08/21/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 goals, and that alternative locations for the facility should be found. Ms. Barbee also questioned claims made by town staff suggesting that open space designations expire after 30 years, expressing shock that this could apply to cluster developments. She urged the town to maintain a balance between environmental responsibility and conservation integrity. Discussion: (Public Comment solicited for each discussion - *3 minutes per comment) • Water Quality: Issues and initiatives (ongoing discussion item) o 231 Vineyard Reach(43-3328): Willow Treatment Discussion: 231 Vineyard Reach (43-3328) Regarding willow removal and phragmites management. Originally, the approved permit required manual removal of willows unless a plan for herbicide use was submitted. The applicant requested herbicide use due to accelerated growth from heat and drought conditions, and concerns about disturbing sediment if removal were mechanical. The Commission discussed a targeted herbicide application, focusing solely on willow leaves, with minimal impact to aquatic life. Representatives noted that the HOA and New Seabury Golf Course were collaborating to eventually submit an amended order of conditions for comprehensive phragmites control across the entire water feature. The proposed timing for the willow treatment would be late summer or early fall to prevent uncontrolled growth next season, with the amended phragmites plan ideally submitted in the winter to allow spring application. Commissioners emphasized that the amended order should consider seasonality and potential impacts on amphibians and aquatic species, noting that the willow herbicide plan would be handled by a consultant specializing in aquatic environments. The targeted approach was considered a unique opportunity to control invasive species in this isolated water feature,reducing the chance of regrowth compared to larger, interconnected water bodies. The Commission confirmed that the gray willow, an invasive species, is the only target for herbicide treatment. Other native willow species, which are wetland indicators, will not be affected. Tyler Goudreau,the specialist handling the project, will be informed to ensure compliance with this directive. The discussion also touched on the planting plan, including whether cattails would be reintroduced; this will be reviewed and potentially revised as part of the upcoming amended order of conditions. The Commission reached a consensus to move forward with the herbicide application according to the proposed plan, with treatment expected within the next month. Additionally, the amended order of conditions to address phragmites removal across the larger water feature will be initiated promptly. o 34 Triton Way (43-3333): Woods Hole Group Coastal Bank Stabilization Design Peer Review Discussion: 34 Triton Way(43-3333) Woods Hole Group representatives Alex Carbone, coastal scientist, and Mitchell Buck, senior coastal engineer,presented a peer review of a coastal bank stabilization design. The project proposed rebuilding the lower revetment and adding a concrete retaining wall along the top of the coastal bank. Woods Hole Group's review focused on the retaining wall footing, which is embedded primarily in coarse sand that could erode during storms. While a double layer of four-foot boulders was proposed for lateral support, the consultants expressed concern that the stones could be undermined during significant storm events. From a regulatory perspective, they noted that the vertical retaining wall would conflict with the Wetlands Protection Act and local Mashpee By-law performance standards, which require projects on coastal banks to 2