To the editor,

People across Pierce County and in my town of Rock Elm have made their opinion clear - we need more protection from CAFOs like Ridge Breeze. We realize we live in a special place. Beautiful woodlands, clean creeks, waterways and drinkable water. We are good neighbors who help and protect each other. We believe strongly in our rights and freedoms.

We in Rock Elm live in the midst of The Rock Elm Disturbance which created fractured fragile soil structure. Self-regulation done by CAFOS under the DNR is not enough.

We need to join together to protect our small farms, town roads, water, and our property. That’s why 85 people attended the public hearing for Rock Elm ordinance operations in January. At that hearing 23 residents spoke in favor of the ordinance. Eleven spoke against. But the lobbyists for Big Ag helped PREVENT the Rock Elm board from passing the ordinance the vast majority are in FAVOR of. Those same lobbyists have lobbied for money to be taken FROM small farms and GIVEN TO CAFOS. Towns like Maiden Rock, Gillman, Isabel and Stockholm have done the RIGHT thing by listening to their residents and holding Big Ag accountable. Rock Elm can still do the same.  

Cheryl Mutschler

Rock Elm resident