To the editor:

The conservation and recreational benefits of acquiring the Trillium property are obvious. But there is one big issue that might be overlooked — water quality.

The 664 acres sit on the ridge between Bush Point and Holmes Harbor. Local forester and consultant, Elliott Menashe, writes on the www.savetheforestnow.org Web site that the property holds the origins of three separate creeks and watersheds, one of which flows through South Whidbey State Park.

Mr. Menashe discusses the value of the property in “recharging the aquifers of the surrounding communities, reducing stormwater impacts, and fending off saltwater intrusion of the shoreline wells and water systems.”

A quick look at an aerial photo of the property makes his point very clear. Development of the Trillium property poses a threat to our water supply.

I recommend that your readers check out Mr. Menashe’s essay and the watershed map he included on the www.savetheforestnow.org Web site. The Web site also provides information about how to contribute to the conservation of this property.

Duane Fulgham

Clinton