2/9/2012 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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{ AJ 7:24 David Soarpittil Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (Great Hay Road 1 Holland Mills Road) Proposed habitat management treatment activities which will include mowing.and mulching of smaller trees and shrubs. Additional efforts may include prescribed burning and invasive plaint species treatment at some point in the future - RDA Resource Area: Buffer Zone to Freshwater Wetlands Material,submitted: New England Cottontail Powerpoint [53:00] David Scarpetti from Division-of Fisheries and Wildlife presented a powerpoint presentation to the commission that describes ideal habitat for the New England Cottontail and the management activities that they are proposing on town and state lands as part of the South Ma tepee Pine Barrens-(part of the overall Ilahpee National Wildlife Refuge). Nor. Scarpetti explains that scrub oak is the best habitat but overtime, areas have lost its vigor and there is less coverage. Habitat management's purpose is to stimulate the vigorous growth again. The New England Cottontail is a native species in Massachusetts but has become fragmented, isolated populations mainly in Cape Cod. The decline is noticeably attributed to unsuitable.habitat and is now a candidate for Federal Endangered Species Advocacy. Vice Chairman Shaw asks if there is any replanting involved and Mr. Scarpetti states that there is . not a need to plant anything as part of this project as vigorous re-growth.is anticipated as a result of overstory thinning of the canopy. Sometimes there is a need for replanting and it usually involves where equipment had been staged due to the amount of disturbance to the leaf litter and top growing plants. Mr. Gurnee'points out that the focus is on New England cottontail and he would like know what happens to the other native species that are Irving there who would find the habitat management less palatable after the understory and overlying trees are removed. Mr. Scarpetti. admits that there is a bit of a-trade off but there are regulations to safeguard against that. The area has been mapped by Natural Heritage Endangered Species program for rare or protected species. Mr. Scarpetti continues to say that with this particular eco system, most of the species associated with pitch pine/scrub oak eco systems are in decline because of the lack of disturbance; lad of fire . or-lack of management-over time. There is a whole suite of species associated with pitch pine/scrub oak that will benefit greatly from these management applications. 1r. Scarpetti states-that they will provide full notification to abutters along with posting signs and holding public meetings so everyone will h ve'the option for full understanding of-what they are looking to accomplish. The-Vice Chairman asks how long will it be for them to see cottontails. Mr. Scarpetti states that the window is approximately a fire year return on an investment when the cottontail becomes really productive.- Mr. Allan asks how often this treatment would need to be repeated and Mr. Scarpetti states approximately 20-40years. Mr. Gurnee feels that written conditions should be included with this FDA as they are working right in the wetland resource area and it would ensure that all people doing the work do it correctly and maintain the appropriate precautions with any machinery brought in. Motion made, seconded and unanimously carried for a Legative Determination. 1 solaarbee Project: Recommendation of RDA filing [2;02:00] The agent informed the ommis ion'that Mashpee DPW will be corning forward with a permit request for installing 6 solar powered floating water circulator units known as solarbee 'in various locations on Santuit Pond. These Units are expected to improve the water quality/clarity in the pond, which has been plagued by ever worsening algae blooms (often tunes tonic) over the last 10 plus years. A comprehensive diagnosti 'study of Santuit Pond conducted by the 4