LETTERS: BOND'S ACTIONS GET RIPLEY COUNTY SUPPORT

To the editor:

Ripley County is located in Southeast Missouri and is fortunate to have many acres of land owned by the U.S. Forest Service. It is my belief that most of our citizens enjoy the benefits these lands provide as a place to hunt, fish, camp, hike, trail ride or just admire the beauty of the forest while driving.

Another significant feature these lands provide is employment opportunities within the timber industry. Ripley County has few resources that would attract major industries to locate within its boundaries. Therefore, the county needs to utilize every resource available. While I would never adhere to the outright destruction of our natural resources, I do believe that we can have a balance between the natural resources and the badly needed economic development of our area.

I realize that mining has in the past left some lands less desirable. However, I also understand there have been many improvements in methods of mining. Therefore, I believe that with this property balance the beauty of our natural resources and the possible economic gain to our citizens can exist simultaneously, and decisions regarding mining in our region should be left to the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Service, the Bureau of Land Management and, most importantly, the local people of the area.

U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond understands the economic needs of our region as well as the need to preserve our environment and has demonstrated this by his willingness to listen to local concerns. I agree with his decisions to let scientific evidence be utilized and to not shut the door in the face of what could provide badly needed economic gain to our region without destroying the beauty of our natural resources.

WILLIAM D. KENNON JR., Presiding Commissioner

Ripley County Commission

Doniphan