I was surprised to learn from April Baisan’s recent column in The Journal and The Durango Herald that there is no management plan for Cortez’ Carpenter Natural Area and, I assume, the adjacent Geer Natural Area.

Like Baisan, I was disappointed by the rather crude clearing of Russian olive trees in both areas by a tracked machine that damaged native shrubs and grasses, while traversing the parks’ soft soil.

These natural areas are a great resource for the city and provide wonderful recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. A well-crafted management plan, with public input, could make them even better.

Lew McCool

Cortez