06/11/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 NOI 17 Sunset Circle, Eric L. Coelho. Proposed removal of the existing timber wall and replacement with a new vinyl sheet pile wall, permit the existing pier, and install native vegetation plantings. (Representative: Cape and Islands Engineering, Inc.) (cunt.4.23/5.07) 43- 3414 Chuck Rowland of Cape and Islands Engineering appeared on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Rowland stated that revised plans and a response letter had been submitted addressing comments raised at prior hearings. Mr. Rowland explained that the revised plan added drainage for the walkway, additional information regarding seasonal water depths, and boat information. The proposed walkway drainage would consist of a gravel trench drain designed to intercept runoff from the dry-laid paver walkway before it enters the lake. The pier was shown at 50 feet in length in order to provide sufficient depth for the applicant's motorized boat during seasonal low-water conditions. Mr. Rowland stated that the previously approved/licensed pier was 32 feet long,but the proposed 50-foot length was needed based on the boat draft and observed lake elevations. He noted that several nearby docks are of similar length, and some are longer. Mr. Rowland stated that the pier decking would be timber, which was a change from the project narrative discussed at the prior hearing. He further stated that the pier would be seasonally deployed and stored beneath the deck during the off- season. He explained that the dock sections would be installed by hand, with two people walking the sections into the water and placing them on small footings. Mr. Rowland also reviewed the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program correspondence and stated that the applicant could comply with the suggested conditions. He noted that NHESP objected to purple flowering raspberries in the planting plan, and he stated that he would remove that species from the plan if requested by the Commission. The Commission discussed the proposed seasonal dock, including the need for the 50-foot length, the boat location shown on the plan, and whether low-water conditions would be relevant if the dock is seasonal. The applicant explained that water depths were based on the surveyed lake elevation and that low-water conditions can occur in summer as well as winter. Discussion also focused on the NHESP freshwater mussel protection requirements. Questions were raised regarding the mussel protection plan, including when the survey would occur and whether the Commission would review the plan before voting. Staff explained that the NHESP conditions could be incorporated into the Order of Conditions and would require the appropriate survey and reporting before construction. Staff further explained that qualified professionals recognized by NHESP conduct freshwater mussel surveys and, if mussels are present within the dock footprint, they may be relocated or additional conditions may be required. The Commission also discussed whether a negative mussel survey or a finding of numerous mussels could affect the project. Staff stated that the project would not proceed until any required NHESP conditions were satisfied and noted that, in some cases, additional measures such as permanent footings may be required to ensure a seasonal dock is installed in the same location each year. Staff noted that the area of Johns Pond in question has a rocky and gravelly substrate, which is not generally conducive to large freshwater mussel populations, although mussels could still be present. Questions were also raised regarding off-season storage and seasonal installation/removal of the dock. The applicant stated that the dock components would be stored under the deck and that installation/removal would involve minimal disturbance, similar to typical seasonal dock deployment. 8