Mashpee’s Annual Town Meeting will take place on May 1st at 7 PM. An important issue on the table is the expansion of buffer zones and naturally vegetated buffer strips. Voting yes to increase buffer zones from 100 to 150 feet, and naturally vegetated buffer strips from 50 to 75 feet would provide a much-needed added protection to our waterways. In the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, buffer zones are already 200+ feet statewide.

Scientists agree that increased buffer zones reduce the flow of phosphorus, nitrogen, and other pollutants into our waterways. We have all seen the impacts that increased nitrogen has had on Mashpee’s waters. The algae blooms that have resulted in our ponds, rivers and bays can be detrimental to the ecosystem and harmful when in contact with humans. The towns water quality is deteriorating and will continue to do so if changes are not made.

The New York Times has referred to Mashpee’s waters as a “Toxic Stew”. We must all do our part as stewards of this land to preserve our homelands for generations to come. A workshop will be held at the Mashpee Town Hall on April 4th at 5 PM that will go over this topic more in depth and answer any questions community members may have. All are welcome to attend.

To keep up with the status of Mashpee’s waters, specifically Mashpee Wakeby Pond, and how to better protect them, please visit www.savemashpeewakeby.org