Save Popponesset Bay is a volunteer-run 501 (c)(3) organization that owns 2/3 of The Spit, with the Eastern 3rd owned by Mass Audubon. SPB maintains the Spit and Popponesset Bay for our collective enjoyment. Whether you are a beachgoer, birder, fisherman, or boater we have you covered for year-round fun on Popponesset Bay.
Receive approval for longer, wider, deeper channel project.
Raise $2M to fund LWD project
Educate the community on SPB
Increase the SPB donor base
More outreach to the community – Popponesset, Mashpee, Marinas
$30 under 30
Increase the community involvement
Recruit and train volunteers
Work closely with Mass Audubon
Partnership with Mashpee Clean Waters
Improve interactions and communication with the Town of Mashpee
Financial Summary
Presented by Mike Moskowitz
Longer, Wider, Deeper Project
Presented by John Malloy
SPB is working closely with the Town of Mashpee to permit a significant expansion of the Outer Channel leading to Nantucket Sound. The outer channel would be made 50′ wider, 250′ longer, and 2′ deeper.
Benefits of the dredging project include:
Approximately 40,000 cubic yards of sand will be made available to expand the Nantucket Sound facing beach expanding the beaches and providing much-needed protection for the sand dunes
Boating navigation in the channel will be greatly improved providing significant safety benefits
The expanded barrier beach will continue to protect the Popponesset Bay watershed, real estate, and interior channels, and act as a protect species habitat
Permitting Status
Presented by John Malloy
SPB has worked closely with Woods Hole Group (“WHG”) and the Town of Mashpee for the last 4-5 years to permit the Outer Channel dredging project
SPB has received the necessary approvals from the Town of Mashpee and expects final approval from the MA DEP shortly
SPB is working with the US Army Corp of Engineers to obtain the final approvals needed to move the project forward
We expect to receive all required approvals in 2022!
Construction Timeline & Budget
Presented by John Malloy
SPB is evaluating options to execute the dredging project:
SPB has worked closely with the Town and the Barnstable County dredge on multiple dredging projects
The Barnstable County Dredge team has made numerous improvements over the last 1-2 years and should be best positioned to execute the project efficiently, safely, and at the lowest cost
Construction Timeline:
We expect to execute the project in the Fall of 2022 or 2023 depending on final receipt of all permits and dredge availability
Construction Budget:
SPB is currently budgeting ~$2 million to execute the project
Fundraising Update
Presented by Bob Hughes & Caroline Malloy
Number of donors has grown from 74 in 2012 to 235 in 2021
Raise $1.5M to meet Longer, Wider, Deeper Project goal
Channels of fundraising: community events, private events, corporate and local business sponsorships, Giving Tuesday, and direct asks
Increase event calendar to foster community and raise funds
We have been building this strategy over the past 2 years – proving successful – 55% of yearly donations derived from events
Broaden donor base – increase # of donors as a result of these efforts
Event Calendar
Presented by Caroline Malloy
Security Update
Presented by Mike Moskowitz
Security patrols started in 2018 to help control rowdy behavior on the Spit.
Security patrols are on duty from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, including Friday and Saturday nights, starting on Memorial Day weekend and ending on Labor Day Weekend. Extra patrols are scheduled for the July 4th weekend. In 2021, we switched to Pilgrim Security, a professional security company, whose management is comprised of former police officers.
John Rogorzenski, a former Superintendent with the Barnstable County Sheriff’s department, is the lead person for security on the spit. John has extensive experience in de-escalating issues that arise.
The SPB board was very pleased with John’s performance last summer and hopefully, those that visit the Spit noticed the difference.
SPB’s goal is to provide a comfortable environment for everyone to be able to enjoy the Spit.
Summer Internship
Presented by Mike Oleksak & Eric BrandtSPB is rolling out its first intern program this summer
SPB is rolling out its first Internship Program this summer:
Interns will provide daily afternoon walking tours of the Spit and share information with walkers.
Interns will also help at 1-2 SPB summer events
Why? Interns, as Spit Ambassadors, will educate visitors to the Spit on the Spit and Bay, SPB, Mass Audubon, history, and upkeep of the area thus increasing awareness and community growth/engagement
Materials will be provided to the interns for talking points and to answer questions
This experience will be especially appealing for students studying or interested in marine or coastal issues
While unpaid, SPB can provide a letter of recommendation and community service hours about this summer work experience
