Conserving Land, Water, Forests, Wildlife and Natural Resources on Cape Cod
Who We Are
The Cape Cod Conservation District helps protect the soil, water and critical natural resources of Barnstable County.
We were formally established by the Massachusetts legislature in 1947, as a subdivision of state government. We bring USDA conservation methods and resources to area farmers and landowners. In recent years, we have been assisting Cape Cod's shellfish growers, and helping Cape communities improve water quality. We've prioritized the restoration of our coastal resources and fisheries. The District has a seven volunteer member Board of Supervisors that works in cooperation with its federal partner, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and other federal, state and local agencies. The philosophy of the District recognizes the importance of involving local citizens and communities in the protection and conservation of our natural resources.
The District also promotes thoughtful environmental approaches to conservation, and the importance of educating local citizens on how they can help protect our natural resources. There are 14 districts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts all serving their respective counties.
Our Work
Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project
In 2003, the Cape Cod Conservation District started work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Barnstable County Commissioners on the development of a comprehensive coastal restoration initiative called the "Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project". The $30 million plan will restore over 1,500 acres of degraded salt marsh, improve fish access to 4,200 acres of spawning habitat, and improve water quality for over 7,300 acres of shellfish beds. The plan was released in 2006, approved by the Congress in 2009, with the first Phase of funding approved in 2010.
“The Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project is important to the quality of life that is enjoyed by the residents and visitors of Barnstable County. Ensuring that our salt marshes, shellfish beds and fish spawning habitat are improved and restored is one of the keys to preserving the quality of life that we enjoy on Cape Cod.”
Our Mission
We provide funding and technical assistance to help manage, protect and conserve the land and water resources of Cape Cod. Our District is one of 3,000 in the United States. We work closely with landowners and local communities on issues relating to soil conservation and water quality protection. We are partners with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), to identify and resolve a variety of conservation challenges. Our work embraces a partnership approach that involves local, county, state and federal agencies. The District is also sponsors educational programs that help promote soil and water conservation.
Learn More
Get Involved
The Cape Cod Conservation District invites students and volunteers to provide assistance on various conservation projects. If you have specific expertise and training in the following areas please let us know:
Coastal/Wetland Ecology
Restoration Ecology
Hydrology
Fisheries Science
Topographic Survey
Vegetation/Environmental Permitting
Environmental Permitting
Environmental Engineering
Stormwater Management
Hydrologic Modeling
Natural Resources Conservation Planning
GIS
Grant Writing
Public Outreach
Please send a letter of interest along with your resume to capecodcd@gmail.com.
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