Laserfiche WebLink
Freshwater Ponds Committee <br /> Meeting Minutes <br /> October 28,2025 <br /> provides useful but incomplete information, and the committee may consider pursuing <br /> funding for a full assessment at an upcoming Town Meeting. <br /> Herring Fish Ladder Update <br /> Dan Kent reported that the severe drought earlier in the season caused extremely low water <br /> Levels in the ponds and fish ladders, creating challenges forfish passage. Recent rainfall <br /> has helped, and the Town placed boards back into the Mashpee Riverto retain water, which <br /> is now evident in higherwater levels at Mill Pond. He noted strongjuvenile herring migration <br /> from both Santuit and Mashpee rivers over the pasttwo weeks; however, during drought <br /> conditions fish will not pass overthe boards at all. Santuit River has continued to see <br /> outgoing herring movement, and the Mashpee River has experienced particularly heavy <br /> migration recently. Dan also provided an update on the long-standing issues at the Santuit <br /> Herring Run. The fish ladderthere has been under review for more than two years, and <br /> NRCS(a federal agency) has nearlyfinalized plans for a fish-passage amendment, <br /> expected this winterwith installation anticipated next year. The existing ladder, installed <br /> around 2016-2017, was poorly designed, causing excessive flow velocities that prevent <br /> successful passage and leave fish vulnerable to heavy predation from osprey, blue herons, <br /> and others. The amendment will not rebuild the ladder but will add a lower-flow side chute <br /> or similar structure to significantly improve passage. <br /> Dan explained that NRCS also evaluated the possibility of removing the dam entirely to <br /> restore a free-flowing river but determined it was not feasible because Santuit Pond is too <br /> shallow; lowering water levels would expose contaminated sediments and create <br /> additional ecological concerns. Turning to the Mashpee River, he noted that it is currently <br /> undergoing an intensive review for a large-scale restoration project that includes potential <br /> removal and replacement of the culvert from the headwaters at the Mashpee Wakeby area <br /> down toward Route 28. This work involves tribal land, private property, and town property, <br /> and any design must support both ecological restoration and continued tribal harvesting <br /> rights. Community engagement is a major focus due to longstanding cultural significance <br /> of Mill Pond. Dan noted that outreach will continue with tribal members and other <br /> community stakeholders to ensure concerns are addressed. <br /> He also clarified the work involves multiple components, including wetlands restoration <br /> and DPW-level infrastructure replacement, and the team is coordinating efforts to ensure <br /> improved fish passage, ecological protection, and culvert reconstruction occur in a <br /> cohesive and well-planned manner. <br /> Clarify November and December Meeting Dates <br /> 3 <br />