Charles Mihle: 'Phosphate-free' fertilizer may not be the best way to go

To The Daily Sun,

I read with interest the article on the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance raising $100,000 for conservation (Laconia Daily Sun, Aug. 13). Worrying about the warning signs of cyanobacteria blooms threatening "water quality, public health, and the experiences we cherish" is noteworthy, but it contradicts the ever-present view of the greenest lawns, and clear cut shorelines one sees on Governor's Island. Each new teardown and construction reveals fewer trees, bigger lawns, as a result.

Encouraging "phosphate-free" fertilizer might not be the best way to go — what about no fertilizer or herbicide use instead? What about keeping the trees? What is the LWA position on that approach?

Charles Mihle

Laconia