Progress Report
PR #3 - August 1997

Major accomplishments of the Three Bay Organization since its inception:

1. We have been certified by the I.R.S. as a charitable organization as described under Section 501(C) (3), contributions to us are tax deductible beginning December 4, 1996.
2. We have appointed a Technical Committee to advise us on coastal management, water quality, and on our embayments ecosystem, The Technical Committee is comprised of.
   • Dr. Dale Saad, Marine Biologist - Town of Barnstable Health Department
   • George Hampson, Oceanograpber & Marine Biologist - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
   • Brian Howes, Marine Biologist - Woods Hole Oceanographic institution & University of Massachusetts
3. We have tentative approval of our permit from the Town Conservation Commission and we hope to expedite the Federal and State dredging permits. Our goal is to obtain the necessary permits in time to start dredging in November, 1997. Our original plan to dredge Cotuit Bay to obtain sand to repair the Dead Neck breach is going forward as planned. Repairing the breach will restore nesting areas for the terns and plovers, plus protect the Seapuit River. Taking the material from the Cotuit Bay channels to repair the breach will also help to improve the flushing action in Cotuit Bay and other bays and coves that feed into Cotuit Bay.
4. We have expanded our Board of Directors who will represent our interests in a wider area and also increase the knowledge and expertise of our board. The eight board members are:
   • William Gahagan, President - Oyster Harbors
   • Robert Gill, Vice President - Little Island
   • Elizabeth Hornor, Treasurer - Eel River Road
   • Christopher Leahy - Massachusetts Audubon Society
   • Jaci Barton - Barnstable Land Trust and Cotuit Representative
   • Gail Canzano - Eel River Representative
   • Robert Kjoller - Owner of Osterville House and Gardens
   • Rick Wrightson - Oyster Harbors
5. We are starting a public awareness program to inform the town residents of the three bays and two coves pollution problems and possible ways to minimize pollution at its source. For example, it has come to light that the major problem in Princes and Warren Coves and North Bay is excessive nitrogen loading. High nitrogen content in the water significantly increases algae growth which eats up the oxygen and is unhealthy for our waters.
6. We have a very necessary fund raising drive underway. The following interested residents have offered to act as fund solicitors:
   • Paul Kaneb
   • David Rockwood
   • Rick Wrightson
   • Holbrook Davis
   • Paul Kalat

   Our goal is to raise $2,000,000 to accomplish the following:

   • Rebuild Dead Neck Barrier Island to the 100 year period storm design.
   • Continue to find ways to improve the flushing return of Cotuit Bay, North Bay and Princes and Warren Coves.
   • Work with the Town to locate sources of the nutrients entering our embayment and what should be done to minimize them.
   • Keep our local homeowners informed of the Three Bays Preservation, Inc. activities and the health of our estuary.

We would be glad to hear from anyone who would like to help in this area. Please feel free to write or call us with any questions or offers to help or contribute.