Demands for property, easements are wrong

We live in Sandpoint by the airport and purchased our home in 2005. We own two acres with Sand Creek running behind us. Sand Creek is a wetlands area. Birds nest in the trees and wild life and game roam the area.

Recently, we received notification from the Airport Manager demanding we give them an easement to our property so they can receive an FAA grant. This grant will pay for a new runway equipped to hold heavier planes and a new taxiway, requiring our beautiful evergreens be removed. These trees supply us with safety, shade, privacy and a sound barrier to the airport and the nearby shopping center. Removing these trees will devalue our property by thousands of dollars.

The Airport is also demanding the following: the right to the airspace above our property, they want to move Boyer Avenue closer to our home and move the existing bike trail closer to our fence. The County has threatened to condemn our property or take it by emanate domain if we do not comply.

We are very happy with our home and do not wish to sell or relocate. We have recently retired, are on Social Security and do not wish to spend money on lengthy legal battles. We have worked our entire lives to enjoy our golden years.

Our property is posted with “no trespassing” signs. Should anyone enter our property illegally, they well be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.

Remember Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax". It chronicles the plight of the environment and the Lorax, who "speaks for the trees" and confronts the Once-ler, who causes environmental destruction.

DAVID and PATTI HOWELL

Sandpoint