Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:15:19 -0400
From: Joy Hewett
Subject: Chatham natural resources
The recent meeting July 21 to show the comprehensive conservation plan for Chatham County resources was a unique event in the whole state and provided citizens who attended a lot of important information from people who care about protecting our environment. People had the opportunity to meet an Organic Valley farmer, a local dairyman from Silk Hope; to look at maps of forest, water, and agricultural resources in our county; and to visit with organizations who have participated in the conservation partnership to develop a community vision for our natural resources. If people are interested in our environment, and value the wonderful resources in our county, we can help Chatham keep its rivers, forests, and agricultural resources in tact for future generations. The natural world is our only home on earth, and it is our responsibility to be good stewards of this precious creation that provides the very air we breathe and water we need to survive. That is why learning about this plan and conserving our resources is so important.
Two county commissioners attended the meeting, but three commissioners neglected to come, including the Republican chair. Maybe some Republicans are afraid Mother Nature is a socialist because she rains on rich and poor alike, allows the sun to shine on both Democrats and Republicans, and has all of us share the air. The Republican dominated state legislature is trying to loosen regulations on fracking (hydrolic fracturing), which has the potential to contaminate groundwater and take large quantities of water, and this could have a huge impact on Chatham County, as one of the areas that could get fracked. Renee Elmers said on ABC-11 news get regulations out of our lives and everyone’s going to prosper, but that’s silly– do insurance companies care more about policy holders or profits? Does Massey coal company cares more about the safety of its workers or its profits? Does the oil and gas industry care more about the environment or its profits? Does anyone really believe energy companies protect the environment or put safety procedures in place without regulations? The price we pay may be our health – and ultimately the costs of not protecting our environment will be higher for us as individuals and as community than if we do the right thing. We get to enjoy so much natural beauty in Chatham County; let’s keep it healthy and safe.