Lake article shows need for balance

In your Aug. 2 article "Battening down the hatches," Whitefish Lake and Lakeshore Protection Committee chairman Jim Stack states "it's a difficult balance between property rights and protecting the lake."

Protecting the lake is also about social responsibility.

If someone builds too close to the lake and pollutes it, they have eroded the property rights of their neighbors as well as the public's access to clean lakes and public parks.

Often out-of-state second-home owners are behind increased litigation. Over-developers, contractors and real estate agents who also play a part.

Making lots of money and ostentatious displays of wealth have become more important than building a community.

Only a balance between property rights and social responsibility will protect the lake. Fortunately, we have a city council and a Lakeshore Protection Committee that care about the future of Whitefish and about protecting everyone's property rights.

Eric Young

Whitefish