Landowners hit with massive fines after illegal land clearing on private property: 'This type of behavior … will not be tolerated'
Unauthorized land clearing on a property in Nantucket, Massachusetts, has landed the perpetrators with a hefty fine.
In Wauwinet, half an acre of mature vegetation was chopped down without the necessary permit, leaving local residents and the local Conservation Commission furious.
"This type of behavior, which is blatantly in disregard for the Wetlands Protection Act and our local regulations, will not be tolerated," Seth Engelbourg, chair of the Conservation Committee, told the Nantucket Current.
Engelbourg went on to describe the destruction of trees as one of the most "egregious violations" he had ever encountered, per the Current. The organization voted to fine the property owner $300 a day until a suitable restoration plan is presented.
With the fine being backdated to the date an enforcement order was issued on February 6, the bill started racking up. By early March, it had reached tens of thousands of dollars.
"[The fine is] still going to be a small amount of money," Engelbourg said. "It might only end up being in the thousands [of dollars] compared to the value of the land that was destroyed is, but we still need to do it."
Unfortunately, it's often the case that those who sign off on such destruction aren't concerned by financial penalties as long as the work gets done. In fact, this might be easier than having to go through the necessary bureaucracy associated with making these plans happen.
But the area has now lost a historic natural habitat that would have been essential for biodiversity, which makes for a healthy ecosystem and helps to secure human food supply.
What's more, the trees would have improved the health of residents by absorbing and trapping harmful airborne toxins while also providing natural shade and cooling. This can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses when temperatures creep up.
Letters were sent by locals to the Conservation Commission, outlining the anger the clearing had caused.
Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty?
Definitely
Only in some areas
No way
I'm not sure
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
"I have seen the extent of the damage, and I am frankly appalled that such an action would be undertaken in a designated conservation area," one person said.
"The Wauwinet neighborhood and individuals island-wide and beyond are distraught over this extreme environmental degradation," another letter read.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
14 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan calls Shah's IWT remarks ‘clear violation of international law'
Listen to article Pakistan on Saturday strongly condemned Indian Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan 'will never be restored,' terming the statement a 'brazen disregard for the sanctity of international agreements.' Responding to media queries regarding Shah's interview with The Times of India, in which he said that India would divert water flowing to Pakistan for domestic use, the Foreign Office in Islamabad said the comments constitute a clear violation of international law, the Treaty's provisions, and the fundamental principles governing inter-state relations. 'The Indus Waters Treaty is not a political arrangement, but an international treaty with no provision for unilateral action,' the Foreign Office spokesperson said. 'India's illegal announcement to hold the Treaty in abeyance constitutes a clear violation of international law, the provisions of the Treaty itself, and the fundamental principles governing inter-state relations.' Read More: India rules out restoring Indus Waters Treaty, vows to divert water from Pakistan The spokesperson added that such conduct 'sets a reckless and dangerous precedent' that undermines the credibility of international agreements and raises serious concerns about India's reliability as a treaty partner. 'Weaponizing water for political ends is irresponsible and contrary to established norms of responsible state behavior,' the statement said, calling on New Delhi to immediately rescind its unilateral position and resume full implementation of the treaty. For its part, Pakistan reiterated its firm commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty and pledged to take all necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights under the agreement. Statement by the Spokesperson Regarding Indian Home Minister's Assertion that the Indus Waters Treaty Will Never be Restored. Responding to media queries regarding the Indian Home Minister's assertion that the Indus Waters Treaty will never be restored , the Spokesperson of the… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 21, 2025 Signed in 1960 with the World Bank as a guarantor, the Indus Waters Treaty governs the allocation and use of water from the Indus river system between the two countries. The treaty guarantees Pakistan access to the three western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — which are crucial for irrigation and agriculture in the country. Despite wars and ongoing tensions, the treaty had largely withstood bilateral hostilities for over six decades. However, in April 2025, India announced it was placing the treaty 'in abeyance' following a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), which it blamed on elements allegedly linked to Pakistan, without providing any evidence. Islamabad has categorically denied any involvement in the incident. Also Read: Ready to forestall India's IWT threat: PM In Saturday's interview, Shah said unequivocally: 'No, it will never be restored. We will take water that was flowing to Pakistan to Rajasthan by constructing a canal. Pakistan will be starved of water that it has been getting unjustifiably.' Shah's remarks, seen as a hardening of India's stance, have