44°

Sound off on the important issues at

Most of the road travels over wetlands, so avoidance is impossible. Photo-documentation by the Corps and by others verifies the damage caused, the lack of erosion controls, debris on the downslopes, and the overburden related to un-permitted rock pits. Only mitigation and repair - and not words - can backtrack on this reality.

Lastly, Freeman's reasons for not needing permits are incorrect. If there was no intention of the agencies involved - U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, borough or state - to keep the road open; and the road does not enter a new area for logging; and there are no pits that require permitting; and best practices are implemented, then no permits would be required. There are documented statements from DNR, Forest Service, and the borough to keep the road open. The road enters a new area for logging. There are at least six new and un-permitted rock pits. In addition, the Corps and others have verified and photo-documented the poor conditions of the road and pits.

I suggest Freeman get the laws correct - and get a permit application - by contacting Robin Leighty at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Gregory Vickrey

Ketchikan