which future generations will be most thankful.

PAUL CARLTON

Conservation chair

Sierra Sage/South O.C. Group

Sierra Club

San Clemente