Town of Tryon, NC

Connect with the Town

2010-04-09T10:18:00.002-04:00

With the Town expanding into the social networks, we are shutting down this blog. Please continue to visit www.tryon-nc.com for information on the Town and now also visit:

Town of Tryon on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/townoftryon

Tryon Communications (Police/Fire/Public Works) on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/TryComm

Good Friday Observance/Trash schedule

2010-03-31T09:13:00.000-04:00

The Town of Tryon will be closed April 2, 2010 in observance of Good Friday. There will be NO residential garbage pick up.

There will be commercial garbage pick up.

Council Agenda & Strategic Plan

2010-03-12T17:21:00.002-05:00

The agenda for the 16 March Town Council meeting is now online, as well as the Town's Strategic Plan draft for March 2010. These documents along with departmental reports can be viewed here: http://tryon-nc.com/agendas.htm

Don't Forget the Grease; Fats, Oils & Grease...What's the Problem?

2010-03-12T10:09:00.002-05:00

Uploaded to the Town site: information on why you should never pour grease into your plumbing system.

Ordinances page updated

2010-03-03T09:14:00.001-05:00

http://tryon-nc.com/about_tryon.htm

Feb. 16 Town Council Agenda online.

2010-02-12T18:23:00.000-05:00

http://tryon-nc.com/agendas.htm

View from Town Hall, Sunday AM

2010-01-31T09:44:00.002-05:00

Looking South from Trade Street entrance to Town Hall. 9.30am

Mud Slide on Hogback Mtn Rd.

2010-01-25T08:38:00.002-05:00

Fire Department response to mud slide on Hogback Mountain Rd, Monday morning.

Town Council Agenda, 1/19/10

2010-01-16T08:27:00.001-05:00

The agenda for the 19 January Town Council meeting has been uploaded below:

http://tryon-nc.com/agendas.htm

Questions on the NC smoking ban?

2010-01-03T08:42:00.001-05:00

For information or questions on the smoking ban that went into effect 2 January 2010 in North Carolina: http://tobaccopreventionandcontrol.ncdhhs.gov/smokefreenc/

Town Communications on Twitter

2009-12-20T08:58:00.002-05:00

You can now follow Tryon Communications on Twitter: http://twitter.com/TryComm

December Town Council Agenda

2009-12-14T09:02:00.001-05:00

The agenda for the 15 December meeting of the Town Council is now online here.

11/17/09 Town Council Agenda now online

2009-11-16T13:37:00.001-05:00

You can read the Town Council agenda for Tuesday, 17 November 2009 here.

Article on Tryon Arts & Crafts

2009-10-23T17:51:00.001-04:00

In the October issue of Bold Life.

9/15/09 Town Council Agenda now online.

2009-09-11T17:28:00.001-04:00

http://tryon-nc.com/agendas.htm

Zoning Map online.

2009-08-28T12:15:00.002-04:00

The Town's Zoning map is now online. The map can be accessed by clicking the previous link or by visiting the town site, clicking on "Town Ordinances," scrolling down to Zoning Map under the link to the Zoning Ordinance.

Harmon Field Fall Programs

2009-08-27T08:06:00.003-04:00

There is an activity this fall for kids, adults, seniors, and families. Please come join us here at Harmon Field for some fun. For more information check http://www.harmonfield.com/

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM Weekdays from 3-6 pm for Grades K-8

ADVENTURE CAMP Saturday September 19 from noon-6 for Grades 3-12

FRIDAY FUN NIGHTS: September 18-Build an Inukshuk, anytime after school in the Pacolet river! October 2-Softball from 7-9 pm. November 6-Floor Hockey from 7-9 pm

SKOOLZOUT CAMPS: Friday, October 9, 8–3 pm. Wednesday, November 11, 8-3 pm.

FAMILY CAMP-OUT Saturday, November 21 at 2 pm.

Updates to Ordinances page

2009-07-09T10:30:00.003-04:00

The Town Ordinances page has been updated today with Title XIII - General Offenses (Chapter 130).

6/16 Council Agenda online

2009-06-16T12:23:00.002-04:00

The agenda for the 6/16 Town Council meeting is now online: http://tryon-nc.com/agendas.htm

BBQ, Traffic enforcement

2009-06-12T17:31:00.003-04:00

Tryon Police Bike Patrol enforcing safe speeds at the BBQ Festival.

BBQ Festival, 12pm

2009-06-12T12:06:00.004-04:00

Regional One taking off from the Harmon Field Soccer Field.

