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I <br /> Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission <br /> 16 Great Neck Road North <br /> Mashpee, MA 02649 <br /> Discussion: (Public Comment solicited for each discussion - *3 minutes per comment) <br /> c Water Quality: Issues and initiatives(ongoing discussion item) <br /> Mr. Colombo reported that he had been notified by a resident that the north shore of Wakeby Pond was <br /> experiencing a significant cyanobacteria bloom. Photographs of the bloom were provided to the Chair for display <br /> and review. It was noted that the public boat ramp had recently opened and that increased boating activity, <br /> combined with rising temperatures, may have contributed to turnover within the water column and the resulting <br /> bloom conditions. <br /> It was observed that the timing was similar to conditions experienced at approximately the same time the previous <br /> year. It was reported that Mashpee Pond remained clear at present, but that the monitoring organization responsible <br /> for tracking pond conditions had been notified of the situation at Wakeby Pond. It was further noted that Wakeby <br /> Pond is often the first pond to experience these conditions and concern was expressed that similar issues could soon <br /> develop elsewhere. <br /> Additional comments were made regarding algae growth observed in other local water bodies, including Johns <br /> Pond and Santuit Pond, with commissioners noting that warm weather and increased boating activity can accelerate <br /> algae development. <br /> Administrative Approval Request—10 Triton Way—Vista pruning outside of the <br /> normal time restriction, and bird nesting survey. <br /> Lauren Taylor of Crawford Land Management appeared on behalf of the applicant regarding a request to conduct <br /> previously approved vista pruning work, outside the Town's seasonal restriction period. Ms. Taylor explained that <br /> the underlying vista management project had been approved approximately one month earlier and that the applicant <br /> was seeking authorization to perform the pruning work during the summer rather than waiting until the normal <br /> pruning window. <br /> Ms. Taylor stated that the Town's regulations generally prohibit vista pruning between March I and November I <br /> unless authorization is granted by the Commission. In support of the request, a bird nesting survey had been <br /> conducted. She reported that she performed a site walk of the entire project area, visually inspecting all vegetation <br /> proposed for management and finding no active bird nests. In addition, she conducted visual and auditory <br /> observations from within the project area for approximately ten minutes and reported observing a single osprey <br /> flying overhead and hearing a song sparrow on an adjacent property. No evidence of nesting activity was identified <br /> within the work area. <br /> Ms. Taylor stated that all pruning work would be completed by hand and that crews would proceed carefully and <br /> stop work immediately if any nests or nesting activity were discovered, notifying Conservation staff as necessary. <br /> She indicated that the applicant was requesting permission to proceed this summer so the property owner could <br /> enjoy the benefits of the vista management work during the current season. <br /> 2 <br />