Wellfleet Backs Disputed Building Permit for “Billboard” House Site

“Wellfleet Backs Decision for Disputed Building Permit”
Cape Cod Times, June 27, 2008
By Doug Fraser

Doug Fraser reports that the town of Wellfleet’s Zoning Board of Appeals upheld the town building inspector's decision to grant a building permit to the Blasch family to construct a controversial 5,700-square-foot home in a scenic area of the Cape Cod National Seashore. The new home will replace and triple the footprint of the recently demolished “Billboard” house. The National Park Service has expressed concern about the size of the new home and the permitting process.

Related articles:

•  “Wellfleet: ‘Damn the Torpedoes Full Speed Ahead’,”
     Cape Cod Today, May 31, 2008

•  “No More Delays in Blasch Project,”
     Cape Cod Today, May 14, 2008

•  “'Billboard’ House Draws Crowd at Appeals Hearings,”
     The Provincetown Banner, May 8, 2008

Deadline for Mass Division of Conservation Services Grant Round is July 15th

Originally announced back in April, the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is conducting its Fiscal Year 2009 grant round for the state LAND (Local Acquisition for Natural Diversity) and PARC (Parkland Acquisition and Renovation for Communities) Grant Programs and for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Program. Municipalities are eligible to apply and the deadline for submitting a grant application is July 15, 2008.

Even if your community is not involved in applying for one of the grants, the 24-page PowerPoint presentation and three-page Q&A from DCS’s grants workshop of May 21, 2008, are worth reading.

Also, we note that recent DCS conservation and recreation grants include:

•  Town of Barnstable, FY 2006 Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.5 million conservation project to protect 13 acres at the Archibald Property

•  Town of Barnstable, Urban Self-Help FY 2007 Design/Early Construction grant of $48,600 and Urban Self-Help FY 2008 Construction grant of $451,400 toward a $1 million renovation project of Bismore Park

•  Town of Barnstable, FY 2008 PARC Urban Self-Help Grant Award of $294,300 toward a $545,000 acquisition of 0.3 acres on Pleasant St. for a park

•  Town of Brewster, FY 2008 LAND Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.2 million conservation project to protect 10 acres at Stony Brook

•  Town of Dennis, FY 2005 Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.3 million conservation project to protect 28 acres of the Sears Property at Crowe’s Pasture

•  Town of Dennis, FY 2006 Self-Help Grant Award of $243,000 toward a $450,000 conservation project to protect 4.5 acres of the Welch Property at Crowe’s Pasture

•  Town of Dennis, Urban Self-Help FY 2006 Design/Early Construction grant of $500,000 toward a $3.2 million recreation project at Bass River Park

•  Town of Dennis, FY 2007 Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.2 million conservation project to protect 6 acres at Paddock Farm

•  Town of Dennis, FY 2008 PARC Urban Self-Help Grant Award of $261,464 toward a $502,815 project at Seaview Playland Park

•  Town of Harwich, FY 2005 Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.6 million conservation project to protect 14 acres of the Marini Property

•  Town of Orleans, FY 2006 Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.8 million conservation project to protect 8 acres of the Peck Property at Areys Pond

•  Town of Orleans, FY 2008 LAND Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.25 million conservation project to protect 6.5 acres of the Sparrow Property

•  Town of Provincetown, FY 2007 Self-Help Grant Award of $177,060 toward a $340,500 conservation project to protect 2 acres at Jimmy’s Pond

•  Town of Wellfleet, FY 2005 Self-Help Grant Award of $94,600 toward a $182,000 conservation project to protect 2 acres at the East End Conservation Property

•  Town of Wellfleet, FY 2005 Self-Help Grant Award of $196,000 toward a $377,000 conservation project to protect 6 acres at Fox Island Marsh

•  Town of Wellfleet, FY 2006 Self-Help Grant Award of $351,000 toward a $650,000 conservation project to protect 4.5 acres at Whale Bone Point

•  Town of Yarmouth, FY 2008 LAND Self-Help Grant Award of $250,000 toward a $500,000 conservation project to protect 3 acres at Dennis Pond

Restoration of Mayo Creek Salt Marsh in Wellfleet

"Partial Restoration of Mayo Creek Salt Marsh in the Works”
The Provincetown Banner, June 6, 2008
By Marilyn Miller

WELLFLEET -- The proposed partial restoration of Mayo Creek as a salt marsh was presented to the Wellfleet Conservation Commission at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 4.

The selectmen, at their May 27 meeting, approved the project with the understanding that it will involve only the installation of a tidal gate at this point. ...

The creek runs from Chequessett Neck to the harbor with about 50 acres of salt marsh ... ©

Read the full article in The Provincetown Banner.

