PROVINCETOWN CONSERVATION COMMISSION

May 3, 2005

6:30 P.M.

Members Present: Dieter Groll, George Bryant and Brian Carlson.

Members Absent: Elaine Anderson (excused), John Santos (excused) and Paul Tasha (unexcused).

Others Present: Doug Taylor (Building Commissioner), Maxine Notaro (Permit Coordinator) and Ellen C. Battaglini (Recording Secretary).

Chair Dieter Groll called the meeting to order at 6:40 P.M.

MINUTES: March 1, 2005, March 15, 2005 and March 31, 2005 – Brian Carlson moved to approve the language as written, Dieter Groll seconded and it was so voted, 3-0.

PUBLIC STATEMENTS:

None.

DISCUSSION WITH TOR HANSEN ON PRESERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY OF BUTTERFLY SPECIES AT EVANS FIELD:

Tor Hansen presented a slide show of the changes in biodiversity that have occurred at Evans Field since 1992. He spoke about how to best preserve what is there and how to manage the area as a conservation meadow for optimal biodiversity. He suggested that many of the willow trees that have sprouted up in the area and the profusion of loosestrife are issues that need to be addressed in order to accomplish this goal. He presented slides of several species of butterflies that he has observed at Evans Field.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE – DISCUSSION OF FLORA AND FAUNA

Stephen Smith, plant ecologist for the National Seashore, spoke about how to eradicate and control the growth of purple loosestrife in the Seashore and surrounding Provincetown. Purple loosestrife threatens to crowd out any other species of plants in the area in which it grows. He spoke about the potential of biological control, more specifically the Galerucella beetle. This beetle feeds on the purple loosestrife and when the loosestrife has been eaten, the beetle dies out. This kind of control has been successful in other areas and the National Seashore intends to conduct their own test. He believes that the loosestrife infestation in the Seashore and its environs is still at such a manageable stage that introducing beetles could solve the problem. The test site will be Great Pond. There will be 10,000 beetles released and the vegetation will be monitored annually.

Nancy Finley, Chief of Natural Resources spoke about the interaction between the National Seashore and the Conservation Commission. She submitted a draft letter to the Commission addressing the topic from Acting Superintendent George E. Price, Jr.

OTHER BUSINESS:

The septic system at Race Point Lighthouse was discussed. The Commission decided that Chair Dieter Groll would write a letter to Jim Walker to request his appearance before the Commission to discuss the matter.

Graham Geiss, coastal geomorphologist, will address the Commission regarding the breach at Herring Cove beach.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be on May 17, 2005.

ADJOURNMENT:

Brian Carlson moved to adjourn at 9:30 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Ellen C. Battaglini

Approved by ________________________________ on _____________, 2005

Dieter Groll and Elaine Anderson, Co-Chairs