HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-0327 Draft Natural Resources ChapterBarnstable LCP – DRAFT Natural Resources
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NATURAL RESOURCES CHAPTER
INTRODUCTION
Why Natural Resources Matter
The Town of Barnstable is rich in natural resources which center around water, water-dependent
resources, and habitat. High-quality natural resources are part of the Town’s attractfon for residents and
visitors, but they are also susceptfble to pollutfon from various land uses and actfvitfes and are
increasingly vulnerable to changes in climate. Barnstable residents’ and visitors’ contfnued appreciatfon
of natural resources requires actfve stewardship, protectfon, and restoratfon of clean water and
ecosystems.
Natural resource planning is critfcal for ensuring:
• Quality of life for humans, including clean air, clean water, and the ability to enjoy the outdoors
• Healthy ecosystems for animals and plants to thrive
• Climate change resiliency, including storm surge protectfon, marsh migratfon, carbon
sequestratfon, and myriad other benefits
For all these reasons and more, the protectfon of water, wetlands, open space, forests, and other natural
habitats is critfcal for Barnstable’s future.
Please see Section 3: Natural Systems of the Existing Conditions Report for more detailed information on
groundwater, marine waters, freshwater lakes and ponds, wetland resources, open space, and habitat.
DATA SHEET
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Natural Resource Actions Since 2010
The Town of Barnstable last adopted its LCP in 2010. A great deal of work was put into the development
of that plan, and it has been actfvely implemented over the past fourteen years. Below is a high-level
overview of some notable implementatfon achievements related to Natural Resources.
Plans
The 2010 LCP called for the creatfon and adoptfon of several new or updated plans, many of which have
been addressed since then.
Lake Wequaquet Management Plan (2013)
Provides an analysis of phosphorous loading to the five basins in Lake Wequaquet and includes a
management plan as well as recommendatfons for further studies.
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Floodplain Management Report (2015)
Identffies floodplain management and climate adaptatfon actfons to reduce and avoid flood-related
damage and disruptfon to the community.
Comprehensive Dredge Plan (2017)
Identffies Town-wide dredging needs and prioritfes and establishes a long-term dredging plan for the
future.
Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) (2018)
Provides a blueprint to guide the Town’s plans, investments, policies and regulatfons in support of
protectfng and enhancing open space and recreatfon resources.
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Plan
Stormwater Management Program Plan (2019, updated 2022)
Describes and details actfvitfes and measures to be implemented in order to meet the terms and
conditfons of the municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) permit.
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Plan (2019, updated 2022)
Identffies sources of non-stormwater discharges impactfng the Town’s municipal separate storm sewer
system and provides recommendatfons for removing illicit sources.
Massachusetts Piping Plover Habitat Conservation Plan Certificate of Inclusion Request
2020 Sandy Neck Beach Park (2020)
Proposed management plan related to recreatfonal actfvity in proximity of piping plover habitat at Sandy
Neck Beach Park.
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) (2020)
Provides a town-wide, state approved, science-based approach to protectfng Barnstable’s coastal waters,
ponds, and drinking water by managing nutrient pollutfon from wastewater. The plan calls for an
expansion of the Town’s wastewater infrastructure (sewers) as well as other innovatfve and nature-based
approaches such as inlet dredging, cranberry bog conversions, and the use of nitrogen removing septfc
systems. Through its CWMP, the Town has begun a town-wide Nutrient Management Plan. This plan
includes an assessment process to establish wastewater alternatfves to restore and protect coastal
waters.
Hazard Mitigation Plan (2022)
Identffies the town’s risk and vulnerability to potentfal natural hazards and recommends mitfgatfon
strategies and actfons aimed at reducing the loss of or damage to life, property, infrastructure, and
natural, cultural, and economic resources. Specifically, this plan assesses the potentfal impacts of
hurricanes, winter storms, shoreline change/coastal erosion, earthquakes, drought/wildfire, and dam
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failure and identffies propertfes, resources, and critfcal facilitfes which may be impacted by these hazard
events.
Long Pond Marstons Mills Management Plan (2022)
Provides a diagnostfc assessment of nutrient inputs to Long Pond, quantffies phosphorus inputs to Long
Pond, and recommends a management plan to address those inputs and improve Long Pond water
quality.
Shubael Pond Management Plan (2022)
Provides a diagnostfc assessment of nutrient inputs to Shubael Pond, quantffies phosphorus inputs to
Shubael Pond, and recommends a management plan to address those inputs and improve Shubael Pond
water quality.
Projects & Initiatives
The 2010 LCP called for many strategies and actfons for the Town to pursue related to Natural Resources.
Below is a summary of some of these key achievements.
