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Shandaken Conservation Advisory Committee plans BearWise outreach, farmers-market booth July 26
Summary
The committee said it will launch BearWise public education with a farmers‑market table on July 26, DEC materials, and a short campaign of social-media posts and flyers; members assigned volunteers to draft a public statement and website content.
The Town of Shandaken Conservation Advisory Committee devoted its July 20 meeting to planning a BearWise public‑education effort focused on deterring human–bear conflicts. "We're devoting our meeting tonight to a discussion of BearWise," the committee chair said as the session opened.
Committee members agreed to produce a short statement of goals and objectives to post on the town website after Town Board review, and to staff a table at the Phoenicia farmers market on July 26 using DEC‑provided materials. Nicole Caputo, who led the campaign planning, asked members to take on discrete tasks so the effort can move quickly: drafting the statement, preparing social‑media assets and flyers, and staffing the market booth.
Why it matters: members said targeted education — emphasizing attractant management, hazard avoidance and practical deterrents — can reduce damage and public safety risks while protecting bears. The committee expects DEC materials and a hands‑on table display (including a skull and hide) to make outreach more visible.
Committee members identified immediate tasks and volunteers. Karen Lee will contact town staff about complaint records; Maya Lilly will reach out to nearby restaurants about their bear‑management practices; Michelle (guest) will research local trash haulers and options for bear‑proof containers. The group also agreed to draft a town mailing and larger campaign kickoff next April.
The committee will review and approve the posted statement before sending it to the town website and will circulate social‑media content and simple do's and don'ts for residents. "The BearWise website has such a lot of wonderful information," the chair said, urging members to use plain, consistent messaging.
