03/19/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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07 Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 Updates: (*15 minutes) (Public Comment solicited for each update—3 minutes per comment) The following updates will be discussed at the April 16, 2026, Quarterly Meeting: • Red Brook Road Culvert(Waquoit Bay Research Reserve-grant assistance) • Upper Quashnet Restoration • Johns Pond and Santuit Pond Milfoil • Chop Chaque Bog Restoration • Local Comprehensive Plan • Herring Warden • Harbor Management Committee • Mashpee River Restoration • Santuit Pond Fish Ladder—NRCS • Guided Nature Tours—March Schedule • Poppy Spit Dredge The Commission inquired about the current condition of Poppy Spit following recent storm activity. Staff reported that no formal update had yet been received from the Harbormaster; however, no requests for additional nourishment had been submitted, suggesting that the area had been holding up relatively well. It was noted that, although the Cape experienced significant coastal damage during recent storms, impacts were somewhat mitigated because the peak of the storm coincided with low tide, which reduced overall water levels and wave reach. Staff reported that dune nourishment activities were underway at South Cape Beach, with sand placement occurring that day. Additional coastal work was also noted along Shore Drive West, where numerous truckloads of material were being delivered under existing, deed-restricted permits. The nearby golf course was also reported to have sustained damage and was subject to an extended monitoring phase. The Commission discussed increased public inquiries regarding storm-related tree damage within jurisdictional areas. Staff advised that: • Administrative approval was being granted for the removal and pruning of storm-damaged branches; • For damaged trees, arborist evaluations were required; • In cases where trees had uprooted or posed an immediate risk(e.g., impacting bulkheads), expedited removal and replacement were permitted; • Severely damaged trees (e.g., snapped pitch pines) could be removed with a requirement to leave a stump and replant; • More extensive restoration work involving regrading or significant disturbance would require the filing of a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA). Staff confirmed that they had been conducting frequent site visits in response to storm damage and encouraged residents to contact the office for on-site evaluations. • Communication/Correspondence: (Public Comment solicited for each update): None discussed. 2