Letter to Editor: Park Staff Cuts Would be Tremendous Loss
A reader responds to the elimination of staff at several sites including Edith Read Sanctuary and Marshlands Conservancy included in County Executive Rob Astorino's 2012 budget proposal.
To the Editor:
As a resident of Westchester County for over 40 years, I was extremely disturbed to learn that the county spending plan for 2012 proposed by County Executive Robert Astorino includes the closing of six county nature centers among them the Edith Read Sanctuary, Marshlands Conservancy, Lenoir Preserve, Trailside Museum, Croton Point Nature Center and Cranberry Lake Preserve.
The value of these centers to Westchester is inestimable. The hands-on nature programs and lectures they offer on wildlife and science are important educational tools for children and adults.
In addition, the centers serve as recreation, photography and research sites as well as clean and beautiful refuges for all our residents.
In these difficult economic times, free or low cost educational programs and well-maintained trails are needed more than ever.
Without curators and staff to protect wildlife and plants we can expect garbage and vandalism in the parks. There will be loss and injury to animal and plant life.
Very sadly, the lack of care means the loss of years of planning and research which has gone into creating areas of biological diversity and natural growth.
Westchester is blessed with beautiful beaches, woods and open areas. For these reasons it has always been attractive to homeowners and potential homeowners. Westchester is well known as a lovely area for families.
We owe it to our children and to future generations to maintain our green spaces and our wildlife and to leave areas of beauty for them to enjoy as we enjoy them now.
Sincerely,
Frances Ginsberg, Ph.D.
Rye, New York
Nummy
6:04 pm on Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Your a Psychologist go tell Astorino he's crazy!... then tell him your willing to pay 10% more in taxes to keep every thing open, now the ones that cant afford 10% increase will tell you your crazy
Jeffrey Z.
10:22 am on Friday, November 25, 2011
I grew up in Rye and now live in Rye Brook. I spent a lot of time walking the trails at the Marshlands growing up and I now bring my 3 yr old son there often. On nice days, I run into old neighbors and friends there. There is no debatable argument to justify closing the Marshlands or any of the other natural attractions the area has to offer. As county executive, Astorino would be doing a grave disservice with these actions.
justme
7:43 pm on Sunday, November 27, 2011
Where did Astorino grow up??? Surely he cannot embrace the scope of the Marshlands or Edith Reade Sanctuary,Cranberry Lake, or Croton Point to understand the importance to the residents...Clearly he did not grow up in Westchester, does not embrace the traditions, or values of our special community, nor does he care...I say vote him out, and lets rally to save these community treasures!!