Hypocrisy in talk of saving forests

Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008

Hypocrisy in talk of saving forests

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I cringe at the hypocrisy of Montgomery County Planning Board and Chairman Royce Hanson touting the ‘‘new, stronger version of the county Forest Conservation Law” (‘‘Strengthen forest conservation law, but don’t wield too broad an axe,” Jan. 9 commentary).

How insulting to those who spoke up for the forests and woodlands on the brink of eradication with the rollout of the Intercounty Connector. The State Highway Administration’s Draft Environmental Study states that the ICC will destroy up to 552 acres of forests. Where was the Planning Board’s advocacy for forests when letters were being written and public statements being made in an attempt to save those trees that stand in the ICC’s path?

Now, suddenly, they want to strengthen our forest conservation laws! It’s hard to convince me of the integrity of the Planning Board after reading statements in Mr. Hanson’s commentary such as, ‘‘The county Planning Board knows our residents care about forests, and we’re determined to protect them,” and, ‘‘It’s important — for us and our grandchildren — that we maintain and enhance our county’s forested areas.”

Have they driven up Redland Road lately?

Karen Pittleman, Derwood