Community Preservation Act (CPA) Open Space & Recreation Efforts
Funds raised through the CPA have been used by the Town to expand open space and recreatfon
resources. These funds have been used to acquire lands or conservatfon restrictfons for open space,
conduct studies needed to finance recreatfon projects, and repair and improve existfng recreatfonal
facilitfes, among other things. A full list of CPA projects can be found in the Existing Conditions Report
under Section 3. Natural Systems (pages 24-25).
Land Protected in Perpetuity
The Town has made progress in expanding the amount of permanently protected land in Barnstable
since 2010. The amount of open space in Barnstable that is protected in perpetuity is 11,469 acres as of
2022. This is an increase of 524 acres, or nearly five percent, from 2010 to 2022. A full breakdown of
conservation lands by type and by owner can be found in the Existing Conditions Report under Section 3.
Natural Systems (pages 25-27).
Habitat Restoration & Fire Protection
Improvements that have taken place since 2010 include controlled prescribed burns for wildlife habitat
restoratfon and forest fire fuel reductfon, removal of dead pines on Old Stage Road, maintaining 33 acres
of fields for habitat protectfon, and fire preventfon at Seabury Farms Conservatfon Area, West Barnstable
Conservatfon Area, and Bridge Creek Conservatfon Area. Cleared two additfonal acres, grassland
restoratfon project Bridge Creek Conservatfon Area FY2012. Fire management improvements Old Jail
Lane Conservatfon Area FY2012. Completed improvements to fire access road in West Barnstable
Conservatfon Area for emergency response. FY2014. Fire plan and controlled burn at Crocker Neck
Conservatfon Area – Wildlife habitat restoratfon and forest fire fuel reductfon FY2016 and FY2017.
Control burn West Barnstable Conservatfon Area Wildlife habitat restoratfon and forest fire fuel
reductfon FY2019 and FY2020.
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Lakes & Ponds
The Town’s freshwater management program includes efforts to evaluate and address elevated nutrient
levels, monitor and control harmful algae (cyanobacteria) and other ecological impairments and manage
invasive species for the purposes of promotfng healthy pond ecosystems, protectfng human health, and
supportfng recreatfon and enjoyment. As reflected in the sectfon above, the Town has instftuted a pond
management program that evaluates ecological health and stressors for priority ponds and offers
recommendatfons for management and restoratfon of these resources.
Implementatfon of the CWMP will have a long-term beneficial effect on fragile freshwater ecosystems;
sewer installatfon is prioritfzed around Lake Wequaquet to restore the health of this 673 acre resource.
Other management techniques being implemented in lakes and ponds across town include alum
treatments and aerators to control harmful algae blooms, a floatfng wetland in Long Pond, Centerville, as
well as efforts coordinated by the numerous private lake and pond associatfons. The Town annually
manages the growth of Hydrilla and Fanwort, two invasive plants in several freshwater ponds including
Mystfc Lake, Middle Pond, Long Pond, and Lake Wequaquet through a combinatfon of mechanical means
(diver assisted suctfon harvestfng and mats) and controlled applicatfon of aquatfc herbicides.
Wetlands
Local and State Wetlands Regulatfons protect the value and functfon of wetlands and related watershed
resources. In 2012, the Town, through its Conservatfon Commission, updated regulatfons pertaining to
protectfve buffer zones, adding landscape requirements to filter pollutants, enhance value to wildlife,
and manage flooding. Local regulatfons regarding private docks and piers, as well as short outhauls,
have been updated or adopted to balance the recreatfonal value and ecological fragility of wetland
resources.
Stormwater Management
Stormwater management is an ongoing effort in Barnstable through multfple programs designed to
assess and prioritfze sites to improve operatfon and maintenance of existfng systems and install new
green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). These improvements are carried out through drainage
improvements during the annual Road Program maintenance, stormwater improvements to impaired
ponds Capital Improvement Plan, and grant funding. Completed in June of 2022, the Three Bays
stormwater management project was achieved in collaboratfon with the Associatfon to Preserve Cape
Cod (APCC) and Horsley Witten Group to plan, assess, design, permit, construct, and maintain green
infrastructure best management practfces (BMPs) within the watershed. The project completed a
watershed scale assessment to establish a comprehensive stormwater management plan that identffied
and prioritfzed sites for potentfal stormwater retrofits. Funding was obtained to complete nine green
infrastructure BMPS including three bioretentfon areas, a sand filter, a gravel wetland, and four dry
swales.
