I recently stumbled across a public notice in the Independent’s classifieds section. Soon after, we received the notice from the City of Port Orchard. And the very small yellow public notice sign appeared in a very well-hidden section on Old Clifton Road.

I’m writing to let the residents of Port Orchard be aware that the new owner of the McCormick Woods community is planning to clear-cut strip Parcel A, better known as the McCormick Woods entrance off Old Clifton. This area of land was NEVER in the original plans to develop. And for some reason, this out-of-area owner sees fit to strip this beautiful section of trees.

This area is the most beautiful parcel of this community. It is home to towering cedar trees and pines, ferns and a gorgeous forest floor. It is critical to our aquifers and water supply, our wetlands and the environment. Not to mention the wildlife that calls this area home, including eagles, deer, owls, robins, hummingbirds, rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks. Even bugs.

We need to speak for those without an audible voice! If you enjoy this beautiful community as your home or where you play a round of golf, or perhaps you hike on many of its trails, we need your support.

As hundreds of homes continue to be constructed within McCormick Woods, and projected development of 1,500 more homes on Old Clifton near Fiegley Road already planned, it will indirectly affect you. The result will be overcrowding in the schools, additional traffic flow on an already pothole-ridden road, additional taxing of our water and sewer systems, and as needs increase, so will your tax bill.

Please let your opinions be heard at City Council meetings and by emailing the mayor of Port Orchard and City Council members.

Please help us save a treasured gem of the Port Orchard community. Let your voice be heard so that big-city developers cannot come and strip our lands, then go back home across the pond!

The wildlife thanks you. I thank you.

Ann Welsh

Port Orchard