Herring River Restoration Project

Early planning (2006)

The following minutes suggest that the planning group for the Herring River Restoration Project was hard at work 17 years ago (in 2006). Gordon Peabody was the chair. John Portnoy, the inspiration for this project, was there.

Herring River Technical Committee 01/03/06

Herring River Restoration Project
Technical Committee
Meeting Minutes 01/03/06

Attendees:  John Portnoy, Stephen Spear, Joel Fox, Andy Koch, Jack Whalen, Carl Breivogel, John Riehl, Gordon Peabody, Diane Murphy, Robert Hubby and Tim Smith.

Chair Gordon Peabody called the meeting to order at 1:15 pm. He stated the objective of this meeting was to approve the final draft which will be sent to the Board of Selectmen.

The Frequently asked questions were revised.

Gordon Peabody motioned to approve the meeting minutes of December 20, 2005 with amendments; so moved by Robert Hubby; seconded by Joel Fox; passed 11-0.

There were no public comments.

Chair Peabody suggested the following sequence for the report:
  1. Synopsis
  2. Recommendation by the Committee
  3. 40 questions and answers
  4. Questions that will be answered in the future (stake holders issues regarding management)
  5. Bibliography
It was noted the Chair of the stakeholders committee, Peter Watts, was given a copy of the draft and was invited to attend this meeting.

The synopsis was reviewed in depth and edited. Chair Peabody motioned to approve the "Under currently diked conditions" and "With tidal restoration" portion of the report with amendments; moved by John Riehl; seconded by Robert Hubby; passed unanimously.

The "Basic conceptual approach" portion of the synopsis was reviewed and edited. Chair Peabody motioned for an approval with amendments; moved by John Riehl; seconded by Robert Hubby; passed unanimously.

In reviewing the Table of Contents, it was decided to include additional literature and bibliography materials; therefore, the Table of Contents will be in the following sequence:
  1. Synopsis
  2. Recommendation
  3. Responses to Technical Questions
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. Suggested Additional Publications
  6. Tidal Wetland Bibliography
A signature page will also be included with the report of all participating committee members.

The question and answers section was reviewed and amendments were suggested. Chair Peabody motioned to approve; moved by Robert Hubby; seconded by Joel Fox; passed unanimously.

Ten (10) copies of the report will be delivered to Linda Smulligan, Secretary for the Board of Selectmen. Robert Hubby. John Portnoy, Stephen Spear and Gordon Peabody will review the report prior to the delivery. Gordon Peabody will make the presentation to the Board of Selectmen on January 10, 2006. He encouraged members of the committee to attend the meeting if possible.

He alerted the committee members to use careful judgment if approached by the press and not speak as the committee unless the comments repeated are specific elements, conclusions or recommendations already voted on by the committee process. In the event Gordon Peabody is not available for further follow up with the Selectmen, Robert Hubby, Vice Chair will represent the committee. If the report is approved by the Board of Selectmen, there will be a Wellfleet Forum regarding the management issues.

Robert Hubby moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:10 pm; seconded by John Riehl; unanimously passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Christine Bates

Source: Wellfleet website

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