Politics & Government

Bow Hunting Permit Near Tadmuck Road Approved

Part One of a transcript of the Nov. 12, 2013 Westford Board of Selectmen's meeting.

7:00 p.m. to 7:05 p.m.

Shiva Nathan, a Westford teenager who was recently honored for inventing a robotic arm that can be controlled by the mind, was honored by the Board of Selectmen.

Nathan also offered to donate the $5000 prize he received from his arm project for a small space in town where others with robotics ideas can experiment.

Find out what's happening in Westfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

7:05 p.m. to 7:11 p.m.

Donna and Robert Bursey of Westford Package Store at Westford Plaza requested to alter the premises of their store, which requires Board of Selectmen approval due to their carry-out all liquor license.

Find out what's happening in Westfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Under the proposal, the store would purchase the now vacant store next door and remove the wall, but they expect not to have any additional alcohol on premises.  

Selectmen Kelly Ross asked if possible fire department concerns had been addressed, the Burseys were out of town when these issues were brought forth.

7:11 p.m. to 8:05 p.m.  

Shawn Girard returned to the Board of Selectmen for a request to bowhunt near Tadmuck Road he had initially presented on Oct. 29, which had been delayed due in large part to a need for additional information such as maps of where Girard intended to hunt.

Girard had walked the area with residents on Nov. 2, although the discussion began with several residents saying they were unaware he had done this.

He said he would be sitting in a tree and shooting downwards approximately 30 feet away.

The next neighbor said he had done the walk with Girard and that the woods were very thick and was not concerned that someone would be in the radius of where Girard would be, but he was concerned over portions of the GIS data presented.

Other comments and questions from neighbors included

-          Other hunters who may not be as responsible as Girard who request to hunt there in the future.

-          That the discussion over potential public safety concerns was rushed.

-          Are there are better locations for deer hunting?

-          Whether Girard and other hunters would have to reapply yearly for licenses (they would).

-          Concerns over wounded animals (Massachusetts Environmental Police would be needed for animals going within 500 feet of a residence.)

-          The complicated process required for the permit.

 

 

Tony Martinez had sent a letter to the board regarding a discussion made by town government boards in 1990 but Town Manager Jodi Ross told the board that recommendations and policies from those boards could not be found.  Selectman Kelly Ross asked whether the recommendation would even still be valid since many homes had been built in the area since 1990.

There has not been a tree stand on town property approved for two years according to Selectman Val Wormell.

Kelly Ross mentioned a memo from Girard saying that 3 of the 4 abutting neighbors that walked with him felt more comfortable, with some saying even though they disagreed with it, they had no legitimate reason to oppose the request.

A motion was made by Wormell for a permit to allow Girard to hunt on Tadmuck Swamp North, excluding nearby conservation areas, to be used only on weekdays, excluding Nov. 19 and Dec. 11 or 12, with those three days eventually withdrawn.

He also would need to carry the permit on person and was requested to post signs along nearby trails.

Selectmen Scott Hazelton amended the motion to allow hunting only on days when all Westford schools are in session, although that was eventually whittled down to schools attended by children of neighbors (Westford Academy, Abbot School, Nabnasset School, and Stony Brook School).

Selectman Ross then asked Girard to withdraw the request, with Girard declining to do so. At that point, Ross said he would oppose the motion, Wormell said she would support the motion declined to withdraw it.

At that point, the board voted 4 to 1 for the amendment, with Wormell voting in opposition. The amended motion to allow the permit was passed 4 to 1, with Ross opposing.

Board of Selectmen chairwoman Andrea Peraner-Sweet then asked the board to look at a policy for bow hunting requests in the future. 


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