Public Meeting Set on Future of Mattapoisett Bogs

The Buzzards Bay Coalition will begin a permitting process this fall to restore natural wetlands at a former cranberry bog, and the public is invited to hear all about it.

The outdoor presentation is set for Tuesday, Sept. 15, with a rain date on Sept. 17, at 4 p.m. at The Bogs on Acushnet Road in Mattapoisett. The coalition has a plan in place to restore wetlands and improve trails at the popular conservation area that's part of the Mattapoisett River Reserve.

The coalition acquired the 220-acre property from Decas Cranberry Company following their agreement with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to permanently retire the cranberry bogs and restore natural wetlands on the property.

GZA Engineering has been designing the ecological restoration project in conjunction with the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration and the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. Wetland restoration will be primarily focused on the 57 acres of retired cranberry bogs on Acushnet Road.

The design incorporates input from Coalition partners and the public. It shows trail linkages that will improve public recreation opportunities, water quality and wildlife habitat. Neighbors and recreational site users are encouraged to come out and hear about the project.

The Buzzards Bay Coalition is a membership-supported non-profit dedicated to the protection, restoration, and sustainable use and enjoyment of Buzzards Bay and its watershed.