As a citizen of Connecticut, I request that you, my elected official, use your good office to help with the important issues regarding the preservation of the Connecticut River and valley for enjoyment by ALL the citizens of Connecticut and for the protection of the economically-vital tourist trade.

Unchecked development, including the permitting of docks of inappropriate size, is a grave threat to the lower Connecticut River valley. In fact, one large dock is planned for the middle of the view from Gillette Castle – certainly one of the prime tourist destinations in the state, and one which is has already lost much of its appeal by the intrusion of clear-cut hillsides and oversize houses.

This short stretch of river, from Middletown to Old Saybrook, which is one of the centerpieces of tourism in the state, deserves special attention and protection.

I ask that you put forth your best effort to enforce existing laws and explore new options to protect the river valley from inappropriate development. If this area is not protected now, there will be no second chances. The revival of the river from its former polluted state will have been in vain if it is allowed to be lost to unchecked private development and closure of public access areas.

The lower Connecticut River valley is the centerpiece of the state’s tourist trade, and has become so through massive investment of public money. To preserve this investment, to protect businesses which depend on the tourist trade, and to prevent the loss of the Connecticut’s American Heritage River status, preservation issues must be given regulatory and legislative priority.

Thank you for your interest,

**Type your name here**
**Type your town here**
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and should be considered by public officials as a signature on an
"electronic petition" in support of the indicated concerns and activities.
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