This article was updated on Feb. 28, 2024. PROVINCETOWN — A North Atlantic right whale was found dead near Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard on Jan. 28. The death represents a […]
Environment
CIVICS
Provincetown Adopts a ‘Phased Approach’ to DPW Renovation
Instead of a $31-million building, the town will start with a $5-million garage
PROVINCETOWN — Almost two years ago, departing Dept. of Public Works Director Rich Waldo made a pitch to the select board for a new DPW facility slated to cost $31 […]
SHARK SMART
So Far, Experiments With Shark Barriers Don’t Sway Local Experts
Growing acceptance of sharks’ presence shapes understanding of ‘mitigation’
WELLFLEET — Great white sharks have become as synonymous with Cape Cod summers as lobster rolls and bridge traffic. But as their population has rebounded after decades of decline, so […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Feb. 6 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
RADIOACTIVITY
State Says Holtec Must Report on Chemicals in Vaporized Wastewater
DEP wants to assess whether Pilgrim releases should require air quality permit
PLYMOUTH — Holtec International, the company that now owns the shuttered nuclear power station here, has so far not received permission to pursue its initial plan to discharge 1.1 million […]
RADIOACTIVITY
State Says Holtec Must Report on Chemicals in Vaporized Wastewater
DEP wants to assess whether Pilgrim releases should require air quality permit
PLYMOUTH — Holtec International, the company that now owns the shuttered nuclear power station here, has so far not received permission to pursue its initial plan to discharge 1.1 million […]
BUSHY BEARDS
Lichens Like It Here
Shrubby lichens like the bushy beard (Usnea strigosa) are sensitive enough to air pollution to be bioindicators: the bushier the beards, the cleaner the air. Judging by the robustness of […]
MORNING FLIGHT
The Art of Pishing
When songbirds are nowhere to be found, a scolding call can bring out a mob
Some days, birds just aren’t cooperative. Warblers stick to the crowns of trees, sparrows hide in the bushes, and finches won’t leave the hedges. Birds can be skulky beasts sometimes. […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Jan. 30 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
WINTERGREEN
The Groundcover That Refreshes
If the state of the world has left a bad taste in your mouth, a stroll through Provincetown’s Beech Forest can be a palate cleanser. Clear your mind on the […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Jan. 23 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
COASTAL RESILIENCE
A Big Storm, but Less Flooding in Provincetown
Highest storm surge since 2018 meets improved defenses
PROVINCETOWN — The powerful storm that hit New England on Jan. 13 and caused major coastal flooding from Boston to Maine brought several saltwater intrusions to Provincetown.
BLACK LOCUST
In the Grove
Once you learn to identify the black locust by its deeply furrowed, interlacing bark, you’ll start to see it everywhere on the Outer Cape — where there’s one, there are […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Jan. 16 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
CLEAN WATER
Wellfleet’s Wastewater Plan Is on Track to Meet State Deadline
A larger downtown sewer district and treatment at Maurice’s should improve nitrogen mitigation
WELLFLEET — Town officials are working to finalize a targeted watershed management plan aimed at reducing the nitrogen load in the harbor and bringing Wellfleet into compliance with state and […]
