PARIS – A study group has recommended several changes for the use of Hall’s Pond, which serves as both a water source and recreational area.

Lew Williams, general manager and facilities operator for the Hebron Water Co., said the goal is to balance the needs of the two uses.

“We’ve been involved with the Norway Paris Fish and Game for the whole process, and we’ve had their blessings on the things we’ve tried to do,” Williams said.

Williams says the company, which has 35 to 38 hookups in Paris and Hebron, has a conservation easement on the 50-acre pond from Hebron Academy, and is able to protect the watershed through erosion control and other methods.

The study group’s recommendations include prohibiting ice fishing shacks on the pond, as well as allowing only hand-launched boats. Ice fishing would still be allowed on the pond, as well as boats with electric motors, although the group is asking for restrictions on boats with gas engines.

Williams said the prohibition on ice shacks is to prevent the structures from falling into the pond, as well as possible littering from their occupants.

The group is also recommending continuing a ban on bodily contact with the waters, the addition of a seasonal floating dock and four to six parking spaces, the re-establishment of a portable toilet location, and a gate over the existing boat ramp.

Williams said a study of the pond found no invasive aquatic plants, and the change to hand-launched boating would prevent possibly infested trailers from backing into the waters. The gate will allow access to the pond by the Paris police and fire departments, as well as the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and water company employees.

The recommendations will go before selectmen for review. The changes would be established by town ordinance, and would be enforced by Paris police.