Two wealthy Maine residents are in a legal battle over accusations that one poisoned the other’s trees in order to have a better ocean view. Lisa Gorman, the wife of the late LL Bean president Leon Gorman, alleges that her neighbor, Amelia Bond, applied herbicide to her oak trees without permission in 2021. As a result, the herbicide seeped into the community’s only public beach, causing concern among residents.
Amelia Bond, who is a former CEO of St. Louis Foundation, offered to split the cost of removing the dying trees from Lisa Gorman’s property in 2022, which ultimately provided Bond with an unobstructed view of Penobscot Bay. The herbicide used, Tebuthiuron, spread to the public beach next door, leading to a legal investigation. The herbicide was found to be harmful to aquatic plants, raising alarm among residents who frequented the area.
The Bonds, who are part-time residents from Missouri, have paid thousands to the state and $1.5 million to Gorman as compensation. However, some residents feel that the fines are not sufficient punishment for the damage caused. They are calling for stricter penalties, including criminal prosecution for the perpetrators.
The Maine Board of Pesticide Control can impose a maximum fine of $4,500, which the Gormans have already paid. Rep. Vicki Doudera suggested that wealthier individuals like the Bonds should face a sliding scale of fines to reflect the gravity of their actions. Many residents share her sentiment and believe that the consequences should be more severe.
The herbicide used in this incident, Tebuthiuron, is known for its long-lasting effects and difficulty in remediation. It does not degrade over time, posing a threat to surrounding plants even after being applied to a single tree. The only way to address the issue is by diluting the herbicide and waiting for it to dissipate naturally, which can take up to two years.
Despite the financial penalties imposed on the Bonds, some residents question whether they should still be welcome in the community, given their actions. The Bonds, who are members of the Camden Yacht Club, are viewed with skepticism by locals who feel that their wealth allows them to evade true accountability for their behavior.
In conclusion, the poisoning incident involving the wealthy Maine couple has sparked outrage and divided opinions among residents of Camden. While some believe that the fines are just a slap on the wrist, others argue for harsher consequences to deter similar actions in the future. The lasting impact of the herbicide on the environment serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible stewardship of natural resources.