The Kerseys (Sun Journal, Mar. 5) seem to be upset over the proposed acquisition of more than 700 acres on Rumford Whitecap by the Mahoosuc Land Trust. They are specifically concerned that MLT will publicize the mountain and that it will become overrun with people, spreading litter and destroying vegetation.

I am nearly 73 years old and have climbed mountains in this state and other parts of the world for more than 60 years and I have yet to find litter on a mountain peak. Even on such heavily used mountains as Tumbledown and Katahdin, as well as the Alps in Europe.

If MLT does not acquire the property as planned, it will most likely go to a developer. The lower parts of the southwest-facing side would be prime development land and would almost surely be sold as lots for second homes. The mountain would then truly be overrun and the Kerseys would, indeed, have the problem that they now allude to.

MLT owns several tracts of land in the area and has an unblemished record of stewardship. That group has no intention of turning Whitecap into a circus. Whitecap trails have been published in AMC guidebooks since the 1930s without any great influx of people trampling vegetation and littering. Whitecap was also featured in a newspaper article two years ago without any noticeable increase in visitors.

The Mahoosuc Land Trust has an enviable record for property management, and I intend to support them financially and otherwise.

Dennis Breton, Rumford