04/23/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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I Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 MOTION: To approve the request by 61 & 67 Shoestring Bay Road to continue to May 7,2026. Motion b Sandi Godfrey Seconded by: Richard Sahl Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. Sarah Thornbrugh,Paul Colombo, Sandi Godfrey, Richard Sahl NOI 61 Shoestring Bay Road, 61 Shoestring Bay Road, LLC, c/o Glenn Ferguson. Proposed establishment of a view corridor to include removing or pruning select trees and replacing native understory plantings and creating a footpath. (Representative: Crawford Land Management) (cont. 4.02) 43- 3411 The Commission continued the hearing for 61 Shoestring Bay Road (DEP File No. 43-3411). The applicant, 61 Shoestring Bay Road LLC, c/o Glenn Ferguson, was represented by Jeri Crawford of Crawford Land Management, who presented the revised proposal. Ms. Crawford explained that the project involved the establishment of a vista corridor through selective tree removal and pruning, along with replacement of native understory plantings. She noted that the application had been previously continued and that revisions were made in response to Commission comments, including submission of an updated plan showing the location of a separate boardwalk and stairway proposal for reference only. She further stated that the previously proposed footpath had been removed from this application and would be addressed under a separate filing. Ms. Crawford addressed concerns regarding the proposed removal of a small oak tree, stating that pruning was not feasible without adversely affecting its health and that removal, with replacement by native understory vegetation, would provide a more sustainable long-term outcome. During Commission discussion, concern was expressed regarding the removal of the five-inch oak, while other members indicated no questions. Seasonal timing restrictions were discussed, and the applicant's representative stated that work would occur within the November through March window or, if necessary, could proceed outside that period following a bird survey and coordination with the Conservation Agent. Members discussed alternatives for the tree, including retaining it as a standing dead snag for wildlife habitat, which the applicant's representative indicated could be accommodated. Support for this approach was expressed. The Commission discussed seasonal work restrictions and indicated a preference that work occur outside of the March I cutoff. MOTION: To close an issue for 61 Shoestring Bay Road with the usual conditions on the work not going beyond March 11t and leaving the five-inch oak as a snag for wildlife. Discussion: the Commission focused primarily on the proposed treatment of the five-inch oak within the vista corridor. Mr. Colombo stated that the tree should be retained and treated as a protected tree under the Commission's regulations, expressing that he would not support the project if the tree were removed. He suggested allowing the tree to remain and revisiting the issue in the future if necessary. Vice Chair Thornbrugh and other members discussed alternatives, including pruning the tree or retaining it as a standing dead snag for wildlife habitat. The 5