Preserve Nature Heritage For Future

Editor: It is an outstanding idea to preserve Goose Pond forest. There are concerns that Chatham is becoming what many of us hoped it would never be – Anyplace, USA. I grew up believing it was a special place, unique in its natural environment and historical presence.

Change is inevitable, but we can ensure that change is for the better and that certainly includes doing what we can to protect our wetlands, ponds, open space, and forests.

Town meeting in 2021 voted to save this area from development. The Chatham Open Space Committee is asking town meeting in 2022 to authorize the select board to sign a conservation restriction to preserve it in perpetuity. Not only will this protect the natural beauty of this area, but air quality will be improved and wildlife habitat will be safeguarded. The watersheds of public wells also will be protected from overdevelopment, and land use will be

restricted so our groundwater quality will not be threatened.

I believe citizens have spoken. They turned down its use for a COA and for housing. They want to preserve this natural forest, which in turn provides pond protection and so much more. We should do it. It is our natural heritage and should be conserved for future generations.

Jennifer Buck

North Chatham