1995-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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the Town for a period of ninety-nine years for the nom- Commissioner Peter C. Webber in a letter dated inal consideration of one dollar. March 27, 1995 addressed to me as Chairman of the "Committee" stated in substance that "DEM" counsel It is to be noted that the "Advisory Committee" has Nicholas Vontzalides should meet with me to draft an already identified and recommended the location of Agreement to address this problem. However this as said site on Great River, Waquoit Bay and its recom- yet has not been accomplished as Todd A. Frederick, mendation has been accepted. Director of "DEM"apparently was unable to make a long term commitment on behalf of "DEM" until the (2)VISITORS CENTER-The design components early fall. of the "Park" as set forth in the Final Environmental Report of"DEM" includes a visitors center which will Accordingly a meeting was held at the offices of be a one-story structure whose architectural style "DEM" on October 31, 1995 and after discussion it reflects that typically found on Cape Cod.The structure was suggested that R.Gregory Taylor,Director of Pub- comprises approximately 2500 square feet and will lic Works work with "DEM"s engineer to determine contain one multi-purpose room, information and what had to be done for the road to be graveled and viewing space,two offices for"DEM"s park supervisor hardtopped. The engineering plans of DEM"were to and naturalist, toilets, first aid and storage space. A be forwarded to Mr. Taylor who would then pursue the deck at the rear of the visitor's center will allow views matter with Conservation and thus relieve "DEM" of to Sage Lot Pond. the responsibility of attending to the wetland issues. The proposed visitors' center will expand interpre- Although no firm commitment was made at this tive and educational activities within the "Park" and meeting by "DEM" it appears that"DEM" is seriously will provide information to the general public concern- considering the making of the necessary repair to the ing the"Park", its facilities and regulations. The multi road and its future maintenance. Once that is deter- purpose room will be used in part for educational sem- mined an agreement would then be drawn incorporat- ; inars. ing all the terms and then presented to the"Committee" for its consideration. The "Committee" will pursue and encourage the construction of this center as soon as possible as it GATE AT WILLS WORK ROAD clearly will be of great benefit, educationally and oth- erwise to the people of Mashpee and the general pub- This gate provides access for shell fishermen, sail lic. boarders and others. In the past it had been closed by "DEM" due to vandalism and shortage of personnel There are a number of other components of con- necessary to monitor the gate. Boulders that had been struction contained in the design of the "Park" as set placed in strategic places to prevent road vehicles from forth in the Final Environmental Report of "DEM" accessing the dunes and beach area have been moved which also will be addressed by the "Committee" in by vandals. The area has been littered with beer cans due course. and trash; small fires have been set. f' GREAT OAK ROAD WITHIN THE PARK This problem was addressed by the "Committee"In 1994 with Christine Gault, Regional Manager of the j There has been a long standing concern over the Waquoit Bay Natural Estuarine Reserve("WEBNER") f'I required maintenance of the gravel portion of Great and four volunteer user groups were formed who took t' Oak Road which lies within the "Park" and which is one month turns opening and closing the gate. used for access by Mashpee residents to the Town Beach. This apparently worked well for about a year after which people seemed to tire of the chore and currently In the 1980s the Town of Mashpee provided the the gate has been left open or closed for several days at grading with compensation from the Commonwealth a time with the same problems reoccurring.Home own- of Massachusetts. It appears that every time there is a ers in the vicinity of Wills Work Road have expressed rain storm the road needs repair. The Director of the their concerns about fires and their safety and a"Com- Department of Public Works states that the Department mittee" meeting has been scheduled for January 30th cannot continue to provide the care that is required. 1996 at which time this matter will be addressed. The Management Plan did not make any reference HUNTING to this issue and although Representative Thomas Cahir was told that the whole road would be paved yet The "Committee" again considered whether or not only a small portion was done. hunting should be permitted within the "Park" during the 1995-1996 season. Hunting is not a permitted use 131