NRAB Minutes November 21 2011
John Duane, John Riehl, Ned Hitchcock
Meeting called to order at 7.01 pm
Ø Coastal & Ponds Access Issues
o Discussion reviewed and modified the action list of Town landings (see attached). It was recognized that a number of the landings may need substantial title verification in order to assert citizen’s rights. The next NRAB meeting would start this process by reviewing the old CPA files and 1995 HMP appendix relating to these sites. A meeting with the Town Assessor on specific issues would be the next step.
o One property (#38, Cliff Ave. on Lt Island) should be removed from the active list as it has been reclaimed due to a back tax repayment.
o It was agreed that all signs would read “Town Landing” not “Town Way to the Water” as virtually all access points are identified as landings in the 1995 HMP.
o The Board of Selectmen are meeting with the Herring River Restoration Committee on December 13. NRAB voted 3-0 to authorize the Chair to make a statement supporting citizen access to a restored Herring River for kayaking, etc: at the Dike, High Toss, Bound Brook and Route 6.
Ø JohnR and NedH reviewed the preliminary report of the MEP peer review committee. NRAB agreed (vote: 3-0) to send two questions to the peer review committee, having to do with the process of setting standards and with alternative causes of harbor degradation (sediment rather than N). The questions sent are attached.
Ø JohnD reviewed the good progress made in protecting Atlantic Menhaden populations, with the setting of substantive catch limits. Thos has been along effort: it is encouraging to see progress.
Ø NRAB voted 3-0 to authorize the Chair to prepare a 2011 Town report for NRAB.
Ø The Conservation Committee is meeting on December 7 at 4pm to discuss Gull Pond landing restoration efforts.
Ø Minutes of October 17 2011 were approved 3-0, subject to correcting some typos.
Ø Next meeting set for Monday December 19.
Ø Meeting adjourned at 8.45 pm.
Approved: John Riehl, Chair Date: December 19 2011
NRAB Coastal & Ponds Access November 21 2011
Initial Survey Summary
Ø No action Needed on Ownership & Access Rights
o 5. Fisherman’s Landing
o 8. Power’s Landing
o 13. Mayo Beach
o 17. Uncle Tim’s
o 18. Hamblen Island
o 22. Taylor Road
o 23. Indian Neck Breakwater
o M.Burton Baker Beach
o 26. Paine Hollow Road Landing
o 28. Pleasant Point Flats
o 29.Mound Street Landing
o 34. Loagy Bay (access from Shell Street)
o 37. Old Try Works
o 42., 43., 43A., 44. Newcomb’s Hollow, Cahoon’s Hollow, White Crest Beach, Maguire Landings
o 47., 48.,49.,50. Gull, Long, Great, Duck Ponds
Ø No action Needed on Ownership & Access Rights:
Post signs – Town Landing or Town Way to Water – consult MAC
o 1. Bound Brook (Way)
o 4. The Gut/Griffin Island (two needed) (Ways)
o 9. 10. 11. 12. West extensions of Mayo Beach (consider environmental limits) (Ways)
o 25. Field Point (Landing)
o 30. Sgt Howard Memorial (Way)
Ø Research & Survey for Rights
o 2. Herring River
o 6 A&B. Herring River Dike
o 7. Chequessett
o 19. Cobb’s Road
o 21. Cahoon Hollow
o 24. Hiawatha Road
o 31. 32. 33. Eastern Street & Shell Street Ways
o 35.Cannon Hill Beach
o 36. Old Wharf Road (N) – private property signs; vehicles (?)
o 38. Cliff Avenue (may have disappeared)
o 41. Hatches Creek
o 45A. Herring Pond
o Squires & Crowell Ponds
o 0 Ocean View Drive (Map 24;2-44)
Ø Projects Needed
o 16. Old Fire Barn – make kayak accessible
o 27. Pleasant Point – rebuild for easy boat access (expensive)
o 39. Pond Avenue (LtIsland NW) – ensure customary use
o 40. Meadow Avenue (LtIsland SW) – ensure customary use
o 46. Sluiceway – environmental repair & limits
o 47. Gull Pond Landing – erosion repair & limits
o 48. & 49. Long & Great Pond Landings – regular maintenance
o North-east corner of Long Pond (map 16-649)
o 50. Duck Pond Landing – repair path; erosion repair & limits at beach
o Squires & Crowells – signs and visitor access
Ø Various Other Actions
o 45. Williams Pond – conservation land
o Herring River restoration – landings at the Dike, High Toss, Bound Brook, Rt 6
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