To the Gazette:
I am writing because I have many questions regarding the rationale of removing the trees and bushes below the dam at Santa Fe Lake.
It is my understanding the Core of Engineers has given this directive. I wish I had asked these questions years ago when I had first heard about the directive. Now, the natural beauty has been destroyed!
I do not understand the logic. With the erosion that will now occur, I will guess after a few big spring storms, the beautiful waterfall will be gone.
The bushes on the side of the dirt dam were once an amazing sight to see when the monarchs were migrating through. Now most are gone. It is my understanding that all are to be removed. This just seems like such an extreme approach to take without any consideration given to the habitat for wildlife, the beauty and erosive tendencies that will occur without the stabilization given by the trees and bushes.
The attention should have been directed at the rock and concrete dam that is obviously deteriorating beyond repair. Now when considering the flow of water that will occur without any trees or bushes to help slow the water down, it becomes even a greater area of concern.
It saddens me that one of the treasures of the Augusta area will never be the same again.
Virginia Kuhlmann
Rural Augusta
Augusta, Kan. —
