2008-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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In the coming months, we will re-establish a can do to improve and maintain the health of the estu. Regulatory Sub-Committee of volunteer aries that are so essential to the environmental protec- RE Commissioners for the purpose of reviewing our tion, health and beauty of the Town of Mashpee. C Regulations and addressing any potential loopholes therein. By streamlining our permitting process, we As usual,our constantly evolving website(found ill provide_ e.ma.us w visit hope to free up more time to dedicate towards conser at www.ci.mashpe ) p ors with Tc vation lands issues and educating the community on information on Mashpee's Wetland Protection Bylaws Ci the values of natural resource conservation. We and Regulations (Ch. 172 of the Mashpee Code) as encourage neighborhood associations to invite the well as updated agendas, scheduled hearings,meeting agents to their meetings to give presentations on what minutes and any necessary and any necessary applica- 2( our department does and what we are responsible for tion forms for permits. The website includes depart as well as to answer any questions. mental hours of operation, staff titles and contact information. Additionally, the Conservation 0 2008 was a big year for land acquisition. The Commission's statutory role can be found on the web. M Conservation Dept. purchased a small parcel (roughly site: The Conservation Commission defines and pro. fa '/z acre) off of Meetinghouse Rd that is referred to as tects areas such as wetlands, floodplains, ponds, Pr I� the Shields property. The parcel is all upland and pro- streams, coastal dunes, coastal banks, banks associ TI vides a valuable wildlife corridor linking the Mashpee ated with (freshwater) water bodies and wetlands, sl River Woodlands conservation parcel with another Also included in the website is general information in parcel owned by Mass Fish and Wildlife. Tom Fudala concerning the value of wetlands, coastal water qual (Mashpee Town Planner)handled the purchase details ity, and protection of coastal resources, ecology, and was successful in a acquiring a state funded wildlife, education, nature tours and photos. Ol matching grant (referred to as the Self Help Grant) ti which will provide up to 50% reimbursement of the Again, the Commission would like to recognize P] purchase price. Mr. Fudala's persistence and hard the diligence and talents of our dedicated staff. Our al work in attaining this grant is deeply appreciated by clerk, Aqua O'Hara, is the backbone of our depart the Conservation staff and commissioners. ment. Elizabeth Leidhold, our new Assistant Agent, has used her considerable experience to help the it Another recent land purchase is the 80 + acre department run smoother. Jennifer Clifford, our new f Vinhaven parcel off of Route 130 and Pickerel Cove Board Secretary, has been a most welcome addition n Rd. The Vinhaven parcel is the largest piece of unde- with her professional manner and impeccable minutes, e veloped land left in Mashpee and it was originally On behalf of the Agent, the Assistant Agent, the a used as a campground, though most of the parcel is Commissioners and the public, we would also like to r thank our Administrative undisturbed natural woods. The Vinhaven purchase Secretary, Fran Boulos for a was approved at the first Town Meeting in 2008 using helping the department run seamlessly. primarily CPA (Community Preservation Act) funds as well as monies from the Mass State Fisheries and On Behalf of the Commission, ] Wildlife Dept for the purchase of a conservation John Fitzsimmons, Chairman restriction on the parcel. The conservation restriction Ralph Shaw, Vice Chairman ensures that no development will take place and pro- Cassandra Costa t vides for the implementation of passive recreation Leonard Pinaud (hiking, biking, etc). Plans for recreational activities, Lloyd Allen parking and access are currently being proposed. Jeffrey Cross Water quality in Mashpee continues to be a John Rogers major issue. This year, as was the case in 2007, the Conservation Dept has received a number of com- plaints concerning water quality around town. Several factors could be at play here including ineffective or outdated storm water management practices, outdated septic systems and increased usage of fertilizers. Couple these factors with fluctuating precipitation lev- els, above average temperatures and atmospheric deposition of nitrogen from airborne pollutants and the problem is compounded. We urge citizens to call the Conservation Dept with questions about what they 'i 104