The Battle of Ninigret Park

Guest Post by Michael Chambers
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The Town Council meeting of June 11 was held before a standing room only crowd, probably to see if the local Democrats, who have been saber-rattling for the Battle of Ninigret, would continue to become a contentious, vocal bloc against the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). However, before the main skirmish would proceed, the Town Council appropriately presented Chief of Police Col. Jack Shippee with a commemorative plaque in acknowledgement of his years of dedicated service to the town. After a standing ovation, the Town Council presented Lt. Joe Dolock a commendation for his participation in the Memorial Day activities and recognition for his service during the Vietnam War. Again the room was enveloped in a standing ovation, however several prominent Democrats chose to remain seated and not show any appreciation for Mr. Dolock. Even if a person doesn’t agree with the Vietnam Conflict, started and escalated under the auspices of two Democratic Administrations, to ignore the valor of a neighbor is regrettable. It was a classless act.

The main event involved Ms. Elyse LaForest explaining the NPS’s commitment to maintaining a recreational character for Ninigret Park’s 172 acres, support for the USFWS mission to protect and foster local wildlife habitats, and to state that any action on the 55-acre parcel that adversely affects the recreational opportunities of the 172-acre parcel could be viewed as a breach of contract with the town. This clarified and put to rest misinformation that has been floating around the town by parties not quite conversant in these matters. There was no antagonism, no contentious atmosphere, and everything seemed to go quite smoothly; so much for saber-rattling.

Next on the agenda was a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the town and the USFWS, to which NPS did not intend to enjoin. As Ms. LaForest stated, she will hold the town to the transfer deed stipulations. Charlie Vandemoer, USFWS, explained the benefits of an MOU as a communications document that stipulates how the town and his agency will cooperate in Ninigret Park and the wildlife refuge. He received almost total support except one of the Democratic participants could not see the need to coordinate activities between the town and the Federal land stewards. This person must want to forego understanding and to rely on misinformation as only a fellow Democrat can proffer. Mr. Vandemoer had become a target of the Insidious Democrats in our Town, who referred to him in pejorative terms and in salacious illustrations; but Mr. Vandemoer showed composure and aplomb in his presentation. He won over the majority of the attendees and all of the Town Council. We wish to thank Ms. LaForest and Mr. Vandemoer for correcting misinformation and helping the town understand the importance of Ninigret Park, not only to Charlestown but also to the Federal Government.

The MOU was the surprise of the night. The Town Council voted unanimously for drafting the Memorandum of Understanding! When the entire Town Council comes together to support an issue, what does that say about the dissenters? Think about it! The Battle for Ninigret Park was no more than a tempest in a teapot.