Manage undergrowth or risk another Almeda Fire

I read with interest the lead article in the current Almeda Fire series, regarding the as yet unknown cause of the fire.

Of more importance to my wife and I as survivors of the fire (we too lost everything) is the lack of discussion relative to the responsibility for the literal acres of blackberry vines and other undergrowth that fueled the fire and contributed largely to the intensity of the inferno. While much of the undergrowth was situated on private land, a large amount was also on state (ODOT), county and municipal-owned property.

Prior to the fire, during walks along the Greenway near Talent, I noticed that little of this undergrowth was being managed in a way to prevent or deter such an event as the Almeda Fire and even pointed this out to a member of the staff at the fire station just north of Talent.

His response — a verbal shrug, of sorts — was not very satisfying. Now, driving along Pacific Highway between Phoenix and Ashland, one can see a young, dense forest of cottonwood saplings springing forth from the roots of the badly damaged trees along the Bear Creek Greenway.

This may be a good thing or, if mismanaged as in the past, fuel for a future inferno.

Martin Lentz / Phoenix

Cherish libraries, reject those who attack them

During my childhood, I learned to read in the first grade along with my classmates at our local elementary school, and I’ve loved reading since then.

My family couldn’t afford to buy books, so I made good use of our local public library. Since then, I have cherished libraries, and have had a great appreciation for librarians.

An article in the RV Times, “Oregon libraries receive record number of book complaints,” was very distressing. Libraries and their staffs have been harassed and threatened, and have been labeled “groomers.”

Libraries offer a wide variety of books, knowing that people have different interests and tastes. Librarians, who are nurturing and helpful public servants, make suggestions, but librarians do not force readers to read particular books against their will.

Those who harass and threaten librarians and libraries are the real groomers in this controversy. They are mean-spirited and cruel people whose goal is to groom as many individuals as possible to engage in bigotry and hate.

Freedom of the press is meaningless without the freedom to read.

Victor Mlotok / Phoenix