WOODSTOCK – Selectmen were asked Tuesday to consider buying the land where a roadside spring is situated on Route 26 in Bryant Pond.
Joanna Reese asked the board how she could go about making more people aware of the possibility that the spring could be lost to future use if the property is developed.
“I am concerned about the spring,” said Reese, “and I wonder if the town could buy the land to protect it from development.”
She said she realizes there are financial issues related to the town’s raising funds to purchase the property – 3 acres priced at $45,000 – but said it would be worthwhile for the town to own it.
Chairman Leon Poland concurred. “It would be hard to come up with money to buy the property but I agree the spring needs to be protected.”
Town Manager Vern Maxfield said, “It would have to go to town meeting to see how the rest of the people feel about it before we could do anything.”
Poland suggested that Reese call a cross-section of townspeople to see how they feel about the town’s raising money to buy the land. Maxfield also suggested that Reese circulate a petition that could put the issue on the town meeting warrant next March.
Reese agreed to get back to the board with what she finds out.
The spring has been used by locals and summer camp owners for years. It is tested for water quality monthly. Town meeting authorized $500 for testing.
Besides being tested, the spring was cleaned and a cover was build near the outlet a few years ago to protect it.
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