Where are the promised Rangers?

[CWA]

Hi all.

From what I understand, Delia Kaye (Director of the Division of Natural Resources) stated that rangers were hired and will start patrolling the area starting July 1st. I was walking and floating around White Pond Wednesday, July 2nd. There was no ranger over the course of 4 hours while I was there. (I saw some "visitors" though.) Then it was brought to my attention that there is only ONE ranger and that person has the responsibility of patrolling several different locations.

This doesn't sound like NRC is taking the environmental and health risks at White Pond seriously. White Pond alone needs, at a minimum, one dedicated patrol person who has the authority deal with trespassers and other disruptive behavior.

[Doug]

Hi CWA,

I may be broachinga sensitive subject here but I figured I would voice my opinion in a respectful way without the cloak of anonymity that so often foments a hideous tones on forums similar to this. My name is Doug Last. I live in Wayland and I've been occassionally swimming and frequently fly fishing at White Pond for 30 years. Last year was the first time I had ever been asked to leave the water by one of the patrolling rangers. I was incredulous but I did as I was asked. I'd like to register my sadness at the closing of this jewel of a resource to recreational swimming. I would encourage those of you who are blessed to live around the pond to call the police if you witness disrespectful, loud or otherwise disruptive behavior among those who use the pond. But to roust folks that are quietly cooling off for 10 minutes is just mean and a shame. My 2 cents.

Sincerely,

Doug

[CWA]

Hi Doug.

Everyone concerned with the health of White Pond appreciate "visitors" who understand that this natural resource is indeed a jewel. Unfortunately, if you read the many threads in this Forum, the majority of "visitors" are not like you. But, I'll speak for myself. Based on my expertise in water resource management and enforcement, without active patrol, appropriate conservation laws, and people management as well as resource protection plans, this Pond, like many other unsupervised water-bodies, is experiencing significant bank erosion and water quality impairment. This results in the entire ecological system suffering.

You love this Pond. I do too. I would hate to see the death of it because of other uncaring or environmentally unaware people. As noted in this Forum, the welfare and the current degradation of this Pond goes beyond basic private property concerns.

The Town does own conservation land around this Pond. How the Town manages that portion and balances the health/preservation of this natural resource with recreational use is key to respectful visitors like yourself.

Thanks for contributing your thoughts.

[WhitePond]

Thanks for the intro Doug.

We who live on & near the pond echo your sadness however, it is in the form of damage to the pond at the hands of those not as caring as you.

The rationale for 'no swimming' regulations specific to town land which comprises 800+ feet of shore line is simple; imagine if they were absent.
I assume you've been around the pond or have seen the images of destruction portrayed herein?

Regulations/ rangers/ laws etc. were enacted not to dissuade the responsible adult but to curb the large majority of those who see this glacial kettle pond as their personal toilet (gross I realize, factual nonetheless).

To your point citing 'call the police if you witness disrespectful, loud or otherwise disruptive behavior among those who use the pond'......, its important to consider that the issue is irreparable damage through the hundreds of weekend visitors, their dogs, diaper shedding babies and the effect of bank deforestation, downed trees, feces and urine entering the pond via channels facilitated by said group and not an issue of loud or disruptive behavior.

Occasionally, and generally within the context of railroading a 'rail trail' through Concord (despite it being the cycling capital of Mass., a curiosity in itself) thereby allowing hundreds more daily pedestrians the ability to simply take a dip as it touches the shores of White Pond, we hear the term 'elitism' should we offer concern or perform grass roots like efforts (trash removal, ah-hoc trail prevention, signage, Websites illustrating damage, etc.,).

On the above, we encourage/ embrace this characterization should it result in a sustainable, less harmed environment. We need more 'elitism' and could use the help! - We're always seeking volunteers Doug!

A good read from those who subscribe to the pond's health.

Originally Posted by Doug

Hi CWA,

I may be broachinga sensitive subject here but I figured I would voice my opinion in a respectful way without the cloak of anonymity that so often foments a hideous tones on forums similar to this. My name is Doug Last. I live in Wayland and I've been occassionally swimming and frequently fly fishing at White Pond for 30 years. Last year was the first time I had ever been asked to leave the water by one of the patrolling rangers. I was incredulous but I did as I was asked. I'd like to register my sadness at the closing of this jewel of a resource to recreational swimming. I would encourage those of you who are blessed to live around the pond to call the police if you witness disrespectful, loud or otherwise disruptive behavior among those who use the pond. But to roust folks that are quietly cooling off for 10 minutes is just mean and a shame. My 2 cents.

Sincerely,

Doug

[jim]

Doug,

It was good to hear your viewpoint and appreciate your introducing yourself. Not everyone is as caring as you and no-one is trying to be mean. I cannot add much more to the responses that have already been given, except that it is not elitism or a NIMBY situation. We simply want to preserve the pond for future use. If things continue the way they are going with pond usage, there very well may come a day when none of us will be able to enjoy its beauty because of damage done now. Jim