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The Agent reviewed the endorsement letters that he drafted for each of the grants that the <br /> Wampanoag Tribe has applied for. He said the first grant deadline is June 30 and they are <br /> applying for a grant administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency and it is <br /> called the Healthy Communties Grant Program to improve environmental conditions <br /> whether it is air quality, water quality, recreational opportunities. They are applying to <br /> establish an oyster reef in Popponesett Bay in the hopes oysters will propagate these areas. <br /> Oysters are prolific filter feeders. They are proven to be beneficial to water quality. Also, <br /> the reefs act as a buffer against storm waves which can lessen the affect of shore erosion. <br /> The Agent explained at this point they are only asking for funding and that is why they are <br /> asking for the commission's,endorsement. He wanted to make it absolutely clear that this <br /> is not a permit application, there is no plan to where it is going, there are no details how <br /> large it is going to be. The Agent said any entity whether it is a tribal government or <br /> federal or state government who is trying to habitat restoration on a species which was <br /> once prolific should be endorsed by the Conservation Commission even in the absence of <br /> some more details which will be forthcoming. The next step would be to apply for a <br /> permit. Following much discussion, it was decided to have the Agent reword the letter of <br /> endorsement adding language to reflect the commission will ultimately want to review the <br /> application based on the details shown on a plan and make it known the commissioners are <br /> not endorsing the project to move forward but endorsing the idea. The project will have to <br /> come before the commission for proper review under the regulatory standards. Reword to <br /> reflect the commissioners support any project that supports water quality. Reword the <br /> letter making it more generic and not seem bias towards the tribe in anyway. The Agent <br /> also noted another letter of endorsement was being requested for stream bank restoration <br /> associated with the Mashpee River. Certain areas have been scoured out overtime from <br /> waterflows for the passage of herring up the river. He will make the letter less slanted <br /> towards the tribe and make it more generic. The commissioners agreed to sign the <br /> endorsement letters with the changes discussed. <br /> Motion. Mr. Sweet moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Rogers. Vote <br /> unanimous 4-0. Meeting adjourned 7:55 p.m. <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> Ju jDaig uIt <br /> Recording Secretary <br />