Association to Preserve Cape Cod

Above photo by Sue Machie

What I'm Thinking...

Beware the Reassuring Slogans

by Andrew Gottlieb, Executive Director

“We are committed to enhancing our ability to deliver clean air, water, and land for all Americans,” wrote Molly Vaseliou, EPA spokeswoman on March 16, 2025. This quote comes from a published story about the planned elimination of the EPA’s Office of Research and Development, the group most responsible for the science underlying EPA’s clean air, water and cleanup standards. The message here is that with the elimination of the staff of scientists who do the work needed to establish safe levels of chemicals in the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the land we rely on for food production and to raise our families, somehow we can still count on everything being okay. We cannot.

This can all be a little unrelatable at the national scale, so let’s look at how this applies to Cape Cod.

It being spring, you will soon hear the cry of a returning osprey. It was not that long ago that osprey, now numerous, were unusual rather than ubiquitous. The same can be said for the increasing number of bald eagles we now enjoy. I saw no eagles on Cape Cod growing up. The day I don’t see one is now the exception. Why are these birds back? Simple; we had scientists at the national level who came to understand that the use of DDT was responsible for thinning large raptor eggshells. Science was turned into regulations that removed DDT from use in our country and allowed these birds to recover.

Back in the 1980s, the people in the four towns surrounding what is now Joint Base Cape Cod were noticing strange things about their drinking water. Military training practices had contaminated the groundwater with jet fuel, a wide variety of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), explosives like RDX, and perchlorate. It took the scientists and regulators at EPA to quantify the gross contamination, assess the risk, and order a cleanup of the contaminants so that the people of the Upper Cape can now confidently drink clean water.

If you are my age or older you might recall when acid rain was sterilizing all our ponds and killing off aquatic life. EPA scientists helped figure out that emissions from power plants in upwind states were interacting in the atmosphere and acidifying precipitation that was lowering the pH of our lakes and ponds. Again, the science was married to the regulatory authority needed to reduce smokestack emissions. You need to be over the age of 60 to have lived to see, and therefore fully appreciate, the improvement to our natural resources.

More broadly, the clear blue sky days you may now enjoy without a second thought are in part the result of air pollution control standards and rules that came from EPA. Other undesirable factors like disinvestment in domestic manufacturing also played a part in lowering pollution. The bad air days driven by high ground level ozone, airborne fine particulate matter, and car and truck emissions are far fewer because science-backed standards contributed to the effective management of these pollutants. Maybe you are one of the people still alive because the air you have been breathing is less polluted. Or maybe you avoided or experienced fewer asthma attacks because the air was better. It’s hard to prove or fully account for avoided bad outcomes, but it is undeniable that better air quality has been good for public health.

Good environmental protection standards rely on the best understanding of the complexities of the world we live in. It is not defensible to walk away from developing the science and lying to the public that all will be the same, or even better, without it. Without the scientific viewpoint at the table, all we are really doing going forward is implementing an ideology, whatever it is, untethered from its implications for the environment and, ultimately, public health.

If the administration wants to lower standards to promote some other objective, don’t gut the science, make your arguments on the merits of why not heeding the science is in America’s best interests. Shutting down the science is a tacit admission that perhaps they know the policies being pursued can’t win on a level playing field.

This should leave us all less trusting of official proclamations that there is "nothing to see here" more than ever before. Believe and follow these reassuring slogans at your own risk. Arbeit macht frei. Look it up.

APCC Ecosystem Restoration Program

Above: A series of infiltrating chambers being installed underground at the Route 6A Scargo Lake town landing. Photo credit: Gerald Beetham

Springing into Construction at Scargo Lake

This spring, Scargo Lake Route 6A town landing in Dennis is receiving its own spring cleaning: filled with articulated concrete mats, underground infiltration chambers, and a new bioretention system. These improvements will help manage stormwater more efficiently, reduce erosion, and improve the water quality of Scargo Lake. As construction picked back up this month, the articulated concrete mats were placed along the town landing boat ramp, stabilizing the access point for boats going into the water and preventing erosion caused by heavy rainfall.

