Cape Cod Commission Releases Draft Cape Cod Freshwater Strategy

Feb 14, 2025

Data-driven approaches to evaluate, protect and restore the region’s freshwater resources

The Cape Cod Commission is pleased to announce the release of the draft Cape Cod Freshwater Strategy, a comprehensive, data-driven plan that defines a path forward for Cape Cod to support healthy, functioning freshwater ecosystems.

Grounded in extensive research, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, the Freshwater Strategy provides a framework for improving the health of Cape Cod’s ponds and lakes. It identifies key challenges, proposes targeted solutions, and offers actionable strategies for municipalities, pond organizations, and community stakeholders to ensure long-term water quality and ecosystem health. The Freshwater Strategy, a product of the Cape Cod Freshwater Initiative, is funded by Barnstable County.

“The health of Cape Cod’s freshwater ponds is at risk,” said Kristy Senatori, Cape Cod Commission Executive Director. “The Freshwater Initiative established a science-based approach to understanding these challenges and resulted in an actionable plan to protect and restore these invaluable resources.”

The Cape Cod Freshwater Strategy highlights the urgent need to prioritize pond health across Cape Cod. The plan includes thirteen key recommendations to improve the region’s understanding of ponds and lakes, support improved freshwater habitats and water quality, and enable local and regional action. Recommendations include in part:

Maintain and expand funding for the Regional Pond Monitoring Program.
Develop a regional funding program for town projects.
Promote best practices and universally beneficial strategies.
Integrate freshwater ponds into municipal water resource planning.
Improve consistent communication and outreach for varied pond users.
Develop model wetland bylaws and orders of conditions.

The plan outlines actionable steps multiple entities can take to protect and preserve the region's freshwater resources. It includes tools and resources to support implementation of priority recommendations, including the Cape Cod Water Quality Data Portal, an interactive map-based online tool that allows access to water quality data and trend analyses, Freshwater Pond Buffer Guidance designed to help homeowners and municipalities preserve and protect ponds through responsible landscape management, and a framework for prioritizing ponds at the local level for planning and project implementation.

By fostering greater public awareness and encouraging proactive conservation efforts, the strategy aims to inspire action at both the local and regional levels. Through consistent messaging and broad community engagement, the strategy encourages a deeper appreciation for Cape Cod’s freshwater resources and the steps needed to protect them for future generations.

The draft strategy is available for public comment. Comments will be accepted through Monday, March 17, 2025.

Informational and public comment opportunities will be held on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 4, 2025: In-person meeting; Mary Pat Flynn Conference Room, Barnstable County Complex, 2195 Main Street, Barnstable, 2:00 PM
Thursday, March 6, 2025: Virtual meeting, 4:00 PM

The virtual meeting can be accessed by visiting https://capecodcommission.org/freshwater/join or calling in to (929) 205-6099 and entering meeting ID 943 7659 5383.

Written comments may be submitted via online form: https://cccom.link/fws-comments, via email to frontdesk@capecodcommission.org, or by mail to: Cape Cod Commission, PO Box 226, 3225 Main Street, Barnstable, MA 02630.

For more information and to access the draft Freshwater Strategy, visit www.capecodcommission.org/freshwater.