bob@ulose.UUCP ( Robert Bismuth ) (12/14/85)
<> The other day I received some snail-mail concerning an appeal to save Katama airport on Martha's Vinyard. Apparently, the airfield is about to be bought up (by developers seeking to build up to 75 beach-front condos, yuck!#!) and the Nature Conservancy is trying to raise $86,000 to achieve a matching grant from the Goodhill Foundation and thereby complete the money already raised to allow the town of Edgartown to purchase the 190 acre grass field, bird sanctuary and nature area. Edgartown wants to keep the airport and sanctuary unspoiled, allowing the area to remain as an open, natural area on the island, free from the threatened development. Since it is a grass strip, us general aviation types (particularly those of us taildragger types - couldn't resist it :-) ) can use this facility without all the problems of turbine traffic - the only way to visit Martha's Vinyard by air. I have used this airport many times and believe it to be one of the best flying attractions in the NE. Situated only 2 miles from Edgartown, right next to the beach, complete with rentable bicycles and nature walks, it just begs to be flown to. Either immediate contributions or pledges over 2-3 years are welcome. Anyone wishing to contribute can write or call: The Nature Conservancy, Massachusetts/Rhode Island Office, 294 Washington Street, Room 740, Boston, MA 02018 (617) 423-2545 If you can afford it and feel so inclined, help save this airport and nature area. Save an acre of Katama. bob (decvax!ulose!bob)