It is once again time for the pilot hunting program at Island Center Forest (ICF) to commence and I believe it is time to rethink this. This forest is a valuable island resource used by a wide variety of enthusiasts and is closed for two weeks every year to all but hunters — most of whom come from off island.

The figures provided by King County Parks indicate that from 2011 to 2015, 296 hunters visited during hunting season. Of those, only 51 were from Vashon. A total of 22 deer were killed during 94 hunting days over this five-year period with only one year having more than four taken.

I am sure no one believes the killing of 22 deer in one small area of the island over five years is going to impact the island population in any significant way. I believe money and time would be better-spent matching hunters with landowners from all over the island who would welcome them. The fact that the county has allowed hunting in ICF in the past does not mean it needs to continue to do so. As populations and usage of lands change, so should policies. Depriving the majority of users access to ICF for this two-week period is not a good use of this important recreational area.

— Michelle Harvey