Weston Observer: Letter: Vote to protect clean water and nature

I took my dogs on a ramble through the Jericho Woods behind our house today as we do most days. During covid, I came to learn every inch of those trails. Our walk takes us through Wayland and Lincoln town land past (currently) dried out wetlands, taking in the yellowing ferns and with fall leaves beginning to cover the trails. I sometimes hear the hoots of the native owls and sometimes spot them high up in a tree. These are moments of peace in an otherwise busy day. Time to breathe deeply, look up, and take in the beauty that we are fortunate to have around us.

This restorative time spent in nature is what makes me an ardent supporter of the Yes on 6 ballot initiative to protect water and nature across the Commonwealth. Question 6 calls for the creation of a permanent source of funds, roughly $100 million annually, to protect our natural resources like Land Sake Farm and the Jericho Woods. No new taxes! While the dollars are big for nature, they are a tiny fraction of the state’s roughly $63 billion budget, which has grown $10 billion in the last five years. These dollars are critical when all communities struggle with the effects of rising temperatures and the declines in wildlife and biodiversity.

This is why I will vote Yes on 6 and I ask you to join me.

I want to continue to enjoy woods like Jericho and ensure that they are here for generations to come. I want to ensure that all communities have access to nature, clean water, and greenspace.

Beth Kressley Goldstein, Concord Road