7/23/1996 SOUTH CAPE BEACH ADVISORY Minutes

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i M SOUTH CAPE BEACH JULY 239 1996 PAGE TWO II 14INUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: (Continued) The minutes of June 25, 1996 were accepted as amended. M. Kirsner stated that he also wanted to wake it very clear that it would be inconsistent with the open meeting law to vote by proxy; It is to be clearly understood there will be no votes by proxy. We will now proceed with the meeting. III DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUE OE HUNTING ON SOUTH CAPE BEACH for the 1996/97 Hunting Season: M, Kirsner stated that we will deal with the issue of hurting as a fresh issue. He advised the members to put behind then the meeting of ,June 25, 1996 which ended in a 3: 3 vote. M. Kirsner asked if there was anyone present among the members who was opposed to hunting on South Cape Beach for the coming year of 1996/97 hunting season* W. Woods moved that we advise DEM that hunting should-be allowed onP South Cape Beach on the days, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; No hunting Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, Bruce McHenry seconded the motions. Motions were opened for discussion: W. Woods explained that the increase in pedestrian traffic for passive recreation has become a concern of hers. There was the understanding between DEM and Mashpee that South Cape Beach was a resource to be pro- tected for all including wildlife and conservation; that hunting was more of an active recreation. Historically, hunting has gone on for thousands of years on South Gape Beach and she stated that she was loathe to see it end, Winnie explained that she felt that hunting was a legitimate use. She is concerned, however, about the increase in potential conflicts. With the increased use, we see a lot more people trying to use a resource that is not growing. Winnie stated that she would like to see the opportunity for hunters and non-hunters to enjoy the resource. Chm. Kirsner stated that he felt that Winnie s motivation had lot of value, except there has been no evidence of any mishap to person or property curing the last hunting season. Winnie, in her description of the facts has used the word "potential" injury. Dorris suggested that in his opinion, we are supposed to predicate our decision on the facts and circumstances as they exist at this particular point of time. 'There is no question that we are duty hound to protect the interests of the general public, but my responsibility would be to vote on the facts as I have thew reported to me.,,