Lincoln Journal
Thursday, June 6, 2002

Massport plan blasted by resident

To the editor:

On May 28, 2002, I attended a meeting in Lexington (because I was unable to attend in my town). Massport presented their five-year Vegetation Management Plan. The plan was more like an ultimatum. They proposed " large scale removal of trees " — some of which are 60-80 feet high and would be removed by helicopter! They were asked how many trees they plan to remove (they are " penetrations of protected airspace at Hanscom " ), and their numbers were vague and misleading. Some in the audience heard that they intend to remove (versus cut down) thousands to tens of thousands of trees.

Though they say they are sensitive to environmental resources, their mass tree-removal project will endanger rare species of birds and insects in the area, it will include herbicide applications in all towns except for Lexington, and it will greatly impact/increase noise and air pollution„ The trees and shrubs now protect us from some of the thunderous airplane noise that goes on all day until late in the evening.

The only protection we have against Massport’s strategic destruction of our environment are the wetlands protection regulations.

It is critical that people become involved in this process. We must be a presence at these meetings and be vociferous in our opposition to Massport. If we fail to be heard, we will wind up living in a vast wasteland, that is void of the beauty and history we enjoy and deserve.

Judith Stein
Lincoln

© Copyright 1995-2001 - Town Online - All Rights Reserved ==========
**NOTICE: In accordance with 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.** ==========