HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster Open Space & Recreation Plan (Appendices Only)Town of Brewster
Open Space &
Recreation Plan
Conditionally Approved January 2021
Updated January 2022
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan
Conditionally Approved January 2021
Updated January 2022
Prepared by:
Town of Brewster
Horsley Witten Group, Inc.
Cape Cod Commission
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The development of the 2021 Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan was funded by the Brewster Community
Preservation Committee.
The Town of Brewster would also like to acknowledge the following as primary authors and guiding the Open Space
and Recreation Plan update process:
Elizabeth Taylor, Chair of the Brewster Open Space Committee and Planning Board member
Christopher Miller, Director, Natural Resources Department
Michael Gradone, Director, Recreation Department
Hal Minis, Chair, Brewster Vision Advisory Group
Assistance from Horsley Witten Group, Inc. and Cape Cod Commission
With contributions from:
Peter Lombardi, Town Manager
Susan Broderick, Assistant Town Manager
Donna Kalanick, Assistant Town Manager
Collette Williams, Town Clerk
Jim Gallagher, Town Assessor
Ryan Bennett, Town Planner
Jill Scalise, Affordable Housing Coordinator
Patrick Ellis, Department of Public Works
Paul Anderson, Water Department
Select Board
Cynthia Bingham
Mary Chaffee
Ned Chatelain
Benjamin deRuyter
David Whitney
Conservation Commission
Bruce Evans
Gary Kaser
Nicole Smith
Michael Tobin
Peter Wells
Planning Board
Roberta Barrett
Charlotte Degen
Madalyn Hillis-Dineen
Kari Hoffmann
Elizabeth Taylor
Paul Wallace
Open Space Committee
Phil Burt
Gary Christen
Bruce Evans
Peter Herrmann
Don Keeran
Tom Kowalski
Peter Norton
Andrew Perkins
Elizabeth Taylor
Bikeways Committee
George Bausch
Eric Levy
Hal Minis
Susan Riseman
Joseph Sullivan, III
Gregory Wright
Historical Commission
George Boyd
Patricia Busch
Faythe Ellis
Jeffrey Hayes
Patricia Hess
Recreation Commission
Roland Bassett Jr
Sherrie McCullough
Brandon Rice
Allen Ryone
Thomas Wingard
Agricultural Commission
Stephan Brown
Peter Herrmann
Anthony Holguin
Rebecca Howes
David Miller
Robert Richardson
Jane Weber
All Citizens Access Committee
Joan Carstanjen
Mary Haynes
Laurel Labdon
Carol Ridley, Coordinator, Pleasant Bay Alliance
A special thank you to the residents of Brewster who provided their input and comments during the update process.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1. PLAN SUMMARY ................................................................................................................ 1
SECTION 2. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 3
A. Statement of Purpose........................................................................................................................ 3
B. Planning Process and Public Participation ......................................................................................... 4
C. Enhanced Outreach and Public Participation for Environmental Justice Populations ....................... 9
SECTION 3. COMMUNITY SETTING ..................................................................................................... 10
A. Regional Context ............................................................................................................................. 10
B. History of the Community ............................................................................................................... 13
C. Population Characteristics ............................................................................................................... 17
D. Development Patterns and Trends .................................................................................................. 23
SECTION 4. ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS ................................................................ 32
A. Geology, Soils, and Topography ...................................................................................................... 32
B. Water Resources ............................................................................................................................. 38
C. Vegetation ....................................................................................................................................... 52
D. Fisheries and Wildlife ...................................................................................................................... 61
E. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments ................................................................................... 68
F. Environmental Challenges ............................................................................................................... 77
SECTION 5. INVENTORY OF LANDS OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION INTEREST ....................... 87
A. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 87
B. Private Parcels ................................................................................................................................. 89
C. Public and Nonprofit Parcels ........................................................................................................... 93
SECTION 6. COMMUNITY VISION ..................................................................................................... 104
A. Description of Process ................................................................................................................... 104
B. Previous Planning Initiatives .......................................................................................................... 104
C. Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals ........................................................................... 109
SECTION 7. ANALYSIS OF NEEDS ...................................................................................................... 110
A. Summary of Resource Protection Needs ....................................................................................... 110
B. Summary of Community Needs ..................................................................................................... 113
C. Management Needs, Potential Change of Use .............................................................................. 117
D. Regional and State-Identified Needs ............................................................................................. 120
SECTION 8. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................ 124
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 ii
SECTION 9. 7-YEAR ACTION PLAN .................................................................................................... 126
SECTION 10. PUBLIC COMMENTS ...................................................................................................... 140
A. Public Input ................................................................................................................................... 140
B. Letters of Support ......................................................................................................................... 140
SECTION 11. REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 141
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1. Brewster’s Shared/Abutting Resources ...................................................................................... 12
Table 3.2. Cape Cod Population Growth Rate, 1920-2019 .......................................................................... 17
Table 3.3. Brewster Population Growth Rate, 1920-2020 ........................................................................... 18
Table 3.4. Brewster Age Profile ................................................................................................................... 20
Table 3.5. An Overview of Brewster, MA ..................................................................................................... 21
Table 3.6. Median Household Income and Poverty Status for Town of Brewster, 2010 and 2018 ............. 21
Table 3.7. Income and Employment for Town of Brewster ......................................................................... 22
Table 3.8. Brewster Zoning Districts and Bylaws ......................................................................................... 28
Table 3.9. Summary of Brewster Buildout Analysis ..................................................................................... 31
Table 4.1. Brewster’s Impaired Freshwater Ponds ...................................................................................... 44
Table 4.2. Brewster's Impaired Marine Surface Waters .............................................................................. 46
Table 4.3. Brewster’s MESA-listed Plant Species in Brewster as of 6-2020 ................................................. 60
Table 4.4. US Fish & Wildlife Endangered & Threatened Plant Species in Massachusetts, 2020 ................ 60
Table 4.5. Brewster’s MESA-Listed Wildlife Species as of 6-2020 ............................................................... 67
Table 4.6. US Fish & Wildlife Endangered & Threatened Species in Massachusetts, 2020 ......................... 67
Table 5.1. Significant Privately Owned Parcels as of 6-2020 ....................................................................... 89
LIST OF MAPS
Map 1. Regional Context ............................................................................................................................. 11
Map 2. Population Density .......................................................................................................................... 19
Map 3. Environmental Justice Populations.................................................................................................. 24
Map 4. Brewster’s Zoning and Overlay Districts .......................................................................................... 29
Map 5. Surficial Geology .............................................................................................................................. 33
Map 6. Hydric Soils ...................................................................................................................................... 36
Map 7. Water Resources ............................................................................................................................. 39
Map 8. Areas Prone to Flooding .................................................................................................................. 48
Map 9. Wetland Resources ......................................................................................................................... 50
Map 10. Priority Habitat .............................................................................................................................. 59
Map 11. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments ................................................................................ 69
Map 12. Brewster Protected Open Space and Recreation Resources ......................................................... 94
Map 13. Action Plan .................................................................................................................................. 127
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 iii
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: Town Open Space Accomplishments Timeline
Appendix B: Public Input: Summary of Community Survey (April/May 2020 and June 2021)
Appendix C: Brewster Archaeological Sensitivity Map
Appendix D: Brewster Open Space and Recreational Resources Inventory
Appendix E: Lands owned by the Brewster Conservation Trust
Appendix F: ADA Self Evaluation
Appendix G: Letters of Support
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 1
SECTION 1. PLAN SUMMARY
Sunset by the Jetty. Photo credit: Bill Damon
The 2021 Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan reflects the overall aspirations of this community as
expressed by its residents in surveys, public hearings, and town meetings from 1970 through 2021.
Residents wished to incorporate protection of water resources, open space , and recreational
opportunities with the preservation of the Town’s rural character and small coastal community identity.
The Town of Brewster, through its Open Space Committee, and other Town departments, boards, and
committees, has worked hard to preserve the Town’s precious natural resources and to provide and
maintain a variety of public recreational facilities. The Town has built strong partnerships with non-profit
partners, such as the Brewster Conservation Trust, The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, Inc.,
and other government agencies, such as the Cape Cod Commission to further open space and recreation
efforts.
For this 2021 OSRP update, the Town conducted a comprehensive review of the 2014 Plan as well as
other planning initiatives that support open space and recreation planning, particularly the Brewster
Vision Plan. The update of the OSRP involved an extensive public engagement campaign, including a
community survey and public forum. The town also engaged its municipal, regional, and non-profit
partners to ensure that the plan is comprehensive, realistic, and achievable. The Plan includes an updated
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 2
inventory of open space and recreation lands, and an analysis of Brewster’s open space and recreation
needs. As a result of Brewster’s inclusive planning process, the five overarching goals of the 20 21 OSRP
are:
1. Protect the Town’s drinking water supply to meet the needs of residents and visitors today and in
the future.
2. Provide open space and recreation opportunities that maintain Brewster’s rural character and
small coastal community identity and support a sustainable local economy as a center for
ecotourism.
3. Preserve and enhance habitat diversity and protect marine and fresh surface water resources to
maintain their important ecological functions and values to the community.
4. Provide a variety of recreation and open space opportunities to promote healthy and active
lifestyles for Brewster residents, ensuring equitable accessible for all users and abilities .
5. Support coordination and communication of regional open space and recreation needs.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 3
SECTION 2. INTRODUCTION
Stony Brook Mill
A. Statement of Purpose
"Like so many Massachusetts communities, especially those near water, Brewster has experienced
overwhelming development pressures. These pressures threaten to erode the basic environmental
systems and very essence of this rural coastal community. We either have to secur e essential and
ecologically significant tracts of land to preserve our natural heritage and communal well -being,
or suffer the environmental consequences and social costs of excessive, uncontrolled and
inappropriate growth” (Brewster Open Space Committee, 1985)
Written in the Foreword to the 1985 Open Space Plan, these words are as accurate and appropriate
today as they were then. The purpose of this Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) is to provide a
framework and guide for continued conservation and recreation planning in the Town of Brewster. Major
objectives are the conservation of Brewster's natural resources, protection of open spaces, and the
provision of public recreational opportunities.
The 2021 OSRP is an update of the 2014 OSRP. By maintaining a current plan, Brewster remains eligible
for state funding assistance for open space and recreation purchases and improvements. The 2021 OSRP
builds on earlier plans and incorporates existing and new goals of protecting natural resources,
conserving open space, and providing a recreation program that meets the needs of Brewster’s current
and future population. The Plan also updates the 2014 Action Plan, identifies new issues or changing
conditions since its approval, and assesses future needs based on community trends.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 4
1. Progress Since 2014
Appendix A provides a complete history of the Town’s open space accomplishments. The list below
highlights progress in the implementation of the 2014 OSRP’s Action Plan:
• Purchased Copelas properties and Chester Robinson property as dedicated open space.
• Continued monitoring lands within the Town’s Zone II Areas and Water Protection District and
considering opportunities for purchasing lands for open space protection.
• Continued implementation of the recommendations of Brewster’s Integrated Water Resource
Management Plan related to wastewater management with the completion of Phases II and III.
• Purchased Quivett Marsh Vista open space preservation in partnership with the Brewster
Conservation Trust.
• Several municipally owned properties that are important for conservation were transferred to the
custody and control of the Conservation Commission.
• Continued support of local farmers markets, “buy local” programs, and other steps to support
markets for locally grown produce, including the farmers market at the Brewster Historic Society.
• Adopted the Fertilizer Nutrient Control bylaw to ensure best management practices in the use of
fertilizers on managed turf areas to protect Brewster’s water resources.
• Purchased land that was vulnerable to coastal erosion, storm event flooding, or sea level rise,
which has led to reduced Flood Hazard Insurance rates for residents.
• Continued to organize public education and stewardship events, such as spring clean-up events.
• Hired Natural Resource Department staff to support growing demands of the department.
• Published trail maps and brochures of the Town’s conservation areas.
• Continued to add new recreational activities and programs, as well as courts for pickleball and
bocce ball.
• Continued work with neighboring towns to protect shared groundwater resources and
overlapping wellfield recharge areas, specifically participating in the Pleasant Bay Alliance with
Orleans and Harwich as well as with Dennis.
The work since 2014 emphasizes the importance of the OSRP in reaching natural resource protection
goals and meeting the recreational needs of residents.
B. Planning Process a nd Public Participation
The planning process to update the OSRP involved:
• Reviewing current, available data from local, regional, state, and federal sources.
• Reviewing current reports and studies around open space and recreational issues for Brewster
and the region.
• Reviewing the 2014 OSRP to identify completed action items, where new data and information is
needed, and other follow-up items.
• Engaging the public to ensure stated goals and objectives are still relevant.
• Engaging the public, including local nonprofits, community groups, and other stakeholders, to
understand changes since 2014 in open space and recreation needs and preferences.
• Engaging Town departments and decision makers to understand changes since 2014 in open
space and recreation policies.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 5
A working group made up of Town staff, including the Natural Resources Department and Recreation
Department, as well as representation from the Brewster Planning Board, Open Space Committee, and
the Cape Cod Commission helped guide the update process. Other Town department staff and Town
boards and commissions were also consulted. Stakeholders and members of the public were also asked
to provide input and perspective through the public engagement process. These included:
• Brewster Conservation Trust
• Association to Preserve Cape Cod
• Brewster Council on Aging
• Brewster Chamber of Commerce
• Nauset Public Schools
As noted above, the planning process of the 2021 OSRP involved the review of existing and ongoing open
space, recreation, natural resource, and resiliency planning initiatives to ensure consistency with these
efforts. As community driven projects, these initiatives involved significant public engagement such as
workshops, community surveys, and stakeholder meetings that represent the direction of residents. The
Town uses the resulting plans to guide local policies and actions. The OSRP needs to be consistent with
the documents, and it is also essential to not repeat what has already been asked and reported. The OSRP
provides an opportunity to explore areas of open space and recreation needs that may need more
attention or expand on current efforts as appropriate. It is important to recognize that the OSRP will not
list all the recommendations and strategies of these reports, plans, and strategies, but incorporates them
by reference, and any updates that take place going forward. This ensures a succinct and focused OSRP.
Below is a brief summary of planning initiatives and resources that the OSRP supports and references
throughout the document, as needed. It is followed by public engagement that was conducted as part of
the 2021 OSRP update process.
1. Previous Planning Initiatives
Brewster Integrated Water Resource Management Plan
In 2009, the Town of Brewster Comprehensive Water Planning Committee recognized that an integrated
approach was needed to protect and restore the Town’s waters. Integrated water management
recognizes that impacts to groundwater also affect surface waters and vice versa. Both water quality and
quantity impacts are possible, so any evaluation of the Town’s water resources must consider both. The
Brewster Integrated Water Resource Management Plan (IWRMP)1 was implemented in three phases.
Building on the work of Phases I and II, Phase III began in 2013 and assessed the challenges and proposed
solutions to manage the Town’s water resources, specifically the evaluation of wastewater and nitrogen
management alternatives, and the development and finalization of updated by-laws and regulations to
implement the stormwater management recommendations developed during Phase II.2
Brewster Coastal Adaptation Strategy
In 2016, the Brewster Coastal Access Advisory Group conducted a survey to gather opinions about
accessibility, amenities, usage, water quality, and other issues around the Town’s beaches. Around 2,000
1 https://horsleywitten.com/brewsterIWRMP/
2 https://horsleywitten.com/brewsterIWRMP/documents.html
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 6
people completed the survey. Results were used to develop the Brewster Coastal Adaptation Strategy.
The strategy is a framework for future decision-making about Brewster’s public coastal areas. It assists
the Town in meeting the diverse access needs of the community and adapting to coastal change, sea level
rise, storm surge, and shoreline erosion.
Biking Brewster: A Strategy to Enhance Biking in Brewster
Biking Brewster was drafted in 2016 by the Brewster Bikeways
Committee. It is a plan to help inform local decision makers about
improvements to the road network, upgrading public facilities, and
building public awareness in ways that promote the safe use of
bikes for recreation and as an alternative means of transportation in
Brewster. It builds on the 2014 OSRP, where residents expressed
the need for more bike trails and biking opportunities.
Brewster Age -Friendly Action Plan
In 2017, the Brewster Council on Aging worked with the Center for
Social and Demographic Research on Aging at the Gerontology
Institute at UMASS Boston. The project included a needs
assessment of the Town’s older residents, including recreational
needs.3
Brewster Vision Plan
In 2017, the Town designed a visioning process that
engaged residents to understand the community’s
values, key issues the Town will face in the future,
and priority actions it should take to address these
issues. Three deep-dive community workshops
were held in late June of 2017 that asked residents
what they value about Brewster, what are its
challenges, and what are its assets. Approximately
135 citizens participated. The results led to the key
issues, or building blocks: community character,
open space, housing, local economy, coastal
management, water resources, governance, and
community infrastructure. Local experts worked together to draft summary papers for each building
block that provided background information and summaries of issues in Brewster. A second round of
workshops were held to review this information and produced a list of priority actions for the Town.
In February 2018, the Town administered a survey asking citizens to rate the importance of each action,
from “not important” to “extremely important.” The survey was available on-line and paper copies were
available in locations throughout town. Over 1,200 people took the survey. Water resources and open
3 http://records.brewster-ma.gov/weblink/0/doc/89079/Page1.aspx
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 7
space were the highest scoring building blocks. Because all the actions in these building blocks were rated
as important or higher, all were incorporated into the final Vision Plan.
From this input, the Town drafted the Brewster Vision Plan and conducted a final round of workshops
that focused on implementation. Participants identified stakeholders for each building block, including
Town government, community groups, and individuals. The final plan4 was presented to the Select Board,
which it approved in July 2018.
Brewster Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Workshop
In 2019, the Town received funding from the
Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness
(MVP) Program to complete climate change vulnerability
assessments and resiliency planning. An MVP workshop
was held in March 2019 to identify the natural hazards
threatening the Town that are exacerbated by climate
change. Mitigation actions that can be taken to reduce
the adverse effects were discussed and prioritized.
Twenty-two community members participated in the
workshop, representing different areas of Town.
Attendees recommended seven high priority action
items to address vulnerabilities and build on existing
strengths. The seven elements are highlighted in the
MVP Workshop Summary Report.5 Following the
workshop, the Town held a public information and
listening session to provide an opportunity for residents to learn, ask questions, and provide feedback on
the seven high priority items identified at the workshop.
Bre wster Coastal Resources Management Plan
In 2019, Phase 1 of the Town’s Coastal Resources Management Plan was released.6 Lead by the Brewster
Coastal Committee, the plan articulates a vision and policy direction for managing the Town’s coastal
resources. It identifies five priority issues and recommends management strategies for implementation.
These include:
• Increase resilience of public beaches and landings
• Preserve ecosystem services provided by healthy coastal wetlands
• Provide access for water dependent activities
• Preserve peak-season access to public beaches and landings
• Protect infrastructure, visual access, and sense of place threatened by changing conditions
4 http://records.brewster-ma.gov/weblink/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=90826&page=1&cr=1
5 http://records.brewster-
ma.gov/weblink/0/edoc/107178/Brewster%20MVP%20Workshop%20Summary%20Report.pdf
6 https://www.brewster-ma.gov/committees-mainmenu-29/coastal-committee/2588-final-phase-i-brewster-
coastal-resource-management-plan
Kari Hoffman, former Planning Board member
and current Select Board member, at the MVP
workshop
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 8
The plan builds on prior planning initiatives, including those listed above. It was developed with the
consultation with topical experts and public input from five workshops. The plan will help the Town meet
the diverse access needs of the community and adapt to coastal change.
2. Community Survey
A community survey was administered between April 13 and May 11, 2020. It was available through the
Town’s website, and municipal departments and local partners were asked to send the survey via email to
their memberships, including the School Department, Recreation Department, Council on Aging, Brewster
Land Trust, Association to Preserve Cape Cod, and others.
It should be noted that the Town began the update of the OSRP at the onset of the 2019 novel
Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which greatly impacted how it was able to conduct public engagement.
On March 10, 2020, Governor Charles Baker issued a State of Emergency, which was followed by Order
No. 13 on March 23, ordering the closure of non-essential businesses and prohibiting the gathering of
more than 10 people through April 7, which was extended to May 18, at which time select businesses
were opened and under strict protocols to protect public health. In late April, the Governor announced
that public schools would remain closed and virtual learning would continue through the end of the year.
While Town government continued to provide services during this time, Town Hall and other municipal
facilities were closed to the public. The Town was unable to make paper copies of the survey available at
popular locations, and the mailing surveys was both cost prohibitive and administratively difficult given
public health concerns.
The survey was reopened from June 1 to 30, 2021. Because town buildings were open to the public on a
limited basis, flyers were posted in Town Hall and the Library and sent to local partners. Paper copies of
the survey were available upon request from the Department of Natural Resources.
A total of 600 responded to the survey. See Section 6. Community Vision and Appendix B for a summary
of the community survey results.
3. Public Workshop
By June 2020, the Commonwealth had begun its second phase of a four-phased reopening of businesses
and institutions. Town Hall was still closed, and public gatherings were limited to 10 people. On June 18,
2020, the Town held a virtual meeting to present the draft sections of the OSRP for public comment.
Draft materials were posted on the Town’s website and residents were encouraged to email comments
and questions in advance of the virtual meeting. The meeting presented an overview of the OSRP, why
the Town has a plan, needs identified in the community survey and planning initiatives since the last OSRP
update, and draft goals and objectives. Viewers could email questions live. Draft materials remained on
the Town’s website and comments were accepted through June 26, 2020, a week after the virtual
meeting.
A second virtual public workshop was held June 15, 2021. Because town buildings were open to the
public on a limited basis, flyers were posted in Town Hall and the Library and sent to local partners. It was
also promoted on the Town’s website. A presentation summarized the OSRP and encouraged residents to
take the community survey that was reopened. Town staff also answered questions from attendees.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 9
C. Enhanced Outreach and Public Participation for
Environmental Justice Populations
The Massachusetts Environmental Justice (EJ) Policy defines EJ populations as “those segments of the
population that EOEA has determined to be most at risk of being unaware of or unable to participate in
environmental decision-making or to gain access to state environmental resources. They are defined as
neighborhoods (U.S. Census Bureau census block groups) that meet one or more of the following criteria:
• The median annual household income is at or below 65% of the statewide median income for
Massachusetts; or
• 25 percent of the residents are minority; or
• 25 percent of the residents are foreign born; or
• 25 percent of the residents are lacking English language proficiency.”
The Massachusetts Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS) has mapped environmental justice
populations for all communities in Massachusetts. According to the mapping provided by MassGIS,
Brewster does not currently encompass any EJ populations according to the criteria summarized above.
In addition, according to the U.S. Census, over 95% of the population speaks only English. Despite this,
the Town of Brewster made every effort to include all citizens in the public participation component of
the OSRP.
“Environmental Justice is based on the principle that all people have a right to be protected from
environmental pollution, and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthful environment. Environmental
justice is the equal protection and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to the
development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies
and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits.”
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA),
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 10
SECTION 3. COMMUNITY SETTING
Stony Brook Field. Photo credit: John Phelan
A. Regional Context
Brewster is a Massachusetts town located within what is referred to as “lower Cape Cod” (Map 1). The
approximately 22.55-square-mile coastal town within Barnstable County is bordered to the north by Cape
Cod Bay, to the east by the Town of Orleans, to the west by the Town of Dennis and to the south by the
Town of Harwich. Brewster has an abundance of natural resources and miles of both coastal and
freshwater shoreline. The town has been committed to the protection of its valuable natural resources
for decades, and established the groundwork for the acquisition of dedicated open space with its
purchase of large expanses of coastal wetlands in the 1960s. Brewster has largely retained its physical
natural beauty and serenity, to which the residents of the town have added a strong sense of historical
continuity and present-day community.
Brewster lies within the Cape Cod Watershed, which extends 70 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, and is
surrounded by Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and Nantucket Sound. The watershed
encompasses a drainage area of approximately 440 square miles and includes 560 miles of coastline, 53
embayments, 996 ponds, 158 municipal water supply wells, and eight ACECs. The Town of Brewster
encompasses six of these embayment watersheds, which it shares with neighboring jurisdictions,
including Cape Cod Bay, Herring River, Namskaket Creek, Pleasant Bay, Quivett Creek, and Stony Brook
watersheds. Brewster also contains a very small portion of the Bass River watershed.
Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin,
USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P,
ORLEANS
BREWSTER
DENNIS
HARWICH
CHATHAM
¯
0 1
Miles
Brewster's Regional Context Adjacent Town
Locus - Brewster
Map 1
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 12
Cape Cod was formed by glaciers approximately 20,000 years ago and is comprised of a series of
interconnected broad, glacial outwash plains and hilly moraines. There are 15 towns in the Cape Cod
Watershed that comprise Barnstable County. Many of the towns on the Cape are divided into villages,
each with its own unique personality. The watershed supports a year-round population of approximately
250,000 people and a peak summertime population of approximately 500,000 people. In 1961, 70 square
miles - or approximately half of the Outer Cape - was granted National Park status and named the Cape
Cod National Seashore, which currently receives 5 million visitors a year.
Residents and visitors make heavy use of the natural resources in Brewster and across Cape Cod. The
beaches and ponds provide places to sunbathe and swim, picnic, and relax. Salt marshes, teeming with
life, provide inspiration for artists, opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and shellfishing, and salt hay for
gardens. These resources draw visitors to Brewster and provide refuges for wildlife and plant species.
Brewster shares many of its resources with neighboring communities (Table 3.1). As such, protection and
maintenance of these resources often requires regional collaboration.
Table 3.1. Brewster’s Shared/Abutting Resources
Resource Communities/Regions/State
Cape Cod Bay Bourne, Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis,
Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown,
State of Massachusetts
Pleasant Bay Orleans, Chatham, Harwich
Long Pond Harwich, State of Massachusetts
Quivett Creek Dennis
Paine’s Creek Dennis
Namskaket Creek Orleans
Inner Cape Cod Bay Area of Critical Environmental
Concern
Brewster, Orleans
Diadramous Fish Run Harwich
Coastal Plain Pond Shores and Priority Habitat (Cahoon
Pond, Mill Pond, Grassy Pond, Mud Pond, Black Pond,
Seymour Pond, Round Pond)
Harwich
Bakers Pond - Coastal Plain Pond Shores and Priority
Habitat
Orleans
Bakers Pond Conservation Area Within Orleans Zone II
SE Brewster Read Kingsbury Conservation Area Within Orleans Zone II
Sandwich Moraine Outwash Plain Bourne, Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis,
Harwich, Orleans
Monomoy Lens (Zone II Groundwater Protection
Districts)
Dennis, Harwich, Orleans, Chatham
SW Brewster Punkhorn Parklands Conservation Area Abuts Harwich Wellfields
SW Brewster Conservation Lands: Mother’s Bog,
Meetinghouse Road, Windrift Conservation Areas
Abut Dennis Water District Wellfields
Cape Cod Rail Trail Dennis, Harwich, Orleans, Eastham Wellfleet
Cape Cod Pathways Trail All Cape Cod Towns, Barnstable County
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 13
B. History of the Community
John Hay, well-known Brewster author, conservationist, and educator, once wrote: We have "to turn back
to the lessons of the past, in hopes of saving the future" (Hay, 1979). To understand Brewster today, one
has to look to its past. The very early history of Brewster has been described by Dr. Fred Dunford, past
staff archaeologist at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, in excerpts from the book, Secrets In The
Sand by Dr. Dunford and Greg O'Brien.
The record of human activity on the Cape is rich and diverse, covering almost 8,000 years of Native
American pre-historic use, followed by 500 years of European involvement. "When Native Americans
arrived at Cape Cod some 10,500 years ago, they found an environment entirely different from that of
today. Cape Cod was a foothill at one end of a vast plain that stretched as far eastward as George's Bank.”
As European settlers began to arrive, the area now known as Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro , and
Provincetown were purchased from the Native Americans in 1644 and incorporated as Nauset in 1646.
The area which became Harwich and Brewster was originally a lower cape territory which included Native
American land and land known as “Purchases of Old Comers Reserve.” One of the first settlers in the
“Brewster” area, known as the North Parish of Harwich, was John Wing in 1658. The Parishes of Harwich
were incorporated through the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1864. Harwich remained intact until 1772,
when the southeastern part separated off to become Eastham. Then, in 1803, after a bitter struggle, the
north and south parishes separated into the Towns of Brewster and Harwich. Brewster’s population was
only 1,111 in 1810.
As the North Parish had developed, the Stony Brook Herring Run was an important fishery for the settlers,
most of whom were farmers. As the forests were cleared for farming, the lumber was used for houses,
boat building and salt works.
Many sections of Brewster were originally divided into a series of long narrow parcels, forming the
familiar "Long Lots." Looking at Brewster town assessor’s maps today, one still sees many of these long
narrow wood lots. Early agricultural practices and the demand for hardwoods such as oak to build homes
and Atlantic white cedar for ships led to rapid deforestation. Once the forests were gone, the soil quickly
dried out and blew away in the ever-prevalent winds. Anything that did grow was soon grazed off by
sheep, 10,000 of which were reported in
Barnstable alone in the late 1600s. As the
soil was exhausted, farmers took to the
sea. By 1676 with much of the vast
forests gone, some towns had bylaws that
exacted fines for wasting wood or letting
it rot. By 1800, there had been a total
clearing of more than 31,000 acres on
Cape Cod and lumber had to be imported.
Brewster's early economy remained
centered on Stony Brook. The first grist
mill was built there before 1662. The
establishment of other small enterprises
in what was known as "Factory Village" Stony Brook Grist Mill. Photo credit: John Phelan
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 14
brought customers from afar to purchase cloth, boots, and food during the late 18th and early 19th
centuries.
The salt marshes also played an important part in the lives of early colonists. Livestock was pastured on
them and salt hay was cut for fodder. By the late 1600's, many of the resource areas were overused and
depleted. In the early 1700s, colonists were actively trying to prevent erosion of the beaches, thereby
protecting the marshes. In 1732 they banned livestock from some beaches, except for oxen that were still
used in the fishing industry. Beach areas were extensively used for the production of salt, becoming a big
business for Brewster. In 1802 there were twenty-one salt works in the town. By 1831 the number of
salt work had climbed to seventy-six scattered along the Brewster shore with an annual capacity of
104,717 feet representing one tenth of Cape Cod’s 1.4 million feet of salt works. Salt production and
repair of the wooden works provided many jobs to Brewster residents, bringing badly-needed
income to local farmers. When salt became less expensive to produce elsewhere, the salt works were
gradually dismantled and the lumber reused in buildings that are still in use today.
Based on 1831 maps, cranberry bogs in the
freshwater wetlands, together with the related
ditches, were a predominant feature of the
landscape. The ditches were installed to drain
standing water from the cranberry bogs, once it was
no longer needed. Many of these ditches remain to
this day.
Early attempts at resource protection were too little
and too late. Clear-cutting and neglectful agricultural
methods took their toll. When Henry David Thoreau
visited the Cape between 1849 and 1855, he
described "singular barren hills, all stricken with
poverty grass, desolate, with soil no farmer would
think of cultivating. It was hard to distinguish soil
from sand.”
Yet Brewster still prospered towards midcentury as the population rose to 1586 by 1850. With limited
economic opportunities in Brewster many local sons turned to the sea starting in the early 1800s. Some
turned to fishing, although Brewster had no port, and some were involved in the packet ships that
brought goods from Boston to the Cape. While Brewster built a pier for the packet ships making it a
transportation hub of the area, the building of the Cape Cod Rail Road in the 1860s and through to
Orleans by 1865 spelled the end of the Packet ship era. Other young men signed on to sailing ships that
plied the oceans from port to port, their captains arranging cargoes for delivery to other ports. This
process might keep them at sea for several years. A tally by the late1800s listed over a hundred ships’
captains and officers buried in Brewster’s cemeteries. The captains and crews of these ships shared in the
profits of these voyages. Returning to Brewster with their riches ship captains often used their gains to
build mansions for their families along 6A. Their travels, often dangerous and sometimes deadly are well
documented in books by several authors. The days of entrepreneurial sailing ship captains faded in the
second half of the 1800s with the end of the cotton trade and the rise of subsidized and scheduled British
steam shipping. Thus, many young Brewster men shifted their sights seeking riches in the frontier town of
c. 1893 – photographer Cornelius Chenery.
Cranberry screening. From the Brewster Historical
Society’s “Brewster in Black and White” collection.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 15
the West, Chicago. Some later returned to Brewster towards the end of the century with their riches to
build great stately mansions. Nickerson and Crosby are two whose legacy homes still grace Brewster
today.
