Dear Editor,

A recent “Guest Column” in another paper is titled “Navy tests explained.” Near the end of this piece, the author, Capt. Mike Nortier, the commanding officer of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, says that an assessment was completed by the Navy in August and the Navy “notified the public about the assessment and received no public comment prior to the August 15th deadline.” To my knowledge neither radio stations nor newspapers had been notified. Also, I have not heard of anyone in Okanogan County receiving a notice in the mail or otherwise.

Personally, I would like to hear what its all about and ask a few questions. I believe there are many people around the Okanogan and Colville National Forests who have questions and comments. We need a local meeting and the comment period needs to start when those notices are made public (published).

A tenent of public participation is to have the information before we can make an informed decision. I dont believe the Navy has done this up to this point.

If you, as an editor think this is important, I would encourage your readers to contact Sarah White, Okanogan/Wenatchee National Forest, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA 98801 (swhite@fs.fed.us) or call 509-664-9232.

Thanks,

Buffalo Mazzetti

Tonasket