Plans are moving forward to replace or improve three public boat ramps in Pembroke, although environmental requirements could affect the construction schedule at one location.
The town is planning improvements to the boat ramps at Stetson Pond, Furnace Pond and the Town Landing at Oldham Pond. Funding for the projects was approved through the Community Preservation Act.
During an Aug. 24 interview, Town Manager Bill Chenard said the Stetson Pond and Furnace Pond projects are expected to go out to bid soon. Construction is anticipated to take approximately six to eight weeks, with completion expected by early November.
The schedule for the Oldham Pond boat ramp is less certain because the town must comply with environmental protections involving freshwater mussels in the area. The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has established conditions intended to protect the Eastern Pond Mussel.
Those conditions require the town to hire a MassWildlife-approved biologist who holds a Commercial Scientific Collection Permit. The work must take place between June 1 and Oct. 1.
If the biologist discovers any Eastern Pond Mussels within two feet of the construction area, the mussels must be relocated outside the work zone. The biological survey must be completed immediately before construction begins.
Plans for the Oldham Pond boat ramp were revised following a meeting of the Pembroke Conservation Commission. Residents expressed concern that the original design was too small and would provide only a temporary solution because it did not address the rear of the ramp spreading outward and being undermined.
Following that discussion, an additional eight-foot section was added to the design to create a larger and more useful boat-launching platform.
In a subsequent conversation, Chenard said the required biologist had been hired. The town hopes to put the Oldham Pond project out to bid soon and expects the contract-awarding process to take approximately two weeks.
If the bidding, environmental review and construction processes proceed as expected, town officials hope Pembroke residents will have a new Oldham Pond boat ramp before Oct. 1.
The condition of the existing ramp has generated concern among some boat owners. Several residents have reported damage to their boat trailers caused by a drop-off near the end of the ramp.
Chenard said town officials are aware of at least one recently reported case. Owners whose trailers have been damaged may file claims with their insurance companies. Those claims would then be reviewed through the town’s insurance process.
Temporary repairs, such as placing stone near the drop-off, are not permitted because of the protected mussels and the environmental restrictions covering their habitat. Until the town receives guidance from environmental specialists, officials cannot disturb the area.
Posting a warning sign at the ramp is one possible interim measure under consideration. A sign could alert boaters to the drop-off and the potential risk of trailer damage.
Once construction dates have been established, the town is expected to notify pond abutters and others who use the ramps before access is closed or restricted. Information will be posted on the town’s website and may also be discussed during public meetings and shared through local news outlets.
The projects are intended to provide safer and more accessible launching areas for residents who use Pembroke’s ponds.
