2019-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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Waquoit Bay. These projects enabled us to replenish the beach sand of the Popponesset Spit that is the protector of our Bay and is a primary nesting area for migrating Plovers and Least Terns. The sand from the Little River dredge was deposited on South Cape Beach to help the fight against beach erosion. We continued moving forward with preparations for the Little River Expansion Plan that will impact Little River and Great River. The expansion plan's goal is to extend the existing River Channels south into Waquoit Bay connecting to the main Channel and north to both Hamblin Pond and Jehu Pond. We will also connect the Great River Ramp to the Great River Channel. The Hydrographic survey for both these projects has been completed and we will be working to go forward with the engineering work to support our application for permits and licenses process in early 2020. Additionally, we will be conducting a study under the auspices of UMass Dartmouth's School of Marine Science & Technology to assess the benefits of dredging on improving tidal surge and its impact on the flushing of our tidal ponds. The goal of all our initiatives is to maintain and improve the waterways of our Town. To that end we recently applied for and were approved funds from the Community Preservation Committee to continue our efforts on behalf of the Town. Final determination of these efforts will come before the Town Meeting in April 2020. PUBLIC ACCESS The Waterways Commission worked in concert with the Harbormaster, Shellfish Constable, Conservation Agent and the Department of Public Works on Ramp/Floats/walkways/signage and dinghy rack storage at our Ockway Bay Ramp, our Pirates Cove — "Ed Baker Ramp" and our Great River Ramp. Our DPW is continually making improvements to all of our Town Ramp areas as evidenced by the significant work completed this past year at both the Ockway Bay and Great River Boat ramps. Our DPW continues to do a commendable job supporting all of these Town initiatives. COMPREHENSIVE DREDGE PERMIT We filed for a Town Comprehensive Dredging Permit back in 2013. We followed that through the years with our consulting engineers and the many State and Federal agencies with whom we interface. That 10-year permit was finally secured in September of 2016. This past year we have been working to include both the Little River/Great River Expansion dredge and the extension of the channel from the Great Neck Road public ramp to the main Channel under the Comprehensive Dredging Permit. This will simplify and streamline future maintenance dredge projects. ADDITIONAL DUTIES of the WATERWAYS COMMISSION Members of the Commission serve as liaisons on the following committees: Mashpee/Wakeby and John's Pond, Popponesset Bay, Waquoit Bay, Water Quality/Water Sampling Report, Barnstable County Resources Committee, Barnstable County Dredge Committee, Mashpee Sewer Committee and Public Access. We want to thank the Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Administrative Assistant, the Board of Selectmen as well as the Harbormaster, Conservation Agent, Shellfish Constable and the DPW Director for sharing their expertise and providing their assistance in all that we do. We all strive to do our job well for the benefit of the Town and the public for safety and recreation within our community. Respectfully submitted, Kenneth Bates, Chairman Donald MacDonald, Vice Chairman Dick Noonan, Secretary Tim Leedham Al Wickel Steve Mone Gregg Fraser