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Board hears report of vehicles, drone disturbing seals at Smith's Point; environmental police notified
Summary
Natural resources staff said trustees and staff documented vehicles driving on Town land at Smith's Point, a drone flown near seals and an apparent scuffle where a seagull was killed; license plates were recorded and environmental police were notified.
Tara Riley reported that trustees and staff documented people driving on parts of Smith’s Point and flying a drone near seal concentrations, and said the town has notified enforcement.
"I understand from Vince, Murphy that, they drove, partially on Townland and partially on Land owned by the guys in the last house out there," Riley said, describing video evidence staff had reviewed. She told the board trustees and staff recorded license-plate numbers and that environmental police had been notified.
Riley also reported an incident where visitors were on Great Point and a seagull was struck; trustees and staff intervened and asked the people to leave the property. Board members noted that if shorebirds such as piping plovers were harmed, that is a federal matter and could carry additional enforcement implications.
The board discussed using available video for educational outreach on proper conduct around wildlife. No enforcement outcomes were announced at the meeting; Riley said she did not have further details about the extent of vehicle damage at Smith’s Point and that the environmental police and town enforcement were following up.
