Tree destruction a threat to wildlife

One thing we don't need in Glen Ellyn is to have our wonderful forest preserve system and the Great Western Trail compromised. That's exactly what destroying Ackerman Woods will do.

I regularly enjoy the Great Western trail and have had the pleasure of seeing a number of different species of wildlife near the trail. I've seen fox, coyotes, deer, beaver and even a mink along the trail in back of Ackerman Park. I've seen king fishers near the creek, and I've also spotted the paw prints of lynx.

These animals need considerable cover on either side of the Great Western trail if we are to continue to enjoy their presence. The more extensive the cover that we can provide, the more likely we'll be able to maintain the wonderful diversity we currently enjoy. In the past month alone, I have seen a coyote and several deer in Ackerman Woods as I drove west along St. Charles. What a treat. It's akin to seeing dolphins cavorting in the Pacific while driving along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Prairie wildlife is our heritage and the special gift of the unique Illinois ecosystem. We should treasure these animals and protect their environment so that we can continue to enjoy their presence for generations.

Please stop the needless destruction of Ackerman Woods. It really is such a small action to take. What are we to gain from sacrificing the few acres that comprise the woods? Whatever the gain, I do know the loss will be a blow to the wildlife that depends upon our foresight and ecological integrity in order to survive.

Judith E. Van Erden

Glen Ellyn