Article 16 on Camden’s 2016 Town Meeting warrant about the feeding of Wild Animals and Waterfowl will not prohibit the feeding of songbirds and having bird feeders. The proposed ordinance specifically states, "This ordinance does not prohibit the feeding of songbirds using well-maintained bird feeders."

This proposed ordinance was suggested by some Camden residents who were very concerned that the mass feeding of seagulls and other birds by a neighbor was damaging their properties. They were experiencing bird droppings on roofs, autos, their homes and that the mass feeding was contributing to a rise in rodents in their neighborhood. The neighbor admitted to the mass feeding on a daily basis. He later stated that his attorney suggested that the feedings should stop.

A recent opinion statement that refers to an Article that will be voted on at the Annual Camden Town Meeting on June 15th as being very restrictive, is false. Article 16 "Shall an ordinance entitled, 'Ordinance to Control the Feeding of Wild Animals and Waterfowl' be enacted and codified in the Police Ordinance at Chapter Viii Part III-D?" is to prevent anyone from feeding wildlife and certain waterfowl in large quantities.

Other communities in Maine have similar ordinances. While it has always been "cute" to feed the ducks near Camden Harbor or on Megunticook River, it has been proven that feeding waterfowl and wild animals can interrupt their normal migration patterns and may make them more aggressive.

Approving Article 16 is good for the environment and the safety of both, the waterfowl, wild animals and the public. Approving Article 16 will not prohibit the feeding of smaller birds that frequent our bird feeders.

Vote yes on Article 16 at the Annual Camden Town Meeting on Wednesday June 15, 7 p.m., at the Camden Opera House.

Don White is a Camden resident and a member of the Camden Select Board