Dear Editor,

I have been a resident of Langley for the past 20 years, I would like to thank and commend Township council for their recent decision not to sell a significant portion of McLellan Forest East (Gray Pit lands).

I am grateful, as I am concerned for the biodiversity and ecological value of the wetlands, with regard to the importance of rare and endangered species and habitat protection, regionally and globally.

It is heartening that the Township has taken more than half of the forests off the market in response to the public outcry. As you are well aware, this issue has garnered a high political profile for the Township and has high public relations component which will very likely influence many voters in the next election.

Now is the time to capitalize on this momentum, and ensure permanent protection of both McLellan Forest and Gray Pit lands for future generations. The next rational step is to protect the integrity of this priceless ecosystem by setting the lands aside as a park or heritage conservation area. Ellen Klemm, Langley