Elimination of ranger post leaves White Pond at risk
I understand the need for fiscal responsibility, but not at the expense of our beloved natural resources.
My family and I are fortunate to live near White Pond, one of our very favorite places. The Friends of White Pond, a public group united in their love for this special spot, maintains a site of relevant updates and resources at friendsofwhitepond.org. A recent article there expressed alarm about the recent elimination of Acton’s only ranger position, a job previously dedicated to monitoring conservation areas, including White Pond.
The article directly references past recommendations by the White Pond Advisory Committee and White Pond Task Force that ranger hours actually need increasing, especially on weekends, to support “enforcement of parking laws … and the checking of White Pond membership at the parking lot entrance.” In addition, the ranger has supported “people management” due to frequently found “discarded beer cans, cigarette butts, plastic wrappers, plastic bags, animal feces, and fishing line” that impact safety and enjoyment of the pond. Lastly, people often use parts of the pond that are prohibited, which contributes to issues with water quality and damage to the local environment.
The May 9 edition of The Bridge reported that Natural Resources Director Delia Kaye indicated “it would be hard to supplement [the ranger position] with volunteer staff.” In the same article, it notes Deputy Town Manager Megan Zammuto said police will run directed patrols around the conservation areas “for the time being.” Unfortunately, neither this plan nor reactive public outreach to police are likely to be sufficient, especially due to the remote locations of many vulnerable areas surrounding White Pond. I am requesting that Acton either reinstates the ranger position with sufficient hours or identifies an alternative option that allows for organization of volunteers. I understand the need for fiscal responsibility, but not at the expense of our beloved natural resources.
Kirsten Holmes
Powder Mill Road
