Date: Fri 25-Oct-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

selectmen-hunting-open-space

Full Text:

Selectmen Decide Not To Permit Hunting On Town-Owned Open Space

B Y S TEVE B IGHAM

The Board of Selectmen voted Monday not to allow hunting on any town-owned

open space.

For years, hunters have been using town-owned land to hunt wild game because

there was no official policy against the activity. However, the issue recently

came to the attention of the selectmen who opted to deny any requests to hunt

on town property.

Lewis Sessa of 24 Great Ring Road said his property abuts town land, and he

often sees hunters using the wooded area for sport. Seeking to join in the

hunt, he decided to take the honest route and seek permission from the board.

His request, which was eventually denied, is what prompted the board to take a

closer look at the issue.

Town Attorney David Grogins recommended that the Board of Selectmen not permit

the activity because of liability issues. He pointed to a recent decision by

the state Supreme Court stating that all towns are liable for any recreational

accidents that occur on town property.

Mr Sessa asked what he should do if he sees hunters hunting on town-owned

property without permission. The selectmen told him not to bother with the

police because there is no town ordinance prohibiting the activity. Instead,

they said, call the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The selectmen were advised to avoid actually prohibiting the hunters from

using the open space. Conservation Commission chairman Don Lawrenson pointed

out that, for legal reasons, the town would be required to conduct costly land

surveys to determine exact boundary lines.

A year ago, the hunting issue went before the Conservation Commission, which

declined to act upon it because members said it did not fall under their

jurisdiction.