An insight into the economies of the time can be obtained by looking at real estate valuation lists of this
period. Brewster resident Paul F. Saint in his book, The Saints of Brewster, reports that “in 1862 Saint’s
Rest had an assessed value of only $20, while the cow of the Saints had an assessed valued of $30 as it
was considered ‘income producing’ property” (Saint, 1996). Brewster, during this time, was primarily a
rural pocket along the "King's Highway" between Barnstable and the developing Eastham-Orleans
centers. By the late 1800s, after much of Brewster’s original woodlands had been cut, second-growth
pine/oak forests started covering the area. With limited commerce, only some farming and cranberries,
there was little to keep the younger adults from moving to the more prosperous cities. Thus, the year-
round population shrank to 631 by 1910, only 40% of the 1850 level.
Although Brewster was still a quiet town, at the turn of the 20th century the beaches slowly grew more
active as summer vacation communities were built along the shores of Cape Cod Bay. During prohibition
residents beach “activities” also included scavenging for whiskey. Walkers on the flats would often come
upon cases of alcohol tossed overboard by rumrunners attempting to evade arrest by federal prohibition
officers. While there was little industry the town folk still suffered during the Depression. There was not
starvation with food from the garden; clams and fish from the sea. But many of the old sea captain homes
were boarded up and most children dropped out of high school before graduation to find work to help
feed their families. Oral histories from residents who grew up here in the 1920s and 30s talk about
working in family cranberry bogs, picking beach plums, harvesting fish from the numerous f ish weirs, and
hunting local woodlands as ways to supplement meager incomes and put food on the table
A major event during this time period was the establishment of the 14,000-acre Nickerson State Park in
the 1930s, a gift of the Nickerson family’s hunting and fishing preserve. This acquisition, along with the
expansion of summer camps and cottage colonies along the beaches increased the use of the Cape and
especially Brewster as a "summer escape" destination. After World War II the Cape started to grow more
rapidly. More people summered here, but Brewster’s year-round population remained very low, at 827 in
1940. In the 1950s the new Route 6 was created, connecting eastern portions of the Cape to the bridges
over the Cape Cod Canal. By 1970 Brewster’s population had finally inched above the previous peak of
Map of Brewster
c. 1860s shows
original property
owners names of
the period.
Source: Brewster
Historical Society
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 16
1850 to 1790 souls. As Brewster became
a summer recreation destination the era
of “Second Homes” commenced. With it
came a boom in the year-round
population to ten thousand by the turn of
the twenty first century.
In the 1960s, Brewster had initiated
acquisition and control of sensitive
wetlands, marshes, and ponds as well as
established Cape Cod Bay access points.
Large residential subdivisions were
developed, however increasingly
restrictive zoning law limited densities.
The Town attempted to balance this
growth by acquiring land with additions such as the Punkhorn Parklands and other significant parcels. The
Town’s continued process of land acquisition and restrictive zoning have helped maintain the quiet, rural
atmosphere valued by residents and visitors alike.
The Brewster Historical Society, established in 1964, collects and preserves the artifacts and history of
Brewster to ensure their future accessibility. At Windmill Meadow, adjacent to the Town Drummer Boy
Park, the Society has the restored 18th century Higgins Farm Windmill, the circa 1795 Harris Black House
and the working Hopkins Blacksmith Shop circa 1867.
Furthermore, Brewster joined other towns along Route 6A in creating a historic district. The Old Kings
Highway Regional District was created in 1973 and the National Register District was established in 1996.
These actions helped maintain the historic nature of Brewster’s village core to this day.
Recently, the Brewster Historical Society restored the circa 1799 Captain Elijah Cobb House, gardens, and
outbuildings. The House, now a museum, also functions as the Society’s headquarters. The Museum
holds five permanent galleries and an extensive documents research area accessible by appointment.
The Town also leases an historic site, the Crosby Estate from the state. The 1888 eclectic 35-room Crosby
Mansion is the centerpiece of Albert Crosby’s seaside estate. The mansion, named “Tawasentha” was
built around Crosby’s childhood home, an early 19th century Cape Cod-style house. Following the death
of Crosby’s widow Matilda in 1930, the mansion was used as a hotel, a school for the arts, and in 1959,
became Camp Seascape for Girls. In 1985, the Massachusetts Division of Conservation and Recreation
(MA DCR) purchased the mansion, several outbuildings, and some cottages once connected to the
Nickerson family estate, as well as the former Camp Monomoy. In 1999, legislation designated the Town
of Brewster, in partnership with the Friends of Crosby Mansion, as lessees for the Mansion, the Crosby
Cottage and Garage, and two seaside cottages (i.e., Sully and Graham). A 25-year lease was executed in
2003, which is managed through the MA DCR’s Historic Curatorship Program. The Friends now rent the
three cottages and use revenues generated to rehabilitate the mansion. Since the lease began in 2003,
the Town of Brewster and Friends of the Crosby Mansion “have invested over to $500,000 and thousands
of dollars in volunteer labor and donated materials” into the rehabilitation, management, and
maintenance of the property as a house museum and event center” (Foley 2015). The Friends offer six
open houses annually and rent the mansion for weddings and other functions.
Historic postcard of Cliff Pond at Nickerson State Park, 1930-45.
Source: Boston Public Library
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 17
The state also leases the former Camp Monomoy to the Cape Repertory Theatre. Robert J. “Captain Del”
Delahanty founded the boys’ camp in 1922, started Camp Wono for Girls in 1939, and added a day
camping program in the 1960s, forming the Cape Cod Sea Camps. The camp was purchased by the state
in 1983 and added to Nickerson. In 1991, the Cape Rep was named lessee of some of the camp buildings
as well as the Cape House and Barn through special legislation. Under the 25-year lease agreement, the
non-profit theater uses the properties for theatrical programs and performances. The buildings include
the 1790 expanded Cape Cod style residence that is used as offices, the late 19th century barn, which is
used for storage, the mid-20th century outdoor theater, which was an outdoor chapel at Camp
Monomoy, and the former Camp Monomoy dining hall which is used as an indoor theater. The Cape Rep
has restored and rehabilitated a number of the buildings over the years, with the help of donations,
grants and town funds. The Cape Rep maintains buildings and grounds within their control and offers six
to eight plays per year.
Cape Rep Theatre has a long-term lease of the former Camp Monomy. It has the only outdoor theater on Cape
Cod (left) and has preserved the Barn (center) and Cape House (left). Photo credits: Cape Rep Theatre
C. Population Characteristics
1. Population Growth/Trends
Cape Cod has experienced some of the state’s highest population growth over the last century. Table 3.2
shows that population growth in the region has always been high, ranking in the top three regions across
the state. The exception is in the last two decades (2000-2019), where Barnstable County had the lowest
population growth among the Commonwealth’s 14 counties.
Table 3.2. Cape Cod Population Growth Rate, 1920-2019
Years
Rank Among All
MA Counties
Growth/
Decline (%)
Population
(in latter year)
Gain/Loss in
Decade
1920–1930 3 21.10 32,305 5,635
1930–1940 1 15.4 37,295 4,990
1940–1950 1 25.5 46,805 9,510
1950–1960 1 50.2 70,286 23,481
1960–1970 1 37.5 96,656 26,370
1970–1980 1 53 147,925 51,269
1980–1990 2 26.1 186,605 38,680
1990–2000 3 19.1 222,230 35,625
2000–2010 14 -2.9 215,888 -6,342
2010-2019 -1.34 212,990 -2,898
Source: Cape Cod Commission, US Census 2010
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 18
Brewster’s growth rate has been variable over the same period, but the town experienced a similar trend
from 2000 – 2020 with a decrease in total population. Table 3-3 shows Brewster's growth rate between
1920 and 2020. In the 1960's, Brewster had a 44.8% growth rate, moderately higher than the county's
37.5%. From 1970 to 1980 the town experienced a significant population increase from 1,790 to 5,226
year-round residents, a 192% increase. This was the largest population increase of any town on the Cape.
Over the next decade the town’s population increased to 8,440, a 61.5% increase, the third highest
increase on the Cape. The town’s population still increased, but a bit more slowly (19.6%) between 1990
and 2000 to 10,094 year-round residents in 2000.
Table 3.3. Brewster Population Growth Rate, 1920-2020
Years
Growth/
Decline (%)
Population
(in latter year)
Gain/Loss in
Decade
1920–1930 769
1930–1940 7.5 827 58
1940–1950 19.3 987 160
1950–1960 25.2 1,236 249
1960–1970 44.8 1,790 554
1970–1980 192 5,226 3,436
1980-1990 61.5 8,440 3,214
1990-2000 19.6 10,094 1,654
2000-2010 -2.71 9,820 -274
2010-2020 -4.93 9,335 -485
Source: Cape Cod Commission, US Census 2010, Brewster Town Clerk, 6-2020
Brewster has experienced a 2.71% population decrease between 2000 and 2010, and a 4.93% decrease
between 2010 and 2020. The current population is estimated to be about 9,335 year-round residents.
Population growth rates are affected by many factors including economic trends, employment
opportunities, real estate costs, and the availability of buildable land. The reasons for Brewster’s slowing
growth rate are unclear; possible factors include the relatively sluggish economy, an increase in second
home purchases, high real estate prices and the decrease in developable lots.
Like most of Barnstable County, Brewster has a large proportion of seasonal housing stock and
experiences substantial population fluctuations due to its summer resort/retirement community status.
Currently, the population more than triples in the summer, from a year-round population of about 9,335
to an estimated 35,000 people during the summer season. This large influx of seasonal residents places
added stress on the town’s natural resources as well as its open space and recreational facilities. The
likelihood that many second homeowners will transition to year-round residents is also an important
consideration for long-range planning.
2. Population Density
The approximately 23 square mile town has a year-round population density of about 406 people per
square mile. Seasonally, the population density in Brewster increases to 1,521 people per square mile
(Map 2). This increased density, which is experienced across Cape Cod places stress not only on the
town’s natural resources and recreation facilities, but also infrastructure, such as roads and public water
and wastewater infrastructure.
Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin,
USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P,¯
0 1
Miles
Brewster's Population Density
Showing Commercial and Residential Structures
Building Footprint (2014 Aerial Survey)
Adjacent Town
Total Population: 9,820 (2010 Census)
Map 2
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 20
3. Age
The demographics on Cape Cod, particularly as they relate to age, have shifted considerably in recent
years. The flight of youth raised on Cape Cod (that do not return) combined with the increasing
retirement population, has led to this dramatic shift, which was evident in the 2010 US Census.
The school-age children and residents between the ages of 20 and 44 years decreased by 25% and 26%,
respectively, from 2000 to 2010. By 2018, the number of school aged children declined to 806, or 44.5%;
however, people 20 to 44 years saw an increase of 12.5%. These data reflected the decrease in
elementary school enrollment, yet the town does not appear to be losing its young adults and young
families. Whereas the decrease in the young professional population on Cape Cod is thought to have had
large impacts on the local economy, job market, and public transportation opportunities, Brewster is
experiencing an increase in this age group.
The number of people aged 65 and over increased by 4.2%, and those aged 60 to 64 increased by over
100%. The median age also increased between 2000 and 2010 from 46.9 to 53.5, a 14% increase. During
this time, the number of 45- to 64-year-old adults decreased by 28.4%. While the population of 64 and
older increased to 3,933, a dramatic 42.6% increase, with the median age increasing from 53.5 to 57, a
6.5% increase.
These age trends have impacts on needs related to open space and recreation resources also. For
example, there may be more of a need currently for passive recreation opportunities for the town’s
senior population, whereas opportunities for school-age children may be experiencing a lack of
enrollment and/or interest (Table 3-4).
Table 3.4. Brewster Age Profile
Age Group 2010 2020 Percent Change
Total population 9,820 9,335 4.9% decline
Under 5 years 345 86 75.1% decline
5 to 19 years 1,451 806 44.5% decline
20 to 44 years 1,803 2,029 12.5% increase
45 to 64 years 3,463 2,481 28.4% decrease
65 and over 2,758 3,933 42.6% increase
Median age (years) 53.5 57 6.5% increase
Source: U.S. Census 2000 and 2010, Brewster Town Clerk 6-2020
This shift is anticipated to have impacts on the socioeconomics of the region and may be one of the
causes for the trend observed in Table 3.5. This is important to note since a decrease in overall
socioeconomic conditions in the town could have impacts on the community’s tax base and ability to
purchase and maintain open space and recreation resources.
These age trends are experienced across Cape Cod, and the town will work with neighboring communities
and the region to help identify ways to address the associated challenges with the region’s changing
demographics.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 21
4. Income and Employment
Table 3.5 provides an economic overview of Brewster. It is a highly educated community, with more than
half of its residents (61.3%) receiving a bachelor’s degree or higher. It is also an older community as
mentioned above. The percentage of residents in the labor force (16 years and older) represent about
half its population (49%), compared to 67.1% in Massachusetts, indicating that many residents are
retired. Of those that are in the labor force, most are working. In 2018, the unemployment rate in
Brewster was 3.3%, 4.7% in Barnstable County, and 5.4% in Massachusetts. These figures do not take into
consideration the impacts of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic on local, regional, and national economies.
The lasting economic implications of business closures in Brewster, Cape Cod, and the Commonwealth
are unknown at the time this plan is being updated but are expected to be long-lasting.
Table 3.5. An Overview of Brewster, MA
People & Housing Employment & Income
Population Estimate (2020) 9,335 Labor Force (persons working in the area)
(2018) 4,860
H.S. Diploma or More - % of Adults 25+
(2018) 100.0% Unemployment Rate (2018) 3.3
Bachelor's Deg. or More - % of Adults 25+
(2018) 61.3% Avg. Wage per Job N/A
Households (2018) 4,282 Median Household Income (2018) $58,214
Total Housing Units (2018) 7,993 % Derived from Earnings (2018) 48.90%
% of Total Units Vacant for Seasonal or
Recreational Use (2018) 60.6% Median Family Income (2018) $77,540
Median Value of Owner-Occupied
Housing (2018) $456,800 Poverty Rate (2018) 5.0%
Total Building Permits Issued N/A Mean Travel Time to Work (minutes)
(2018) 21.7
Source: 2018 Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; STATSCapeCod and Cape Cod Commission BART (Barnstable Area Regional
Trends) Data, 2018; Brewster Town Clerk, 2020
Like most other Cape Cod communities, Brewster maintains a generally high socioeconomic status,
particularly when considering the seasonal population. However, Brewster’s year-round population had
been experiencing a slight decrease when compared to the State but was in a better position than the
County for median household income. Brewster had a lower poverty status than both the State and the
County (Table 3.6).
Table 3.6. Median Household Income and Poverty Status for Town of Brewster, 2010 and 2018
Massachusetts Barnstable County Town of Brewster
2010 2018 2010 2018 2010 2018
Median Household Income $64,509 $77,378 $60,317 $69,001 $58,374 $58,214
Poverty Status – All Families 7.5% 11.1% 5.0% 7.5% 5.5% 5.0%
Source: 2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; STATSCapeCod, Cape Cod Commission BART (Barnstable Area
Regional Trends) Data, 2018
As can be seen in Table 3.7, the percentage of people employed within the service industry (including
food and retail service) and construction industry within the Town of Brewster and Barnstable County is
higher than the Massachusetts average. This is typical for a tourist destination such as Cape Cod.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 22
However, slow growth and decreased economic conditions, which have impacted the tourism industry
that Cape Cod depends on, have affected these tourism-dependent sectors as well, likely exacerbating
the increase in unemployment rates, decrease in median household incomes, and increase in the poverty
rate experienced in Brewster.
Table 3.7. Income and Employment for Town of Brewster
Massachusetts Barnstable County Town of Brewster
2010 2018 2010 2018 2010 2018
Percent Unemployed 3.0% 7.4% 3.0% 6.2% 1.4% 5.0%
OCCUPATION
Management, business, science, and arts
occupations 41.1% 42.8% 35.1% 37.5% 37.2% 36.2%
Service occupations 14.1% 16.6% 18.2% 19.3% 17.6% 18.6%
Sales and office occupations 25.9% 24.2% 27.5% 24.9% 27.7% 27.4%
Natural resources, construction, and
maintenance occupations 7.7% 7.4% 11.7% 11.5% 11.0% 11.7%
Production, transportation, and material
moving occupations 11.3% 9.1% 7.5% 6.7% 6.5% 6.0%
INDUSTRY
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting,
and mining 0.4% 0.4% 0.9% 0.8% 0.6% 0.0%
Construction 5.5% 5.9% 9.7% 10.0% 10.7% 9.8%
Manufacturing 12.8% 9.9% 4.8% 4.3% 3.3% 4.0%
Wholesale trade 3.3% 2.7% 2.2% 2.1% 1.4% 1.4%
Retail trade 11.2% 10.7% 14.9% 12.7% 16.1% 17.7%
Transportation and warehousing, and
utilities 4.2% 3.8% 4.3% 4.1% 3.7% 2.5%
Information 3.7% 2.7% 2.6% 2.3% 2.4% 2.0%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and
rental and leasing 8.2% 8.1% 6.6% 6.5% 6.4% 6.6%
Professional, scientific, and management,
and administrative and waste
management services
11.6% 12.7% 10.1% 11.6% 10.8% 8.8%
Educational services, and health care and
social assistance 23.7% 26.7% 22.6% 23.9% 22.2% 24.8%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and
accommodation and food services 6.8% 8.0% 11.3% 11.1% 12.5% 12.5%
Other services, except public
administration 4.4% 4.5% 5.1% 5.5% 5.8% 6.4%
Public administration 4.3% 4.1% 5.0% 5.1% 4.0% 3.5%
Median household income (dollars) $50,502 $64,509 $45,933 $60,317 $49,276 $58,374
Percentage of families below the poverty
limit 6.7% 7.5% 4.6% 5.0% 1.6% 5.5%
Source: US Census 2010; 2018 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 23
5. Environmental Equity/Justice Populations
Brewster does not have significant populations meeting the income and minority criteria used by the
2010 MassGIS work that identifies and maps environmental justice populations for all communities in
Massachusetts. The criteria used for identifying environmental justice populations include:
• Income – households earn 65% or less of the statewide median income
• Minority – 25% or more of residents are minority
• Foreign Born – 25% or more of residents are foreign born
• Lacking English Proficiency – 25% or more residents are lacking in English proficiency
There are no populations identified based on either minority classification or based on the income data
layer (Map 3). However, there are certainly populations in Brewster whose income is at poverty level,
10.9% as of 2011 per STATS Cape Cod. According to a report entitled Monitoring the Human Condition
2009 prepared by the Barnstable County Department of Human Services, the following populations of
need are found in the County, and in Brewster:
• Low-income young households with one to two children who rent their home and may receive
some financial assistance.
• Low-income young to middle-age households with at most one child who rent, are homeless or
live in a group home.
• Low-income young to middle-age households with no more than one child who rent, are
homeless or live in a group home. These households also may be cultural minorities, receiving
financial assistance, or chronically ill. This group is considered by the report as the most needy
among Cape Cod households.
There do not appear to be specific low economic population pockets, but populations may be spread in
all areas of town.
D. Developmen t Patterns and Trends
While Brewster retains many of its small town, rural qualities, many areas are characterized by single-
family, residential development with areas of commercial development concentrated along Route 6A as
well as along Underpass Road and at the Route 137/Millstone Road intersection. There is also an
industrial district in the southeastern section of town.
Through the later part of the twentieth century, Brewster’s permanent population steadily grew. In the
1980s and 1990s, new residential development concentrated south of Route 6A, which moved from west
to east until it abutted the border of Nickerson State Park. These subdivisions were designed with lots
ranging from ¼ to ½ acre in size. Larger lots were developed around the town’s ponds.
The Town has constructed two elementary schools. In 1973, the Town had built the Stony Brook
Elementary School off Underpass Road. In 1999, a second school, the Eddy Elementary School was
constructed on Main Street to meet increased student enrollment and projections.
Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin,
USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P,¯
0 1
Miles
Brewster's Environmental Justice Population
No Block Groups Meet The Criteria
Environmental Justice by Income
Adjacent Towns
Environmental Justice (EJ) populations are determined by identifying all
Census 2010 block groups that meet any of the following criteria:
Income: Households earn 65% or less of statewide median household income.
Minority Population: 25% or more of residents identify as a race other than white.
English Language Isolation: 25% or more of households have no one over the
age of 14 who speaks English only or very well.
Map 3
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 25
In the late 1980s the town approved Ocean Edge, a large planned unit development in east central
Brewster near Nickerson State Park that covered 390 acres and was planned to have more than 1,200
units. This development was large for Brewster, and its effects on traffic and service needs are still being
felt today.
Dealing with the complexities of Ocean Edge and the increased pressure of new residential development
required the town to revisit its approach to future development. It became necessary to consider where
development would be located in relation to the town’s natural resources, and how anticipated future
impacts would be mitigated. Further, visitors to the area nearly triple the town’s population during the
summer months. These visitors are staying in either newly constructed seasonal homes or camping in
Nickerson State Park and other sites. Most are drawn to the area for its outdoor recreational
opportunities, and it is anticipated that this seasonal influx will not wane.
The demands for open space and recreational resources are driven by both year-round residents, which
are increasing in age, and seasonal visitors, which have a wide range of ages, from young families to
retirees. Meeting these demands while maintaining and enhancing the integrity of the town’s natural
features will need to be balanced.
1. Infrastructure
This section describes the Town’s existing infrastructure and the effects it has had on development
patterns. The intent is to understand the effects of the community’s “gray” infrastructure on its “green”
infrastructure, or open space, and to help define and preserve the community’s character.
Transportation
Brewster is located midway on Cape Cod and is accessible by major highways (Route 6, 6A, 124, and 137).
Route 6A extends the length of Brewster and is Brewster's Main Street. It is synonymous with the scenic,
aesthetic, historic, economic, and rural character of the town. It is a designated scenic road and
registered as the Old King's Highway National Register District to further protect it from pressure to
accommodate increased traffic that would extinguish the roadway's historically valuable character.
Pressure increases each year to expand the roadway to accommodate bike traffic and reconfigure some
intersections where left hand turns cause back-ups in traffic. Attempts to expand the paved width of
roads to accommodate pedestrian, bike, and skate traffic have been met with strong opposition from
abutters to the roads. Only three roads have sidewalks, albeit incomplete ones. Many pedestrian paths
run along portions of these roads. Shoulders tend to be narrow and somewhat steep, with utility poles,
trees and smaller vegetation interrupting the shoulders, pathways, and sidewalks. Despite the
impediments, bike traffic along Route 6A is encouraged to travel on the sidewalk or on the unpaved
shoulders, instead of in the vehicular lanes.
Residents and visitors also have use of the Flex Bus Service which will drop people off at the beaches.
6,700 riders boarded buses in Brewster in 2011.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 26
The 22-mile Cape
Cod Rail Trail
(CCRT) provides
passage through
the Town from
Dennis to South
Wellfleet. About
six miles long in
Brewster, it is the
only designated
bike path in town.
This trail is heavily
used by cyclists,
roller-skaters,
roller-bladers,
skate-boarders,
cross-country
skiers, walkers,
and occasionally
equestrians. It is a
major step toward promoting alternative types of transportation. It serves as a primary corridor, allowing
the town to bring bicyclists, horseback riders and walkers to interesting destinations with connector trails.
Thousands of bicyclists, hikers and riders use the trail each year. Nickerson State Park also has an eight-
mile bike path, which connects to the CCRT. Bikes are also ridden along local roads using non-delineated
trails. This is dangerous and illustrates a serious need for local and roadside bike lanes.
The Brewster Bikeways Committee has coordinated an effort to place “Share the Road” signs on all beach
roads throughout town, as well as sticker all Brewster patrol cars with the same bike safety message. A
number of trail directional signs have been erected along the CCRT as well as message board signs along
the Brewster section. The Committee is working with neighboring towns to coordinate activities, creating
the Lower Cape Bikeways Coalition. There is also now a “Bike Brewster” Facebook page.
As part of the Cape Cod Pathways Program, Brewster Pathways has a goal of a walking path from Dennis
to Orleans, with connections to Harwich and "fingers" extending into various parts of town. Pathways
through Nickerson State Park and on to Orleans have been dedicated, as well as a pathway connection
routed through the Punkhorn Parklands. This trail is now complete except for a few connecting sections in
the middle of Brewster. The Committee has been negotiating with private property owners/associations
but has been unable to plot the trail along property edges to connect open space parcels. A seven-mile
section from the Dennis town line to Route 137 has been plotted with GPS and has been marked with
trail signs.
Brewster has many walking trails as well as many informal walkways throughout its many acres of
conservation land. The majority of walkways and pathways in Brewster are useful mainly for recreational
purposes. It is not likely that these pathways will provide alternative means of transportation, because
most of them do not lead to destination points, or conveniently connect with other links or modes of
Cape Cod Rail Trail through Brewster. Source: MA Division of Conservation and Recreation
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 27
transportation. By linking recreational resources and facilities with safe bike or pedestrian paths, a
significant amount of vehicular traffic could be eliminated in the future.
Water Supply System
Drinking water in Brewster comes from the Cape Cod Aquifer, a sole source aquifer, through public wells
owned and operated by the Brewster Water Department, and a number of private wells, owned and
operated by individual homeowners as well as businesses. The Cape Cod Aquifer is comprised of six
lenses, including the Monomoy Lens, the second largest of the Cape Cod groundwater lenses. The
Monomoy Lens is 66 square miles with a maximum elevation of 30 feet, and provides water to the Town
of Brewster, but also to the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Chatham, and Orleans.
The Brewster Water Department currently operates five public water wells connected to its distribution
system, with a sixth that could be developed into a full production well in the future. The first two wells
(well #1, and well #2) initially became operational in 1972, followed by well #3 in 1986. All three of these
wells are located off of Freeman's Way. Well #4, located within the Punkhorn Parklands, went into
operation in 1992. Well #5, also located within the Punkhorn Parklands, was drilled in 2012 with the
Water Department building a pump house and water treatment system to adjust the pH of the water.
Well #6 was approved to be put online and fully operational by DEP in January of 2014.
There are a number of private wells in town, but there is no inventory of properties served by these
private wells.
The Cape Cod aquifer has a high vulnerability to contamination due to the absence of hydrogeologic
barriers (i.e. clay) that can prevent contaminant migration. As such, the town has implemented wellhead
protection regulations and a Groundwater Protection District, as well as the District of Critical Planning
Concern (DCPC) to oversee land use within that District. Brewster’s Zone II areas are dominated by forests
with smaller areas of residential use (7%) and a very small percentage of commercial and industrial land
use (Brewster, 2011). The vast acreage surrounding Brewster’s wellfields also provides for ample passive
recreation areas with miles of trails for walking, hiking, birdwatching, dog walking, biking and horseback-
riding.
Wastewater System
Wastewater discharges in Brewster are mostly from individual onsite septic systems. Brewster is not
served with public sewers or private sewage treatment facilities. The Tri-Town Sewage Treatment Facility
in Orleans used to provide a receiving facility for the disposal of septage from Brewster, Orleans and
Eastham. This facility has now been closed and the buildings have been demolished. It is uncertain
whether a new facility will be built in the future.
Managing the impacts of wastewater-associated pollutants, primarily nutrients, on groundwater and
surface water resources is a major priority in Brewster. To address these impacts, the town has been
involved in a multi-phase Integrated Water Resource Management Plan (IWRMP), which is currently in
Phase III. During Phase II, the town commissioned a comprehensive assessment of wastewater
management alternatives in Brewster. Phase III will include further examination and prioritization of
these alternatives.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 28
2. Long -Term Development Patterns
Zoning
The town has implemented specific land use controls to minimize the impacts of future development on
natural resources. Table 3.8 outlines the town’s current zoning districts, and Map 4 shows the Town’s
zoning districts geographically. Specific overlay and floating districts and bylaws are used by the town to
minimize impacts to natural features and gain protected open space and recreational resources.
Table 3.8. Brewster Zoning Districts and Bylaws
District
Minimum Lot Size
(square feet)
Residential Rural (R-R) 100,000
Residential Low Density (R-L) 60,000
Residential Medium Density (R-M) 60,000
Commercial High Density (C-H) 15,000
Village Business (V-B) 15,000
Industrial (I) 20,000
Overlay Districts
Wetland Conservancy District (WCD) -
Water Quality Protection Bylaw -
Groundwater Protection District (GWPD) -
Flood Plain District (FPD) -
Site Plan Review –replaced Corridor Overlay Protection District (COPD) -
Personal Wireless Services Communications (PWSC) -
Facilities Overlay District (CT) -
Cluster Residential Development -
Natural Resource Protection Design -
Planned Residential Development -
The Wetland Conservancy District (§179-6) is intended to preserve and maintain the surface water and
groundwater that support public water supplies, as well as natural habitats. Lands within the districts
include those that border vegetated wetlands, freshwater banks, land subject to flooding, land under a
freshwater body, land under the ocean, coastal beaches, barrier beaches, rocky intertidal shores, land
under salt ponds, fish runs, coastal dunes, coastal banks, salt marshes and land containing shellfish which
are subject to the jurisdiction of the Wetlands Protection Act, MGL c.131, § 40, as amended. They also
include specific soil types identified in the bylaw. Uses allowed in Wetland Conservancy Districts are those
associated with outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and boating, among other uses that promote
and maintain the natural features in these areas.
The Water Quality Protection Bylaw (Article XI) is an overlay district encompassing the entire Town of
Brewster. The intent of this bylaw is to establish specific requirements for land uses and activities within
those portions of town mapped and identified on the Brewster Zoning Map as the District of Critical
Planning Concern (DCPC) entitled “Brewster Water Protection District.” The DCPC includes areas
designated as Zone I and Zone II as well as the Groundwater Protection District and the Pleasant Bay
Watershed. The bylaw outlines uses that will be exempt from its oversight, but specifically calls out uses
that are prohibited town-wide as well as those prohibited in Zone I, Zone II, and/or the DCPC.
Performance standards are provided.
Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin,
USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P,
RR
RM
VB
RR
RL
RL
VB
RL VB
CH
RR
I
RR
VB
RMRR
RR
MRD
CH
RL RL
RL
¯
0 1
Miles
Brewster's Zoning and Overlay Districts Zoning Districts
RR - Residential Rural
RL - Residential Low Density
RM - Residential Medium Density
VB - Village Business
CH - Commercial High Density
I; MRD - Industrial, Municipal Refuse Disposal
Overlay Districts
Natural Resources Protection
Aquifer Protection
Wetland Protection
Floodplain Protection
Adjacent Towns
Map 4
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 30
While not mandatory, cluster development is promoted in Brewster to allow for more flexible residential
subdivision design in order to preserve natural features of a property. Under the Cluster Residential
Development Bylaw (§179-35) any parcel of at least 10 acres in size in the R-R, R-L and R-M Districts may
use cluster development design. The bylaw requires at least 60% of a site be set aside as open space,
which must be permanently protected for passive recreational purposes such as walking or riding trails or
wildlife corridors and habitats.
Cluster development that occurs in DCPC Zone II areas and the Pleasant Bay Watershed is encouraged to
follow specified design and layout standards based on the town’s Natural Resource Protection Design
(NRPD) Bylaw (Article XIII). The NRPD Bylaw requires applicants for the subdivision of land to conduct a
natural resource analysis and development impact statement, which assesses how the proposed
development may impact the natural environment, including air quality, water resources, soils, plants and
wildlife. Guidance on conducting the analysis and impact statement is provided in Subsection B.3 of
Section 290-10 of the Brewster Subdivision Rules and Regulations. The NRPD Bylaw also dictates
minimum requirements for dedicated open space acreage, as follows:
• R-R District: minimum of 80%
• R-L District: minimum of 65%
• R-M District: minimum of 65%
Among other performance standards and requirements, the bylaw outlines how the maximum number of
residential units is calculated. The town also provides density bonuses for projects that include, for
example, wastewater treatment for properties outside of the project area that are using Title 5 systems,
providing open space greater than the minimum percentage or if the applicant deeds public access to the
open space portion of the project.
Buildout
As experienced across the region, the 2010 U.S. Census indicated that Brewster’s population was
stagnant, and it had slightly decreased from 2000. Whether declining population is a new tr end or a
reaction to the 2008 economic and housing market downturn remains to be seen, but the town must
consider how much new development will actually occur and at what rate. A build-out analysis was
conducted in 2012 for the town as part of the Brewster Integrated Water Resource Management Plan. It
looked at two scenarios: a baseline scenario, which was considered “worse case” and assumed
development would occur under current zoning regulations, and a Smart Growth scenario, which
assumed that development would occur using the town’s cluster development bylaw. The analysis
indicated that at full buildout, between 765 and 800 new housing units could be built on existing vacant
or underutilized parcels and between 330 and 460 acres of open space could be protected. Under the
Smart Growth scenario, more conservation could be achieved around Brewster’s ponds. Table 3 -8
summarizes the build-out analysis.
