Meetings Ahead
Most meetings in Eastham are in person, typically with an online-attendance option. Click on the meeting you want to attend on the calendar at eastham-ma.gov for a link to an agenda and details. All meetings are at Town Hall unless otherwise indicated.
Thursday, March 14
- Affordable Housing Trust, 9 a.m.
Monday, March 18
- Search Committee, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, March 19
- Nauset Regional High School Council, 4:15 p.m., NRHS Room M105
- School Committee, 5 p.m.
- Recycling Committee, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, March 20
- Open Space Committee, 2:30 p.m.
- Planning Board public hearing, 4 p.m.
Conversation Starter
Pesticide Article Included on Warrant
The select board voted unanimously on Feb. 26 to include an article introducing a pesticide reduction bylaw on the town’s 2024 warrant. The bylaw is intended to reduce toxic pesticide use on public and private property in the town. It was inspired by a similar bylaw passed in Orleans last October with 68 percent of voters in favor.
Laura Kelley first presented the proposed article to the board on Jan. 22. She said the purpose of reducing the use of pesticides was to limit their unintended negative consequences.
“If you use it for a mouse,” Kelley said, “then owls in the area might die from eating those mice.” According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the effects of pesticides can be direct, such as when pesticides enter waterways and kill fish, and indirect, such as when they enter the food chain.
The bylaw would permit indoor pest and insect repellents, pet collars, disinfectants, and uses for commercial farming and nurseries. In Orleans, the enforcement authority for the bylaw is the town manager; Eastham would likely take the same approach to enforcement.
The article is being revised to incorporate feedback from the select board and Barnstable County officials. —Olivia Oldham