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Wildlife
The Town’s Natural Resources Division works at safeguarding healthy ecosystems to promote ecological
balance and species protectfon. Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience, enabling natural
systems to adapt to and recover from environmental pressures and disturbances. The Natural Resources
Division has been working with Mass Audubon and other stakeholders and has recently installed 15
osprey nestfng platiorms on Town and private property. Providing additfonal nestfng sites for breeding
osprey greatly reduces conflicts that arise when the osprey search for nestfng sites and promotes
biodiversity. Additfonally, the town works on restoring and improving sensitfve habitats for endangered
species which is crucial for wildlife conservatfon.
The Town has worked on multfagency projects to restore sectfons of five herring runs. The Town is
working at culvert replacement, fish ladder restoratfon and restoratfon of natural migratfon routes.
Coastal Resiliency & Climate Mitigation
The Town of Barnstable has been analyzing coastal resiliency solutfons for protectfng Sandy Neck Beach
Park’s public access infrastructure. To date, two alternatfve analyses have been conducted by private
consultants which included multfple public outreach sessions. The resultfng plan involves retreatfng
infrastructure from the coastline and creatfng primary dune resiliency via ecological restoratfon. Final
design and permitting will be completed in this phase of the project.
Ocean Resources
The Natural Resources Division has several projects aimed at improving river herring passage to
spawning areas within the town. The implementatfon of fish-friendly infrastructure facilitates their
migratfon and enhances access to critfcal spawning areas. These projects have shown positfve impacts
to river herring populatfons by restoring their natural migratfon routes and contributfng to healthier
aquatfc ecosystems. Funding for these projects was awarded by USDA Natural Resources Conservatfon
Service and Cape Cod Conservatfon District and includes improvements to water flow structures, fish
ladders and wetland restoratfon.
The Natural Resources shellfish propagatfon program grows shellfish to supplement natural shellfish
populatfons. Shellfish play pivotal roles in ecosystem health, water quality, and habitat preservatfon.
Shellfish efficiently remove excess nutrients and sediment which in turn improve water quality. The
program has tripled quahog productfon and doubled oyster productfon since 2012. The department has
made concerted efforts to perform habitat assessments in sensitfve marine habitats to protect and
preserve these vital areas.
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ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES
The natural resources of Barnstable face a myriad of issues and opportunitfes that range from water
quality to climate change. These challenges are not uncommon to other communitfes across the state.
However, they are of critfcal importance to Barnstable to address as a town that is bounded on both the
north and south sides by water and that contfnues to seek to balance growth and development with
resource protectfon.
Coastal Resiliency
The impaired water quality of the Town’s sensitfve embayments is directly related to pollutant loading
from a number of development related sources including on-site septfc systems and stormwater runoff.
With so much of Cape Cod’s biodiversity and local economy reliant on the health of these coastal waters,
ensuring their health is critfcal to future prosperity. The impacts of these pollutant sources may also be
exacerbated by contfnued sea level rise. Study has shown a clear relatfon between rising ocean levels
and rising groundwater levels far inland.1 This has important ramificatfons for managing both wastewater
and stormwater, potentfally limitfng the ability to effectfvely recharge and treat these pollutfon sources.
Barnstable has long stretches of coastline both on Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod Bay, creatfng
considerable vulnerabilitfes related to natural hazards, climate change, and sea-level rise. The Town’s
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) clearly describes the vulnerabilitfes to the
Town’s wastewater collectfon system and additfonal efforts to address coastal hazards are underway,
including retrofits to existfng sewer lines and designing new lines to be more resilient to projected
hazards. The Sandy Neck Barrier Beach parking area, for example, has undergone significant scenario
discussion and requires relocatfon farther from the coast in response to patterns of erosion. Regarding
roadway infrastructure, Barnstable is working with the Cape Cod Commission to develop strategies for
low-lying roads that are showing increased vulnerability to coastal storms and sea level rise.
1 Walter, D.A., McCobb, T.D., Masterson, J.P., and Fienen, M.N., 2016, Potentfal effects of sea -level rise on the depth
to saturated sediments of the Sagamore and Monomoy flow lenses on Cape Cod, Massachusetts (ver. 1.1, October
18, 2016): U.S. Geological Survey Scientffic Investfgatfons Report 2016–5058, 55 p.
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Figure 1: Threats to pond quality including presence of aquatic invasive species, contribution of nutrients from septic system
discharge and fertilizer/ pesticide application, and contribution of nutrients or increased erosion and flow from impervious
surfaces. Phosphorus and nitrogen are nutrients of concern and have the potential to come from any or all of these sources.
Nitrogen easily flows through the soil and into groundwater, while phosphorus may be bound in the soil or pass through
depending on soil type and condition.
Source: Cape Cod Ponds and Lakes Atlas, Figure 13, prepared by Cape Cod Commission, 2021, 78.
Climate Change
Climate change has the potentfal to impact residents’ way of life and the natural systems of Barnstable.
