Letters to the Editor

Raptor thanks

We just wanted to take a minute to thank the people who came out to the Sitting Duck for the morning raptor presentation and kids workshop. With the weather being a bit chilled, we still enjoyed a morning of making wild birdfeeders. We also wanted to thank the Mountain Lake Lodge for offering us the use of their beautiful conference room for the afternoon research presentation, and the great outpouring of interest and support that we received from all of those who joined us. It looks as though 2009 will be a great research season.

We would like to take a minute and recognize all those who offered their support and services to make this all happen, The Sitting Duck, Mountain Lake Lodge, both in Woods Bay. Sterling Rope, the Wild Classroom, and Polson's Click Here Design. Thanks to you all, your support is appreciated.

Byron

Montana Raptor Institute for Research & Education

Attn. North Lake County

If you live in Woods Bay or Ferndale, you should have received a letter and comment form from the North Lake County Planning & Zoning Committee in the last few weeks. If you have returned the comment form, thank you! If you haven't yet, please take a few minutes to do so and return it to us as soon as possible. Your input is critical to our efforts.

If you didn't receive the letter and comment form, please call or email me (837-6094, leslie@drbeans.com) with your address and I'll mail or scan you a copy. We used the latest address information available from the county, but we know it contains some errors and gaps.

Our webpage provides additional information, including minutes from last summer's community meetings and more maps: http://bigforksteering.org/bigfork-steering-north-lake-county.htm

We will hold community meetings this summer on Tues, July 21 at Bethany Lutheran Church and Wed, July 22 at BruMar Estates. Both meetings will be at 7 p.m.

Thanks for your interest and responses.

Leslie Budewitz

North Lake County Planning & Zoning Committee, Chair

Be kind

Be Kind To Animals Week is May 3 to 9. The Flathead County Shelter would like to suggest becoming a foster parent and provide a loving temporary home for kittens, puppies, dogs or cats to honor this event. Spring has sprung! And, with spring we will have many new animals, especially kittens and puppies coming into the shelter. Foster homes mean a world of difference to an animal who has been at the shelter for an extended period of time, needs a break from the stress of the kennels or is recooperating from a medical condition. Please contact us at 752-1310.

Cindie Jobe

Kalispell

Lion kill

Regarding the Columbia Falls mountain lion recently killed by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks: John Fraley and Jim Williams chose to kill this animal rather than transfer it to The Wildcat Sanctuary, a fully accredited and licensed wildcat sanctuary in Sandstone, Minn., that had agreed to provide a permanent home.

I resent how the press release was written and the fact that they are covering up the truth in this matter. There was no excuse for the murder of this innocent mountain lion.

Julie Hanan

Lutz, Fla.