The Qwuloolt Estuary multi-use path on Ebey Slough in Marysville is a fantastic addition to the city. This walking, running and riding path fills a niche that benefits many. I run there regularly and see it utilized by people of all ages and physical abilities.

This week on a morning run I was dismayed and disturbed to hear gunshots right next to the trail. While I have heard and seen hunters on the slough in the past, never have they been so close to the path.

This time, I turned around rather than keep running into an active firing range. I was not the only one: there were a half dozen people and dogs on the trail that morning, and we all turned around because we feared for our safety.

Let me be clear: I do not have a problem with people hunting. I do have a problem when one hunter has a de facto monopoly on a public trail because no one wants to be in an area where there is live fire being shot in unpredictable directions. This area is too populous to be used as a sanctioned hunting preserve. If the city of Marysville truly wants to encourage the widespread appreciation and enjoyment of this remarkable habitat, the Qwuloolt Estuary should not be open to hunters.

Heather MacFarlane, Marysville