The town does not have updated buildout numbers. The Local Comprehensive Plan process is tasked with
developing that data and it is in the initial stages.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 31
Table 3.9. Summary of Brewster Buildout Analysis
Scenario
Number of New
Residential Units
Acres of Preserved
Open Space
Acres of
Commercial
Development
Acres of Industrial
Development
Baseline Scenario 765 329.5 11.3 49.8
Smart Growth Scenario 801 458.6 11.3 49.8
Source: Town of Brewster Buildout Analysis, prepared by Horsley Witten Group, Inc., 2012
The study also examined the impact of the additional growth and included an analysis of impervious
surface. The findings indicated little difference between the two scenarios. Under the baseline scenario,
impervious cover was estimated to be an additional 129.8 acres, and the Smart Growth scenario could
add an additional 131.4 acres. The use of stormwater best management practices can help mitigate the
impacts.
It is ultimately uncertain as to when the town will experience full buildout considering the slow economic
recovery in the region. While local development interest has increased, it is anticipated the outlook for
future development will fluctuate and the town will have to reevaluate growth expectancy periodically.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 32
SECTION 4. ENVIRONMENTAL
INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
Long Pond
A. Geology, Soils , and Topography
1. Geology and Topography
Brewster’s landforms are a product of glacial ice, ocean influence, wind, and erosion. Brewster and the
Cape were first formed 17,000 to 21,000 years ago by glacial action near the end of the Wisconsin stage
of the Pleistocene epoch. As ice withdrew from the area of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, it came to
rest where the Cape is presently located, depositing several hundred feet of unconsolidated material
ranging in particle size from clay to boulders. Map 5 shows Brewster’s geologic features.
Most of Brewster is comprised of a glacial deposit designated as the Harwich Outwash Plain. Outwash
plains are deposited by meltwater streams flowing off the front of a receding glacier. The flowing streams
tend to sort sediment deposition by particle size. Coarser grained particles are deposited in faster flowing
environs closer to the melting ice front while finer grained particles are deposited in slower flowing
environs further away. Large blocks of ice left by the retreating glacier settled and were surrounded by
sediments deposited in the outwash streams. Those buried ice blocks finished melting long after
(potentially thousands of years in some cases) the outwash deposits ceased active formation, resulting in
numerous steep-sided kettle-holes as the surrounding sediments collapsed into the voids left by the
melting ice block. Where those kettle-holes are deep enough to intersect the water table, kettle-hole
ponds were formed.
Bakers Pond
Cobbs Pond Blueberry
Pond
Cliff Pond Little
Cliff
Pond
Smith Pond
Sheep
Pond
Lower
Mill Pond
Griffiths
Pond
Canoe Pond
Long Pond Greenland
Pond
Mill
PondSmalls
Pond
Black Pond Grassy
PondSlough Pond
Pine Pond
Elbow Pond
Flax
Pond
Higgins
Pond
Upper
Mill Pond
Seymour
Pond
Walkers Pond
Depot StreetFinlay
Road
Orl
e
an
sR
o
a
dAirline RoadCranberryHighwayChurch
Street Route28Millstone RoadTonset
Road
Scargo
Hill Roa
d LowerRoadEldredge
Parkway
South Orleans RoadWestRoadLocustRoadTraining Field RoadFoster
Road
LowerRoadHarwich
Road
SouthOrleans RoadRussellsPathSatucke
tRoadStony Brook Road
Pleasan
t
BayRoadOldBassRiver RoadAirline RoadPleasant LakeAvenueSouthOrleansRoadCrowell
s
B
o
g
R
o
a
d
Millsto
n
e
Road WestRoad
Foster
RoadCrowellRoadBarley
Neck
RoadMeetinghouseRoad
Lower R
o
a
d Ramp-rt6WbToRt 6AMayf
a
i
r
R
o
a
d BridgeStreetQueen Anne Road
Ramp-rt 6
Wb To Rt
124
MainSt
r
e
et
Hokum
Rock
Road
Ramp-rt124ToRt6 EbMid-capeHighwayRamp-rt6AToRt 6 EbBob
Crowell
Road A PercieNewcombRoadCross
Road
SloughRoadGreat O
a
k
Road
Grea
t
F
ie
lds
RoadMonument RoadOld
Colony
Way
Route137Long Pond
R
o
a
d LotsHollowRoadLong Pon
d
D
r
i
v
e
Brewste
r
Cross
Road
Main Street
OakStreetOld
C
h
a
t
h
a
m
R
o
a
d Harwich RoadRamp-rt
6A To
Rt 6 Eb
Underpass RoadQu
a
n
s
e
t
R
o
a
d
East West Dennis RoadPoint OfRocks RoadPleasant Bay
R
o
a
dRun Hill RoadPondRo
a
d
CranberryHighwa
y
Old Comers Ro
a
dSnowRoadOrleans
R
oa
d
Sesuit Nec
k
R
o
a
d
Route 28-HeadOf The Bay RoadRed Top RoadPainesCreekRoadBay Road
Orleans
Road
Setucke
t
R
o
a
d
Mid-cape Highway
Orleans
Road
Satuck
et
R
o
a
d
Hokum
R
o
c
k
R
o
a
d HerringBrookWay
TubmanR
o
a
d
Tar
K
i
l
n
R
o
a
d
Free
m
a
n
s
W
a
y
Namequoit
Road
Harwich RoadOld
Chatham
Road
Hopkins
Lane
Mid Cape
H
i
g
h
w
a
y
Mid Cap
e
H
i
g
h
w
a
y
Kendri
c
k
R
o
a
d
Areys L
a
n
e
Auston Road
Ramp-rt
6
Wb ToRt
137
Ra
m
p
-
r
t
6E
b
T
o
Rt 1
2
4 Church StreetRamp-rt137ToRt 6 Eb¯
0 1
Miles
Brewster's Soils and Hydrologic Soil Group
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Base Map Features
Great Pond
Brewster
Adjacent Towns
Postglacial Deposits
Beach and Dune Deposits
Cranberry Bog
Swamp and Marsh Deposits
Artificial Fill
Glacial Stratified Deposits
Coarse
Glaciolacustrine Fine
Thin Till
Map 5
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 34
In contrast to the relatively flat outwash plain areas, the higher land (up to 141 feet above mean sea
level) in the northwestern part of town (north of the Mill Ponds and along Stony Brook) is characterized
by less well sorted sediments of varying particle sizes, including many boulders. The Mass GIS mapping
shown on Map 5 does not differentiate between the varied topography of the Stony Brook area and the
more consistent deposits of the Harwich Outwash Plain; they are both simply classified as Sand and
Gravel deposits. However, more detailed geologic mapping conducted by the USGS has depicted this
area, originally, as part of the Sandwich Moraine (Oldale, 1969) or, more recently, as ice contact deposits
(LeBlanc et al, 1986). End moraines are deposited at
the terminus of an advancing ice front, both by
thrusting and bulldozing of material up in front of
the ice, and by direct deposit of material entrained
in the ice as the ice melts away. Ice contact deposits
also originate near the edge of an ice sheet as the
ice differentially melts dropping its varied sediment
load around stagnant blocks of resistant ice
surviving for a period after the larger ice sheet has
receded away. While moraine and ice contact
deposits are of different origin, they are both
characterized by relatively steep and varied
topography with a wide range of particle sizes and
abundant boulders. These characteristics make for
interesting and varied open space uses, in contrast
to the flatter and more consistent outwash plain
areas.
Along the immediate northern (Cape Cod Bay) shore of Brewster are fine-grained deposits of glacio-
lacustrine (wind-blown) origin. After the ice-contact deposits and the outwash deposits were laid down,
the ice front had receded to a position well north of the Cape and melt water from that continually
receding ice was temporarily trapped by the glacial deposits of the Cape to form a glacial lake in roughly
the current position of Cape Cod Bay. The low energy environment of the lake allowed finer silt and clay
sized particles to settle out, creating the lacustrine deposits currently exposed along Brewster’s northern
shoreline. Wind driven dune deposits and marshlands comprise the most-recent, post-glacial sediment
deposits in town.
The geologic history of Brewster was once thought to be rather simple but is today seen as a complex set
of interactions which are not yet fully understood. For purposes of open space planning, it is sufficient to
understand that most of Brewster is composed of sandy glacial deposits, with limited areas of more
varied topography and pockets of wetlands, bogs, and clay. This glacial past explains its topography.
Ultimately, it also explains Brewster's soils, vegetation, wildlife, visual beauty, and basic character.
2. Soils
Soil types for the Town of Brewster have been mapped and described by the federal Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) in the Soil Survey of Barnstable County. Maps and interpretative data
indicating the limitations of individual soils for different land uses such as on-site sewage disposal,
Whale Rock at Windmill Village is an example of
a large glacial erratic. Photo credit: Brewster
Conservation Trust
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 35
homesites, and woodlands, are available for review through the NRCS or through the Conservation
Commission office in Brewster Town Hall.
Hydrologic Soil Group and Surface Runoff
Hydrologic soil groups are based on estimates of runoff potential. Soils are assigned to one of four groups
according to the rate of water infiltration when the soils are not protected by vegetation, are thoroughly
wet, and receive precipitation from long-duration storms. The estimates are used in land use planning
that involves engineering considerations.
The Four Hydrologic Soil Groups are:
Group A. Soils having a high infiltration rate (low runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These
consist mainly of deep, well drained to excessively drained sands or gravelly sands. These soils have a
high rate of water transmission.
Group B. Soils having a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of
moderately deep or deep, moderately well drained or well drained soils that have moderately fine
texture to moderately coarse texture. These soils have a moderate rate of water transmission.
Group C. Soils having a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of soils having
a layer that impedes the downward movement of water or soils of moderately fine texture or fine
texture. These soils have a slow rate of water transmission.
Group D. Soils having a very slow infiltration rate (high runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These
consist chiefly of clays that have a high shrink-swell potential, soils that have a high water table, soils
that have a claypan or clay layer at or near the surface, and soils that are shallow over nearly
impervious material. These soils have a very slow rate of water transmission.
If a soil is assigned to a dual hydrologic group (A/D, B/D, or C/D), the first letter is for drained areas and
the second is for undrained areas. Surface runoff refers to the loss of water from an area by flow over the
land surface. Surface runoff classes are based on slope, climate, and vegetative cover. The concept
indicates relative runoff for very specific conditions. It is assumed that the surface of the soil is bare and
that the retention of surface water resulting from irregularities in the ground surface is minimal. The
classes are negligible, very low, low, medium, high, and very high.
Map 6 shows hydric soil classifications in Brewster. A single soil association, the Carver (A) soil, comprises
more than 75% of the town's soils. The most important aspect of Brewster's Carver soils is their
permeability. The loose coarse lower layers act as a vast reservoir for underground water replenished by
precipitation, and town well tests indicate large amounts of drinkable water in both the eastern and
western sectors of Brewster. However, the permeability that allows between 15 and 20 inches of water
per year to recharge the groundwater system also allows septage, landfill leachate, contaminated road
runoff and other pollutants, such as oil or gas from leaking underground storage tanks, to quickly flow
through the soil into the drinking water supply. Wet soils, low permeability soils, wetlands and surface
waters make up the other 25% of the soils of the town, which means that 25% of Brewster is unsuitable
for development just on the basis of soil type. However, while these soils and water areas preclude or
should preclude development, they provide drinking water through groundwater recharge, natural
habitat of major importance, and widely used recreational opportunities.
Bakers Pond
Cobbs Pond Blueberry
Pond
Cliff Pond Little
Cliff
Pond
Smith Pond
Sheep
Pond
Lower
Mill Pond
Griffiths
Pond
Canoe Pond
Long Pond Greenland
Pond
Mill
PondSmalls
Pond
Black Pond Grassy
PondSlough Pond
Pine Pond
Elbow Pond
Flax
Pond
Higgins
Pond
Upper
Mill Pond
Seymour
Pond
Walkers Pond
Depot StreetFinlay
Road
Orl
e
an
sR
o
a
dAirline RoadCranberryHighwayChurch
Street Route28Millstone RoadTonset
Road
Scargo
Hill Roa
d LowerRoadEldredge
Parkway
South Orleans RoadWestRoadLocustRoadTraining Field RoadFoster
Road
LowerRoadHarwich
Road
SouthOrleans RoadRussellsPathSatucke
tRoadStony Brook Road
Pleasan
t
BayRoadOldBassRiver RoadAirline RoadPleasant LakeAvenueSouthOrleansRoadCrowell
s
B
o
g
R
o
a
d
Millsto
n
e
Road WestRoad
Foster
RoadCrowellRoadBarley
Neck
RoadMeetinghouseRoad
Lower R
o
a
d Ramp-rt6WbToRt 6AMayf
a
i
r
R
o
a
d BridgeStreetQueen Anne Road
Ramp-rt 6
Wb To Rt
124
MainSt
r
e
et
Hokum
Rock
Road
Ramp-rt124ToRt6 EbMid-capeHighwayRamp-rt6AToRt 6 EbBob
Crowell
Road A PercieNewcombRoadCross
Road
SloughRoadGreat O
a
k
Road
Grea
t
F
ie
lds
RoadMonument RoadOld
Colony
Way
Route137Long Pond
R
o
a
d LotsHollowRoadLong Pon
d
D
r
i
v
e
Brewste
r
Cross
Road
Main Street
OakStreetOld
C
h
a
t
h
a
m
R
o
a
d Harwich RoadRamp-rt
6A To
Rt 6 Eb
Underpass RoadQu
a
n
s
e
t
R
o
a
d
East West Dennis RoadPoint OfRocks RoadPleasant Bay
R
o
a
dRun Hill RoadPondRo
a
d
CranberryHighwa
y
Old Comers Ro
a
dSnowRoadOrleans
R
oa
d
Sesuit Nec
k
R
o
a
d
Route 28-HeadOf The Bay RoadRed Top RoadPainesCreekRoadBay Road
Orleans
Road
Setucke
t
R
o
a
d
Mid-cape Highway
Orleans
Road
Satuck
et
R
o
a
d
Hokum
R
o
c
k
R
o
a
d HerringBrookWay
TubmanR
o
a
d
Tar
K
i
l
n
R
o
a
d
Free
m
a
n
s
W
a
y
Namequoit
Road
Harwich RoadOld
Chatham
Road
Hopkins
Lane
Mid Cape
H
i
g
h
w
a
y
Mid Cap
e
H
i
g
h
w
a
y
Kendri
c
k
R
o
a
d
Areys L
a
n
e
Auston Road
Ramp-rt
6
Wb ToRt
137
Ra
m
p
-
r
t
6E
b
T
o
Rt 1
2
4 Church StreetRamp-rt137ToRt 6 Eb¯
0 1
Miles
Brewster's Soils and Hydrologic Soil Group
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Hydrologic Soil Group definitions from NRCS:
Group A. Soils having a high infiltration rate (low runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These consist mainly of deep, well drained to excessively
drained sands or gravelly sands. These soils have a high rate of water transmission.
Group B. Soils having a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of moderately deep or deep, moderately well
drained or well drained soils that have moderately fine texture to moderately coarse texture. These soils have a moderate rate of water
transmission.
Group C. Soils having a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of soils having a layer that impedes the downward
movement of water or soils of moderately fine texture or fine texture. These soils have a slow rate of water transmission.
Group D. Soils having a very slow infiltration rate (high runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of clays that have a high
shrink-swell potential, soils that have a high water table, soils that have a claypan or clay layer at or near the surface, and soils that are shallow
over nearly impervious material. These soils have a very slow rate of water transmission.
If a soil is assigned to a dual hydrologic group (A/D, B/D, or C/D), the first letter is for drained areas and the second is for undrained areas.
Hydrologic Soil Group
A
A/D
B
B/D
C
C/D
D
Map 6
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 37
A second major soil type, the Plymouth-Barnstable-Nantucket-Barnstable (A-A-B-A), is also excessively
drained and well-drained, sandy, loamy soil. Like Carver, these soils can present severe problems with
septic fields, since they allow the effluent to percolate into the groundwater without being sufficiently
filtered.
A third type, the Plymouth-East Chop-Carver-Boxford Soil Complex (A-A-A-C/D) again, is excessively well-
drained, however these sandy soils have the addition of clay. There are apt to be pockets of per ched
water where these soils form. These soil areas have previously been considered unsuitable for building
and for septic systems. However, with the decreasing availability of developable parcels, many previously
unwanted lots, are now getting a closer look.
Another soil type in Brewster can be classified as wetland/bog, Freetown Sanded Muck (A/D), comprising
approximately 7% of the town. These soils can be used successfully for cranberry bogs, and there are
several important wildlife habitat areas associated with these soils.
The Ipswich-Pawcatuck-Matunuck Soil Complex (A/D) is the major soil type found in boggy areas near the
shore. The soils are poorly drained peats formed in marine and sandy deposits. There is also a small
amount of Agawam soils (approximately 3% of town) which, while important for certain wildlife and plant
species, are again unsuitable for development because these soils are too wet or impermeable for proper
septic tank functioning.
Almost all of this “wet” land is unsuitable for residential, commercial or industrial use because of wetness
and instability. Yet, as building pressure increases, it is more difficult to keep people from building in
these totally inappropriate, marginal areas. In some instances "bog view" and "marsh view" are now being
sold as special attributes of parcels that might best be left undeveloped. Any natural feature is perceived
by a growing number of people as a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder, disassociated from its
natural functions or its true long-term value to the community.
According to NRCS criteria, 496 acres (about 3%) of the town's land area are classified as prime
agricultural soils. Prime agricultural soils are mainly concentrated in the north / northwestern portion of
Brewster. Although there are a few active agricultural lands located on prime agricultural soils, most
existing active agricultural areas are not (APCC, 2011).
3. L andscape Character
Quiet beauty, rural charm and quaint New England are some of the phrases used to characterize
Brewster. They embody the key qualities described by residents in a 1991 Local Comprehensive Plan
Committee Survey. Brewster’s greatest assets are its rural character, bay beaches, Route 6A, open space
and ponds.
One of the many charms of Brewster is its access to its great beaches on Cape Cod Bay. These are
especially inviting to parents with small children, because of the extraordinary features exposed at low
tide. Brewster has enormous sand flats that extend at least a mile into the Bay. People of all ages enjoy
“walking the flats.” This terrain is also ideal for shellfishing.
Off-season, Route 6A is a quiet, pleasant drive between Dennis and Orleans. It is lined with the homes of
sea captains and other historic structures. From west to east there are many features to visit along the
way. The spectacular scenic vista of Cape Cod Bay at the Drummer Boy Park is also the site of an historic
Windmill, the Harris Black House and a Blacksmith Shop. Traveling east, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 38
History is then on the north side of the street. A short drive south off 6A, taking Stony Brook Road to Run
Hill Road, connects one with The Punkhorn Parklands, over 800 acres of ponds, woodlands and bogs.
Continuing east on 6A one passes numerous sea captains’ homes which have been brought back to their
original beauty and charm, at least two early Town Hall buildings, and 11 chances to take a road leading
to the north to access a town beach. On the eastern edge of town, Ocean Edge mansion is seen set far
back off the north side of the road. Formerly La Salette Seminary, these buildings now comprise the
Ocean Edge Conference Center. Further on, Nickerson State Park is seen on both sides of the road, with
beaches and marshes on the Bay side and forests, trails and ponds on the south side of 6A.
There is no town center per se, unless it is the Old General Store, situated approximately where Route
124 meets Route 6A. Early morning coffee, the newspaper and conversation concerning the latest
happenings are all available to residents and visitors alike.
B. Water Resources
1. Watersheds
The Town of Brewster is within the Cape Cod Watershed. This watershed is a coastal river drainage area
lacking the characteristic, large mainstream rivers and associated tributary systems common to the other
watersheds of Massachusetts. Cape Cod coastal embayment systems are fed by smaller freshwater and
estuarine recharge areas comprising tidal creek and marsh systems. The Town of Brewster encompasses
six embayment watersheds, which it shares with neighboring jurisdictions. These include the Cape Cod
Bay, Herring River, Namskaket Creek, Pleasant Bay, Quivett Creek, and Stony Brook watersheds. Brewster
also contains a very small portion of the Bass River watershed. Map 7 shows these watershed boundaries
as well as Brewster’s major water resources. The Pleasant Bay, Herring River and Bass River Watersheds
have recently been assessed a part of the Massachusetts Estuaries Project for the restoration and
protection of estuarine resources. The Pleasant Bay Watershed has been included in Brewster’s Water
Resources bylaw, while the Herring River and Bass River Watersheds have not. In Brewster, much of the
focus has been on the Pleasant Bay watershed, as Brewster’s nitrogen contribution is far greater to
Pleasant Bay than it is to Herring River or Bass River.
Although Brewster encompasses just a small
portion of shoreline on Pleasant Bay, a
portion of the watershed draining to the bay
is within the town. Excessive nitrogen
originating primarily from on-site
wastewater disposal systems within the
Bay’s watershed has led to a degradation of
Pleasant Bay’s water quality. Some of the
impacts of excessive nitrogen loading
include:
• Loss of eelgrass beds, which are
critical habitats for
macroinvertebrates and fish
Inlet into Pleasant Bay, Nauset Beach, Cape Cod National
Seashore, Chatham. Photo credit: Karen Morgan, USGS
Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin,
USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P,
Well #3
Well #6
Well #2
Well #5
Well #4
Well #1
Namskaket
Creek
Pleasant Bay
Little
Namskaket
Creek
Quivett Creek
Brewster
Cape Cod Bay
Herring River
Bass River
¯
0 1
Miles
Brewster's Public Water Resources and Protection Areas Water Tower
DEP Public Water Well
Brewster Zone II
Other Town Zone II
District of Critical Planning Concern
Watershed (with Name)
Adjacent Town
Map 7
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 40
• Undesirable increases in macro algae, which are much less beneficial than eelgrass
• Periodic extreme decreases in dissolved oxygen concentrations that threaten aquatic life
• Reductions in the diversity of benthic animal populations
• Periodic algae blooms
In addition, as a result of these environmental
impacts, commercial and recreational uses of the
Pleasant Bay System coastal waters could be
greatly reduced or cease altogether (EEA, 2007).
With proper management of nitrogen inputs these
trends can be reversed. The Town of Brewster is
one of four towns (including Chatham, Harwich and
Orleans) within the Pleasant Bay Watershed. These
towns have formed the Pleasant Bay Alliance, a
municipal organization that coordinates the
resource management plan for the watershed,
including the designated Pleasant Bay Area of
Critical Environmental Concern. The Alliance’s
projects, programs and studies promote healthy
natural resources and safe public access
throughout Pleasant Bay.
Watershed Nutrient Management
Each Alliance member town has developed a plan to address its share of responsibility for reducing
nitrogen in Pleasant Bay. The Alliance has compiled the effect of the four town plans in the Pleasant Bay
Targeted Watershed Management Plan (2018). The watershed plan includes a mix of traditional nitrogen
removal actions (e.g., sewering), and non-traditional methods (e.g., shellfish aquaculture.) Chatham and
Harwich are proposing to install sewers and share use of Chatham’s treatment plant. Orleans is pursuing
a combination of sewering around Meetinghouse Pond, exploring the nitrogen removal capacity of
shellfish aquaculture in Lonnie’s Pond, and testing the efficacy of permeable reactive barriers. Brewster is
maximizing fertilizer reductions at its golf course and exploring the potential for nitrogen removing septic
systems. The regional approach allows the towns to work together to pursue efficiencies and cost savings
through coordinated actions.
In 2018, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) issued the Pleasant Bay
Watershed Permit, the first permit of its kind to reduce nitrogen loads in a watershed shared by multiple
towns. The permit gives each Alliance town a mix of authorizations and incentives needed to implement
the nitrogen removal strategies outlined in the watershed plan. The 20-year permit is managed in five-
year increments, with nitrogen reduction targets for each town to meet along the way. The Alliance
develops annual progress reports required by MassDEP and the Cape Cod Commission to demonstrate
that nitrogen reduction requirements are on track. The process is flexible and allows towns to adapt if
targeted strategies end up performing better or not as well as predicted.
Pleasant Bay Alliance
The Pleasant Bay Alliance is an organization of the
Towns of Brewster, Chatham, Orleans, and Harwich.
Formed through an inter-municipal agreement, the
Alliance is charged with implementing the Pleasant Bay
Resource Management Plan. The Plan encompasses
the Pleasant Bay Area of Critical Environmental
Concern (ACEC) and Pleasant Bay watershed. The
Alliance develops and distributes public policy
recommendations, technical studies and public
information/educational materials, all available on the
Alliance website, www.pleasantbay.org. Brewster’s
Natural Resources Director and Town Planner are
appointed by the Select Board to represent the Town
on the Alliance’s Steering Committee.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 41
To help implement the work called for under the watershed permit, the Alliance obtained $250,000 from
the Southeast New England Estuaries Project (SNEP), a grant program sponsored by US EPA and Restore
America’s Estuaries. Under the grant the Alliance and member towns are: 1) exploring the potential for
expanded use of nitrogen removing septic systems; 2) monitoring the effectiveness of shellfish
aquaculture for nitrogen removal; 3) developing a nitrogen trading demonstration project that will allow
towns to use financial transactions to compensate for nitrogen removal; and 4) updating the ecological
model that is used to track and assess nitrogen concentrations and removal requirements in the Pleasant
Bay system.
Working with the towns to achieve the nitrogen removal targets outlined in the Targeted Watershed
Management Plan and watershed permit will continue to be a high priority for the Alliance.
Monitoring
Working with volunteers and technical support from the four member towns, the Alliance coordinates
the Pleasant Bay Water Quality Monitoring program. Trained volunteers collected samples at bay-wide
sites achieving a 90% collection rate. The program is operated in accordance with a Quality Assurance
Project Plan (QAPP) approved by MassDEP and adheres to protocols for volunteer training, sample
custody, and laboratory analysis. The precise number of monitoring stations has been adjusted over the
past two decades based on refinement of data needs. Currently, there are twenty-five stations actively
monitored.
Data collected by the water quality monitoring program were incorporated in modeling of Pleasant Bay
undertaken by the Massachusetts Estuaries Project (MEP). The MEP analysis detailed in the 2006
Technical Report documented signs of nutrient-related stress throughout the system and found that
thirteen of seventeen subembayments exhibited some level of impaired or degraded habitat health due
to overloading of nitrogen. The report also documented excessively low dissolved oxygen levels in some
subembayments such as Muddy Creek, Paw Wah Pond, Lonnie’s Pond, Areys’ Pond, Quanset Pond and
Meetinghouse Pond, where surrounding land is densely developed and tidal flushing is restricted. The
MEP report provided the basis for establishing total nitrogen Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for
nineteen subembayments in Pleasant Bay. The TMDLs provide the nutrient targets for local and regional
nutrient management planning.
In coordination with Dr. Graham Giese and the Center for Coastal Studies of Provincetown, the Alliance
also supports regular tide gauge monitoring throughout the Pleasant Bay system.
Coastal Resilience
The Alliance coordinates inter-municipal efforts related to coastal vulnerability and resiliency in Pleasant
Bay. The Alliance’s work in the area of coastal vulnerability and resiliency builds on extensive previous
technical studies and monitoring undertaken by the Alliance over more than a decade, including: 137
Years of Shoreline Change in Pleasant Bay 1868-2005 (Borrelli, 2005); A Geomorphological Analysis of
Nauset Beach/Pleasant Bay/Chatham Harbor For the Purpose of Estimating Future Configurations and
Conditions (Giese et al, 2010); Analysis of Tide Data from Meetinghouse Pond, Chatham fish Pier and
Boston: With Application to Management (Giese, 2012); Sea Level Rise: Assessment of Impacts on Nauset
Barrier Beach and Pleasant Bay (CCS, 2017); Progress Report on Collection and Analysis of Tidal Data from
Boston Harbor, Meetinghouse Pond, Chatham Fish Pier and Outermost Harbor: June 2016 – June, 2017
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 42
(Giese and Legere, 2017); These studies have led to the development of policy guidance submitted to the
member towns, including permitting guidelines for docks, piers and walkways, and the recently released
Guidelines for Managing Erosion in Pleasant Bay (Pleasant Bay Alliance, 2018).
The Alliance obtained a $70,050 FY2020 coastal resilience grant from Massachusetts Coastal Zone
Management. The grant funded a project to help Salt Marsh resources in Pleasant Bay keep up with sea
level rise. The project includes an assessment of Salt Marsh vulnerability and living shoreline suitability in
Pleasant Bay. The Alliance will use this assessment to develop and permit living shoreline pilot projects on
public properties to manage erosion while sustaining natural coastal processes. (Carol Ridley, Director
PBA)
2. S urface Waters: Freshwater Lakes and Ponds
Freshwater ponds are a major defining feature of Brewster. Over 10% (or over 2,000 acres) of the town's
surface area is covered by freshwater ponds providing Brewster with the largest pond area on the Cape.
The Town of Brewster has approximately 80 ponds; of these ponds, 53 of them are greater than one acre
and 28 of them are greater than 10 acres. The 743-acre Long Pond shared with Harwich is the Cape's
largest, while Cliff Pond with a depth of 84 feet is the deepest. In recent years, local concerns about the
water quality of Brewster’s ponds have often become focused by algal blooms, fish kills, and concerns
related to the impacts from population growth.
Nine major freshwater ponds are interconnected in the Stony Brook watershed, which ultimately
discharges into Cape Cod Bay at the mouth of Paine’s Creek. These ponds include Elbow, Slough, Pine,
Walkers, Smith, Canoe, Upper Mill, Lower Mill, and Schoolhouse Ponds. This hydraulic system is the core
of the over 800-acre Punkhorn Parklands.
Brewster's ponds generally lie within the sand and gravel of the Harwich Outwash plain. Groundwater
flow is enhanced by the highly permeable sand and gravel deposits and plays a dominant role in all of the
major pond systems. The influence of surface water runoff to the ponds is minimal due to the ponds’
general lack of tributary streams and the soil composition of their watersheds. Wave action has
winnowed the sand from much of the
pond shorelines, leaving an armor of
coarse gravel and cobbles. Very little fine-
grained sediment is present except where
organic matter has concentrated in the
deeper areas of the ponds.
About 14 ponds are regularly stocked with
fish by the Massachusetts Division of Fish
and Wildlife and at least 11 ponds support
public swimming. Ten ponds are
sufficiently deep to have the potential to
support cold-water fish (e.g. Long,
Seymour, Sheep, and Slough Ponds).
Ponds in the Stony Brook and Herring
River watersheds provide essential habitat
for anadromous fish like alewife and Flax Pond. Photo credit: John Phelan
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 43
blueback herring, which migrate from salt to freshwater to spawn, and catadromous fish like eels that
spawn in salt water and live in freshwater.
Several complex man-made hydrologic networks consisting of many miles of ditches and intermittent
streams course through Brewster and are maintained by the Barnstable County Mosquito Control
Commission. The Consodine Ditch system was developed to remove surface water from low-lying
wetlands and acts as a flood relief system, which discharges water at Breakwater Beach. A second
extensive ditch network flows through the Stony Brook watershed and discharges through Freemans
Pond and Paine’s Creek.
Some of Brewster’s ponds are coastal plain ponds, which are freshwater bodies that occupy glacially
formed depressions in the sandy soil found on Cape Cod. The water in the ponds fluctuates seasonally in
response to a direct link with the area's water table. This seasonal fluctuation allows a diverse pond shore
plant community to flourish. The dry years keep aquatic plants from establishing a permanent colony and
the wet years keep the upland plants from taking over. Coastal plain pond shore communities often take
root in zones along the shoreline depending on the plant's ability to tolerate wet conditions. Waters tend
to be nutrient poor and acidic. It is not uncommon to find some of the more common marsh emergents
such as rushes and sedges in the mix of plants. But it must be remembered that along with more common
varieties of plants there are globally rare plants such as the Plymouth Gentian.
Recreational Access to Ponds
Brewster's ponds are enjoyed for a wide
number of recreational uses, such as fishing,
boating, sunbathing, swimming, and ice-
skating. Due to its large size (743 acres) Long
Pond is a popular ice-fishing location in the
winter. MA fishing licenses are required on all
ponds. All of Brewster's ponds have a three-
horsepower propulsion limit except Long, Cliff,
and Flax Ponds where there are no power
limitations.
The majority of Brewster's ponds lack official
public landings; however, many have informal
access. Formal Public Freshwater
Beaches/Landings are located as follows:
• Long Pond – Boat ramp and beach
• Slough Pond
• Upper Mill Pond – Accessible viewing platform and boat ramp
• Sheep Pond – Accessible viewing platform, boat ramp and beach
• Schoolhouse Pond – Accessible fishing dock and car-top boat launch, winter ice skating
The most active of the public landings is the town beach and boat launching facility at Long Pond and the
State launching ramp and town beach at Fisherman's Landing on Sheep Pond. Cliff Pond and Flax Pond in
Nickerson State Park have swimming beaches with lifeguards as does Long Pond. Seymour Pond has a
Boat ramp on Long Pond.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 44
public beach shared with Harwich and there is a small public swimming access to Pine Pond. There is
substantial town frontage on Bakers Pond, however access is difficult and there is no beach on the
Brewster side, only in Orleans.
