Critical Planning Committee
Bay/Pond Beaches
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Eastham Town Hall
Present: Loretta Neilsen, Beverly Fallstrom, Ed Sedloch, Joan Sullivan
The minutes of the June 26th meeting were read and approved.
The letter to the Selectmen regarding the lack of information regarding Eastham taxpayer parking at Nauset Light and Coast Guard beaches when purchasing beach stickers was approved.
Loretta informed us that the presentation by Coastal Engineering and Planning and Florida scheduled for Wednesday, July 9th had been cancelled. Loretta will speak to the Town Administrator regarding the reasons for this.
Ed Sedloch stated that there was a possibility that there may be changes to the proposed Thumpertown staircase, i.e. the platform would be enlarged and benches added. This would require a redesign and Conservation Committee approval. We will inquire as to this possibility. We were concerned these changes could delay the construction.
Ed will investigate the possibility of land ownership next to the the Thumpertown parking area for possible additional spots.
Ed and Bev both stated that the Thumpertown beach area was improved. The staircase had been extensively repaired, a new, large and welcoming sign greeting visitors was placed at the entrance and the beach was clean. However, the sand on the bank was gray and contained chunks of asphalt, wood and rocks.
At Campground the sand was of good quality. The beach attendant was noted picking up litter in the parking lot.
Joan and Loretta reported that at Camp Ground a roving attendant stated she was ticketing cars without stickers. Fine is $50. There were stones and asphalt pieces on the beach. At Sunken Meadow there were no rocks on the beach. Neither had new signs. At Great Pond a lifeguard was in attendance. Wiley Park beach looked just beautiful. The new sand has created a much enlarged beach area. Hydro raking during the winter had cleaned the swimming area of weeds. An attractive rail fence to contain the poison ivy lines the beach area and the entrance paths. The new docks have been installed. The lifeguards stated these were a major improvement in monitoring the area and in giving swimming lessons.
There were 2 suggestions for further improvement for Wiley Park.
Hydro raking should include all the area up to the side edges of the pond.
The entrance to Wiley needs sprucing up. Loretta suggested leveling an area of 20 to 30 on either side of the entrance, removing all the dead trees, branches, etc. and planting native plants. This would make the entire entrance area more inviting and noticeable. Loretta thought the Forest Arboretum committee would be willing to do the planting.
It was also noted that Steve Buckhoff of Seaside Arborists had donated 2 days of work last year to clearing areas of Wiley. He had never received a letter of thanks from the town.
Joe and Gerry Mistretta had sent an e-mail regarding First Encounter. The beach signs were partially blocked by trees at the entrance. There are still paper “keep off the dunes” signs, torn and tattered. There seems to be lots of stones and pebbles on the beach. Bike racks at all the beaches need attention. At First Encounter they are inadequate for heavy days.
The Committee discussed the National Park sign on route 6 that almost always says Nauset Full, Marconi Open. Is this situation affecting the town economy? Is the sign driving visitors to Wellfleet? We will look into this question.
All members agreed that the bay beaches have suffered more erosion over the winter. At high tide the beach sitting area is very limited.
The next meeting will be Thursday, July 17th, 10 am at the Town Hall. All committee members will revisit beaches now that the season has officially opened.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Sullivan
| 
