Save Goose Pond Forest

Writing points for your Letter to the Editor 

 

  • These are the last 19 acres of the last significant unfragmented coastal pine barren forest in Chatham, second only to the Town Forest.

  • Failure to protect this parcel of forest is another example of death to a forest by “a thousand cuts.”

  • Includes isolated wetlands and presumed to be vernal pools that are unique habitat for rare amphibians and invertebrates.

  • Provides safe haven for a wide variety of valuable wildlife: owls, turtles, fox, other creatures.

  • Protection will ensure groundwater replenishment and continued natural filtration of rain and snowmelt.

  • The forest protects the water quality of groundwater and Goose Pond by absorbing rainwater, reducing run-off, and cleaning the water.

  • Forests store carbon. Plants naturally remove excess carbon from the atmosphere and store it in their tissues.

  • Goose Pond is located within several sensitive water areas:

    • Identified Freshwater Recharge Area

    • DEP Approved Public Water Supply-Wellhead Protection Area

    • Potential Public Water Supply Area

  • The forest includes native plants with little or no non-native invasive species.

  • Goose Pond Forest is our natural heritage and should be protected for future generations. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

  • The Chatham Open Space Committee unanimously voted in favor of pursuing a Conservation Restriction want to bring this action to the annual Town Meeting in May 2022.

Ask all residents of Chatham to VOTE at the 2022 Annual Town Meeting to instruct the Select Board to sign a Conservation Restriction to protect this last 19 acres of forest in perpetuity.  

FOR: wildlife, water quality, groundwater recharge, carbon removal and preservation, and for future generations. 

Suggestions to ensure that your letter is as compelling to readers as possible. 

 1. Own your opinion 

Newspapers only publish signed letters. Include your name and town. Use the Chronicle’s online form. 

2. Keep it short  

3. Start strong 

Pull in the reader with a startling fact, a visceral description, or a strong statement. 

4. Speak your truth 

If you have a story to share that illustrates the importance of Goose Pond Forest to you, include a few sentences that frame your story in your letter. 

5. Reinforce with facts 

Your letter to the editor gains credibility when you clearly state facts that support your point.  Above are some facts about the Goose Pond Forest. What matters most to you? 

 6. Use your own words 

 7. Ask for action 

Ask readers to support your cause and give them a specific way to do so in your letter. Vote for the establishment of a Conservation Restriction at the May 2022 Town Meeting 

 

Deadline for submission is usually midday on Monday for the Wednesday edition, and LTEs are printed at the discretion of the editor.

 

Thank you!