This year, the Chamber's golf carts are adorned with giant rubber ducks to commemorate the first Rubber Ducky Regatta.

New paint on Town fire hyrdrants

2009-06-02T10:53:00.002-04:00

The Tryon Fire Department has begun the task of repainting all fire hydrants in its district, totaling more than 200 hydrants. It has been several years since all hydrants were repainted, and the department hopes to have the project completed by August. As you will notice the hydrants are being painted yellow with a white top, as well as having rust spots removed.

Some questions have been raised regarding the painting of the fire hydrants in the Business District which were painted to resemble horse jockeys. Those hydrants were painted by private groups who no longer wish to maintain the hydrants. Town Council is now working on a policy which will give further clarification as to the possible return of these familiar characters.

You will also note that fire department personnel will be trimming weeds around these hydrants to maintain a clearance area that allows us to more easily access the hydrants to hook up various sizes of fire hose.

In the next few weeks we will also begin the process of flowing hydrants – which allows us to tell how many gallons per minute a particular hydrant is capable of producing. The tops of the hydrants will then be color coded to meet NFPA standards regarding those flow amounts. Notification regarding areas where the hydrants will be flowed will be publicized in the Tryon Daily Bulletin as well as the Town of Tryon website (http://www.tryon-nc.com/) and the Tryon Fire Department website (http://www.tryonfire.org/).

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the painting and maintenance of the fire hydrants as Council works to establish new policy. Comments can be submitted via e-mail to the Tryon Fire Department at tfd@tryon-nc.com or by telephone at 828-859-9566.

Council Agenda for 4/21 is now online.

2009-04-16T09:19:00.000-04:00

http://tryon-nc.com/agendas.htm

Leaf pickup

2009-04-02T13:50:00.001-04:00

PUBLIC NOTICE-IMMEDIATE

Contact: Justin Hembree, Interim Town Manager
or Meg Rogers, Secretary to the Town Manager
(828) 859-6655

Tryon Leaf Pick-Up –IMPORTANT NOTICE

For Town of Tryon residents, beginning immediately, all leaves for pickup must be bagged. For more information, large amounts or special item pick-up, please call 859-6655.

List of Tailgate markets in WNC

2009-03-28T08:41:00.002-04:00

From the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project :

http://www.buyappalachian.org/index.php?query[entityType]=Tailgate+Market

Photos from TFD's Ladies Night Dinner online

2009-03-24T08:38:00.001-04:00

http://www.tryonfire.net/photos.htm
Look in "Ladies Night 2009" gallery.

Town Council dates for 2009

2009-03-23T09:17:00.004-04:00

2009

April 21
May 19
June 16
July 21
August 18
September 15
October 20
November 17
December 15

3/17 Council Agenda now online

2009-03-16T19:48:00.004-04:00

The Council Agenda for 3/17/09 is now online.

NC Recovery

2009-02-27T17:04:00.001-05:00

From the Office of Governor Bev Perdue:

Governor Perdue today launched www.NCRecovery.gov, a guide to services of the newly created Office of Economic Recovery & Investment. NCRecovery.gov will let visitors track federal recovery funds in North Carolina, as well as learn about local contract and grant opportunities.

"I am committed to providing the people of North Carolina with a simple-to-navigate guide that is efficient, transparent and accountable,” Perdue said. “I want the people of North Carolina to understand exactly how the money will be used to put North Carolina back to work.”

The website will serve as a resource on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, its impact on North Carolina and information about the state Office of Economic Recovery and Investment. In the upcoming weeks, visitors will be able to track recovery money as it is spent, suggest projects for funding and learn how to apply for contracts and grants that may be available.

Openings on Town Boards.

2009-01-16T08:05:00.000-05:00

The Town of Tryon has openings on the following town boards:

Tryon Tourism Development Authority Board
Tryon Board of Adjustment
Tryon Planning & Zoning Board

Please contact the Town Clerk at 301 North Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782, (828)859-6655 if interested.

Application forms may be picked up at Town Hall or downloaded at http://tryon-nc.com/town_government.htm

Town drops Stage II water restrictions

2009-01-07T14:15:00.002-05:00

The Town of Tryon has determined that conditions are such that Stage II Mandatory Water Restrictions are no longer warranted. The Town is still under Stage I restrictions, please click here to read them.

Government phone listings

2008-11-17T09:30:00.002-05:00

The new Windstream telephone directory (dated October 2008) has made some changes to the government listings. Town, State and Federal government listings are now combined, starting on page 24 of the green section. The pages are gray in color.

