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Freshwater Ponds Committee <br /> December 8,2025 <br /> A recent community meeting reviewed conceptual redesign alternatives for Mill Pond, <br /> including an adjacent"no pond" option. The alternative would remove the existing water <br /> feature and replace it with a walk-under culvert designed to allow fish passage and <br /> potential herring harvests. <br /> Discussion is ongoing with the MashpeeWampanoag Tribe and engineering teams <br /> regarding the proposed concepts. Key considerations include dam safety, Indigenous <br /> interests, and overall environmental objectives. <br /> It was noted that removal of the existing culvert and fish ladder could reduce long-term <br /> pond bank maintenance requirements. However, such changes would alter water levels <br /> and could affect pond ecology. Final design decisions have notyet been made, and the <br /> proposed options remain under review. <br /> Cranberry Bog Acquisitions and Environmental Regulation <br /> The Board discussed the potential acquisition of a cranberry bog located in the Wakeby <br /> Pond area for conservation purposes. Itwas noted that the Town of Sandwich is a potential <br /> purchaser; however, negotiations are ongoing and no final agreements have been reached. <br /> Members noted that cranberry bogs, including those that remain in private ownership, are <br /> subject to extensive wetland permitting and environmental regulations. These regulatory <br /> requirements were recognized as a significant constraint on development and were viewed <br /> as reducing the risk of rapid or inappropriate land use changes. <br /> Mashpee Wakeby Lake Management Committee Role <br /> A question was raised regarding whether proposed changes to pond—river connectivity <br /> associated with ongoing restoration projects would affect the continued role or mandate of <br /> the Mashpee Wakeby Lake Management Committee. <br /> Members acknowledged that specific tasks and oversight responsibilities may evolve over <br /> time, particularly as automated and permanent monitoring technologies become more <br /> widely implemented. <br /> Committee Membership and Expertise Recruitment <br /> The Committee discussed ongoing efforts to expand membership and recruit subject- <br /> matter expertise. Outreach to a potential member with experience in fisheries and river <br /> systems was reported; however, the individual indicated a preference to remain an <br /> observer at this time, citing limited experience with pond science. <br /> 3 <br />