WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board could be going back to the drawing board on a proposal to designate an area of the Spruces Park for off-leash dogs.

 

At last week's meeting, Andrew Hogeland gave his colleagues an update on a topic that has been discussed at length by the board this year.

 

Hogeland said he had consulted with other stakeholders in the park, specifically the Hoosic River Watershed Association, Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation and town Conservation Commission.

 

"I figured they would have some thoughts about what happens in that territory," Hogeland said. "They did. Not entirely in favor, as you might predict."

 

The Conservation Commission, for example, suggested that the Select Board hold off on making any designations for use of the park until after town meeting decides whether to put all of the Spruces under the care, custody and control of the Con Comm — an action the Select Board later recommended against at the April 8 meeting.

 

The conservation groups also pointed out to Hogeland that a significant portion of the Spruces acreage is designated as a priority habitat for endangered species.

 

"The concept of having dogs running around that environment is something we should think seriously about," Hogeland said.