Wiscasset Selectman Pam Dunning is making her position clear as the town plans public use of a Montsweag Brook parcel.

Yes to leashes on dogs, no to hunting.

The rest of the board did not weigh in on Dunning's comments July 16. She said she wanted to give her opinion as the Wiscasset Conservation Commission starts work on a management plan for the approximately 22-acre property Central Maine Power gave the town.

Selectmen gave the commission the unanimous go-ahead for a series of steps, including signage research and making sure the property's perimeter is clearly marked.

Regarding leashes, Dunning said her 7.5-pound Chihuahua loves to hike.

“I don't want somebody's Great Dane coming over and scaring (her), and they do,” Dunning said. “She doesn't need a 90-pound dog jumping on her.”

Hunting, meanwhile, would pose a liability issue for the town, Dunning continued: “I don't want to see a snowshoer getting shot because someone thinks it's a deer,” she said.

On a third point, Dunning called for a “swim at your own risk” sign if swimming is allowed on the property.

“Good point,” Conservation Commission Chairman Anne Leslie said.

Leslie asked if Town Manager Laurie Smith or some other town official could sit in on any talks the commission has with neighbors. But Smith advised Leslie to call her instead with any questions.

Smith expected results back soon on an inspection of the dam that came with the property.