In addition to the articulated concrete mats, trench drains stretching across the newly paved landing will direct flow into underground infiltrating chambers installed in December to allow rainwater to soak in and pollutants, such as bacteria, nitrogen and phosphorus, to be removed. Adjacent to the boat ramp and dock, a new bioretention area (engineered rain garden) has been excavated and will capture and remove pollution from additional runoff coming down this slope before entering the pond. This new green infrastructure system, along with porous pavement parking lot and a bioretention at Scargo Beach, will reduce the input of formally untreated stormwater into the lake.

As a finishing touch to this project, native plants will soon be installed along the newly constructed areas and in the bioretentions, naturally filtering out any pollutants and stabilizing the soil. With this project wrapping up by Memorial Day, residents and visitors can expect their summer trips to Scargo Lake to be enjoyed with improved boat access, flood resilience, and cleaner waterways.

Construction at these sites is being completed by J.W. Dubis & Sons with oversight from the town of Dennis. The engineers at Horsley Witten Group provide additional oversight and expertise while APCC’s restoration team helps with project management. This project has been funded by Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants, as part of the Cape Cod Boat Ramp Stormwater Project, private foundation grant, the town of Dennis, and the MassBays Partnership.

Above: Construction of articulated concrete mat at Scargo Lake landing. Photo credit: Gemma Kite

Join the 'Source to Sea' Kickoff Event:

Community-Driven River Restoration

Join us in restoring Red Brook, Upper Quashnet River, and Mashpee River as part of the Source to Sea initiative! On Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., APCC and our partners will host a public kickoff event at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Headquarters. The event will bring together community members and the technical project teams to learn about the opportunity for community input to help shape the future of these vital waterways.

This engaging event will offer informal project overview presentations, and project specific stations for more one-on-one discussions with the project teams. Community members will learn about the ecological significance of these rivers and how restoration efforts can enhance water quality, habitat for native species, and climate resilience. Light refreshments will be provided and childcare is available with advanced registration.

A Community-Led Approach to River Restoration

Led by the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) and APCC, in close collaboration with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Natural Resources Department, and the towns of Mashpee and Falmouth, the Source to Sea initiative prioritizes community involvement in restoration planning and design. Residents of Falmouth and Mashpee, members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, and other stakeholders will play a critical role in shaping a shared vision for the future of these waterways.

A key component of this effort is recognizing the traditional ecological knowledge and perspectives of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. The tribe will be an essential partner in providing historical and cultural context for the rivers, ensuring that restoration efforts reflect their deep-rooted connection to these waterways.

Through a series of meetings, workshops, and river tours, this initiative aims to gather valuable local perspectives on the rivers' ecological health, key resources (such as fish, wildlife, and native plants), cultural significance, and recreational use. By incorporating community insights, we can ensure that restoration strategies align with both ecological priorities and the needs of the people who depend on these rivers.

How to Get Involved

The Source to Sea initiative welcomes participation from all community members, organizations, businesses, and schools. Whether you attend the kickoff event, join future meetings, or serve as a community liaison, your voice is essential in shaping this restoration effort.

This initiative is made possible through the support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Restoration Center, along with partners, including APCC, WBNERR, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the towns of Falmouth and Mashpee, and the Cape Cod Conservation District.

To learn more, register (optional) for the event, or sign up as a community liaison, please visit the Source to Sea website.

Join us as we work together to restore and protect the rivers that sustain our communities!

APCC Participates in River Herring Monitoring Workshop

Above: APCC restoration ecologist, Mike Palmer, presents at the recent herring monitoring workshop.

