Protected Fly in San Bernardino

The article on the endangered Delhi Sands Flower-Loving Fly (“Buzz Over a Fly Presents Challenge to Species Act,” June 15) well illustrates the tactics of one camp in endangered species disputes. Those litigating against the Endangered Species Act oppose problem-solving and are against cooperative efforts like California’s Natural Community Conservation Planning program. In Orange and San Diego counties, this program has been successful in combining endangered species protections with development permitting and with creation of parkland. Human needs have turned out to be coincident with those of wildlife.

Like most endangered species, the Delhi Sands Flower-Loving Fly represents an entire habitat, in this case, a unique system of inland sand dunes which has almost completely disappeared. Unfortunately, the elected officials in San Bernardino, perhaps egged on by the anti-environmental extremists and attorneys, have been incapable of putting together a regional habitat plan. The victims of this failure include residents and businesses whose economic future ultimately depends upon open space and quality of life.

For the record, the Delhi Sands Flower-Loving Fly has not “halted” any projects, although this fascinating creature makes a convenient scapegoat.

DAN SILVER, Coordinator

Endangered Habitats League

Los Angeles

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We are grateful for the helpful statement of San Bernardino Board Chairman Jerry Eaves that “the Endangered Species Act was intended to save eagles and bears. Personally, I don’t think we should be spending this money to save cockroaches, snails and flies.” The stupidity of this statement confirms our belief that developers and their minions in public office will go to any length to satisfy their corporate greed.

The world of insects is an integral part of the biosphere that sustains us. They make an intimate contribution to our lives and to the lives of the eagles and bears we also seek to protect. They are as sacred to us as the wind in our face and the soil under our feet.

In diminishing them, we are robbing ourselves and our descendants of a great treasure.

WILLIAM H. DuBAY

Costa Mesa