The Editor,
Terra Nova Park is only a tiny sliver of Richmond's total area.
It can only be described as a semi-wilderness area and it is very unlikely that it will ever reach full wilderness status but it is slowly developing into a unique ecosystem and as such should be cherished and maintained.
It is therefore unbelievable to read Coun. Barnes' council update and learn that city hall has plans underway to build restaurants, bed and breakfasts, live-work spaces "or other such uses."
She also mentions a major waterfront and play area. I shudder to think what that means knowing city hall's past record.
Coun. Barnes, leave Terra Nova as it is. Over and above the 142 species of birds that you mention, there is a family of coyotes, several families of raccoons and other species of wildlife living in that park.
All cities should have an area set aside so that present and future generations can visualize what the natural habitat looked like before human beings started in to develop the area.
Sadly, very few have. Is it asking too much of city hall to leave this small area in its present-day state so that our future generations can visit it and see what Richmond's original terrain looked like?
Robert M. Paul
Richmond
