Wellfleet Conservation Commission discusses CPC grants, turtle fencing and routine business; sets July 15 calendar

After closing the hearings, the Wellfleet Conservation Commission convened its business meeting where members reviewed jurisdictional opinions, grant opportunities and several conservation items.

Commissioners approved an after-the-fact jurisdictional opinion concerning tree removal on a heavily wooded lot where more than three trees were removed; staff had inspected the site to determine whether the removals fell within the commission’s jurisdiction. The commission approved moving forward with the jurisdictional opinion.

Commissioners discussed the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) grant round opening July 15 and closing October 30 and estimated that open-space reserves could total on the order of $100,000–$200,000 (one speaker also cited a $150,000 figure). Members encouraged applicants to pursue matching funds (the Wellfleet Oyster Alliance and other partners were mentioned) for a sediment-transport or nourishment study to better manage beach and creek nourishment.

The commission also discussed proposals for temporary low fencing at the head of Duck Creek to keep turtles from wandering into Route 6 and nearby garages. Commissioners said seasonal temporary fencing (under 180 days) generally would not require permitting and could be reviewed as a jurisdictional opinion; they discussed visual impacts and preferred more naturalistic waddle-style fencing over orange plastic mesh.

The commission approved minutes as amended and confirmed its next meeting for July 15. A motion to adjourn carried unanimously.