Letter to editor: Will tourists flock to see our dump?
Tuesday, February 17, 2015 9:58 am To the editor, There are many reasons that people choose to live in Milton, many of which have to do with the rural character and the abundant natural resources that are available for us to enjoy. We each are here for only a short time, in that short time we owe it to the future generations to protect our environment. A clean and healthy environment is part and parcel of the wealth and quality of life that we desire for ourselves now and for our children in the future. People demand that the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the food they eat is free of pollution and contaminants; they want to live undisturbed by noise, and they want to enjoy the beauty of the countryside, unspoiled lakes, rivers and forest areas. What Happens in Milton does not necessarily stay in Milton. The Salmon Falls River flows directly through several Towns in Maine and New Hampshire. The Salmon Falls River joins the Cocheco River near Dover to form the Piscataqua River and then empties into Great Bay. Milton is part of the Piscataqua region watershed. Many rivers in the region drain into the Great Bay estuary and ultimately flow into the Atlantic Ocean. Estuaries, water bodies with at least one opening into the ocean, are prime habitats for a diverse range of plants and animal species. These coastal areas contain a mix of salt and fresh water, which combine to create a unique but fragile habitat for a wide array of wildlife. The Great Bay estuary is part of the National Estuary Program, recognized as an area in need of protection from man-made and natural pollutants because of its unique nature. Clean water is a top priority for the communities in the region as seen by their continuous commitment in proposing new ordinances or amendments to existing regulations intended to protect water resources. Tourism is New Hampshire's second-largest industry, behind manufacturing, and accounts for more than 60,000 jobs statewide. About 34 million visitors spent $4.6 billion in the state during fiscal year 2013, according to the latest data from the Institute for New Hampshire Studies at Plymouth State University. It estimates that 11 percent of that spending was the result of the tourism division's promotional activities and that every dollar spent by the division brought in $77 in spending by travelers. How many tourists will come to Milton to see our dump? - Les Elder,
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