Association to Preserve Cape Cod - this week... |
|
|
| Doing What is Necessary by Andrew Gottlieb, APCC Executive Director
The Association to Preserve Cape Cod has a long history of influencing public policy through advocacy and education. We have found that bringing people along generally yields the best outcomes and creates bonds and partnerships that yield long term benefits for Cape Cod. There are times however when it's necessary to be willing to go to court to enforce what is lawful and right to protect the environment. This is one of those times. APCC has engaged the law firm of Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, P.C. to provide advice concerning issues arising from the potential discharge of radioactive water into Cape Cod Bay by Holtec International during decommissioning of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station. |
|
|
APCC decided to take this step in light of the ongoing threat by Holtec to discharge radioactive water into the bay. Plainly stated, it's APCC’s position that any consideration about a discharge of radioactive water into Cape Cod Bay is a nonstarter. Cape Cod Bay must never be the dumping ground for Holtec simply because it’s the cheapest way of doing business. We are willing and determined to fight any attempt on Holtec’s part to compromise the environmental quality of the bay. I asked a Holtec representative to make a commitment to refrain from discharging the water until questions about permitting issues are resolved. The Holtec representative refused to commit to delaying the discharge and, then and there, the need to be ready to pursue an injunction to protect the bay became apparent.
Acting on APCC’s behalf, Sugarman Rogers will, if necessary, represent APCC in any litigation or other administrative proceedings, assist APCC in providing public comments, and coordinate with municipalities and other organizations in protecting the Cape Cod environment from the discharge of radioactive water from the nuclear power plant. APCC will not be caught flat footed, nor will we be forced into a defensive position simply reacting to whatever actions Holtec deems appropriate to take.
The preservation of Cape Cod Bay is of critical environmental and economic importance to the region and the entire Commonwealth. APCC is fully committed to standing up for everyone who values the bay for the ecological treasure that it is or who relies on the ecology of the bay to support their families or to protect their investments in homes and businesses. Litigation is not our preferred option, nor are we afraid of it. This is what we are here for and this is what you, our members, expect of us.
|
APCC in the News WCAI - Cape Cod group hires Boston law firm to fight discharge of Pilgrim's radioactive water |
Regional Organizations Form Canal Bridges Task Force
For Immediate Release (December 6, 2022) – The Bourne and Sagamore bridges are instantly recognizable landmarks that serve as both a symbolic and a literal gateway to Cape Cod. However, the continued degradation of these 87-year-old, functionally obsolete structures also represents a significant threat to the region’s long-term viability. Our federal and state delegations and agencies are making marked progress in identifying, developing, and funding sustainable solutions, and deliberate action from our communities is needed now.
In recognition of the regional importance of safe and reliable canal crossings, the Cape Cod Commission, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, and the Association to Preserve Cape Cod have partnered to establish the Canal Bridges Task Force. The purpose of the Task Force is to share information, assist with outreach efforts, collect and coordinate input, and advocate for the replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore bridges in a manner that is the best long-term interest of the region and its people.
Cape Cod Commission Executive Director Kristy Senatori noted, “This once in a century project will impact the ability of the region’s transportation system to meet the current and future needs of Cape Cod’s residents, businesses, and visitors who depend on safe and reliable canal crossings.”
The US Army Corps of Engineers - the agency currently responsible for the canal bridges - and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) are currently working on a plan to replace the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges and improve the transportation network in the area. Upon completion, MassDOT will take on responsibility for the new bridges.
The Bourne and Sagamore bridges see over 38 million vehicle crossings each year and provide for the reliable movement of people and goods to the Cape and the Islands. On the importance of the bridges, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Niedzwiecki stated: “The Bourne and Sagamore Bridges provide the economic link between Cape Cod and rest of the Commonwealth. The reliability of the bridges directly impacts the long-term viability of region’s economy and the ability of local businesses to survive and thrive.”
Association to Preserve Cape Cod Executive Director Andrew Gottlieb added, “It is important to have a regional voice calling for the timely replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges while at the same time ensuring the size and scope of the project respects the environmental sensitivity of the Cape.”
