Posted Sep. 23, 2014 @ 3:44 pm
Updated Sep 23, 2014 at 3:45 PM

To the editor:

Editor’s note: This is an open letter to Cambridge and Belmont.

We request that you take urgent steps to halt imminent development on the Silver Maple Forest. This forest has vast economic value to Cambridge, Belmont, Arlington and other surrounding communities, to the tune of more than $14,000,000 within the next 20 years, as researched by Lesley University. This value will continue to increase as the ecosystem services it provides, especially flood protection, become more and more vital as we experience increased precipitation with climate change. There is strong citizen support across both towns to preserve this land, as demonstrated by our rallies, online signature campaigns, letter-writing campaign and widespread media coverage.

For Cambridge, we urge you to declare a moratorium on any new permits that could potentially aid in the deforestation and building process until the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment is produced and interpreted so the value of this land can be more accurately understood. It is critical to prevent any land encroachment on Cambridge wetlands and bordering lands subject to flooding. We also urge you to reconsider previously issued permits to allow developers to use Cambridge’s acreage as a conservation restriction, and to consider retaking this acreage through eminent domain to substantially delay development.

For Belmont, we urge you to not issue the final building permits that will allow clear cutting to begin and to demand that the developers reconsider their design plans based on the most accurate rainfall data and other design specs which were not officially reviewed. We also urge everyone supporting this effort to let your voice be heard, by your elected officials and your fellow citizens. Fighting climate change starts at home, and protecting our forests is an important way to do so. Steps must be taken now or we will lose this amazing forest and resource forever.

— Representatives of the Silver Maple Forest Alliance: Ellen Mass, Friends of the Alewife Reservation; David Morimoto, Lesley University; Amy Mertl, Lesley University; Walter Kittredge, Harvard University; Quinton Zondervan, Green Cambridge; EkOngKar Singh Khalsa, Mystic River Watershed Association