Cape Cod: Land Cover and Ecology

"Cape Cod's popularity also means the burdens of an increasing human population,...air and water pollution, sprawl, loss of open space, and a decline in the quality of life."

- Thomas Stone, Senior Research Assoc.

 

Cape Cod Landsat

We study the environment of Cape Cod not only as a location of ecosystems unique to the New England region, but also because it is changing rapidly - more rapidly than any other region in New England. Moreover, as ecologists we must be good stewards of our own local resources if our research and advocacy are to ring true.

Natural changes in this area are vigorous and continuous as all of Cape Cod is sand - there is no surface bedrock - and the forces of the oceans and winds are constant. Human-caused changes to water quality and the environment are accelerating as undeveloped land becomes scarce, and home building and population growth continue. The Cape is changing from a farming and fishing economy with seasonal visitors to a larger, year-round population that builds bigger and more homes in what remains of open space. Sprawl is here, fueled by demographic forces, weaknesses in zoning, and lack of vision.

The remaining privately held and undeveloped lands of Cape Cod are becoming more precious and are sought not only for development but also by land trusts and by towns interested in building the infrastructure needed for larger populations pursuing dwindling resources of clean water.