Dear Editor: The board of directors at the Top of the Pines has begun what they call a program of “mitigation” by poisoning a colony of prairie dogs, including young pups, that live near the lake just east of the entrance road. These animals are actually a sign of a healthy ecosystem and have not shown any sign of disease, nor have they done any harm to humans. There are many other species of animals and birds that are connected to this colony. I would urge the board to consider how inhumane it is to poison innocent animals and to stop this practice and let nature take its course.