A couple of weeks ago I was driving down the mid-Cape highway as I often do. I spend a lot of time on this stretch of road en route to Cape Cod's beaches, bays, harbors and estuaries because I like to go fishing.
On this day I noticed a clear cutting operation going on and I watched in utter disbelief as I saw tree after tree being cut down. This sparked me to act immediately, and the result is the information presented in this blog post.
If you care about Cape Cod's natural environment, I urge you to read on.
The Clear Cutting Catastrophe
Take a look at this before and after photo of route 6, also known as the Mid-Cape Highway.
Pretty sad wouldn't you agree? The ride down Cape will never be the same, will it?
I immediately contacted the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, asking them what the heck was going on.
Here's the response I received:
"The Median clearing is part of the ongoing Rte-6 Bourne-Sandwich Resurfacing project. Trees within 25 feet of the edge of the traveled way are being removed to re-establish the Safe Clearzone and prevent trees from falling onto the roadway during wind and snow storms. This is MassDOT's typical roadside clearing practice and is included on all our limited access highway resurfacing contracts. Last fall we completed the same clearing operations on the shoulders of Rte-6 and are now working in the median. There is an added benefit of opening the roadway to increase solar radiation during the winter months which reduces the need for deicing chemicals."
I refuse to enter a bashing, finger pointing argument against the State because that will get me nowhere.
So here's what I've chosen to do instead...
Ask The Cape Cod Chamber Of Commerce To Drop The Plans For A 3rd Bridge Spanning The Cape Cod Canal
I feel it's time we made Cape Cod's environment a priority.
In my opinion, Cape Cod's natural environment is its #1 most valuable asset. People from all over the globe come to Cape Cod to experience it's beaches, bays, harbors, estuaries, woodlands and other natural habitats.
As fishermen, we understand the value of an unspoiled beach. We experience first hand the impact of development along our shorelines. We get why natural environments are so important.
I feel it's time the rest of Cape Cod caught onto our frame of mind, and I feel we can start a movement by asking the Cape Cod Canal Chamber of Commerce to drop the proposed plans for a 3rd bridge spanning the Cape Cod Canal.
Here's why...
Why The Plans For A 3rd Bridge Should Be Dropped
I feel that a 3rd bridge spanning the Cape Cod Canal would:
- Negatively impact fishing access to the Cape Cod Canal for the entirety of the construction process (and potentially after construction is complete as well)
- Further urbanize Cape Cod and serve as another big step towards turning Cape Cod into a city
- Do nothing to alleviate the traffic (just like the Sagamore flyover did nothing to help the traffic situation)
- Further damage the little natural habitat that is left near the Canal
On the flip side, I feel that dropping the plans for the 3rd bridge would:
- Serve as an example that Cape Cod cares about it's natural environment
- Help shift the cultural mindset and show our younger generation that the Cape's natural environment is worth protecting
- Help spark new thoughts, plans and initiatives to protect what natural wilderness is left on Cape Cod, and provide momentum for restoring damaged, overly developed areas to their natural state
It's Time We Shifted Our Focus To Preserving The Cape's Natural Environment
For a long time now our culture has made decisions based off what's best for us humans. We've treated the Cape as if us humans were separate from the environment.
The truth is that we are all in this together. Us humans, the land, the sea, the air, the animals....we are all on the same team.
I feel it's time we started acting in ways that reflect this "same team" way of thought. I want future generations to see a Cape Cod abound in natural beauty, animals and of course fish!
The construction of a 3rd bridge would take us further down a path of development and disregard for the environment.
What we have here is an opportunity to make a change - a BIG change and spark a cultural shift in mindset.
If you feel the same, I would ask for you to sign my petition asking the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce to drop the proposed plans for a 3rd bridge spanning the Cape Cod Canal.
Here's the link one more time where you can sign the petition https://www.change.org/p/cape-cod-chamber-of-commerce-stop-paving-paradise-and-say-no-to-the-3rd-bridge
Cape Cod's natural environment, and it's fish, have provided me with a lifetime of joy, memories and satisfaction.
It's time I did something to return the favor. Are you with me?
Tight lines and take care,
Ryan
Ryan
I admire your spirit and decision to take action. I agree completely – no 3rd bridge.
Dick
Thanks Dick – based on the latest Cape Cod Times front page article, the Mass DOT is very serious about getting underway with this project (http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20141016/NEWS/141019793)
Now remember, this is the same Mass DOT that just clear cut down the mid-Cape highway….
So now is definitely the time to get this petition rocking and rolling!
Thanks for your support
Hi Ryan, it’s been three weeks since I’ve been down that way and the picture I saw disgusted me. In addition to the sun shade and wind/snow/glare the trees gave, if there was an accident, the risk of going over to the other side increases. Why put animals out of their homes and use that money to clean up the filth that people leave behind. I’ve been an avid advocate to preserve a natural area that’s why I started preservewillsworkroad on facebook. As far as a third bridge, where? I can’t see the possibility.
Thanks Michele. Fortunately they ceased the clear cutting, due to all the outcry on social media and complains received at the DOT. I am very happy we all spoke up!
The 3rd bridge is a real possibility, which is why I feel taking action now and telling our leaders we do not want or need another bridge is a good move. Like you mention, I feel we ought to be focused on preserving what we have and restoring what we can.
What’s the low down on “preserve wills work road”?
Let me know-sounds interesting!
Hi Ryan, preserving Wills Work Road has been a persuit for me. It is a almost hidden road leading to Waquoit Bay with an estuary and tidal flats. Over the years the weather and truck has worn it down causing huge holes and woopies that can eat a truck alive. People also abuse the area by littering. This year they finally decided to touch it by adding a few tons of gravel to it and a new gate but still needs more work. I love the tidal flats but are looking to find more which I know you have a knowledge of. Could you please pm me to share some of your knowledge. thanks
Michele
Gotcah. I believe I have heard of that road before, however I’ve never personally been down it. It makes me happy to see you’re taking action to improve something which you feel passionate about!
