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J <br /> October 5, 2020 <br /> Dear Mashpee Selectmen and other Officials, <br /> I am writing to you about the upcoming Town Meeting on 19 October and Article 12 regarding the <br /> outlawing of jet skis on Ashumet Pond. First a few things about me: <br /> • 1 bought my house in Mashpee on Ashumet Pond in 2017 because of watersports <br /> • In 2019 1 bought and registered a boat for waterskiing and general recreation <br /> • 1 am an avid water skier—at 58 years old <br /> • 1 do not own a jet ski but love watching my neighbors enjoy theirs <br /> • 1 am always amazed at the peaceful pond and lack of water traffic <br /> • 1 care greatly about the water quality and water safety '.... <br /> • I am a professional researcher with a Master's Degree and am moved by fact, not hearsay <br /> I heard from a neighbor during the week of September 28th,that the outlawing of jet skis on the pond <br /> was, again, an article for the Town Meeting. I was distraught, again,that as an abutter and full time <br /> resident I was not informed, asked or contacted in any way about this potential effect to my property <br /> value, use, and my life enjoyment. I decided to conduct some research into the topic and this letter will <br /> show my findings as follows: <br /> 1) Water Quality-There is NO reported negative water quality impact of jet skis on Ashumet <br /> Pond, in fact an outdated 1989 report is being used in error or misunderstood. The water <br /> quality issues reported stem from the old Massachusetts Military Reservation plume and related <br /> septic issues. <br /> 2) Water Use Safety(and signage) -There is no signage on Ashumet Pond to warn all watercraft of <br /> the central island in the southern basin area of the pond as recommended by the 1989 report. <br /> 3) Recreational Interest—Recreational opportunities are one of the highest factors for home <br /> ownership in the Upper Cape (over 80% importance factor). (This factor also relates to property <br /> values.) <br /> 4) Noise—Since 1989 time restrictions have been put in place to reduce operation to mid-day and <br /> very early evening. Personal watercraft noise levels have been far reduced since the 1980s. <br /> 5) Wildlife—Since 1989 town bylaws restrict watersports within 150 feet from shore. <br /> 6) Body of water size—jet skis are prohibited in waterways less than 75 acres, Ashumet Pond is <br /> over 200 acres <br /> 7) Jet Ski Safety-Jet skis are often the "first responders"on Ashumet Pond. Jet Skis of the 1980s <br /> were standing craft,they are now seated craft(waverunners) and are far more stable. <br /> When I called the Town Hall to speak to someone about the Article, I was referred to the Department of <br /> Natural Resources (DNR) as I was told they introduced the topic. I spoke with Ms. Ashley Fisher and <br /> asked her why the article was submitted. She said it was based upon a 1980s report that said jet skis <br /> effect water quality. I pointed out that it was a 30 year old report (to which she clarified is was 19891) <br /> and I asked if she had any recent water quality reports to show if the water quality has improved or <br /> declined since then and she told me she did not. I asked if she could get one and she said she would <br /> have to do some research. I gave her my email address and she subsequently sent me the 1989 report <br /> and a link to Science.gov which lists reports related to Ashumet Pond and water quality for me to <br /> research. She did state that she gets calls from people when there is a jet ski complaint so believed <br /> 1 <br />