Editor’s Note: The following Op Ed was written by Current Publishing Managing Editor Ben Bragdon.  Current Publishes the following local papers in Southern Maine: American Journal Serving Westbrook, Gorham and Buxton; Current Serving Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth and South Portland; Lakes Region Weekly Serving Windham, Raymond, Standish and Bridgton; Sun Chronicle Serving Saco, Old Orchard Beach and Biddeford; Reporter Serving Waterboro and the surrounding region; Observer Serving Sanford, Springvale, Acton and Lebanon.  – MAB

We all win when vernal pools are protected

By Ben Bragdon Managing edito

In 2007, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection began regulating development near significant vernal pools. That action worried some landowners, who saw the new rules as an overreaction to the environmental lobby and an unnecessary infringement on property rights.

But those claims downplay the importance of vernal pools, and can scare people away from taking the steps to properly deal with a vernal pool on their land. It’s a process that can actually prove beneficial for both the landowner as well as the landscape.

Full Op/Ed is HERE