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Residents, selectmen press Fish and Game over porta‑johnts and winter access at Downing’s Landing
Summary
Residents and the Board of Selectmen discussed complaints about permanent porta‑potties and Fish and Game’s decision to limit winter operations at the Downing’s Landing boat ramp, and directed staff to send a formal letter to Fish and Game and pursue higher-level contacts if needed.
Selectmen heard extended public comment about porta‑potties placed near the town beach at the former Downing’s Landing and about Fish and Game’s decision not to provide winter operations from the ramp.
Ken (resident) told the board he and other beach users are regularly exposed to “nasty” odors from the porta‑potties and reported litter and poor cleaning frequency. He said the state Fish and Game office was unwilling to relocate units or increase cleaning and that the lack of winter operations has created hazards for anglers, snowmobilers and others accessing the lake.
Town staff recommended, and the board supported, first drafting a formal letter from the Selectmen to Fish and Game’s upper administration describing town concerns and requesting remedial steps, including more frequent servicing or relocation of the units and reopening of winter access. Staff said prior communications had been handled through a local coordinator, Garrett Gascamp, but that the town could escalate within Fish and Game’s chain of command or contact local legislators if the initial outreach fails.
Board members and residents also discussed documenting usage counts and health concerns to strengthen the town’s case. No formal enforcement action or contract change with Fish and Game was taken at the meeting; staff was directed to draft and send a letter and identify the appropriate Fish and Game contacts.
