07/09/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 Discussion: (Public Comment solicited for each discussion - *3 minutes per comment) • Water Quality: Issues and initiatives (ongoing discussion item) No updates were provided regarding water quality issues and initiatives. Commissioners also reported no additional comments or questions. • 61 Taurus Drive—Treatment for Wysteria The Commission discussed management of invasive wisteria on a Town-owned conservation parcel at 61 Taurus Drive following concerns raised by nearby residents. Staff reported that the invasive vines have overtaken much of the property, climbing into mature trees and threatening their health. It was explained that simply removing affected trees would not resolve the problem because the wisteria would continue to spread. Staff reviewed available treatment methods, including repeated manual cutting and targeted application of a triclopyr-based herbicide to freshly cut stems. As an initial management measure, staff plans to cut the vines at the base of affected trees during the winter to reduce stress on the trees and kill the upper growth while preserving the remaining stems for future treatment. Commissioners also discussed evidence that the parcel may have historically been used for disposal of grass clippings and yard waste, contributing to the introduction and spread of invasive species, and suggested installing signage to discourage future dumping. The discussion then broadened to the increasing spread of the southern pine beetle throughout Mashpee. Staff reported that infestations have been documented at several Town-owned conservation properties, including the Quinaquisset parking area, Mashpee Neck, Whippoorwill Circle, Horseshoe Bend Road, and Ashumet Pond, and noted that significant tree loss has also occurred at Washburn Island and other conservation lands on Cape Cod. Staff advised that regional agencies are beginning to coordinate management efforts following a recent conference on southern pine beetle control. Potential management strategies discussed included removal of infested trees, cutting or scoring bark to accelerate drying and reduce beetle survival, and sharing equipment and personnel among agencies. Trees posing a hazard to utility lines will be referred to Eversource for removal. Commissioners discussed the significant cost and logistical challenges associated with managing infestations across the Town's extensive conservation lands while noting that selective removal of infested trees could also reduce wildfire risk by interrupting canopy-to-canopy fire spread. In response to a resident's question regarding management of infested trees on private property, staff explained that treatment recommendations depend on the extent of the infestation but generally include removal of infected trees,particularly where nearby healthy pines may also become affected. Potential funding sources were briefly discussed. It was noted that broader management options for Town-owned properties would be considered when the Conservation Agent returned. 3