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DNR Director/Shellfish Constable Report: <br /> The newly appointed Shell Fish Constable, Donovan McElligatt, stated that he wants to refocus <br /> the department on propagation. He has specifically been evaluating growing oysters in the <br /> Mashpee River. He has determined that he will not use the River going forward; it is not <br /> efficient use of resources. His goal is to reduce the cost from 69 cents to 2 cents per oyster. <br /> This will require a capital investment to buy new more efficient equipment i.e. a new work <br /> platform with a pump and electric hoist.A request has also gone out to several seed suppliers <br /> for quotes for next season. Donovan reports that the quahog propagation is going well. <br /> Also noted was that the Mashpee river is in dire need of a clean up as the buildup of lost gear <br /> presents a navigational hazard and will curtail any future attempt to organize or expand the <br /> program in the river.The goal is to make an effort over the winter to find and remove old gear. <br /> Donovan is seeking approval to keep seasonal help longer to aid in the clean up. <br /> Ashley reported on enforcement: <br /> - 4 individuals were cited for harvesting a large amount of undersized crab.The catch was <br /> released.The Falmouth Shellfish Constable and Environmental Police were involved. <br /> - 2 written warnings were issues for possession of undersized Quahogs.The individuals were <br /> cooperative and all undersized quahogs were returned to the harvested area. <br /> - 2 verbal warnings were issued to two individuals who were found to have a small amount <br /> (less than 5%)of undersized quahogs.The individuals were apologetic and received <br /> instruction on how to use a gage for the future. <br /> Committee Reports: <br /> Mashpee/Wakeby and John's Pond and fresh waters: Don MacDonald asked Jeff Smith if he <br /> was aware of a new gate on the access road to the Lowell Holley Reserve and questioned if <br /> Mashpee installed it.Jeff responded that he was not aware of it and questioned whether that <br /> would actually be on land belonging to the Town of Sandwich.Ashley took the action to follow <br /> up on the matter. <br /> Water Quality: Don MacDonald reported that the season is completed. He called out a special <br /> thanks to the DNR who provided supplemental staff to make up for the loss of some of the <br /> volunteers this year due to concerns over the virus. Don is still waiting to hear from Dr. Brian <br /> Howes regarding a date for the report of last year's sampling program.Ashley reported that her <br /> department had completed their freshwater pond sampling and has provided the data to <br /> UMass Dartmouth. <br /> Barnstable County Coastal Resources: Ken reported he has sent the new dredge schedule to <br /> both Ashley and Jeff as requested at the last meeting. It is currently scheduled to begin on or <br /> possibly before March of 2021.The Cod Fish along with pipe and booster barge are aligned <br /> ready for the Poppy Spit which is scheduled for start on March 1S`... Ken reported that there is <br /> a new manager in charge of the County dredge program. <br /> Sewer Commission: Nothing to report <br /> Public Access: Ken brought up the issue of the direction of the cars parking and cars parking <br /> without trailers in the trailer designated spots.As noted earlier in the meeting the Harbormaster <br /> does not consider this the responsibility of his department.A discussion will be initiated with <br /> the Dept of Pubic Works. It is hopeful that more signage might address the issue. <br /> Waterways Improvement Plans: Nothing to report beyond the update on LR/GR project. <br /> LG/GR Expansion Project: Dick reported that the survey work has been completed and the <br /> boring plan for sampling should be available for us to review within the next couple of weeks. <br /> Once we have approved it BSC will prepare drawings that will go to the State DEP for <br /> approval.This process usually takes another one to two weeks.The intent is to have the <br /> needed approvals in place so the sampling can begin late September or early October. <br /> Analysis of the samples are a key next step as it will tell us the make up of the dredge materials <br /> which is necessary to develop a disposal plan, which needs to be incorporated into the permit <br />