dimmed hopes of any near-term dialogue over the future of the treaty. Reuters recently reported that India plans to dramatically increase the water it diverts from rivers that flow into Pakistan as part of what it calls retaliatory measures. Pakistan is reportedly exploring legal avenues to challenge India's move under international law, and diplomatic efforts are ongoing to rally international support for the preservation and enforcement of the treaty. The escalating rhetoric over water comes amid fragile ties between the nuclear-armed neighbours, despite a ceasefire agreement earlier this year after one of the most serious flare-ups along the Line of Control in recent decades. What is the Indus Waters Treaty? The origins of the IWT can be traced back to the Partition of British India in August 1947, when India and Pakistan became two independent nations. Both countries, now home to over 1.6 billion people, have historically relied heavily on the rivers flowing from the Himalayas for irrigation and agriculture. The division of the Punjab province, which was extensively developed under British rule with an integrated irrigation system, created an immediate need for an agreement on the equitable sharing of the river waters between India and Pakistan. This was essential to prevent any future conflicts over this vital resource, particularly given that the new border separated the territories through which these rivers flowed. After nine years of negotiations, facilitated by the World Bank, the IWT was signed in September 1960 by then-Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru and former Pakistani president Ayub Khan. Read More: India's unilateral suspension of IWT could destabilise regional peace: Bilawal India was given control over the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas—while Pakistan was assigned control over the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. As part of the treaty, India is required to allow the waters of the western rivers to flow into Pakistan, with only a few exceptions. The treaty also allows India to develop hydroelectric projects on the western rivers, but these projects must adhere to strict conditions. They must be "run-of-the-river" projects, meaning that they cannot significantly alter the flow or storage of water, ensuring that Pakistan's water rights as the downstream riparian country are not adversely affected.
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
B-2 bombers moving to Guam amid Middle East tensions, US officials say
WASHINGTON: The United States is moving B-2 bombers to the Pacific island of Guam, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Saturday, as President Donald Trump weighs whether the United States should take part in Israel's strikes against Iran. It was unclear whether the bomber deployment is tied to Middle East tensions . The B-2 can be equipped to carry America's 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator , designed to destroy targets deep underground. That is the weapon that experts say could be used to strike Iran's nuclear program, including Fordow. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Douglas: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, declined to disclose any further details. One official said no forward orders had been given yet to move the bombers beyond Guam. They did not say how many B-2 bombers are being moved. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Live Events
Yahoo
14 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Bid to serve takeaway crab dishes from converted horsebox near Falmouth beach
Crab tacos and king tiger prawns are on the menu should a new roadside takeaway be granted a licence in Falmouth. Mike Lewin has applied for a street trading licence to open the Crab Shack, serving crab and other seafood dishes, alongside vegetarian options, from a converted horsebox trailer. He is proposing to trade from Queen Mary Road at the far end of Queen Mary Gardens, just up from Tidal Coffee. It is just down the road from Gyllyngvase Beach. The area where Mr Lewin hopes to trade (Image: Mike Lewin/Cornwall Council) Mr Lewin hopes to begin trading from the date of consent up until October 31, open seven days a week from 8.30am to 4pm. His sample menu for Cornwall Council's licensing committee includes crab sandwiches, crab salad and crab tacos, alongside whole shell-on king tiger prawns, calamari, smoked mackerel salad and a small selection of ciabattas and wraps, including mozzarella and tomato. He also proposes to serve a selection of hot and cold drinks. Food would be served from a converted horsebox trailer (Image: Mike Lewin/Cornwall Council) Mr Lewin goes on to add: 'Our menu differs from the other two vendors and will only enhance the customer offer.' Already trading from Queen Mary Road are Tidal Coffee further down, and Dough and Dowr, serving bagels and pizzas, at the other end adjoining Cliff Road. Inside the newly converted horsebox (Image: Mike Lewin/Cornwall Council) In his application Mr Lewin states: 'Locally sourced food is paramount to use and we will source crab from the Real Cornish Crab company in Penzance, prawns and other fish from Matthew Stevens in St Ives, meat from RJ Trevarthen in Penryn, bread from Falmouth bakeries and salad ingredients from Falmouth based suppliers. 'Coffee [would be] from Cornish Coffee Company in Redruth, cold drinks from Bookers in Redruth.' READ NEXT First electric bus on streets of Cornwall is now in Falmouth Britpop star turned food writer names Cornish drink one of his top picks Last call for volunteers for this weekend's RNLI Castle 2 Castle Swim He said there would be a reduced rate for hot drinks when the purchaser provides their own cup, to cut down on waste. Cornwall Council's Street Trading and Pavement Licensing Sub Committee is due to meet on Wednesday (June 25) to decide on the application.
