Archive: Opinions

Several months ago some of the residents of Ludlowville were writing regarding excessive runoff.

This is an ongoing problem for all of us living lower than the farm fields with their removed natural barriers to water flow.  Too much water is reaching the roads and drainage ditches with too much speed. 

In the past, water flow was slowed and somewhat diverted by the hedgerows.  Farmers in Lansing and surrounding areas have continuously and systematically removed these barriers.  Not only does it allow for the water to run directly to the drainage it also allows water to move faster than before.

One of the biggest culpits in my area is now BellTown Dairy.  They now own much of the land on Fenner Road, Davis Road, Jerry Smith Road.

Twice yearly liquid manuer is thickly spread on many of the fields with their hedgerows removed.  Yes, they do try to get it tilled in, however, if we ever get a torrential rain period (as we have had from time to time) there will be considerable runoff and it will end up in the lake.

I believe that it is time for the Town of Lansing to step in and regulate just how much of the natural topography can be altered by these farms and to encouage conservation.

These practices are making parts of Lansing undesirable for building, for hunting due to a lack of game habitat, and potentially hazardous should the ground water get contaminated.  REMEMBER, MOST OF US HAVE WELLS!

Perhaps, instead of promoting this type of practice, President Obama will create some jobs by paying to have hedgerows put back in.  

From: Gail Van Wicklen
Lansing, NY