12/16/2024 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Existing conditions- Parcel is located on the southern end of Johns Pond and is developed with a 2400 square foot dwelling with town water hookup and an IA septic system installed in 2018. Existing driveway directly off of Nathan Ellis Highway that is 500' long ending at an existing compacted surface parking area. The parcel has multiple active wetlands onsite that include the following: • Freshwater sandy beach with roughly 420' of frontage on Johns Pond • Two freshwater forested/shrub wetlands covering .81 acres • 1.14 acre freshwater body on the southern property line • Two potential vernal pools on the western property line • Childs River is along the entire eastern property line • Johns Pond is a Natural Heritage & Endangered Species priority habitat of rare species There is a small network of walking trails through the forested wetland areas that end at the freshwater body on the southern property line. The trails were likely created by residents exploring the 8 acre parcel while visiting and do not seem to be a detriment to the wetland values upon initial inspection. Behind the dwelling is a native grass area over the existing septic system with grills, fire pits, kayaks, and beach toys for recreational purposes. In the parking area is a pontoon boat with some trash around the boat with no signs of dumping on property. Childs River is boarded up at Johns Pond and currently is not actively flowing. Benefits of parcel acquisitions: The parcel abuts Johns Pond and has multiple active wetlands onsite. Paired with the potential vernal pools and forested areas make this a prime property for wetlands protection as well wildlife habitat preservation. Johns Pond is mapped for rare species from the most recent Natural Heritage and Endangered Species overlay map from 2021. The forested/shrub wetlands have a very good naturally vegetated buffer zone to both the wetlands. The freshwater body on the southern property line has a good naturally vegetated buffer strip with the exception of the border to route 151. Acquisition would allow for long term protection of the various wetland values, wildlife habitat protection, and endangered species protection. Recommendation: In my professional opinion, acquiring the parcel at 475 Nathan Ellis Highway would aid in open space preservation furthering the Town's goal of water quality protection. With the dwelling on property, hard compact parking area, and the IA septic system this parcel could potentially provide recreational benefits to the public and residents of Mashpee. Currently the Harbormaster rents dock space from a private landowner on Johns Pond, this parcel could potentially allow for seasonal dock space on town land for monitoring and enforcement purposes. With the urgency in town for increased wetland protection and existing amenities onsite make this parcel perfect for the Town of Mashpee to acquire. Sincerely, Daniel Kent Mashpee Assistant Conservation. Agent 508-539-1400 X8538 dkent@mashpeema.gov