Keep the pond pristine

As a lifelong resident of Barre City having spent countless mornings enjoying the wildlife and peace of Berlin Pond, it is heartbreaking to know that a few individuals set about actions that have placed the pristine nature of this little jewel in jeopardy of becoming another overcrowded water park.

In my reasoning, the needs of the few do not outweigh the needs of the many: in this case, the wildlife of Berlin Pond deserves protection from the onslaught of human intrusion on the water. Because the Supreme Court decided in favor of opening the water for recreation, in the wake of this decision we have seen the pond become an all out destination of anglers and boaters wanting to use the pond for recreation. And along with this, we have seen a huge increase in roadside trash and destruction of waterside property. I have found bottles and cans in the water, countless cigarette butts, wrappers, discarded fishing gear and dirty diapers, all photographed for documentation. I have even seen people urinating in the water. This blatant disrespect for the environment is worrisome and offensive.

It is not a selfish act of the residents of Berlin Pond to want the pond to remain undisturbed. Nor is it selfish to ask the Berlin Select Board to stand united with Montpelier’s efforts to protect an important body of water that is a drinking supply. It is simply common sense. With rock snot and zebra mussels on the rise, who can monitor the watercraft that will be putting in? The pollution of the pond is inevitable unless we take a stand and fight for the birds, fish, and other creatures who call the pond home and have done so unmolested for over a century.

There are over 280 other lakes and ponds in Vermont available for recreation. Berlin Pond should be allowed to remain a pristine environment for all to enjoy. I respectfully encourage the Berlin Select Board to take a stand and do what is right. Keep the pond the way it was.

Susan Sanderson

Barre