Vancouver resident Michael Glynn believes Clark County’s lack of scientific objectivity should concern area residents
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
Clark County’s bias favoritism toward rapid, unchecked development is front and center. In a January hearing on a development within proximity of a bald eagle’s nest Biologist Lance Watt made several comments with conscious favoritism toward land development and away from the written laws and codes.
Directly from the transcript:
“Well, I think they’re from, based on the comments, they’re going to try and avoid getting a permit because getting an incidental take permit is kind of a big deal. So they I’m sure the applicant does not want to risk an incidental take of a bald eagle here.” Even commenting that the …”660 foot buffer that US Fish and Wildlife Service appears to suggest doesn’t seem like black letter law.”
As a fellow biologist, Mr. Watts comments go against basic scientific principles of maintaining an objective approach to the evidence regarding his decisions. His comments spoke for the developers rather than an unbiased third party. Objectivity to scientific decision-making should be present in government officials.
The bald eagle’s nest was sat at 710 feet, 50 feet beyond the need for a permit. The eagles nor their chatty offspring have not been heard since clearing of the development commenced in the last couple weeks.
Clark County’s lack of scientific objectivity should concern local residents with the ethics of Clark County’s seemingly unchecked, rapid development.
In the end, the county has continued with the development including by-passing the “recommended guidance of WDFW for seasonal restrictions as noted above meaning that no grading or heavy equipment use may start between March 1 and September 30.” This biologist and Clark County resident will forever cast doubt into Clark County’s biological assessment.
Michael Glynn
Vancouver
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