As of 0800 hours September 2, 2010 the National Hurricane Center is predicting this area will likely experience tropical storm conditions with hurricane conditions also possible beginning Friday evening.  We can expect winds of 45 to 55 mph with gusts as high as 65mph.  In some areas, winds might even be higher.  The forecast also calls for as much as 4 inches of rain.  Boat owners should take the necessary precautions to protect their vessels as well as the vessels and property of others.
 
Precautions should include hauling your boat, if possible, and storing it at a secure location.
 
Vessels secured to moorings should have chafing gear added to protect the pennant and an additional safety line or lines added.
 
Vessels in slips should be secured with additional lines and fenders should be added to protect hulls.
 
All vessel owners should remove anything from their boat that will catch the wind. This includes biminis, sails, tarps, deck chairs, etc.  Portable gas tanks should also be removed.
 
Batteries should be checked and charged, if possible, and ensure that bilge pumps are  in working order to handle the expected volume of rain.
 
Dinghies, small inflatables, and tenders at Town owned and private docks should be removed from the water, if at all possible, especially those with outboard motors, as they are likely to become submerged.  If unable to remove the dinghy from the water, engines & portable gas tanks should be removed.
 
Based on the current forecast, there will be no mandatory evacuation of vessels at Taylor Point, Monument Beach, or Pocasset River Marinas.  We do, however, urge all  Marina patrons to take the above mentioned precautions.  If you are unable to tend to your vessel personally,  please ask a friend or fellow boater to do it for you.   We cannot take responsibility for preparing your vessel for this storm event.  Marina related questions can be directed to 508-759-2512.
 
Waterfront property owners should remove or secure anything near the shoreline that may become a floating or airborne hazard.  Anything made of plastic or lightweight materials, such as chairs, tables, garbage cans, children's toys, etc. immediately come to mind.
 
Storm updates issued by the National Hurricane Center can be monitored through the following link:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml
 
Please feel free to contact at 508-759-0621 us should you have any questions or concerns and thank you for your anticipated cooperation.


Town of Bourne
Department of Natural Resources

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was established on April 3, 1972 when the duties of Conservation, Dog Officer, Fish and Game, Harbor Master, Herring Run Agent, Town Forest Management and Shellfish Constable were combined.  This also created the position of Natural Resources Officer (NRO), who holds all titles associated with and is empowered to carry out and enforce all aspects associated with the DNR.  Primary duties are to enforce Federal, State and Town laws, bylaws, rules and regulations pertaining to boats, conservation, dogs, fish & game, herring, shellfish, waterways and wetlands; and to manage, protect, enhance, and educate the public regarding them.

Additional duties include assisting boaters in distress and responding to other maritime emergencies, maintaining Town navigational aids, operation of the Taylor Point, Monument Beach and Pocasset River Marinas, operation of the Pumpout Boat Program, maintaining the mooring registration system, maintaining the beach sticker system, maintaining the shellfish permit system, and the management and propagation of the shellfish beds.  The DNR also assists and works with other Federal, State, County and Town agencies with law enforcement, public safety and emergency response, as needed.

In an effort to better communications, the Department of Natural Resources has created an email list via YahooGroups which will send out information & reminders regarding shellfish, herring, fish & game, harbors & waterways and more.    This information will be sent via email to all who are interested and sign up for the service.   This is intended as a "one way" service and will not result in excessive messages or junk mail being sent to you.  YahooGroups also provides a host site for access to post messages, files, polls, and discussion areas.  You may subscribe and unsubscribe to this service at will.