Town public boat ramps exist at Walkers, Long, Upper Mill and Sheep Ponds. Brewster's sailing program
established in 1997 is located at Upper Mill Landing. Car top boat launching facilities were also
constructed at Slough and Schoolhouse Ponds. Handicapped access viewing platforms are found at
Sheep, Upper Mill and Schoolhouse Ponds. The Schoolhouse Pond platform doubles as a fishing dock.
Pond Water Quality
Many of the ponds in Brewster today have compromised water quality due to excessive loadings of
phosphorous, the nutrient of concern that controls the level of excess plant and algae growth, a process
known as eutrophication. Eutrophication can deplete oxygen levels, cause fish kills and noxious odors,
and reduce water column visibility. At the end of the algal growing season, the algae die off and settle on
the pond bottom causing sediment buildup. This can impact organisms living on the pond bottom.
Common sources of phosphorus include phosphate-containing cleaners or detergents, human and animal
waste, vehicle exhaust deposits, and fertilizers from lawns, golf courses, and agriculture (HW, 2013).
Brewster has been conducting environmental monitoring of its ponds under the auspices of the
Department of Natural Resources for over 20 years (since 1987). Brewster’s ponds had been monitored
regularly by the Cape Cod Pond and Lake
Stewardship (PALS) program. The PALS program
had monitored ponds and lakes across Cape Cod,
including 29 ponds in Brewster. Brewster now
runs their own PALS/pond monitoring program.
According to the PALS data, many of Brewster’s
ponds are not meeting water quality standards
for dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a and nutrients
(phosphorous and nitrogen) (SMAST, CCC, 2009).
These data are consistent with observed
conditions, which include regular algal blooms at
many of Brewster’s ponds. Table 4.1 summarizes
the ponds in Brewster that were listed on the
State’s 2012 Impaired Waters (303(d)) List.
Table 4.1. Brewster’s Impaired Freshwater Ponds
Pond Pollutant(s) of Concern
Lower Mill Pond Chlorophyll-a; Excess algal growth; Phosphorous (total); Secchi disk
transparency; Turbidity
Long Pond Oxygen, dissolved
Sheep Pond Mercury in fish tissue
Walkers Pond Excess algal growth; Phosphorous (total); Secchi disk transparency; Turbidity
Baker’s Pond Mercury in fish tissue
Lower Mill Pond
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 45
Brewster is using an aquatic weed harvester to remove aquatic plants in an effort to lessen the
phosphorus impairment in Walkers Pond. Starting last year, the effort has expanded to Elbow Pond with
assistance from the Brewster Ponds Coalition and the Friends of Elbow Pond. In fall of 2019 an alum
treatment was complete on Upper Mill Pond as a part of the treatment strategy for the Mill Ponds
complex (Walkers, Upper, Lower Mill Ponds).
The Cape Cod Commission has mapped the watersheds of 18 of Brewster’s Ponds. Regulations targeted
toward development within these watersheds could help control sources of phosphorous, including the
fertilizer and pesticide use, stormwater runoff, and septic systems. Through its Integrated Water
Resource Management Plan, the town is looking into implementing local regulations, such as provisions
that require more stringent septic system setbacks to ponds, in order to better manage phosphorous
sources. Managing phosphorous loading to Brewster’s ponds will enhance the recreational capacity of
these resources by allowing them to be used for boating, swimming, fishing and other activities.
3. Marine Surface Waters
Marine resources in Brewster exist primarily on the north shore, along Cape Cod Bay. There is a small
section of Brewster bordering Pleasant Bay (approximately 40 feet of frontage) to the south but there is
no landing there. There are no large estuaries in Brewster though there are some substantial creeks
including Paine's, Quivett and Namskaket. At low tide, Brewster’s beaches become a part of expansive
tidal flats that extend ¾ of a mile out into Cape Cod Bay. These extensive flats provide for many hours of
exploration fun.
Marine Surface Waters Access
Ten saltwater beaches are located along Cape Cod Bay. Each is accessible from a street connecting to
Main Street (Route 6A) with the exception of Wings Island Beach, which is reached by trail. These provide
miles of swimming, sunbathing, beach strolling, fishing, and boating access. Beach sticker revenues
contributed $333,665 to the Brewster economy in fiscal year 2019. Brewster’s saltwater
beaches/landings (west to east) include:
• Wings Island Beach - Behind the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, off John Wing Trail
• Paine’s Creek Beach
• Mant’s Landing Beach
• Saint’s Landing Beach
• Breakwater Landing
• Breakwater Beach
• Point of Rocks Landing Beach
• Ellis Landing Beach
• Spruce Hill Beach – Reached by following path/boardwalk behind building to stairway to beach
• Linnell Landing Beach
• Crosby Landing Beach -Connects with Nickerson State Park land/ Beach/Namskaket Creek &
Saltmarsh
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 46
Crosby Land Beach. Photo credit: Kelly Moore
Marine Surface Water Quality
Water quality at eight of Brewster’s most popular bathing beaches (Breakwater, Crosby Landing, Ellis
Landing, Linnell Landing, Mant’s, Paine’s Creek, Point of Rocks, and Saints Landing) is monitored
throughout the summer by the Barnstable County Department of Health and the Environment. These
beaches are monitored for enterococci bacteria, which has proven to be the most useful bacterial
indicator for determining the extent of fecal contamination in marine recreational waters. The beaches
generally have excellent water quality.
As highlighted earlier in this Plan, water quality in Pleasant Bay has been degraded from excessive
nitrogen loading within its watershed, a portion of which is in Brewster. As fertilizers account for 16% of
the watershed nutrient load in Pleasant Bay, The Pleasant Bay Alliance recently created a Fertilizer
Management Plan that provides strategies with the potential to reduce overall controllable nitrogen by
up to 7.2%. The town has also developed an Integrated Resource Management Plan with specific action
items to reduce nitrogen loading to Pleasant Bay, such as regulatory controls on septic systems and
stormwater management.
Some of the creeks and rivers in Brewster have also demonstrated poor water quality (Table 4.2). The
town is looking at ways to manage these surface water resources as well.
Table 4.2. Brewster's Impaired Marine Surface Waters
Water body Pollutants of concern
Pleasant Bay Nitrogen
Quivett Creek Fecal coliform
Namskaket Creek Fecal coliform
Herring River1 Fecal coliform
Bass River1 Estuarine bioassessments, Fecal coliform
1 River not in Brewster, but a portion of the contributing watershed area is within the town boundary.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 47
4. Aquifer Recharge Areas
In general terms, the groundwater system can be described as the saturated zone of water-bearing glacial
deposits beneath the land surface. The upper surface of this zone is known as the water table. In cross-
section, the groundwater body is shaped like a lens, with the highest elevations of the water table being
found along the groundwater divide and flowing towards the lower elevations near the town’s shores and
beaches.
The town’s groundwater system, like the whole of Cape Cod, is replenished entirely by precipitation. The
level of the water table fluctuates seasonally due to evaporation, precipitation, and water withdrawals.
Brewster’s potable drinking water supply source is its underground sole source aquifer. The town’s
groundwater resources are part of the “Monomoy Lens,” an aquifer which extends to five towns:
Brewster, Orleans, Harwich, Brewster and Dennis. Brewster’s public water supply wells are located in
large undeveloped areas in and around Nickerson State Park and the Punkhorn Parklands.
Groundwater is the primary source of Brewster’s existing and future drinking water supply. The Town of
Brewster currently has excellent water quality across its public drinking water wells, and most of its
private wells. This is a result of planning for water supply protection through land acquisition and land use
regulation over the last 20 to 30 years. For example, the town has supported the Monomoy Lens
Groundwater Protection Project. Brewster’s Water Quality Review Committee has also been reviewing
development projects regularly over a number of years. The Town of Brewster owns the land of the Zone
Is to all the town’s drinking water wells. Zone I is the protective radius required around a public water
supply well or wellfield, which is 400 feet for Brewster’s drinking water wells, as they have approved
yields of over 100,000 gallons per day.
A Zone II is the area of an aquifer which contributes water to a well under the most severe pumping and
recharge conditions that can be realistically anticipated (i.e., 180 days of pumping at approved yield with
no recharge from precipitation). Any contamination of groundwater in a Zone II could impact drinking
water quality at the public well drawing water from that area. Land acquisition in the Zone II areas to
public drinking water wells is a pro-active approach to protecting drinking water quality. The Zone II areas
in Brewster represent approximately 4,360 acres (excluding surface water ponds), of which 40% , or 1,740
acres, are protected by conservation. Conservation lands include a combination of town and state-owned
properties, conservation restrictions, and other conservation mechanisms.
Map 7 shows Brewster’s drinking water wells as well as the Town’s and neighboring towns’ Zone II areas.
Brewster’s DCPC is also shown.
5. Flood Hazard Areas
Brewster participates in the Federal Flood Insurance Program, which requires that new shorefront
development meet engineering standards for flood proofing, but does not prohibit development. Flood
velocity zones, or V-zones, are land areas where storm surge or direct wave action occurs. The velocity
zones which cover the entire Brewster coastline are all directly subject to wave and wind action.
Landward of the velocity zones are other flood-prone areas (A-Zones) in which standing waters can be
expected during 100-year storm events. Map 8 shows Brewster’s flood hazard areas. In 2019 Brewster’s
Flood Insurance Premium rates were reduced due to the amount of Open Space that Brewster has
preserved.
Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin,
USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P,¯
0 1
Miles
Brewster's Flood Zones (FEMA FIRM)Flood Zone
A - Area inundated by 100 year flood, no base flood elevations
AE - Area inundated by 100 year flood, with base flood elevations
VE - Area inundated by 100 year flooding with velocity hazard (wave action), with base flood elevations
Area of Minimal Flooding
0.2% Annual chance flood hazard
Adjacent Towns
Map 8
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 49
Brewster experiences coastal erosion and flooding regularly and in the coming decades, flooding and
erosion will be increasingly exacerbated due to relative sea level rise. This phenomenon, the result of land
submergence and ocean expansion from global climate change, could result in the loss of shoreline and
upland in Brewster between now and 2025 (CZM, n.d.).
These areas will basically coincide with the 100-year floodplain. Sea level rise will also mean an increase in
the severity of storm damage. The town can expect shoreline retreat that will not only affect private
residences, but town-owned properties and facilities such as parking lots and beaches. The town must
consider this issue when examining long-term public investment in shoreline facilities, such as siting new
parking lots.
The Floodplain Zoning District includes all special flood hazard areas designated on the Town of Brewster
Flood Insurance Rate Map as established by the National Flood Insurance Program. The following uses,
which present low flood damage potential and are unlikely to cause obstructions to flood flows, are
encouraged, provided they are permitted in the underlying district and do not require structures, fill, or
the storage of either materials or equipment:
1. Agricultural uses such as farming, grazing, truck farming, horticulture, etc.
2. Forestry and nursery uses.
3. Outdoor recreational uses, including play areas, nature study, boating, fishing and hunting where
otherwise legally permitted.
4. Conservation of water, plants and wildlife.
5. Wildlife management areas, foot, bicycle, and/or horse paths and bridges provided such uses do
not affect the natural flow pattern of floodwaters or of any watercourse.
6. Temporary nonresidential structures used in connection with fishing, hunting, bird watching,
growing, harvesting, storage, or sale of crops raised on the premises.
7. Buildings and uses lawfully existing prior to the adoption of these provisions.
The town has identified the following as flood plain use limitations:
1. Man-made alteration of sand dunes within Zones V1-30 increases potential flood damage and is
prohibited.
2. All new construction within Zones V1-30 is required to be located landward of the reach of mean
high tide.
3. All subdivision proposals shall be reviewed to assure that:
a. Such proposals minimize flood damage;
b. All public utilities and facilities are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood
damage; and
c. Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
4. Existing contour intervals of site and elevations of existing structures must be included on plan
proposals.
6. Wetlands and Vernal Pools
Wetlands cover more than 20% of Brewster’s land area (Map 9). Saltwater wetlands consist of 12,840
acres, which include salt marshes, tidal flats and barrier beaches. Freshwater wetlands, consisting of 553
acres, include sensitive Atlantic White Cedar, Red Maple and shrub swamps, bogs, vernal pools and other
wetlands. Some of these wetland resource areas are described in more detail below.
Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin,
USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P,¯
0 1
Miles
Brewster's Wetland Resource Areas
Wetlands From DEP as of 2019
Wetland Type
Barrier Beach System
Coastal Bank, Beach, Bluff, or Sea Cliff
Cranberry Bog or Bog
Salt Marsh
Tidal Flat
Wetlands
Wetland Protection Overlay District
Adjacent Towns
Map 9
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 51
Salt Marshes
Salt marshes are tidal areas that are often found behind the protected shores of barrier beaches. There is
a wide variation in salinity levels and the degree and duration of flooding which controls the types and
amounts of vegetation that can be established. Saltmeadow grasses dominate the higher areas of the
marsh. Saltmarsh Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and Saltmeadow Cordgrass (Spartina patens) are the
most common perennial, salt tolerant grass species in salt marshes, although other species such as Black
Rush (Juncus gerardi) and Sea Lavender (Limonium nashii) may also be found. Salt marshes comprise one
of the most productive ecosystems on earth, providing the basis for the food chain in both freshwater
and marine environments. They also provide excellent wildlife habitat including habitat for migrating and
overwintering waterfowl and shorebirds and the young of many species of marine organisms.
Barrier Beaches
Barrier beaches are low lying strips of coastal dune and beach that protect coastal salt marsh areas and
adjacent inland areas behind the marshes. They serve as a buffer to storm waves and storm surges. They
are dynamic areas where the beach and dunes are constantly changing, and gradually migrating
landward, as a result of wind and wave action. This landward migration is part of the natural cycle of
barrier beaches, and the process of overwash plays an important role in the dissipation of wave energy
and protection of upland areas behind the barrier beach. As storm waves erode the seaward side of the
barrier beach, overwashed material is carried into the marsh and provides a substrate for the formation
of new dune areas, shifting the barrier beach landward. Barrier beaches provide nesting habitat for a
wide variety of birds including Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) and Least Terns (Sterna albifrons).
Vernal Pools
The Town of Brewster contains 38 certified vernal pools. A vernal pool is a temporary pool that forms
during spring rains, through the retention of snowmelt or in low lying areas that intercept seasonally high
water tables. The water is usually held in depressions or low areas and will persist until the heat of
summer causes evaporation of the water. Although typically dry during the summer months, vernal pools
may fill up again during late autumn wet spells and may hold water through the winter. Although vernal
pools are usually associated with woodlands, vernal pools have been found in other low lying areas such
as meadows and sandflats. Vernal pools are important wildlife habitat for a variety of amphibian and
invertebrate species, some of which are completely dependent on the pools for their survival and have a
limited ability to find other suitable breeding locations when "their" vernal pool is lost. The temporary
nature of the pools precludes the establishment of fish populations. Without predation by fish,
amphibian’s eggs, and larvae are able to mature, making these pools ideal habitat for certain species of
frogs and salamanders, as well as other invertebrate species.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 52
Vernal pool protected by the Brewster Conservation Trust. Photo credit: Mass Audubon
Brewster also has a significant number of vegetated wetlands that were converted to cranberry bog
production during the 1920s to 1950s. Most of these wetlands have reverted to their natural vegetative
state and now provide important wildlife habitat, flood control and storm damage prevention, and work
to greatly improve water quality. The existing Brewster Wetlands Protection regulations generally prohibit
the conversion of wetland resource areas into active cranberry operations or other agricultural projects
unless specific criteria are met. Any such proposed agricultural project for a wetland area must “not have
any adverse effect upon any of the interests protected in the By-law.”
The Brewster Wetlands Protection By-law and Regulations are more stringent than the State Wetlands
Protection Act in several distinct areas. For example, the Brewster Wetlands Protection By-law extends
the wetland values protected in the By-law to include: groundwater quality, water quality in the
numerous ponds of the town, erosion and sedimentation control, and aesthetics and historic values.
These values are above and beyond the values listed in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act
Regulations. The town also extends applicability to include land subject to inundation by groundwater or
surface water, which goes beyond the state’s regulations.
C. Vegetation
The Town of Brewster contains a number of diverse vegetative communities which are ecologically
significant, and which help to define the visual character of the town. There is a wide diversity in the size,
successional stage and vulnerability to development of these communities. These plant communities
perform many critical functions. Plant species moderate weather extremes, help maintain the quality of
the soil and air, protect against erosion, and absorb runoff, therefore protecting groundwater supplies.
Vegetation provides useful habitats for wildlife, including shelter and food, breeding and overwintering
habitat. Some wild plants, such as those producing berries, provide food for humans. Trees, shrubs and
groundcover have aesthetic value, and are a major component of visual quality.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 53
1. Coastal Plant Communities
American Beach Grass is the
dominant species and provides much
of the stability for sand dunes that
extend for miles along Brewster’s
northern seashore. This vegetative
community also provides habitat for a
variety of migratory and year-round
birds. In areas where more soil is
present, Rosa rugosa (Beach Rose)
and Beach Peas take root as well as
thicker coastal shrub communities
including Bayberry, Scrub Oak,
Eastern Red Cedar, Low-bush
Blueberry, Eastern Prickly Pear and
Beach Plum. These more established
vegetative communities also provide
habitat for upland birds.
Erosion and the need for beach renourishment resulting from shoreline development are ongoing
challenges in Brewster. Beach grass and other xerophytes (plants adapted to living in drying conditions)
are of prime importance to the stabilization of dunes and protection of the shoreline. They are capable of
collecting sand, thus building dunes while their strong root systems protect them from excessive wind
erosion.
The town's salt marshes are delicately balanced, productive, and protective habitats which are dependent
largely on barrier beaches to protect them from the open ocean. It has become generally understood that
about two thirds of the value of the commercial catch of fish and shellfish landed on the East Coast of the
United States comes from species that live at least part of their life cycles in marshy estuaries. Salt
marshes provide the food and protection necessary for larval and juvenile marine organisms to reach a
degree of maturity. The grasses prevent these tiny animals and their food supply from being swept out to
sea. Salt marshes provide other functions important to coastal communities:
• They absorb billions of gallons of water brought ashore by high tides and storms, thus mitigating
storm water damage to more landward areas.
• Salt marshes take up and accommodate significant contributions of domestic pollutants found in
coastal runoff. Some of these, such as nitrates and phosphates, can act as fertilizers in reasonable
concentrations and bolster the overall productivity of the marsh. Others, such as potentially toxic
heavy metals and some pesticides, appear to be sequestered to varying degrees by soils and
plants. Less is known about their cycling within the ecosystem. The salt marshes play a powerful
role in maintaining the cleanliness of coastal waters.
American Beach Grass. Photo credit: NOAA
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 54
2. Freshwater Plant Communities
Freshwater ponds, lakes and streams support a variety of aquatic
plant species. These resource areas include a mix of globally
restricted plants and more common species such as rushes, sedges,
Blue-joint, Boneset, and Purple Gerardia. Other species include: New
England Boneset, and Maryland Meadow Beauty, both rare in
Massachusetts; Thread-leafed Sundew, common on these ponds, but
uncommon elsewhere; and Spatulate-leaved Sundew. Plymouth
Gentian occurs mixed with Golden-pert, Goldenrod, and Pink
Tickseed. Slender Arrowhead and Bladderwort are also common to
these environs.
Brewster also has nice examples of Atlantic White Cedar and Red
Maple swamps. According to the Massachusetts Natural Heritage
and Endangered Species Program (NHESP), cedar swamps have
declined considerably in Massachusetts due to conversion to
cranberry bogs or reservoirs, and filling for agriculture or
development. Only a few remain on outer Cape Cod. Brewster's
wooded swamps include:
• Atlantic White Cedar Swamp between Elbow and Walkers
Pond
• Atlantic White Cedar Swamp southeast of Vespers Pond
• Red Maple Swamp off Black Duck Cartway/Krawitz
Conservation Area
Some predominant plant species include cranberry, Swamp Azalea, blueberry, Red Maple, water lilies,
and Black Tupelo.
3. Forest Land - Upland Plant Communities
Brewster has relatively large areas of unfragmented second growth pine-oak forest compared to other
Cape towns. As the title implies, second growth pine/oak forest has sprung up on formerly cultivated
lands that once were forested, prior to clearing by the Cape’s original settlers. The pines and oaks are
often 30 to 50 years old and are found on most undeveloped sites on the Cape. The vegetative
community will continue to change in these areas as pines mature and give way to oaks and other
hardwoods. These areas are considered to be the Cape’s prime developable land and also provide
important upland wildlife and plant habitat. Brewster is fortunate to have at least two such significantly
sized (by Cape standards) unfragmented second growth forests designated as protected open space:
Atlantic white cedar. Photo credit:
Mike Allen
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 55
• The Punkhorn Parklands Conservation
Area, located in the southwestern corner
of town, contains over 800 acres of
predominantly Pitch Pine forest, slowly
being overtaken by hardwoods, mostly
Black Oak with some White Oak. There
are a number of small pure stands of Pine
Barrens, home to a threatened species,
the Barrens Buck Moth. Important as a
forest rebuilder, the Pitch Pine is slowly
replenishing the soil. Other species
include American Beech, White Pine and
Red Maple. The Punkhorn’s miles of trails
provide for long leisurely walks and
possible glimpses of “forest interior”
species, such as warblers, vireos, cuckoos,
tanagers and whip-poor-wills, that prefer
to dwell in blocks of unbroken woodland.
• Nickerson State Park, located at the
eastern end of town, has over 1,888 acres
of woodlands and ponds. One of the most
popular parks in the state, it has salt and
fresh-water beaches, miles of trails for
walking, hiking and horse-back riding,
420 campsites, and boating and
swimming access.
There are also many smaller, healthy stands of woodlands scattered throughout town including four
hardwood tree woodland communities remaining in Brewster outside of Nickerson State Park. These are
remnants of the forest community present prior to European settlement.
• Post Oak/Hickory Woodland Community on Wings Island
• American Beech Forest Woodland Community west of Paine’s Creek Road
• American Beech Forest Woodland Community east of Run Hill Road, southeast of the Town
Transfer Station
• Climax community (the final stage of ecological succession, which includes mixed forest
vegetation) on Greenland Pond (PH)
In addition to the above, Red, White, Scarlet and Black oak are all common in this area. White Pine and
hardwoods such as Beech, Pignut, and Bitternut Hickory, Aspen, Sassafras and American Holly are also
part of the natural cover type, although they were more abundant prior to the Colonial Period. Red
Maple, Black Tupelo, willows, and Atlantic White Cedar grow in poorly drained pockets in the topography.
There also exist stands of Gray Birch, dogwood, locust, and hickory.
Abundant understory plants include huckleberry, Low Bush and High Bush Blueberry, Sweet Pepperbush,
Viburnums, Bayberry, Poison Ivy, Greenbrier, Bearberry, Striped Wintergreen, and many species of
Punkhorn Parklands Conservation Area, Yellow and
Orange Loop. Photo credit: Tina Smith (alltrails.com)
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 56
wildflowers. A transition from forest to shrub thickets takes place in areas near the Bay shore. Beach
Plum, Staghorn Sumac, Salt Spray Rose, Chokeberry, Poison Ivy and Bayberry are a part of the community
located in the swales behind the beach and dune systems. The beach and dunes are only habitable for
hardy organisms that have adapted to an environment of wind borne salt, shifting dunes and salt water
flooding. The plants found in this environment include Beach Heather, Beach Pea, Seaside Goldenr od,
Dusty Miller, Sea Rocket, Sea Lavender, Beach Grass and various Spartina species.
Upland areas, including former fields, contain a variety of grasses, emergent woody species such as Wild
Cherry and Eastern Red Cedar, pioneer species such as Poison Ivy, fruits such as Black Raspberry and Wild
Strawberry, thistle, Queen Ann's Lace, milkweed, chicory, and numerous other species. These provide
important habitat and food for wildlife. Some of Brewster’s upland communities are described in more
detail below.
4. Public Shade Trees
Natural vegetation areas, both large and small, are important to the preservation of Brewster’s rural
character. Keeping natural vegetation intact as much as possible as the town develops, helps to maintain
this rural image. Unfortunately, many residents and visitors alike assume that all green areas they see and
enjoy are protected, which is not true. The Open Space Committee has worked hard to protect as many
parcels as possible over the years. The Planning Board also requires the retention of vegetated buffers
along parking areas and has many requirements for the retention/permanent protection of open space in
the development of subdivisions.
Aside from the aesthetic value trees and other vegetation provide, they are necessary components of the
regional ecosystem. They provide valuable wildlife habitat, temperature moderation, air purification, and
removal of pollutants from precipitation and have considerable impact on energy consumption in
residences. “Heat Islands” or domes of warmer air over urban/suburban areas are caused by the loss of
trees and shrubs and the absorption of more heat by pavement buildings and other sources. Heat islands
can affect local, regional, and global climate, as well as air quality.
Public shade trees are found in all of Brewster’s parks, small squares like the “Egg,” the grounds of all
Town-owned buildings, Town-owned and private cemeteries alike, and along public and private
roadways.
Management of the Town’s shade trees is the responsibility of the Tree Warden, who is also the
Superintendent of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Trees on public streets are maintained by the
DPW. No money is specifically allocated for the planting of new trees. The DPW does get about $5,000
every third or fourth year to deal with removal. Generally, any monies spent for care comes out of the
DPW General Expense Budget, such as a recently purchased box of tree fertilizer spikes to put around the
trees they care for. The spikes are put in the ground on off hours, voluntarily, to avoid the expense of
having to pay someone to do it and to stay out of the hot sun during the day. The rest of the "shade"
trees in town see limited care, if any. When the DPW has a bucket truck in town for removals, they try to
get some deadwood pruning out of the way, but hazardous removals come first.
The Town has applied for and received several grants, one of those being $5,000 from a local family
foundation to replace some of the many trees lost during a December 9, 2005 storm. The DPW planted
approximately 60 trees throughout town - in cemeteries, schools, and a few along town roadways. The
cemetery trees and the ones along Old Long Pond Road are doing fine, especially the cemetery.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 57
The DPW is looking to provide additional plantings at the Cape Cod Rail Trail parking area on Route 124.
Some landscaping has already been installed at this location by a local family and the DPW has expanded
these plantings. The department completed the installation of split rail fencing along the parking area and
has added trees appropriate for the area. Three Hedge Maples from the perimeter of the Brewster
Landfill were relocated to this location prior to the installation of photovoltaic cells on the capped landfill.
In addition to the Rail Trail Parking area project, the DPW also replanted the traffic island at the corner of
AP Newcomb Road and Stony Brook Road in the western section of Brewster. The DPW completed a large
water quality project in this area and tree plantings were also added to one of the islands. The island on
the westerly side of AP Newcomb Rd has veteran’s stone and memorial plaque and two large, but
declining, Green Ash trees, one of which was struck by lightning several years ago. The second ash tree
has been trimmed by the local power company over the years and is in decline. New tree plantings for
this island include the relocation of three Gingko trees, also from the perimeter of the Brewster Landfill.
The trees are scheduled to be relocated later this fall. Once these trees become established, the ash trees
will be removed. The second island at this intersection is the location of the recently installed stormwater
sand filter and tree planting on this island will be avoided.
The DPW has also expanded an area near the office where crab apple trees had been planted. Care for
these trees has been expanded using deep root fertilization practices and deadwood pruning. In addition
to the crab apple trees, this area has been expanded using plant materials removed from other town
buildings and from excavation activities throughout the Town. There are about a dozen crab apple trees,
some forsythia and a number of other shrubs and plantings as well as perennial plantings salvaged from
the compost pile. A water line was installed to the area, as was an irrigation system to improve plant
quality. These plant materials can then be used in other areas of town as needed. The Barnstable County
Cooperative Extension Service also maintains a tree farm and they sell to municipalities at significant
savings over commercial gardens. Staffing and adequate funding are the limitations to this effort.
The designation of certain roads in town as Scenic Roads under state law provides protection for trees by
requiring a public hearing and review prior to the removal of trees for roadway construction or other
reasons.
The Town has designated the following roads as Local Scenic Roadways, under the provisions of MGL
Chapter 67 of the Acts of 1973, to preserve landscaping and stone walls. The Historic District Committee
has authority to approve or disapprove any cutting of trees along Route 6A. The Planning Board under the
Scenic Road Act and Shade Tree Acts, has preservation authority and permitting power for the following
"Scenic Roads." When these roads are within the Old Kings Highway Historic District, such a review is
done jointly by the Planning Board and the Old Kings Highway Historic District Committee.
• Stony Brook Road
• Satucket Road
• Lower Road
• Paine’s Creek Road
• Brier Lane
• Slough Road
• Tubman Road
• Robbins Hill Road
• Great Fields Road
• Breakwater Road
• Point of Rocks Road
• Old North Road
• Cathedral Road
• Foster Road
• Ellis Landing Road
• Linnell Landing Road
• Crosby Lane
• Millstone Road
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 58
• Red Top Road, from Stony Brook Road to
Satucket Road
• Run Hill Road, from Stony Brook Road as
far as Millpond Drive
The Conservation Commission also protects all vegetation including shade trees within 100 feet of any
wetland. They have taken many enforcement actions following incidents of illegal clearing and pruning in
wetland resource areas. The Commission has taken the strongest action allowed under state regulations
to enact penalties for illegal clearing.
5. Rare Plant Communities
Rare plant habitats and species have been documented and mapped over the years, most notably by the
NHESP. The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) prepared a Cape-wide inventory of notable habitats
in their Critical Habitats Atlas and the Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts prepared a Cape -wide
map of significant wildlife habitats in their Cape Cod Wildlife Habitat Conservation Project. Map 10 shows
the mapped endangered species habitat and BioMap II Core Habitat and Supporting Natural Communities
in Brewster.
NHESP maintains a list of all Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) – listed species observed and
documented in each Massachusetts municipality. These species are listed because they are threatened
(T), Endangered (E) or Special Concern (SC):
• Endangered species are in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their
range or are in danger of extirpation from Massachusetts.
• Threatened species are likely to become endangered in Massachusetts in the foreseeable future
throughout all or a significant portion of their range.
• Special Concern species have suffered a decline that could threaten the species if allowed to
continue unchecked or occur in such small numbers or with such restricted distribution or
specialized habitat requirements that they could easily become threatened in Massachusetts.
Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin,
USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P,¯
0 1
Miles
Brewster's Endangered Species Habitats NHESP Estimated Habitat
NHESP Priority Habitat
NHESP Natural Communities
Biomap 2 Core Habitat
Biomap 2 Critical Natural Landscape
Adjacent Town
Map 10
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 60
Table 4.3. Brewster’s MESA-listed Plant Species in Brewster as of 6-2020
Scientific Name Common Name
MESA
Status
Most Recent
Observation
Carex mitchelliana Mitchell's Sedge T 2012
Dichanthelium dichotomum ssp. mattamuskeetense Mattamuskeet Panic-grass E 1918
Dichanthelium ovale ssp. pseudopubescens Commons's Panic-grass SC 2006
Gamochaeta purpurea Purple Cudweed E 1924
Isoetes acadiensis Acadian Quillwort E 2009
Lachnanthes caroliana Redroot SC 2016
Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae New England Blazing Star SC 2017
Lipocarpha micrantha Dwarf Bulrush T 2012
Mertensia maritima Oysterleaf E 2001
Ophioglossum pusillum Adder's-tongue Fern T 1992
Opuntia humifusa Prickly Pear E 1989
Persicaria puritanorum Pondshore Knotweed SC 2012
Rhexia mariana Maryland Meadow Beauty E 2017
Rhynchospora scirpoides Long-beaked Bald-sedge SC 2012
Rumex pallidus Seabeach Dock T 1994
Sabatia kennedyana Plymouth Gentian SC 2017
Sagittaria teres Terete Arrowhead SC 2016
Spartina cynosuroides Salt Reedgrass T 2018
Utricularia resupinata Resupinate Bladderwort T 2002
Table 4.4. US Fish & Wildlife Endangered & Threatened Plant Species in Massachusetts, 2020
Scientific Name Common Name
Agalinis acuta Sandplain Gerardia
Isotria medeoloides Small-whorled Pogonia
Scirpus ancistrochaetus Northern Bulrush
NHESP, with funding made available by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental
Affairs (EEA), developed a BioMap to identify the areas most in need of protection in order to protect the
native biodiversity of the Commonwealth. The BioMap focuses primarily on state-listed rare species and
exemplary natural communities but also includes the full breadth of the State's biological diversity. The
goal of the BioMap project, completed in 2001, was to identify and delineate the most important areas
for the long-term viability of terrestrial, wetland, and estuarine elements of biodiversity in Massachusetts.
Similarly, the goal of the NHESP Living Waters project, completed in 2003, was to identify and delineate
the rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds that are important for freshwater biodiversity in the
Commonwealth. These two conservation plans are based on documented observations of rare species,
natural communities, and exemplary habitats. BioMap and Living Waters were combined and updated in
BioMap2 in 2010 (Map 10).
