Capable of reflection

(Sierra Sun Letter to the Editor August 15, 2007)

Regarding the letter “Save Donner Summit from what?” on Aug. 3 — what drivel! This is the kind of environmental fatalism that is destroying our planet. Just because Donner Summit doesn't look exactly the same way as it did for the Donner Party doesn't mean that its environmental degradation to rampant develop­ment is inevitable.

A small (1,000 homes) com­munity of vacationers does not remotely have the same impact as “the new Vail” with its deforestation, drainage and runoff problems, sewage and water issues, which clearly overwhelm the capabilities of the harsh but fragile Summit ecosystem. Once a trend of development has started doesn't mean it has to continue unchecked.

Fortunately, as a species we are capable of reflection and changing our minds.

Otherwise we would never have developed ideas like democracy, women's suffrage, and the environmental movement, but continued with the status quo.

Why save Donner Summit?

Because we only have one world and we can preserve it one place at the time before it's destroyed.

Andrew Kaczynski Soda Springs