It is time to Protect our Forests and Preserve our Watersheds.

     I have seen the Wetlands Act in action. It does work. To the extent that it is capable. The Wetlands Act only protects within 100 feet …Building to100 feet of wetlands does not protect them…Forests and Watersheds do. Protection for Forests and Watersheds is severely lacking…

     A recent case in Braintree, MA. https://www.bannerpark.co/

     Braintree’s Wetlands Code…………………………………………………………………..

Findings of fact.

(1) 

The wetland areas of Braintree are indispensable but fragile natural resources subject to flood, erosion, soil-bearing capacity limitations and other hazards. In their natural state, they serve multiple functions for storage and passage of floodwaters, pollution control, wildlife, aquifer recharge, erosion control, protection of groundwater quality, education, scientific study, open space and recreation.

(2) 

Considerable acreage of these important wetland areas has been lost or impaired by draining, dredging, excavating, filling, building, pollution and other acts inconsistent with the natural uses of such areas. Other wetlands are in jeopardy of being lost, despoiled or impaired by such acts, contrary to the public safety and welfare.

(3) 

It is therefore the policy of Braintree to protect its citizens, including generations yet unborn, by preventing the despoliation and destruction of wetlands.

B. 

Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to protect wetlands, water resources, groundwater quality and adjoining areas in Braintree by regulating activities deemed by the Conservation Commission (Commission) likely to have a significant or cumulative effect upon the following wetland values: public or private water supply, flood control, water quality, groundwater, storm damage prevention, including coastal storm flowage, erosion and sedimentation control, water pollution control, fisheries, shellfish, wildlife habitat, rare species habitat, recreation and aesthetics (the "wetland values protected by this chapter”).

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

     If we do not create stronger protections for our remaining Forests and Watersheds development will continue to be encouraged to the very limits of the weak protections we now have. We need to protect our Forest and our Water…Stronger laws are needed to keep development out of the area of land that protect our environment and us.

     Dan Brielmann, e-Awakening.com, 10/16/22

The Climate Crisis needs to be our focus.  In all our cities and towns we can work for our environment.

There is a Wetlands Act that is enforced but it doesn't protect our Forests and Watersheds. These unprotected areas are Critical to the Wetlands.  There needs to be legislative laws that protect these areas from development.  It's time for all of us to contact our state and local legislators so that better inclusive laws can be enacted.