Minutes
Open Space committee
Sept 1, 2015
Those Present: Nancy Rea, Chair, Tom Slack, Bruce Hurter, Nancy Golden, Bob Jackson, Liz McDonald,
Guests: Denny O’ Connell, WCT; Brian Carlson, Asst.Town Adm.
Agenda approved
Minutes of Aug Meeting: Approved with corrections.
Reports
Chair: Nancy Rea. There has been further discussion with the Wright family regarding sale of Town property to neighbors wishing to rebuild the retaining wall in front of their property. They are discussing the issue with other appropriate committees and further action from OSC may be necessary if a new warrant is to be presented at next TM.
OSC member are being asked to volunteer with other committees to participate in a “Coastal Sweep” clean up along the entire length of the Wellfleet Bay waterfront to be held on Sept. 26.
A new fiscal year started in July with our budget balance at $3000.
Vice Chair: Tom Slack. Report from NRAB. More discussion with Barbara Wright (see above). Their concern is with preservation of marshland in Blackfish Creek bordering the property and that the property deed should ensure full citizen access to the beach. At its Nov 17, 2014 meeting the NRAB had voted 4-0 in favor of the sale pending conditions listed in attached document from John Reihl, Chair.
Discussion of dredging of Wellfleet Harbor and some proposals to study the science of particle deposition and ways of reducing the rate of deposition after dredging is completed.
Standing Assignments
Trail Guides--Lynn putting together new packets.
Liaison Reports
WCT: Bruce Hurter, Denny O’Connell. Drummer Cove Link Lot capital campaign underway to raise funds to reimburse the Trust.
Annual WCT walk on 9/12/15 starting at Lecount Hollow parking lot.
WCT cosponsoring with APCC a program on climate change and sea level rise. A film produced by APCC to be shown at Salt Pond Visitors Center on 9/26 at 2pm.
Friends of the Herring River: Lynn Southey.
Final interviews are taking place for the appointment of an Executive Director, Friends of Herring River.
The FHR annual town meeting was held August 18th and was well attended. Guest speakers were Ed DeWitt, executive director, APCC, Ethan Estey, the herring warden, and Nils Wiberg of Fuss & O’Neill. Don Palladino gave the status of the project and plans going forward. The presentation of the status of the project can be viewed on the FHR website: www.friendsofherringriver.org as can the plans for the Chequessett Neck Road dike.
On August 4th at a ceremony at the dike, Secretary Beaton, accompanied by state officials, Senator Dan Wolf and Superintendent George Price, announced the award of a $1 million grant from the Division of Ecological Restoration for the continued planning and design in the coming year. A similar amount is expected from NOAA.
John Portnoy discovered a booklet entitled “Our Cape Cod Salt Marshes” by Dorothy Sterling written in 1976 and published by APCC, an amazingly accurate account of the history of the river, the dike and the effects of cutting off the tide. APCC has given permission for it to be put on the FHR website.
Next meeting: September 11, 8:00 am at Friends of Herring River Office.
Don Palladino recognized with an award for all his efforts .
Old Business. Update of Open Space Plan. Nancy and Brian working on final draft. A public hearing on the plan will be scheduled after it is shared with the Board of Selectmen.
Properties for consideration
See minutes from last 2 meetings regarding Map and lot numbers chosen for Conscom protection.
Next Meeting: Oct 6, 2015
Respectfully submitted: Tom Slack, Sec.