[Merrymeeting]

I go to the lakes to "get away from it all". To me, the idea of having to maintain a lawn is not part of that picture. If you have ever tried growing a lawn in most of the sandy soils around the lakes, you quickly realize there is a reason they are not there naturally. There are many other options that are more natural looking and just as easy on the feet, and you don't have to mow them every week.

When I am out on the boat, I find it very disappointing to see the increasing number of VERY green and healthy lawns by the shoreline (not to mention the clippings floating in the water as I drive by). There is no way they can be in that shape without a lot of chemical additives. Ignoring that part, it is also disappointing because the whole reason for coming to the lake is to enjoy the atmosphere of that setting. Having it become just another suburb with water is not my idea of a good future for the lakes.

I know that many will answer that money talks (and I know it does). But clearly the current laws and restrictions are not working. I am amazed by the number of construction projects going on around the lake where there seems to be a clear violation of the lot clearing rules. Just stand on the Wolfboro docks and look across at about 12 o clock to see an example.

I am not an extreme environmentalist. Far from it. But we seem to be destroying much of what brought most of us to the area to begin with.