Letters: Mar. 15, 2018

Endangered

In our animal world, a species found to be "endangered" can often be protected, propagated and perpetuated. Salmon and bison are examples of such successes. But there are exceptions. Our carrier pigeon is now extinct and South Africa's white rhinoceros survives only in the form of a single remaining male animal.

In our plant world, scientific attempts to propagate and perpetuate "endangered" botanical environments are rarely successful. Whitman County's Palouse Prairie may soon become our version of the white rhino and is no longer sustainable, short of local intervention.

At a recent meeting of Whitman County's Planning Commission, it was learned that less than one percent of this county remains in its "native" state. Remote hilltops, abandoned fence rows, and north-facing eyebrows contain most of the unique botanical remnants of what was once scientifically identified as Native Palouse Prairie.

Reversing this historical evolution is neither attractive nor reasonable. Propagating and repopulating this complex botanical environment are not scientifically viable alternatives. Sustaining and preserving that which remains, and protecting it from cell towers, developmental encroachment, and cultivation, may be our only option. Private property rights not withstanding, my thoughts are that its preservation would likely not impact, significantly the GDP of our county or its economic prosperity.

Currently pending in this county is a request for an Administrative Use Permit relating to the placement of a cell tower on Bald Butte, a known promontory located southeast of Pullman.

Native Palouse Prairie has been found at or near the proposed location.

The issuance of such a permit is not subject to a review by our Planning Commission, does not require a public hearing, and remains the prerogative of our County Planner and three elected Commissioners.

I encourage county residents to observe closely the actions of these individuals, personally express to them your thoughts/concerns, and ask that they act responsibly to protect and sustain what may otherwise become our own single remaining white rhinoceros.

Ken D. Duft,

Pullman