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Freshwater Ponds Committee <br />Minutes <br />June 10,2025 <br />existing fish ladder is functioning but the banks on the pond side have failed due <br />to excessive sand build up from the nearby beach, affecting stability. Repairs are <br />planned within the next two to three years, including the installation of a new fish <br />ladder on the north side of the town beach. <br />Mashpee Wakeby Pond <br />A recent full diagnostic assessment by UMass Dartmouth recommends <br />aluminum sulfate treatment for the Wakeby basin to address nutrient issues. <br />Sandwich owns a small portion of the area on the east side, including the bog <br />and Ryder Beach, and has expressed willingness to participate in the project. <br />Funding for the Wakeby treatment is substantial, with projected costs potentially <br />exceeding $1 million.The treatment is necessary due to Septic phosphorous <br />loading by way of groundwater flow patterns from North to South . <br />Mashpee River Restoration: <br />The Mashpee River restoration project is in the design phase, focusing on <br />replacing a failing dam and fish ladder. The goal is to restore free-flowing <br />conditions to improve fish passage and river health. The project has secured <br />NRCS funding and is in the public comment phase. Challenges include sediment <br />buildup caused by restricted flow at Collins Lane and concerns about the "Mill <br />Pond" area. Other failing infrastructure, such as the Route 28 culvert (state- <br />owned), will need future attention. <br />Mashpee’s Other Ponds <br />Moody Pond has been added to the testing, with nutrient profile samples <br />being collected to better understand bloom occurrences. Community members <br />show strong interest in their local ponds, including smaller ones like Frog Pond <br />and others under ten acres, which are often privately owned or managed by <br />resident associations. <br />Additional Topics <br />The committee encouraged members to familiarize themselves with Open <br />Meeting Law and related forms to ensure proper compliance. Members were also asked <br />to consider officer roles and review key committee documents ahead of future meetings. <br />Additionally, the group discussed the importance of understanding the roles and <br />responsibilities of elected officials to avoid any potential Open Meeting Law violations. <br />In efforts to strengthen regional collaboration, the committee plans to invite the <br />Falmouth Pond Coalition to share their experiences. <br />ADJOURNEMENT <br />Motion made by Johnathan Small to adjourn the Freshwater Ponds Committee Meeting. <br />Motion seconded by Diane Phillips. <br />Motion passed unanimously. <br /> <br />