Update on Ordinances page

2008-11-12T11:33:00.001-05:00

http://tryon-nc.com/about_tryon.htm

Updated Zoning Ordinance and Public Works Ordinance amendment.

New Recycling bins are in

2008-10-29T09:58:00.001-04:00

The Town Hall has received the new shipment of recycling bins and are now available to town residents. You must come in person to the Town Hall and sign them out.

Using water wisely

2008-10-10T11:23:00.002-04:00

The Tryon Water Plant has just released a helpful pamphlet on what you can do to continue to conserve water. You can view this pamphlet by clicking here.

Sign regulations

2008-09-27T08:05:00.004-04:00

The town understands that it is important for businesses to advertise their goods and services. However, there have been many complaints recently regarding illegal temporary signs in Tryon. There are sign regulations in the Tryon Zoning Ordinance that limit the type, size, placement and timing of temporary signs.

The purpose of the sign regulations is to provide a pleasing overall environmental setting and good community appearance, which is deemed vital to the continued economic attractiveness of the town. The regulations are also intended to ensure that signs do not become a hazard or nuisance, to promote traffic safety, to protect and enhance the value of properties, and to promote the public safety and general welfare of the Town of Tryon.

The following temporary signs are allowed with specific requirements in the Town of Tryon: political signs, real estate signs, special event signs for non-profit organizations, single-day event signs for non-profit organizations, yard sale signs, window signs, and limited banners hung against building walls to advertise business events. If a temporary sign does not fall into one of these categories or does not meet the specific requirements for the type of sign, then it is not permitted and may be subject to civil penalties of $50 each. Also, temporary signs may not be located in the right-of-way.

Right-of-way width varies for different road types. For the major roads in town (Highway 176 and Highway 108) the right-of-way is typically 60 feet wide and can be measured 30 feet from the centerline of the road. A good rule of thumb is to place signs behind utility poles, sidewalks, or ditches since these are typically set at the back of the right-of-way. Also, signs may not be placed on traffic signs, trees, or utility poles.

If signs are placed in the right-of-way, then they may be removed by the code enforcement officer, public works department, police department, or other designated town official and may be subject to civil penalties of $50 each.

Please contact the town planner, Erin Burris at 1-800-650-3925 for any question you may have about signs.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Charter/Duke/Windstream payments

2008-08-12T08:10:00.003-04:00

As of 11 August, the Tryon Town Hall discontinued the bill payment service for Charter Communications, Duke Energy and Windstream. Below is information on where you can make payments:

Charter Communications:

https://www.charter.com/order/payyourbill.aspx
Call 1-888-438-2427

Duke Energy:

Carruth Furniture
457-3344
104 S Howard Ave, Landrum, SC
Hours:8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Saturday
Payment Types:Cash, check, money order. Guarantor forms are NOT available here.
Drop Box Location:None
Transaction Types:Electric payments, reconnect fees and deposits accepted here

Windstream:
Bi-Lo
457-2121
HWY 14 E
Landrum, SC

Carruth Furniture
457-3344
104 S Howard St
Landrum, SC

Police Dept employee celebrates 20 years

2008-08-09T08:13:00.004-04:00

The Tryon Police Department hosted a small lunch on Friday, 8 August to celebrate Telecommunicator Jack Hardin's 20 years of service to the Town. He was presented with a 20 year service pin by Chief Jeff Arrowood.

New Harmon Field site

2008-07-23T14:24:00.000-04:00

www.HarmonField.com will soon be active.

Why did rates increase

2008-07-23T08:25:00.002-04:00

This rate increase will help cover the rising costs of providing you with high quality water, reliable service, and environmental protection - a vital foundation for the health and quality of life in our community.

The cost of providing safe, reliable water and wastewater services continue to increase, making it necessary to change rates. Our agin water and wastewater infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades to meet the needs for our growing community. In addition, we are making critical improvements in both our water and wastewater systems to safeguard the water supply and protect our environment.

The new rates will also enable us to replace/repair aging infrastructure. Delivering safe, reliable drinking water and cleaning the used water requires chemical, fuel and energy. We are faced with higher costs for those items. The Town of Tryon remains committed to providing you with excellent drinking water and wastewater services that are protective of your health and provide you with the quality of life that you desire for our community.

WATER SAVING TIPS

Stop Leaks. Repair leaks in your faucets and toilets. Check your toilet for leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the bowl withing 15 minutes. Make sure to flush as soon as the test is over, as the food coloring will stain the tank.

