Lincoln council adopts duck-feeding ordinance

LINCOLN – Next month, people who feed the growing number of ducks in public areas around Mattanawcook Lake will receive one warning and then be assessed a fine.

Members of the Town Council on Monday adopted an ordinance that prohibits feeding ducks within 50 feet of public beaches, swimming areas, parks and boat-launching areas of the lake. The ordinance will go into effect in 30 days.

It also prohibits the feeding of ducks in or on the waters of the lake within 250 feet of the public beaches, swimming areas, parks and boat-launching areas.

Offenders will receive one warning and then will be subject to fines of between $10 and $50.

The council’s action came after a public hearing in which a few residents said the proposed fines and distances were excessive.

Resident Steve Rhul asked why officials were considering 2.5 pages of “probation” to address the problem instead of just posting signs asking people not to feed ducks.

He expressed concern about the 100-foot zone around public property. He said 100 feet was about 5 acres. “That is a pretty big zone. … I think we should be careful before going onto people’s private property,” he said. “We are talking up to a $1,000 fine for feeding ducks.”

Councilors agreed the fines and distances were excessive and amended the ordinance to reduce them.

Town Manager Glenn Aho said the ordinance was proposed to help limit the town’s potential liability. He said the growing number of ducks could pose a health and sanitation issue, and the high concentration of duck feces could affect water quality.

Last month, officials expressed concern about the growing number of ducks gathering near Prince Thomas Park and MacEachern-Lee Rush Memorial Park.

Officials said dozens and dozens of ducks were covering the wharf and public boat landing on the lake with feces daily. At one point, it was so bad officials had the town’s fire department use high-pressure water hoses to clean it off.

Officials said they have nothing against ducks, but wanted to do something before the problem got worse.