Please consider reading to help save land, turtles, and other New Hampshire wildlife!

Growing up in Pembroke and Suncook, we were blessed with nature's serene beauty and tranquility in our own backyards. I was extremely proud to share memories of the animals, wildlife, and scenery with my peers at school. The lush greenery and vibrant wildlife around Buck and Tina Drive were more than just landscapes to us. They were sanctuary spaces hosting majestic New England wildlife such as foxes, owls, bobcats, and deer. Each year, our backyard has welcomed many animals and showcased our beautiful fall foliage. This natural habitat has shielded us from road noise and gifted our community with peace, memories, and adventure! 

Hearing about the proposal to build more condos in Pembroke behind my house infuriated me and, even more, saddened me. I understand the need for more housing and what is best for Pembroke, but I don't believe disturbing Pembroke's nature is what's best. Traffic on these two family roads has already been a problem for children and for those just learning to drive. There are many memories I can recall of people speeding and almost hitting me on my bike as a child. Adding more cars will likely cause a spike in car-related accidents in Pembroke. Not only could accidents increase, but as a New Hampshirite, most of us aren't used to the congestion and noise pollution this would add to our small town. 
Just because I left for college doesn't mean I am disconnected from or disloyal to my town. Hearing about this while I am 200 miles away felt defeating, but the distress of other residents I know prompted me to fight back. Losing the wildlife and peace behind my home and many other homes would cut out a fundamental piece of Pembroke's identity. 

Speaking of wildlife, in that forestry behind Tina Drive and between Buck, there is an endangered species of turtle named the Blanding's Turtle. Now, their marsh is more towards Buck St, and yes, the builders are abiding by their protection and leaving them some space, but not enough for when they start their spring nesting. To make room for the Blanding's Turtles, they need to push further into Tina and actually intend to buy land from many Tina owners, including my family's. But that's not fair; I don't think it's fair that we need to lose some of it, as well as the Blanding's whole nesting region. 

Now, yes, the land has been bought, but that doesn't mean we have to continue with the building plans and the deforestation! Let us encourage sustainable development solutions that can meet housing needs without sacrificing our green spaces. Perhaps refurbishing existing structures could be a viable option. Discovering alternative sites with less ecological impact should be a priority.
We urge the Pembroke town board and developers to reconsider these plans. Let's preserve the heart and soul of Pembroke and Suncook—not just for those of us who live here now, but for generations to come.

Please sign this petition to protect Buck and Tina Drive from unnecessary deforestation and development. I don't want my backyard turning into someone's front yard. This is New Hampshire; let's not turn it into another cookie-cutter state with busy cities. Together, we can make our voices heard and save the places we love.