For years, a loose association of woodsmen known as the Woodchucks have split and delivered firewood to local needy families. In its inception, the Woodchucks’ workforce had only a couple of volunteers. Today, its number is closer to a dozen. The expanded number has caused liability concerns among Boothbay officials who fear problems may ensue on the public lot the Woodchucks use.

Boothbay has never entered into a formal agreement with the Woodchucks. However, the increased activity on the public lot between the Woodchucks and public works employees worries municipal officials. Town officials believe a lease agreement would mitigate the town’s exposure to potential problems.

On July 23, the board of selectmen asked the Woodchucks to create a formal organization with elected officers. This would provide Boothbay officials a list of officers who were recognized to speak on the group’s behalf. The Woodchucks lack of an organized structure has hampered the town’s efforts to negotiate a lease agreement. Town Manager James Chaousis told the board that the lack of an identified leader makes entering into a formal agreement difficult.

“There’s some turbulence about who’s in charge,” Chaousis said. “It’s really difficult for Mike (Alley) and I to deal with them. On any given day, you’re dealing with one, two, three or four different people.”

During the meeting, Woodchucks member Henry Rowe agreed it was important for someone to speak on the group’s behalf. However, he didn’t believe the group needed a formal designation. Rowe said the group worked best as individuals with the sole purpose of providing the community with firewood. He described the Woodchucks as a collective group of individuals working informally through a local church.

“We’re told who, where, and when to deliver the firewood, and then we go about our business,” Rowe said. “I would like to keep us as independent as possible. All we really need is one person to deal with the town. I’m not sure going through a whole legal process is necessary.”

But the selectmen believed it was. The board wanted the Woodchucks to create a recognized chain of command. So if the group’s chief spokesman wasn’t available the town would know who to contact. Selectman Chuck Cunningham advised the Woodchucks that incorporating would be least invasive way of formally organizing.

“We had this discussion a couple of months ago that we wanted to have one person to deal with. And we still seem to be at the same point,” Cunningham said. “By incorporating, all you need to do is meet once a year and elect officers.”

After the discussion with the selectmen, it seems the Woodchucks  changed their mind. On Wednesday, Rowe met with Chaousis to discuss issues pertaining to the Woodchucks continued use of the public lot. Rowe indicated the Woodchucks had contacted local attorney Scott Adams about incorporating.