Freshwater health took center stage at the latest Conservation Commission meeting, where regional experts revealed that the environmental quality of Yarmouth’s ponds carries a significant price tag for homeowners. Erin Perry, Deputy Director of the Cape Cod Commission, and Natural Resource Manager Heather Mroy presented a comprehensive strategy for managing the 890 freshwater ponds across the Cape, highlighting that Yarmouth's kettle hole ponds are part of a globally unique ecosystem. Perry shared a striking economic find: homes situated near ponds with clear water command a sales premium of over $22,000 compared to those near water plagued by algal issues. Homes near a pond with clear water will sell or rent for more than similar homes near a pond with algal issues, Perry told the commission. That sales price premium is over $22,000.

The strategy focuses on mitigating threats from excess nutrients, invasive species, and climate change. Mroy introduced a new data portal and restoration project viewer designed to help towns track management actions. She emphasized the importance of maintaining natural buffers between development and the water's edge. Ideally you have no development in that first 100 feet to a water body, Mroy said, adding that natural litter should remain where it falls to support a healthy ecosystem. One commission member, Jack, advocated for local priorities, stating, I want to congratulate you on pursuing the freshwater initiative. I would like to make a case for Long Pond in Yarmouth to get on your monitoring list. Fellow commissioner Pat praised the technical resources provided to the town, noting, I really like your fact sheets, especially regarding permeable reactive barriers. The town DPW has been looking for locations for that because of available grant funding.

In a major financial win for local conservation efforts, staff member Britney announced that the town has secured a $327,000 state land grant. These funds are earmarked for the acquisition of 3.14 acres of land adjacent to the historic Taylor Bray Farm, further expanding protected open space in the community.

Infrastructure repairs also dominated the agenda, specifically regarding the Great Island Road Bridge. Bob Perry of Cape Cod Engineering detailed a plan for the second phase of repairs to the aging structure, which has recently been overwashed during high tides. The work involves pressure-grouting voids in the stone abutments and installing steel plates to distribute weight safely. The mission here is the grouting of voids observed beneath the road surface, Perry explained, noting that the repairs are a stopgap measure intended to last five to ten years until a full bridge replacement can be coordinated. Motion Made by J. Commissioner to approve with conditions including observation until grout is set, work limits restricted to the pavement edge, and sandbags placed only on riprap. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The commission also greenlit the relocation of Pumping Station #2 at 280 Route 28, a move prompted by a previous Town Meeting request. Mike Judicy of CDM Smith explained that the new site is more resilient and environmentally friendly. The relocation results in less impact to resource areas, Judicy said. There's no impact to the 35-foot no-disturb zone or the 50-foot buffer zone. We are 3 feet above the 100-year flood elevation. However, the plan hit a minor snag regarding landscaping. Britney pointed out a botanical conflict in the proposed plantings, noting that red cedar shouldn't be planted with Amelanchier species because of rust. It requires both species to complete its life cycle. Motion Made by J. Commissioner to approve with conditions: revised planting plan swapping out service berry, submission of a dewatering detail, and 6-inch clearance below the stockade fence. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

Several private property owners faced scrutiny over unpermitted work within conservation buffers. Leonard Orlando, appearing for 17 Wild Rose Terrace, sought after-the-fact permission for a fire pit and gravel pad. I had no idea that this wasn't conforming with the 100-foot buffer zone, Orlando admitted. Britney directed the removal of landscape plastic from the area to allow for proper naturalization. Motion Made by P. Commissioner to continue to November 20th for plan revisions. Motion Passed (3-0-0). Similarly, at 61 Pheasant Cove Circle, George Davis presented a plan for a home addition, but the commission flagged an unpermitted boardwalk stretching into the wetlands. Britney noted, There is a walkway out into the wetland that is not permitted. The homeowners will have to remove it or include it on the future NOI. The Chair echoed these concerns, stating, I would not approve that boardwalk as it is. It would have to be higher so it's not destroying the vegetation. Motion Made by J. Commissioner to issue a Negative 3 determination with conditions: the unpermitted boardwalk must be removed or properly permitted by April 1st. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

Other property improvements were sanctioned with specific environmental requirements. At 86 Uncle Roberts Road, Deacon Crocker was permitted to clear invasive species. I thought it was a good opportunity to clean the area of invasive species and plant a lot of natives, Crocker said. Motion Made by P. Commissioner for a Negative 2 and 3 determination. Motion Passed (3-0-0). At 19 Channel Point Drive, Bart Leinsky successfully proposed a new patio, provided it uses permeable materials. The homeowners are interested in creating a buffer but not limiting views, Leinsky said. Motion Made by J. Commissioner for a Negative 2 determination with conditions: use of permeable pavers and an updated plant list. Motion Passed (3-0-0). Finally, Harry Stroud received conditional approval for deck extensions at Whitmir Road, provided a professional planting plan is submitted. Motion Made by J. Commissioner for a Negative 3 determination with the condition that a revised, professional planting plan be submitted to staff. Motion Passed (3-0-0). Ellie, who was present for all proceedings, joined her colleagues in the unanimous support of these environmental protections.