As a community with over 170 miles of shoreline, more intense weather patterns could mean flooding,
heat waves and seasonal drought threatening infrastructure, landscapes, ecological systems, and
residents2. Barnstable’s Community Resilience Building workshop identffied low-lying infrastructure,
emergency access during weather events, wastewater, and utflity failures as some of the most
concerning challenges. Projected sea level rise would also further impact eelgrass in Barnstable salt
marshes, responsible for important ecological benefits such as nitrogen removal, carbon sequestratfon,
and support of commercial fishing.3 Delicate environments like cranberry bogs and herring runs would
also feel the impact of rising ocean waters.
2 Barnstable Community Resilience Building Workshop Summary of Findings – Municipal Vulnerability
Preparedness Program, 2019.
3 Cape Cod Climate Actfon Plan, prepared by the Cape Cod Commission, July 2021.
https://www.capecodcommission.org/resource-
library/file/?url=/dept/commission/team/climate/Shared%20Documents/Climate%20Actfon%20Plan/Cape-Cod-
Climate-Actfon-Plan.pdf
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Water & Ocean Resources
Groundwater
The Cape Cod aquifer is designated as a Sole Source Aquifer under the Safe Drinking Water Act by the
Environmental Protectfon Agency (EPA), a designatfon that requires Federally funded projects to assess
project impacts to the aquifer. The Town of Barnstable is evaluatfng optfons for developing new
groundwater supplies to meet regulatory requirements and future needs for potable drinking water,
both in Hyannis, which is served by the Water Supply Division of the Barnstable Department of Public
Works, and throughout the rest of Barnstable, which is served by the Barnstable, Cotuit, and Centerville-
Osterville-Marstons Mills Water Districts. This is complicated by the fact that the Town’s groundwater
system is replenished entfrely by precipitatfon and the level of the water table fluctuates seasonally due
to evaporatfon, precipitatfon, and water withdrawals. Barnstable’s Community Preservatfon Committee
(CPC) contfnues ongoing conversatfons with the Fire/Water Districts about wellhead protectfon and open
space acquisitfon to ensure that no development should occur in Zone 1s (i.e. within a 400-foot radius of
a future public supply well) and that lands within both the Zone I and Zone II area be acquired where
possible and feasible.
As the Town experiences an increase in year-round populatfon coupled with a decrease in land area
suitable for water supply development, the need to balance groundwater withdrawals with local effects
on the aquifer’s saltwater boundaries, wetlands, and surface water resources will require careful
planning for future water supply development.
Freshwater Lakes & Ponds
Freshwater lakes and ponds in the Town of Barnstable are significant scenic, recreatfonal, and wildlife
habitat resources. The Town of Barnstable has 163 freshwater ponds, 90 of which are one acre or more.
Twenty-seven ponds are greater than 10 acres and are considered “Great Ponds'' under state
regulatfons. Collectfvely, ponds occupy 1,912 acres within the town. Freshwater ponds are partfcularly
sensitfve to additfons of phosphorus, which is associated with development and land uses close to a
pond (such as wastewater, fertflizer, and stormwater sources). Buffering pond shorelines from
development is an effectfve strategy for protectfng freshwater ponds and lakes by taking advantage of
the soil’s ability to absorb and store phosphorus. Pond and lake stewardship in Town includes the
Department of Public Works, Conservatfon Division and other organizatfons including private lake and
pond associatfons, the Pond and Lake Stewardship (PALs) Program, the Barnstable Clean Water Coalitfon
(BCWC), the Associatfon to Preserve Cape Cod, and the Cape Cod Ponds Network.
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Wetland Resources
Barnstable is home to over 14,300 acres of wetland resources, including ponds and lakes, marshes,
beaches, wooded wetlands, and cranberry bogs. The Great Marshes area, protected by Sandy Neck, is
the largest salt marsh on Cape Cod, and is a state designated Area of Critfcal Environmental Concern
(ACEC). Protected buffers around wetland resources provide important habitat and assist in the
management of pollutants, trapping or arrestfng nutrients and sediment before they can flow into
wetlands and clog or impair them. Increasingly important, wetland buffers preserved from development
will help to store increased stormwater runoff as the climate changes and will allow wetlands to migrate
as changes in groundwater height and increased precipitatfon events occur. Barnstable is home to over
three hundred isolated wetlands, many being cranberry bogs. Some cranberry bogs are an actfve part of
the Cape Cod economy while others are abandoned or protected as open space. There are also 37
certffied vernal pools in Barnstable; these small environments are unique because they can recharge
local aquifers and provide for a diverse set of animals with conditfons ranging from saturated, dry, or
frozen.