From Counts to Conservation: Advancing River Herring Monitoring

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries held a River Herring Monitoring Workshop on March 12 in New Bedford. The event brought together experts, volunteers, and conservationists to discuss different ways to monitor herring populations, such as visual counts, electronic tracking, and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted video analysis. Attendees learned about new developments in monitoring and the future of herring conservation, including video monitoring work being done on the Coonamessett and Santuit rivers.

The workshop covered topics like sampling techniques, other regional volunteer programs, and comparisons of different monitoring methods. Mike Palmer, APCC restoration ecologist, shared insights about APCC’s volunteer-based visual counting program, which is funded through the MassBays National Estuary Partnership. He discussed the program’s role in collecting data, tracking herring populations, and restoring habitats, as well as the challenges and future plans. Since 2007, APCC’s volunteers have been essential in gathering data and supporting conservation efforts. As the program evolves in 2025, APCC is improving its monitoring techniques and looking to grow its volunteer network.

Each year, APCC assists with the recruitment of over 300 volunteers to count herring at 20 migration sites across 11 Cape Cod towns. From April 1 to June 15, volunteers conduct visual counts nine times a day, recording data during three 10-minute periods per shift. This structured approach helps track population trends and evaluate restoration projects. Beyond data collection, the program strengthens community involvement and promotes environmental stewardship. One ongoing challenge is ensuring enough volunteers participate consistently throughout the season, as consistent data collection is crucial.

Cape Cod residents and visitors are encouraged to volunteer as herring counters. Training and support are provided, making it an easy and rewarding way to help protect local fish populations.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please visit the APCC website or contact your local program coordinators directly (contact info on our Herring Hub).

Together, we can make a lasting impact on our local ecosystems!

Above: A panel discussion on the latest advancements in herring monitoring technology from the herring monitoring workshop held in New Bedford last week.

Advocacy Works

You speak up and your elected officials respond! To date, a big thank you to the following legislators from our region that have signed on to cosponsor the state bill, An Act Restricting the Use of Rodenticides in the Environment.

Sen. Fernandes
Rep. Vieira
Rep. Xiarhos
Rep. Luddy
Rep. Flanagan
Rep. Moakley
Rep. Diggs

DDon't see your legislator in the above list? Maybe they are waiting to hear from you! Ask your legislator to cosponsor the bills.

The bill has been filed in the House by Rep. James Hawkins (HD.1721) HD.965 and Senate by Sen. Michael Moore (SD.1447) S.644. These bills would phase out the use of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in Massachusetts, and need support from as many legislators as possible to gain some momentum.

Raptors, foxes, coyotes, and other predators help keep our ecosystems in balance. Shocking numbers have been sickened and killed after eating poisoned rodents. Cape Cod wildlife advocates meet every month on the fourth Thursday of the month, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. To join, sign up with Mass Audubon here. To register for the monthly meetings, register here.

Local partners with APCC are Cape Wildlife Center, Wild Care Cape Cod,

and Sierra Club Cape Cod. Stay informed on Facebook: Rescue Cape Cod Raptors

VOLUNTEER!

If you are a farmer or someone who wants to grow native plants to sell, or just want to be updated on the program's development, please submit an interest form that appears on our webpage. We will be sending periodic email notices of workshops and meetings.

Funding for the project is provided by Barnstable County and its Economic Development Council License Plate Grant Program through the Cape Cod Commission.

Events Hosted by Others

On Thursday, March 20th at 12 p.m. ET, the University of Rhode STEEP Superfund Research Program is hosting a webinar about PFAS on Cape Cod entitled "Household Exposures and Community Solutions." The webinar will explore how PFAS are found not only in drinking water, but also around the home and in everyday household items.

Rainer Lohmann, director of STEEP, will share recent findings on PFAS in household dust and consumer goods.

Chris Powicki, chair of the Sierra Club Cape Cod & the Islands Group, will highlight community-driven efforts to minimize exposures.

Laurel Schaider, STEEP researcher and senior scientist at Silent Spring Institute, will moderate the discussion, providing expertise on PFAS exposures and environmental health.

