Pipeline Resistance Rally at Clarkdale Fruit Farms

photo credit: d.o. 

More than 8 walkers and 100 enthusiastic activists had a great day Friday, July 11, opposing the Kinder Morgan pipeline at the Clarkdale Fruit Farm.

Looking out at manicured orchards and fields, you could see a line of bright orange balloons marking the line of the intended pipeline through this three-generation old pristine farm in Deerfield.

Clarkdale Fruit Farm has posted a sign telling us, that if the pipeline runs through the farm, it will be the end of 600 of their bountiful fruit trees (I heard people talking about Clarkdale peaches being the best peaches anywhere).

There was a wonderful spirit among the crowd, with uplifting music, homemade free ice cream from the Wagon Wheel Restaurant and a heartening talk by State Representative Steven Kulick, D-Worthington, who encouraged us to work tirelessly to stop the unneeded pipeline and its potential ravaging environmental consequences  e through the state. He said we had much support in the legislature but needed to get the executive branch on board.

Families with young children, bicyclists, and many seniors participated. People bought lawn signs and signed petitions. I felt that everyone was energized through the wonderful hospitality provided by the Clarkdale Fruit Farm family and profound dedication not to allow a destructive pipeline to get a single toe into Massachusetts.

The walk will continue through Massachusetts, rolling from town to town from day to day, and end at the statehouse July 30when we hope a large crowd will gather at let the executive branch know we need its clear opposition to the Kinder Morgan Tennessee pipeline so that not a Massachusetts landowner experiences Kinder Morgan's survey of a single plot of land.

by Hattie Nestel

Lots of activities planned for tomorrow (Sunday July 13th)!

Deerfield- Meet at 8:45 under the railroad trestle on River Road, just after Rt 5&10.
Montague- Meet at 10:00 am on Greenfield Rd (in Montague) where the bike path crosses in time to get to the bike bridge. OR hop in a canoe or kayak to be under the bridge by 10:00 am. Nearest put-in (just upstream of the bike bridge) is at the end of Poplar st. in Montague
Erving- meet at 2:00 pm on the Millers Falls bridge (Rte 63) for a 3 mile walk to Northfield.

Picnic at 4:00 pm at Riverview Picnic and Recreation Area in Northfield. Hamburgers, etc. provided. Thinking of hungry walkers? Bring a potluck dish to share!