Laserfiche WebLink
DNR Director/Shellfish Constable Report:Ashely Fisher reported that two articles submitted in <br /> Town Warrant for DNR Department at the last Town Meeting had passed. The articles stated <br /> new rules for"no wake zones" and restrictions on overnight stays on boats. Al Wickel asked <br /> for the rationale for the overnight restrictions and Ashley explained that to maintain our shellfish <br /> areas we needed to mandate these restrictions as required by the State. <br /> Ashley also reported that the Department had received a $50,000 match grant application to <br /> the Seaport Economic Council. She remains hopeful that the Town will receive the grant. <br /> Also reported was that there was a delay to the opening of the Oyster Season due to weather <br /> but we are now fully open. Further all shellfish areas are seeded. The Town did not receive all <br /> the product ordered. We are not sure why i.e. hatcheries issues, staffing, water quality etc. <br /> The good news is that survival rates are up. <br /> Committee Reports: <br /> Mashpee/Wakeby, John's Pond, and fresh waters: Don MacDonald suggested that the "No <br /> Wake" channel markers on the Lake need to be bigger and more visible. Jeff Smith reported <br /> that these marks cost between $800 and $1,500, but a bigger issue is that he would need the <br /> new boat in order to handle the weight of the tackle for new marks. Jeff recommended that we <br /> add more visible markings on existing buoys until the new boat arrives and then we can <br /> consider funding for new marks. New marks would cost about at the most about$3,500 and <br /> the question was raised whether the monies given annually by the MWC to the Harbormaster's <br /> office would cover that. The conclusion was that MWC funds could be used for that purpose <br /> (channels) although Ashley responded that those funds are currently fully budgeted out. As a <br /> result, MWC might have to increase the monies provided beyond the current level to the <br /> Harbormaster or additional resources would be needed from the Town to fund the project. Don <br /> also brought up the need for the Town to evaluate and address protection for storm water <br /> runoff presently going into our fresh water ponds. <br /> Popponesset Bay Area: Ken reported that the dredge work for the Inner Channel and 1916 <br /> Channel had been completed and we are now awaiting the post dredge survey which has been <br /> delayed due to weather. He also reported that the dredging of the Poppy Approach Channel is <br /> currently scheduled to begin on 12/20 or shortly after. Although there may be some slip in the <br /> schedule Ken expects it will still begin before end of year. <br /> Waquoit Bay Area: No Report <br /> Water Quality: No Report <br /> Barnstable County Coastal Resources: Ashley reported that the last meeting served as a <br /> general update to the group. One of the issues raised is that the County Dredge team is short <br /> staffed and it is affecting work. <br /> Ashley reported that DNR is still awaiting final architectural plans for the new Harbormaster <br /> facility. The DNR department will continue to use the current space as a storage and' <br /> maintenance area. <br /> A question was raised if an MWC letter of support required a formal vote of approval from the <br /> Commission ahead of time. There was a general discussion, but no conclusion drawn. Mr. <br /> Bates noted he believed it was proper as it was requested. The vote taken is noted earlier in <br /> the minutes under Communications and Correspondence. <br />