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 61
BioMap2 delineates “Core Habitats” that identify the most critical sites for biodiversity conservation
across the state. Core Habitats represent habitat for the state’s most viable rare plant and animal
populations and include exemplary natural communities and aquatic habitats. Core Habitats represent a
wide diversity of rare species and natural communities, and these areas are also thought to contain
virtually all of the other described species in Massachusetts. Statewide, BioMap Core Habitats encompass
1,380,000 acres of uplands and wetlands, and Living Waters identifies 429 Core Habitats in rivers,
streams, lakes, and ponds.
BioMap2 Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape areas cover approximately 50% of the Town of
Brewster, in two main areas. One large area Core Habitat encompasses Nickerson State Park and its
surrounds extending southeast to the town boundary and northeast to include Namskaket Creek. The
second encompasses the Punkhorn Parklands area, the Mill Ponds, the herring run, and the entire Paine's
Creek area. BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscapes cover the transition zones between the Core Habitat
areas and the developed areas and are concentrated around ponds (Map 7).
D. Fishe ries and Wildlife
Wildlife is an important recreational, commercial, and educational resource, and represents a rich,
natural heritage which helps to define the basic character of the town. It adds interest and variety to the
landscape, plays an important role in controlling pest infestation, and in general is a barometer of the
ecological health of the community. The spread of roads and subdivisions has reduced and greatly
fragmented the habitat of many native wildlife species which cannot easily survive. Many of these species
have already been replaced with others that have adapted to suburban environments; others remain
threatened by development.
As discussed in the sections above, Brewster has within its boundaries a large number of diverse habitats
supporting healthy wildlife populations. Individual wildlife will be best conserved if their habitats are
protected intact with enough space to provide the food webs needed to sustain each species.
1. Inventory
Certain wildlife habitat areas in Brewster are of particular importance and deserve greater protection
through conservation land purchases, habitat management and regulation to assure that critical habitat is
not broken up into suboptimal size areas, or contaminated by development or chemicals. Species listed as
State endangered or threatened should be given the same priority for preservation as federally listed
species, and all planning decisions for the use of Brewster land should reflect wildlife considerations. A
general species inventory follows.
Tid elands and Coastal Waters
Brewster has the following native species occurring in its tidelands and coastal waters:
Marine Mammals
• Right, Sperm, Humpback, Minke, Pilot and Fin Back whales, Common and White-Sided Dolphin,
Harbor Porpoise, Harbor and Gray Seals.
Reptiles
• Loggerhead, Leatherback, Green and Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles, Diamond Back Terrapin.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 62
Fish
• Alewife: there are two Alewife (Herring) runs in
Brewster at Paine's Creek and Long Pond.
• Little Skate, Alewife, Atlantic Salmon, American
Eel, Shiners and Minnows, Atlantic Cod, Smooth
Flounder, Seahorse, Pipefish, Silversides, Bluefish,
Striped Bass, Scup, Sculpin, Tautog, Northern
Puffer, Porcupine Fish and Toadfish which at least
seasonally occupy the coastal waters of Brewster
along with occasional Great White Sharks.
Cephalopods are also commonly seen in the form
of Common and Boreal Squids.
• The tidal creeks and marshes are home to
Mummichugs and Three-spined Sticklebacks.
Mollusks/Shellfish
• Nut Clams, Blood and Transverse Ark,
Ribbed/Blue/Horse Mussels, Eastern Oyster, Bay,
Iceland and Deep Sea Scallops, Jingle Shell, Gem
Clam, Quahog, Surf, Common Razor and Soft-
Shell (Steamer) Clams, False Anglewing and
Piddock Clam.
• The Common Eastern Chiton.
Common Gastropods (snails)
• Limpets, Smooth and Common Periwinkle,
Common Slipper Shell, Moon Snail and their
sand-collar egg-masses, Oyster Drill, Dogwinkle,
Waved Whelk, Dove Shell, Knobbed and
Channeled Whelk, Common Mud and Salt Marsh
Snail, Bubble Shell.
• A number of species of colorful shell-less
Gastropods known as Nudibranchs or Sea Slugs.
Crustaceans
• Fiddler Crabs, Common Rock Barnacles, Blue, Lady, Green, Jonah, Rock, Spider, Hermit and Mole
crabs, American Lobster, various shrimp, myriad Common Rock Barnacles and swarms of Sand
Fleas/Beach Hoppers.
Arachnids
• Horseshoe Crab
Alewife. Photo credit: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Blue mussels. Photo credit: NOAA
Horseshoe crab. Photo credit: Kaldari
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 63
Echinoderms
• Northern Sand Dollar, New England Sea Cucumber, Purple and Green Sea Urchins, Northern Sea
Star and Common Starfish
Annelids
• Clam Worm, Parchment worms, and others.
Many of the above listed species contribute their shells and molts to the vast array of intriguing items
that wash ashore twice a day and add to the beach
wrack line.
Coastal Birds
• At least seasonally, seabirds such as Northern
Fulmar, Sooty Shearwater, Wilson's and Leach's
Storm-Petrel, Northern Gannet, and, Great and
Double-crested Cormorants, Common Loons,
Horned, Pied-billed and Red-necked Grebes,
Laughing, Ring-billed, Herring and Black-backed
Gulls, Common, Least and Roseate Terns,
Razorbills, Common Murre, Dovekie, Atlantic
Puffin.
• Ducks and geese such as Mute Swan, Canada
Goose, Brant, Mallard, Black Duck, Green-
winged and Blue-winged Teal, American
Widgeon, Northern Pintail, Ruddy Duck, Wood
Duck, Canvasback, Greater and Lesser Scaup,
Common Eider, Black, White-winged and Surf
Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye,
Bufflehead, Common and Red-breasted
Merganser and the occasional Brown Pelican.
• The tidal flats and marshes are patrolled by
birds such as King, Clapper and Virginia Rail,
Sora, Common Moorhen, American Coot,
American Oystercatcher, American Avocet,
Piping, Wilson's, Black-bellied and
Semipalmated Plovers, Killdeer, Hudsonian and
Marbled Godwits, Whimbrel, Curlew, Willet,
Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Red Knot,
Common and Spotted Sandpiper, Short-billed
Dowitcher, Common Snipe, Ruddy Turnstone,
Dunlin, Sanderling, Upland Sandpiper, Least and
American Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron,
Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Green-backed Heron, Cattle, Snowy and Great Egrets, Great Blue
Heron, Belted Kingfisher with occasional Glossy Ibis and Wood Stork.
Least tern. Photo credit: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Mallards. Photo credit: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Great Blue Heron. Photo credit: US Fish & Wildlife
Service
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 64
• Brewster is also host to larger birds such as Turkey Vultures and a number of Raptors and
Accipiters: Bald Eagles, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Northern
Goshawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk and
Osprey. There are also smaller hunters, American Kestrel, Merlin, with the occasional Peregrine
Falcon.
Inland Species
Mammals
• White-Tailed Deer, Eastern Coyote, Red Fox,
Raccoon, Eastern Cottontail, White-lined Skunk,
Grey, Red and Flying Squirrels, Virginia Opossum,
Woodchuck, Fisher, Otter, Eastern Chipmunk,
White-footed Mice and Meadow Voles, Moles,
Brown Rats, and Bats.
Reptiles
• Snakes: Snakes in Brewster include the Hognosed,
Northern Rat, Red Rat, Milk, Green, garter, Grass,
Northern Water, and Black Racer amongst others.
• Turtles: Turtles include the Box, Red-eared Slider,
Eastern Painted, Bog, Spotted, Mud, Snapping and
Diamondback Terrapin
Amphibians
• Frogs include the Bull, Green, Pickerel, Tree, Gray
Tree, Wood, and Spring Peepers.
• Salamanders include the Spotted, and Red-backed
Salamanders.
Insects
• Representatives of most all insect families,
including a number of rare, endangered and
threatened, recently discovered Dragonflies and
Damselflies.
Birds
• Inland Bird Species include ground species as
Ruffed Grouse, Woodcock, Northern Bobwhite,
Ring-necked Pheasant, Wild Turkey, Mourning Doves, Rock Dove, Yellow and Black-billed
Cuckoos, Whip-poor-will, Chuck-will's Widow, Common Nighthawk, and Chimney Swift.
Red fox. Photo credit: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Box turtle. Photo credit: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Halloween pennant dragonfly. Photo credit: US
Fish & Wildlife Service
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 65
• Nighttime hunters include Common Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl, Long-eared Owl, Great Horned
Owl, Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and winter beach visits from
Snowy Owls.
• A number of woodpeckers inhabit our
woodlands; Northern Flicker, Red-bellied
Woodpecker, Redheaded Woodpecker, Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker, Downy and Hairy
Woodpeckers and the Pileated Woodpecker.
• Passerines (perching birds) include Eastern
Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Olive-sided
Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern
Phoebe, Least and Acadian Flycatchers, Horned
Lark; Tree Swallow, Purple Martin, Bank,
Northern Rough-winged, Cliff and Barn Swallows;
Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Common
Raven, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped
Chickadee, Carolina Chickadee, Brown Creeper,
White and Red-breasted Nuthatches; House and
Carolina Wrens, Marsh Wren; Golden and Ruby-
crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern
Bluebird, Woodthrush, Veery, Swainson's Thrush,
Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern
Wheatear, Northern Shrike, Gray Catbird,
Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Water
Pipit, Cedar Waxwings; European Starling, White-
eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Solitary Vireo,
Red-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireo.
• Warblers include the Prothonotary, Blue-winged,
Tennessee, Nashville, Northern Parula, Black-
and-white, Black-throated Blue, Cerulean,
Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, Cape May,
Magnolia, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green,
Yellow-throated, Prairie, Bay-breasted, Pine,
Palm, Yellow, Kentucky, Canada, Hooded, and
Worm-eating Warblers, Ovenbird, Louisiana
Waterthrush, Northern Waterthrush, Common
Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat and
American Redstart.
• Sparrows include the Grasshopper, Sharp-tailed, Seaside, Vesper, Savannah, Song, American
Tree, Field, Chipping, White-throated, White-crowned, Fox, Swamp, as well as Dark-eyed Junco,
Lapland Longspur, Snow bunting, Dickcissel.
• In the Blackbird family the Cape has Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty
Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, Boat-tailed Grackle, Orchard Oriole,
Northern Oriole, Scarlet Tanager.
Barred owl. Photo credit: US Fish & Wildlife
Service
Red-bellied woodpecker. Photo credit: US Fish &
Wildlife Service
White-crowed sparrow. Photo credit: US Fish &
Wildlife Service
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 66
• Cape Cod Finches include the House/English Sparrow, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, Purple
Finch, House Finch, Evening Grosbeak.
• Other Cape residents and visitors are the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Snow
Bunting, Indigo Bunting and Rufous-sided Towhee.
• The smallest avian species in our area is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
The fact that Cape Cod and therefore Brewster is located in the path of many migratory flyways a llows
birdwatchers to site any number of unusual and spectacular species in route to wintering or breeding
grounds and spectacular sightings of unusual species blown in from Europe and other areas by storm
winds.
2. Vernal Pools
Vernal pools provide habitat for many wildlife species. Certain species are specifically adapted for life in a
vernal pool and cannot complete their life cycle without a vernal pool. For example, many of these
species, such as the Yellow-Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), require vernal pools for
reproduction. The loss of vernal pools and associated upland habitat areas would result in the extirpation
of vernal pool-dependent species. All four amphibian species listed as rare in Massachusetts use vernal
pools. In addition, two state-listed turtle species and three state-listed crustaceans use vernal pools.
There are 38 certified vernal pools in Brewster (Map 9).
3. Corridors for Wildlife Migration
Riparian areas (i.e., rivers, streams and adjacent lands) are important habitats for wildlife, and function as
corridors for wildlife migration. This includes many of what are ordinarily thought of as "upland" species
as well as wetland species. For example, many upland animals need access to rivers and streams for
hunting and drinking, particularly in the winter when other water sources may be frozen over. The
junction between rivers, streams and adjacent riparian land is especially high in ecological diversity and
biological productivity because gravity is constantly moving energy and matter along with the current and
because so many animals spend their lives both in water and on land. The high value of riparian areas as
wildlife habitat is also due to the abundance of water combined with the convergence of many species
along the edges and ecological transition zones between aquatic/wetland, aquatic/upland,
wetland/upland and river channel/backwaters habitats (Cohen, 1997). In Brewster, examples of where
wildlife can migrate include:
• Along the Cape Cod Bike Path.
• Protected land along Quivett Creek.
• Protected land from Spruce Hill Conservation Area at Cape Cod Bay through Nickerson State Park.
• Protected land from Calf Field Pond to Punkhorn Parklands.
4. Rare Species
As described in the preceding sections, Brewster provides a variety of habitats for wildlife species: some
of these species are unique to the area, others have their largest, most stable populations here, and yet
others are still relatively common. Brewster is also home to 14 MESA-listed wildlife species (four birds,
seven insects, one fish, one mammal and two reptiles (Table 4.5) and 17 federally-listed species (Table
4.6).
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 67
Table 4.5. Brewster’s MESA-Listed Wildlife Species as of 6-2020
Taxonomic Group Scientific Name Common Name
MESA
Status
Federal
Status
Most Recent
Observation
Bird Charadrius melodus Piping Plover T T 2018
Bird Parula americana Northern Parula T
2006
Bird Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern E E 2008
Bird Sterna hirundo Common Tern SC
2008
Butterfly/Moth Abagrotis nefascia Coastal Heathland
Cutworm
SC
1981
Butterfly/Moth Apamea inebriata Drunk Apamea Moth SC
1981
Butterfly/Moth Papaipema
sulphurata
Water-willow Borer Moth T
2015
Dragonfly/Damselfly Enallagma daeckii Attenuated Bluet T
2010
Dragonfly/Damselfly Enallagma pictum Scarlet Bluet T
2012
Dragonfly/Damselfly Enallagma
recurvatum
Pine Barrens Bluet T
2005
Fish Notropis bifrenatus Bridle Shiner SC
1961
Mammal Eubalaena glacialis Northern Right Whale E E 2010
Reptile Malaclemys terrapin Diamond-backed Terrapin T
2002
Reptile Terrapene carolina Eastern Box Turtle SC
2019
Table 4.6. US Fish & Wildlife Endangered & Threatened Species in Massachusetts , 2020
Taxonomic Group Scientific Name Common Name
Bird Calidris canutus rufa Red Knot
Bird Charadrius melodus Piping Plover
Bird Sterna dougallii dougallii Roseate Tern
Fish Acipenser brevirostrum Shortnose Sturgeon
Mammal Myotis septentrionalis Northern Long-eared Bat
Mammal Sylvilagus transitionalis New England Cottontail
Reptile Caretta caretta Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Reptile Chelonia mydas Green Sea Turtle
Reptile Clemmys (Glyptemys)
muhlenbergii Bog Turtle
Reptile Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Sea Turtle
Reptile Eretmochelys imbricate Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Reptile Lepidochelys kempii Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
Reptile Pseudemys rubriventris MA Population of Northern Red-bellied Cooter
Invertebrate Alasmidonta heterodon Dwarf Wedgemussel
Insect Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis Northern Beach Tiger Beetle
Insect Cicindela puritana Puritan Tiger Beetle
Insect Nicrophorus americanus American Burying Beetle
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 68
E. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments
Map 11 shows Brewster’s unique features, which include some of its most scenic and historic resource
areas.
1. Heritage Landscapes
According to the Brewster Reconnaissance Report (March 2007) prepared as part of the Massachusetts
Heritage Landscape Inventory Program (HLI), heritage landscapes are defined as:
“…those special places and spaces created by human interaction with the natural environment
that help define the character of a community and reflect its past. They are dynamic and evolving;
they reflect the history of a community and provide a sense of place; they show the natural
ecology that influenced land use patterns; and they often have scenic qualities. The wealth of
landscapes is central to each community’s character, yet heritage landscapes are vulnerable and
ever changing. For this reason it is important to take the first steps towards their preservation by
identifying those landscapes that are particularly valued by the community – a favorite local farm,
a distinctive neighborhood or mill village, a unique natural feature or an important river corridor.”
In 2007, the Cape Cod Commission, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and
Boston University Preservation Studies Program worked with HLI to help three Cape Cod communities,
including Brewster, to identify critical landscape resources, particularly those that are significant and
unprotected, including Brewster. The purpose of the inventory was to focus on landscapes that have not
been identified in previous survey efforts and to provide communities with strategies for preservation.
The Reconnaissance Report outlines the Town’s history of the community, describes the priority heritage
landscapes, discusses planning issues identified by the community, identifies planning tools available in
the community, and makes preservation recommendations.
Heritage landscapes in Brewster come in many forms. The following provides a list of priority landscapes
that contribute to the community’s character and may not be permanently protected or preserved.
Cemeteries
There are six (6) large cemeteries and a number of smaller, older family plots in town.
• The Brewster Old Burying Ground - Most of the 596 graves in this old cemetery date from 1750
to 1850. (Breakwater Road behind Unitarian Church)
• Dillingham Cemetery - An excellent example of an 18th century New England family burying
ground. (Stony Brook Road)
• Red Top Cemetery - An old graveyard which is still in use. (Red Top & Stony Brook Roads)
• Sears Cemetery - The oldest legible date is 1726. Reading these tombstones provides a graphic
record of life of a very historic local family. (off Airline Road near Route 6A)
• Brewster Cemetery - Interesting 19th century monuments (off Lower Road)
• Pine Grove Cemetery - Quiet 19th century yard, still in use, contains several stones with
remarkable epitaphs. (Foster Road & Old Cemetery Road - off Route 6A)
• Foster Cemetery – earliest date is 1855, (Long Pond Road near No Bottom Pond)
• Family cemeteries in Nickerson State Park
Esri, HERE, Garmin, INCREMENT P,
NGA, USGS
Herring Run
Sheep Pond
Brewster
Flats
Eddy Bay
Trail
Overlook
Whale Rock
¯
0 1
Miles
Brewster's Scenic Resources and Unique Features MHC Inventory Resource Type
Building
Burial Ground
Object
Structure
Geologic Feature Example
Coastal Plain Pond Shore Community
Kettle Hole Pond
Old King's Highway Historic District
MHC Inventoried Area
National Register of Historic Places
Area of Critical Environmental Concern
Adjacent TownsACEC - Mass. DCR
Historic Sites and Areas - Mass. Historical Commission
Coastal Plain Pond Shore Community - NHESP
Map 11
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 70
Commons/Village Centers
The Brewster Town Commons or Village Center is generally considered to be the confluence of Routes
137, 124 and 6A, which is where the first church gathered in 1700. This is also the site of the Old General
Store, which has served as a meeting place for Brewster residents for many years.
Mill S ites
The Stony Brook Valley encompasses a quarter of Brewster. Its boundaries include all of West Brewster.
The Valley is rich with historic resources such as a grist mill from 1873 and early 18th century houses. The
Stony Brook Valley area includes the 1873 Stony Brook Grist Mill and associated Mill Ponds and 18th
century houses. In 1940, the Town of Brewster acquired the property encompassing the Herring Run,
Grist Mill, and the remains of Factory Village on Stony Brook Road. The Mill Sites Committee oversees the
preservation of Brewster's historic Grist Mill, and the town-owned land and scenic footpaths along Stony
Brook. It is important to preserve the Village and Neighborhood Character of this area by doing additional
inventory work of significant resources in the Valley. Stony Brook Grist Mill and its associated Mill Ponds
are also important to the town’s scenic and historic heritage.
Parks
Brewster’s Drummer Boy Park is
important for its scenic, historic, and
recreational opportunities and is an
important asset to the town. The 17-
acre park located along historic
Route 6A with scenic views of Cape
Cod Bay includes well-tended lawns,
attractive tree-plantings, a children’s
playground (updated in 2019), and
the historic restored 18th century
Higgins Farm Windmill and historic
home and blacksmith shop on the
adjacent Historical Society and
Brewster Conservation Trust
properties.
A scenic and recreational asset, Nickerson State Park, offers family outings, camping, hiking, swimming,
and boating. There are over 400 campsites for which the Park will accept reservations, and there is also a
stocked year-round pond for freshwater fishing.
The railroad right-of-way that is now the Cape Cod Rail Trail is also an important scenic heritage
landscape, dating from the Early Industrial Period (1830-1870).
Buildings/Estates
Historic homes and estates are also a significant part of Brewster’s scenic heritage. Over 99 sea captains
made their home in Brewster in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of their homes are still standing and
have been renovated or restored to their original beauty. Several of the historic homes are available to
Higgins Farm Windmill. Photo credit: John Phelan
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 71
visit, as they form a major part of the Brewster economy, as charming country inns and quaint bed and
breakfasts. A notable example is the Crosby Mansion. Built in 1888, the mansion, named Tawasentha by
its original owners, Albert and Matilda Crosby, is located on the west side of Crosby Lane off of Route 6A
in East Brewster. This imposing colonial revival house now belongs to the Commonwealth of MA and is a
part of Nickerson State Park. It is also one of the featured cultural attractions on the Brewster segment of
the Cape Cod Pathways trail network.
The Old Town Hall (Brewster’s second one), located
at 1240 Main Street, next door to the Fire
Department, was designed by Boston architect,
Walter T. Winslow in popular Queen Anne style. It
was completed in 1881 and restored in 1973. It was
the focus of both town government and Brewster’s
civic life from 1881 to 1985: town meetings were
held here, taxes paid, marriages, births and deaths
recorded. Town Hall served as the social center of
Brewster: suppers were served, theatrical
productions enjoyed, clubs and societies organized. It
was also a large sewing center and the founding
location of the Brewster Museum of Natural History.
Today this lovely historic building is home to the
Brewster Council on Aging, serving as a center for
senior activities, lunch programs, bridge games, and
summer art shows.
In addition, the Captain Mayo home, a restored 1868 Victorian building on Main Street, is now the
Brewster Ladies' Library. Recently expanded in 1997, the Library has new large meeting rooms, access to
the Internet and is a member of the Cape-wide CLAMS Library System, making it a most valuable local and
regional resource.
Farms/Cranberry Bogs
Brewster is also marked by scenic agricultural lands, including farmsteads, pastures, fields, woodlots, and
cranberry bogs. In addition to their scenic properties, these agricultural operations provide local healthy
food for residents. There are also farms that provide recreational opportunities, such as horseback riding.
Preservation of agricultural landscapes means preservation of the farming activities, particularly in
Brewster where farms are declining, and their character is integral to the community’s past. It is
important to know what features of these agricultural landscapes are and which features the community
treasures in order to make a case for preservation of these farms. Some preservation tools are available
that can assist communities in preserving the actual farming activities even if only a few farms remain.
Others are tools to preserve the landscape when the farm is sold. Brewster already has adopted the
Cluster Residential Development Bylaw which requires 60% of dedicated common space, not including
wetlands in a subdivision. It also adopted the Natural Resource Protection Design (NRPD) bylaw which
over lays all Zone II areas, as well as the Pleasant Bay Watershed. This bylaw reduces the number of
housing lot by half, as well as requiring 80% open space, not including wetlands.
Old Town Hall. Photo credit: T.S. Custadio
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 72
The town may want to consider strategies that specifically support farming activities, such as:
• Continue supporting the local agricultural commission which advocates for farming.
• Document additional farms that may not presently be included in Brewster’s inventory of historic
resources, using MHC survey forms.
• Adopt a right-to-farm bylaw which allows farmers to carry on farming activities that may be
considered a nuisance to neighbors.
• Develop partnerships to raise funds to purchase development rights on farms or to assist farmers
in the restoration of historic farm buildings for which the owner would be required to donate a
preservation restriction (PR).
• Continue public-private partnerships to preserve farm land through purchase of conservation
restrictions (CRs) or agricultural preservation restrictions
Camps
The Cape Cod Sea Camps is a property that encompasses a great amount of acreage and is the largest
privately owned property on Main Street. It provides a scenic view along Main Street, as well as from
Cape Cod Bay. This is a prime candidate for conservation and historic preservation restrictions.
Scenic R oads
The viewshed from Great Fields Road includes farms, wetlands, a wooded landscape, and some 19th
century domestic architecture. A town plan to straighten and repave the entire road never came to
fruition. The Town could consider adoption of a Scenic Overlay District to help limit development in such
scenic areas.
The Old King’s Highway forms the backbone of the Old King’s Highway Regional Historic District. Many of
the most recognizable landscapes and iconic buildings in Brewster are located along this roadway. In 1973
this was designated as a regional historic district and in 1992 was designated a State Scenic Road by the
state legislature. The town should work with the state to ensure that maintenance and signage does not
further detract from the historic character of the district.
Cottag e Colonies
Cottage colonies are located on the north end of town, often near the shore of Cape Cod Bay or along
Route 6A. The primary concern relates to the potential loss of character if these properties are sold
and/or developed. Even within the historic district, there is concern that current regulations may not fully
protect these resources. Additions, new construction and special permits and variances being awarded
are out of character in massing and scale of historic cottages. The preservation of cottage colonies would
help to retain much of Brewster’s historic character and support its economy, which benefits greatly from
the tourism industry. Colonies could be eligible for listing on the National Register. The town could adopt
Neighborhood Architectural Conservation Districts that recognize special areas within a community
where the distinctive characteristics of the neighborhood are important.
Ponds
The more than 80 ponds in Brewster are viewed as a collective landscape feature in the town, covering
more than 10% of the town’s surface area. The ponds have historically and currently sustain cranberry
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 73
operations, are used for recreation, and
some are stocked with fish. The impact
of development and the interrelated
management of the pond ecosystems are
of concern. The challenge is to gain
protection for nearly all the land adjacent
to ponds, which are mostly in private
ownership. And to manage the impacts
of development and phosphorus loading
to ponds. The issues of land and pond
protection require the involvement of
many parties, including the town
department of natural resources, the
conservation commission with the
assistance of the Cape Cod Commission,
DEP and DCR, as well as neighborhood
associations and the Brewster Ponds
Coalition. Possible development of a master plan for ponds and watersheds in Brewster, including
consideration of land acquisition or conservation restrictions for land that is not protected, and
preservation management of land already in conservation, recognizing that if the sources of phosphorus
are not diverted or lessened, the ponds will continue to experience phosphorus overload. It is possible
that, in the future, the state will address phosphorus loading in ponds the same way it has addressed
nitrogen loading in watersheds/estuaries and towns will be required to address these issues.
Sto ne Walls
Historic stone walls are found throughout Brewster – along scenic roads, in fields where they separate
one pasture or meadow from another, as markers along property boundaries, and lining old cart paths.
These stone walls provide a glimpse back to Brewster’s agricultural beginnings. Today they often mark
property lines, particularly along the town’s scenic roads. The scenic road bylaw provides some protection
for stone walls within the road right-of-way by requiring approval from the planning board for any
demolition or alteration of the walls. These walls are vulnerable to loss in the face of new development.
Here again a Scenic Overlay district could help limit new development in scenic areas with distinctive
stone walls, providing for a no-disturb buffer on private lands. The town could consider creating an
inventory of stone walls and consider them as contributing elements of the national register by amending
it.
Community Events
The town also hosts a number of annual festivals, which treat residents as well as visitors to a vast array
of experiences and build the community’s character.
• The annual Brewster-In-Bloom Festival exemplifies community spirit at its best. There is an arts
and craft show, antique & flea market, golf tournament, road race, art shows, historic inn tours,
demonstrations and open houses at businesses all over town, with a lively parade right down
Main Street to cap the week’s activities. Proceeds from the Bloom have been used to beautify the
Sheep Pond is an example of one of the many glacial kettle ponds
found throughout Brewster.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 74
town with yearly plantings of daffodil bulbs and to provide scholarships to deserving Brewster
students (COC/BTU, 1999). Bloom proceeds are directed toward scholarships for Brewster
students moving on to education beyond high school and to add to the scholarship reserve fund.
The Brewster Chamber of Commerce donates $750 a year to the Recreation Department for
Brewster in Bloom.
• Brewster Conservation Day started
in 2012 by the Town and Brewster
Conservation Trust to celebrate
the community’s natural resources
and organizations dedicated to
saving them. With over 40 unique
presentations, one can learn from
interactive exhibits on
aquaculture, natural plant
gardening, and water resources.
The daylong event celebrating
Brewster’s environmental
wonders draws over 800 visitors.
• Society of Cape Cod Craftsmen’s
Annual Craft Fair at the Drummer Boy Park is in its 55th year.
• Brewster Historical Society Annual Antiques Fair at the Drummer Boy Park. The Society has been
in existence for almost 50 years.
• Annual Brew Run, sponsored by the Wood Shed for the last 29 years, attracts over 1,400 runners
each year. Proceeds are donated to the Brewster Fire Department Emergency Squad and to the
Brewster Police Department.
• Brewster Historical Society Farmer’s Market, held on their property, which is adjacent to the
Drummer Boy Park.
Brewster’s residents highly value the community’s strong sense of place, which is created by its varied
natural features and land use patterns that flow from the fertile land. The town has already taken
measures to document and evaluate its most significant buildings. It now needs to expand its
documentation to include additional resources and even go beyond traditional resources, documenting
landscapes, streetscapes, rural roads, 19th & 20th century neighborhoods and other natural and cultural
assets that define the overall fabric of the community. Like most municipalities, Brewster is facing
multiple pressures for change that threaten land-based uses and natural resources. Special places within
the community that were once taken for granted are now more vulnerable than ever to change
2. Historic C ultural Areas/Archaeological Resources
Historic Cultural resources are an integral part of Cape Cod's past, and Brewster’s early history has been
well documented in the archaeological record.
• Nickerson State Park - Nickerson and its environs are well documented in the archaeological
record.
• Wings Island
• Old Indian Well – adjacent to Quivett Creek
Brewster Conservation Day 2020. Photo credit C. Simmons, Brewster
Conservation Trust
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 75
• Native American burial grounds – adjacent to Quivett Creek
• Only one other Middle Archaic site has been identified in Brewster, near Upper and Lower Mill
ponds. The inland setting of this site is of particular interest, because most pre-Contact sites on
the Cape and Islands are coastal. This site is between Upper and Lower Mill Ponds.
• The Stony Brook Valley - The area was once called “Indian Fields.” Early, Middle, and Late Archaic
archaeological sites along with Woodland sites have been identified, with additional resources
suspected. Eighteenth and nineteenth century sites may also provide archaeological deposits in
the form of privies, wells, and outbuilding remains.
In 1993, Brewster produced an Archaeological Sensitivity Map, with revision/updates in 1996 and 1998,
by the Cape Cod Commission (Appendix C). This map shows areas of:
PRIMARY SENSITIVITY (1,000-Foot Protective Buffer Zone): This generally includes all areas within
1,000 of marine ecosystems, particularly those areas within close proximity to freshwater. These
areas have a high probability of containing prehistoric archaeological sites. The four most
important areas for management consideration based upon available data are: Namskaket Creek
and marsh, the Cape Cod Bay shoreline, Stony Brook Valley, and the major ponds of the Herring
River Drainage System.
SECONDARY SENSITIVITY (500-Foot Protective Buffer Zone): This generally includes all areas
within 500 feet of a water body greater than 3 acres in size that are not a part of the Herring
River or Stony Brook drainage systems. These areas are likely to contain prehistoric
archaeological sites, particularly if they intersect areas of primary sensitivity.
TERTIARY SENSITIVITY: This generally include all areas within a protective zone that skirts
wetlands of any size and water bodies less than three acres in size. Developments that may
disrupt the natural character or inhibit public safety are prohibited in this protective zone. The
delineation of the protection zone is defined in the Town of Brewster’s Wetlands Conservancy
District Bylaw and are subject to the regulations that constitute the Wetlands Protection act,
MGL.c.131, --40, as amended. Archaeological sites may exist within these environments.
Preservation Strategies
Preservation Plan
Brewster should consider creating a Preservation Plan under the auspices of the Planning Department
and the Historical Commission. The plan could include all aspects of preservation activity in Brewster from
administrative policies to survey to ordinances to outreach. Each recommendation should include the
purpose of the action, a description of the tasks involved, a timeframe, a list of resources available, and
who should execute the action. Joint review of the status of each of the recommendations contained in
the plan by the Historical Commission and the Planning Department every five years would be an
excellent way to begin to update the plan and to establish new preservation priorities for the town.
Village and Rural Neighborhood Character
Nearly all preservation strategies address village and neighborhood character in some manner. As
described above, thorough documentation on MHC inventory forms is an important first step in the
preservation planning process, followed by National Register listing where appropriate. One of three
traditional preservation strategies has been adopted by Brewster: a regional historic district bylaw (the
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 76
Old Kings Highway Historic District was created by an Act of the State Legislature in 1973). A demolition
delay bylaw should be adopted by the town. Demolition delay bylaws provide a time period in which
towns can explore alternatives to demolition. A third strategy that may be useful in a mid-20th century
neighborhood or area which has lost some of its historic fabric is a Neighborhood Architectural
Conservation District bylaw and designation.
