In Memorium -- A
Great Conservationist
Gertrude Falby (here's
a photo from several years ago), a former teacher, filed suit at
the age of 93 against the New England Forestry
Foundation, claiming the foundation did not honor their land
protection promises and engaged in a land swap which would permit her
former property to be developed. In August 2002 we sat down with Gertrude
Falby in her home for almost two hours. We talked about her family
history, her populist conservation philosophy, and the events
surrounding this case. Gertrude Falby was extremely lucid. She
described graphically her life's work to save Rocky Pond from
development, and her interactions with NEFF and other players in this
case. When she looked me in the eye and said that claims made by the
foundation regarding permissions she gave are a "flagrant lie" we
believed her. Gertrude Falby should be recognized as a local
conservation stalwart and not further defamed. This is a
shameful episode that should be ended with the return of her land to
its original
intent.
Gertrude Falby died the week of June 11, 2003. By all
accounts she was resolute in her conservation beliefs, as well as her
feelings
of betrayal, right up to the end. In an age of greed, environmental
destruction, and suburban sprawl Gertrude was both a holdover from a
steadfast set
of New England traditions and a beacon for personal responsibility.
We can be thankful that much of Rocky Pond's shoreline is
preserved for generations to come, and we can hope that her intents and
visions for her former property can be won and she can truly rest in
peace.
Our understanding is that the Falby
family is continuing the legal efforts that Gertrude did not live long
enough to see completed.
