The Harwich Conservation Commission cleared the way for the Kiwanis Club’s annual "Herring Run" to return to the Bell’s Neck Conservation Area this spring. Representative Mr. McManus detailed the plan for a 5K trail run and walk scheduled for April, noting that the event serves as a critical fundraiser for local students and families in need. McManus explained that proceeds will replenish scholarship funds and help replace playground equipment at Camp Dream Day in Nickerson State Park, a facility dedicated to families with disabled and terminally ill children.

To minimize the impact on the environmentally sensitive area during the start of the herring migration, the club worked with Natural Resources and neighboring businesses to coordinate logistics. McManus noted that runners will be released in five distinct cohorts to manage trail volume and that parking would be scattered across nearby private lots to avoid obstructing public access. Motion Made by W. Coulson to approve the Kiwanis Club Herring Run in April at the Bell's Neck Conservation Area. Motion Passed (6-0-0). Member V. Mulhall-Maguire voiced support for the initiative, stating, I think it's a great idea, while Member W. Coulson added, It sounds like a good plan. Best of luck with it.

Chair J. Ketchum raised specific questions regarding the timing of the event, which coincides with the start of the herring count. My only question is about herring season. It's the beginning of the season and people will be there counting. Have you talked to Natural Resources? Ketchum asked. McManus confirmed coordination with town officials and the Conservation Trust, noting the race was intentionally branded as the "Herring Run" to highlight the local ecosystem. Director Christine Flynn noted the club’s commitment to stewardship, stating the club has agreed to flag the course and clean up any trash. Member S. Cyr also confirmed logistics for participants arriving by alternative means, asking, and then you have bike parking? to which McManus confirmed the use of the nearby rail trail racks.

The Commission also addressed residential projects with specific ecological requirements. For a project at 17 Dunes Road involving an addition and mitigation plantings, the board implemented a specific restriction on landscaping. Dylan Lance of Crawford Land Management explained that the plan meets 2:1 mitigation requirements but noted that the pruning of the Rosa rugosa to the three-foot level is allowable by this permit, but additional pruning would require further permitting. Motion Made by W. Coulson to approve the notice of intent for 17 Dunes Road. Motion Passed (6-0-0). The board emphasized this limit in a separate procedural step to ensure the coastal bank remains protected. Motion Made by W. Coulson to approve the order of conditions with the additional condition that the Rosa rugosa not be pruned any lower than three feet. Motion Passed (6-0-0). Tia McGrael of Tighe & Bond confirmed that revised plans had been submitted to align with previous board feedback.

Waterfront infrastructure was also a priority, with the board finalizing the reconstruction of a joint-use dock at 31 Mil Road and 6 Burough Drive. The project, which has faced previous delays, includes the installation of an overwash bulkhead to prevent marsh slumping. Mark Burgess of Shorefront Consulting told the board, the stamped plan was signed off by Waterways at their last hearing, and you have that in front of you. Motion Made by W. Coulson to approve the plan for 31 Mil Road and 6 Burough Drive. Motion Passed (5-0-1), with one member abstaining.

In other business, the Commission continues to monitor town-wide environmental health. Member W. Coulson reported a big washout at Kelly’s Pool where the Herring River passes under the bike trail, prompting Director Flynn to commit to a site visit with natural resources staff. The board also touched on the ongoing Hinckley’s Pond restoration, which follows a 2019 alum treatment and a recent $138,000 diagnostic push. Flynn noted that water levels are being managed to facilitate fish flow from Long Pond and Seymour. Additionally, V. Mulhall-Maguire pressed for a meeting with the Highway Director to address salt and water pollution before winter maintenance begins, stating, we need to get him in here soon before he uses the excuse that he's already ordered the salt for the season.

Finally, the board tabled a request for a Certificate of Compliance at 141 Bank Street. Director Flynn explained that while a two-car garage had been completed, the required mitigation plantings were not yet established. Flynn recommended the item be moved to the spring, noting the applicant had confused the municipal certificate of occupancy with the environmental certificate of compliance.