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Upper Quashnet River Restoration -- Air Force Funding <br /> The Agent gave an update on the Upper Quashnet River Restoration and said <br /> recently there was a meeting of the Quashnet River Steering Committee. They <br /> met with Rose Forbes contact for the Air Force Civil Engineering Center. He <br /> reviewed the condition in the area and stated there will be many more series of <br /> studies that will need to be done. The sand is thicker on the edges of the bog <br /> and the peat gets deeper towards the center. Realignment of the river seems to <br /> be a feasible option based on these results of the GPR (ground penetrating <br /> radar). Brook trout are very habitat specific and a sandy, gravel base of river <br /> channel is a much better habitat for brook trout. The berm failure changed this <br /> area from what was a viable brook trout habitat to a mucky, silt laden substrate. <br /> The Air Force is responsible for the berm removal and repair and has estimated <br /> an amount of around $800,000 for this purpose. The purpose of the meeting was <br /> to see if this restoration money could be used for a realignment scenario. The <br /> estimate provided in the Haley/Aldrich feasibility study from 2007 provided an <br /> amount of around one million dollars for the realignment of the quashnet river in <br /> this location. The committee discussed what should be done with the bog itself <br /> and agreed it should be considered for wetland restoration. The up and <br /> downstream embankments of the John's Pond fish ladder are severely eroded <br /> and addressing this erosion issue will require permitting as will river realignment <br /> and wetland restoration of the bogs. The committee suggested putting all of the <br /> restoration initiatives into one permit application (multiple activities). The money <br /> the Air Force provides could cover the planning and permitting costs of this <br /> initiative and grant funding could also be used to supplement costs moving <br /> forward. The Air Force is currently in the process of submitting operating <br /> budgets for the FY2017.. Wetland restoration is a key part of the project and the <br /> overall goal is to restore the area for fish passage, habitat and wetland <br /> restoration The Steering Committee agreed the next step is to identify the <br /> specific goals and objectives and develop a Request for Proposals. The Agent <br /> said he will be scheduling another meeting of the Steering Committee to define <br /> the goals and objectives and then present them to the Commission and then start <br /> working on the RFP. The Commission would be the overseer of the project and <br /> the consultant will receive input from the Commission and the Agent. <br /> Motion: Mr. Anderson moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Shaw. Vote <br /> unanimous 4-0 Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. <br /> 5 <br />