Baker-Polito Administration Announces $500,000 Grant for Falmouth Land Conservation

Baker-Polito Administration Announces

$500,000 Grant for Falmouth Land Conservation

FALMOUTH – June 29, 2015 –Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton today announced $500,000 in grant funds to help the Oyster Pond Environmental Trust (OPET) purchase and permanently protect critical habitat land in Falmouth. 

“By facilitating the preservation of vital land and waterways, this public-private partnership demonstrates our strong commitment to conserving Cape Cod’s natural habitat and improving water quality,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

“I am proud we were able to assist the Oyster Pond Environmental Trust and their partners make this important purchase,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “This grant underscores the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to protecting the Commonwealth’s natural resources and improving access to open spaces for all Massachusetts residents.”

This EEA grant of $500,000, funded through the Landscape Partnership Grant Program, will help OPET leverage non-profit, foundation, private, and municipal funding to purchase five properties, totaling 22 acres, from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for $2 million. The Town of Falmouth will hold the Conservation Restriction, which will permanently protect the land from development.

While water quality in Oyster Pond has suffered due to the impact of excessive amounts of nitrogen pollution, this purchase of land will protect important habitats, preserve the water quality of Oyster Pond and provide outdoor recreation. The Headwaters of Oyster Pond contain critical wetlands, estuary shoreline, two vernal pools and coastal woodlands.

OPET plans to expand the trail system to allow public access to more of the land. Additionally, OPET will partner with Spohr Gardens to expand education and outreach programs to include information about the importance of wetlands, vernal pools and coastal woodlands. 

The Conservation Restriction includes a provision for the land to be available to the scientific community and Falmouth schools for research projects approved by OPET and the Falmouth Conservation Commission.

Other donors to the purchase of this land include the Town of Falmouth Community Preservation Funds, The 300 Committee Falmouth's Land Trust, Salt Pond Bird Area Sanctuaries, Inc, the Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, the Orenda Wildlife Trust, several foundations, many private donors and volunteer and pro bono time.

“I am thrilled that the Commonwealth was able to assist the Oyster Pond Environmental Trust in protecting and preserving these valuable lands,” said State Senator Vinny deMacedo. “This partnership of public funds and private donors will protect this vital ecosystem and allow the hundreds of species that call this land home to thrive. Thanks to this work, this precious natural resource will be enjoyed by many future generations.”

“I want to thank OPET for taking the leadership role in making this purchase possible and for Secretary Beaton and his staff's active participation in making this project a model of how public and private agencies can leverage limited resources for great results,” said State Representative David Vieira. “I'm proud to have played a role in bringing together my colleagues in the legislature for the Environmental Bond authorization for this purchase and for the commitment by the Baker-Polito Administration to fund the project in Fiscal Year 2015.  Congratulations to all the parties involved.”

“I would like to thank the Oyster Pond Environmental Trust, in particular Wendi Buesseler, for having the passion and commitment to help make this joint venture become a reality,” said State Representative Tim Madden. “What a great collaboration between the state, the town of Falmouth, and the many individuals who contributed to preserving such a beautiful and important piece of land.”

“OPET is extremely pleased to received these funds that allow us to link together our existing land holdings with Spohr Gardens and create 34 acres of contiguous, diverse open space and preserve it for all of Falmouth to enjoy,” said Wendi Buesseler , OPET Executive Director. “The headwaters property provides important habitat for a vast array of wildlife, and preserving the Pond’s water quality will protect the third largest herring run in Falmouth as well as the imperiled American eels.”

“The Town of Falmouth is extremely gratified to be working in close collaboration with those very dedicated individuals from the Oyster Pond Environmental Trust which continues to exercise an extraordinary stewardship on behalf of the citizens of Falmouth,” said Julian Suso, Falmouth Town Manager. “This land acquisition is the latest example of outstanding environmental responsibility; thank you for the close cooperation of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution as well.  We extend our grateful thanks to Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, Senator deMacedo, Representatives Vieira and Madden, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beaton and all involved officials and organizations in the Commonwealth for their critical support of this important initiative and the ongoing partnership which it represents.  This stewardship expands the responsible preservation of environmental treasures which so embodies Falmouth and remains a gift to coming generations.”