07/09/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 • Herring Warden Staff provided an update on the annual herring outmigration. It was reported that herring fry and juvenile fish are actively migrating from the Mashpee River, Santuit River, and Johns Pond. Due to ongoing drought conditions and declining water levels at Johns Pond, the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) authorized the temporary installation of boards to retain water while allowing continued fish passage. Staff reported that water levels are being monitored regularly to balance habitat needs with the outmigration. It was also reported that several fallen trees were observed near the Mashpee fish ladder. With the exception of one tree removed by the Department of Public Works after it obstructed water flow, the remaining trees have not impeded fish passage and may provide additional protection from predators. It was explained that the southern outlet from Johns Pond to the Childs River is currently inactive. It was also reported that a proposed Community Preservation Committee (CPC)-funded hydrology assessment of Johns Pond and Mill Pond is under consideration. If approved, the multi-year study would evaluate hydrologic conditions affecting the ponds and the Childs River and would include PFAS testing. • Harbor Management Committee No update was provided. • Mashpee River Restoration An update was provided on the Mashpee River Restoration Project. Recent public interest has focused on the proposed restoration of the Mashpee River Fish Ladder and the potential effects on Mill Pond. Under the original restoration concept, the river would be returned to a naturally flowing condition, eliminating the existing impoundment and resulting in the loss of Mill Pond as it currently exists. In response to public concerns, Tighe & Bond has been directed to prepare two fully engineered restoration alternatives for consideration. One alternative would restore the river to a free-flowing system without Mill Pond, while the second would retain Mill Pond through engineered water-control measures while still meeting the project's ecological restoration goals. Funding has been secured for the permitting phase of the project, and preparation of the engineered alternatives is underway. Once completed, both alternatives will be evaluated by the project team and presented for public review before a preferred alternative is selected and advanced through the permitting process. It was noted that no final decision has been made regarding the preferred restoration approach. 9