Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board weighs allowing fishing at Malta Nature Preserve, seeks insurer and DEC guidance
Summary
The board discussed permitting fishing at the town's Nature Preserve pond(s); staff will confirm insurance coverage and state (DEC) rules on fishing licenses, bait and edible-fish liability before forwarding a resolution, with catch‑and‑release noted as an option.
The town board discussed a resident request to allow fishing at the Malta Nature Preserve ponds. Staff and board members said the park's establishing PDD language does not prohibit fishing and that the town can authorize fishing, subject to state fishing-license requirements and DEC regulations.
Members raised liability questions and whether the town would implicitly warrant the safety or edibility of fish if it authorizes fishing. Staff reported contacting the town’s insurance carrier and said preliminary feedback did not indicate a bar to allowing fishing; the board asked staff to confirm coverage and any restrictions. Board members floated options including a catch‑and‑release policy and prohibiting live bait to avoid introducing non‑native species.
No final action was taken; staff will prepare a resolution and confirm insurance and DEC rules before the board votes.
