Our serene lake in Becket, MA, is at the heart of our community, drawing residents and renters alike with its natural beauty and tranquility. However, this vital resource is currently endangered by the indiscriminate use of chemical sprays meant to manage aquatic vegetation. These chemicals have not been effective at reducing plant overgrowth and come with a host of harmful side effects for the surrounding ecosystem and the health of our community.

Current chemicals being sprayed in and around our beautiful little lake are:

· Tribune (also known as Diquat)

· Propeller (illegal to ship to most of the New England including Massachusetts)

· AquaPro (contains glyphosate, subject of many class action lawsuits)

According to the NIH, glyphosates are the most active within the first 958 days of application, but chemical signatures can be detected in the environment more than a decade later. Studies have shown that chemical treatments may lead to water contamination, affecting not only the aquatic flora and fauna but also posing risks to human health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), certain herbicides have been linked to adverse health outcomes, including skin irritation, respiratory issues, and in severe cases, long-term health implications.

As citizens of The Sherwood Forest Lake District community, it is our responsibility to protect this vital resource for current and future generations. We propose a complete ban on chemical spraying in our lake. Instead, any future treatments, even those considered all-natural, should be subject to community discussion and approval, ensuring transparency and environmental safety. This approach allows homeowners with lakefront properties and other community members to be informed and involved in decisions impacting their environment and well-being.

Our lakes deserve a solution that is both environmentally sustainable and community focused. We urge local authorities to take immediate action to ban chemical spraying and establish a mandatory community notification and approval system for all treatment plans. Let us safeguard the natural beauty and ecological integrity of our cherished lake.

We invite everyone who agrees to sign this petition to protect Little Robin Lake from harmful chemical spraying and to ensure community involvement in future lake management decisions. Together, we can make a difference for our environment and our health.

*Please note, residents of The Sherwood Forest Lake District have the right to opt out of paying lake district taxes at any time.