Seattle Sun Newspaper - Vol. 6, Issue 12, December 2002

Copyright 2002 Seattle Sun. Please feel free to use the article and photos below in your research. Be sure to quote the Seattle Sun as your source.

Letter to the Editor

Give creeks a chance

I'd like to thank you for your coverage of a serious problem on Kramer Creek in last months's article titled "Still Covering Creeks". This issue, of culverting creeks has been a continuing problem in Seattle and all urban areas.

Kramer Creek, an important tributary of Thornton Creek runs year-long, even throughout a very dry summer and fall. The City allowed it to be placed in a ditch years ago and now is continuing this degradation by allowing it to be culverted.

This is an example of the many ways Seattle has been allowing the continuing degradation of all of our urban streams.

It's one reason that Yes For Seattle is now gathering signatures on Initiative 80, "Save Seattle's Streams" for next year's ballot. It will require major developers to help restore creeks on their properties, when they redevelop. We're coming very close to completion of the signature gathering and are very grateful for the efforts of all our intrepid volunteers and signees.

We urge anyone who cares about Seattle's beleaguered creeks to sign one of the petitions in the next two weeks. You'll see our volunteers outside some grocery stores and at events. Or you can sign one one one of the familiar bright orange "kiosks". around town.

If folks would still like to help us gather contact Yes For Seattle at 956-8050 or check the Web site at www.yesforseattle.org. Initiative-80 will send a powerful message to the City and County government that we should not be willing to sacrifice our urban creeks to development!

JANET WAY,

President, Thornton Creek Legal Defense Fund