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Additionally,we are still addressing the after effects of As mentioned last year, we have been working
<br /> a failed berm which impacted the flow of the Quashnet with MEP (Massachusetts Estuaries Project)
<br /> River as well as the quality of existing wildlife and SEMAST, Mashpee Citizens, Town Officials from
<br /> fishery habitats. We are continuing to explore various Barnstable and Sandwich as well as Mass DEP
<br /> mitigation scenarios for this complex situation. The (Department of Environmental Protection), to solve
<br /> Commission has recently received a feasibility study the problem that is nitrogen loading within our valu,
<br /> from the environmental consulting firm of Haley & able watershed. This year, as was the case in 2006,the
<br /> Aldrich (Portland, ME) with technical inputs from Conservation Dept. has received a number of corn,
<br /> Woods Hole Group. The commissioned study details plaints concerning water quality around town. Several
<br /> 3 mitigation scenarios to consider ranging from on- factors could be at play here including ineffective or
<br /> going maintenance of present river conditions to par- outdated storm water management practices, outdated
<br /> tial or full realignment of the Quashnet River. The septic systems and increased use of fertilizers. Couple
<br /> public should be aware that no taxpayer money is used these factors with fluctuating precipitation levels,
<br /> for these services. In recognizing the extra burden of above average temperatures and atmospheric deposi.
<br /> dealing with these multi-faceted circumstances, tion of nitrogen and the problem is compounded. We
<br /> AFCEE (Air Force Center for Environmental urge citizens to call the Conservation Dept. with ques.
<br /> Engineering)compensates the Town of Mashpee. The tions about what they can do to improve and maintain
<br /> Commission has developed an effective working rela- the health of the estuaries that are so essential to the
<br /> tionship with AFCEE/MMR. protection and beauty of the Town of Mashpee.
<br /> Overall, the groundwater upwelling treatment of As usual, our constantly evolving website
<br /> j the FS-1 plume is working effectively. Over the last (www.ci.mashpee.ma.us) will provide visitors with
<br /> year,only surface water hits of EDB contamination are information on Mashpee's Wetland Protection Bylaws
<br /> being detected and there has been no detection of EDB and Regulations (Ch. 172 of the Mashpee Code)as
<br /> in the fruit of the cranberries at the Quashnet bog. well as updated agendas, scheduled hearings,meeting
<br /> minutes and any necessary application forms for per-
<br /> With
<br /> erWith permitting slowing down to a manageable mits. The website includes department hours of oper-
<br /> level, more effort is being focused on Mashpee's ation, staff titles and contact info. As well as our statu
<br /> Conservation and Open Space parcels. As part of a tory role: The Conservation Commission defines and
<br /> comprehensive land management plan, a volunteer protects areas such as wetlands, floodplains, ponds,
<br /> land steward initiative is being launched in 2008 to streams, coastal dunes, coastal banks, banks associ
<br /> help monitor Mashpee's valuable open space land. ated with (freshwater) water bodies and wetlands,
<br /> I
<br /> Activities such as ATV/ORV riding, illegal dumping,
<br /> Also included in the website is general information
<br /> encroachment and vandalism have taken a heavy toll concerning the value of wetlands, coastal water qual
<br /> on many of the town's conservation and open space ity, protection of coastal resources, ecology, wildlife,
<br /> areas. By establishing a well organized volunteer net- education, nature tours and photos.
<br /> work, adding signage, upgrading existing conditions
<br /> and promoting passive recreational activities such as Again, the Commission would like to recognize
<br /> hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, etc, it is the the diligence and talents of our dedicated staff. Our
<br /> goal of the commission to encourage a more responsi- clerk, Aqua O'Hara, is the backbone of our depart
<br /> ble user presence in these areas. The Conservation ment. She goes beyond the call of duty in her efforts.
<br /> Department will oversee this volunteer initiative and Melissa Brown, our board secretary, has been a wet
<br /> act as the hub for all coordinated volunteer efforts and come addition. On behalf of the Agent, the Assistant
<br /> communications. Agent, the Commissioners and the public, we would
<br /> also like to thank our Administrative Secretary,Fran
<br /> In 2007, we saw no changes to our regulations, Boulos for helping the department run seamlessly.
<br /> which meant that the Regulations Sub-Committee was
<br /> relatively quiet. Ultimately,this translates into regula- On Behalf of the Commission,
<br /> tions that have been streamlined to the point where tin- Chairman
<br /> kering here and there where needed will alleviate any John Fitzsimmons,
<br /> problems that arise or any loopholes that can be Ralph Shaw, Vice Chairman
<br /> Cassandra Costa
<br /> exploited. On that note, the Regulations Sub-
<br /> Committee is always looking for new science and Leonard Pinaud
<br /> studies in the Conservation Science world that can be Lloyd Allen
<br /> worked into our regulations. Jeffrey Cross
<br /> John Rogers
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