I have lived in Amherst since 1971.  The back of my property in south Amherst has a beautiful wooded valley with a creek running through it and views to the meadows beyond in Hadley to the west.  Over the past several years I have stewarded the land to create a peaceful oasis there, preserving the natural environment while making it an inviting place to walk and meditate and provide access to the nearby meadows and trails.

Improvements have included the creation of walking paths, a wooden footbridge over the creek, a stone bench, pruning of trees and selective thinning of saplings to open up the view, and pulling of invasive species and poison ivy.  Various other native plants have grown in naturally and thrive in the habitat, as does wildlife.  Neighbors and friends that I've heard from unanimously appreciate the work that I have done, and I frequently receive thanks and praises for my efforts.

So it came as an incredible shock to me when I received a cease and desist letter from the Amherst Conservation Commission this spring, informing me that they had received a complaint about clearing along a stream on my property.  The identity of the individual who reported me remains unknown to me, and the Commission claims that they don't know who it was.

Since then the Commission has determined that almost all of the work is in violation of state wetlands regulations and town bylaws, and must be removed or undone.  Furthermore, they have issued an enforcement order that threatened me with up to $25,000 in fines and two years in jail if I fail to comply.  

There have been no compelling arguments from the Commission supporting that damage has actually been done to the wetland, just that it is not in compliance with wetlands regulations.  My rights as a landowner appear to be irrelevant to the case, and the fate of my own property completely out of my control.

Please join me in demanding that the Conservation Commission drop this ridiculous case and get on with the important work of protecting wetlands that are actually in danger.  Thank you for your support!