HI Dick,

Just fyi, I sent this letter to the editor:

Letter to the Editor,

As a tax -paying resident of Lincoln, I appreciate and use Lincoln's public
land. 

I have  dog. I don't live on a trail system. One of the beautiful places I
walk, that has public parking, is Mt. Misery.

I daily drive to Mt. Misery at a time where there are usually 4-6 other
cars in the lot.  Sometimes I walk with another person-dog pair. We enjoy
the camaraderie.

At Mt. Misery my dog and I enjoy a hike without being tethered to each
other, though she is always close by. She is safe and away from main roads.
She is also safe because when we come across other dogs there, they are
good to her and to me. This is a good and wonderful use of public land.

When I walk with my dog anywhere in Lincoln, I know that I am restricted by
Section 13 of our General By-law entitled: “Dog Regulations”. Article 13
says "all citizens are entitled to fully enjoy their property and the
public ways and lands. Those citizens who own or keep animals are entitled
to enjoy their animals, but only to the extent that they exercise
responsibility so that their animals do not unreasonably impinge upon the
activities of other persons."

The By-law goes on to describe the need to have dogs under voice restraint,
penalties and consequences for not abiding by the By-law, and who can
enforce the By-law (currently the Selectman or the dog officer.)

The dog regulation By-law was established by Lincoln residents at a past
Town Meeting.  Shouldn't  the citizens of Lincoln, through an advertised
public hearing and Town Meeting process be able to vote on whether they
want dog regulations changed.  Shouldn’t we be able to vote on any new
restrictions for use of our public land?

Can and will the Conservation Commission, who recently announced a leash
law at Mt. Misery, next impose restrictions on use at Flint's Field or the
trail near you - without your input or vote?

Those with the power to influence in Lincoln, please encourage the
Conservation Commission to take a step back.  Just as wetlands restrictions
require amending the By-law, suggest to the Commission that any new
restrictions on walking our dogs at Mt. Misery, or on any public land, be
approached with an attempt to amend the By-laws. Then we all get a voice.

Sincerely,