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Recognizing the important ecosystem services native plants provide, Commission staff are developing an updated list of native plants for use in local and regional planning. Using the comprehensive plant list featured in the Cape Cod Freshwater Pond Buffer Guidance as its foundation, the updated list will include additional native species and indicate which are suited for upland and coastal environments as well as freshwater pond buffers. Created as part of the Freshwater Initiative, the Pond Buffer Guidance highlights the ecological benefits of native plants and their role in supporting healthy habitats.  

Natural systems are central to Cape Cod’s identity and resilience, shaping the region’s environment, economy, and quality of life. A series of lightning talks by Commission staff highlighted efforts to protect ponds, enhance outdoor access, and build resilience in the face of climate stress, sharing practical actions communities and residents can take.  

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

The Cape Cod Commission is pleased to announce the release of the draft Cape Cod Freshwater Strategy, a comprehensive, data-driven plan that defines a path forward for Cape Cod to support healthy, functioning freshwater ecosystems. The draft strategy is available for public comment. Comments will be accepted through Monday, March 17, 2025.

On January 13, 2025, the CCIWPF Board voted to approve two key motions to enhance financial support for water quality monitoring programs, highlighting their connection to the Fund's mission. These programs aim to improve the understanding of both coastal and freshwater ecosystems, ensuring informed, science-based decision-making for the region.    

As work on the Cape Cod Freshwater Initiative nears completion, the Cape Cod Commission is pleased to present new tools and resources to support the region’s freshwater ponds.

The Cape Cod Commission launched the Freshwater Initiative in 2022, responding to growing concerns about the health of the region's 890 ponds and lakes. Cape Cod's freshwater resources are dynamic natural systems that contribute to the region's identity. A strategy to support protection and restoration of Cape Cod’s ponds is nearly complete. It includes data, research, and re

The Cape Cod Freshwater Initiative is moving forward, with much being accomplished over the past few months. Stakeholder groups, organized by groundwater lens, met three times over the past three months to learn about and share thoughts on the region’s freshwater resources, discuss pond management strategies and priorities, and share ideas for advancing and implementing actions to support pond health.  Stakeholder feedback will inform recommendations and resources that result from the Freshwater Initiative. The final round of stakeholder meetings took place in early June, with groups meeting in Sandwich, Harwich, and Wellfleet. 

Stakeholder engagement is a critical component of planning processes, helping to build consensus on impactful recommendations and create actionable plans. Stakeholder engagement to inform the Cape Cod Freshwater Initiative continued in March, with the launch of a process to engage diverse perspectives in working groups organized by groundwater lenses.

Spring is here, and along with all the other typical signs of spring, Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) staff and volunteers have resumed the Cape Cod Regional Pond Monitoring Program.