Environmental Priority Laudable

* Regarding “Saving Natural California,” May 4: Thank you for recognizing that our heritage, the future and the environment are intertwined. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Canyon is a successful example of public agencies and private companies working together to preserve a unique area. It would not be possible today under the state’s current acquisition funding.

State environmental agencies have suffered dramatic budget reductions since 1988. Parks and recreation have become the neglected stepchild. Assemblywoman Virginia Strom-Martin (D-Duncans Mills) is helping to change that by providing leadership for future environmental funding. We sent her our thanks and have written to our legislators encouraging them to allocate even more funding for our natural resources.

We hope others will add their voices to the groundswell of support. Some of the keystone areas in Orange County slated for parkland acquisition are the last two parcels to complete Laguna Coast Wilderness Park as well as Coal Canyon for the link between Chino Hills State Park and Cleveland National Forest.

MICHAEL PINTO

President

Laguna Canyon Foundation