Selectboard adopts bylaw banning target shooting on town-owned land over conservation-limited option

The Brookline Selectboard voted 4-1 on June 22 to adopt a bylaw prohibiting target shooting on town-owned land, aiming to create an enforceable penalty where the Conservation Commission’s rules could not. Chair Brian Rater and four members supported the measure; Selectboard member Steve Dolfini opposed, saying the prohibition should be limited to Conservation-managed parcels.

Police Chief Jack Hebert told the board that the Conservation Commission’s rules allow officers only to ask people to stop, not to fine them. “A rule is needed so it can be enforced,” Hebert said, arguing a bylaw would give police authority to issue penalties if shooters ignore requests to cease.

Resident Ed Arnold Jr. said he had been told by a forest ranger that RSA 159:26 may limit the town’s authority to enact such a bylaw. The board discussed that point; Chair Rater said legal counsel reviewed the proposed bylaw and that similar bylaws exist in other towns. The record shows the concern was raised and noted in debate, but the Selectboard proceeded with the broader town-land version.

Board members described the problem as concentrated in a northwest Brookline conservation parcel that has been repeatedly used for target shooting and where debris from shooting has littered the site. Some members said other town-owned parcels are large and not under Conservation Commission management, which weighed in favor of a townwide ordinance.

Resident Alan Rosenberg asked whether the bylaw would be posted at Conservation land entrances; the board said posting would be determined by the Conservation Commission.

The bylaw was adopted by motion and roll-call vote 4-1 (Dolfini opposed). The board did not record any fines or enforcement schedule in the meeting minutes; implementation and signage responsibilities were deferred to the appropriate town bodies.