The replacement of degraded, outdated infrastructure, including the existing dike and non-functional tide gates, will improve ecosystem and community resiliency to climate change and rising sea levels. Since the dike was constructed in 1909, the upstream salt marsh has su
bsided by more than 2 1/2 feet. During that time, sea level has increased by roughly 8 inches. One primary objective of the Project is to restore natural sedimentation processes upstream and allow sediment to be transported and deposited on the subsided marsh, allowing the marsh to once again increase in elevation and keep up with rising sea level. The restored marsh will act as a natural buffer to storms and wave action. Tidal restoration will allow floodwaters from coastal storms to recede more quickly.
The Project has done extensive hydrodynamic modeling to analyze the effects of restoring tidal flow in all parts of the estuary. This included three different scenarios for sea level rise over the next 50 years and analysis of numerous combined storm events. The proposed new Chequessett Neck Road bridge has been designed with water control structures (tide gates) that can be managed as needed in response to future sea level rise to keep maximum water levels below elevations that could affect any private structures or public infrastructure.
Learn about Muddy Creek Restoration and other Cape Cod Projects
Join us for a special program about Cape Cod wetland restoration projects. The event will be held on
Thursday, March 14th, at 4pm at the Wellfleet Library
Dr. Robert Duncanson, Director of Health & Natural Resources for the Town of Chatham will present the Muddy Creek Restoration Project. Completed in 2016, the Muddy Creek restoration returned tidal flow to 55 acres of estuarine wetlands.
April Wobst, Restoration Ecologist with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, will address other recent restoration projects on Cape Cod.
Herring Counters Wanted!
Photo courtesy of Barbara Brennessel
Friends of Herring River will launch our tenth annual herring count this March. The program contributes to a regional data base of herring counts and supports vital fisheries research. Association to Preserve Cape Cod, which tracks herring counting for the region, credits the Herring River program as one of the longest, most successful volunteer counting programs in the region.
Serving as a volunteer is easy and fun, and no prior experience is necessary. The annual kick off meeting for volunteers will take place on Thursday, March 21st from 1-3 pm at the Wellfleet Library. The program will include a brief training followed by two presentations by fisheries experts.
Abby Franklin Archer, Marine Educator with the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension Service, will talk about Herring Run Restorations on Cape Cod rivers, and Dr. Ethan Estey, Wellfleet's Herring Warden will talk about Herring Issues on the River. The herring count runs from April 1st to May 31st.
To volunteer or for more information contact John Duane (johnduane@comcast.net).
