David George Haskell wrote a superb article in the autumn issue of Northern Woodlands entitled “Song of the Balsam Fir,” and while he evolved eventually into that subject, he also ruminated about the chickadees he encounters every year. It is good environmental reporting, so I thought I would reproduce his writing about chickadees instead of discussing how intelligent balsam firs are.
Alliance Report
Alliance Names Three to Board
The new members reflect the organization’s goal of expanding its expertise and seeking ways for Freedom, Ossipee, and Effingham to work more closely on important lake issues.
Beach Purchase Is Contentious Prior to Tuesday’s Vote
Proponents and opponents square off in the final week. In public letters, Select Board members call opponents “cowardly” and “arrogant,” and signal that non-resident taxpayers won’t be permitted to speak at the town meeting. Members of Broad-Leavitt Bay Association question its chairman’s endorsement of the purchase.
Natural Area Working Group Meets
Almost a decade after it was created, the management plan for Ossipee Lake Natural Area is paying off, with damaged plant communities on the rebound, and boaters largely staying away from posted areas. New maps at the reconstructed Route 25 public boat ramp are in the works for 2018.
A Good Use for Camp Sokokis
It’s up to Ossipee voters to determine whether buying Camp Sokokis is the right financial decision. But from an environmental perspective, we like the plan and support it.