The Leagues of Women Voters of King County South and Seattle, representing all of King County, would like to respond to Mr. Greg Duff's letter to the January 23 edition of the Highline Times regarding the issue of gravel mining on Maury Island by Glacier Northwest.

The expansion of gravel mining with its proposed dock should be viewed in the larger context of the health of Puget Sound.

In 2007 the Puget Sound Partnership was established to restore Puget Sound by the year 2020 with broad support from citizens all over the state, including League members.

The aquatic reserve adjacent to Maury Island, as well as the waters around the island, are critical salt water habitat areas, the protection of which are important to the Puget Sound recovery plans.

Maury Island waters are partially surrounded by a Department of Natural Resources' designated Aquatic Reserve. Glacier Northwest's proposed dock would impact that aquatic reserve and the sensitive species (both plant and animal) that inhabit this area that are important to Puget Sound.

The League firmly believes that we all need to be concerned about Puget Sound. Vashon Island is part of the Puget Sound solution. You do not need to live on Vashon Island to understand this.

Becky Cox, President

League of Women Voters

King County South