Cranberry bog acquisitfon and restoratfon offers multffaceted benefits. First, it enhances water quality
by promotfng natural filtratfon processes at headwaters to ponds and streams. Additfonally, restored
cranberry bogs contribute to healthier ecosystems by supportfng diverse plant and animal life.
Restoratfon of these habitats oflen involves implementfng water storage which can help with localized
flooding during extreme weather events and can play a role in climate change mitfgatfon. It is important
that the Town has a say in the acquisitfon of these important resource areas.
Open Space & Recreation
Habitat
Habitats provide many benefits to humans through the ecosystem services they provide, such as
recreatfonal access, filtering of nutrients or air quality, provision of food and other needed resources,
and mitfgatfng the threats from natural hazards. BioMap, a statewide habitat mapping tool developed by
MassWildlife and The Nature Conservancy, identffies 15,107 acres of Critfcal Natural Landscapes (CNLs)
within Barnstable. There are many threats to these habitat resources.
The subdivision of large tracts of land, for example, oflen replaces natfve vegetatfon with impervious
surfaces and lawns and fragments remaining habitat. The Town contfnues to enforce the Resource
Protectfon Overlay District, which maintains a minimum lot size of two acres in most areas of Town.
Increased water withdrawals from the water table are another threat to habitat, negatfvely impactfng
delicate wetlands and freshwater shorelines. Fluctuatfng water levels support unique species; however,
lower pond levels could disturb habitats.4
4 Cape Cod Watershed Assessment and Actfon Plan, Executfve Office of Environmental Affairs, 2004, 17.
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Threats also include climate change, invasive species, and the reductfon of natural disturbances. Natural
disturbances, such as wildfire or severe storms, are necessary to maintain the diversity of vegetatfon
groupings that define that area’s woodlands, heathlands, and coastal plain pond shores.5
Barnstable’s challenge, along with the rest of the region, is to find ways to protect remaining
undeveloped lands, manage habitat to support diverse vegetatfon, and target invasive species incursions.
Conservation & Recreation
Among the implicatfons of growth is a loss of open space and associated natural resources. The need to
plan for and address open space for recreatfon and resource protectfon remains one of the top prioritfes
in Barnstable today.
Approximately 29% of the area of the town is open space protected in perpetuity (11,469 acres). This is
an increase of 524 acres from 2010 to 2022. Areas held by the water districts for drinking water
protectfon represent a large portfon of the remaining undeveloped land in Barnstable. Land acquisitfons
along Route 6 make up the “backbone” of the Town’s conservatfon lands and contribute to regional
green infrastructure. Conservatfon efforts contfnue to focus on smaller corridors running north-south
and linking to the larger conservatfon greenway along the moraine. Property acquisitfons along
Barnstable coastlines support highly productfve ecosystems, provide popular recreatfon opportunitfes,
and preserve the scenic quality of the seashore.
Additfonal open space exists without protectfon or with limited protectfons. Opportunitfes to purchase
land in the watersheds of sensitfve or impaired water bodies, partfcularly as buffers between the water
body and surrounding land uses, can minimize pollutfon threats and should be prioritfes for future public
acquisitfon.
Resource management problems include illegal trash dumping, unauthorized motorized off-road vehicle
use, and vandalism on conservatfon and other open space parcels. The cleanup and disposal of illegally
dumped material is a nuisance and an added cost burden to the Town. Such actfvitfes also pose
environmental hazards. Despite enforcement efforts by the Natural Resources Division and Police
Department, unauthorized vehicle use is a contfnued problem. Agencies remain vigilant in their
monitoring at sites of illegal dumping and in prosecutfon of violators. The Conservatfon Commission and
Conservatfon Program, as well as the Property Management Division have been very proactfve in
protectfng conservatfon and open space lands from unauthorized vehicular access and illegal dumping
with locked gates and large boulders.
The Town’s Open Space and Recreatfon Plan, adopted in 2018, helps guide the maintenance and
expansion of the Town’s open space and recreatfonal resources.
5 Ibid.
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GOALS & STRATEGIES
Groundwater
Maintaining and improving the quality and quantfty of groundwater remains a major and ongoing goal
for Barnstable, not only to ensure a sustainable yield of high-quality drinking water but to maintain a
healthy environment. Ultfmately, the Town will strive for a long-term goal of achieving a protected water
supply.
Strategy: Contfnue to conduct long-range land use and capital facilitfes planning for future
provision and protectfon of Barnstable’s public water supply.
▪ The Town will contfnue to collaborate with independent water districts to
analyze data and implement plans to acquire future wells and associated lands
before development occurs and designate Zones of Contributfon and Wellhead
Protectfon Zones for future public supply wells.
