The Old Lyme Land Trust and selectmen have devastated Dave Berggren's life. Since 2019 the media has brought attention repeatedly to the pain caused by people who care more about beavers than human beings. An 84-year-old man lives in a house that is now unsellable and filled with black mold. Each night he wakes with anxiety and shakes with rage over the loss of his beloved property.

In 1964 Dave created a place we call "Camp David." Dave generously opens his heart and home for all to enjoy, and so many of us have found refuge there. He shares his home with abandoned animals. Dave is the person you want as a neighbor and friend.

I find the OLLT’s veiled threats of trespassing and needing permits to break up beaver dams in line with their cruelty. We will continue to break up the dams as needed. However, Bucky Brook needs to be dredged so the water truly recedes, and the alewife can return to Black Hall Pond. I hope people in Connecticut will step forward, speak truth to power and let him know he is not alone. You can also donate to a GoFundMe campaign set up to replace Dave's home.

Lee Detwiler

Jenkintown, Penn.