Wetland Concerns Slow Orleans Restaurant Project Near Rotary

“Wetland Worries Slow Orleans Commercial Project”
Cape Cod Times, July 2, 2008
By Susan Milton

Susan Milton reports that the Orleans Conservation Commission’s concerns about surrounding wetlands have slowed a proposed 3-acre restaurant redevelopment project near the rotary in Orleans and Eastham. The Ninety Nine Restaurant chain, which planned to build on open space, has pulled out of the project.

Eastham Reappoints Member to Fourth Term on Conservation Commission

“Conservation Commission Update”
The Cape Codder, June 20, 2008

The Cape Codder reports that the Eastham Board of Selectmen reappointed David Hoerle to a fourth term on the town’s Conservation Commission, even though the Commission’s rules prohibit members from serving more than three terms.

Big Homes Unstoppable in National Seashore Park

“Big Homes Unstoppable in Seashore”
Cape Cod Times, June 8, 2008
By Doug Fraser

EASTHAM -- George Price, superintendent of the Cape Cod National Seashore, is worried that the battle to retain the park's rural character is being lost cottage by cottage. ...

The Seashore mission -- to keep the park looking like it did when it was created in 1961 -- has become more difficult as property owners within the park want to enlarge their summer cottages to full-sized homes, or as new owners want to maximize their property values by building as much house as zoning allows. ... ©

Read the full article in the Cape Cod Times.

Cape Walk 2008 Unfazed by Rain

“Biennial Walk Across Cape Presses on Despite Rain”
Cape Cod Times, June 5, 2008
By Susan Milton

BREWSTER -- Charlie Manolakis could easily drive from Provincetown to Bourne in 90 minutes or less.

But every two years, the Tucson retiree takes nine days to walk an estimated 100 miles of trail between the towns. He's done Cape Walk, a hike sponsored by Cape Cod Pathways, eight times since 1995. ...

Despite obstacles, participation in Cape Walk has grown, and this year, included the most people yet ... ©

Read the full article in the Cape Cod Times.

For a participant’s account of this year’s walk and a collection of related photographs, please read Walking CapeWalk, a blog maintained by Lucy Loomis, “casual hiker, mom, and Director of the Sturgis Library in Barnstable Village.”

Also, note that Cape Cod Pathways hosts an annual Walking Weekend every October. Check the 2007 schedule for a taste of what this year's event might entail.

Cape Walk 2008: May 31st to June 8th

The seventh Cape Walk, a nine-day trek across Cape Cod with some of the region's most experienced hikers and trail walkers, starts today, May 31, 2008, at Herring Cove in Provincetown. The walk will end at Scusset Beach State Reservation in Bourne, on Sunday, June 8, 2008.

Sponsored by Cape Cod Pathways, the walk is not a fundraiser but rather a celebration of Cape Cod's many conservation areas. Participants can walk one day, join in for several days, or walk the entire distance over the nine-day event:

•  Day 1, Saturday, May 31st, Provincetown to Truro
•  Day 2, Sunday, June 1st, Truro to Wellfleet
•  Day 3, Monday, June 2nd, Wellfleet to Eastham
•  Day 4, Tuesday, June 3rd, Eastham to Brewster
•  Day 5, Wednesday, June 4th, Brewster to Dennis
•  Day 6, Thursday, June 5th, Dennis to Yarmouth
•  Day 7, Friday, June 6th, Yarmouth to Barnstable
•  Day 8, Saturday, June 7th, Barnstable to Sandwich
•  Day 9, Sunday, June 8th, Sandwich to Bourne

For more information and complete details of each day's walk, please read the six-page program booklet.

Calendar of Events for June 2008

June offers many wonderful opportunities to enjoy and learn about the environment of Cape Cod and the Islands. Below are just a few of the dozens of local events scheduled. Some events are members-only but most are open to the general public. Please check the respective websites for details and more listings!

Sunday, June 1st, 2008
Bird Walk, Wellfleet
“The early bird gets the worm and the early birder gets the best birds. The sanctuary’s many habitats support a wide variety of birds from herons to hummingbirds, waders to warblers, and everything in between.”
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon

Wednesday, June 4th, 2008
Walk: Bell's Neck Conservation Area, Harwich
Cape Cod Natural History Museum

Saturday, June 7th, 2008
Natural History Book Sale, Brewster
“This special sale will include contributions from members, a superb collection of recent gardening books AND a huge pile of ‘Oldies But Still Goodies’ from the Clarence Hay Library.”
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Saturday, June 7th, 2008
Botanical Walk Coy’s Brook Woodlands, Harwich
“Botanist and journalist Rich Eldred will point out flora in a variety of wetland and upland habitats.”
Harwich Conservation Trust

Sunday, June 8th, 2008
1st Annual Nantucket Family Adventure, Nantucket
“Families will get outdoors, explore Nantucket, and participate in fun activities such as scavenger hunts, geocaching, games, letter boxing, nature walks and more.”
Hosted by Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Mass Audubon, Nantucket Land Council, Linda Loring Nature Foundation and other organizations.

