Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Sept. 13 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
Environment
RUNOFF
Season for Harbor Testing Ends With a Fail
PROVINCETOWN — The town landing at Breakwater Beach was “posted” on Sept. 1 and 2 —closed to swimming due to the presence of bacteria. Such closures happen each summer, but […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Sept. 6 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
BIRDS
On the Herring River With Stephen Broker
Watching herons, egrets, ospreys, and rails
WELLFLEET — Mayo Beach is bustling on an August evening. SUVs are loaded with beach gear, and musicians tune up under the tent across the street. In the background, 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, Aug. 30 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
ENVIRONMENT
Wellfleet Gets $50 Million to Restore Herring River
Bridge reconstruction to begin at end of the year
WELLFLEET — The Cape Cod National Seashore published a list of important events that took place at the Herring River beginning 15,000 years ago when the glacier formed that part […]
SHELLFISHING
Clammer Fined for Illegal Operation at Herring Cove
Conservation commission will discuss issuing cease-and-desist order
PROVINCETOWN — The owner and the captain of a 46-foot local clamming dredge have been cited by the state environmental police for fishing within the 20-foot contour line at night […]
POND ETIQUETTE
If You Pick Up a Frog, Put It Back Where You Got It
Amphibians are plentiful here but should be handled with care
TRURO — The shallow rim of a pond populated by toddlers and their watchful parents may be the last place on Cape Cod where you would expect to see an […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Aug. 23 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
ENVIRONMENT
Killing Weeds With Herbicides Is ‘Last Resort’
Invasive Phragmites is threat to pond ecosystems, says NPS
WELLFLEET — The National Park Service plans to treat six Outer Cape kettle ponds for the invasive weed Phragmites australis, which is threatening the ecology of Herring, Gull, and Higgins […]
RADIOACTIVITY
State Legislation to Stop Radioactive Water Release Fails
Those fighting Holtec ask the attorney general to act
PLYMOUTH — A plan to release one million gallons of radioactive water from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station’s systems into Cape Cod Bay, announced last fall by Holtec Decommissioning International, […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Aug. 16 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
BUGGIES & BIRDS
On ‘the Outer,’ Piping Plover Protection Is Working
From Nauset Beach to Race Point, shorebird programs balance over-sand vehicle access
ORLEANS — From the sandy bank of Pochet Creek emerge two small piping plover chicks. Their fuzzy plumage serves as camouflage against the sand, making it nearly impossible to spot […]
THE DREDGE REPORT
Final Dredging of Wellfleet Harbor Is Put Off for a Year
Corps of Engineers insists on land exchange or $14.5-million ‘mitigation’ fee
WELLFLEET — The dredging of the mooring field at Wellfleet Harbor will not happen this fall. The final phase of the $20-million three-year project to clear silt and muck from […]
POND SCUM
Cyanobacteria Blooms Rise With Water Temperatures
Swimmers are advised to learn to spot and report ephemeral blooms
TRURO — Kettle ponds, the glittering pools of fresh water that are one of the Outer Cape’s most prized natural features, are facing a growing threat caused not only by […]
