Let’s go beyond this and create an image of a different vision of that land

"How about this: Overall we are asking that the Board of County Commissioners hold the line on any rezonings that would create more density in rural areas. No rezoning of the Raydient property is consistent with the requests of the Pt. Gamble S’Klallam and Suquamish sovereign nations that are near this land. We can summarize from the many previous messages a list of basic reasons that this is better for the overall health of the land and people.

Let’s go beyond this and create an image of a different vision of that land instead of a sports complex and the opening for continually expanding commercial development and denser housing. 

Can we create a positive vision of what Raydient can do with the zoning they have that are related to natural resources. In this case Raydient (or previous owners) has had many benefits from their current zoning. If they are leaving, they have the right to sell their land in 20 acre parcels. Those 20 acre parcels could be of benefit to the well-being of the county if they are marketed to people who are willing to protect the land and/or in some way use it for rejuvenation of nature that has been degraded through the clearcutting timber practice. 

What if those parcels were sold to people who would restore the land in a way that it can be used for agriculture, certain types of small scale farming, etc.? What about agroforestry? What about someone or several people buying adjacent lots, positioning their houses for minimal environmental impact and putting the rest of their acreage in a conservation easement? 

Can we think of more such ideas to generate a competing image of what the property can be that would help turn the curve toward protecting our planet? We could call on the national commitment of moving us toward the 30 x 30 goal (30% of the earth’s surface left to our wild cousins by 2030) and other commitments toward rejuvenation of nature, toward creating “net ecological gain” from our practices. We need public messages that creates a vision for the property than can compete with the sports complex around which we can create public enthusiasm and support. Maybe included in there is some land purchases that can be some type of recreational space that a new generation of youth want that restores health, well-being and different ways of thinking about recreation. Anyway, do you think we could do something with this?

Thanks for all the work to stop unhealthy rezoning."

By Beverly Parsons