Have a makeover. Give your bathroom a water efficiency makeover with WaterSense labeled toilets and faucets to save more than 11,000 gallons of water a year. When you save water, you save money.

Water when needed. Water your lawn only when needed. If you can easily stick a screwdriver into your lawn, don't water. Watering during the heat of the day can actually harm your lawn by "scalding" or "burning" it. Early morning when the dew is still present is generally better for watering than dusk, since that helps prevent growth of fungus.

BEING WATER WISE SAVES YOU MONEY

Conserving water can make a significant difference on your water and wastewater bills. When you use less water, it costs less money.

Conserving water in NC

2008-07-18T09:48:00.002-04:00

North Carolina's initiative to help conserve our water:

http://savewaternc.org/

Water use reminder

2008-06-26T13:22:00.003-04:00

Please remember that during Stage II (Mandatory) Water Restrictions, sprinkler systems are not allowed. To water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flowers and vegetable gardens you must use a hand-held hose, container or drip irrigation system.

Also, regarding pressure washing: In order to conduct pressure washing inside the town limits you must obtain a one-time, one-day permit from Water Plant Superintendent Betty Jones, who can be contacted at (828)859.9525.

Tryon urges continued water conservation

2008-06-17T21:33:00.000-04:00

from the Tryon Daily Bulletin:

Written by by Chris Dailey
Tuesday, 17 June 2008

After ending 2007 with a precipitation deficit of about 23 inches, the local area appeared to be coming out of the extreme drought with near normal rainfall earlier this year.

Then May arrived. The area received just 2.22 inches of rain in May, according to observations for the National Weather Service in Tryon. June hasn’t been any better. The area has received only about 0.6 inches of rain so far this month.

Not only has it been dry, but it’s also been exceptionally hot. Record heat has accelerated evaporation and caused drought conditions to rapidly worsen even before summer arrives. The conditions have led the Town of Tryon to remind residents that the drought has not gone away, and they must continue to conserve water. Tryon Water Plant Superintendent Betty Jones says the town has not lifted its mandatory water restrictions since they were implemented last August (see previous post).

Water usage often picks up in the summer, particularly when the weather is dry, as residents keep lawns and gardens watered. But residents will have to continue to keep watering to a minimum. Water usage in Tryon has remained roughly between 350,000 and 450,000 gallons per day in recent months, much below what it’s been in the past prior to restrictions and a town program to reduce leaks. Earlier this year Tryon was listed as one of 13 water systems in North Carolina considered to be nearing a crisis situation with less than 100 days of water supply.

The state has urged those water systems to take immediate steps to increase their water supplies. Tryon is working with Saluda and Columbus, with the held of an emergency water grant, to put in lines that will give Tryon access to water from Hendersonville. Tryon also plans to put in a valve that will allow it to receive water from Columbus, and to make changes to its water plant that will allow Tryon to use its former mountain water source.

Tryon water plant supt. discusses drought status

2008-06-17T21:21:00.003-04:00

From the Tryon Daily Bulletin:

Written by Chris Dailey
Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Editor’s note: Betty Jones, the water plant superintendent for the Town of Tryon, provides the following update on the drought

by Betty Jones
Are we still under water restrictions? This is a question I’ve been asked quite frequently in the last few weeks. The answer is a resounding yes.

I have also been asked, “Do we have a drought again this year?” Actually, we are not experiencing a new drought. We are dealing with a continuing drought that began in the spring of 2007 and is the worst drought in recorded history in North Carolina.

Droughts have classifications of D1 through D4, with D4 being the worst. The summer of 2007 saw a classification of D4. As fall came we received a bit more rainfall, and the classification dropped to D3 in September. In October the classification varied from D4 to D3 with the month ending at D4.

We remained at D4 until the last week of February 2008, when we finally dropped back to D3. By the second week of April 2008 the classification dropped to a D2. You might think it is wonderful to finally see this lower rating. But when you look at all the classifications, and what each one means, you’ll see that a classification of D2 is considered to be a severe drought.

Listed below are all the classifications and what each means:
D0 – Abnormally Dry
D1 – Moderate Drought
D2 – Severe Drought
D3 – Extreme Drought
D4 – Exceptional Drought

Let’s get back to our drought now. The last week of April 2008 saw the classification move back up to D3 or Extreme Drought, which is where we currently are. We ended 2007 with a precipitation deficit of 23.55 inches (based on a 5-year average) for the year.

