Letters to the Editor

Readers write: Letters to the editor, July 8, 2016

Trapper’s attitude shows need for Denali buffer

Seeing a wolf, hearing a wolf, even from a bus or a car can be extraordinarily moving, sometimes life-changing, especially for urban visitors. Millions of visitors with generous wallets probably won't see a wolf this year. Or the next. Ten years ago, visitors had a 50 percent chance of seeing a wolf; last year, 5 percent.

Trapper Coke Wallace of Healy has killed wolves on state land north of Denali known as the Wolf Townships since at least 1999. National Geographic interviewed Wallace this year. Referring to his record of killing, he said, "That was the third time I ruined millions of people's Denali National Park viewing experience." That despicable attitude is nurtured by the contemptible decisions of the Alaska Board of Game and timidity of Alaska Fish and Game Commissioner Sam Cotten.

The only realistic solution is a permanent protective buffer on state land north of the park. Denali Superintendent Don Striker needs to convince Gov. Walker a no-take wildlife conservation easement should be created immediately.

— Mark Luttrell
Seward

Rank has its privileges

Everyone who was or now is in the military knows what RHIP means. So the decision not to prosecute Hillary Clinton comes as no surprise. Yes, until now the highest rank I know of was a five-star general. Hillary is far above that rank.
Her privileges are far greater than any other American's. Well, maybe Bill's too.
Remember, we have the power to bust her down to a private come election day!

— Duane G Bessette,
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col., ret.
Anchorage

The views expressed here are the writers' own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a letter under 200 words for consideration, email letters@alaskadispatch.com, or click here to submit via any web browser. Submitting a letter to the editor constitutes granting permission for it to be edited for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Send longer works of opinion to commentary@alaskadispatch.com.

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