What We Do

Keeping the Waterways in and around Popponesset Bay safe and navigable

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Keeping the Waterways in and around Popponesset Bay safe and navigable •

Waterway Navigability Conservation

In our Mission Statement, we talk about

“Keeping the Waterways in and around Popponesset Bay safe and navigable.”

SPB partners closely with the Town of Mashpee and Barnstable County Dredge program. The Barnstable County Dredge annually dredges the Popponesset Approach Channel (outer channel) leading from Popponesset Bay to Nantucket Sound and pumps that sand onto the Spit. Currently, the Town excavates between 5,000 and 10,000 cubic yards before April 1 each year, prior to restrictions imposed to protect Federally endangered bird species and fish.

SPB with the Town of Mashpee, is currently in the permitting process with the Army Corp. of Engineers to expand and lengthen the outer approach channel leading into Popponesset Bay from Nantucket Sound.

SPB holds the dredging permits for the channel at the tip of Popponesset Island. This channel links Popponesset Creek to Popponesset Bay. This channel is dredged on a need basis. SPB along with the Mashpee Harbormaster, has posted signs on the Spit to advise against swimming in this narrow channel due to boat traffic.

Popponesset Spit Preservation

Part of SPB’s mission statement is to maintain the Spit, and to protect the community and these natural resources for generations to come. After erosion from many storms, the coastal engineering firm Woods Hole Group declared the Spit in a state of crisis in 2013.

The SPB Board engaged on a multi-year plan to enhance the Spit with trucked and dredged sand. The sand is then graded according to specifications set by Federal, State and Local agencies. To anchor the sand, SPB plants dune grass and installs symbolic fencing to keep people off the of the dunes as the dune acts as a ‘spine’ and the architectural integrity of the barrier beach. Seasonal signage gets installed every spring to identify the crossovers from Bay side to the Sound side.

We are proud of the work we have done and thank our friends and neighbors who have contributed financially to enable us to do this work.

Wildlife Conservation

The Spit is a Federally protected species preserve where birds come to nest and breed. Because of this the mere presence of dogs (leashed or unleashed) scares the birds and prevents nesting and breeding. Therefore, once the first Piping Plover is spotted we must enforce the No Dog rule through Labor Day. Failure to comply may result in regulatory agencies taking away our right to use the Spit.

Save Popponesset Bay is proud to partner with Mass Audubon.

Please visit their website for more information.

Mass Audubon Site

SPB would like to share a letter below with you that we received from Mass Audubon. We want you to be aware of one of the organizations that SPB partners with to ensure that our beloved Spit remains the wonderful place that it is for generations to come. Through your generous support we are able to assist with the endangered wildlife monitoring and preservation efforts by Mass Audubon.

“Thank you for  partnering with us  to protect  the nesting shore birds  on Popponesset Spit. Coastal birds face  many challenges  along our busy coastline as they lay their lay their eggs  on the sand  and raise their young amidst the beach-going public.  Their success depends on all of us and it would not be possible for  Mass Audubon’s shore bird  monitors to do the work they do without partnerships.

Thank you very much for your support of our efforts; you have helped us  be successful in conserving coastal birds  through your partnership.  The participation and support of local communities in coastal bird conservation is essential and your role in this effort is  very  appreciated.” - Mass Audubon Society

Water Quality Improvement

Mashpee has a significant water quality issue. SPB’s role is to maintain the flushing of the bay through the Popponesset Approach Channel leading from the Bay to Nantucket Sound. The flushing of this channel allows for proper water flow. We will share objective information and news, but we suggest reaching out to the Town of Mashpee or the Mashpee Clean Waters group to learn more and drive action.