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.

Field Schools at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Sponsored by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sancutary, Cape Cod Field Schools Summer 2008 are active, fun, educational courses for adults. Whether you are interested in a half-day, two-day, or four-day course, “enjoy learning in the beautiful coastal setting of Cape Cod. Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary’s Field Schools emphasize active outdoor ‘in-the-field’ experiences and are taught by professional naturalists, scientists, and artists. The Outer Cape’s beaches, woods, dunes, and wetlands provide the setting. Previous experience is not required -- just a sense of adventure!”

Open to the general public and reasonably priced, courses start in late June and run as late as early September. Here’s just one of the many interesting opportunities worth investing in:

The 'Physical' Cape Cod, September 3rd to 5th, 2008. “Hike, bike, kayak, and swim your way up and down the Outer Cape! Each morning will start with an optional yoga session followed by active field trips led by a naturalist. We will kayak in Nauset Marsh, bike through the Provincelands dunes, hike along ancient wooded trails and the scenic Outer Beaches, and slip into quiet kettle ponds for refreshing swims. Instructors: Dennis Murley, Wellfleet Bay naturalist and Carin Trainer, yoga instructor.” $225/Non-member

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 Cod National Seashore Clashes With Wellfleet Over “Billboard” House

“Wellfleet: ‘Damn the Torpedoes Full Speed Ahead’”
Cape Cod Today, May 31, 2008
By Peter Robbins

WELLFLEET -- Despite the Town and Seashore torpedoes, the billboard house slowly vanishes a section at a time to most the feelings were "good ridden's." The owners, the Blasch family, with a legally issued demolition & building permit are moving forward. Why? Because they have every legal right to. ...

... what still bothers me is the standing of the National Seashore when it comes to these projects. There seems to be an inherent conflict between the Seashores position on the issues and the jurisdiction of the town of Wellfleet. ...

The NPS priority is raising the remaining balance of the $6,000,000.00 purchase of the 58 acre North of Highlands Campground in N. Truro. A tremendous undertaking and worthwhile project for the Park. ©

Read the full article in Cape Cod Today.

Related articles:

•  “Wellfleet: The People Have Spoken,”
     Cape Cod Today, May 23, 2008

•  “No More Delays in Blasch Project,”
     Cape Cod Today, May 14, 2008

•  “'Billboard’ House Draws Crowd at Appeals Hearings,”
     The Provincetown Banner, May 8, 2008

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

Wellfleet Conservation Trust Revamps Its Website

The Wellfleet Conservation Trust recently redesigned its website and moved it to a new url: www.wellfleetconservationtrust.org. Anchored with a beautiful photograph of a marsh, the site is easy to navigate and contains a history of the Trust, trail guides, a calendar of events, the forthcoming May 2008 newsletter, and a membership form.

Established in 1984, the Wellfleet Conservation Trust works in a cooperative manner with private landowners, public officals, and other nonprofit organizations to promote the preservation of natural resources and rural character of the town of Wellfleet. To date, the Trust has protected more than 329 acres of land.

Municipal Open Space and Recreation Plans

A lengthy document governed by the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services (DCS), a municipal Open Space and Recreation Plan is “a blueprint for how to obtain the benefits of development without losing valued environmental assets.”

A plan encompasses, among other points, a community history, environmental inventory and analysis, inventory of conservation and recreation lands, and five-year action plan. The inventory of lands is particularly valuable as it identifies land and conservation restrictions held by public, private, and nonprofit parties. A valid Open Space and Recreation Plan is a requirement for participating in DCS grant programs such as LAND, PARC, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund program.

•  Barnstable 2005 Open Space and Recreation Plan
    (8.9 MB, 395 pages)

•  Orleans 2006 Conservation, Recreation and Open Space Plan
    (10.8 MB, 110 pages)

•  Provincetown 2007 Open Space and Recreation Plan
    (6.5 MB, 255 pages)

•  Sandwich 1999/2005 Open Space and Recreation Plan
    (539 KB, 95 pages)

•  Wellfleet 2005 Open Space and Recreation Plan
    (1.8 MB, 143 pages)

•  Yarmouth 2007 Draft Open Space and Recreation Plan
    (2.3 MB, 99 pages)

For information about the status of plans of other communities, see a list or view a Map of Communities with an Approved Open Space and Recreation Plan (2008).

For details about how plans are constructed and what content they contain, read DCS's Open Space and Recreation Plan Requirements (2008) and its Open Space and Recreation Planner’s Workbook (2008).

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.

Fields Pond Foundation: Recent Grants

Established in 1993 and based in Waltham, Mass., the Fields Pond Foundation provides “financial assistance to nature and land conservation organizations that are community-based and that serve to increase environmental awareness by involving local residents in conservation issues.”

