Residents urge bear-management steps and more bear‑proof trash options

Multiple attendees raised bear encounters and asked the town to ensure bear‑resistant trash containers and community outreach. One resident urged selective logging and traditional stewardship practices to improve habitat and reduce bears coming into town; others emphasized stream clearing after major floods. The consultants said the plan includes recommendations to collaborate with waste management firms to make bear‑proof containers available and noted the town is exploring a BearWise community engagement program introduced by the DEC.

A consultant referenced a CAC meeting where John Milo from the DEC presented on bear issues and said the town expects a DEC follow-up; they emphasized the recommendation is to coordinate with haulers and explore volunteer involvement rather than mandate immediate town control over state-managed land.