The Town of Rindge is considering a new ordinance that would outline rules for camping on public properties in town.

In the ordinance, it would be unlawful to camp without written permission from the Select Board or their designee on any town property, including any town-owned parks, parking lots, public streets, the Town Common or any of the lands owned by the town that are currently in conservation.

The ordinance defines camping as “any activity that involves an overnight stay, whether sheltered or unsheltered, or within a conveyance.” Also, whether or not the person has actually stayed overnight, “activities commonly associated with the preparation for an overnight stay” are also included in the camping definition.

Campers who do receive permission from the Select Board for an specified period of time will follow “carry-in, carry-out” guidelines while camping on town property.

Those who are found in violation of the ordinance must immediately leave town property, and can face fines of $100 for the first offense and $250 for a second offense that occurs within a 12-month period. Fines must be paid within five days, or may result in a summons and additional fines. Any request for a due-process hearing must be submitted in writing within three days of the receipt of the violation.

During a discussion of the proposed ordinance during the Select Board meeting on Wednesday, Planning Board Chair Roberta Oeser suggested that the board also include a provision about camping on private property. Specifically, Oeser proposed that the town require that those camping on private property be required to have written permission from the landowner to do so.

The board discussed whether or not to add that provision, particularly as the ordinance was directed at camping on public lands. Selectman Bob Hamilton asked Police Chief Rachel Malynowski if the current trespassing laws are sufficient to remove unwanted campers from private property. Malynowski said that typically, police will offer a courtesy warning and education to those who are unwanted on private property, and give them a chance to vacate. If they refuse to vacate, or return to the same site again, then the police proceed with an arrest on criminal trespassing charge. She said landowners also have the opportunity to file a “no trespass” order against individuals who are found on their property, which would result in an immediate arrest if that same person returned to their property.

“So we have a law to take care of it already,” concluded Hamilton.

Oeser brought up issues of long-term squatting on large tracts of land, or land with absentee owners, and the possibility of long-term campers claiming residency or squatter’s rights.

When asked by Chair Karl Pruter if she felt she had the proper tools in place to deal with those situations. Malynowski said for short-term campers, she did, but would have to do more research into the squatter’s laws and how they might impact long-term campers.

The board agreed to continue the discussion after Malynowski looks further into the laws on the matter, and whether a provision related to private landowners might be appropriate. The board agreed that a public hearing on the ordinance would be held before it was officially adopted.

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244, or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.