From the Executive Director

Open space is fundamental to the qualities that make Cape Cod a special place to live, work, and visit. Our forests, wetlands, beaches, trails, and other natural areas define our communities' character, protect important natural resources, and provide opportunities for recreation and connection to the outdoors. These spaces are not only essential to the quality of life our residents value, but also to the visitor experience that sustains our regional economy.

The Cape Cod Commission’s work to develop a Regional Open Space Plan gives us an opportunity to take a broader look at these resources and to consider how we can best protect and enhance them for the future. This initiative is closely aligned with the goals of the Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan, which emphasizes safeguarding the region’s natural systems and community character while supporting a vibrant, sustainable future.

As part of this effort, we are also examining the economic value of Cape Cod’s natural and recreational assets. An upcoming analysis will help us better understand how open space supports the regional economy, complementing what we already know about its environmental, recreational, and community benefits.

We are excited to launch Cape Cod Outdoors, a new interactive, map-based web application designed to help people discover and connect with outdoor places and recreational opportunities across the region.

These efforts will provide valuable new information and tools to support both regional and local decision-making, helping ensure that Cape Cod’s open spaces remain a defining part of the region for generations to come.

-Kristy Senatori

Take the open space survey

The Cape Cod Commission has launched a new online survey asking residents and visitors to share their thoughts about open space as part of the development of the Cape Cod Regional Open Space Plan. 

Subregional Meetings

Join us at an upcoming meeting to learn more about the planning process for the Cape Cod Regional Open Space Plan and share your thoughts and feedback related to open space planning, protection, priorities, and challenges for Cape Cod

Understanding the economic benefits of open space

As part of the Regional Open Space Plan, the Cape Cod Commission is preparing an economic analysis to better understand the value of the region’s open spaces and natural landscapes and the benefits they provide to Cape Cod’s communities, economy, and environment.

Protecting water quality across the region

Communities across Cape Cod and the Islands continue to advance significant wastewater and water quality projects, and regional collaboration is helping towns share lessons, address challenges, and identify opportunities for support.

Estimating Cape Cod's greenhouse gas emissions

The Cape Cod Commission has worked with four towns across the region to develop local greenhouse gas emissions inventories. Working with a consultant, the Commission first completed an inventory for Eastham. That approach has since been used in Falmouth, Orleans, and most recently, Chatham.

Greenhouse gas inventories estimate emissions from activities within a community and organize them into major sectors. They provide a baseline for understanding local emissions, identifying significant sources, and tracking progress toward greenhouse gas reduction goals. 

Planning for a more resilient Cape Cod

As the impacts of climate change are expected to intensify, Cape Cod is working to strengthen its ability to prepare for, withstand, and adapt to changing conditions. The Cape Cod Commission supports the region’s fifteen towns by helping update hazard mitigation plans, providing technical assistance through the MVP and MVP 2.0 programs, and offering a suite of model wetlands and zoning regulations designed to help communities adapt to coastal change and reduce climate-related risks.

Commission launches Cape Cod Outdoors data viewer

The Cape Cod Commission is pleased to announce the launch of  Cape Cod Outdoors, a new interactive online experience that brings together information about more than 500 outdoor recreational sites across all 15 Cape Cod towns.  

Cape Cod License Plate Grant funds available

The Cape Cod Commission, on behalf of Barnstable County and the Barnstable County Economic Development Council, is seeking proposals from local or regional governmental or nonprofit agencies for projects that support the area’s economic resiliency and advance the goals and actions of the 2024 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

Cape Cod Bicycle Parking Equipment Program

The Cape Cod Commission’s Bicycle Parking Equipment Program helps Barnstable County’s 15 towns and other eligible government agencies install modern bicycle parking infrastructure on public property. A funding opportunity is anticipated to open in October.

www.capecodcommission.org