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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission <br /> 16 Great Neck Road North <br /> Mashpee, MA 02649 <br /> Commission Discussion and Clarifications <br /> Commissioners questioned the methodology for selecting corridor locations, noting that some did not align directly <br /> with road ends. Representatives of the PBA explained that locations were chosen not only for views but also to address <br /> long-standing shoreline maintenance issues, including unmanaged vegetation growth, invasive species, and informal or <br /> unauthorized clearing by individual residents in prior years. The PBA emphasized that the project aims to standardize <br /> shoreline management,prevent piecemeal clearing, and protect pond ecology by bringing pruning under a single, <br /> regulated permit rather than allowing uncoordinated private actions. <br /> Commissioners sought clarification on how six pruning corridors could be permitted on a single lot. Staff explained <br /> that because the PBA parcel is contiguous, multiple corridors may be approved and recorded under a single Notice of <br /> Intent, consistent with the condominium provisions in the regulations. <br /> Concerns were raised regarding plan language that referenced"clearing underbrush." The applicant clarified that no <br /> wholesale clearing was proposed and that activities would be limited to removal of invasive species, such as <br /> bittersweet, and nuisance growth like greenbrier where it was choking native vegetation. Native shrubs would be <br /> preserved, and replacement plantings using native species (including blueberry) were discussed. <br /> Commissioners reviewed Regulation 29, focusing on the requirement that no more than 25% of the naturally vegetated <br /> buffer strip be altered along a wetland edge. Staff and commissioners concluded that, when evaluated cumulatively <br /> across the PBA frontage, the proposed corridors remain within allowable limits, particularly given the size of the <br /> parcel and the distributed nature of the work. <br /> Agency and Public Input <br /> Staff confirmed that the project is straightforward and consistent with prior vista pruning approvals in similar pond <br /> environments. It was noted that vegetation density varies significantly across the six locations, and pruning intensity <br /> would be adjusted accordingly to reflect existing conditions. <br /> A member of the public,Paul Foley of 45 Elizabeth Island Road, spoke in support of the project, citing historical <br /> photographs showing far greater visibility of the pond and Nantucket Sound in earlier decades and expressing support <br /> for coordinated, regulated pruning. <br /> ------ ---------------------------------------------- <br /> Conditions and Approval <br /> The Commission discussed implementation logistics, including the need for a mandatory pre-construction site visit <br /> involving staff,the contractor, and a representative of the applicant. All work is required to be performed by a certified <br /> arborist or qualified landscape professional under staff oversight. <br /> Commissioners acknowledged the March 1 seasonal deadline and discussed historical practice of potentially revisiting <br /> the deadline later in February if winter weather prevents completion. It was agreed that any extension would be <br /> considered globally by the Commission,rather than on a permit-by-permit basis. <br /> MOTION: To close an issue 0 Uncle Percy's Road with the following conditions: <br /> • Standard vista pruning protocols <br /> • Time of year restriction until further notice <br /> Motion by: Richard Sahl Seconded by: Sandi Godfrey <br /> Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. <br /> (Sarah Thornbrugh Paul Colombo, Sandi Godfrey, Richard Sahl, Neal Larsson) <br /> 11 <br />