Precipitation for our area is below average through May 2008. The six-year monthly average from 2002 through 2007 is 5.18 inches. So far in 2008 our monthly average is 3.84 inches which calculates to 1.34 inches below the six year monthly average.

What does all this data mean? It means that we still need to be responsible when using the water we have. The days of using treated water for anything and everything are gone. On June 11 there was hardly any overflow at the Lake Lanier Dam.

We received 0.60 inches of rain overnight on the 11th and by early morning on the 12th we had a small amount of overflow. We all should be finding ways to conserve our treated water so that we have enough to go around.

Last but not least, it means we are still under Stage II Mandatory water restrictions here in Tryon, NC. During this Stage II (Mandatory) condition, it shall be unlawful for those served by the Town of Tryon’s water system:
(1) To water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flowers and vegetable gardens except by hand held hose or container or drip irrigation system.
(2) To fill newly constructed swimming and/or wading pools or refill swimming and/or wading pools which have been drained.
(3) to wash automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, or any other type of mobile equipment, including commercial washing.
(4) To wash outside areas such as streets, driveways, service station aprons, parking lots, office buildings, exteriors of existing or newly constructed homes or apartments, sidewalks or patios, or to use water for similar purposes.
(5) To use water from public or private fire hydrants for any purpose other than fire suppression or other public emergency.
(6) To operate or introduce water into any ornamental fountain, pool, or pond or other structure making similar use of water.
(7) To serve drinking water in restaurants, cafeterias or other food establishments, except upon request.
(8) To operate water-cooled air conditioners or other equipment that does not recycle cooling water, except when health and safety are adversely affected.
(9) Use water for unnecessary purpose or intentionally waste water.
(10) To use water for industrial purposes in an amount in excess of that amount set by the town manager.

Any violation of the Stage II guidelines shall constitute a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine or imprisonment. Willful disregard of Stage I and/or Stage II guidelines will also result in water service being temporarily disconnected. A reconnect fee will be imposed before restoration of service. While under Stage II restrictions, Stage I restrictions remain in place.

The Town of Tryon water system customers have rallied to the call to conserve and it does not go unnoticed. Every gallon saved is appreciated and we ask that each person continue their conservation efforts.

For weekly updates on the drought situation and water saving tips please visit Governor Easley’s website, SaveWaterNC at http://www.savewaternc.org/. One additional tip not mentioned at the website is to put containers in the shower with you to catch water as you shower. Save this water for your plants.

Bear sighting in Tryon

2008-06-16T07:39:00.003-04:00

This black bear cub was sighted in the Carolina Drive/Braewick Road area on Sunday afternoon.

Please read our previous post on Bear Sightings.

BBQ Regional One visit

2008-06-14T20:10:00.008-04:00

BBQ 6/14, more cookers

2008-06-14T12:57:00.005-04:00

BBQ 6/13 fireworks

2008-06-13T22:24:00.006-04:00

BBQ random cookers...

2008-06-13T21:08:00.008-04:00

BBQ 7pm

2008-06-13T19:00:00.005-04:00

BBQ 6pm

2008-06-13T18:01:00.006-04:00

BBQ 5pm

2008-06-13T16:53:00.004-04:00

Henderson County Sheriff's Office Mounted Patrol

BBQ 2.20pm

2008-06-13T14:20:00.009-04:00

Jack Holmes with Festival Security

Entrance to Hog Heaven (BBQ Contestant area)

BBQ 12:15pm

2008-06-13T12:22:00.004-04:00

Bear Sightings

2008-06-03T13:43:00.005-04:00

Upstate Bear Sightings Increasing.

From the NC Wildlife Resources Commission:

BLACK BEAR PROBLEMS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Black bears once roamed the entire state of North Carolina. Due to increasing human populations and associated development, bears no longer occupy the piedmont and are found only in the eastern and western parts of the state. Further, many new homes are built in occupied bear range each year. Despite all this, bear numbers have increased in recent years. As a result, bears and people are coming into contact with each other more frequently than before. Many citizens of North Carolina wish to see bears continue to thrive in the state. Therefore, the challenge is to learn how problems with bears can be avoided in residential areas that are in or near bear habitat.

Are bears dangerous?
Most injuries associated with bearhuman encounters are the result of people feeding bears or when bears are feeding on human sources of food. Simply observing a bear walking through a yard is not cause for alarm. Make sure all garbage is stored or handled as described below and do not provoke or feed the bear. Alert others in the area and request that everyone follow the same procedures.

