State: Dumping, shooting and ATVs at Burnshirt Conservation area

State: Dumping, shooting and ATVs at Burnshirt Conservation area
Rebecca Leonard
Reporter

TEMPLETON — Selectmen discussed the inappropriate use of the Burnshirt Conservation Area with reports of dumping and people using it as a shooting range, at a meeting this week.

Interim Town Administrator Bob Markel explained Monday that he was contacted by the state Department of Fisheries and Wildlife because of their concern with the condition of the property. According to Mr. Markel, MassWildlife owns a share in the land, which is off Dudley Road (Route 101).

MassWildlife informed Mr. Markel that an area of the land has accumulated debris from dumping, and also a section that has been being used as a shooting range.

“There’s an overturned couch with a target on it that they’re using as target practice. There’s also tire tracks from off-road vehicles using the area,” explained Mr. Markel.

He suspects the people using the off-road vehicles to be the same as the ones using the area as a shooting range.

The town had agreed there would be limited use of the area, mostly passive recreation.

“That might not sit well with people with off-road vehicles but we’re being told by the state to enforce the rules,” stated Mr. Markel.

MassWildlife has suggested the town install gates at both entrances. This as, Mr. Markel states, will need money. The board will make a formal presentation to the Community Preservation Committee for funds.

Also, a drainage contract for Otter River Road was discussed by the board and it was voted that $45,000 be awarded so the town can hire engineering company to create a new drainage system.

The road needs new drainage pipes coming off the brook it runs across and a box culvert to run through the intersection, officials said.

“The pipe that’s there now, it’s been there for 40 to 50 years. The sides are all rotten and collapsing. It’s only a matter of time before the road settles and finally lets go,” said Mr. Chase.

The first stage in this construction project begins with the design of the system, which is expected to take several months to complete. The final phase is determining the size of the project. If it’s a large project the town will not be able to take it on and instead will have to hire a contractor.

According to Highway Sup­erintendent Bud Chase, the box culvert will require a contractor. The estimated cost to remove the current pipe and install the culvert will cost over $100,000.

Selectmen also awarded the TCTV Audio/Video contract to Access A/V for up to $30,000 for broadcast equipment.

The next Board of Selectmen meeting will take place on Monday, Aug. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.