3/14/2016 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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m Board of Selectmen Minutes March 14, 2016 Update on Farlev Boes Restoration Proiect. Gary Anderson: Waterways Commission member Ken Bates with affiliation to the Falmouth Rod & Gun Club and the Sporting, Safety, Conservation, Education Fund of Falmouth (SSCEFF) introduced Gary Anderson, a member of the charitable organization and Rod & Gun Club to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Anderson indicated the Town of Mashpee and the Town of Falmouth share ownership of the 12 - acre Farley Bog, an abandoned cranberry bog located adjacent to the Falmouth Rod & Gun Club on Carriage Shop Road. The Falmouth Rod & Gun Club and SSCEFF has met with Falmouth officials who have supported plans to restore the Farley Bog to its natural wetland habitat and to create a cold water fishery in the upper portion of the Childs River. The Mashpee Conservation Commission was noted to have given unanimous support to this concept as well. At the site location, the Town of Mashpee owns approximately two acres, a narrow strip along the bog area. Mr. Anderson indicated that currently the waters are too warm and too shallow for the herring and brook trout to spawn. The project proposes to realign a portion of the Childs River to create the cold water fishery. Two footbridges are planned to be constructed for hikers. In re-establishing the property as a natural water filtering wetland area for birds and wildlife, there would also be recreational and educational benefits to promote as well. There is a conservation restriction at the site location which prohibits development. Recently, ground penetrating radar was used to create a topographical map of the Farley Bog area. There is a sense of urgency with respect to this project as it has been determined the bog is reverting to a feral state with a notable increase in trees and shrubbery in this area. Representative David Vieira was in attendance in support for the protection of the two environmental assets. It was noted that Fran Smith of the Cape Cod Chapter of Trout Unlimited has extensive knowledge in bog refurbishment and in the restoration of stream and cold water habitat. Volunteers would also assist in the renewal process. Mr. Anderson indicated the project requires a substantial financial investment. Under consideration are options for Falmouth and Mashpee to declare the bog surplus municipal land or to perhaps allow the Rod & Gun Club to acquire the property for sale or long term lease. Grant funding would be sought to offset costs associated to the project proposal. At this time, it was recommended the Mashpee Board of Selectmen endorse the concept and select a representative to meet with counsel, and a sub -committee to be chaired by Representative Vieira with respect to this regard to report back to each respective board. The Board of Selectmen agreed this is a unique resource to support wildlife opportunities in addition to being an environmental asset to bring people to Mashpee. Selectman Gottlieb offered to serve on the subcommittee on behalf of the Board of Selectmen.