MassDOT and the Army Corps are currently seeking input on the Cape Cod Canal Bridges Program, a program consisting of replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore bridges, as well as improvements to the approach roadway networks to address the multimodal deficiencies within the Cape Cod Canal area. More information on the program and how to submit feedback can be found at www.mass.gov/cape-bridges.
The Task Force looks to build on the regional and local stakeholder participation that will continue to play an important role as key decisions are contemplated on the bridge type, location, size, and design. The outcome of this process will affect the long-term vitality of our economy, the vibrancy of our communities, and our ability to continue to be a place that is loved by residents and visitors alike. |
|
|
|
APCC Supports Proposed DEP Water Quality Improvement Regulations - Your Comments Matter!
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has drafted proposed regulations that significantly strengthen the rules governing the use of septic systems and encourage and incentivize towns to obtain watershed management permits. Both sets of regulations are critical, time sensitive and warrant support. It has been evident for decades that septic systems, even legal ones compliant with state and local rules, are the source of, not the solution to, the deterioration of water quality in the Cape’s marine estuaries and bays.
|
|
|
The rules for septic systems have not been substantially updated in 28 years. If we miss this opportunity to insist that these regulations be approved right now, we may well wait another 28 years for the stars to line up for another set of regulations to be proposed. By then it will be too late. While these regulations may not be perfect, they are a strong step forward. Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on December 16, 2022. All comments submitted must include the name and contact information of the person providing the comments. For more information and to conveniently send your comment, CLICK HERE. |
|
|
Chatham Orpheum, Thursday, December 8, 2022 Tickets for the event may be purchased online HERE. Proceeds will benefit the ongoing work of the Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative – and the Chatham Climate Action Network.
This exciting evening is much more than just the movie! The film will be preceded by a 6:30 p.m. theater lobby reception featuring the filmmaker Bonnie Waltch, Woodwell Center climate scientists, and local climate action leaders.
Have a climate question? Bring it! A discussion and audience Q&A moderated by the Woodwell Center’s Heather Goldstone will immediately follow the film. |
Applications open for the third session of the Cape Cod Climate Ambassador Program The Cape Cod Commission is pleased to invite Cape and Islands students in grades 9-12 to apply for the Climate Ambassador Program. The program is an initiative to educate, engage and empower young people on Cape Cod to work together to combat the impacts of climate change.
Since 2021, nearly 40 students representing twelve school districts across the region have participated in the program. Applicants must detail why they are interested in climate change, their current knowledge of climate change, and what they hope to learn or accomplish by being a part of the Climate Ambassador Program. A reference from a teacher or guidance counselor is required. Applications are due by midnight on January 6, 2023. CLICK HERE for more information about the program.
|
Sustainable Fishing is Key by Peter Gwillim Kreitler
Perhaps you, like so many other Cape Codders, have found the show Wicked Tuna fascinating and informative; though, like many reality TV shows, parts are most likely scripted. Many of us can attest to the fact that here is nothing better than a seared piece of yellowfin or bluefin tuna, or sashimi or sushi. I happened to catch an episode where the film crews were documenting the challenges at Crab Ledge off our beloved Chatham. The Shimano Talica 50 and the gleaming gold colored Penn International reels are vital expensive pieces of equipment and appear to me to be the reels of choice.
The limit for a single boat is one tuna (27-73 inches only) per day. Icing the fish and proceeding to the nearest dock to have it dressed, weighed, probed, and tested for fat content is necessary for the commercial fisherman to obtain the best price. If the price reaches $15 per pound, "high fives" are exchanged as the check might be $6500 or higher for one fish.
I no longer order toro or the belly of the bluefin tuna at sushi bars because of the increasing scarcity of bluefin. Time to step back and recalibrate what we choose to put on the fork so that our fisherfolk’s children may be able to perpetuate the family business as our “grands” enjoy the bounty of the sea we love.
|
|
|
What do you see when you go outside? |
|
|
|
The Pollinator Pathway Cape Cod is a group of organizations promoting native plants and pollinator-friendly land care practices to create a load of safe oases for our native bees, butterflies and a whole host of other pollinators that are crucial to the health of our ecosystems. Join us! It's easy. There are no fees. You just need to pledge to ADD native plants, SUBTRACT a little lawn, AVOID yard chemicals, especially pesticides, and LEAVE the leaves. And, help us spread the word. If you wish, please get on the map to show your support of pollinators!
|
|
|
Looking for a speaker? Check out APCC's Speakers Bureau.
