Applicant asks CPC to fund feasibility study to address shoreline erosion at Indian Lands (Bass River)

Rick Bishop presented an application to the Community Preservation Committee seeking funds for a Phase 1b feasibility review of the Indian Lands Recreation Area on the Bass River. Bishop told the committee the site is "in very bad condition," has lost feet of shoreline annually, and has recently seen fences and trees fall into the river.

Bishop said a local resident contributed $50,000 to complete a Phase 1a baseline conditions assessment (field data collection, bathymetric and topographic surveys and coastal-process analysis). Phase 1b, which he asked the CPC to fund, would include a needs assessment, alternatives development and hydraulic modeling; later phases would produce conceptual designs and probable construction costs.

Committee members and the presenter discussed permitting and landowner consent: the study is fundable under the CPC as a rehabilitation/study activity, but any construction work on non-town property would require permission from the landowner. Bishop said he had not yet sought a preliminary DEP opinion because he lacked the survey data needed to present to state agencies.

During public comment, Josh (self-identified) said he often uses the river, questioned whether a 30-day survey would capture long-term variability and urged a more comprehensive plan rather than piecemeal fixes. "I just have a hard time making this work in my head," he said, asking for clearer documentation and expressing concern that the project could balloon in cost.

Bishop replied that the revised application and additional documentation should answer many questions and offered to meet with residents individually. He said at least one state program (massCERP/MassCEC referenced colloquially in the meeting) had informally expressed support for the approach and that prior Bass River projects had secured large state grants.

The committee planned to vote on the application on July 23, 2026, and members asked the applicant to provide the updated application packet and to coordinate with conservation and the select board as required.

What’s next: The CPC will consider the application on July 23; if the study is funded, subsequent design and construction work would require landowner permission and additional state and local permits.