What attracts bears into a residential area?
Often, houses are located in proximity to areas occupied by bears. Bears will naturally investigate food odors and are attracted to many different foods such as garbage, bird seed and suet, pet foods, compost piles and grease on barbecue grills. Once a bear receives a "reward" such as one of these foods, it may return to the same area several times (even after food is removed) or search around the general area for similar foods. Some bears become fairly tolerant of humans in these situations and appear tame. Remember, bears are wild animals, and are unpredictable. Therefore, the solution to most bear problems is to remove the source of attraction before conflicts occur.

Most problems are temporary
Most bear problems in residential areas are temporary and usually occur in the spring and summer months. Between the time bears emerge from their dens and summer foods such as berries ripen, natural food supplies are low and not very nutritious. This causes bears to travel more in search of food. Also, breeding season occurs from June to August and male bears tend to roam more in search of mates. Finally, during this same time period, young males are dispersing to new territories and often wander into residential areas. Usually dispersing bears remain in an area less than 2 weeks. By keeping food away from bears during those times of increased travel, many problems may be avoided.

Why not just move problem bears?
There are several reasons why moving problem bears is not an option. First and foremost, moving a bear does not address the problem. If the problem is not fixed, other bears will move in to take advantage of the food source or, the bear that was moved may return to become a problem once more. Second, catching a wild animal such as a bear puts both bears and people at risk of injury, especially in residential areas. Finally, there are no longer areas that are sufficiently remote to ensure that a relocated bear would not encounter other residences and possibly become a nuisance there.

How are bear problems best handled?
There are many things that can be done to minimize or eliminate the chances that bears will get into garbage or become a problem in an area. Any of the methods described below work best if implemented as soon as the problem starts, or better still, before problems occur. Once a bear establishes a feeding pattern, it will take longer to encourage the bear to move on. By following some of the tips listed below, residents can usually prevent the bear from being rewarded the first time.

Do not allow bears access to garbage or other food. Store garbage inside buildings or other areas that bears cannot get to. Do not feed bears under any circumstances. If the area is served by a garbage collection service, place garbage out only during the day of collection. Under no circumstances should garbage be left out overnight. Keep all garbage sites clean. Do not leave pet foods out overnight. If bird feeders have been visited by a bear, stop feeding birds for 1 to 2 weeks. Persons living in bear range should install "bearproof" containers or use dumpsters with heavy gauge metal lids as a longterm solution to bear problems.
Repellents. There are no repellents that are registered for use on bears. Some have found that sprinkling ammonia or other strong disinfectants on garbage can mask the odor of food.
Exclusion. The following have helped to prevent bear damage. Make sure dumpsters are bolted and locked and chain down heavy metal garbage cans and secure the lids. Wood or plastic dumpster lids do not keep bears out. Replace these with metal lids that can be locked and make sure sliding side doors can be latched so only humans can open them. Fencing in dumpsters or garbage collection areas can be very effective. A chain link fence with a barbwire overhang can work well. An electric fence powered with a high voltage, low impedance charger can exclude bears; however, this should only be done if safety precautions can be implemented to protect children and adults. There are several electric fence designs which can be provided by the local district biologist if this is deemed appropriate.
Frightening or scaring the bear. Shouting, clapping, blasting a car horn or motionsensitive lights may scare off a bear temporarily. Do not taunt a bear if it fails to respond to your efforts to frighten it. These methods are only temporary solutions.
Crowd Control. Sometimes when a bear sighted, crowds may gather. This seemingly harmless situation can be aggravated or became potentially harmful as the crowd grows. People can cause bears to display unpredictable behavior. Law enforcement personnel should disperse crowds and allow the bear to exit without interference.

Summary

Black bears are an important part of North Carolina's fauna. As people move into bear country in increasing numbers, it is ultimately human attitudes toward bears that will determine whether bears will continue to exist in the state. Unfortunately, bears are viewed either as dangerous animals or cuddly pets. It is best to avoid these extreme views and instead show a healthy respect for this magnificent forest animal. We have provided some simple, common sense steps you can take to do your part in ensuring that bears and people can live together. As a temporary or permanent resident in bear country, take these steps to avoid attracting bears and to prevent conflicts from occurring. Remember, prevention is the best medicine!

Recycling dumpster location

2008-06-03T13:31:00.005-04:00

The Town's recycling bins are now located on Maple Street next to the Town Maintenance Shed. Click here for more information and a map.