Friends of Bass River seeks study funding for living-shoreline work at Indian Lands

Rick Bishop, executive director of the Friends of Bass River, asked the Dennis Conservation Commission on July 16 for approval to proceed with a comprehensive three-phase study of erosion at the Indian Lands recreation and historic area.

Bishop said the site is in “very, very difficult condition” after recent storms and sea-level impacts that toppled an estimated 22 trees and created a new sandbar affecting navigation. He told the commission the group has an agreement with Time Bond Engineering to conduct phase 1 (hydrodynamics and hydrology analysis), with phases 2 and 3 (design solutions and permitting) to follow if CPC funding is available. Bishop said phase 1 is funded by a private Yarmouth resident.

"We have put forth an agreement with Time Bond Engineering to do a absolutely comprehensive study of the conditions there and understanding what can be done," Bishop said.

Staff and commissioners welcomed the proposal but emphasized the constraints on in-place structures. A staff member cautioned that the commission would not permit hard structures on town conservation land and recommended soft‑structure approaches such as living‑shoreline techniques, stakes, or core logs; the staffer also urged that any access for construction be by barge to avoid driving equipment across Indian Lands. Commissioners pressed Bishop on who would fund long‑term maintenance if a physical intervention were required; Bishop said that would be addressed in later phases and that he has prior experience with similar living‑shoreline installations elsewhere.

Commissioners also noted permitting considerations and the need to coordinate with other towns: Bishop said the town of Yarmouth holds a dredging license that covers portions of the river, and he could not promise timelines for dredging actions by Yarmouth. The commission encouraged the Friends of Bass River to proceed with the initial study and to return with detailed designs and permitting plans if phases 2 or 3 are needed.

Next steps: the commission voiced preliminary support for the study; staff will expect the Friends of Bass River to present progress updates and to coordinate on access, permitting and funding options as the study advances.