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DEC Region 7 guidance: homeowners generally responsible for Snake Creek blockages
Summary
Board members said a DEC Region 7 employee advised that homeowners are responsible for Snake Creek issues on private lakefront properties and that the town should avoid involvement without formal DEC authorization; the board will continue seeking written guidance.
Town officials reviewed guidance from the Department of Environmental Conservation's Region 7 about responsibilities for Snake Creek blockages. According to the minutes, "A DEC Region 7 employee advised that homeowners are responsible and the town should avoid involvement to limit liability." The board noted that in past emergencies the DEC provided hard‑copy authorization when the town cleared blockages; future interventions would similarly require formal DEC authorization.
Board members reported the town has tried to contact Region 7 for guidance on Snake Creek and other issues but had not received a response; they directed staff to continue outreach and to document all contact attempts. The board framed the DEC guidance as a limit on the town's authority and a rationale for seeking written, formal authorization before undertaking any clearing on private lakefront properties.
