Protecting Forests

I am appalled by the failure of the U.S. Forest Service to protect the streams in our national forests (“America’s Eroding Atolls of Nature,” Nov. 3). The government’s apparent total disregard for these delicate environments and the wildlife which depend on them is shocking. National forests are supposed to be protected, not exploited.

Allowing dirt bikes to ride through rare desert streams ought to be cause for some bureaucratic heads to roll. As for the yahoos who think it’s “fun” to trash these priceless areas, they need some basic education on protecting the environment. Dirt bikes don’t belong in our wilderness areas.

DAVID ORR

Pasadena