To the Editor:

Grotto or grotesque? That was the main thought that entered my mind when reading of why the hillside across the Pacolet River from Harmon Field was recently denuded by logging.

To clarify, simple definition of grotto is any type of natural or artificial cave that is associated with modern, historic or prehistoric use by humans. Logging is the occupation of cutting down trees, cutting them into logs, and transporting the logs to a sawmill. (That is also done by humans.)

In late December, when visiting friends near Baker Road, I noticed an entire previously forested area that was under-going full-scale logging. Shocked and sickened at the brutal destruction of a previously lovely, peaceful wooded area, I asked my hosts if a large subdivision was being put in.

Even in dark of night, my headlights showed the eerie feel of missing trees, hulking equipment, and a sense of something beautiful lost. That sight is heartbreaking.

So, it turns out that this logging is for a grandiose scheme of a St. Anthony grotto. Im truly left wondering if St. Anthony, like myself and many others, might have chosen to keep the natural beauty of an existing woodland that served as home to flora and fauna, now destroyed or displaced, rather than destroy it. Such invasion causes erosion, ugliness, stream damage and more.

While probably reaping hefty logging payments for board lumber, it could be dollars ruled the decision I only wish there was more protection in this county against such damage before it is done.

While, the property owner promises many future enhancements, the woods were irreplaceable and better left alone the old adage dont fix it unless its broke pops into mind. An existing living natural landscape is now ravaged. Nature suffers enough due to over-population and rape of the land.

What we have is so precious, so fragile Polk County would be wise to preserve whats left of the natural beauty once its gone, its gone, as many areas have learned the hard way. Didnt we learn from the tragedy of Chocolate Drop Mountains scar?

They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot sang Joni Mitchell. Well, maybe a grotto instead of the parking lot, but you get the idea. Give me the trees, please.

Bonnie J. Bardos