Strategy: Contfnue to prioritfze the public acquisitfon of lands within 400 feet of a future public
supply well (Zone I), as well as Zone II areas most susceptfble to contaminatfon. Coordinate with
adjacent communitfes, as applicable, when land surrounding a future public supply well expands
into or abuts another town.
Strategy: Practfce water conservatfon measures to help ensure adequate water supply.
▪ The Town’s Water Supply Division will contfnue to manage its Water
Conservatfon Program, providing educatfon and free water conservatfon
products to the public.
Strategy: Contfnue to implement the Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan as it
relates to the protectfon of drinking water, partfcularly in the identfficatfon and treatment of
Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) such as PFAS.
Strategy: Contfnue to prioritfze expansion of the public water supply where private wells are
vulnerable to contaminatfon from wastewater eftfuent, saltwater intrusion or other
contaminants.
Strategy: Ensure, in additfon to the state’s permitting determinatfons, that all water supply wells,
public and private, are located to avoid water withdrawal impacts on ponds, streams, coastal
embayments, and wetlands.
▪ Prevent groundwater mining or overdrafl and ensure that withdrawals do not
exceed the safe yield of the aquifer.
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▪ Ensure that public and private supply well pumping does not cause saltwater
intrusion.
▪ Explore feasibility of incorporatfng additfonal treatment optfons to water supply
processes including desalinizatfon.
Marine Waters
The unique maritfme character of working harbors, coastal villages and other developed areas should be
protected and, if possible, enhanced. Development in high hazard areas should be limited in order to
minimize the loss of life and structures, and to reduce erosion and other environmental damage
resultfng from storms, natural disasters, and sea level rise. Coastal water quality and habitat must be
maintained and improved to allow shellfishing and recreatfon as appropriate, and to protect coastal
ecosystems which support shellfish, finfish, and other coastal wildlife and natfve coastal plants. Manage
the competfng uses of marine waters, including fishing, fowling, boatfng, swimming, and public access to
the shore.
Strategy: Control erosion in barrier beaches and coastal banks to the greatest extent possible to
protect important wildlife habitat and recreatfonal amenitfes and provide storm surge protectfon.
Contfnue to collaborate with the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) to
meet current and future regulatfons. Use natural solutfons to improve the resiliency of our public
beaches and ways to water. Incorporate DEP wetland regulatfons, as amended, to ensure such
review is compliant with state law.
Strategy: Establish regulatfons to require that buildings and infrastructure in areas of projected
sea level rise are designed for protectfon from flooding as well as to minimize risk to human
health and safety. Establish a procedure for managed retreat including identfficatfon of land for
relocatfon of existfng structures.
Strategy: Develop a long-term restoratfon plan for the town’s salt marshes. Establish stabilizatfon
techniques to reduce erosion in the saltwater marshes. (Consider the Virginia Instftute of Marine
Science’s living shoreline program with nature-based approaches for shoreline protectfon).
Strategy: Contfnue to refine and implement strategies for complying with the Total Maximum
Daily Loads (TMDLs) established as part of the Massachusetts Estuaries Program (MEP). Refine
plans to address the new Title 5 Septfc System and Watershed permit regulatfons, including
updates to the CWMP and filing for watershed permits, as needed.
Strategy: Protect environmentally fragile areas and reduce nitrate-nitrogen loading in marine
recharge areas.
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Strategy: Update and expand the scope of the Town’s Coastal Resource Management Plan (2009)
to provide guidance for the various competfng uses of all the Town’s harbors and coastal
resources, including marine services and facilitfes, fisheries and aquaculture, natural resources,
coastal landforms, coastal structures, and coastal land uses.
▪ The Town will explore optfons for the zoning of coastal waters as a mechanism
for balancing and regulatfng competfng interests such as protectfng habitat,
protectfng overall coastal water quality, and providing coastal access for passive
and actfve water dependent recreatfonal actfvitfes.
▪ Consider moratoriums on new (non pre-existfng) docks and moorings untfl the
plan is updated to evaluate the effects of these structures on shellfish and other
habitat.
Strategy: Contfnue to expand the Ways to Water program, to re-establish and/or designate
through appropriate legal means traditfonal rights of way to marine waters to ensure that these
are not lost or abandoned. Contfnue to develop and maintain signage, and outreach programs,
including GIS mapping for postfng to the Town website and internet sites.
Strategy: Accomplish the Sandy Neck Beach Park coastal resiliency project.
Strategy: Contfnue to identffy and protect the Town’s remaining eelgrass beds.
Freshwater Lakes & Ponds
To the greatest extent possible, the water quality of Barnstable's freshwater water bodies should be
maintained to standards that support living organisms appropriate for the lake or pond, and allow
recreatfon for the surrounding neighborhood, Town residents, and other recreatfonal users.
