I am writing regarding significant grant funding that may be awarded to our community if Congress votes to approve conservation funding this fall. As many in the community know, we are blessed with a wealth of forested trails attracting outdoor enthusiasts like mountain bikers, runners, hikers and walkers. A popular area is along a stretch of Maple Valley Highway between Maple Valley and Black Diamond. Our concern is lack of adequate recreational parking making it unsafe for trail users.

This important project, supported by a grass roots group of trail advocates including the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance and the Back Country Horsemen, will develop sufficient parking along the highway with a $275,000 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal program which protects our natural areas while providing recreational opportunities across the country, opportunities like this Black Diamond project.

We need Congressman (Dave) Reichert and senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray to work with congressional leadership to approve full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund this fall. Our local trails are a community treasure that need appropriate provisions in place for recreational use by us and our grandchildren.

Rick Heinz

Maple Valley