Critical Planning Committee
Bay/Pond Beaches
Thursday, September 26, 2008
Eastham Town Hall
Present: CPC members - Bob Smith, Joan Sullivan
Volunteers - Fred Rollinson, Joe Mistretta, Gerry Mistretta, Beverly Fallstrom, Loretta Neilsen,
Also present: Tom Lapham, Bruce Whitmore, Russ French, Aimee Eckman, Georgia Hawko, Ken Ainsworth
The minutes of the August 28th meeting were approved.
On the issue of cigarettes on the beaches, Georgia Hawko and Bruce Whitmore of the Eastham Forum Beach Cleanup Committee reported. Georgia produced a bag of litter she had collected this morning from First Encounter Beach showing cigarette butts, plastic, old shoes etc. She stated that the beach monitors had found that debris this summer was not excessive due no doubt to the visibility to beach goers of the clean up team. There were very few recyclable cans picked up. As smoking has decreased everywhere, so have the butts. Georgia stated that holes dug in the sand and unfilled were a menace to walkers.
Bob Smith said there are smoke free beaches all over the country including in Massachusetts. He suggested Googling “smoke free beaches” to learn more. Cigarette butts are a hazard not just to children but to turtles and fish. He will keep us abreast of this issue.
Tom Lapham noted that in recent years there were fewer cigarettes on beaches and fewer night beach parties as well. He noted that that the parking lots were clear of litter. (Our suggestion to have attendants pick up litter upon arrival was implemented this summer.)
Joan reported that with the increase in the cost of most beach permits this summer revenue was up even though the number sold was down. Many tickets were issued on cars parking without permits.
Regarding poison ivy, the National Seashore uses Roundup very sparingly but when necessary. In sensitive areas it is dug up during the winter months when least active. Garlon 3A was used at Fort Hill for invasive broad leaf species. Loretta is going to ask Henry Lind about dealing with the problem on the walking trails at Wiley Park.
The letter suggesting an improvement at the entrance to Wiley Park was sent to the Selectmen. Aimee Eckman stated this would need Conservation Commission approval and was perhaps not desirable as it invited more crowds. A discussion followed on the importance of beaches for the economic life of the town. Committee members felt that Wiley Park was a pride of the town but the outside entrance doesn’t reflect that. The “landscaping” could be relatively simple, just along the town owned areas on Herringbrook and the entrance road. Some indigenous species could be planted.
The redesigned staircase at Thumpertown has been approved by the Conservation Commission and construction should start in October.
Russ French cited the need for a railing at the public stone staircase at the end of Campground Road. The stones are slippery and uneven. Several similar private staircases in the area do have railings.
Joan complimented Loretta Neilsen on the very fine display she organized at the Eastham Forum booth on Windmill Weekend on coastal erosion and our bay beaches. Despite the weather, it was very well attended.
Loretta announced that hat the annual meeting of the Eastham Forum will be held on Wednesday, October 22, at 7 pm at the Town Hall. The program will include a presentation on coastal erosion by Robert Hamilton and possible Lee Wishar of the Woodshole Group. All are urged to attend this very interesting session.
Tom Lapham then presented his paper addressing the needs, present and future, of the Eastham bay beaches. He distributed his report (attached to these minutes). He has focused on First Encounter, Campground and Cooks Brook beaches as these 3 have by far the largest parking lots and are the most utilized by residents and visitors. He rates them on cleanliness, quantity and quality of sand, beach access, bathroom facilities, sunset viewing and other conditions. He then states proposals for improvement and accountability. Among his proposals he suggests photographing conditions at low and high tide from the same GPS position 5 times a year. Sand nourishment should be of the highest quality. A supply should be maintained by the DPW and can be purchased at $150 a truck load.
Campground services 300 to 500 people per day and needs an additional porto potty. His proposals are practical and economical, involving minimal expense.
He expects to discuss his proposals at an Eastham Departmental meeting soon. He will report back at our next meeting.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, October 25, 10 am, Eastham Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Sullivan
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