3/12/2015 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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The Agent stated since 2012 the partnership for the Mashpee National Wildlife Partnership Refuge, which includes federal, state, tribal, Town of Falmouth, Town of Mashpee and John's Pond, Jehu Pond, Pine Barrens and Pickerel Cove has been conducting wildfire abatement work. Since 2012, there has been a lot of work as far as mechanical thinning and creating firebreaks where needed. The other activity is prescribed burning. He noted a map of the Cape showing where fire burns have been created. The service partners are the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the Town of Mashpee, Mass Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Wildlife Trust, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Falmouth Rod and Gun Club. The Agent said the other part of the work going on is habitat improvement work for the New England cottontail rabbit which is where prescribed burning comes into play. The New England cottontail is extremely rare and has very specific habitat requirements - mostly dense thickly vegetated undergrowth. It is very exclusive and close to be listed on the endangered species list. There has been a lot of work to identify areas where New England cottontails exists. He noted on a map where there have been sightings. The Agent reviewed photos of the project sites of where fire burning has taken place which reinvigorates the growth which is a better food source, better habitat for the cottontail. The burning also reduces wildfire hazards. The next area marked to burn is Conservation land which has some wetlands. They will not be burning through the wetlands but will bum in the buffer zone. The Agent asked if the Commissioners felt a hearing will be necessary. It was agrees[ that an RDA will be required for the next round of burning within the areas of wetland, Motion: Mr. Sweet moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Shaw. Vote unanimous 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Judith Daigneault, Recording Secretary