Excuse me for just a sec. I know you’re busy with Spring and all, but could we have a little trash talk? A frank conversation, if you don’t mind – because although it pains me to talk about depressing topics on such a beautiful morning, it’s time to bring this up.
Neighbors and friends, what is with the garbage out there?
I’m not talking about a particular property or a random fast-food cup or a cigarette butt. I’ve seen humanity’s disrespect all over the place, in many different forms. I mean… Lawnchairs? Full garbage bags of household waste? Whole cases of empty beer cans or bottles? Dirty diapers?
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We’ve found all of that and more in the last few months.
The distribution and composition of this stuff is far too diverse to pin on a single demographic group. It’s found everywhere, from parking areas to observation platforms to off-trail deep in the woods. It’s not just an eyesore. It’s harmful to the environment and potentially lethal to the wildlife.
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Don’t get me wrong here. The vast majority of our trails are clear, and the people using them are respectful and mindful of protecting our town’s beautiful assets. In fact, I’ve encountered a few of you out there, carrying trash back with you from your hikes.
To those of you who have been trying to keep our public areas beautiful: Thank you!! Between us, we’ll get this problem back in the box.
To those of you who have left these visual and environment insults out there: What are you thinking??? Do you toss your trash into your front yard? I bet not. Stop it, please.
And I have a special message to the person who dumped three huge bags of garbage at the Haseltine: This time, one of our Trail Stewards picked up your mess. If it happens again, though, it will be the Amherst Police Department who will have this conversation with you.
That is all. On with Spring and happier thoughts, please.
