WILBRAHAM – At the Aug. 28 Select Board meeting residents of Highmoor Drive were invited to voice matters of paraphernalia they’ve witnessed at the end of their road, which is home to the Rice Nature Preserve.   The goal of this meeting was to address the residents’ concerns and to come to a solution of how to prevent certain kinds of activities from continuing on the street.

Residents made allegations that they’ve found hypodermic needles as well as used condoms and condom wrappers near the entrance of the Rice Nature Preserve.  One resident stated that they don’t think this kind of activity was on the street until the Nature Preserve began in 2005.

When asked if he could confirm what items were found on the street and mentioned at the meeting, Select Board Chair Robert Russell said he’s “not really sure.”

Russell added, “People did make comments, but I’ve driven there every day for the last week and I haven’t seen a lick of debris anywhere. I’m not going to disagree with what someone may have found, I’m not going to doubt it either.”

Rice Nature Preserve was purchased in May of 2005 and is a 150-acre plot of land that offers three miles of trails for hikers, cross-country skiers and nature observers looking to enjoy the wildlife and the outdoors.   Though people use the trails for recreational activities daily, Russell doesn’t believe the hikers are at fault in this case.

“I don’t think that the people who are hiking there are inclined to leave trash,” Russell added. “It’s [the preserve] a great public resource.”

Moving forward, Russell said Police Chief Roger Tucker along with a police captain made it clear that they’d be happy to take phone calls from residents concerning speeding on the road or cars that are seen at the end of the street after hours when the preserve is closed.

“We’re looking at improved signage and awareness on the town website in regard to the hours of operation of the preserve.  Hopefully that will cut down the abuse, though very few people have abused,” Russell said.