APCC staff speak on a variety of topics and are available by Zoom. If interested, please contact the staff person directly to make arrangements. |
|
|
The Jewels of Cape Cod ~ Our Freshwater Ponds |
Water & Ice, Eagle Pond. Photo by Bill Sullivan |
|
|
Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) launched Words in the Wild on Earth Day, April 22, 2022. It is a unique hiking trail initiative that features four original site-specific poems penned by local poets. Each poem has been etched onto individual cedar trail signs that include a QR code connecting to audio recordings and other information. Look for more poems making their debut on BLT properties during Earth Week 2023.
Eagle Pond, Cotuit - Brett Warren, a poet from Yarmouth Port, is the author of The Map of Unseen Things (forthcoming from Pine Row Press). Her poetry has been published in Canary, Cape Cod Poetry Review, The Comstock Review, Halfway Down the Stairs, Hole in the Head Review, One Sentence Poems, and elsewhere. She favors the edge habitats and forests of the Wequaquet Lake watershed, ancestral lands of the Wampanoag people. Her house is surrounded by pitch pine and black oak trees—nighttime roosts of wild turkeys, that sometimes use the roof of her writing attic as a runway.
Prayer to the Living World by Brett Warren
May I find my way in, from wherever I am, past loamy bones of fallen logs unmaking themselves as mushrooms rise. May I be steadied by the give and gift of pine needles underfoot, by the hollow knock of a northern flicker, by the call and response of chickadees. May I be
thankful for fur snagged on brambles when a vixen hurried back to her den. For coyote scat, starburst of berries and seeds, dropped in the middle of a root-knuckled trail. Show me snow split by hooves, the skittery glyphs of a white-footed mouse, possum print
pressed into mud before daylight. I am here because I am yours. I am yours because I am here. May the trees stand their ground, feed each other, let us breathe. Link to audio recording here |
Pond Stories is a collection of writings and other media from Cape Codders and visitors who love the 890 local ponds that dot the Cape. We hope this collection of stories awakens your inner environmentalist to think deeper about our human impacts to these unique bodies of water. |
Send us your favorite pond photo, story, poem, video, artwork—we want to share with everyone why the Cape's ponds and lakes are so special! Email your pond connection to kandres@apcc.org |
|
|
A Cape Cod Native Plant-finder ~ to help you choose the perfect native plant for your garden location. |
|
|
| Cinnamon Fern Osmundastrum cinnamomeum |
|
|
Email kandres@apcc.org and we'll send you a CapeCodNativePlants.org decal. |
|
|
| APCC Enewsletters. Our weekly newsletters will now be archived on our website and easily shared. Here, you can find past newsletters from July 2022 on.
Share this with your friends and they can sign up HERE. |
|
|
Are you thinking of going solar? We hope so! In partnership with SUNPOWER BY E2 SOLAR in Dennis, APCC receives $500 for every solar installation when APCC is named as referral. |
|
|
| Thank you to the homeowners who just contracted to install solar panels through E2 Solar. May the sun always shine for you! |
|
|
| Every cup of coffee you drink could be supporting APCC's work and a local Cape Cod business.
But ONLY if it's Coastal Cape Blend from Cape Cod Coffee! Look for the new label. Order online. A portion of the proceeds for every bag of Coastal Cape Blend sold is donated to APCC. It's important to know that Cape Cod Coffee sources beans are Fair Trade & Rainforest Alliance certified, and grown without the use of pesticides. |
|
|
Expressions Gallery, 578 Main Street, Chatham
CLICK HERE |
Ocean to Office. APCC has partnered with EXPRESSIONS, a fine art photography gallery located in Chatham center, to provide Cape businesses the opportunity to beautify their offices with coastal photography while directly supporting protection of our cherished environment. This special offering gives back to APCC. CLICK HERE to learn more. |
|
|
Thank you to our business sponsors |
|
|
Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*
*{{Unsubscribe}}* |
| |
|
|
