EDITOR:
Re: Quasi-park to get even bigger, Murphy's Law, July 27
I was very disappointed to read Ted Murphy's remarks with respect to Chilukhtan Slough. He said the slough was "dirty" and indicated something needed to be done about it. I can tell he is no champion for the environment by these comments.
First of all, Chilukhtan Slough is not dirty. It is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. It goes in and out with the tide, which stirs up mud from the bottom, making the slough look muddy.
In the summer, the slough is held at a high level so the farmers can use it for irrigation. During this period of time it is greenish in colour.
The point is that no matter what colour the slough is, it is a beautiful thing.
It is home to all kinds of wildlife and it is a completely healthy ecosystem. The farming community relies on it for irrigation.
I live on Chilukhtan Slough and some years ago I noticed a lot of vegetation growing up from the bottom at this time of year. Thinking it might be the dreaded milfoil, I contacted the municipality. Someone came out and had a look at it and advised me it was not milfoil, but pondweed, which was great because it indicated the slough was healthy.
By categorizing the slough as dirty, uneducated persons might believe it is of no value and it wouldn't matter if garbage were thrown into it, or if oil or other toxins drained into it. To say the least, Murphy's comments are not helpful.
Murphy also says something should be done about it. What would he suggest? Plowing it under? Paving it?
Leave Chilukhtan Slough alone. It's doing just fine as all of its inhabitants will tell you, if you'll just take the time to listen.
