Critical Planning Committee
Bay/Pond Beaches
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Eastham Town Hall
Present: Ed Sedloch, Beverly Fallstrom, Loretta Neilsen, Joe Mistretta, Joan Sullivan, Fred Rollinson
The minutes of the July 17th meeting were approved.
The Committee reported on the various beaches. It was noted that Nauset Light Eastham had greater utilization this year than last. Ed Sedloch had visited the assessor’s office to investigate land ownership at Thumpertown. Apparently the town land does include areas that could be used for future parking spots. When the new staircase is built (in October), Thumpertown may experience larger crowds.
Joe Mistretta reported that there were still no “stay off the dunes” signs at First Encounter. Additional bike racks are on order.
Wiley Park as has been noted previously now provides an expanded, sandy beach with attractive fencing all along the waterfront. In addition, the children’s playground, and walking trails provide great enjoyment for residents and visitors. The entrance needs improvement. Some moderate landscaping and planting of native shrubs would greatly enhance Wiley Park. The Committee voted to send a letter to the Selectmen regarding this issue.
Poison ivy is still a major problem and getting worse. Loretta Neilsen reported that a recent article in the newspaper reported that the National Park is removing broadleaf invasive plants in the Park areas. In contacting Park officials she learned they are using a chemical that goes directly to the roots and does not go into the soil or the water. Perhaps this remedy can used at Wiley Park.
The Committee discussed the banning of smoking at public beaches now being considered in Barnstable. We will contact the Forum beach cleanup group to determine if cigarettes butts are a problem in Eastham. It was the consensus of the Committee that this issue is not a priority at the present time.
Today’s Cape Cod Times reported on the private property issue at Kingsbury beach. The enforcement of private property rights is an issue the town will have to confront.
Fred Rollinson raised the issue of rock, asphalt and stones on the beaches. Much of this comes from current revetments as the sea washes over them and from erosion of the town parking lots. He suggested the town staff rake up this debris every year before the start of the summer season.
At Windmill Weekend, the Eastham Forum will have presentation by the Woods Hole Group on bay beach erosion and possible renourishment in Eastham. This is an issue of vital importance to the future of our town.
The town of Dennis is getting permits to do sand dredging for beach nourishment. Joe Mistretta will be contacting them for further information.
The next meeting of the Committee will be on Thursday, September 25th, at 10 am at the Town Hall.
The meeting adjourned at 11:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Sullivan
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