June 2007

Dear Neighbor:

We are writing to let you know about an important issue facing the towns of Athol and Royalston. A large subdivision of about 50 homes is planned for land directly overlooking the southern end of Tully Lake. All who camp, canoe, hunt, fish, and enjoy the serene views around the lake know that such a large development will forever alter the landscape there. We are also learning that it may pollute the lake, generate new traffic and noise, and place a burden on town services to maintain steep new roads.

New home building and new industry can really enrich our economy, but this proposed development will come at the expense of one of a major town treasures — one that attracted over 30,000 people to visit the area in 2006, each of whom brings new income to our towns.

You can help to guide growth in Athol and Royalston. Your neighbors have formed a citizen's committee called "Friends of Tully Lake." With a lot of local expertise, we are carefully reviewing the pros and cons of the proposed development. Already, we have won an appeal to require that the full impact be reviewed by the Athol Conservation Commission and have brought hundreds of people to town board meetings. We have set up an informative web site to keep you informed at http://www.friendsoftullylake.org . We have also raised over $20,000, but much more is needed. How can you help?

Join Friends of Tully Lake — We meet the second Sunday of every month at 3514 Chestnut Hill Ave. in Athol to find out more about the issue and learn how you can guide the town to a good solution for all concerned.

Give a tax-deductible donation to support a full assessment by an attorney and engineer of the impacts of the plan, and to keep people informed about the project. Send a check made out to "Miller’s River Watershed Council" with "Friends of Tully Lake" clearly indicated in the lower left corner of the check to Joyce O'Hara, Treasurer, 2381 Old Keene Road, Athol, MA 01331.

There are many other ways to get involved! We are a diverse group of concerned local residents, abutters, and lake users, who value the lake and its surrounding towns and want to ensure a healthy future for the community. Please get involved. Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Friends of Tully Lake