The guest column by Susan Hayward about cutting trees at Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary completely misses the mark as to why members of Stanton Bird Club and the public are opposed to the creation of a paved parking lot, road and nature center at Thorncrag (May 4).

All of the tree cutting referred to by Mrs. Hayward was done to create wildlife habitat. No land was permanently destroyed for wildlife habitat. Even at the small area at the top of the hiss where brush was cleared, apple trees and shrubs were planted and the area soon reverted to forest. In all the many bird books I have read there was no mention of paved roads and parking lots being listed as habitats for birds.

This entire project is totally contrary to the mission of Stanton Bird Club and the 82 years of stewardship at Thorncrag.

It is being proposed under the name of education but education takes many forms. Destroying even a small portion of a bird sanctuary is not justified. No trees should be cut just to create a parking lot and nature center.

What would Professor Jonathan Stanton say about this project if he were still alive?

Does it “Preserve God’s Out of Doors and the Wildlife Therein?”

Fred A. Huntress Jr., Poland Spring