I will send you a PM now with regards to other tidal flat areas I feel you may enjoy.
Ryan, thanks for taking on this issue. What they have done is an absolute disgrace. It’s insanity that they had to turn this project from creating a safety zone for the roadway by selective cutting into a scorched earth operation. Follow the money and you’ll probably get the reason why.
I couldn’t agree more on the possible development of a third bridge and will be signing the petition. It will have zero impact on the summer traffic or any possible evacuation of the Cape.
While we are talking about preserving the Cape’s natural beauty, we have to mention another issue. We are all obviously disgusted with what they are doing on the mid-Cape highway BUT just wait for what’s coming to Nantucket Sound. When the Cape Wind project is completed, imagine 130 wind turbines each almost 300 ft. high, covering 24 square miles on Horseshoe Shoal. Once those turbines go up the beauty and character of Nantucket Sound will be gone forever.
No problem Paul, I feel like we can use this clear cutting disaster to show people the time is NOW for us to place the Cape’s natural habitat as a #1 priority.
I appreciate you signing the petition. Strength in numbers. My goal is 25,000
The Cape W/ind project is another example of not holding the natural environment as a #1 priority. Once the cultural mindset shifts towards preserving natural habitat, projects like the 3rd bridge and Cape Wind will never get off the ground.
We need a cultural shift in mindset, and I sense that is coming.
My only question is? Is this what they wanted? OR??? Should someone have gone by to check on what they were doing.
I do not feel as if this was a mistake.
I feel like this is exactly what they were planning to do.
Regardless the damage has been done, which is why it’s so important that we act now, place nature as #1, and drop the plans for the 3rd bridge.
Ryan,
Great article!!! I’m very interested in the environment, fishing, and anything else outdoors. I am looking to major in conservation law enforcement at college next year. So I am all with you on this one!!!!!!
You and I sound very much alike Hunter. Thanks for chiming in.
Keep in touch.
Perhaps we can work together on this in some capacity, considering you are embarking on an education in conservation.
Here was my comment on the petition:
I’m signing because while I do not enjoy sitting in traffic, I feel that building more lanes perpetuates the problem.
There is also a cost beyond constructing the bridge and related services to support its safety, maintenance and operation. The environment that is converted to build it also has value as animal habitat, water filtration and carbon sequestration. Contiguous ecosystems are already in short supply, so further fragmenting habitat and disrupting the natural environment is not the answer.
It directly contradicts the semi-natural state on Cape Cod which attracts its inhabitants and visitors.
Adding transportation infrastructure in the name of congestion relief, economic development or jobs is short-sighted and not providing a holistic accounting of long-term impacts.
It is a step in the direction of uncontrolled development. For anyone curious about what that looks like, go visit Atlantic City. For anyone who cares about Cape Cod, they should say NO to this proposal.
Chris, you absolutely nail it when you say:
“Adding transportation infrastructure in the name of congestion relief, economic development or jobs is short-sighted and not providing a holistic accounting of long-term impacts.”
and then you follow that up with…
“It is a step in the direction of uncontrolled development. For anyone curious about what that looks like, go visit Atlantic City.”
I could not agree more with you!
I am not sure regarding the donations via Change.org I was not aware that was an option…I will look into it.
As you mention we can use the off-season to put our heads together to extinguish this development effort. Never underestimate a determined group of fishermen!
Ryan, I’m with you. Seeing that clear-cutting last week was worrisome, too extreme, and unnecessary. Plenty of utilities use selective vegetation management to preserve habitat in their rights-of-way by only addressing problem trees with treatment or removal. I have to wonder what actually occurred for MassDOT to justify wiping out every tree, shrub, or weed to the ground.
Can you provide any more detail on how the donations for change.org will be used?
There will be opportunities beyond petitions to throw a wrench in their plans. Using public hearings to point out weaknesses in the Environmental Impact Statements and interpretations with data (the same data and tools the regulators, planners and designers use) can create doubt and time for re-assessment, while enough supporters can pool together resources to raise suits when there are legitimate concerns. It’s legal and merely full participation in the democratic process. They should be wary of legions of anglers and others who appreciate Cape Cod and its environs when we have extra time on our hands during the off-season.
Let’s put our heads together on precisely what they’re trying to do and begin aligning. There’s a way to extinguish any effort that defies common sense and is opposed by enough people. The politicians, elected officials, and government agencies WORK FOR US, so WE ALL have a say in what they do!
I am disgusted at the State for authorizing the removal of these beautiful trees and shrubbery. The explanations offered for this work are shameful. I want the State to correct this horrific action immediately by replacing these trees and restoring the natural beauty that IS Cape Cod. Nothing short of this will pacify me. I encourage EVERYONE to sign Ryan’s petition and share this link with friends and family. Strength in numbers.
Strength in numbers is absolutely right Brian. I’ve been a part of successful petitions in the past and I feel this petition will also be successful.
I feel we are on the cusp of a shift in cultural mindset towards appreciating the natural world more, and making community decisions that benefit, not subtract from, the unique landscape which we are a part of.
I have seen the results of the recent clear cutting operation on the Mid Cape Highway. It is a disgusting scar upon the landscape. If this is any indication of what is to come then this project is a huge mistake that will forever change the treasure that is Cape Cod. The leaders of Massachusetts are violating the public trust and should know better. I have signed the petition and encourage others to do so as well.
Thank you Dex for your support, I really appreciate it.
The Mass DOT was integral in the clear cutting operation. The Mass DOT is also integral in the proposed plans for a 3rd bridge.
They have lost my trust.