The closing of Troutdale's Airport to firefighting airplanes that haul retardant seems absurd. A few cottonwood trees have priority over thousands of acres of forestland.

The potential for a conflagration with loss of life and property will be wide open.

My dictionary defines stupid as 'acting in an unintelligent decision or careless manner.'

I don't like to call anyone stupid, but Friends of the Columbia Gorge and all others involved in this issue fit that description.

WILLIE NYQUIST

Portland