Strategy: Wherever possible, land within 100 feet of any freshwater lake or pond should be
maintained in its natural, vegetated conditfon. Where significant populatfons of rare, endangered
or threatened species have been identffied, every effort should be made to ensure permanent
control over these buffers through acquisitfon by the Town or a conservatfon organizatfon
through acquisitfon, conservatfon restrictfon or deed restrictfon. Coordinate consistent and
frequent enforcement of protected natural resources areas.
Strategy: Within lake and pond recharge areas, development or redevelopment located within
300 feet of freshwater water bodies shall contfnue to be required to meet critfcal nutrient loading
standards. Where existfng development exceeds identffied critfcal loading standards for a
freshwater recharge area, redevelopment should maintain or improve existfng levels of nutrient
loading. Contfnue to investfgate and implement new strategies to reduce nutrient loading as
research and technology evolve.
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Strategy: Contfnue to expand the Ways to Water program, to re-establish and/or designate
through appropriate legal means traditfonal rights of way to freshwater lakes and ponds to ensure
that these are not lost or abandoned. Contfnue to develop and maintain maintenance, signage,
and outreach programs, including GIS mapping for postfng to the Town website and internet sites.
Enhance communicatfon strategies to educate residents of the Town’s Ways to Water program to
promote opportunitfes to access the town’s various waterbodies.
Strategy: Maximize the ecological health of the Town’s 5 herring runs.
Strategy: Coordinate an inventory and analysis of all of the Town’s freshwater ponds and lakes to
evaluate the status of each waterbody including water quality and additfonal impacts like
flooding. Reflect upon existfng conditfons data to develop a prioritfzatfon plan for the Town’s
ponds and lakes with consideratfon of future sewer infrastructure.
Strategy: Coordinate a trust fund to incentfvize homeowners within proximity of the Town’s ponds
to improve existfng levels of nutrient loading by implementfng best practfce strategies such as
vegetated buffers.
Wetland Resources
Preserve and restore the quality and functfons of Barnstable's coastal and inland wetlands. Reclaim filled
or non-functfoning wetlands where possible, including cranberry bogs. Preserve, and restore where
feasible, the quality and functfons of isolated lands subject to flooding and in need of additfonal
protectfon, including vernal pools.
Strategy: Where the size of the lot permits, a vegetated buffer of at least 100 feet from the edge
of coastal and inland wetlands, including isolated wetlands, shall be maintained in an
undisturbed, natural state to protect the natural functfons of these areas, including but not
limited to mitfgatfon of stormwater impacts and wildlife habitat value. Where the lot size does
not permit a 100 foot buffer, the maximum feasible buffer shall be maintained but in no case shall
this buffer be less than 50 feet. The Conservatfon Commission may require a larger buffer to
protect sensitfve areas or where the site conditfons such as slopes or soils suggest that a larger
buffer is necessary to prevent adverse impacts. Coordinate educatfonal opportunitfes for
members of the Conservatfon Commission to learn best practfces strategies pertaining to
vegetated buffers to establish more stringent requirements. Coordinate consistent and frequent
enforcement of protected natural resources areas.
Strategy: Contfnue state and federal grant funded measures to restore impaired ponds, salt
marshes and estuaries.
Strategy: Contfnue to identffy, certffy, and map vernal pools, and ensure that they are not used for
stormwater management.
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Strategy: Require expanded notfficatfon to abutters for large-scale proposals before the
Conservatfon Commission.
Habitat
Prevent loss or degradatfon of critfcal wildlife and plant habitat, minimize the impact of new
development on wildlife and plant habitat, maintain existfng populatfons and species diversity, and
maintain areas which will support wildlife’s natural breeding, feeding, and migratfon patterns.
Strategy: In mapped Sensitfve Habitat Areas, clearing of vegetatfon should be limited. In areas
that have multfple habitat attributes, no clearing or cutting of vegetatfon should be permitted. In
less sensitfve areas, clearing may be permitted, but will be limited to the minimum area needed
for building constructfon, roads, driveways and accessory structures, and as needed for safe sight
distances. In any other undeveloped areas, clearing and alteratfon of topography should be
minimized, with appropriate vegetatfon planted as needed to enhance or restore wildlife habitat.
Coordinate consistent and frequent enforcement of Sensitfve Habitat Areas.
Strategy: In undeveloped areas outside Sensitfve Habitat Areas, clearing of vegetatfon and
alteratfon of natural topography shall be minimized, with appropriate vegetatfon planted as
needed to enhance or restore wildlife habitat and serve as carbon capture to help mitfgate
climate impacts.
