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2 Support for the upper Quashnet River and at the Farley and Garner Bogs on the Childs River. These restoration projects plan to significantly improve habitat for unique populations of sea -run brook trout and significant enhancement of these open space resources. Members of the EOC are also working on the Quashnet River Steering Committtee advising the restoration. 3 The EOC took an active role, along with MEC, the Mashpee Historical District Commission, and the Mashpee Historical Commission to prevent the loss of the Community Gardens. They were abandoned in 2017, as the site was proposed for pickleball courts. The EOC proposed that the courts be constructed elsewhere, and the community gardens be revitalized for use by residents to grow fresh food for their families. In 2018, the EOC proposed establishment of a Community Garden Advisory Committee (MCGAC), and it was formed by the BOS. One EOC member is also a member of MCGAC. MCGAC received CPC funding to construct new gardens, which started in late 2019. The gardens will be ready for growing in spring of 2020. The EOC strongly supported that grant application and wrote a letter of support. 4 Mashpee has three important herring runs on the Quashnet, Santuit, and Mashpee Rivers. Each of these herring runs have important fish ladders allowing herring access to key spawning grounds in Johns Pond, Santuit Pond and Mashpee- Wakeby Ponds. The EOC promotes and supports the active citizen science Herring Count Program with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod and the Division of Marine Fisheries — managed by the conservation department. 5 Other monitoring activities regarding issues with conservation lands include problems with dumping on conservation lands and vehicle damage from use of ATVS and 4-wheel drive trucks. The EOC also monitors management of demonstration pollinator gardens at four open space sites and the Land Stewards Program, which is another valuable citizen monitoring asset to the Conservation Department. This program allows residents to report on any issues they see on conservation lands, and help with larger clean- up and trail maintenance efforts in Mashpee's 2000+ acres and 33+ miles of trails. The EOC takes its mission of caring for our natural resources and proposing ways to enhance our environment very seriously. We value and utilize every member's unique contribution to the Committee. If you have ideas for environmental initiatives, the EOC meets on the second Wednesday every month at 6:30PM at Town Hall. Public is welcome. The Mashpee Environmental Oversight Committee Katelyn Cadoret, Chairman Michael Talbot, Vice -chair Conservation Andrew Gottlieb, Board of Selectman Rep. Rick York, Natural Resources Director Andrew McManus, Conservation Ashley Fisher, Shellfish Constable Dale McKay, Conservation Commission Rep. Joseph Cummings, Planning Board Rep. Tom Hoppensteadt, School Department Rep. Report of the Finance Committee To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of the Town of Mashpee: The Finance Committee is comprised of seven volunteer members. All are appointed by the Town Moderator. Its function is to become familiar with the workings of the Mashpee governmental operations, and provide independent input to the Selectmen and Town Manager, but primarily to act in an advisory capacity to the voters on matters which will come before them at Town Meeting. Those registered voters who attend Town Meeting are, in essence, performing the function of the Legislative branch of our municipal government. The Charter of the Town of Mashpee adopted in 2004 specifically mandates that the Finance Committee annually perform three specific functions: • Provide the voters with a "concise and readable financial report" describing the revenues and consolidated expenses as part of the annual Town operating budget. • Calculate a projected municipal tax rate resulting from the adoption of the Town budget. 130