3/22/2018 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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:7% AI"a"&hpeej.ATas9C(6huseZ-&022649 Conservation Commission 3/19/18 TO: Members of the Mashpee Finance Committee FROM: Drew McManus Conservation Agent Town of Mashpee RE: May 2018 Town Meeting Warrant Article: Lopez Land Swap Dear Members of the Mashpee Finance Committee, The article on the town meeting warrant that proposes an equal acreage swap of land between the Mashpee Conservation Dept and the Lopez family (3.72 acres)benefits the Mashpee Conservation Department. The Lopez family land, located-at 103 Meetinghouse Rd, directly abuts the Lopez Conservation land, located at 127 Meetinghouse Rd. A portion of the existing driveway for the Lopez family land runs through a portion of Lopez conservation land. The proposed equal acreage land swap would allow the'Lopez family to own the land around this porion of their driveway (this portion of driveway is currently an easement). Ultimately,the Lopez family wishes to develop a portion of the swapped land for family members. It is important to note that the 3.72 acres of land proposed to be swapped by the Lopez family is developable wider the wetlands protection act,though portions of it are under wetlands jurisdiction as riverfront(200 feet from the Mean Annual High Water Mark of the river) In exchange for this 3.72 acres of conservation land,the Mashpee Conservation Dept. would receive 3.72 acres of undeveloped Lopez family land that currently'lies between existing Lopez conservation land and the Mashpee River. The benefit of receiving this portion of Lopez family land is the fact that it would provide permanent protection for a portion of the Mashpee Riverfront area that is currently privately owned. Under the both the local town and state wetland protection acts, Riverfront provides exceptional habitat value compared to upland areas that are devoid of wetlands. The Mashpee River is considered to be one of the most prolific herring runs on Cape Cod and is also habitat for the state listed American Brook Lamprey. The banks of the river provide potential habitat for the federally listed Northern Parula Warbler. Additionally, significant portions of the upper Mashpee River provide excellent cold water habitat for native Sea Run Brook Trout. Any opportunity to acquire riverfront land that supports rare species habitat is of the utmost importance for conservation interests and values. Acquiring this portion of land provides connective coni dor of protected land that links a series