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6 <br /> Select Board <br /> Minutes <br /> September 9, 2024 <br /> APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS <br /> Public 1�: .Pro d Reclassification of the Southern Portion of the Great River Family Shell fishing A <br /> . .. the...................................... Shell ­­ Area, <br /> The Reclassification will desigp4!p,fhis Area as both Commercial and Family Shell fish Shellfish Constable <br /> ..... .. .....11­ ­­­�­------ ...........................Shell <br /> ChristolphgAyis:. <br /> Shellfish Constable C st Avis: <br /> bri 91 .___ , <br /> a. Discti ssion and.Appyoya q of Reclas�ification of the Southern Port on of the Great River Family........... Southern _$hg1lfishiAg <br /> AreaArea. The Reclassification will desigLiate this Area as both Commercial and Family 5WIfitshing:. <br /> ­­­..................................................... <br /> (continued) <br /> Bill Dunne,a resident of South Cape indicated that an estuary abuts this area that supports bird life;egrets,osprey <br /> and heron. Changes in the environment have lessened the red wing blackbird in this area. There is concern the <br /> digging would affect the wildlife and habitat. It was recommended that an impact study be conducted before any <br /> digging would occur. <br /> Peter Thomas, Chair of Shellfish Commission stated that he was born and raised in Mashpee- The Town has been <br /> extremely generous with the shellfish program. We currently have a quahog problem and we may have an oyster <br /> problem. This is a true community effort. Mr. Thomas indicated that an associate member of the Shellfish <br /> Commission brought this to the attention of the Shellfish Commission. The Department of Natural Resources and <br /> members of the Tribe were consulted. Oysters are very valuable to clean waters and quahogs clean just as much. <br /> The concept was to till the area to support new growth. Mi. Thomas explained the area has an abundance of <br /> quahogs, and it was felt that a Public Hearing be held as this project has some merit. We are here to learn, but <br /> something needs to happen to keep the waters clean, and the shellfish are good to maintain a clean water <br /> environment. The Shellfish Commission is trying to decide for the Town, and will respect their <br /> wishes. However, it is time to till the garden. <br /> The Select Board in discussing this matter recommended that a bottom survey be conducted, with results presented <br /> to the Select Board. <br /> Correspondence from Rich Otis, President of the Citizens for the Protection of Waquoit Bay (CPWB) dated <br /> September 6,2024 was read aloud into the record. In the letter,the Select Board was urged to not approve any <br /> expansion of the commercial shell fishing in Waquoit Bay and its tributaries under the Town's jurisdiction. It is <br /> believed that intensive shellfish harvesting methods that scour the bottom of the bay would prevent eel grass beds <br /> from returning. The full context of the letter is available for review in the Office of the Select Board and Town <br /> Manager. <br /> Motion made by Selectman Cotton to continue the Public Hearing to Monday; November 18,2024 at a time <br /> to be determined. <br /> Motion seconded by Selectman Weedeni <br /> VOTE: 4-0.Unanimous. <br /> Roll Call Vote: <br /> Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden,yes Selectman Wyman-Colombo,yes <br /> Selectman Cotton,yes Opposed,none <br /> 6 <br />