11/10/2011 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Minutes

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Mr. McManus stated that the Conservation Department was in possession of handheld GPS units to assist with mapping the progress on trails. Mr. McManus and Ms. Boyd have been considering a number of ideas to include volunteers managing the herring runs, controlling invasive species, construction of kiosks and beautification of parking areas. Mr. McManus indicated that volunteers would be identified as passive, to monitor and observe parcels as part of their regular routine, or active, to work on specific activities. Ideas have also been generated to recognize the efforts of the volunteers, such as certificates, tshirts, online newsletters and volunteer appreciation days. W. McManus referenced Moody Pond and an initiative to propose a restriction of motorized boats for the next Warrant. Mr. McManus explained that the pond was bordered by town owned conservation land and stated his preference that its pristine condition be protected. Although there has been little motorized activity due to the proximity of John's Pond, Mr. McManus suggested the benefits of incorporating the restriction into the Town's Bylaw. Mr. McManus added that the parking and erosion situation at Grafton Pocknet Road has recently deteriorated with vehicles parking on the beach. Mr. McManus has received a $4,000 grant from the Barnstable County Cooperative Extension to create a 5-vehicle parking area across the street and to develop run-off control. Chairman Cahalane also expressed surprise at the amount of erosion that had occurred, as well as vehicles parking on the beach. The Chair noted previous concerns about the restriction of motorized boats, adding that the State was typically the only authority that could control similar restrictions. Mr. McManus confirmed that the Environmental Police must be contacted when proposing a local bylaw restriction on a"great pond." Mr. White recommended that Mr. McManus reach out to the school system to assist with the Land Stewardship Program and Mr. McManus responded that student and/or Boy/Girt Scout involvement had been considered. Chairman Cahalane recommended involving the Cape Cod Jeep Club and Mr. McManus agreed that they had been a tremendous help previously but that a request to utilize the sand pits for a bi-yearly initiation had been refused. There was discussion about other groups such as homeowners associations. Mr. McManus will also encourage feedback from the Mashpee Environmental Coalition,the Environmental Oversight Committee and the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge. Mr. McManus also noted that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was working to move forward with plans for the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, such as the creation of a visitor center. Mr. McManus encouraged the sharing of ideas. Mr. Theis suggested a fundraising idea to generate contributions based on the pounds of trash collected during an organized trash cleanup. Chairman Cahalane announced that homeowner organizations could contact the Conservation Department if they were interested in having Mr. McManus address the group. Mr. York reported that the new Harbormaster, Stephen Mone, was conducting a cleanup campaign for the waterfront, noting that Popponesset Bay/Ockway Bay/Shoestring Bay/Mashpee River area was cleaned up last month. The effort was a collaboration between.the Wampanoag Tribe's Natural Resource Department and the DPW and over 5 tons of trash was removed from the waterfront, with a possible total of 10 tons. Mr. Theis added that the John's Pond Neighborhood Watch also hosted an annual clean-up day. Mr. McManus noted that a resident of Briarwood, of his own accord, cleaned up 8 truck-loads of trash from the John's Pond area. DISCUSSION OLD BUSINESS 2