As a member of the board of directors of the Thompson Lake Environmental Association, I am concerned about maintaining the high water quality of Thompson Lake. I am encouraging residents of Poland to support funding for the Youth Conservation Corps at the Poland town meeting April 30.

The purpose of the corps is to combat the greatest threat to the water quality of our lakes: non-point source pollution. Last year, voters in all four towns bordering Thompson Lake recognized that threat and contributed to fund the YCC. This year the association is requesting $2,500 from Poland, the same amount approved last year. The voters in Otisfield have voted their $5,000 support for the YCC already this year.

The YCC supplies summer jobs to five area high school students as well as a coordinator and crew chief.

Shoreline property is a vital component of Poland’s tax base. The town realizes a large part of its property tax income from Thompson Lake shoreline property owners. It is well-documented that when water quality declines, so do shoreline real estate values. Protecting our lakes is a sound investment. The YCC is designed to do just that.

I urge Poland residents to support the water quality of Thompson Lake with a vote in favor of Article 20 at the Poland annual meeting.

Tom Ray, West Poland,

co-president, Thompson Lake

Environmental Association