1991-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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a reduction in the number of abutter notifications re- The members of the Mashpee Conservation Commis- quired for some projects. This was accomplished by re- sion wish to thank Shellfish Warden Paul Somerville for quiring notification of those abutters within 100 feet of his most valuable contributions and cooperation in past the property lines of land for a wetland impacted pro- years, and all wish him well with hopes for success and ject, rather than for the original 300 feet previously re- enjoyment in his new endeaver as Shellfish Warden for quired. Also proposed by the Commission, and approv- Wellfleet. Paul, his valuable contributions and insights, ed by the voters, was a proposal to allow the processes will be sorely missed by all. Best of luck Paul! of Administrative Reviews to be allowed on smaller and minor projects that have minimum or no impact on While recuperating from Hurricane Bob, we were wetlands. This procedure will reduce filing costs and ef- "Tricked" and badly treated by another "Halloween" forts in receiving approvals for such projects. storm! Since the area of greatest affect was to that of wetlands, and in particular to land areas bordering the This Commission is again pleased to have worked with ocean, bays and estuaries,-the result was a tremendous Herring Warden Leigh Potter in his continuing efforts impact to the workload of the Conservation Commission on the Mashpee River and at John's Pond. Leigh and his (in particular the Agent and Administrative Secretary) volunteers, along with the Mashpee DPW, continue in and, when added to the reductions in staff and paid 4, untiring dedication and efforts to maintain these, and all hours, created a stressful workload that required extra streams,to allow use not only by herring and other fish, efforts and frequent additional meetings that are now be- but for wildlife and pleasure of all who are interested in ing continued into 1992. nature and such sport. The requirements for filings and procedural processes Our dedicated volunteer, John Johansen, has been were somewhat relieved by the enactment of Emergency assisting citizens with the task of filling out Notices of State Regulations that were quickly adopted by the Town Intent (Wetlands applications permits). For those who to assist property owners to recover from damages.These have never dealt with the forms, they can be quite in- regulations expired with the new year however, and the timidating. John's able assistance can be obtained by impact from the storms will strike the Commission and scheduling a Wednesday afternoon appointment. the Staff when many of the property owners arrive this spring and realize the true extent of damages to their The use of our "in-house" arborist/consultant has dock,beaches, shoreline and plantings for the first time. started. For a very reasonable $30 fee, Ellis Allen, a Additional staff and/or paid hours will be required to retired tree warden and certified arborist will visit sites meet these anticipated demands,or the alternatives of not and make a written report to the Commission on any pro- conforming to regulatory mandated response time or ject involving revegatation,vista pruning or similar issues. deleting responsibilities of enforcements and site visits will This is a real boon to both the Commission and ap- face the Commission. plicants,both of whom can benefit from Mr. Allen's ex- pert advice. Changes to the Commission membership were made with the resignation of Duncan York and the changes in Efforts to find, identify and certify Vernal Pools professional responsibilities of V. Louise Behrman who (seasonally wet breeding areas for amphibians) were asked to be moved from the position of full membership rewarded in the addition of three new pools in 1991.This to that of associate member. We will miss both the ser- esult of town-wide efforts to locate and document vices of Duncan, who we wish to thank for his servic was a r es, such pools by a committee of volunteers led by Renee and the loss of some of the valuable time spent by Louise, King Fudala. Also conducted were a spring salamander one the most conscientious and knowledgeable persons census and a vernal pool workshop. Interested cape who has served on the Commission. We would also like residents learned how vernal pools are certified,and how to welcome two new members, Kathy Terrio (full to idendify amphibian egg masses in the field. member) and Jack Fitzsimmons (associate member), to the Commission at this time. Another change with ma- With direction and support from the Conservation jor impact to the operating efficiencies of the Commis- Commission, the Thornton W. Burgess Society Conser- sion office was the relocation to new quarters shared with ,kt', vation Action Team installed four wood duck boxes in the Building Inspector. Although some benefit in improv- N Moody Pond, John's Pond Park, The Commission also ed communications is realized, sharing such cramped promoted wildlife enhancement with the hope of increas- quarters with another group with a high activity level ing the population of this rare wetland bird species. creates considerable disruption and an adverse affect to conducting daily business in a professional and efficient The Mashpee River Woodlands Committee has main- manner. tained the serenity and beauty of one of Mashpee's greatest wetland treasures,providing citizens with one of the nicest areas to visit and enjoy to appreciate natures values,in spite of the severe storms this past fall.Thanks and plaudits to Chairperson Joanne Ferragamo and her committee. 95