There has been increased bear activity in Stockbridge and surrounding towns which has led to more frequent encounters with bears coming into the Timber Hawk Community. For the safety of the community and to protect the best interests of bears and other wildlife, it necessary to implement a Bear and Wildlife Policy.
No trash, recycling or refuse containing any food storage, scraps or remnants may be stored outside of homes, or in any outdoor sheds or trash houses.
Do not use the trash sheds that are located throughout the community for any storage of trash, compost, bird food, pet food or any other material that may attract wildlife.
All trash and recycling must be securely kept indoors until it can be properly disposed. The only exception is for a securely installed Bear Proof Box approved by the Timber Hawk Architectural Review Committee (ARC)
Compost services are available through trash management resources noted below and independent providers.
Proper disposal includes:
Dropping at one of the local transfer stations.
Drop locations are also available on Saturdays locally. Trash and recycling can be dropped off at the Stockbridge town offices on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm.
Music Mountain Compost in Stockbridge offers compost pick up for a fee. www.musicmountaincompost.com.
If you choose to use any other refuse pick up service or property management service, trash still must be kept secure until it can be picked up by the service.
Renting Your Home
If you rent or allow visitors, you as the owner are responsible for your guests.
Always be sure guests know how to manage trash and recycling. Clear written instructions must be visibly posted inside your home.
Do not rely on Property Managers to inform your guests. You are responsible for guests renting your home and Property Managers do not always provide detailed instructions.
Trash sheds are never to be used and no trash or recycling is to ever be left outside the home for pick-up.
Installation of an ARC approved Bear Proof Box is recommended if you plan to rent your home.
Trash Shed and Bear Proof Boxes
The Timber Hawk Architectural Review Committee (ARC) has approved the removal of the old trash sheds if an owner chooses to do so.
Remaining trash sheds are recommended to be locked to prevent guest from mistakenly using them for trash.
Contact the ARC regarding the approval to install a Bear Proof Box.
Wildlife Management
Bird food also attracts bears. No bird feeders or storage of bird seed is allowed outdoors when bears are active between April 1st and December 1st.
In addition to bears, other wildlife including coyotes, foxes, racoons, porcupines, bobcats, fishers, chipmunks, squirrels, turkeys, owls, hawks, and eagles are often seen in the community. We hope you enjoy occasionally seeing this wildlife but please be respectful by keeping your distance, keeping your pets away and never feed or otherwise encourage human interaction.
Fines and Penalties
We expect all Timber Hawk Owners to respect this policy for the safety of all.
Violators will be fined a minimum of $200.00 for any infraction and up to $500 for repeated violations.
The THOA may take additional actions to mitigate recurring issues which may include, but not limited to locking or removing trash sheds or other trash containers on the property or require rental homes to install a Bear Proof Box at owners’ expense
Repeat offenders will be reported to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Agency and may face additional Vermont State fines.