Strategy: Contfnue to expand the establishment of greenways and wildlife corridors of sufficient
width to protect edge species and species that inhabit the interior forest through the protectfon
or acquisitfon of large unfragmented areas and the enforcement of open space residentfal
development. Wildlife should be provided with opportunitfes for passage through developed
areas where such opportunitfes will maintain the integrity of wildlife corridors.
Strategy: Contfnue to actfvely maintain wildlife habitat through controlled prescribed burns,
removal of dead trees and brush, etc.
Strategy: Encourage proactfve planning, zoning and permitting to protect endangered species
habitat while stfll providing recreatfonal opportunity to the public.
Strategy: Explore opportunitfes to increase aquaculture on the south side of Town.
Strategy: Establish a living list of natfve and climate resilient tree and shrub species of all sizes that
can thrive in current and future climate conditfons projected for the region, paired with a list of
complementary best practfces for plantfng and maintenance. The tree and shrub list should
promote biodiversity especially within wetland buffers and forested areas and provide guidance
for urban vs rural streetscaping and for open space environments. Additfonally, this list will
prioritfze local species and forestry practfces that maximize the benefits of tree canopy
Barnstable LCP – DRAFT Natural Resources
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development (ex. carbon capture, energy savings, pollutfon mitfgatfon, stormwater surge
protectfon, urban agriculture, recreatfon, etc.). Establish mechanisms for ongoing care and
maintenance of canopy trees with an emphasis on educatfon and civic partfcipatfon.
Strategy: Coordinate zoning amendments to increase tree canopy and wildlife habitat. Amend the
Town’s zoning to require that residentfal and commercial propertfes are improved with or
maintain existfng vegetated landscape buffers. Coordinate zoning to require a new tree to be
planted whenever a significant tree is removed. Consider tax incentfves for propertfes that
maintain tree canopy.
Strategy: Analyze town-owned propertfes to identffy areas, especially within the right-of-way, that
can be improved with vegetatfon, such as existfng medians. Coordinate with the state and utflity
companies to promote enhanced vegetatfon as well.
Open Space
The Town will pursue the goals of its Open Space and Recreatfon Plan, adopted in 2018, including:
• Protect and maintain a maximum amount of open space to enhance environmental protectfon,
recreatfonal opportunitfes and community character.
• Use land protectfon to protect water supply, protect fresh and marine surface waters, preserve
historic, scenic and cultural resources, and provide opportunitfes for farming and agriculture.
• Provide diverse recreatfonal opportunitfes and access throughout Barnstable and ensure that
the current and future needs of all user groups are met appropriately.
• Provide adequate public access to and safe enjoyment of the Town’s open space and
recreatfonal resources and programs, partfcularly its fresh and marine shoreline areas.
• Promote greater coordinatfon and communicatfon about community open space and recreatfon
needs within government and among stakeholder groups in the Town.
Strategy: The Barnstable Open Space and Recreatfon Plan (OSRP) is incorporated herein by
reference. The Town will pursue the objectfves and implement the actfons laid out in Sec. 9.3 of
the OSRP.
Strategy: The Town will pursue the goals defined within the Recreatfon Division’s Priority Plan.
Strategy: Expand recreatfonal opportunitfes across Town for residents of all ages and abilitfes. In
partfcular, coordinate recreatfonal opportunitfes and actfvitfes accessible to people who are
visually impaired and incorporate ADA accessibility. Suggestfons for recreatfonal opportunitfes
include additfonal trails, playgrounds (equip with shade structures, water features, and interactfve
board games), pickleball and basketball courts, and outdoor fitness statfons. Suggestfons for
recreatfonal actfvitfes include community gardens and farmers markets.
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Other Regulations and Processes
The Town will consider regulatfons that place more responsibility on property owners regarding
environmentally sound practfces, and lead by example with its own practfces, including, but not limited
to:
• Establish requirements and incentfvizes for ecological landscaping and the reductfon of lawn
areas.
• Requirements for vegetated buffer zones/wildlife corridors along water bodies including
installatfon of permanent markers to denote the extent of a buffer if a violatfon is cited.
• Bans on fertflizer, herbicides, and pestfcides.
• Discourage use of water for lawn and coordinate restrictfons on irrigatfon such as a mandate for
automatfc irrigatfon shut-off during rainfall.
• Investment in staff tfme and training to properly enforce existfng and new regulatfons.
MAPS
Mapping is an important tool for visualizing natural resources policies. The maps below can help the
community see where development should be moderated or prohibited to protect important natural
resources.
Please see the Existing Conditions Report for a fuller range of maps.
Map X: Wellhead Protection Areas
[Use Map 3.1 from the Existing Conditions Report]
Map X: Open Space by Level of Protection