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protect water quality and rare species.The other raised -" Report of the the level of protection for wetlands, waterbodies and Conservation Commission wildlife by requiring the maintenance of a Naturally Vegetated Buffer Strip bordering resource areas pro• tected by Chap. 172. We thank the voters for their sup. To the Honorable Selectmen and the Citizens of the port. Town of Mashpee: Some of the challenges of last year included the 1995 was a year of change and challenge for the ever-present enforcement issue. 76 new enforcement Mashpee Conservation Commission. The workload cases were addressed by the Commission; four fines ' remained high, with 211 permit applications being handled and over 670 site-visits being held (an were issued.Enforcement is never easy, nor it pleasant increase of 35% over the previous year). The addition for us or the recipient of enforcement action. Though ` of a part-time Assistant Conservation Agent (in July) the Commission works very hard to help violators has helped us keep pace with the demands of our statu- through the process of compliance (and restoration of tory duties, and Kathy Terrio, a former Commission altered areas when needed), invariably, some people member, has assumed that role with enthusiasm. are unresponsive. The Commission, in these cases, must expend considerable staff-time, and, occasional- j Kathy has a B.S. in Environmental Science and aquat- ly(as a last resort),must utilize Town Counsel to com- ic toxicology experience with Springborn Laborato- ries. One immediate benefit of Kathy's presence is the pel compliance. One case, involving the filling of a ability to provide more assistance to citizens seeking Wetland near Ashumet Pond, was decided (in the Commission's favor) by the Mass. Department of permits. Environmental Protection - after more than seven Long-time member and twice Chairperson Nonnie years of legal deliberations. Though that represented Ferriday moved to Maine last Spring;her dedication to one important "victory" for the environment, at the resource protection and her leadership will be missed. end of the year there were still 45 unresolved enforce- ment actions pending, some lingering from the years will also be missed. before 1995. Jack Fitzsimmons has ably assumed the chairman- Another task facing the Commission is the large ship of the Commission. Former member Elliot number of permits that have never received a Certifi- Rosenberg has returned, bringing with him needed cate of Compliance- a final inspection after permitted legal knowledge and experience. New members,Dave Fork has been done. Though a person is required to Sharpe and Ralph Shaw have already become assets to request an inspection immediately after work is done, our Board. The very worthwhile workshops at the many decline to do so. There are still 900+such situa- 1995 convention of the Massachusetts Assoc. of Con- tions needing follow-up, so that we can ensure that servation Commissions (MACC) in Worcester were work was done without harmful consequences. attended by Conservation Agent Bob Sherman, Com- missioners Chuck Green, John Johansen and Nonnie Ferriday, as well as Cranberry Bog Attendant Steve the drought conditions of late summer and early fall Ball and Harbormaster Perry Ellis. drying up the Mashpee River and threatening the Her. ring migration. The drought also delayed the Commis- Conservation Agent Sherman continues to serve as sion's plans to vegetate and stabilize the banks of the a member of the Board of Directors of MACC.He also upper river which were disturbed by the emergency has obtained certification as a Professional Wetlands dredging done in 1994. Another part of this time-con- Scientist problem tinu- involving the River was the con Scientist by the Society of Wetland Scientists. Admin- i istrative Assistant Diana Lund, now in her 10th year ing effort to obtain permits for the long-term stabiliza- i with the Commission, continues to provide the Com- tion of the River mouth,by repairing failing revetments mission, its staff and the public with wise counsel and and installing jetties to prevent further sedimentation of assistance, as well as a cheerful countenance. Aqua the River mouth. Fortunately, with ample rain in OctO- O'Hara, our Clerk, has become an invaluable member ber, we "got the Herring out". We have also obtained of our staff- with abilities not only in office skills,but all necessary permits for the River restoration work, in planning and administration. Finally, but not least, which should be completed by the end of April in 1996, John Johansen- a Commission member and volunteer (We can always use volunteer help with our projects on assistant in our office - provided expertise and assis- Town conservation land; call us if you are interested.) tance to the staff, above and beyond the"call of duty". The Commission appreciates the hard work of Herring Warden Leigh Potter throughout all of these problems At May Town Meeting, the voters approved two His diligence, along with the efforts of Chuck Green changes in our Bylaw. One expanded our ability to and Si Mills, was exemplary, and the Commission was pleased to.lend a hand in these efforts. 120