Sunday, June 8th, 2008
Landscape Painting with Karen North Wells, Brewster
“A two-day workshop with noted Brewster artist Karen North Wells.”
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Wedneday, June 11th, 2008
Great Island Hike, Wellfleet
“This hike will traverse salt marshes, dunes, and Cape Cod Bay, and will explore the woods of the interior of the island. Scenic vistas of Wellfleet Harbor will also be seen from high cliff tops.”
Cape Cod National Seashore

Saturday, June 14th, 2008
Bridge Creek Conservation Area Walk, West Barnstable
“BLT’s own Tom Mullen will lead you on an exploration through the town-owned Bridge Creek Conservation Area and BLT’s recently preserved two-acre parcel at Bayview Farm. Learn about recent efforts to preserve Bayview Farm and restore Bridge Creek.”
Barnstable Land Trust

Saturday, June 14th, 2008
A Walk in the Hawksnest Woods with Commentary, Harwich
“Join walk leader, Irwin Schorr, as he interprets the history, folklore, geology and botany of the six ponds area.”
Harwich Conservation Trust

Saturday, June 14th, 2008
Kayaking Chase Garden Creek in Yarmouth
“This creek is a long meandering creek that is protected from the stronger winds of Barnstable Harbor. Close encounters with osprey nests and other bird life is a certainty. Kayaks, paddles and life vests provided.”
Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon

Sunday, June 15th, 2008
Family Day at Peterson Farm, Falmouth
“Join us for an afternoon of exploration and fun activities at one of Falmouth's oldest farms. Watch sheep herding, build a scarecrow, or go on a bird walk or nature scavenger hunt. You can also see live turtles in a program led by Ian Ives, sanctuary director for Mass. Audubon.”
The 300 Committee

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008
Nature Photography with Stan Godwin, Brewster
“This course will introduce the technique of fine nature photography using digital capture.”
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008
Sandy Neck Plover Walk, West Barnstable
“Join Sandy Neck Park Manager and Naturalist, Nina Coleman and BLT for a one-mile hike through the dunes of Sandy Neck to the Piping Plover nests hidden along the front beach. Explore barrier beach ecology, learn about the Plover’s life-cycle and the conservation measures that are being taken to protect these endangered shorebirds.”
Barnstable Land Trust

Thursday, June 19th, 2008
Seashore Ramble, Wellfleet
“Explore the area where the land meets the sea, searching for animals and plants of the salt marsh and tidal flats. Using nets, small fish traps, and buckets, you will discover the world of crabs, shrimp, fish, and clams.”
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon

Thursday, June 19th, 2008
Campfire Sing-Along with Denya Levine and Tim Dickey
Marconi Beach, Cape Cod National Seashore, Wellfleet
Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore

Friday, June 20th, 2008
Solstice Cruise Around Sandy Neck
Celebrate summer with a cruise aboard the Hyannis Whale Watcher. Commentary and local lore by Nina Coleman, a Sandy Neck Park Manager, Ian Ives, of Mass Audubon, and Ken Morton, the Sandy Neck Lighthouse Owner.
Barnstable Land Trust

Saturday, June 21st, 2008
Shore to Shore Hike, Wellfleet
“Walk across the Cape starting on the bay side of the Sanctuary and head to the ocean. We’ll walk through the pine woods of Bay View Trail, cross Route 6, hike along Fresh Brook swamp, then enjoy a panoramic view from the heathland above the cliffs at the Outer Beach.”
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon

Saturday, June 21st, 2008
Meadow Point Walk, Cotuit
“Join BLT member Bob Livingston for a walk through Meadow Point, BLT’s 28-acre ‘crown jewel’ at the southern-most tip of Barnstable. Enjoy the beauty and serenity of this meadow fringed by upland and bordered by Popponesset Bay. Bring a snorkel, mask, and water shoes if you’d like to participate in an optional swim.”
Barnstable Land Trust

Saturday, June 21st, 2008
Family Walk: Aquatic Creatures at Bank Street Bogs, Harwich
“Families with school age children will search the bogs with walk leader Jan Cormier.”
Harwich Conservation Trust