District of Critical Planning Concern
District of Critical Planning Concern (DCPC) is an area of critical value to Barnstable County which must be
preserved or maintained due to one or more of the following factors: the presence of significant natural
coastal, scientific, cultural, architectural, archaeological, historic, econom ic or recreational resources or
values of regional, state-wide or national significance; the presence of substantial areas of sensitive
ecological conditions which render the area unsuitable for development; the presence or proposed
establishment of a major capital public facility or area of public investment. DCPCs may cover areas
located in one or more than one town. Districts may be nominated and designated for many purposes.
For example, they may protect a municipal investment, protect a critical natural resource, or provide
incentives for economic development.
Coordinating Open Space, Historic, and Cultural Resource Protection
Coordinating open space protection with that of the historic and cultural resources emphasizes the links
between these resources. Many of the Town’s historic and cultural places are associated with its natural
areas such as ponds, coastal features, and forests. By taking a comprehensive approach to resource
protection and management, the Town not only achieves multiple goals, but gives the community and
visitors to Brewster multiple ways to appreciate and enjoy these resources. As a example, establishing the
Old Kings Highway Historic District preserve historic resources along the roadway as well as open spaces
and scenic views and landscapes.
3. Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) are places in Massachusetts that receive special
recognition because of the quality, uniqueness, and significance of their natural and cultural resources.
These areas are identified and nominated at the community level and are reviewed and designated by the
state’s Secretary of Environmental Affairs. ACEC designation creates a framework for local and regional
stewardship of critical resources and ecosystems.
There are two designated ACECs within the Town of Brewster: the Pleasant Bay ACEC and the Inner Cape
Cod Bay ACEC (Map 11).
The 9,240-acre Pleasant Bay ACEC covers four towns (Orleans, Chatham, Harwich and Brewster), less than
1% of the area being within the Town of Brewster. The Pleasant Bay ACEC was nominated by the
Conservation Commissions, Boards of Selectmen, and Planning Boards from the Towns of Brewster,
Chatham, Harwich, and Orleans and was designated as an ACEC in 1987 because of the area’s
extraordinary natural resources. The boundary for this ACEC generally follows a 100-foot buffer to the 10-
foot contour line and includes wetlands and waterbodies that outflow into Pleasant Bay. Over 1,000 acres
of salt marsh and several hundred acres of tidal flats are found in the ACEC. Other important habitats
include islands, salt and freshwater ponds, rivers, bays, and barrier beaches. These areas provide flood
control, storm damage prevention, improved water quality, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities
to surrounding communities.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 77
The 2,600-acre Inner Cape Cod Bay ACEC covers three towns (Eastham, Orleans, and Brewster), 15% of
the area being within the Town of Brewster. The Inner Cape Cod Bay ACEC was nominated by the
Conservation Commissions, Boards of Selectmen, and Planning Boards from the Towns of Brewster,
Eastham, and Orleans and was designated as an ACEC in 1985 because of the area’s extraordinary natural
resources. The boundary for this ACEC generally follows the 10-foot contour line on the landward side,
and the mean low water on the seaward side, and extends from First Encounter Beach south to include
Namskaket Creek. Included within the ACEC boundary are hundreds of acres of saltmarsh, highly
productive shellfish beds, undisturbed wildlife habitat, barrier beaches, salt ponds, and tidal rivers and
creeks. These areas provide flood control, storm damage prevention, improved water quality, and
recreation opportunities to surrounding communities. Brewster’s coastal resources, which are either
partially or entirely included in the ACEC, include Cape Cod Bay, Namskaket Creek, and the barrier beach
south of Namskaket Creek.
F. Environmental Challenges
Brewster faces a number of environmental challenges that influence open space and recreation planning.
1. Wastewater Management
Pollutants in wastewater impact groundwater quality and can contribute to the degradation of
freshwater ponds and coastal water resources. Nitrogen and phosphorus are the main pollutants of
concern. Nitrogen causes problems with marine resources and phosphorus is the primary pollutant
impacting freshwater ponds. Both nitrogen and phosphorus act as a fertilizer, contributing to excess
growth of aquatic plants and algae, changing natural ecosystems, and leading to the loss of fish and
shellfish habitat.
Pleasant Bay is listed as an Impaired Waterbody for nitrogen by the State of Massachusetts, and a Total
Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report has been issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) setting nitrogen loads and reductions for both current and buildout conditions within
the Bay’s watershed. Septic systems located within the watershed to Pleasant Bay provide the main
source of nitrogen impacts to the Bay. As such, the Town of Brewster will need to manage nitrogen
loading to the Bay by controlling wastewater sources within the watershed. The Town of Brewster is part
of an inter-municipal, 20-year watershed permit issued by DEP to the four towns with contributing
watersheds to Pleasant Bay: Chatham, Harwich, Orleans, and Brewster. The Pleasant Bay Alliance is
facilitating the nitrogen management and water quality improvement projects for each Town under the
permit, which is in its second year.
Some of Brewster’s Ponds (e.g., The Mill Pond Complex) have historically been degraded by nutrients
(namely, phosphorous) and pathogens coming from the numerous farms, at a time when there was no
vegetative cover or trees to prevent nutrients from entering the ponds. Today septic systems discharging
effluent and fertilized lawns contribute nutrients close to the pond shores. Phosphorus discharged from a
septic system is absorbed by the sediments below the leaching facility, and phosphorus can only move
downgradient from a septic system once sediments below the system have adsorbed all the phosphorus
they can uptake. Therefore, the closer a system is to a pond shore, the more likely that it will be a source
of phosphorus to a pond. Transport of pathogens in groundwater is related to both distance and size.
Transport of bacteria and protozoa from septic systems and groundwater discharge systems is normally
small because these organisms are relatively large compared to soil pores and can be adsorbed to the soil
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 78
particles. However, septic systems near the edge of ponds could be sources of pathogens, especially if the
systems are not functioning correctly.
The town is addressing wastewater management through its Integrated Water Resource Management
Plan. Open space planning can help reduce development potential and the impacts of wastewater -
associated contamination, particularly when required within watersheds to impaired embayments, such
as Pleasant Bay, and within buffer areas to freshwater ponds.
2. Stormwater Management
Stormwater runoff can potentially impact drinking water supplies, ponds, streams and coastal waters.
Proper management of stormwater is critical to the protection of these resources. Stormwater runoff is
the excess precipitation that runs off over the land and discharges to nearby receiving waters such as
streams, ponds, wetlands, and estuaries. Stormwater can impact all of Brewster’s water resources in
different ways. As land development occurs, impervious surfaces block the natural infiltration of
rainwater, thereby reducing the recharge rate and lowering the water table. Increased runoff volumes
and increased peak flows can cause more stream-related flooding and can also modify streambeds with
increased erosion and sedimentation. Water temperature is also increased in streams near impervious
areas. New land uses can introduce pollutants and nutrients that are carried by stormwater to receiving
waters. Ponds are susceptible to phosphorus loads which can exacerbate algae and aquatic plant levels.
Wetlands are susceptible to impacts from stormwater in terms of both hydrology and water quality
changes. Wetlands are very sensitive to water level changes and to alterations in water inputs. Coastal
waters, including estuarine systems, are sensitive to stormwater inputs that alter salinity levels and to
nitrogen loads that promote algae growth and impact eel grass health.
Increased development brings with it an increase in impervious ground cover. The greater the area of
imperviousness, the greater the stormwater impact on water resources. At over 25% impervious area,
receiving waters are highly impaired (NRDC, 1999). Some studies have shown that the health of water
resources is impacted at levels as low as 5 to 7% impervious cover. More recently, even lower impervious
thresholds (1 to 2%) have been found to reduce riverine fish populations in Massachusetts with about 5%
impact on fish for every 1% increase in impervious cover (Armstrong, 2011). While most watersheds are
developed with a variety of land uses, significant residential, commercial, and industrial development
often bring impervious cover levels that exceed ecological stress thresholds.
The town is addressing stormwater management through its Integrated Water Resource Management
Plan. Open space planning that helps to decrease development potential also reduces impervious cover
and associated stormwater pollution. Low impact development (LID) practices, which can be incorporated
into open space and recreation area design, can also be used to treat nitrogen and phosphorus to limit
discharge of these pollutants to freshwater ponds and coastal waters.
3. Groundwater and S urface Water Pollution
The Town has embarked on a comprehensive water planning effort to address concerns and threats to its
water resources in town. It has been actively monitoring pond water quality and has addressed nutrient
management through active remediation and town bylaws.
The Department of Public Works is charged with MS4 compliance and is actively working to minimize
stormwater pollution to our water resources.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 79
4. Coastal Erosion and Flooding
Coastal erosion is a natural process that provides sediment for downdrift marshes, beaches, and dunes.
However, development along the coast has reduced the amount of land available for natural erosion, and
has increased vulnerability to flooding. Sea level rise and the increased frequency and intensity of storm
events resulting from global climate change also exacerbates coastal erosion and flooding, which will be
further discussed below. Coastal erosion threatens public and private property, causes shoaling that
impedes navigation, and increases sediment loading to receiving waters.
Brewster is addressing challenges related to coastal erosion and flooding through its Hazard Mitigation
Plan. Open space planning, particularly protection of vulnerable shorelines from development, can help
mitigate coastal erosion and flooding impacts.
5. Biodiversity and Habitat Fragmentation
Another major impact of development is fragmentation of habitat. Undisturbed, unfragmented forest
interiors are crucial locations for declining populations of breeding Neotropical migrant bird species, such
as Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrushes, and warblers. Development also brings with it the disruption of
wildlife corridors. Animals which normally were able to safely traverse from one area to another along
protected corridors, are now forced to crossroads to reach food sources, many getting hit by cars in the
process. Other species thrive in fragmented/disrupted habitats, such as Gray Squirrels and raccoons.
Brewster has been working to enhance biodiversity and reduce habitat fragmentation through a number
of approaches, such as promoting Open Space Residential Design subdivisions instead of conventional
subdivisions and encouraging Natural Resource Protection Design within the Water Quality Protection
District. The town can further these efforts through open space planning that prioritizes purchases that
connect existing open spaces and natural areas to extend habitat corridors.
6. Climate Change
Climate change is already affecting the physical and biological environments of the northeast, and is
expected to intensify in coming decades. Temperatures have risen by about 0.7°C over the last century
and are projected to increase by a further 3-5°C under probable emission scenarios. As a consequence of
increasing temperatures, sea level will rise by at least one meter this century, with even greater coastal
impacts from storm surges in areas that have seen major population increases. Increasing temperatures
have also affected altitudinal and range shifts in species, and earlier seasonal migrations for migratory
animals, a trend that will be reinforced further in the future. The northeast region has recorded higher
amounts of precipitation over the last 50 years, with a greater frequency of extreme events and all model
simulations for the future point to wetter winter and spring conditions, but much drier summers and falls.
This will increase overall runoff but shift the timing of peak flows of rivers to earlier in the spring, with
longer periods of low flows in the summer months. All of these changes will have major impacts on
aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems across the region, changing forest types and aquatic environments,
affecting fish community structure and the timing of fish migrations (NECSC, 2012).
Climate change impacts, including projected sea level rise, increased storm frequency and intensity,
wetter springs and drier summers, and shifting habitat conditions should all be taken into account when
planning open space and recreation resources. For example, when protecting coastal areas, sea level
projections should be incorporated into calculations of protection zones. Brewster began mapping areas
impacted by sea level rise in its Integrated Water Resource Management Plan (2013), and the Brewster
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 80
Coastal Resource Management Plan (2019) identified climate scenarios to guide resilient planning
strategies in our vulnerable coastal areas. In addition, Brewster received Municipal Vulnerability
Preparedness designation from the State Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs in 2019
and has been actively pursuing resiliency grants under that program.
It is also important to note that climate change impacts will exacerbate the challenges described above:
wastewater and stormwater management, coastal erosion and flooding, and biodiversity and habitat
fragmentation. For example, sea level rise causing ocean encroachment and groundwater rise could
reduce septic system setbacks from the ocean and less separation from septic drain fields to
groundwater, which could increase the vulnerability of these receiving waters to wastewater-associated
pollution.
Projected impacts of climate change as well as Brewster’s adaptation strategies are described in a
number of Brewster’s local planning documents. For example, projected sea level rise impacts and
adaptation strategies are included in the town’s Integrated Water Resource Management Plan.
Brewster’s Hazard Mitigation Plan incorporates strategies to mitigate projected increased storm
frequency and duration.
7. Hazardous Waste
Over the last several decades, there have been a number of residential oil spills, due to leaks from home
heating oil tanks. These spills have resulted in large excavation of yards, removal of contaminated soils
and replacement with clean soil. Monitoring wells have been installed at each site and reports are
received by the Conservation Commission and Board of Health on a regular basis. There are two plumes
emanating from the Landfill area, which are being carefully monitored and evaluated using monitoring
wells located at appropriate areas within the parcel boundaries and off-site.
Brewster’s Water Quality Protection Bylaw prohibits facilities that generate, treat, store or dispose of
hazardous waste throughout the town (with a few exceptions). It is important for the town to continue to
manage hazardous waste to protect the town’s sensitive water resources.
8. Landfills and Plumes
Brewster’s landfill has been capped and has required annual groundwater monitoring. The facility now is
the Brewster Recycling Center and all solid waste is sent off site for incineration.
9. Solid Waste Disposal
The Brewster solid waste transfer station and recycling center is owned and operated by the town. The
Brewster Department of Public Works (DPW) is located on-site and has several buildings including a salt
storage shed and a highway garage with offices for DPW personnel. The former landfill is also located on-
site, and is shielded by dense, wooded vegetation that exists within the site boundary. The landfill
operations began in the 1940s and ceased accepting waste in 1998. The landfill was capped in 1998-1999,
and post-closure environmental monitoring (groundwater, surface water and soil gas monitoring) is
conducted by the town on an ongoing basis.
Brewster has been exploring ways to reduce the amount of solid waste that is ultimately landfilled
through recycling and composting initiatives. On October 1, 2013 Brewster started a unit-based fee
system (Pay-As-You-Throw-PAYT) for handling the disposal of non-recyclable waste. Only designated
yellow disposal bags are accepted for trash at the transfer station. These are available at local retailers.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 81
Such a unit-based system encourages more recycling by Brewster residents. It also places the costs of
disposal more equitably on those who create the waste.
At Spring 2019 Town Meeting, Brewster voted to ban single-use plastic bags. These bags may not be
offered by Brewster businesses to their customers starting June 1, 2020.
The Town has also changed their Transfer Fee Sticker System. Previously it cost about $100 per family for
a transfer station sticker, with those solely disposing of recyclables entering for free. Now everyone pays
$50 for a sticker, whether they are just dropping off recycling or dropping off regular trash.
10. Forestry Management
As mentioned in Section 4.C above, Brewster has relatively large areas of unfragmented second growth
pine-oak forest compared to other Cape towns. These second growth pine/oak forests have sprung up on
formerly cultivated lands that once were forested, prior to a number of instances of clearing. Many of the
pines and oaks are often 30 to 50 years old, are surrounded by younger trees of the same species and are
found on most undeveloped sites on the Cape. These forest communities continue to change as pines
mature and give way to oaks and other hardwoods.
Due to the maritime influence inherent to Cape Cod, these forests are subject to the damage caused by
salt exposure and intense wind events. Pines are especially susceptible to wind-throw, uprooting, crown
and branch damage. Most winter storms bring the Cape storm surges from the ocean. Periodic
defoliation of trees (especially Oaks) by forest insects such as the gypsy moth or the newly arrived winter
moth increases the exposure of sunlight to the under-story shrubs. This dry and acidic environment slows
the decay of organic matter and leads to accumulation of litter and duff. A report by the USDA Forest
Service indicates that Barnstable County, given its sandy soil, wind conditions and preponderance of pine
and oak trees, is as prone to wildfires as regions of California.
Residential development has increased within the forested urban interface area over the past two
decades resulting in more management issues. The forested land provides important habitat for many
wildlife and plant species and serve also as a water supply and recharge area for the town. Managing the
town forests for their conservation and water source values, as well as reducing wildfire hazards and
protecting public safety are priorities.
Brewster is fortunate to have a number of significantly sized (by Cape standards) unfragmented second
growth forests designated as protected open space. Brewster is moving forward with forest resource
management for these areas.
Punkhorn Parklands Conservation Are a
The Punkhorn Parklands Conservation Area, located in the southwestern corner of Town, contains over
800 acres of predominantly Pitch Pine forest, slowly being overtaken by hardwoods, mostly Black oak
with some White Oak. There are a number of small pure stands of Pine Barrens, home to a threatened
species, the Barrens Buck Moth. Important as a forest rebuilder, the Pitch Pine is slowly replenishing the
soil. Other species include American Beech, White Pine and Red Maple. The Punkhorn’s miles of trails
provide for long leisurely walks and possible glimpses of “forest interior” species, such as warblers, vireos,
cuckoos, tanagers and whip-poor-wills, that prefer to dwell in blocks of unbroken woodland.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 82
In 2006 the Wildland Fire Protection and Preparedness Plan for the Punkhorn Parklands Brewster,
Massachusetts was done by Caren A. Caljouw and Seth Wilkinson for the Town of Brewster and the Cape
Cod Cooperative Extension. This Wildland Fire Protection and Preparedness Plan was funded through the
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension in
cooperation with the Town of Brewster,
as part of a county-wide initiative to
address wildfire hazards on town-owned
or town administered open space tracts.
The Town of Brewster nominated the
Punkhorn Parklands as its highest priority
for wildfire assessment and preparedness
planning. It is Brewster’s largest
contiguous conservation property and
consists of mixed oak and pitch pine
forest, which contains highly flammable
and heavy fuel accumulations.
Residential development has increased
within this interface area over the past
two decades, warranting assessment of
wildfire risks and hazardous fuels.
Based on the primary management goal
to reduce wildfire hazards within the
Punkhorn Parklands through an
integrated and proactive land
management program, the following
objectives and strategies were
established.
1. Use prescribed burning and
mechanical methods to reduce
fuel loadings within priority fire-
prone areas of the Punkhorn
Parklands.
2. Maintain the integrity of dirt roads and access points to provide for rapid response, fire
suppression, and fire breaks.
3. Provide neighboring landowners with information regarding fire hazards and recommendations
to protect life and property from wildfire.
4. Employ best management practices during the course of vegetation management to maintain
and enhance biological diversity in varying seral stages of the vegetation.
5. Offer prescribed burn training opportunities on these properties, emphasizing basic wildland fire
behavior, fire suppression, ignition techniques, and safety procedures.
6. Develop prescriptions for priority fuel reduction zones and other management units.
7. Establish team of land managers and fire professionals for Punkhorn Parklands to determine
implementation schedule and guide management actions.
Trail in Punkhorn Parklands. Photo credit: Bonnie Newman,
Brewster Conservation Trust
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 83
All recommendations outlined in this plan could not be implemented immediately. Limitations of
technical resources, sequencing of actions, and limited funding resources required that priorities be
established. Those actions deemed most critical to reducing very hazardous fuel loads and providing for
public safety were to be addressed first. With grants received from Barnstable County the Town
purchased a tractor and equipment for mechanical treatment of areas in the Punkhorn staff has cut
vegetation in various areas to reduce fire hazards.
Nickerson State Park
Nickerson State Park, located at the eastern end of town, has over 1,888 acres of woodlands and ponds.
One of the most popular parks in the state, it has salt and fresh-water beaches, miles of trails for walking,
hiking and horse-back riding, 420 campsites, and boating and swimming access. The State has their own
fire management plan and Brewster does not participate, except to respond to any calls for fire
suppression assistance.
Mother’s Bog/Slough Road Woodlands
Mother’s Bog/Slough Road Woodlands comprise 80 acres off Slough Road. In 2012, using a grant from
Barnstable County, a DCR Forestry Management Plan was prepared by Joel R. Carlson, Licensed Mass.
Forester. This property is abutted by open space to the west and south. To the east and north are
residential areas.
Permitted uses and activates that pertain to forest management on the property include the
maintenance and use of roads and trails for passive recreational purposes, passive public recreational
use, development of limited facilities related to passive recreational use, the planting and cutting of trees
and shrubs and removal of invasive species when following an approved management plan and best
management practices, installation of water monitoring wells, and wildlife enhancement projects after
consultation with the conservation easement.
The property is located within the Town of Brewster’s Fire Management Suggested Focus Area 3, as
identified by the 2012 Barnstable County Wildfire Preparedness Plan, and is classified as being an area of
High Wildland Fire Hazard. Suggested management actions for Focus Area 3 are fuel treatments and/or
structural ignitability reduction strategies.
Portions of the property have been designated by the Massachusetts DEP as protected wetlands,
primarily in the area of the former cranberry bog. The Massachusetts NHESP has designated a small
section in the northern portion of the property as Priority Rare Species Habitat. Additionally, the
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has identified all of the property as being within the
BioMap2 Core Habitat, Critical Natural Landscape, Species of Conservation Concern, and Core Natural
Landscape Block designated areas. These are considered areas crucial to protecting the biodiversity and
land identified as critical to protecting the state’s long-term viability of rare species, common species, and
natural communities.
The trees on the property are predominantly pitch pine (Pinus rigida) and oak consisting of black oak
(Quercus velutina) and white oak (Quercus alba). Understory vegetation is primarily comprised of
blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) and scattered black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata). Forest health
is good throughout the property. No evidence of recent wildfire, significant wind events, or insect
infestations has been observed. Limited invasive plant species occur on the property.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 84
The primary property goals are to: protect water quality; promote biological diversity; enhance habitat for
birds; enhance habitat for small animals; enhance habitat for large animals; preserve or improve scenic
beauty; and reduce fire hazard.
Objectives (in part for various areas) include:
1. Maintain the current natural community type within its natural range of variability.
2. Allow to transition and mature into pine forest.
3. Reduce the presence of invasive species and maintain the current open field.
4. Allow to transition and revert back to a forest wetland system.
Management practices recommended to be done within the next 10 years include:
1. General Property Management: Identify property boundaries and prevent un-authorized
activities and encroachment.
2. Wildland Fire Hazard Reduction: Increase firefighter and public safety by decreasing wildland fire
risk in and around the property and reduce the threat of wildfire to property and life on lands
adjacent to the property using education and awareness programs. *Educate property owners
regarding defensible space, hazards of wildfire and prevention measures to protect life and
property. (200-250 residences)
3. Wildland Fire Hazard Reduction: Increase firefighter and public safety by decreasing wildland fire
risk in and around the property. *Improve dirt road access and egress for public and emergency
vehicles and reduced potential for erosion.
4. Ecosystem and Wildlife Habitat preservation.
5. Reduce Invasive Species.
Wing’s Island
Wing’s Island is north of Route 6A, on Paine’s Creek. Starting in 2004, the Town received a Wildlife
Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) grant from NRCS. Wilkinson Ecological Design mowed the field and
made 17 burn piles for a future burn as part of a habitat protection and fire prevention strategy.
In 2005, the Town was awarded a Barnstable County Land Management Grant for $7,500. The Town
hired Vince Olivier to supervise AmeriCorps and work with the Cape Cod National Seashore burn crew to
perform a prescribed burn. Twelve piles were burned along with 2.5 acres. Mechanical mowing was then
performed and the area was then seeded with warm season native grasses. Trail repairs were completed
with granite curbing and repairs were done to the boardwalk.
Since then, the Brewster Department of Natural Resources has managed the field, utilizing a tractor to
periodically mow the 10 acres, coupled with periodic controlled burns in coordination with Americorps
and the Seashore burn team.
Volunteers from Americorps, the Brewster Conservation Trust and the Brewster FLATS group have
worked to remove invasive species from this and many other conservation areas around town.
Bakers Pond Conservation Area
Bakers Pond Conservation Area is located west of Nickerson State Park and borders Bakers Pond, a
resource largely in Orleans. These 39.29 forested acres, another predominantly Pitch Pine forest, also
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 85
contain a 10.70-acre Cedar Swamp. No forestry management plan has been established for this
conservation area.
Sheep Pond Woodlands
Sheep Pond Woodlands, 52 acres located in the middle of town off of Route 137, adjacent to a State Cape
Cod Rail Trail parking lot, is another predominantly Pitch Pine forest. No forestry management plan has
been established for this conservation area. As funds are available over the next few years, the Town
anticipates completing a forestry management plan for all conservation areas.
11. Invasive Species
The Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG) defines invasive plants as “non-native species
that have spread into native or minimally managed plant systems in Massachusetts.” These plants cause
economic or environmental harm by developing self-sustaining populations and becoming dominant
and/or disruptive to those systems.
Already, invasive non-native organisms have contributed to the decline of 42% of our federally listed
threatened and endangered species (Nature Conservancy).
12. Environmental Equity
Brewster does not have significant populations meeting the income and minority criteria used by the
2010 MassGIS work that identifies and maps environmental justice populations for all communities in
Massachusetts. As described in Section 3.C.5, the criteria used for identifying environmental justice
populations include:
• Income – households earn 65% or less of the statewide median income
• Minority – 25% or more of residents are minority
• Foreign Born – 25% or more of residents are foreign born
• Lacking English Proficiency – 25% or more residents are lacking in English proficiency
There are no populations identified based on either minority classification or based on the income data
layer. However, there are certainly populations in Brewster whose income is at poverty level, 10.9% as of
2011 per STATS Cape Cod. According to a report entitled Monitoring the Human Condition 2009 prepared
by the Barnstable County Department of Human Services, the following populations of need are found in
the County, and in Brewster:
• Low-income young households with one to two children who rent their home and may receive
some financial assistance
• Low-income young to middle-age households with at most one child who rent, are homeless or
live in a group home
• Low-income young to middle-age households with no more than one child who rent, are
homeless or live in a group home. These households also may be cultural minorities, receiving
financial assistance, or chronically ill. This group is considered by the report as the most needy
among Cape Cod households.
There do not appear to be specific low economic population pockets, but populations may be spread in
all areas of town. In setting priorities and allocating resources for open space and recreation facilities and
programs the town has made sure that adequate open space and recreation areas are spread throughout
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 86
the town. Since the 1984 OSRP was first developed, there has been community involvement in planning
and environmental decision-making to maintain and/or enhance the environmental quality of all
neighborhoods.
Location of Conservation & Recreations Areas throughout Brewster:
• North West Brewster –Quivett Marsh Vista, Drummer Boy Park & Recreation area,
• South West Brewster – Mother’s Bog and Meetinghouse Road Conservation Areas, Punkhorn
Parklands
• Central Brewster – Sheep Pond Woodlands, Long Pond Woodlands Conservation Area, Stony
Brook and Eddy Elementary Schools Fields and Tennis Courts & Town Hall recreation fields
• North East Brewster – Bakers Pond Conservation Area
• East Brewster – Nickerson State Park
• South East Brewster - Read Kingsbury Conservation Area & Freeman’s Way Recreations fields
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 87
SECTION 5. INVENTORY OF LANDS OF
CONSERVATION AND RECREATION
INTEREST
The Captain’s Golf Course
A. Introduction
1. What is Open Space?
"Open space" refers to the “green infrastructure” of a community: undeveloped land areas that have
important ecological functions, natural resources, or cultural resources that are worthy of conservation
and protection. Such areas may contain, but are not limited to, forests, farmland, old fields, floodplains,
wetlands, and shorelands. Open space can also encompass scenic vistas, small parks, green buffers along
roadways, corridor parks, recreational areas, and historic sites. Open space is precious, and opportunities
to obtain open space lands decrease as time goes on.
Open space provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and education. Use of open space varies and
includes both active and passive recreation. Active recreation such as tennis, baseball, golf, and ice
skating, usually require special facilities and make intensive use of land. Passive recreation activities such
as hiking, fishing, bird watching, and picnicking take place in more natural parks. Such parks are used
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 88
extensively and demand is increasing. Passive activities increase public understanding of our relationship
to the environment and the value of protecting natural resources.
Agricultural areas provide pleasant scenery and are an important component of a community’s rural
character. They are well-suited for many types of recreational activities, as well as being very important
for wildlife habitat. In addition, agricultural pursuits, such as cranberry production, are often identified as
a key component of community character, especially in communities undergoing rapid growth. The
remaining farms in such communities take on added importance in defining community “place”.
Forested open space is a major renewable resource providing both commodities (e.g., wood products)
and non-commodity benefits (e.g., water resource protection, wildlife habitats). Forests have a significant
effect on the rate at which water will reach the ground, run off into surface waters, and infiltrate the
earth’s surface. They also act to moderate temperatures in their immediate vicinity. They can provide
nearby houses with cooling shade in the summer and can decrease the cold winds in the winter. Hence,
forests can reduce home heating and cooling costs to some degree. In addition, forests act as filters by
removing particulates and absorbing carbon dioxide from the air.
A rich forest wildlife habitat has a variety of vegetative cover types for browsing, resting, nesting and
hiding. Most animals inhabit several different landscape types, including meadows, dense underbrush,
and open woods, which provide food and shelter. The greater the number of interfaces between
landscape types, the greater abundance of wildlife habitat. Throughout much of Cape Cod, patterns of
forested land alternate with developed land, and give the overall region its rural character.
2. What is “Protected” Property?
The Town of Brewster has taken great effort to help preserve and enhance the quantity and quality of
open space and recreational holdings throughout the town. Protected open space or permanently
restricted lands include those acquired by conservation restrictions, trust and gifts, town purchases, and
tax takings. The town includes within its boundaries over 2,200 acres of large State and non-profit open
space and recreational holdings, such as Nickerson State Park, State acquired Camp Monomoy land,
Brewster Conservation Trust lands, Orenda Wildlife Trust and the Rail Trail. In addition, about 80
freshwater ponds cover some 1,700 acres. Other lands which enhance the open space in the town
include those which are associated with public buildings, e.g., Elementary Schools, Old Town Hall,
Fire/Police Station, Town Hall, Agricultural, and Chapter 61B land.
3. Importance of Protecting Open Space
There has always been a strong sentiment among Brewster’s residents to protect the rural small coastal
community atmosphere, the scenic and historic character. Preservation of open space has consistently
been a top priority since the 1970s. As land disappears, the town loses a portion of its character, history
and main tourism draw: open space and recreation areas. The preservation of agricultural and woodland
resources, historic sites and structures, and other remaining open spaces is a top priority, both as a
reminder of Brewster’s history and earlier character, and for protection of natural and scenic resources.
The value of open space can also be quantified in monetary terms. Aside from the obvious environmental
considerations, there are important economic benefits to open space such as the reduction of costs for
maintenance of additional infrastructure and services required by residential development; the cost
avoidance of the contamination of natural resources; property enhancements due to additional property
value adjacent to open space or permanently protected properties as well as retention of community
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 89
character. It is not uncommon for the value of building sites to be enhanced by 15 to 20%+ in the vicinity
of park and recreation areas (BNHM, 1998). The increased value to the landowner is also shared by the
municipality, because as relative property values are higher, then assessed valuations and tax revenues
will also be higher.
In addition, communities on Cape Cod increasingly consider the “opportunity cost” of losing open space
to development, especially residential development. An acre of open space can generate much more
revenue to the town than it “consumes” in town services, while an acre of residential development
consumes at least 15% more in services than it generates in taxes.
B. Private Parcels
Privately owned parcels include all land that is not owned by a municipal, state, or federal agency. These
parcels represent a large proportion of land in Brewster. This land may be used for commercial or
residential purposes. Private lands that have specific open space and/or recreation values are widely
considered the most valuable properties in town – financially, ecologically and socially – and are therefore
coveted for both development and preservation. In Brewster, and across the entire region, where vacant
developable land is relatively scarce and the competition for this land is intense, land values have
skyrocketed. Recognizing the need to prioritize land protection efforts, various initiatives and lists have
been developed over the years by conservation groups to help focus their efforts and money. Some of
these land protection initiatives are facilitated by local and state governments, such as the state’s
Wetlands Protection Act, Chapter 61 programs, the Cape Cod Commission and the town's Open Space
Committee. Others are run by regional private non-profit groups such as The Compact of Cape Cod
Conservation Trusts and its consortium of land trusts, including the Brewster Conservation Trust. For each
of these groups, land has been either loosely or systematically prioritized for protection based on
predetermined criteria. Most of these privately generated lists are confidential and kept behind closed
doors, used only for preservation purposes, in an attempt to avoid their potential misuse. Therefore, they
are not included in this Plan. Table 5.1 summarizes the private parcels that are considered significant for
open space and recreation.
