Committee advances Memorial Beach MVP grant work and targeted weed mapping in coves

The advisory committee reviewed Memorial Beach planning and weed-mapping strategies during its Jan. 28 meeting and confirmed budget adjustments proposed to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC).

Chair Laura Henze Russell said the CPC proposal was adjusted to increase the historical sign budget for Lake Massapoag to $7,000 and to add $1,000 specifically for BioBase weed mapping in two coves. DPW engineering staff (Sonal and Kyle) are preparing a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant application related to the Memorial Beach project.

Committee members discussed producing color-coded depth and weed-density maps for the two coves with the heaviest invasive-weed concentrations and noted the option to obtain quotes for mapping the entire lake at a later time. The group also considered community events—a spring 'Wake the Lake' to complement a fall 'Rake the Lake', a photography or art exhibit, and student-led planning competitions—to build engagement around the Watershed-Based Plan.

Separately, the committee discussed Community Center Beach water-quality concerns after previous high E. coli readings. Suzi Peck proposed dye testing to examine potential hydrologic connections between nearby wetlands or historical animal operations and the beach; the committee agreed to compile historical animal-operation data and consult property owners where appropriate.

Next steps: finalize the MVP grant submission with DPW, secure BioBase mapping for the two coves, and develop outreach events and educational materials to broaden participation.