Dear Editor,

Last Saturday I went for a very beautiful walk in Langley Township: the McLellan Park East Forest in Glen Valley.

I understand that this 25-acre parcel has recently been released from the Agricultural Land Reserve and is now for sale.

I was impressed by how quickly we entered the depth of the forest, the feeling of being in an untouched wilderness so close to the road.

Also remarkable was the variety of biomes: from a cathedral of old growth giants to mixed conifers and deciduous to wetlands and watercourses - an incredible spectrum of species and habitats.

We were thrilled to discover many types of fungus and several species of birds, and to hear from our guide that many more have been identified within this forest.

This forest is a treasure. I would like to encourage the council that has been entrusted with the governance of the Township, to make the courageous move of protecting this forest for future generations.

Those of us who live in Vancouver are undyingly grateful to the City Fathers who saved Stanley Park from the loggers a century ago. Langley is now at that crossroads.

I grew up in Langley, spent my formative years on acreage in the Willoughby area.

My happiest hours were spent in the "bush" at the edge of our farm.

I have seen those farms and forests disappear one by one, recognizing, of course, that people need homes - but they also need quiet spaces for contemplation, for retreat and restoration.

I urge you to preserve this forest.

Sylvia Oates, Vancouver