HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023ConComreport
October 31, 2023
Barnstable Conservation Commission
200 Main St.
Hyannis, MA 02601
Dear Commissioners:
As required by Orders of Conditions SE3-5965 & SE3-5966, we are submitting this year-end
report (see attachment) for both Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) use and endangered species activities at
Sandy Neck Beach Park.
We had a record-breaking year regarding Piping Plovers with 57 breeding pairs. These pairs
produced 89 fledglings which is a solid reproductive rate of 1.56 chicks per pair. Sadly, one adult
plover died due to a vehicle strike. This was a “legal” take but nevertheless protocols are being
re-evaluated.
This is the seventh year in a row that we used our Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) permit to
successfully deter 3 nesting pairs of Plovers within the first 0.5 miles of ORV beach. If any of
these pairs had nested in this area, we could have experienced a complete ORV closure during the
busiest time of the summer season.
Diamondback Terrapin reproduction continues to increase with a record 408 nests located this
year. Conversely, Terrapin nest predation was down this year resulting in a very productive fall
hatching season.
This is our second year in a row when Sandy Neck was successful in most categories of output.
Plover and Terrapin reproductive rates were very good. In addition, the ORV beach was
available to such an extent that we never had to turn any ORV patrons away and as a result patron
morale was high. Finally, revenue was very robust this year which funds our important
environmental programs as well as our future capital improvement project to improve resiliency
at Sandy Neck Beach Park.
Please contact me if you have any questions and I look forward to meeting with you at the next
Conservation Hearing.
Sincerely,
Nina Z. Coleman, Sandy Neck Park Manager
Town of Barnstable
Marine and Environmental Affairs Department
1189 Phinney’s Lane, Centerville, MA 02632
Derek Lawson, Director
508-790-6273 / Fax 508-790-6275
www.townofbarnstable.us
Animal Control 508-790-6274 Natural Resources 508-790-6272
Harbormaster 508-790-6273 Sandy Neck 508-790-6272
Marinas 508-790-6273 Sandy Neck Gatehouse 508-362-8300
Moorings 508-790-6273