Wetlands and property owners' rights

Regarding the article "Bush Redefines Wetlands; Scientists Concerned," Aug. 19: Bush's new plan will protect private owners of wetlands from confiscation of their property rights; the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution requires that takings for public purposes shall receive just compensation.I am a strong supporter of solving current environmental problems, many of which do require the use of government power for regulation and correction. But removing individual property owners' rights should be done more carefully and with fair and just compensation. Robert B. Hotaling, Haslett, Mich. Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.