November 18, 1997

Ms. Sally Jost (sic), President
Plumas Audubon Society
P. O. Box 3877
Quincy, CA 95971

Dear Ms. Jost (sic):

    Thank you so much for your recent letter to me commenting on our position statement on the Quincy Library Group legislation (S. 1028). I've made sure that all the chapters and activists who have contacted me about this legislation have a copy of your letter. I'm sure they will find it very helpful to them as they consider the issues.

    Your letter raised some important considerations and I look forward to the chance to talk with you about them. There is no doubt we have much to discuss about public participation processes, the application of environmental laws, aspects of the logging plan, and other issues.

    None of us claim to have all the answer to the excellent questions your raised in your letter. We can appreciate the challenge you and others faced in your efforts to find solutions advanced in S. 1028 are legitimate. Our concerns are also shared by a number of Audubon chapters, plus many local and national environmental activists and groups.

    We agree that passing letters back and forth is not the best way to deal with an issue of this magnitude, so we would like to take you up on your offer of a visit. Dan Taylor, myself, and others are all interested in sitting down with you as soon as possible. With your approval, I would also like to extend the invitation to some interested Audubon activists from other chapters to join us. I will contact you shortly about the specifics. The best time for me would be near the Audubon Board meeting in Napa, CA on December 4-7, 1997.

    A visit to Quincy might not end debate about H.R. 858, but it will generate a better understanding of the positions and viewpoints. In addition, I really enjoy wine and hope to take you up on that part of the offer as well, although I can't claim to have a very discriminating palate.

    If you'd like to get in touch with me, you can use the above address and phone numbers, at home (xxx-xxx-xxx), or via email (xxxx@audubon..org)

    Hope to see your soon.

Sincerely yours,

 

Mike Leahy