5/15/2008 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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5 ) Quashnet Bogs Presentation—Steve Hurley The Agent introduced Mr. Hurley to the Commission and switched seating so that Mr. Hurley could run his PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Hurley addressed the commission and stated that he was glad to be back to present to a full house. Mr. Hurley explained that he has been intimately involved with the Quashnet Bogs since 1990 as part of his position at the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife. Mr. Hurley described his work to restore the native Brook Trout Population to not only the Quashnet Bogs but many bodies of water in Mashpee and Falmouth. IIIb. Hurley gave a little background on the trout themselves. The.reason why the trout historically have done so well in the Mashpee area in particular is the cold spring,fed streams. The end of the line geology of Mashpee is that it was most likely an outwash plain a valley pitted plain). This geologically makeup is the reason that cold water up wells in places like the Quashnet bogs. This cold water is a great habitat for the trout and other species like the Mosquito Fish ambuia Affini and i hone to spotted turtles as wrell. He explained that he feels'that there is no way to both restore the bogs to trout habitat and farm cranberries. Mr. Hurley explained that they would be competing for water and that the two call for totally different environments. The water necessary for flooding the cranberries would choke out the fish. The trees necessary for shading the fish from predators and the sun would kill off the cranberries. He went on to farther explain that the trout have been virtually unaffected by the E.D.B and are original stock they believe from way back. The genetic makeup of the current resident brook trout are not the same as the trout stocked from the hatchery. Mr. Hurley informed the Com mission that there-are many programs for-Federal and State funding available to restore Brook Trout habitat. He asked that they review the Towyn of Plymouth's website to reference their project where they received over'I million dollars to restore Eel Fiver as such. commissioner Pinaud asked Mr. Hurley if the two truly coup not be combined in his opinion and Mr. Hurley said it could only be done if the twO can be kept completely separate. He did not see any way in which that could be accomplished in the Quashnet bogs. Mr. Hurley in closing asked for the Commission's support in restoring the native trout and recreation area at the uashnet bogs. He stated that while dranberries could be profitable down the road he felt the fish would pay off immediately. The Commissioners and Agents thanked Mr. Hurley for corning and complim nted his through presentation. General discussion on fate of Quashnet-Bogs The Commission decided to discuss their feelings so far on the fate of the bogs and information presented so far. commissioner-Pinaud requested a trip to Plymouth or more information on their project and funding sources. Commissioner cross requested more time to think about how he will vote on the issue. The Commissioners requested more facts on the funding sources and availability. The Commissioners were provided a copy of the contract the Town of Falmouth has with their cranberry grower to get an.idea of what the Town could be facing for revenue and expenses should they decide to grow cranberries. The Agent reminded the Commissioners that the Commission was tasked with preservation and conservation of the Town lands. He stated that if it carne down to an issue with funds and seeping to make sure there would be enough revenue to support the department, he wanted therm to understand that there are plenty of funds available through different programs and he did not want money to be the driving force either way. He explained that he would continue to apply for grants and programs to fund necessary projects. The Commission decided to wait and conduct the official vote on May 29, 2008. Motion made, seconded and unanimously cawed to continue without note until May 29, 2008. 2