I'm forwarding this message from John Wilder to the list:

The following question came to me; could someone please respond to Sue
Butts?
       Thanks.    John Wilder


From: Sue Butts [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2002 10:17 PM
Subject: development

There is a housing development proposed to be constructed around our
property in Saco in the near future.  Much of the land is near a brook and
there are large quantities of lady slippers that bloom there every year
(actually, they are blooming now). Our question is, what is the status of
building homes/developments on land that have lady slippers growing?  I grew
up in Northern Maine and my Father always taught us that we were not to pick
them as they were near extinction--that it was illegal.  The proposed
developer is meeting with the City Planning Board next week to discuss this.
We have been told that we don't stand much of a chance to oppose the
development but it is such beautiful land that I couldn't sleep nights if I
didn't ask the question.  Thank you, in advance, for your prompt attention.