Table 5.1. Significant Privately Owned Parcels as of 6-2020
Acres Zoning Condition
Recreation
Potential
Public
Access Protection
Golf Courses (195.06 acres)
South Orleans Road-Cape Cod
National 66.16 RM Good Yes Yes - fee No
Villages Drive-Ocean Edge 128.9 RL Good Yes Yes - fee No
Tennis Courts (0.94 acres)
Center Street 0.94 RM Good Yes Private No
Riding Stables (18.79 acres) Non-Chapter 61B
Commercial Street 3.01 CH Good Yes Private-fee No
Freemans Way 15.78 RR Good Yes Private-fee No
Youth Camps (201.96 acres)
Crowells Bog Road-Camp
Favorite-Girl Scouts 47 Good Yes Private - fee Partial-
Temporary
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 90
Acres Zoning Condition
Recreation
Potential
Public
Access Protection
Featherbed Lane-Camp Mitton-
Crossroads 30 Good Yes Private-fee No
Long Pond Road-Camp Wono 70.04 RM Good Yes Private-fee No
Main Street-Cape Cod Sea
Camps 54.92 RM Good Yes Private - fee No
Mini-Golf (0.77 acres)
Underpass Road 0.77 CH Good Yes Private - fee No
Chapter 61 Forest Land (22.35 acres)
South Orleans Road Rear-
Private tree farm (Grover) 22.35 RR/I Good No Private Partial -
Temporary
Chapter 61A Farm Land (129.99 acres)
Blue Jacket Way (Ahlstrom) 7.41 RM Good No Private Partial -
Temporary
Cranview Road (Casey) 5.45 RR Good No Private Partial -
Temporary
Cranview Road (Davenport) 22.67 RR Good No Private Partial -
Temporary
Eldridge Road & Western Eagle
Cartway (Allard) 14.89 VB/RM Good No Patrons Partial -
Temporary
Jackson Road (Caritas) 7.06 RR Good No Private Partial -
Temporary
Main Street (Brown) 8.53 CH Good No Patrons Partial -
Temporary
Main Street (CBI) 6.80 RM Good No Patrons Partial -
Temporary
Long Pond Road/Cape Lane
(Crocker) Commercial
Greenhouse
5.11 CH/RM Good No Patrons Partial -
Temporary
Long Pond Road (Mangelinkx) 5.0 RM Good No Private Partial -
Temporary
Main Street (Merchant) 5.0 RR Good No Private Partial -
Temporary
Point-of-Rocks Road /Cathedral
Road (Latham) 19.44 Good No Private Partial -
Temporary
Serenity Lane (Jenkins)
Namskaket Farm 21.12 RR Good No Patrons Partial -
Temporary
WH Besse Cartway (Eten) 1.5 RR Good No Private Partial -
Temporary
Chapter 61B Recreational Land (74.07 acres)
Hamilton Cartway (Malkus) 5.923 RR Good No Open Space
Private No
Lund Farm Way (Avery) 5.56 RM Good Yes Riding No
Main Street (Shady Knoll) 6.75 RM Good Yes Campground No
Harwich Road (Woodfield
LLC/Sweetwater Forest) 45.70 RM Good Yes Campground No
Run Hill Road (Sheridan) 5.0 RR Good Yes Riding No
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 91
Acres Zoning Condition
Recreation
Potential
Public
Access Protection
WH Besse Cartway (Eten) 5.14 RR Good No Open Space
Private No
1. Agricultural Lands
As identified in Table 5.1, there are several farm properties in Brewster, which are partially protected
under Chapter 61A. These farm properties include field crops, truck crops, cranberry bogs, and others.
The agricultural and horticultural land classification program under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter
61A is designed to encourage the preservation of the state’s valuable farmland and promote active
agricultural and horticultural land use. It offers significant local tax benefits to property owners willing to
make a long-term commitment to farming. In exchange for these benefits, the city or town in which the
land is located is given the right to recover some of the tax benefits afforded the owner when the land is
removed from classification and an option to purchase the property should the land be sold or used for
any purpose other than to continue raising farm products.
As of 2013, there were 61.52 acres under Chapter 61A Farm Land. As of June 2020, there are 129.99
acres, more than double. The Agricultural Commission is glad to see an increased and active interest in
farming and farmland preservation.
2. Forested Lands
As noted in Section 4, there are large areas of unbroken woodland in Brewster. Much of this is protected
within public conservation areas while other pockets are privately owned. As identified in Table 5.1, there
are about 22.351 acres of forested land in Brewster protected under Chapter 61. The forest land
classification program under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 61 is designed to encourage the
preservation and enhancement of the state’s forests. It offers significant local tax benefits to property
owners willing to make a long-term commitment to forestry. In exchange for these benefits, the city or
town in which the land is located is given the right to recover some of the tax benefits afforded the owner
when the land is removed from classification and an option to purchase the property should the land be
sold or used for non-forestry uses.
3. Private Lands Significant for Water Resource Protection
The entire Cape is significant for water resource protection due to the presence of a single underground
sole source aquifer and the abundance of surface water resources. Surface water resources include salt
and freshwater bodies and wetland habitats of all kinds. Map 7 identifies lands that contribute to the
town’s drinking water supply and are therefore significant for protection. Much of the land within these
contribution areas is privately-owned.
4. Priority Areas for Protection of Rare Species
As described in Sections 4D and 4E, Brewster is home to a number of rare and endangered plant and
wildlife species. The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) has mapped areas that
are considered priority and/or estimated habitat for these species. These areas are of critical importance
to the protection of rare and endangered species. Map 10 shows where these habitat areas exist in
Brewster.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 92
5. Conservation Restrictions and other Less than Fe e Interests
It is not commonly known that land purchased or designated and used for conservation purposes is not
always protected from development in perpetuity. The best way to ensure a parcel’s perpetual protection
is to place language in the deed to that effect. Such language is known as a “conservation restriction,”
and is one of the major land protection tools being used today. This conservation restriction may be
owned by a non-profit land trust or another non-profit organization including the town itself; it does not
necessarily have to be held by the owner of the land. In many cases, a land trust may hold a conservation
restriction on land that is owned by a private landowner or even on land that is owned by a town or state.
Conservation restrictions may vary in duration; to ensure perpetual protection, a permanent conservation
restriction is necessary.
Most of Brewster's conservation restrictions are held by the Brewster Conservation Trust, discussed later
in Section 5C. The State holds a Conservation Restriction on the Town-owned Quivett Marsh.
Conservation restrictions are the easiest and most reliable means of ensuring the perpetual protection of
land. As it has in the past, the town should work in conjunction with the Brewster Conservation Trust to
acquire conservation restrictions on all unprotected municipal lands even if they are currently designated
as conservation and recreation land and on any privately owned land that exhibits conservation values
including wetland resource areas.
6. Pri vate Recreation Lands
In 2013, there were 93.78 acres under Chapter 61B Recreational Land. As of June 2020, there are 74.07
acres. The reduction is due to two town purchases. One, 6.53 acres on the Robinson property, was part of
the Town’s 43-acre Long Pond Woodlands open space acquisition. The second change was the Town’s
purchase of 22.74 acres on Tubman Road, which had been the Basset Wild Animal Farm. This land was
offered to Habitat for Humanity Cape Cod to produce affordable housing. Six homes were built on Paul
Hush Way in 2018, with eight more being built in 2020.
Much of the listed recreational land is comprised of campgrounds. The recreational land classification
program under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 61B is designed to encourage the preservation of
the Commonwealth’s valuable open space and promote recreational land uses. It offers significant local
tax benefits to property owners willing to make a long-term commitment to preserving land in an
undeveloped condition or for use for outdoor activities. In exchange for these benefits, the city or town in
which the land is located is given the right to recover some of the tax benefits afforded the owner and an
option to purchase the property should the land be sold or used for any purpose other than to maintain it
as open space or for recreational use.
7. Other Resources, Estates, Major Institutional Holdings
Other private properties that offer recreational amenities include a variety of youth camps, horseback
riding stables and other resources (See Table 5.1). There are also 18 church-owned parcels in Brewster
with a combined total of 72.54 acres. These churches represent historic, scenic and in some cases open
space resources. Where appropriate, the town should seek conservation restrictions on the undeveloped
green areas of these church parcels.
In addition, the Ocean Edge Conference Center, housed in the former Nickerson Estate, more recently La
Salette Seminary, is a private resort facility that provides an excellent resource for community activities
including weddings, lawn parties, and other events. Its importance as a culturally scenic and historic
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 93
property cannot be overlooked and its continued protection and operation as such should be
encouraged.
8. Developable Land
The Town of Brewster commissioned a buildout analysis in 2012 in order to allow the community to test
existing regulations and envision its possible future when land is developed to the maximum extent
allowable. This analysis also identified lands that are most vulnerable to development. The buildout
analysis included two scenarios: a “baseline scenario”, remised on utilization of existing zoning, with no
consideration for environmental impacts beyond existing regulations, and a “smart growth” scenario, also
premised on utilization of existing zoning, but incorporating an innovative, environmentally-based
approach that promotes conservation and utilizes Cluster Residential Development. Both scenarios
identified about 15.23 acres of commercial development and 64.43 acres of industrial development
under buildout conditions. The baseline scenario yielded 718 new residential units, whereas the smart
growth scenario yielded 797 new residential units. However, the smart growth scenario identified 455
acres of permanently preserved open space utilizing Cluster Residential Development regulations, which
is over 100 more acres than that proposed under the baseline scenario.
The town does not have updated buildout numbers. The Local Comprehensive Plan process is tasked with
developing that data and it is in the initial stages.
C. Public and Nonprofit Parcels
The Town of Brewster has cooperated with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Brewster
Conservation Trust, The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, Inc., Orenda Wildlife Trust and
adjacent town governments and non-profits in establishing thousands of acres of land dedicated to
conservation in their natural state. A matrix of municipally owned conservation and recreation lands is
provided in Appendix D. These facilities are also shown in Map 12.
1. Town Conservation Commission Land and Facilities
According to the Town Assessor’s Database, The Brewster Conservation Commission owns and manages
about 822 acres of conservation land within the Town of Brewster. Properties owned and managed by
the Brewster Conservation Commission are summarized in Appendix D and depicted visually in Map 12.
The Town of Brewster also maintains at least 1,000 acres of “other municipally-owned and managed
conservation lands,” which are owned and managed by other town agencies, such as the Select Board.
Many of these lands have been managed and maintained by the Conservation Commission/ Department
of Natural Resources for years, even though they were not under their custody and control. The Town
reviewed the deeds and town meeting articles for all of these lands and many parcels were transferred to
the custody and control of the Conservation Commission. The Brewster Conservation Trust now holds a
Conservation Restriction on all the parcels that were transferred to the Conservation Commission. This
process is not quite finished yet. It is anticipated to be completed over the next several years, after which
all town lands will be under the custody and control of the correct department.
Esri, HERE, Garmin, INCREMENT P,
NGA, USGS
Quivet Neck and
Crowe's Pasture
Conservation Area
Brewster
Trails
Punkhorn
Parklands
John Wing
Trail
Spruce Hill
Conservation
area
Nickerson
State Park
D. Isabel Smith
Monomoy River
Conservation Lands
Hawksnest State
Conservation Lands
Paw Wah Point
Conservation Area
Bakers Pond
Conservation
Area
Eddy Bay Trail
Eddy
Sisters
Trail
Lee Baldwin
Trail
Calf Field
Pond Trail
Seymour
Pond Trail
Sheep Pond
WoodlandsJohn +
Kristy
Hay Trail
Captains
Golf Course
Cape Cod
National
Golf Course
Punkhorn
Parklands
Mant's
Landing
Drummer Boy Park
Saints
Landing
Point of
Rocks Beach
Ellis Landing
Linnell
Landing
Crosby Lane
Landing
Cape Cod Museum
of Natural
History
Brewster
Historical
Society Museum
Ocean Edge
Mansion
Crosby
Mansion
The Brewster Store
Stoney Brook
Grist Mill
Pine Grove
Cemetery
Brewster
Cemetery
Sears
Cemetery
First
Parish/Breakwater
Cemetery
Indian Spring
Old Town
Hall/Senior
Center
Captain Mayo
House/Brewster Ladies
Library
Cape Cod
Sea Camps
Cape Rep
Theatre
Brewster
Cottages
Community
Gardens
Paine's CreekWing Island
Breakwater
Landing
Spruce Hill
Pine Pond
Landing
Slough Pond
Landing
Schoolhouse
Pond
Elbow Pond
Upper Mill
Pond Landing
Lower
Mill Pond
Walker Pond
Herring Run
Seymour Pond
Sheep Pond
Long Pond
Landing
Mill Pond
Cons. Area
Long Pond
Woodlands
Bakers Pond
Windmill
Quivett
Marsh
Vista
Brewster
Flats
Meetinghouse
Road
Conservation
Mothers Bog
Eddy Bay
Trail
Overlook
Whale Rock
¯
0 1
Miles
Brewster Protected Open Space and Recreation Type of Ownership
State
Municipal
Non-Profit; Private
Public Access
Limited Public Access
Full Public Access
Parcel Boundaries
Trailheads
Adjacent Town
Map 12
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 95
2. Town Recreation Department Land and Facilities
The Brewster Recreation Department owns and manages two properties within the Town of Brewster: a
recreation area including a new outdoor tennis facility at Underpass Road (approximately 5.8 acres) and
athletic fields at Recreation Drive (approximately 26 acres). These Recreation Department properties are
summarized in Appendix D and depicted visually in Map 12. The Recreation Department also provides
recreation services and programs on a number of other properties, including but not limited to:
• Breakwater Beach
• Upper Mill Pond
• Long Pond
• Programs at the Orleans Ice Skating Rink
• Drummer Boy Park
• Eddy Elementary School
• Stony Brook Elementary School/White
Caps Baseball Field
• Nauset Regional High School (in North
Eastham)
• Nauset Regional Middle School
• Nickerson State Park
• Town Hall Fields
• Freeman’s Way Fields
• Gage’s Fields
• Finch Skate Park Orleans-Run by
Brewster, Orleans & Eastham (Town pays
$1,400/year to use) Nauset Together We
Can also facilitates a lot of fundraising and
improvements
• COA Building
• Tennis Courts
• Captain’s Golf Course
• Driving Range
Playground at Eddy Elementary School
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 96
The Recreation Department is made up of two full time staff members, the director and assistant
director, as well as year-round part-time staff and program instructors. During the summer, the
department employs an additional 30-40 seasonal employees. They host a website for information and
registrations at www.brewsterrecreation.com.
The Recreation Department offers a variety of recreation programs and activities for all ages, from
toddlers to seniors. Programming examples are provided as follows; however actual programs offered
may vary from this list.
Spring: Senior Fitness, Senior Striders, Senior Tennis, Adult Cardio Tennis, Pickup Basketball, Youth
Baseball & Softball, Youth Tennis, Farm League Baseball, Baseball Clinics, Lacrosse Clinics, Softball
Clinics, Soccer Clinics, Archery Classes, Track & Field, Kids Fitness, Ultimate Frisbee Program-grades 3-
5, Family Fishing Clinic, Tee Ball, Toddler Games, Brewster in Bloom 5K Run, Pickleball Clinics and
drop-in, DIY Projects, Men’s Basketball, Senior Games,
Summer: Summer Rec Program, Adult Tennis, Adult Fitness Boot Camp, Senior Tennis, Stand Up
Paddle-boarding (Youth & Adult), Yoga classes on the beach, Soccer clinics, Swimming, Youth Tennis,
Basketball, Archery classes, Baseball, Golf instruction, Kayak Rentals, Science programs, Playground
Program, Sailing (Youth and adult), Skippers-jump rope instruction, Baseball, Pickleball Clinics, Men’s
Basketball, Tennis, Swimming and Sailing Lessons, Mad Science Classes, Dance Instruction, Turbo
Tennis for Adults, Pickup Basketball, DIY Projects, SUP Classes, Track Program, Senior Tennis, Field
Trips to Orleans Skating Rink
Fall: Senior Tennis, Adult Tennis, Soccer, Youth Tennis lessons, Baseball, Skippers, Flag Football, Field
Hockey clinic, Golf driving range, Science programs, Adult & Youth Yoga, Senior Fitness, Senior
Striders, Pickleball clinics and drop-in,, Archery Classes, Run Club, Pickup Basketball, DIY Projects,
Men’s Basketball, Run, Pass and Kick Contest, Stony Brook Sports Month, Senior Games
Winter: Men’s Basketball, Senior Striders, Dodgeball, Floor Hockey, Youth Basketball, DIY Projects,
Handball, Pillow (grades1-2) and Floor (grades 3-5) Hockey, Bayside Skippers, Pickleball Drop-in
Program, Adult Basketball Drop-in Program, Pickup Basketball, Snow Shoe Excursion and Rentals,
Indoor Soccer and Futsal Programs, Breakfast with Santa, HotShots Competition, Yoga
Community Events: Breakfast with Santa, Ice Rink, Brewster in Bloom Events: Bloom 5K Run, Easter
Egg Hunt, Summer Kick Off Party, Movie Night by the Bay, Parents’ Night Out, HotShot Basketball
Shootout, Senior Games
3. Other Municipal Open Space and Recreation Land and Facili ties
In addition to the lands and facilities owned and managed by the Conservation Commission and
Recreation Department, there are lands and facilities owned by other municipal departments that serve
open space and recreation needs, such as:
• Cemeteries
• Brewster Water Department properties
• Council on Aging property
• Public beaches and landings
• Drummer Boy Park
• The Herring Run
• The Mill Site
• Captain’s Golf Course
• Public athletic fields and other recreation
facilities
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 97
Cemeteries
Brewster has seven cemeteries: Pine Grove, Brewster Memorial, Sears, First Parish/Breakwater,
Dillingham, Red Top, and Lincoln/Foster. Plots are sold through the Department of Public Works for
Brewster Memorial Cemetery, which contains an area for green burial as well as one for vaulted burials.
Four cremations may be placed in each plot, but only one headstone may be used or in the case of a
green burial site, a flat stone is used.
The Brewster Cemetery Commission is actively involved with restoration work in First Parish/Breakwater,
Sears, and Lincoln/Foster. There are no more plots to be sold in Pine Grove and returned plots will be
used as open space and not placed on the market.
Brewster Water Department Properties
The Brewster Water Department owns and manages approximately 363 acres of land in Brewster. Most
of this land has been acquired for protection of drinking water.
Council on Aging Building
The Council on Aging building, built in 1893 as the Town Hall, is situated on a 1.83 acre parcel. The
Council on Aging is housed in this building and it also serves as a recreational resource for seniors in
Brewster, offering social events, such as regular luncheons and educational courses and activities, such as
computer classes and gardening sessions. A Bocce court has been added on one side of the building. The
Council on Aging staff help link Brewster’s seniors to services and give support (Town of Brewster,
2013b).
Public Beaches and Landings
Access to the Cape Cod Bay exists along Brewster's shoreline, with several roads leading north of Route
6A to the beaches. There are ten (10) saltwater public beach/landing points, none of which have
lifeguards. The majority of these are less than 100 feet
wide and are maintained by the Brewster Department of
Public Works under the direction of the Town Manager,
Select Board, Conservation Commission, and the Natural
Resources Department.
The public beach/land points all afford spectacular vistas
of the flats and Cape Cod Bay, and include:
• Crosby Landing (Crosby Lane)
• Linnell Landing (Linnell Landing Road)
• Spruce Hill Beach (Main Street)
• Ellis Landing (Ellis Landing Road)
• Point of Rocks Landing (Point of Rocks Road)
• Breakwater Beach (Breakwater Road)
• Breakwater Landing end of Breakwater Road)
• Saints Landing (Robbins Hill Road)
• Mant’s Landing (Robbins Hill Road)
• Paine’s Creek Beach (Paine’s Creek Road)
Exploring at Payne’s Creek. Photo credit:
William DeSousa-Mauk, MA Office of Travel and
Tourism
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 98
• Wing Island Beach (Behind the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, off Main Street)
Brewster's shoreline is a six mile stretch of sandy/pebble beach. At low tide, the mud flats extend out
more than ¾ of a mile. Cape Cod Bay waters and beaches tend to be calmer than beaches on the south
side of the Cape. Recreational activity along Brewster's shoreline consists of boating, swimming, fishing,
shellfishing and other aquatic recreational activities. Town beaches require parking stickers from mid-
June through Labor Day.
The Town also has a number of freshwater beaches/access points:
• Long Pond (Crowells Bog Road) – beach, lifeguard on duty from July 4 through Labor Day
Weekend, daily from 9-4 PM
• Sheep Pond (Fisherman’s Landing) – beach and viewing platform
• Upper Mill Pond (Run Hill Road) – no beach, boat ramp and viewing platform
• Slough Pond (Slough Road) – access, no beach
• Walkers Pond (Slough Road) – access, no beach
• Schoolhouse Pond (Main Street) – access, viewing/fishing platform, no beach
Drummer Boy Park
According to the Assessor’s database, Drummer Boy Park is about 17 acres in size. As discussed
throughout this Plan, particularly in Section 4.E., Drummer Boy Park is a valuable conservation and
recreation resource for the town, providing opportunities for active and passive recreation. It is also the
site for regular public events, such as the annual Brewster Conservation Day, Brewster in Bloom, Fairs and
Farmers Market (on adjacent Historical Society property). The town is undertaking the process to update
the Master Plan for the Park, and evaluating improved access to Wing Island.
Herring Run
According to the Assessor’s database, the
Herring Run property is about 1.8 acres in
size. The town acquired the site in 1940
in conjunction with the Gristmill, and the
remains of Factory Village on Stony Brook
Road. The Millsites Committee oversees
the preservation of Brewster's historic
Gristmill, and the town-owned land and
scenic footpaths along Stony Brook. The
herring run is a popular destination for
both residents and visitors. The Alewife
Committee oversees the Herring Run,
with the assistance of the Natural
Resources Department.
Captain’s Golf Course
According to the Assessor’s database, Captain’s Golf Course is about 305 acres in size. The property
contains two 18-hole courses: the par-72 Port Course and the par-72 Starboard Course.
Herring run at Stony Brook Mill. Photo credit: John Phelan
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 99
Public Athletic Fields and Other Recreation Facilities
The town is part of the Nauset regional school system for Middle School and High School, both of which
are located in towns other than Brewster. There are two public elementary schools in the Town of
Brewster: Eddy Elementary School (approximately 29 acres) and Stony Brook Elementary School
(approximately 23 acres). The Eddy and Stony Brook schools provide large field areas for public use during
non-school hours. The Cape Cod Baseball League’s Whitecaps plays at a Stony Brook field. There is also a
walking/running path that surrounds this field.
There are also the following fields:
• Behind the Council on Aging/Fire Department
• In front of Town Hall
• Large playing fields off of Freeman's Way:
o Three baseball fields – two Little League fields, one Babe Ruth field
o One soccer field
Ballfield at Freemans Way.
Town of Brewster Cape Cod Pathways
The Cape Cod Pathways Project, sponsored by Barnstable County, encourages landowners to participate
in the creation of a linked system of walking trails throughout the Cape. This network relies on land
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 100
donations, easements, licenses and purchases. Its implementation requires the use of access easements
over some privately owned parcels and the acquisition of other parcels for their conservation values as
well as access to the Trail.
The Town has been supportive of the effort of the Cape Cod Commission’s Cape Cod Pathways project to
link trails to form a Cape-wide network and the town has completed most of a contiguous trans-town
path as part of the regional Pathways system. The town's Cape Cod Pathways Committee had worked
consistently over the last two decades to implement the Brewster Pathways Plan and Brewster
Department of Natural Resources has taken over the planning and maintenance of this important through
trail. Any privately owned parcels that are necessary to cross as part of the Cape Cod Pathways Plan
should continue to be considered a high land protection priority for their recreational value, as well as
their conservation value.
4. State Conservation and Recreation Land
State-owned land in Brewster includes the Cape Cod Rail Trail and Nickerson State Park. Nickerson State
Park in the eastern sector of the town provides a passive and active recreational facility of over 1,960
acres and is a favorite Mid-Cape destination spot. The park provides over 400 camp sites, eight miles of
hiking and bicycle trails, freshwater and saltwater swimming, interpretive programs, fishing and boating.
The park is owned and managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Nickerson State Park offers family outings, camping, hiking, swimming, and boating. There is a stocked
year round pond for freshwater fishing.
Roland C. Nickerson State Park was the first state park, or “state forest park” as it was originally called, in
the Commonwealth. The park was established in 1934 when members of the Nickerson family donated
approximately 1,727 acres to the state in memory of Roland C. Nickerson, Junior and Senior. All lands
were located south of Route 6A. Prior to the donation, the property had been used as the Nickerson’s
private game preserve (Edmonds 1988).
Development of recreation infrastructure began almost immediately after the park’s establishment; it
continued through the 1970s. In 1983, the park expanded northward to the shores of Cape Cod Bay. It
now included coastal resources and recreational opportunities. Also acquired in the expansion were
dozens of buildings, including the historic Crosby Mansion and Crosby House. Today, Nickerson is perhaps
best known for its campground, the largest in the Complex; water-based recreation, and for its
connection to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Coastal access is provided along the park’s approximately 4,200
feet of shoreline on Cape Cod Bay. The sandy beach and shallow, warm waters of the Bay make it popular
with beachgoers. Hundreds of acres of flats are exposed. Sections of the beach are closed s easonally to
protect state-listed beach-nesting birds. The beach is unguarded and there are no bathroom facilities.
Portable toilets are available seasonally at two adjacent municipal beaches; Linnell Landing Beach and
Crosby Landing Beach. There are no signs identifying the DCR-owned portions of the beach; they appear
to be extensions of Town of Brewster beaches.
The NSP Namskaket Sea Path, the first intertidal hiking trail in Massachusetts, extends from Nickerson’s
bayside beach in Brewster to the town-owned Skaket Beach in Orleans. It is passable only at low tide, and
requires wading across Skaket Creek and walking across at least 1,000 feet of flats. It lacks suitable
markers.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 101
The Stephen L. French Youth Forestry Camp is also located here. It is a Department of Youth Services
facility that contains a ropes course, administrative buildings, cabins, workshops, and sheds. The
Homeward Bound Wilderness Program is one of the oldest wilderness therapy programs in the country, it
is a highly structured 27-day outdoor experiential education program for court-acquainted adolescents
and is home based at the 26-acre Forestry Camp. The program is funded by the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Department of Youth Services and operated by the contracted vender, Accept Inc.
Approximately 216 youths participate each year. In operation year-round since 1970, Homeward Bound
continues to evolve and expand experiences for each participant. During the course of the program youth
learn to value their health, cook meals for
themselves, take responsibility for their
actions, practice household chores, run a 10K
marathon, team building skills, conflict
resolution, and much more. Instructors do
everything with the youth and are present the
entire time.
DCR leases the Crosby Estate to the town. The
1888 eclectic 35-room Crosby Mansion is the
centerpiece of Albert Crosby’s seaside estate.
The mansion, named “Tawasentha” was built
around Crosby’s childhood home, an early 19th
century Cape Cod-style house. It is managed
through the DCR’s Historic Curatorship
Program. The lessees, the town/Friends of
Crosby Mansion, rent the Mansion and three seaside cottages, using revenues generated to rehabilitate
the mansion (Foley 2015). The Friends have restored and rehabilitated the mansion over the years, with
the help of donations, grants, and town funds.
DCR also leases the Former Camp Monomoy to the Cape Repertory Theatre. Camp Monomoy started as
Camp Mon-O-Moy in 1922, boys’ camp, Camp Wono for Girls was added in 1939, forming the Cape Cod
Sea Camps. The camp was purchased in 1983 and added to Nickerson. In 1991, the Cape Rep was named
lessee of some of the camp buildings as well as the Cape House and Barn through special legislation.
Under the 25-year lease agreement, the non-profit theater uses the properties for theatrical programs
and performances. The Cape Rep has restored and rehabilitated a number of the buildings over the years,
with the help of donations, grants and town funds. The Cape Rep maintains buildings and grounds within
their control and offers six to eight plays per year.
There is also a 1.5 acre wetland parcel on Thad Ellis Road, purchased in 1993 by the MA Division of Fish &
Wildlife for permanent protection and the Brewster State Forest, 26 forested acres, located just west of
the Sheep Pond Woodlands Conservation Area. The Forest is bisected by the Cape Cod Rail Trail and
extends south to Sheep Pond.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail, which is over five miles long in Brewster, covers about 60 acres. This route, once
taken by the railroad, is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and
also runs through the Towns of Dennis, Harwich, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet.
Yurt at Nickerson State Park. Photo credit: MA Department
of Conservation and Recreation
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 102
5. Brewster Conservation Trust Land
The Brewster Conservation Trust was formed by citizens greatly concerned with the impacts of
development on the town’s natural resources. Although privately chartered (granted in 1983 by the
Mass. Legislature), it is a public organization with several hundred members. The Trust Charter states that
its purpose is to promote preservation of the natural and rural character of the Town of Brewster, the
establishment of sound conservation practices, and acquisition by gift, purchase or otherwise of real
estate of every sort and description.
Because of the nature of its formative charter and private financing (independent of tax dollar funding),
the Trust offers methods of land protection and acquisition which extend beyond limits governing town
agencies. There is a sliding scale of tax effects on Conservation Restrictions established by the Town of
Brewster Assessors, based on time length of the Restrictions. A summary of the land parcels owned and
managed by the Brewster Conservation Trust is provided in Appendix E.
6. Orenda Wildlife Land Trust
Formed in 1986, Orenda has acquired over 300 acres that are preserved as sanctuaries on Cape Cod and
in western Massachusetts. Orenda also protects hundreds more acres by holding conservation
restrictions on some parcels or charitable trust agreements with other land trusts on their land. Orenda
owns one parcel (27.46 acres) in Brewster. The Brewster Conservation Trust holds a conservation
restriction on this parcel.
7. The Compact of Cape Cod C onservation Trusts
Though the Compact does not own any lands in Brewster except for those it holds temporarily during
land acquisition proceedings, it contributes much in the way of land protection, including planning, land
management and land protection work. The Compact provides technical expertise to the town and the
Brewster Conservation Trust. It also shares a staff person with the Trust and maintains an office at the
Trust’s headquarters.
8. Camps and Sporting Clubs
There are several private non-profit camps and sporting clubs in Brewster that provide important
recreational facilities for kids and adults including:
• Camp Mitton-Crossroads
• Camp Favorite - Girl Scouts
• Cape Cod Fish and Game
• Brewster Sportsman's Club
• Cape Cod Sea Camps
• Dream Day Cape Cod
9. Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Brewster has some important museum sites that provide open space and recreation resources including
the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in west Brewster which offers indoor and outdoor programs
and activities including several miles of walking trails and extensive wetland resource areas. The John
Wing Trail (1.3 miles) leads across the saltmarsh, north to Wings Island and finally descends to the barrier
beach and Cape Cod Bay. To the south, across Route 6A, is the Lee Baldwin Trail (one mile) which runs
through the salt marsh, across Stony Brook to a large Beech forest. The Stony Brook Herring Run starts at
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 103
this marsh and runs all the way to the Upper and Lower Mill Ponds and the Millsites on Stony Brook Road.
The Museum owns a total of 73.24 acres.
Field walk during KidSummer nature program at
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. Photo
credit: Maureen Dwyer, MA Office of Travel and
Tourism
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 104
SECTION 6. COMMUNITY VISION
A. Description of Process
The Town pulled from several sources to understand the community’s vision for open space and
recreational resources. These included public input expressed during recent planning efforts as well as
specific engagement during the OSRP update process.
B. Previous Planning Initiative s
The Town of Brewster has conducted several planning initiatives that involved public engagement such as
workshops, community surveys, and stakeholder meetings. They are detailed in Section 2. These
initiatives created plans that the Town is currently implementing and using to guide local policies. They
support open space and recreation planning and it is important that the OSRP be consistent with them.
All of these plans informed Section 7 Analysis of Needs, and subsequently Section 8 Goals and Objectives.
They are incorporated into this OSRP by reference and noted as needed throughout the plan.
1. Community Survey
An online community survey was developed to understand the current open space and recreational
needs and opportunities in Brewster. It was first administered between April 13 and May 11, 2020. Due to
COVID-19 and social distancing orders, town buildings were closed, therefore, paper copies were not
available at that time. Town departments distributed to their email lists and local partners were asked to
share the survey via email to their memberships, including Council on Aging, Brewster Land Conservation
Trust, Nauset High School, Association to Preserve Cape Cod, Brewster Chamber of Commerce, and
others. The survey was also announced on Brewster Cable public television.
The survey was reopened from June 1 to 30, 2021. Because town buildings were open to the public on a
limited basis, flyers were posted in Town Hall and the Library and sent to local partners. Paper copies of
the survey were available upon request from the Department of Natural Resources.
