Recently, Linda Bean Folkers restricted campers and ATVs from her property in Weld. According to media accounts, this action left area residents “shocked and speechless.”

Never mind that plural persons trashed and littered her property and put up fires they never extinguished, Folkers’ exercise of her right to protect her property brought criticism from folks who apparently believe landowners should be expected to grin and bear it.

The situation mirrors a matter that came to my attention when I was a judge in Farmington court. Seems there was a stream running into Clearwater Lake in Industry that was popular in smelt season, attracting an influx of folks who, when smelting, found it popular to litter the area with trash. Oh, and lest I forget, these same “sportsmen” thought nothing of knocking down address signs, fences and whatever else owners thought enhanced their land.

The property owners abutting the stream, assisted by frustrated wardens, caused the stream to be closed to smelting, resulting in folks appearing in court for smelting in closed waters. And littering, too. I tried my best to explain that if people repeatedly abused a privilege, they should expect to lose it. While my message didn’t quite register, the fine did.

Sad, but true, more Maine landowners are compelled to exercise their protective property rights simply because users are too often abusers.

It would be nice if neighbors supported owners exercising property rights instead of remaining “speechless.” The use of another’s land is a privilege, not a right.

John W. Benoit, Rangeley

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