Letter to the editor:

Multiple threats to Strawberry Canyon

To the Editor:

University construction is not the only threat to Strawberry Canyon. Bulldozing of fire roads, spraying of pesticides, exotic species (e.g. Eucalyptus, French broom, off-leash dogs, poison hemlock, etc.), and illegal forms of recreation, such as mountain biking, mountain unicycling, and trail building are all major threats to the wildlife, including the Alameda whipsnake. They are much easier to deal with (and more fun!) than stopping multi-million dollar research projects.

A few weeks ago, while helping remove French broom, I was treated to the sight of a juvenile whipsnake - only the second I have ever seen in the wild.

Mike Vandeman

Editor's response: The Sierra Club is in full agreement that these problems are important. Alas, our experience working on these issues suggests that they are not as easy to deal with as the letter-writer suggests.