Harwich Ponds Coalition
The Cape Cod Commission has recently released new tools in support of freshwater resources on Cape Cod. These include a new Cape Cod Water Quality Data Portal and a new document entitled Cape Cod Freshwater Pond Buffer Guidance. See the press release here. Freshwater (and Marine Water) data portals can be found here. Freshwater Pond Buffer Guidance is here.
HPC Status and Priorities
Since our July, 2024 Inaugural Meeting at the Harwich Community Center, a group of 10 board members has been assembled and been meeting monthly to get organized. HPC has filed papers and been approved as a Massachusetts Corporation and has also been granted Federal 501(c)(3) status.
The following priorities for near-term activities have been established:
- Coordinate with Harwich Town officials to coordinate communication about pond health status
- Develop a Healthy Ponds Pledge to encourage pond neighbors and others to eliminate fertilizer and pesticide use, promote sewering, and promote the use of native plants in residential landscaping
- Work with local schools to initiate a contest to develop a new logo for HPC
- Develop detailed photographic and narrative information about Harwich ponds to be hosted on our website
- Develop a broad contact list covering pond neighbors and other interested parties.
Access meeting notes and minutes here.
Please watch this space for future meetings.
