09/30/1996 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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The Proposal We propose a cooperative approach to create a corridor of Mashpee River, historic sites and open space. The theme would focus on the Mashpee Wampanoag history, tradition and culture. Participants would be : k the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Tribal Council, the Town of Mashpee as z well as State and Federal agencies and private sector groups. This consortium would preserve and create an historic corridor from the Mashpee Lake to Popponessett Bay. This corridor of river and open space would be used for the preservation of wildlife habitat, for the preservation of the rich Wampanoag heritage and culture, and for some commercial activity to stimulate economic activity. The corridor would start at the beautiful Mashpee Lake and wind its Way through Central Mashpee, past the Old Indian Meeting House, cross Route 28 past the Farley Camp and on to Popponessett Bay. This is a "Greenway" which follows the river and reveals the peaceful tranquility that was well known to the Wampanoag People. This is the Greenway that had fresh water springs strategically placed along the river to quench the thirst of the Mashpees as they walked the path. This is the place that provided John Farley a camp where he could enjoy his privacy near Trout Pond. This is the Greenway that gave the herring their last challenge as they struggled to get to the Mashpee Lake to lay the eggs for the next generation. And this is the Greenway that provides 1 nourishment to the Mashpee families who make their herring and dumplings, quahog chowders, mussel stew and oyster casseroles and the visitors will meet the descendants of the Wampanoags who met the Pilgrims. This project will bring this beautiful corridor back to life for the enjoyment of the people who live in and visit this area of Massachusetts. The Mashpee River Corridor The River The Mashpee River Corridor begins at the flume of the Mashpee Lake which is the source of the river. This is the largest body of fresh water on Cape Cod and includes a body of water that some like to call Wakeby Pond. As the river flows south toward Popponessett Bay it feeds into a Mill Pond at Route 130 near the location of the Wampanoag Indian Museum. This Mill Pond was used at one time to power some small manufacturing operations. During the winter months planks would be added to the flume to raise the water so that ice could be harvested for the next summer season. In the spring the herring begin their trek from the ocean to the spawning place at the Mashpee Lake. There the eggs are laid and fertilized waiting to complete the cycle. When they are hatched and reach a certain size, they f �ry