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
Kayaking Barnstable Harbor and the Great Marsh
“Launching from Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, we will explore the many tidal creeks and islands of the harbor, looking for shorebirds, osprey, horseshoe crabs and other creatures of the marsh. We'll also come ashore at the Sandy Neck barrier beach lighthouse. ... Kayaks, paddles and life vests provided.”
Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon

Thursday, June 26th, 2008
Walking With Authors, Eastham
“Experience Cape Cod through the eyes of some of the area’s most beloved authors, such as Beston, Thoreau, Hay, and others. See what they saw, feel what they felt, and hear what they heard. Join local author Dana Eldridge, and stroll the edge of Nauset Marsh.”
Cape Cod National Seashore

Saturday, June 28th, 2008
Searching for Thoreau’s Cape Cod, Wellfleet
“Searching for Thoreau, a compilation of essays by Tom Slayton, transports the reader to places in New England most important to Thoreau, highlighting and reflecting on 150 years of change. Slayton was the editor-in-chief of Vermont Life Magazine from 1986–2007 and a long-time commentator for Vermont Public Radio.”
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon

Saturday, June 28th, 2008
Botanical Walk: Bank Street Bogs Conservation Lands, Harwich
“Join botanist Robert Zaremba for a look at the many wild grasses in and around this conservation area.”
Harwich Conservation Trust

Saturday, June 28th, 2008
Hike: “More Walking, Less Talking,” Provincetown
“Wake up early Saturday mornings and join us for an energetic fitness hike off the beaten path and into some of the Outer Cape’s unique and secluded places.”
Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Walk 2008: May 31st to June 8th

The seventh Cape Walk, a nine-day trek across Cape Cod with some of the region's most experienced hikers and trail walkers, will journey from Herring Cove in Provincetown, Saturday, May 31, to Scusset Beach State Reservation in Bourne, Sunday, June 8, 2008.

Sponsored by Cape Cod Pathways, the walk is not a fundraiser but rather a celebration of Cape Cod's many conservation areas. Participants can walk one day, join in for several days, or walk the entire distance over the nine-day event:

•  Day 1, Saturday, May 31, Provincetown to Truro
•  Day 2, Sunday, June 1, Truro to Wellfleet
•  Day 3, Monday, June 2, Wellfleet to Eastham
•  Day 4, Tuesday, June 3, Eastham to Brewster
•  Day 5, Wednesday, June 4, Brewster to Dennis
•  Day 6, Thursday, June 5, Dennis to Yarmouth
•  Day 7, Friday, June 6, Yarmouth to Barnstable
•  Day 8, Saturday, June 7, Barnstable to Sandwich
•  Day 9, Sunday, June 8, Sandwich to Bourne

For more information and complete details of each day's walk, please read the six-page program booklet.

Questions Remain on Eastham Ocean Beach Issue

"Questions Remain on Beach Issue"
Cape Cod Times, May 14, 2008
By Ken Camarro

What's important in the recent ocean beach vote in Eastham was that 48.6 percent of the voters were in favor of a new beach. Half of Eastham voters believe strongly there is a need that is not being filled by the facilities at Coast Guard or Nauset beaches. ...

Were conservation issues exaggerated? Was it appropriate for the Cape Cod Commission to require a conservation restriction ...

Please don't give up on the ocean beach. The objections to the ocean beach show a prejudice against sharing the wonder of our shore with others. This was not the intent of our land-use charters and regulations. ©

Read the full op-ed piece in the Cape Cod Times.

Related article: "Eastham Ocean Beach Proposal Buried," Cape Cod Times, May 6, 2008

Recent Nonprofit 990 Filings for Public Review

Recent IRS Form 990 filings for several local nonprofit organizations are available for public review:

•  Eastham Conservation Foundation, Form 990-PF for FY 2007

•  Quissett Harbor Preservation Trust, Form 990-PF for FY 2007

•  Yarmouth Conservation Trust, Form 990 for FY 2007

Filings for prior years are available through the Foundation Center or GuideStar.

First Edition of Beston’s The Outermost House

AbeBooks.com, a bookseller’s website, has a listing for a neat first edition of Henry Beston’s classic book, The Outermost House: a Year of Life on the Great Beach of Cape Cod, published by Doubleday in 1928:

“Recased in full blue morroco covered boards with gilt text stamping on the spine with gilt decorations between five raised bands and with marbled end papers. Without its issued dust jacket. The first free end paper bears a Christmas 1928 gift inscription and the book is signed by Charles D. Keegan "Officer in charge Nauset Station" (which is the Life Saving Station closest to the Outermost House on Cape Cod). Beneath this entry is a copy of a short poem on a 2" by 4" long column from a newspaper which has been tipped-in. 222 pages of text and illustrated with 31 black and white photographic plates. Tipped-in on the second to last free end paper is an essay taken from a magazine by Henry Beston titled: Sound and Life.” Price: $385.

