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Garwin Falls’ popularity brings traffic congestion

WILTON – The inclusion of privately owned Garwin Falls in both the New Hampshire and New England guides to waterfalls is causing major traffic and parking problems for local residents.

About two dozen concerned citizens attended the selectmen’s meeting Monday to express those concerns and ask for

assistance.

“On Facebook, it is called one of the Top 10 waterfalls (in the state),” one attendee noted during the meeting.

Several residents said, where the half-dozen parking spaces near the reservoir once were adequate, that no longer is the case. They reported there now are as many as 50 cars, mostly from out of state, during the course of a weekend. Cars parked on both sides of the narrow dirt road could prevent an emergency vehicle from getting through.

In addition, residents said there are beer bottles, food wrappers and other litter, including a hypodermic syringe, “all over the place.”

There also is a concern about safety at the Old Wilton Reservoir, which already is posted with signs indicating “No Trespassing.” Reports of people, including children, crossing the dam have prompted selectmen to look at installing new fences at both ends of the structure.

While this issue recently has come to light, it’s not isolated to the summer season, officials said. A representative of the Wilton-Lyndeborough Wanderers Snowmobile Club said winter tourism in the area nets the same concerns. With out-of-town people leaving litter, club members have expressed worry their organization could lose its permission to use the trails, which are on private property.

Because of their location, law enforcement officials have no jurisdiction over people going to the falls, Police Chief Brent Hautanen said.

“It is private property. That has to be addressed by the landowner,” Hautanen said. “We want to work to with the family. The residents are getting frustrated.”

After almost an hour of discussion, selectmen agreed to have both Isaac Frye Highway and Putnam Hill Road in the area around the Old Reservoir posted with signage that reads “No Parking – Tow Zone.” The space in front of the gate will be left for parking.

A public hearing, which will take place Aug. 28, will be required before towing can be enforced.

It also was noted the impacted part of Putnam Hill Road is Class 6 and maintained by the residents. The amount of traffic could add to their costs.

The public hearing will be posted, and in the meantime, selectmen will “reach out to the owners” and try to arrive at a solution.

Posting the immediate area might not discourage some people, Selectman Kermit Williams said.

“There is no way to stop people from going to the falls,” he continued, noting The Horseshoe also is a private area where no parking is allowed.

“People will walk a long way,” Williams said.

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