Pembroke is moving forward with a comprehensive plan to modernize its waterfront infrastructure, with preliminary designs unveiled for significant upgrades at Furnace Pond, Oldham Pond, and Stetson Pond, alongside improvements to the Laggie Preserve. Gary Delo of LKB Engineering presented the multi-site initiative to the Conservation Commission, detailing a series of projects aimed at improving accessibility and protecting pond health through stabilized boat ramps and managed parking.

The Furnace Pond project will feature a new 12-foot-wide pre-cast reinforced concrete boat ramp designed to minimize sediment tracking. Delo noted that the construction would utilize a temporary coffer dam and estimated a three-month turnaround once work begins. Addressing long-term durability, one board member asked about preventative measures for ramp erosion, noting, I've seen 10-foot scouring at the base of boat ramps from people using motors to push off. What is done to prevent this? Delo committed to investigating the addition of a longer ramp or physical speed bumps at the end of the structure to mitigate motor-related damage. Additionally, one member requested environmental safeguards, stating, I'd like to see signage for best practices for managing invasive transfer, like washing boats, so we can keep invasive species down.

At Oldham Pond, the town plans to install an ADA-compliant kayak launch and a concrete pad to ensure an accessible path for residents. The broader redevelopment includes repaving the beach parking lot with angled spaces to improve safety near the main road, repairing a block wall, and installing a 24-by-24-foot shade structure over a picnic table. Member questions regarding the ramp length at Oldham highlighted the needs of larger vessels, with one member asking, Is there any possibility to lengthen the ramp? 22-foot and 24-foot pontoons go in there, and people throttling up jet skis are undermining the existing ramp. Because Oldham Pond is a habitat for the endangered Eastern Pond Mussel, the project has already triggered specialized abbreviated filings for environmental protection.

The Laggie Preserve is slated for a restoration that involves removing old foundations and creating a formal six-space stone dust parking area. The design includes a 90-by-54-foot overflow area using reinforced turf—a geo-grid buried beneath the grass to prevent soil compaction from vehicles. Addressing safety concerns at the site, Town Manager Bill Chenard explained that a crosswalk at the preserve entrance is unlikely, stating, MassDOT is not in favor of a crosswalk there because of the sight lines and curvature. One commission member suggested adding a split rail fence and a commemorative stone to honor the Laggie family, while others requested 10-inch silt socks to protect the nearby perennial stream during the foundation removal process.

In other business, the commission interviewed longtime resident Laura Campbell for a vacancy on the board. Campbell, who previously served as Vice Chair of the Community Preservation Committee and on the Historic District Commission, expressed a desire to return to local service after a period of career-related travel. I want to get back involved in helping maintain what I love about Pembroke, Campbell told the board, citing her experience researching bylaws and managing the demolition delay policy. The commission plans to vote on a recommendation for her appointment at their next meeting. Administrative delays regarding Department of Environmental Protection numbers forced a continuation for a project at 58 West Elm Street. Motion Made by Chair R. Madden to continue the Notice of Intent for 58 West Elm Street to April 2nd. Motion Passed 5-0.