For more information about Henry Beston and his The Outermost House, check out the website of the Friends of Henry Beston and the Beston Family Papers, 1899-1977, at Bowdoin College.

Nature Conservancy Hires Goldman Sachs Banker as New Chief Executive

"Nature Conservancy Hires Investment Banker as Its New CEO"
The Chronicle of Philanthropy, May 9, 2008
By Peter Panepento

WASHINGTON -- The Nature Conservancy today named an investment manager with a deep background in environmental issues to be its new chief executive.

Mark R. Tercek, 51, managing director at the investment firm Goldman Sachs and head of the firm’s Center for Environmental Markets, will replace Steven J. McCormick, who left the charity in October.

Mr. Tercek, who will start his new position in July, takes over at an important time for the nation’s largest environmental-conservation charity. ... ©

Read the full article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 23,000 acres in Massachusetts and owns 20 preserves, including three on Cape Cod (Grassy Pond in Dennis, Boat Meadow in Eastham, and Sandy Neck in Barnstable) and six on the Islands (David H. Smith Preserve and Katama Plains in Edgartown; Hoft Farm, Francis Newhall Preserve, and Homer-Watcha Preserve in West Tisbury; Miacomet Moors on Nantucket).

Eastham Ocean Beach Proposal Buried

"Eastham Ocean Beach Proposal Buried"
Cape Cod Times, May 6, 2008
By Doug Fraser

NORTH EASTHAM -- The drive to establish a new town beach on the Atlantic Ocean came to a dead end last night as the proposal failed to get a majority vote, let alone the two-thirds required on a conservation restriction.

The Cape Cod Commission had stipulated that restriction as a condition of its approval of the 3.97-acre, 250-car parking lot and stairway to the beach. ...

Opponents of the beach said it was not necessary and caused too much environmental harm. ... ©

Read the full article in the Cape Cod Times.

Read a similar article, "Eastham Voters Reject Ocean Beach," The Cape Codder, May 7, 2008.

Eastham, Harwich and Mashpee Voters to Consider Conservation Articles on May 5th

Several conservation measures are slated for discussion at annual town meetings on Monday, May 5, 2008.

In Eastham, voters will consider warrant Article 18, which asks for approval of a beach conservation restriction required by the Cape Cod Commission to mitigate the environmental impacts of a proposed ocean beach project that includes construction of a 4-acre, 250-space parking lot. If voters do not approve the conservation restriction, the project cannot continue. The Eastham Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee recommend approval of Article 18.

The Association to Preserve Cape Cod opposes the beach project and recommends that Eastham residents vote against Article 18. Eastham Citizens for Responsible Coastal Development, whose website has a neat collection of documents and newspaper articles about the issue, also opposes Article 18. For a short summary of the entire matter, read "Eastham Divided Over Beach," Cape Cod Times, May 1, 2008.

In Harwich, town meeting will ponder warrant Article 40, “To see if the Town will ... acquire by gift, by purchase, by eminent domain, or otherwise, for open space purposes ... all or a portion of the land owned now or formerly by James Marceline, known and numbered as 0 Queen Anne Road and … containing five (5) acres of land ... and to transfer from Community Preservation Act funds, the sum of money for such acquisition ...” Unfortunately, the estimated cost has not been determined and the Harwich Finance Committee recommends this article be indefinitely postponed.

In Mashpee, residents will discuss warrant Article 10 and Article 11. Article 10 “would authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire 78.67 acres located on Route 130. Funding for this acquisition will require the use of CPC [Community Preservation Committee] funds, Self Help Funds, Land & Water Conservation Funds, and a $2,146,800 debt exclusion.” For more details, read “Did We Say $2.1M? We Meant $2.6M,” Cape Cod Times, April 25, 2008. The Mashpee Board of Selectmen does not recommend approval of this article.

Article 11 “would authorize the Board of Selectmen to purchase, on behalf of the Conservation Commission, a 1.09 acre parcel on Meetinghouse Road, which is adjacent to existing conservation land owned by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife on the Mashpee River. The purchase would be paid for with funds from the Conservation Commission’s Acquisition of Lands and Maintenance Account." The Mashpee Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee recommend approval of this article.