The town of Edgecomb doesn’t have a public boat access to the Damariscotta or Sheepscot rivers, but that might be changing. The town’s Conservation Commission is sending letters to three landowners along the rivers in hopes of securing public access to the water. Selectmen approved the commission’s request on Feb. 29 to solicit the purchase or a right-of-way from three landowners.

Commission member Tom Abello read the letter to the selectmen. The commission wants to gauge landowner interest prior to negotiating for public access. Abello said the boat launch wouldn’t allow automobiles.

“This would be hand-carry access, not motorized. This is for a canoe and kayak and potentially a place to picnic and fish from shore,” he said.

Abello read a portion of the letter.

“The town has searched for years for land appropriate for a public boat launch. At this point, the town has no such landing. We hope you will contact us at your earliest convenience if you’re interested in selling or providing a right-of-way. We look forward to hearing from you,” the commission wrote.

If any landowner responds favorably, the commission would bring the proposal to the selectmen. A town vote is necessary to ratify any land purchase. The selectmen would decide whether the proposal is suitable for the town meeting warrant. For consideration on this year’s warrant, any proposal must be received by April 11.

The commission is also working with the Schmid Preserve trustees on another potential land deal. The two groups are negotiating a possible land trade or right-of-way agreement near the Lallis Property. The town approved funds at last year’s town meeting to survey the property in preparation for creating a trail over a half-mile long.

The trail would begin at a McKay Road kiosk and extend to Dodge Road in Newcastle, according to Schmid Preserve committee member David Nutt. The Schmid Preserve and Conservation Commission are working with the Boothbay Region Land Trust in connecting the River Link Trail via the Zak Preserve.

In other action, the selectmen have renewed their agreement with Wiscasset to share a code enforcement officer. The new agreement costs Edgecomb less in the next fiscal year.

Last year, Edgecomb paid $8,800 to share Wiscasset Code Enforcement Officer Stan Waltz’s services. The new deal costs $8,000.

During the meeting, the selectmen requested Waltz investigate separate complaints on Old County Road. The first concerns two unregistered automobiles on a property. The second is an alleged unpermitted removal of soil. Waltz explained how he would handle each situation. He explained the town ordinance requires a junkyard permit for two or more unregistered motor vehicles on a property. The complaint regarding the unpermitted soil removal may require a planning board visit.

“The first meeting you go out and be friendly and explain the ordinance. Maybe they don’t know what’s allowed and progress from there,” Waltz said.

During the public forum, resident Jarryl Larson also encouraged the board to wish former Selectman Jo Cameron a happy 20th birthday. Cameron, 80, is a Leap Year Baby. She was born Feb. 29, 1936.

The selectmen will meet next at 6 p.m., Monday, March 14 in the municipal building.