The virtual event is free and open to the public. All are welcome. To register, visit: https://web.uri.edu/steep/cape_webinar/

The March 20th webinar is the first in a new series launched by STEEP called "PFAS on Cape Cod: Connecting Communities with Science for Solutions." The series aims to provide community members, health professionals, and policymakers with up-to-date research, practical solutions, and an opportunity to engage directly with experts. Each one-hour webinar will include presentations and a live Q&A, with recordings available on the STEEP website for those unable to attend. To learn more about the series, visit the STEEP website.

Early Registration is open for the Gulf of Maine Monitoring & Research Symposium.

The Gulf of Maine Monitoring and Research Symposium 2025 will be held on April 8-9, 2025, in Haverhill, MA. The symposium is hosted by the MassBays National Estuaries Partnership, MIT Sea Grant, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems.

The symposium will convene monitoring program coordinators and researchers, data-users, and policymakers. Keynote speakers, Janet Duffy-Anderson Ph.D. and Damian Brady Ph.D., will talk about drivers of change in the Gulf of Maine and current efforts to highlight the need for action. Through a series of presentations, attendees will learn about ongoing water quality and habitat monitoring programs and discover ongoing research efforts that characterize the changing physical and ecological conditions in the Gulf of Maine.

Early registration for the symposium is open through March 6th, and registration for the symposium closes April 1st. A special registration fee is available for students. A limited number of scholarships are available to those who might otherwise not have the resources to participate in the symposium.

For more information, including general registration and scholarship applications, go to the Symposium home page here.

April Wobst, APCC restoration program manager and MassBays’ Cape Cod regional coordinator, said that she “looks forward to attending the symposium and the opportunity to meet with MassBays and Gulf of Maine partners to learn about and discuss monitoring and research across our region.”

A Cape-wide Conservation Event Calendar

The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts (“the Compact”) and its nonprofit members launched a new regional calendar of events. The Conservation Calendar includes programs across Cape Cod hosted by these groups. The goal of the calendar is to encourage visitors and residents to take part in nature and environmental events. You can always find the link to the calendar on APCC's website under News & Events.

A Cape Cod Native Plant-selector

~ to help you choose the perfect native plants for your garden.

Blue Flag Iris

Iris versicolor

Email kandres@apcc.org and we'll send you a CapeCodNativePlants.org decal.

The Guidelines gives homeowners steps they can take in the design and maintenance of their properties that will support pollinators and birds, manage stormwater, conserve water, and protect the Cape's water quality. This 40-page booklet is beautifully illustrated by Marcy Ford with content that is easily digestible and supported by numerous resources for additional learning.

We are grateful for the several retail shops that are partnering with us to make this publication more widely available: Brewster Book Store, Birdwatchers General Store, Crocker Nurseries, Wellfleet Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary, Cape Abilities Farm, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, the Cape Cod Lavender Farm, Heritage Museums and Gardens, Titcomb's Bookshop, Sea Howl Bookshop, Soares Flower Garden Nursery, and Eight Cousins Bookshop.

If you are a retailer and would like to sell this publication at your store, please contact us.

You can also view the book's content as a pdf on our website.

APCC Merch

Available for online purchase and shipping in the U.S. is free:

APCC caps

$25

+++++++++++++++++

Garden for Life T's

$30

Click here

for more information and to order.

The Pollinator Pathway Cape Cod is a group of organizations promoting native plants and pollinator-friendly land care practices to create a boat 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. Please get on the map to show your support of pollinators on Cape Cod!

You can purchase the 9-inch aluminum Pollinator Pathway Cape Cod sign at Hyannis Country Garden, Crocker Nurseries, Brewster Book Store, Orleans Conservation Trust, and Cape Abilities Farm.

If you are a retailer, and you would like to sell the signs, you can order online here, or email pollinators@apcc.org.