Now that the Marion Conservation Commission has jurisdiction over the maintenance of Sprague’s Cove, the commission’s administrative assistant, Lissa Magauran, told the ConCom on July 24 that she has had some visitors in the office inquiring about whether or not dogs are permitted there, given its proximity to Silvershell Beach where dogs are not allowed during the summer months.
Since benches have been placed in the area presumably to provide elderly dog walkers with a place to rest, the question has come up about whether dogs are even allowed at Sprague’s Cove. One resident, said Magauran, reported that she had informed one person that dogs were not allowed.
“She didn’t know what the rule was, and I just said I would ask ConCom if they were okay with dogs in the winter (same time span as beach),” Magauran said. “Her fear was that if dogs are in there pooping and whatever, it may somehow go into those little ponds and when they empty out, if the bacteria count is high, then the beach would be closed.”
Doubrava pointed out that the commission manages the maintenance of the wetlands, including the eradication of invasive phragmites, but the overall management of Sprague’s Cove fell under the authority of the Board of Selectmen. He suggested asking the selectmen for clarification.
Commission member Shaun Walsh, however, thought differently.
“Of course dogs are allowed in that area year round,” said Walsh. “I guarantee there are not that many dogs defecating in that area and, that washing into those ponds – that is a stormwater treatment system. … It’s not pristine water to begin with.”
Having said that, though, he continued, dog owners must be responsible for picking up after their dogs.
According to Walsh, the main reasons for restricting dogs from Silvershell Beach is due to the public’s own enjoyment of the beach, and also the shorebirds feed and nest there and are vulnerable to being chased by dogs.
“That doesn’t apply to that grassy area around that stormwater structure,” said Walsh. “I would personally say, yes, dogs are allowed in that area year-round.”
Speaking of Sprague’s Cove, Doubrava mentioned that the commission needed to get moving on the invasive species treatment plan. The Notice of Intent for that is slated for the August 28 agenda to give enough time for approval before eradication begins in late September, the ideal time to treat phragmites.
In other matters, the commission granted a Negative 2 determination for the Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Philip Stevenson, 50 Point Road, to remove rosa rugosa and other invasive vegetation between his lawn area and a seawall and other walls. Stevenson will plant grass in place of the vegetation he removes.
Beginning in the fall, the commission will hold its regular meetings in the selectmen’s office at the Town House as it has recently become available as a meeting space, Doubrava said, mainly because it is air conditioned so relocating summer meetings to the Marion Music Hall would no longer be necessary. Furthermore, the space is handicap accessible and has a projector the commission could use for renderings during meetings.
“That would stop us from having to move back and forth,” said Doubrava.
The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for August 14 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall.
Marion Conservation Commission
By Jean Perry