Laserfiche WebLink
Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission <br /> 16 Great Neck Road North <br /> Mashpee, MA 02649 <br /> Several commissioners emphasized that while the lot could be developed, it would be far more valuable if <br /> preserved for conservation and river protection purposes. <br /> Discussion: <br /> Popponesset Dredge Update <br /> Mr. McManus presented an update on the Popponesset dredge project, describing it as one of the largest dredge <br /> footprints permitted to date. The application, developed around 2017-2018, was approved as a comprehensive <br /> dredge permit, allowing for both an expanded dredge footprint and the creation of a dredge basin. The basin is <br /> designed to capture the natural flow of sediment before it fills the channel, reducing the need for annual dredging. <br /> Because the channel fills in quickly, maintenance dredging is typically required every year. The expanded <br /> footprint should help extend the interval between dredging operations. However, the work must still comply with <br /> time-of-year restrictions imposed by the Division of Marine Fisheries and Natural Heritage and Endangered <br /> Species Program, as well as the practical limitations posed by the availability and condition of the county dredge <br /> equipment, which often suffers delays and breakdowns. <br /> In addition to navigation, the project includes a significant beach nourishment component. Material will be placed <br /> both on the beach and the dunes at the end of the spit, strengthening dune systems that are heavily eroded by <br /> storms. Mr. McManus noted that Mass Audubon strongly supported the dune nourishment, since it benefits <br /> shorebirds such as piping plovers and terns, which rely on dune habitats for nesting. A waiver was also granted to <br /> allow some material to be placed below mean high water because of the large volume of dredge material. <br /> Natural Heritage, Division of Marine Fisheries, and Mass Audubon all submitted letters regarding the project, <br /> focusing primarily on seasonal restrictions. For shorebirds, dredging cannot begin until after August 31; therefore, <br /> work is expected to start in early September. The dredge season will then be limited until January, when <br /> restrictions for horseshoe crab spawning begin. <br /> A pre-construction site visit will be scheduled with Woods Hole Group, Save Popponesset Bay, and other project <br /> partners. Commissioners will be invited, though attendance may need to be posted as a public meeting if a <br /> quorum is present. <br /> When asked whether the project would improve tidal flushing in Popponesset Bay, Mr. McManus confirmed that <br /> the channel dredging would slightly improve circulation, but only to a minimal degree. <br /> Commissioners discussed the relationship between the two permits: <br /> 43-2928 (channel dredging on the Bay side of the spit) <br /> 43-3040 (comprehensive dredge permit with beach nourishment) <br /> Mr. McManus clarified that the current work is under 3040, though Woods Hole Group represents both projects. <br /> Commissioners also raised concerns about timing, noting that one order of conditions restricts nourishment <br /> activity from April 1 to September 15. Since reports suggested dredging might begin right after Labor Day, <br /> members emphasized that the conditions in the permit must be followed. <br /> Commissioners also compared the dredge volumes: the Town of Mashpee's plan under 3040 involves about <br /> 73,000 cubic yards of material, while Save Popponesset Bay's separate effort is considerably smaller. <br />