04/16/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes (2)

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 • Salt on Roadways in Jurisdiction The Commission held a discussion regarding the use of road salt and its potential impacts on wetland resource areas. Ms. Thornbrugh provided background information,noting that some communities implement restrictions on road salt application in environmentally sensitive areas and utilize alternative materials or reduced salt practices to protect water quality. She stated that the purpose of the discussion was to determine whether the Commission should consider pursuing regulatory measures, developing guidance, or coordinating with other Town departments regarding salt usage near wetlands, as well as whether such authority falls within the Commission's jurisdiction. Mr. Kent explained that the Conservation Commission currently has no bylaw or regulatory authority governing the application of road salt on roadways, except in relation to stormwater management within wetland resource areas or buffer zones. It was noted that regulation of road salt use is governed at the state level, with the Department of Public Works required to follow established standards, including proper storage of salt and sand materials and required training for winter operations. Mr. Kent further explained that state requirements include storing salt in covered structures to prevent runoff, containing sand stockpiles to avoid discharge into resource areas, and applying a sand and salt mixture—typically a reduced-salt blend—within wetland areas. He noted that these requirements apply broadly, as many roadways in Mashpee are located within or adjacent to wetland resource areas. Staff indicated that the Town's Department of Public Works appears to be in compliance with these standards, including proper storage and handling practices. Commission members discussed concerns regarding roadways adjacent to or crossing wetland resource areas, including specific areas where rivers and coastal systems intersect with roadways. Questions were raised as to whether current state standards are sufficient to protect local resources and whether additional evaluation of salt usage practices, including potential leaching and runoff impacts, would be warranted. The Commission agreed that additional information would be needed, including further evaluation of potential environmental impacts and jurisdictional authority, to assess whether further action is appropriate. • Migratory Bird Report Mr. Colombo presented a report regarding migratory bird activity in relation to the Commission's prior decision to extend the vegetation management window for Vista pruning beyond the March 1 deadline. He explained that, due to unusually cold winter conditions, the Commission had approved a two-week extension, and he had subsequently monitored migratory bird activity using Doppler radar data tracking bird movements across Barnstable County. Mr. Colombo reported that, despite the colder-than-usual conditions, a significant migration event occurred between March 8 and March 10, with approximately 60,000 birds recorded on March 9. He noted that migration activity then decreased before increasing again around March 24, at which point migration activity was clearly underway. He further stated that April data reflected even higher levels of migration activity. 5