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Hunters, Hikers to Split Cornwall Preserve

October 17, 2011 - Paris — The Cornwall Nature Preserve will be split into two distinct parts during hunting season to allow hunters and hikers to coexist, decided the Paris Board of Selectmen Tuesday.

Board Chair Ted Kurtz suggested the solution to an issue that has garnered attention from the local hiking and hunting communities. Hikers have called for a ban on hunting in the preserve because of irresponsible behavior on the part of certain hunters.

"I started out thinking that this is a legal issue," said Kurtz, an attorney. "It's not a legal issue. It's a political issue. ... The paramount issue is safety. I don't want a hiker in the hospital or the morgue. I don't want a hunter in jail."

Kurtz suggested that, during hunting season, hunting be allowed in the southern half of Cornwall, with the well-developed white trail in the preserve acting as the boundary.

Town Manager Phil Tarr said that he was concerned that the resolution would be confusing to the public, and might also make enforcement difficult.

"It's a lot easier to regulate the whole preserve," he said. "Then it's clear. It's clear to the hunters and it's clear to the walkers."

Kurtz said that he felt that, with proper signage at the main entrance, and along the trails, the intent could be successfully communicated. The signs will tell hunters where they can hunt, and warn hikers of the hunting activities in those areas.

The board approved a motion to allow hunting in the southwestern portion of the preserve, an area which Kurtz estimated to be about 85 acres of the 147-acre preserve.

Most of the walking trails in the preserve are in the northern part of the preserve.

"I think it's a reasonable compromise," said Vice Chair Bob Kirchherr.

"As a hunter, I would be satisfied with that," said Selectman Kenneth West.

Hunters have mentioned a 39-day hunting season, but members of the board agreed that the actual hunting season is longer, when bow-hunting and muzzle-loading firearms are factored in.

During a public hearing on September 26, a group of hikers reported being intimidated by a hunter in the preserve, who they said shot his gun into the air in an aggressive manner. They also reported illegal hunting activities in the preserve, potentially unsafe hunting tactics, and the inappropriate leaving of entrails.

Hunters agreed that some hunters were not acting responsibly, but opposed a full ban, and suggested a compromise.

Matt Hongoltz-Hetling, Advertiser Democrat, October 2011


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