Letter: Protect our marsh

Apparently there was a hearing last week discussing the repeal of the ban on motorcycle racing on the frozen Hoit Road Marsh. It was well attended by many of the racers from previous winters, many from other parts of the state.

Unfortunately, those of us living near or abutting the marsh did not know about the meeting.

Hoit Road Marsh is more than just a local pond that freezes over in the winter. It is an active wetlands/marsh ecosystem that is alive with flora and fauna. We have been lucky to spot moose, bear, fox, bobcat, deer, turtles, etc. Of importance are species of endangered turtles. As abutters to the marsh we feel privileged to live here and consider being neighbors a responsibility. There are state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to wetlands and shorelines that we have had to comply with to build and live near the marsh. I can’t imagine that it is okay to introduce into this environment dozens upon dozens of noisy, speeding, polluting motorcycles in the winter. The noise is very loud and high-pitched, even with doors and windows shut.

As neighbors, it is next to impossible to snowshoe or walk on the pond when the motorcycles are speeding around. Please join us in keeping Hoit Road Marsh protected.

LINDA STEPHENSON

Concord