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Neighbor Michael Donovan urges action over Ware Preserve parking and noise; Selectmen set meeting with land trust
Summary
Abutter Michael Donovan told the Selectmen the Ware Preserve has generated heavy traffic, noise and trespassing—he estimated up to 300 vehicles in a week—and asked the town to convene the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust and Granite Backcountry Alliance. The board scheduled a March 4 meeting and the police will increase early-morning patrols.
Michael Donovan told the Bartlett Selectmen on Feb. 25 that conditions at the Ware Preserve "have gone from bad to worse," citing noise, trespassing, dogs off leash and what he estimated as up to 300 vehicles on his road in a single week. Donovan said the activity wakes him at 5:00 a.m., that skiers slam car doors early in the morning and ski late into the night, and that people use his driveway to turn around.
Donovan, who identified himself as a fully disabled veteran, asked the board to convene a meeting that includes the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust (USVLT) and the Granite Backcountry Alliance so abutters and trail stewards can discuss parking and user behavior. "If a meeting does not take place or work out, my next stop will be small claims court," he said.
Town Administrator Jones said the last email from the USVLT indicated they "would be happy to meet with any abutters who have concerns." Bartlett Police investigated signage at nearby parking areas and found signs directing overflow parking to Ledge Brewing, contrary to an earlier report Donovan believed pointed to Tuckerman's Tavern. Chief of Police Chris Keaton said the department had received only one call from Donovan's area since the prior meeting but agreed to document the signage and to have weekend day-shift officers begin shifts at 5:00 a.m. for a couple of weeks to patrol East Branch Road.
Selectman Vicki Garland expressed sympathy for Donovan's frustration and said a meeting would be a positive step; Selectman Gene Chandler said he did not believe ordinances were being violated but supported the scheduled follow-up. The board directed Town Administrator Jones to invite USVLT and the Granite Backcountry Alliance to the Selectmen meeting on March 4 at 4:30 p.m.
Donovan told the board he would like trail parking consolidated at Tuckerman's Tavern and asked that trail hours be limited to 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; he also said he might block the driveway to the Ware Preserve parking lot with his car if the problems persist. Chief Keaton said he did not believe Donovan would become violent but flagged Donovan's statement as a concern.
Next steps: Town Administrator Jones will contact the USVLT and the Granite Backcountry Alliance to request attendance at the March 4 meeting; Bartlett Police will document posted signage and increase early-morning patrols on a trial basis.
