There is a need for comment on Government's article - Mount Hartman national Park - Grenada - written to the newspapers in February.

The original 1992 recommendations for management (by our Forestry and Wildlife Department) of the Mt. Hartman peninsular were drawn up by the Conservation Biologist, Dr. Bonnie Rusk and included protected areas, buffer zones and multiple use areas.

Grenada's need for development and employment for its people were well understood and such features were written into the recommendations. There was a vision for enhancing Grenada's tourism locations and generating financial opportunities for local residents.

It is important that this report form the basis for any project for that estate and its included national park. All nationals should be concerned about the sale of any National Park and also any attempt to disregard our Grenadian made national Forestry Policy of 1998.

It is a mistake for a Government to lose control of something known to be important enough to preserve for posterity. We may not be managing (i.e.) leaving alone) the Parks as well as we should but there is no guarantee that a company or individual would do better.

Once sold there is no way to take it back if agreements are ignored. A Conservation & Development Strategy study of one of the possible projects for Mt. Hartman is available on line. It is not known who ordered that study but it should be of concern to all.

An included plan of that project shows roads and houses in close proximity to the Bird Sanctuary and other protected areas. Contrary to that study conclusion, the Grenada Doves do react badly to disturbance. Rusk's recommendations take this into consideration. Road and building construction are very disruptive processes.

Some Doves were driven from the quarry area and moved along the ridge and over the hill into Grand Anse Estate and L' Aux Epines. They have not been heard recently and it is not known if they have continued to breed. They live on the leeward sides of the hills and are extremely shy.

In addition, Dry forest is slow to re-grow. Seeds seem to do best after passing through animals and birds. Domestic cats gone wild multiply in housing and tourist developments. The Grenada Dove is ground loving and feeds there making it a target for these feral creatures. Iguanas are also decimated by feral cats.

The project plan also shows development of the swamp area. The intact and growing coral reefs off Mt. Hartman and Lance Aux Epines are preserved by the swamps and mangroves that hold back the silt run-off from the land.

The national Forestry Policy defends mangrove areas. This policy should be enforced. Mangroves and reefs are foundational to marine life in Grenada's waters.

There has been a need for a thoughtful National land use plan for this small very special Island for more years than I care to remember.

My vote goes - Sale of National parks - No! Selective, environmentally approved, appropriate and well advised development - yes!

Christine Brathwaite