Mark Gintert, the TBF National Conservation Director sent in testimony on the Manchaug Pond dam breach project. The TBF is behind Mass Bass 100% in our opposition of the breach. His testimony is as follows.

The Bass Federation, the largest and oldest grass roots fishing organization in the United States, is very concerned about the recent announcement of the intent to breach the Manchaug Pond Dam in the towns of Douglas and Sutton MA.

Through the Massachusetts Bass Federation (One of our member states with well over 500 members) we have learned of the intentions of The Interface Global Company to breach this dam which has been a long standing fixture in the outdoor landscape of your great state for many years.

As you well know the recreational, environmental and economic impact of such a decision will have a devastating effect on these local communities.

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Across this country we are experiencing a dilemma of declining waterway access and the situation at Manchaug Pond is just another example of this situation.

Your state has a wealth of avid outdoorsmen and women who are constantly faced with these challenges of declining waterway access by those who only intend to benefit themselves. These same men and women are the backbones of your communities that help fund every aspect of your state and local governments.

Combine that with the local homeowners potential loss of even more property value in one of the toughest economic environments in recent history and the impact of this decision could be simply disastrous for this community and your state.

What makes this situation even worse is the fact that it appears that the decision to breach the dam is purely for the purpose of avoiding potential long-term liability by Interface Global. Our information shows that there currently are no structural deficiencies to the dam at this time and no sound environmental study available that shows any justification for the breaching of this dam.

In Conclusion we strongly urge the State of Massachusetts to take whatever means necessary to block the Breaching of the Manchaug Dam.

Sincerely

Mark Gintert

The Bass Federation

National Conservation Director