04/05/1990 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

Home Browse Search

{ ASHPEE CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING OF APRIL 5,, 1990 Commissioners P1 went. Gertrude Simmons, Patrick Coffey, Dunan York, Harry Des ros i ers, Richard Halpern. Robert Sherman, Conservation Agent, was present also. The meeting was called to order at 6.45 p.m. 7: 15 JENNIFER BOLE OC , Lot 49 Surf Drive,, continued from March 22 pending r-re e i pt of D.E.P. number. The number was received with no comments from D*E*P f NEARING CLOSED - ORDER OF CONDITIONS ISSUED. ■ 7:30 PENINSULA COUNCIL- FELLS POND VILLAGE, to conduct once yearly mowing of an abandoned cranberry bog in the village of Fells Pond in New Seabury. Mrs. Neil Besse presenting. Gertrude Simmons stood down. Mrs. Besse stated it was originally filed for the purpose of fire prevention. Only the brush in the bog is cut, the perimeter of the bog is not touched. It has been done in late July yearly for 20 years. Mr. Sherman stated it is hydrologically connected to a maple swamp which was connected to Fells Pond at one time. It is cranberry crines and grasses and he agreed it perhaps could be a fire hazard but suggested some of the low, wetter, areas remain uncut to make it a better wildlife habitat. Mr. Coffey asked how much intent is fire safety and how much is view amenity to the pond. Mr. Besse stated aesthetics are not the main point. Mr, Coffey asked if they would be agreeable to the agent's suggestion. Mrs. Besse agreed, as long as high areas are cut. . Sherman suggested he walk the area with_ members of Fells Pond Co'mm i ttee. He would not choose every low spot to remain unmowed butwould be pa t i ou l arly interested in the far side contiguous with an already treed area as a wildlife corridor. Mrs. Besse advised there is a letter in the file from the Fire Chief recommending the mowing. Mr. Coffey read the letter into the record. Atty. Lawrence Wall , 4 Broomstick Way, advised he did a rundown of the title. At least since 1913 it has been a cranberry bog. Prion to 1891 it was referred to as a swamp. He requested they be permitted to continue to mow the bog. Mrs. Arlene tall advised she had a conference with a doctor who told her they were in dag ger of contracting encephalitis from mosquitoes and l yme disease from the ticks if the bog grows up, she threatened, if the bog grows up in front of her, the Commission will hear from her. Mr. Coffey pointed out that a Maple tree can siphon up 20,090 gallons of water. It will remove standing water, breeding spots for mosquitoes. Mrs. Wall stated they will grow cranberries and put it back as it was.