Over the past several years, the Foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $100,000 to a number of private conservation organizations to assist in land acquisitions on the Cape, including:

•  Barnstable Land Trust, $8,000 in 2006, toward acquisition of 23-acre forest parcel at Cordwood Road, linking Almy Atlantic White Cedar Swamp and Eagle Pond in Cotuit

•  Barnstable Land Trust, $4,000 in 2004, toward Hot Bottom Road Pathway project

•  Barnstable Land Trust, $7,000 in 2004, toward acquisition of Bone Hill Farm, a gateway parcel to Mass Audubon’s Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary

•  Brewster Conservation Trust, $5,000 in 2006, toward protection of pitch pine and mixed oak waterfront parcel on Pine Pond

•  Friends of Pleasant Bay, $10,000 in 2006, toward protection of Eelman’s Point, providing public access to Pleasant Bay in Orleans

•  Harwich Conservation Trust, $3,000 in 2006, toward construction of new trail for William & Barbara Land Hacker Wildlife Sanctuary

•  Harwich Conservation Trust, $10,000 in 2003, toward acquisition of 42-acre parcel on shoreline of Monomoy River at Pleasant Bay

•  Massachusetts Audubon Society, $12,000 in 2003, toward acquisition of six acres to Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellfleet

•  The Nature Conservancy, $12,000 in 2005, toward acquisition of five parcels at Sandy Neck

•  The Nature Conservancy, $7,000 in 2002, toward acquisition of Furman Tract on Sandy Neck in Barnstable

•  The Nature Conservancy, $12,000 in 2001, toward acquisition of 18 acres at Sandy Neck in East Sandwich

•  Orenda Wildlife Trust, $6,000 in 2001, toward Dawson acquisition on Cape Cod

•  Orenda Wildlife Trust, $3,000 in 2001, toward Mercy Lowe acquisition in Mashpee

•  Orleans Conservation Trust, $8,000 in 2004, toward acquisition of Brooks Property, a seven-acre parcel connecting two freshwater ponds

•  The 300 Committee, $8,000 in 2007, toward acquisition and protection of River Bend Farm on Coonamesett River in Falmouth

•  The 300 Committee, $6,000 in 2005, toward acquisition of 8-acre parcel on Quashnet River in Falmouth

•  The 300 Committee, $7,000 in 2003, toward acquisition of Toner Parcel in Falmouth

•  Truro Conservation Trust, $10,000 in 2005, toward acquisition and protection of Poor Hill, overlooking Pamet Harbor

•  Wellfleet Conservation Trust, $7,000 in 2005, toward acquisition of Whale Bone Point, a gateway to waterfront conservation lands

All information taken directly from the Foundation’s Form 990-PF’s.

Mass Audubon Bird-a-thon 2008

Mass Audubon is celebrating the 25th year of its statewide Bird-a-thon competition on May 16 & 17, 2008. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, learn about Massachusetts birds, participate on a bird-sighting team, and raise money to support the Massachusetts Audubon Society.

On the Cape, two Mass Audubon sanctuaries, the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Long Pasture in Barnstable, are participating in the Bird-a-thon and hosting events.

Meanwhile, read Mass Audubon's Coastal Waterbird Program Spring 2008 newsletter or try eBird, “the powerful Internet-based program currently used by thousands of birders. eBird is a free, user-friendly way for birders across North America to record, archive, and share their observations at any hour of the day."

Wellfleet Grants $100,000 in CPA Funds for Lot; Chilmark Approves Antennae Atop Peaked Hill

On Monday evening, April 28, 2008, Wellfleet town meeting voted in favor of Article 20, approving $100,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to help the Wellfleet Conservation Trust purchase a one-acre lot on Pilgrim Spring Road. The Trust has a purchase agreement to buy the lot at bargain sale for $200,000.

Meanwhile, down on Martha's Vineyard, Chilmark voters granted permission to the United States Coast Guard to replace an existing 48-foot public safety antennae atop Peaked Hill with a 100-foot tower topped by a 13-foot antennae. Peaked Hill, a half-acre of land bought in 1975 by the Vineyard Open Land Foundation, is the highest point on the Island. The town owns a conservation restriction on the property. (Addendum: For details of the vote, read the newspaper article "Chilmark Allows Peaked Hill Tower," Vineyard Gazette, May 2, 2008.)

Calendar of Events for May 2008

The month of May offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and learn about the area's natural resources. Below are just a few of the dozens of events scheduled for May 2008. Check the respective websites for details and more listings!

