04/23/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 Discussion: (Public Comment solicited for each discussion - *3 minutes per comment) • Water Quality: Issues and initiatives (ongoing discussion item) The Commission reported that there were no formal water quality updates at this time. It was announced that a Mashpee River restoration community meeting would be held at the Mashpee Public Library from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and the public was encouraged to attend and provide input. It was noted that the meeting would address the Mashpee River project, including the Mill Pond, headwaters, culvert,roadway, and potential river realignment, and that it would be one of the final community meetings on the topic. During discussion, a Commission member commented on observed water quality conditions at Waquoit Bay, noting discolored water and a strong odor associated with algae at low tide. • Interim Vote for Vice Chair Vice Chair Thornbrugh announced that she would be stepping down from the Conservation Commission, including her role as Vice Chair, and that the Commission would need to appoint an interim Vice Chair until the next reorganization period. The Commission discussed whether to proceed with a vote at the current meeting or defer until additional members were present. It was clarified that any appointment would be interim only and not a permanent position. Members expressed a preference to wait until the next meeting when more Commissioners would be present. During discussion, members noted that the Commission could continue to function in the absence of a Vice Chair by appointing a temporary chair, as had been done at a prior meeting. Additional discussion addressed scheduling considerations, quorum concerns, and upcoming vacancies on the Commission. Staff advised that the Commission should take action to appoint an interim Vice Chair at the next meeting. It was agreed that the matter would be addressed at the May 7 meeting. Members expressed appreciation to Vice Chair Thornbrugh for her service to the Commission. MOTION: To table the agenda item to May 7, 2026. Motion bv: Sandi Godfrey Seconded bv: Richard Sahl Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. Sarah Thornbrugh, Paul Colombo, Sandi Godfrey, Richard Sahl Updates: • Guided Nature Tours—April Schedule Not discussed. • Poppy Spit Dredge Not discussed. It was reported that herring counts had been low in recent days due to colder weather, with no significant updates anticipated until after Monday. APCC was noted to be monitoring river temperatures, and a new gauge would be installed in the Mashpee River to track temperature and flow conditions in support of the herring run and river restoration efforts. The Commission is also exploring installation of a digital camera at the headwaters to document herring passage. River temperatures had not yet reached 50 degrees, a threshold associated with increased activity. 2