Barnstable County Commissioners Review Draft Cape Cod Freshwater Strategy, Approve Route 6 Visitor Center Funding
March 12, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – Today, the Barnstable County Commissioners reviewed the Cape Cod Commission’s Draft Cape Cod Freshwater Initiative Strategy —a plan to protect and restore the region’s freshwater ponds through expanded monitoring, sustainable funding, regional coordination, and stakeholder engagement. The Commissioners also approved a $40,000 allocation from the license plate fund to support the Route 6 Visitor Center and rest area in Yarmouth during the 2025 tourism season.
Presentation on the 2025 Draft Cape Cod Freshwater Initiative Strategy
Today the Commissioners received a presentation on the 2025 Draft Cape Cod Freshwater Initiative Strategy, which is open for public comment through March 17, 2025. Kristy Senatori, Director of the Cape Cod Commission, outlined key recommendations to safeguard the region’s freshwater resources. Cape Cod is home to over 890 ponds, including 66 “great ponds” larger than ten acres, which are essential to local ecology, recreation, and the economy. However, these ecosystems face growing threats from nutrient pollution, stormwater runoff, erosion, invasive species, and climate change.
The strategy—developed through extensive data collection and stakeholder input—includes several key recommendations for enhancing pond health and protection. These include maintaining and expanding funding for the Regional Pond Monitoring Program, developing a regional funding program for town projects, improving access to state and federal grant funds, and prioritizing ponds for action. Additional recommendations focus on promoting best practices for pond buffer management, integrating freshwater ponds into municipal water resource planning, utilizing pond buffer guidance, and developing model wetland bylaws and orders of conditions.
Other suggested actions include streamlining wetland permitting to facilitate pond buffer restoration, expanding regional monitoring and laboratory capacity, addressing data gaps, and improving consistent communication and outreach for varied pond users. Fostering appreciation and respect for Cape Cod’s ponds was also emphasized as critical for long-term stewardship.
Securing sustainable funding was a central theme of the discussion. Ideas included leveraging the upcoming environmental bond bill, establishing a regional funding program to prioritize local projects, developing a “Model Ponds Program” for cost-sharing with towns, and creating a regional coordinator position to assist municipalities in accessing grants and navigating administrative processes.
Chair Sheila Lyons highlighted the importance of public education and consistent messaging, stating, “There’s a need to foster appreciation and respect for the ponds through consistent messaging that will help instill behaviors to protect them even while we continue to enjoy them.”
The draft Cape Cod Freshwater Strategy is available for review on the Cape Cod Commission website at capecodcommission.org through March 17, 2025. The Commissioners expressed strong support for the strategy and committed to ensuring the necessary resources and frameworks are in place to protect Cape Cod’s freshwater ecosystems.
Support for Route 6 Visitor Center and Rest Area
Also at today’s Commissioners meeting, Mary Vilbon, Executive Director of the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce, presented a request for continued support of the Route 6 Visitor Center and rest area during the 2025 tourism season. Vilbon highlighted the center’s significant impact, noting that over 20,000 visitors utilized the restroom facilities during the previous season. She expressed her gratitude to the Commissioners for their ongoing support, as well as to the Cape Cod Chamber, MassDOT, and the Hyannis Rotary for their contributions to maintaining and enhancing the site. The Commissioners unanimously approved allocating $40,000 from the license plate fund to support the center’s operations. The partnership also includes ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the site’s Korean Memorial.
Support for Hybrid and Remote Public Meetings
County Commissioners voted to approve a draft letter urging the Massachusetts Legislature to preserve current authorizations for hybrid and remote public meetings. This move highlights the County’s dedication to accessibility and transparency in government proceedings. The letter supports proposed legislation in both the House and Senate that would codify the flexibility introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing residents to continue participating in meetings remotely. This approach ensures greater public engagement, especially for those in geographically distant areas of the county and reflects the evolving expectations of community members who have grown accustomed to virtual access.
Annual Review Process for Key County Positions
The Barnstable County Commissioners held a discussion and unanimously voted to approve the annual review process specifically for four key county positions: the County Administrator, Cape Cod Commission Director, Finance Director, and Dredge Director. The approved process, outlined in an administrative memorandum, includes establishing clear evaluation forms, setting timelines, and defining responsibilities to ensure consistent, effective performance evaluations. The process emphasizes clear communication of expectations, timely initiation of evaluations, and ongoing feedback to support leadership accountability and organizational goals.
Approval of FY2026 Capital Budget
Additionally, the Commissioners reviewed and approved Ordinance 2025-01, adopting the FY2026 Capital Budget as passed by the Assembly of Delegates on March 5, 2025. The budget reflects ongoing investments in regional infrastructure and community services.
For more information on the meeting or to view the full agenda, please visit www.capecod.gov.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sonja Sheasley, Communications Coordinator (508) 375-6896 sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov
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