As member of Port Townsend’s Parks, Recreation,Trees and Trails advisory board, I sat in awe at the last meeting as board members, city staff, members of the public and a consulting landscape architect discussed the selection of tree species under consideration to replace the ailing and dangerous poplars along Sims Way. It would not have occurred to me to look at types of trees based on their impact on boat construction, such as pollen and fruit which could either drift or be dropped by birds and insects on boats being painted nearby, avoiding native species that would attract wildlife to cross the highway to reach them, and considering how various trees root, in order to avoid potential problems with utilities being installed underground along the new parkway.

From a distance, the work of government can seem like a lot of bureaucratic paper shuffling and busy work, but seen up close there is a daunting amount of detail that needs to be understood and managed for the good of the public.

I offer my compliments and respect to everyone involved in this particular deliberation, and to all the other public employees, advisory boards and interested members of the public who care enough to bring their experience, intelligence and open minds to serving their community.

Matthew Miner

Port Townsend