7/14/2011 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Minutes

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RECEIVED COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDING APPLICATION Recreational Proposal: Pickerel Cove Recreation Area 203, J`## -6 r x 3 1= 0 0 Proposed Project: Public Access and Recreational Improve ' '- Project Description CONED The project includes the re-establishment of a 2-acre open recreational field, the construction of a 6-space parking lot, and the establishment of car-top boat access with a drop-off on Pickerel Cove on Mashpee/Wakeby Pond. See attached plan. The property has historically been used for recreational purposes. It was home to a seasonal overnight camp, Camp Vinhaven, for many years. While this Camp closed several years ago, the driveway and trails on the property remain(the Town removed the structures from the property in 2010). The proposed project will restore this historic recreational use to the property. The proposed recreational field will be an open, grassed field. This field existed when Camp Vinhaven was in operation,but has become overgrown over the years. The work required will be removal of the trees and vegetation to allow re-seeding of the field. The parking lot and access road will be constructed of gravel. Minimal clearing will be required along the road as the existing trail will be utilized. Signage will be provided at the entrance off Pickerel Cove Road. The proposed car top boat access will consist of a switchback trail leading from the drop-off to an area of shoreline at Pickerel Cove. As the parking lot proposed is approximately 350 feet from the trailhead, a drop-off will be provided for users to offload their boat. A railing shall be installed along the proposed trail and a seasonal platform shall be placed in the water to accommodate canoe and kayak launching. The implementation of the trail (possible trail steps), railing and platform will involve minimal disturbance to the inland bank leading to the pond. No trees are proposed to be removed, only minor pruning for the creation of the pathway and access to the shoreline. Project Goals The goals of this proposal are to improve the recreational usage and accessibility of the Pickerel Cove Recreation Area. CPA funds were used to purchase the Pickerel Cove Recreation Area (Camp Vinhaven) as open space in 2008. Future recreational use of the property by the Town was contemplated at that time. The Conservation Restriction for the property specifically identified"reserve" areas for development of this future recreational use. See attached documents.