04/23/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 applicant's representative explained that pruning the tree to meet the required height would likely compromise its health and stated that the project design aimed to reduce the need for ongoing maintenance by establishing a sustainable, self- regulating vista through increased native plant diversity and stratification. Further discussion addressed whether the tree should be left as standing deadwood versus pruned as a living tree, including the potential use of herbicide treatment if the tree were flush cut. Conservation Agent Drew McManus recommended avoiding the use of herbicides and allowing natural regrowth. Commission members expressed differing views,with some prioritizing long-term vegetation management and others emphasizing protection of existing trees under the vista pruning regulations. It was noted that a motion had been made and seconded to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions with the oak to remain as standing deadwood, and discussion continued regarding appropriate conditions to be included in the motion. Motion by: Sandi Godfrey Seconded by: Richard Sahl Vote: Tie vote and therefore failed. Aye: Sandi Godfrey, Richard Sahl Nay: Paul Colombo, Sarah Thornbrugh Following the vote, the Commission discussed next steps. Staff advised that the applicant could request a continuance to submit revised plans or that the Commission could consider an alternative motion addressing the treatment of the tree. The applicant's representative requested a continuance in order to submit a revised plan reflecting retention of the tree with pruning. MOTION: To continue 61 Shoestring Bay Road to May 7, 2026. Motion by: Sandi Godfrey Seconded by: Richard Sahl Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. Sarah Thornbrugh,Paul Colombo, Sandi Godfrey,Richard Sahl NOI 10 Triton Way, Lawrence M. & Heidi E. Raffone. Proposed vista pruning. (Representative: Cape & Islands Engineering, Inc.) 43- 3412 The applicants, Lawrence M. and Heidi E. Raffone, were represented by Raul Lizardi of Cape and Islands Engineering and Jen Crawford of Crawford Land Management, who presented the proposal. Mr. Lizardi explained that the project involved modification of an existing vista pruning permit previously issued in 2003, including relocation of the approved vista corridor and implementation of invasive species management on the coastal bank. He stated that the site contained several coastal resource areas, including coastal bank, land subject to coastal storm flowage, and land under the ocean, and that the proposed work would occur within these regulated areas. Ms. Crawford described existing site conditions, noting a higher concentration of invasive species near the top of the coastal bank and lower concentrations toward the bottom. She explained that invasive species would be removed by hand through flush cutting, leaving root systems in place to maintain bank stability, and that 6