On Oct. 30 I was bicycling south on the old railroad bed trail that runs alongside (to the west) of state Route 169/Maple Valley-Black Diamond Highway when I saw a deer carcass. It was in deteriorated condition with a big slab of body flesh gone and abuzz with flies – a really ugly sight. The trail is well used by parents with small children, so I hurried home and phoned Maple Valley (city) to remove it, and the city in turn notified King County Parks, who removed the deer the following day.

I must commend the city and King County for their expeditious response. In fact the unimproved (south of Kent-Kangley) trail is owned by King County, and is sparely maintained. I suggest that the various government bodies get together to complete that section of the Cedar River to Green River trail with an all weather surface to Black Diamond, thereby providing a safe and pleasant walking/hiking/bicycling path, which could also be used by bicycle commuters all the way to Renton.

With federal stimulus funds now available, why not do it? An important plus would be to provide employment for local residents.

Anthony E. Pomata

Maple Valley