09/09/2024 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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no Select Board Minutes September 9, 2024 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public 1-I„ �: w 1�Reclassification of the Southern Portion of the wGreatwRiver Family Shell f shuig Area. earin Pro posed will desigp4!p this Area as both Commercial and Famil y„ Shell fish : Shellfish Constable The Reclassification _---- � Christolpher Avis: Shellfish Constable,ChristolmherµAvis: a. Discti.ssionwand ,Appyov q of Recl ss ficat on of the Southern Port on the.Great River Family .Shell..f'ish.tng, Area The Reclassification will, desi Lute this Area asbothCommercial and Family Shellw fishing: (continued) Bill Dunne, a resident of South Cape indicated that an estuary abuts this area that supports bird life; egrets, osprey and heron. Changes in the environment have lessened the red wing blackbird in this area. There is concern the digging would affect the wildlife and habitat. It was recommended that an impact study be conducted before any digging would occur. Peter Thomas, Chair of Shellfish Commission stated that he was born and raised in Mashpee_ The Town has been extremely generous with the shellfish program. We currently have a quahog problem and we may have an oyster problem. This is a true community effort. Mr. Thomas indicated that an associate member of the Shellfish Commission brought this to the attention of the Shellfish Commission. The Department of Natural Resources and members of the Tribe were consulted. Oysters are very valuable to clean waters and quahogs clean just as much. The concept was to till the area to support new growth. Mr. Thomas explained the area has an abundance of quahogs, and it was felt that a Public Hearing be held as this project has some merit. We are here to learn, but something needs to happen to keep the waters clean, and the shellfish are good to maintain a clean water environment. The Shellfish Commission is trying to decide for the Town, and will respect their wishes. However, it is time to till the garden. The Select Board in discussing this matter recommended that a bottom survey be conducted, with results presented to the Select Board. Correspondence from Rich Otis, President of the Citizens for the Protection of Waquoit Bay (CPWB) dated September 6, 2024 was read aloud into the record. In the letter, the Select Board was urged to not approve any expansion of the commercial shell fishing in Waquoit Bay and its tributaries under the Town's jurisdiction. It is believed that intensive shellfish harvesting methods that scour the bottom of the bay would prevent eel grass beds from returning. The full context of the letter is available for review in the Office of the Select Board and Town Manager. Motion made by Selectman Cotton to continue the Public Hearing to Monday; November 18, 2024 at a time to be determined. Motion seconded by Selectman Weeden VOTE: 4-0. Unanimous. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Weeden, yes Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes Selectman Cotton, yes Opposed, none R