Saturday, May 3, 2008
Spring Wildflowers at Bank Street Bogs Conservation Lands, Harwich
“Join botanist and journalist Rich Eldred to explore for spring wildflowers at Harwich Conservation Trust’s largest preserve.”
Harwich Conservation Trust

Saturday, May 10, 2008
Long Beach and the Centerville River Walk, Centerville
“Join Town of Barnstable Conservation Administrator Rob Gatewood and BLT’s Chris Babcock for a two-hour, 3-1/2 mile walk along Long Beach to the tip of the barrier spit and back by way of the Centerville River trail. Along the way, Rob will discuss coastal dynamics, beach nourishment projects, dredging, Piping Plovers, and much more.”
Barnstable Land Trust

Saturday, May 10, 2008
Give a Day for Buzzards Bay: Clean Up Marsh Island, Fairhaven
“What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend than by spending a day caring for Mother Earth with Mom?”
Coalition for Buzzards Bay

Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Natural History Speaker Series: Turtles of the Coast
Naturalist Dennis Murley speaks about Sea Turtles and Terrapins.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Friday, May 16, 2008
Lieutenant Island Hike, Wellfleet
“The Society owns about 200 acres on Lieutenant Island, including salt marsh, barrier beach, and coastal heathland. We'll circumnavigate the island on this 3-hour walk watching for shorebirds, checking on nesting piping plovers, and looking for signs of diamondback terrapins.”
Mass Audubon

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Wednesday Walk: Dennis Pond, Yarmouthport
Join Connie Boyce for a 3-to-4 mile walk.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Sunday, May 25, 2008
Spawning Horseshoe Crabs, Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
“Stroll the southern shoreline of Nauset Marsh with Bob Prescott in search of spawning horseshoe crabs. Shorebirds and herons are among the other wildlife we will see in this beautiful location.”
Mass Audubon

Wellfleet to Vote on CPA Funding for Lot, Chilmark to Consider Antennae Atop Hill

When Wellfleet's annual town meeting opens on Monday, April 28, 2008, it will consider Article 20, whether to approve $100,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to help the Wellfleet Conservation Trust purchase a one-acre lot on Pilgrim Spring Road.

According to the town warrant, “The Wellfleet Conservation Trust has a purchase agreement to buy this 1-acre lot at bargain sale for $200,000. The Trust and the Town have worked cooperatively for more than 10 years to acquire parcels for conservation and 1.5 miles of public trail use south of Pilgrim Spring Road. This purchase will enhance the woodland tranquility at the trailhead. The Trust and Town have previously split costs for land conservation projects and this would be a continuation of that partnership. The Town will hold a permanent conservation restriction that allows for public access on this parcel."

Meanwhile, the Vineyard Gazette reports that Chilmark voters will consider replacing an existing public safety antennae atop Peaked Hill with a taller tower and antennae when they gather for annual town meeting on April 28, 2008:

“One key item expected to draw debate is a request from the United States Coast Guard to replace an existing 48-foot public safety antennae atop Peaked Hill with a 100-foot tower topped by a 13-foot antennae. ... a number of abutters questioned the placement of the tower on top of Peaked Hill, a half-acre of land bought in 1975 by the Vineyard Open Land Foundation. The town later bought the conservation restriction on the property. The site, at 311 feet, is the highest point on the Island and is bordered by 71.6 acres owned by the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank. Walking trails connect land bank and open land foundation properties with a nearby 20-acre parcel owned by the town. ..."

Volunteer for Earth Day at Mass Audubon

As part of a month-long celebration of Earth Day 2008, Mass Audubon is hosting Work for Wildlife, its 2nd Annual Statewide Volunteer Day, on Saturday, April 26, 2008, from 9 a.m. to noon. Here’s a general description, taken from Mass Audubon’s website:

“Have fun while lending a helping hand at one of your favorite wildlife sanctuaries around the state. Join us for our 2nd Annual Statewide Volunteer Day as we spruce up our trails and gardens, put on a fresh coat of paint, and dive into other spring cleaning projects. There are activities for all ages and abilities. Bring your friends and family and a picnic lunch, and stay to enjoy the sanctuary (and fun activities) after the work is done.”

On Cape Cod and the Islands, you can volunteer at these Mass Audubon sanctuaries:

•  Long Pasture, Barnstable, where opportunities include Operation Culvert, Bird and Butterfly Garden, and Night Heron Pond Enhancement

•  Wellfleet Bay, Wellfleet, where opportunities include Spring Cleaning!, Painting by the Bay, and Alien Invaders

•  Felix Neck, Martha’s Vineyard, where opportunities include Bench Building 101, and Felix Neck Garden Party

To volunteer, sign-up online!