A total of 600 responded to the survey. Below highlights the key findings of the survey and the full output
can be found in Appendix A.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 105
Cooperative land conservation efforts between
government and non-profits
Town purchase of land
Mandatory dedication of open space by
developers
Conservation restrictions/easements
Zoning that encourages open space
conservation
0%20%40%60%80%100%
What Town actions do you favor to preserve and protect open space? (Check all
that apply) (593 responses)
Expand bike trails and paths for recreation and
transportation throughout town
Expand pedestrian trails and paths for recreation
and transportation throughout town
Develop a town wide plan that includes all
existing trails and sidewalks, potential areas for…
Improve bicycling safety and information
Identify areas of improvement for existing trails
and sidewalks such as signage, safety, and lighting
Provide new active recreation opportunities
(seasonal and year-round), including those for…
Identify locations for new facilities such as, a
community pool, pickleball, volleyball, and…
Research potential ways to provide transportation
to recreation areas
Provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
access to existing fields and facilities
0%20%40%60%
What are the most important actions the Town should take in the next 5
years regarding open space and recreation opportunities and public
access? (593 responded)
Not At All Important
Slightly Important
Moderately Important
Extremely Important
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 106
Trail/boardwalk
to Wing Island
Fenced
children’s
playground
Summer events Pavilion Exercise
programs
Walking trails
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
What uses would you like to see at Drummer Boy Park?
(Check all that apply) (501 responded)
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 107
Inclusive playground
Better park/playing field/playground maintenance
Outdoor fitness equipment
Improved accessibility for handicapped or mobility-
impaired users at conservation areas
Improved accessibility for handicapped or mobility-
impaired users at recreation facilities
More children’s playgrounds
More neighborhood parks
Better parking at recreation facilities
More sites/facilities for adult sports
Better parking at conservation trailheads
More community gardens
More activities for teens
Management of wildlife and plant habitat
Better trail markers on conservation trails
Better signage at conservation trailheads
Better boardwalks on wet trail sections
Better control of invasive species and forest pests
More indoor recreation facilities
Dog parks
More trails for walking, hiking, running
0 50 100 150 200
Number of Responses
Select up to 2 improvements you would like the Town to pursue:
(495 responded)
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 108
Horseshoes
Curling
Amphitheater
Skateboarding
Ping pong and table tennis
Space to listen to music, use electronic devices in…
Volleyball
Dance classes/programs
Cross country skiing
Night-lighted facilities
Basketball courts
Boating (power)
Intergenerational programs
Outdoor track
Softball fields and programs
Baseball/softball fields
Kayak storage at public beaches
T-ball programs
Trail running
Sailing programs
Fitness trails
Picnic areas
Seniors, gentle exercise
Community gardening
Summer concerts outdoors
Conservation volunteering
Teen programs
Swimming lessons
Historic site interpretation (markers signage)
Playgrounds
Water bottle filling stations/fountains
Swimming, pond
Sidewalks
Herring run
Walking/hiking
0%20%40%60%80%100%
In planning for future open space and recreation, how important are the
following to you? (532 responded)
Extremely Important Moderately Important Slightly Important Not At All Important
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 109
2. Public Workshop s
As described in Section 2, on June 18, 2020, the Town held a virtual meeting to present the draft sections
of the OSRP for public comment. Draft materials were posted on the Town’s website and residents were
encouraged to email comments and questions in advance of the virtual meeting. The meeting presented
an overview of the OSRP, why the Town has a plan, needs identified in the community survey and
planning initiatives since the last OSRP update, and draft goals and objectives. Viewers could email
questions live. Draft materials remained on the Town’s website and comments were accepted through
June 26, 2020, a week after the virtual meeting. Comments received were incorporated into the OSRP.
A second virtual public workshop was held June 15, 2021. Because town buildings were open to the
public on a limited basis, flyers were posted in Town Hall and the Library and sent to local partners. It was
also promoted on the Town’s website. A presentation summarized the OSRP and encouraged residents to
take the community survey that was reopened. Town staff also answered questions from attendees.
C. Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals
The primary goals related to open space and recreation identified by residents are:
• Support the Brewster 2018 Vision Plan, particularly where it speaks to the Town’s open space and
recreational resources.
• Ensure that access to open space and recreational resources is equitable and inclusive to
Brewster residents of all ages and abilities.
• Create diverse opportunities for Brewster residents to be active and live healthy lives.
• Protect and enhance the Town’s natural resources to maintain the environmental, social, and
economic values and benefits they provide to the community.
• Continuously reach out to the public to understand community needs.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 110
SECTION 7. ANALYSIS OF NEEDS
This section provides an overview of open space and recreational needs for the Town of Brewster. They
are a compilation of public input from the recent planning initiatives listed in Section 2, public input
strategies described in Section 6 as part of the OSRP update process, and consultation with Town staff,
boards, and commissions.
A. Summary of Resource Protection Needs
1. Water Systems
Brewster’s commitment to the protection of marine and fresh surface waterbodies through a holistic
watershed approach has been, and will continue to be, integral to its success in protecting these
resources. The Brewster Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (IWRMP) serves as the Town’s
comprehensive guide to local water resource protection and contains a number of recommendations for
protecting marine and fresh surface waters. Strategies focus on nitrogen management for marine surface
waters, town-wide stormwater management, and short-term management strategies to reduce
phosphorus loadings to Brewster’s freshwater ponds. Phase III of the IWRMP included the assessments of
Pleasant Bay, Mill Ponds, Schoolhouse Pond, and Herring River. It will be important for the Town to
continue these efforts to ensure protection of its valuable surface water resources.
The following offers more detail on specific water resources in Brewster.
T own W ellfields Protection
Brewster’s drinking water supply is sourced from wells;
therefore, protecting wellfields is important to ensure clean and
safe drinking water. Respondents to the OSRP community
survey overwhelmingly supported preservation of land to
protect groundwater and drinking water (95%). The Brewster
Vision Plan recommends the Town should identify and acquire
more open space in critical areas around wellfields, educate the
public about threats to drinking water supplies in order to
prevent contamination, and improve zoning regulations in the
Zone II area. One of the recommendations that came out of the
March 2019 public workshop conducted for the MVP program was the development of back-up power at
the drinking water wells to provide critical infrastructure resilience to power outages during natural
disasters. Most respondents of the OSRP survey (84%) support the management of land dedicated for
public water supply protection.
Water Quality of Ponds
Ponds provide important habitat for aquatic life and are a great natural resource for residents in
Brewster. Nutrients in ponds are important for sustaining all living plants and animals in an aquatic
ecosystem. However, human activity and development cause nutrient levels to become excessive,
potentially fueling nuisance and invasive marine plant growth and degrading water quality. Primary
sources of pollutants include septic systems, and stormwater runoff from roadways and treated lawns.
What is a Zone II area?
The DEP-approved area of an aquifer
which contributes water to a well
under the most severe pumping and
recharge conditions that can be
realistically anticipated as defined in
310 CMR 22.00.
- Brewster Water Quality Protection
Overlay District, Brewster Zoning Bylaw
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 111
In addition to the work and recommendations of the IWRMP, the Brewster Vision Plan recommends
public education about fertilizer use, landscaping best practices, upkeep of septic systems, and
stormwater management. The Town should also review and strengthen its current policies and
regulations that can reduce pollutants in surface water, including septic system regulations and those
designed to meet state and federally mandated requirements to manage stormwater.
Water Quality of M arine Watersheds
Brewster's identity is tied to its small coastal community feel. Both the Town's marine and fresh
waterbodies are important to the region’s ecology, recreational opportunities, and economic health.
These resources provide not only critical habitat for wildlife and vegetative communities but also
contribute to the aesthetic beauty of Brewster. Coastal and freshwater resources, particularly the
beaches, also draw large numbers of visitors to Brewster each year, making them important for tourism
and local economic development. However, heavy use of the waterbodies and their shorelines, coupled
with development in watersheds, can result in unintended degradation of water quality and habitat.
Protecting the water quality of marine watersheds is not only beneficial to Brewster's residents but the
environment as well. The Town should continue protecting the marine watershed by upgrading town-
owned wastewater treatment systems and expanding the standards for development in sensitive marine
watersheds. Public education on what property owners can do to contribute to a healthy environment
can also enhance ecosystem health and promote environmental stewardship.
Shellfishing at Saint’s Landing Beach. Photo credit: Brewster Chamber of Commerce
2. Habitat Protection
Healthy and productive coastal and inland ecosystems and habitats have social, economic, and
environmental benefits. Open areas offer recreational opportunities to walk and experience nature,
wetlands improve water quality and absorb floodwaters, and forests improve air quality and reduce air
temperatures. Natural systems such as dunes and their vegetation can also help minimize the inland
impacts of storm surge during severe weather events. Healthy shellfish beds support the local economy
and businesses. Beaches and conservation areas attract visitors who also spend money at local
restaurants and shops.
These systems are not in isolation. Building and maintaining linkages between habitats and systems
support species that have both ecological and socio-economic importance. For example, species such as
herring move between watersheds and coasts while completing their life cycle activities and allow
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 112
researchers to measure ecosystem health. These links also provide opportunities for users to move
through open space areas as well, as long as there is a balance with habitat protection.
Inland and coastal systems are often threatened by pollution, overuse, and physical habitat alteration and
destruction, intentional or unintentional. A majority of respondents to the OSRP survey (83%) agreed that
it is extremely important to protect land for wildlife habitat and half (51%) agreed that it was extremely
important to protect land that links open space parcels.
The Brewster Vision Plan, Brewster Coastal Adaptation Strategy, and Brewster Coastal Resources
Management Plan outline several policies and strategies to protect the Town’s open spaces and coastal
resources. The Town should continue to work with its partners in protecting key properties with critical
habitat and built linkages. A review of municipal regulations can identify areas that can strengthen
requirements for stormwater management. Improving access to natural areas should minimize invasive
infrastructure such as boardwalks and parking that encroaches on environmentally sensitive areas.
3. Agriculture
Supporting local agriculture is an issue of regional importance, and a number of regional organizations
have been working to increase local agricultural activity and expand the amount of land available for
farming. There is an opportunity and community support to expand local agriculture to protect and
promote agricultural activities in the Town. When asked about agriculture in the OSRP survey, more than
50% of respondents noted that preserving agricultural land is extremely important. Taken together, more
than half of respondents felt that community gardens were “extremely important” or “moderately
important” (26% and 37% respectively). Just over half (53%) also identified farmers markets as “extremely
important” in planning efforts, with 34% felt it was moderately important. About 12% included
community gardens in their top two improvements the Town should pursue. The Brewster Conservation
Trust has a limited number of plots available for families at its 18-acre Lower Road field. The Town should
look for other opportunities to determine the feasibility and interest in developing community gardens
for residents on Town properties.
4. Climate Change and Natural Hazards
Natural resources, such as freshwater wetlands and coastal marshland, are the Town's first line of
defense against natural hazards, particularly severe weather and coastal storm events that bring wind,
rain, and storm surge. Natural features absorb rain and runoff, providing a buffer that can significantly
reduce damage to public infrastructure and private property. Natural coastal processes can also be
The community garden (65 plots for
families) and the children’s garden at
the Brewster Conservation Trust are
the only community gardens on Cape
Cod that are hosted on land trust
property. Photo credit: Brewster
Conservation Trust
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 113
disrupted by the impacts of climate change, which exacerbate threats such as coastal erosion, accretion,
sea-level rise, and storm surge.
Recent planning efforts by the Town assessed these issues with stakeholders and public input. Goals for
coastal management outlined in Brewster Vision Plan include adapting to climate change projections and
developing resiliency techniques that are financially and environmentally sustainable. The Vision Plan also
outlines the need for public outreach and educating
citizens and decision-makers about coastal change
and achieving the plan’s goals. Techniques such as
living shorelines are also highlighted as one way of
supporting and strengthening natural resources and
their role in adapting to and minimizing the impacts
of climate change.
During the MVP workshop, community stakeholders
reinforced the focus of Brewster as being most
vulnerable to coastal flooding/storm surge, sea level
rise, hurricanes or Nor'easters, and intense
rain/flooding. The outcomes of the Vision Plan,
Brewster Coastal Strategy, and Coastal Resource
Management Plan support the protection of natural
resources and mitigating impacts from these events.
Action items from the workshop also call for more
public education on preparedness and projects that
increase the Town’s resilience.
B. Summary of Community Needs
1. Coastal Public Access
Brewster's public beaches are popular with locals and visitors. However, access to beaches has been a
challenge for many people. In the Brewster Vision Plan, residents noted a strong desire to improve beach
access. In general, residents want to expand beach access to new areas, improve beach parking, and
Handicap accessibility. Access to public beaches, especially for residents in the summertime, needs to be
prioritized. In addition, amenities and considerations that improve accessibility to public beaches by
disabled populations should be implemented. It is important to make these areas accessible to all user
groups in Brewster.
The 2016 Coastal Beach Access Survey revealed that most respondents access the beach by driving. When
arriving, they often face challenges of lack of parking spaces and handicap accessibility. When presented
with the option of the shuttle, more than 60% of respondents noted the desire to take the shuttle from a
satellite location to the beach.
2. Recreational Opportunities
Recreation facilities are incredibly important for a healthy and vibrant community. These facilities provide
opportunities for residents to be active and to socialize with other residents. They are common ground
focused on inclusivity while fostering a culture of health and well-being in the communities they serve.
Ellis Landing Beach. Photo credit: Kelly Moore
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 114
Residents are looking for more recreational opportunities for all ages. The Brewster Vision Plan highlights
the need for more walking trails, bike paths, sidewalks, and a dog park. The Vision Plan also supports the
expanded utilization of Drummer Boy Park for recreational purposes, including the possible development
of a walkway to Wings Island. In the OSRP survey, over 40% of respondents noted that providing new
active recreation opportunities (seasonal and year-round), including those for youth (see more discussion
below under Targeted Populations), is very important. Respondents to the OSRP survey highlighted the
need for future open space and recreational planning should focus on walking and hiking trails,
specifically those that are accessible.
Residents also express a need for a community center in the OSRP survey as well as in the Vision Plan. A
center would add more space for indoor recreational activities as well as additional space for the Council
on Aging (COA) to expand its offerings. There may be opportunities to work collaboratively with
neighboring towns on a shared space or with a private entity like the YMCA.
The Town responds to these needs through different departments. The Recreation Department continues
to improve current programming, as well as expanding into other new programs for kids, adults, and
seniors. It has also expanded programming to alternative outdoor locations like various bay beaches,
ponds, and trails. The Department is looking to locate a new full basketball court with two hoops with
pickleball striping. It would like to update the current Drummer Boy Park Master Plan and is actively
applying for funding to support the update. The COA also continues to update its offerings and recently
installed a new bocce court.
More “passive” recreation is also supported. The Town recently updated its trail map and guide to include
all networks in one brochure. There are also ample opportunities for freshwater fishing in ponds
throughout Brewster.
3. Health and Wellness
Recreation and leisure activities are integral to our health and social well-being, and the Town is
dedicated to creating opportunities for Brewster residents to live healthier lifestyles. One of the "three
pillars" of the National Recreation and Parks Association is health and wellness, and the Brewster
Recreation Department echo those sentiments.
People look to the Town’s parks and open spaces as an outlet during stressful situations. Resource
advocates voice the importance of these spaces for physiological and mental health benefits, offering
opportunities to be active with our body, "unplug" our minds, and reconnect with nature. This was
amplified during COVID-19 pandemic, when the Governor issued stay-at-home orders from March to at
least May 2020, the time of the draft publication. Many found refuge by simply walking, biking, or
running,7 or being in their local park or open space.
Open spaces and parks are also important as community-wide resources because they provide places for
informal gatherings as well as organized community events and recreational programming.
The Recreation Department continues to improve current programming by offering more diverse
activities like yoga and fitness events that allow all age groups to be engaged and active.
7 https://kinder.rice.edu/urbanedge/2020/04/10/covid-19-era-renewed-appreciation-our-parks-and-open-spaces
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 115
4. Bike and Pedestrian Networks
Walkable neighborhoods have health, environmental, and financial benefits. When a community is
walkable and bikeable, it makes it easier to get around and fosters a greater sense of community.
Connecting resources with walking and
biking networks allows residents to
access areas without using their
vehicles, which helps reduce air
pollution and promotes healthier
choices.
Half of respondents to the OSRP survey
noted they live within a quarter mile
(approximately a five to 10-minute
walk) of a recreation or open space
resource, but 41% still drove their
vehicle to get to an open space or
recreational facility. There could be
several reasons for this. For example,
the type of resource near their home
may not be their destination, indicating
that desired recreational opportunities may not be equitably distributed in Town. It could also imply that
the resource near their home is not easy to walk or bike to.
Brewster residents support an increase in walking and biking amenities. This was articulated in the
Brewster Vision Plan and Biking Strategy Plan. Equally, responses to the OSRP survey also support the
need to expand biking and walking trails and paths for recreation and a way to get around Town. More
information about bike safety and finding opportunities to make it safer to bike in Brewster were also
important to survey respondents. More than three quarters felt it was either extremely important (55%)
or moderately important (26%) to address sidewalks in future open space and recreation planning. More
than half of respondents (60%) felt it is extremely important for Brewster to develop a town-wide walking
and biking plan that includes all existing trails and sidewalks, potential areas for expansion, trail
connections, and links to key recreation areas and bay beaches.
The Town has made a significant effort to improve walking and biking safety overall town-wide, and
specifically in accessing open space and recreational resources. New sidewalks along Mill Stone Road
connect Nickerson State Park to the Cape Cod Bike Trail and to a new affordable housing development.
The Town also advocates to Massachusetts Department of Transportation the inclusion of sidewalks
when it proposes improvements or maintenance to Route 6A and other state roads. It is important to
note that building a larger walking and biking network will take incremental projects. The Town continues
to identify gaps and will prioritize areas that connect residential areas to parks and open spaces and other
destinations. And as sidewalks, paths, and other connections are made, it is also important to incorporate
other amenities such as benches, trash receptacles, and bike racks.
Cape Cod Rail Trail in East Brewster. Photo credit: John Phelan
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 116
Developing and adopting Complete Streets principles into a town policy is one way Brewster can increase
walking and biking amenities. Complete Streets principles consider all modes of transportation (walking,
biking, driving, and public transportation) in a development project and integrate these modes into a
larger town-wide network. Adopting these principles creates a safer way to travel through town for
people of all ages and abilities. Implementing Complete Streets principles are shown to have safety,
environmental, economic, and public health benefits.8 Through their Complete Streets Program, the
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)9 has a variety of technical resources and
funding opportunities to assist communities in developing local Complete Streets priorities and
implementation. There is a three-tiered process that must be met to be eligible for funding. In January
2020, the Brewster Select Board adopted a Complete Streets policy. For Tier 2, the Town must assess the
needs, safety, and network gaps in its transportation network and prioritize projects for funding (Tier 3).
Safety and network gaps between residential areas and open space and recreation resources should be
part of that assessment.
5. Ecotourism
Ecotourism refers to immersing oneself into
the culture of the place you are visiting. In
Brewster, visitors experience the
community by walking its conservation
areas, biking its trails, fishing on its
freshwater ponds, and visiting its beaches.
These visitors in turn support local
businesses like restaurants, lodging,
museums, and shops. The Brewster
Chamber of Commerce advocates for
ecotourism and promotes sustainable
travel that brings visitors but leaves a small
footprint on the natural environment. The
Vision Plan also recognizes the importance of the Town’s natural beauty and resources to the
community’s economic base. The Town partners in this effort by protecting and maintaining its open
space and recreational resources through the diverse policies and programs discussed throughout this
OSRP.
6. Target Population s
Different user groups have different needs and preference for recreational facilities and programming.
Age, culture, ability, and other population characteristics should be considered when planning for
recreation and open space. To ensure the Town is inclusive with its planning and development of
programs, residents want to focus on the needs of specific populations in the community.
8 https://smartgrowthamerica.org/program/national-complete-streets-coalition/what-are-complete-streets/.
Obtained January 6, 2017.
9 http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/DoingBusinessWithUs/LocalAidPrograms/CompleteStreets.aspx .
Obtained January 6, 2017.
Cape Cod Sea Camps. Photo credit: John Phelan
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 117
Youth and Families
Creating recreational programs and activities for the Town's youth is an opportunity to promote youth
development and show them they are valued in the community.10 Activities allow young people to foster
positive social relationships with adults and other youth, learn conflict resolution, and value civic
engagement. More than half of respondents to the OSRP survey felt it was either very important (32%) or
moderately important (31%) that future planning of open space and recreation include teen
programming. Several comments addressed the need for activities and space for teens and young adults,
including those with disabilities. During the Vision Plan, students expressed the need for more active
recreation such as sports fields, courts, and a skate park.
There are various ways to get the youth involved in recreational programs. The Council on Aging Action
Plan discusses intergenerational programming as a way to connect older adults with younger generations.
The Recreation Department is continuously developing new programs to try to capture younger
residents. Summer programs include tennis, archery, and track and field. Teens are also eligible for
season employment through the Department as lifeguards and instructors.
As the Town sees an increase of its affordable housing base, it will also see an increase in young families.
Whenever possible, the design of these new developments should incorporate elements of open space,
recreational amenities, walking and biking infrastructure, and community gardens. Walking and biking
links to neighboring open space and recreational resources should also developed to build the overall
network, as discussed earlier.
Aging Population
Community programs for seniors provide personal and health benefits, allowing them to stay physically
and socially active. Nearly half of Brewster’s residents are over the age of 60. The Brewster Council on
Aging developed an Age-Friendly Action Plan that outlines several initiatives to improve services to the
Town’s older residents. Recreational goals include offering a full range of exercise and fitness activities
that meet the needs and preferences of a diverse group, from low to high intensity. As noted above,
there is a desire to explore intergenerational programming between older adults and youth through the
Recreation Department.
People with Disabilities
A committed to promoting outdoor recreational facilities that are free of barriers and open to all
throughout Brewster is important. In the OSRP, over 40% of residents noted that providing Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) access to existing fields and facilities is extremely important. An ADA Self
Evaluation was conducted as part of the OSRP update and can be found in Appendix F. The All Access The
evaluation includes priorities for updating facilities to make them more accessible over the long-term.
C. Management Needs, Potential Change of Use
1. Recreation al Facilities and Programming
Maintenance of recreational facilities, such as ballfields, courts, playgrounds, and parks, is done through
the Department of Public Works. The Recreation Department, with guidance and support of the
10 https://www.nrpa.org/globalassets/research/witt-caldwell-full-research-paper.pdf
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 118
Recreation Commission, is responsible for developing recreational programming, staffing, and
management and coordination of facility usage.
The Town works to ensure that its recreational facilities
are well maintained and appropriately staffed on a
regular, continuous basis. Overall, respondents to the
OSRP survey felt that maintenance of Brewster’s open
space and recreation areas was average (39%) or above
average (43%). Failure to ensure upkeep of facilities,
even for short-term reasons, can have long-term
implications that decrease public safety and support,
and adversely impacts the public recreational
experiences.
When financial and technical resources are limited, the
Town can use creative ways to ensure proper
maintenance levels. One example is through
partnerships with local community groups, leagues,
clubs, and businesses through an “adopt a spot” or
“adopt a park” program.
Expanding recreational programming that include new
activities or building upon growing demand for existing
will also require additional resources. Respondents to
the OSRP survey highlight many new programs and
activities they would like to see, including areas dedicated for dogs, a community center, and walking and
biking amenities, including benches. These and other suggestions will need to be assessed for feasibility
based on available space (or land if a new facility), construction costs (if new or redevelopment of an
existing facility), equipment costs, and needed staff, among other factors.
2. Conservation Area and Natural Resource Management
There are several municipal departments, boards, and commissions that support the health and
protection of the Town’s natural resources, but two are highlighted here as leads for conservation area
and natural resource management efforts. Brewster’s Natural Resources Department is currently staffed
by a Director and two Shellfish and Natural Resource Officers. The Department oversees shellfish
propagation and regulations for commercial and non-commercial shellfishing. It also leads Town efforts
related to coastal resource management and protection. The Conservation Department is staffed by a
Conservation Administrator and Department Assistant. It is responsible for the administration of the
Town’s wetlands protection bylaws and regulations and open space planning and management. The
Department also provides staff support for the Conservation Commission.
Recognizing that staffing is limited in these departments, the Town relies on partnerships for the upkeep
and management of the conservation areas and natural resources:
• The Brewster Conservation Trust is a non-profit land trust that owns land and conservation
restrictions in Town with a goal of preserving open space, natural resources, and the rural
character of Brewster.
Playground at Stony Brook Elementary School.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 119
• Brewster Flats works with the Natural Resources Department and helps maintain Brewster’s open
space and recreation areas.
These groups along with local scouts and other civic and community groups help to maintain trails, trail
markings, and clean-up of public open spaces. More than half of respondents to the OSRP survey
indicated that conservation volunteering was either extremely important (30%) or moderately important
(39%) in future planning of open space and recreation.
The Town continues to express the need to establish a separate land manager/park ranger position in
order to more effectively manage and patrol open space areas. A land manager/park ranger and staff
would be able to manage a number of areas, including having the responsibility for maintaining trails and
providing “on-the-spot” education and outreach to the public. A visible Town presence on public lands
would be an asset and would help promote environmental stewardship as well as enforce regulations
related to public open space areas. This could start as a volunteer position to demonstrate its value and
garner public support as a permanent municipal staff position.
Property management plans can also be an important tool that outline specific needs of a conservation
area and outline strategies to ensure the long-term health of the environment and maintenance of user
amenities. The Town has undertaken several initiatives that create resource management plans and there
may be opportunities to focus on specific conservation or recreational areas to address unmet
maintenance or management needs.
3. Climate Change and Natural Hazards
Preparing for the impacts of natural hazards and climate change involves all municipal departments in a
coordinated effort, many more than those that participate in open space and recreational planning. As
shown in the studies and reports outline in Section 2, the Town has made it a priority to be more resilient
to these challenges. The Town is also in the process of writing its Hazard Mitigation Plan, which will be an
important document in planning for natural hazards like intense and severe storms, heat waves,
tornados, earthquakes, and other events. Actions from all these efforts range from public education to
infrastructure investments. The Town should continue with these planning efforts and remain vigilant in
keeping current on best practices and new data as they become available.
As noted earlier, natural resources and processes, while impacted by climate change, can also build
resilience. The Town continues to ensure their health and productivity to maintain their values and
functions through local regulations, conservation efforts, and mitigation and enhancement projects.
Broadly, strategies include:
• A review of local bylaws and regulations to ensure they meet anticipated impacts of sea level rise,
more intense and frequent storm events, and more extreme precipitation and temperature
cycles, among other projections.
• A review of stormwater management infrastructure to identify opportunities to incorporate more
natural features (“green infrastructure”) to slow and collect rain runoff during storms.
• Find natural areas, such as wetland or dune systems, that would benefit from preservation and
enhancement to maintain and support their ecological functions that build resiliency (“living
shorelines”).
• Monitor changing environmental conditions, including coastal areas, aquifer resources,
floodplain, and wetlands, among others.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 120
Approaches that focus on natural resources go hand in hand with other adaptive strategies to improve
roadways and utility infrastructure and policies that promote development with less impervious surfaces,
for example.
4. Open Space and Recreation Planning R elated to Pandemics
The COVID-19 pandemic, which is still ongoing as this OSRP is updated, has impacted all residents, but
certain groups in our communities are more at risk, including people 65 years and older, those with
chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, and those struggling with
mental health issues. Lower income residents, communities of color, and persons with disabilities are also
more likely to experience hardships as a result of the pandemic. The inequities of these impacts arise
from many existing socioeconomic conditions, particularly barriers to access health care, quality housing,
healthy foods, and even quality open space and recreational opportunities, among others. During the
pandemic, Executive Orders from the Governor closed essential businesses and places to the public,
including state and local parks and recreational areas. Understanding the importance of these resources
for physical and mental wellbeing, residents still sought out opportunities to be active and be in natural
settings.
The pandemic provides an opportunity to look at open space and recreational planning with a new lens.
What are ways to keep programming and services available to residents while ensuring public health and
safety during situations that warrant social distancing? During these times, can the Town continue to
engage residents, particularly those that are most vulnerable and struggle in social isolation? What are
ways to make our parks and public spaces safe if social distancing is required? How do we design future
parks and spaces with these situations in mind? The National Recreation and Park Association discusses
these issues and challenges recreation professions to be creative and innovative while ensuring equitable
access for all residents.11 Not experiencing these issues alone, Brewster can work with its regional
partners to share ideas, lessons learned, and resources. Advocating that parks and recreational areas are
essential for overall community public health should be discussed.
In the immediate future, the Town is working to maintain parks, conservation areas, and other municipal
facilities and their ability to serve the public. Ensuring public health and safety requires limiting visitors to
places like beaches and enforcing safe social distancing.
The Cape Cod Reopening Task Force is assisting regional communities in these efforts. While the number
of visitors is expected to be lower, projections from a survey of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
visitor database (May 2020) indicates that about 67% say they will return the summer of 2020. This
reduced volume impacts not only the business community but the revenues to the Town associated with
user fees at its beaches and parks.
D. Regional and State -Identified Needs
1. C ape Cod Commission
The Cape Cod Commission’s (CCC) 2018 Regional Policy Plan (RPP) outlines policies and objectives to
guide development and protect natural resources and open spaces on Cape Cod. The RPP and Brewster
have shared goals and needs for the protection of these resources.
11 https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/Three-Pillars/health-wellness/coronavirus-disease-2019/
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 121
The 2018 RPP identifies Natural Areas as generally the region’s least developed and most sensitive areas.
These identified areas comprise natural shoreline, barrier beaches, banks, and dunes, areas with highest
habitat value and natural landscapes, undeveloped lands in wellhead protection areas, buffers to
wetlands and vernal pools, and undeveloped areas subject to flooding. The vision for Natural Areas is to
minimize adverse development impacts to sensitive resource areas, to preserve lands that define Cape
Cod’s natural landscape and contribute to its scenic character, and to improve the Cape’s resilience to
severe storms and the effects of climate change. Natural Areas are lands with the highest significance for
resource protection or conservation and are appropriate for permanent protection through acquisition
and conservation restriction or for transfer of development rights to less vulnerable areas.
In the 2018 RPP, the CCC recognizes that the open space of the Cape is critical to the health of the
region’s natural systems, economy, and population. Open space provides habitat for the region’s diverse
species and protection of the region’s drinking water supply. Wooded open space provides a carbon sink
for mitigating the impacts of climate change, both through the storage of carbon that would otherwise be
lost to the atmosphere through development, and through the carbon-absorbing capacity of trees. Open
space contributes significantly to the natural and rural character of the region and supports key
industries. The beaches, farms, woodlands, and marshes of the Cape provide recreational outdoor
activities that attract visitors and residents to the region and provide the necessary land and resources for
the Cape’s agricultural activities.
According to the CCC’s 2018 RPP, “An analysis conducted using 2012 assessor’s data showed that
protected open space comprises approximately 40% of the Cape’s more than 230,000 assessed acres. The
protected land includes federal, state, and local holdings, which vary widely in their amounts by town. In
total, Cape towns hold more than 30,000 acres of protected open space. In addition to government
entities, private land trusts have been critical in protecting open space as well.”
Finally, the CCC completed its Green Infrastructure Mapping project.12 The Pine Barrens Partnership,
including members representing local, regional, and state government and non-profit partners, identified
lands within the Pine Barrens Ecoregion that are priorities for conservation and management. The Pine
Barrens Ecoregion includes all of Cape Cod, the Islands, and several towns in southeastern Massachusetts,
and comprises an area sharing common geology and habitats. The “Green Infrastructure Map” includes
BioMap 2 Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscapes, lands that will allow for habitat resiliency as the
climate changes, and coastal and riparian areas that are prone to flooding. CCC is an active partner in this
project and worked with stakeholders to finetune the map.
2. Massachusetts Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
(201 7 )
The 2017 Massachusetts Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) was developed by
the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The SCORP is a planning
document that assessed the availability of recreational resources and the needs of residents throughout
the state as a way to identify gaps. It is also one method of how states meet multiple goals of the National
Park Service and remain eligible for funding from the National LWCF (LWCF). In Massachusetts, EEA
administers LWCF grants to Commonwealth communities with approved Open Space and Recreation
12 Conserving the Massachusetts Coastal Pine Barrens:
https://cccommission.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=8fe34c4ea57c45f482cf0e628a648e8a
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 122
Plans. Grants can be used for activities that address recreation and open space needs, including land
acquisition for conservation or recreation purposes or park renovation.
The development of the latest SCORP involved an extensive public outreach process, including regional
public meetings and surveys. Surveys targeted specific groups: recreation users, municipal employees,
land trusts, and middle and high school students. Through the public participation process, four outdoor
recreation goals were developed for the 2017 SCORP. The goals are:
1. Access for Underserved Populations
2. Support the Statewide Trails Initiative
3. Increase the Availability of Water-based Recreation
4. Support the Creation and Renovation of Neighborhood Parks
The following provides an overview of the SCORP findings.
Recreation Users and Youth
Through the surveys, most recreation users said outdoor recreation was very important to them for
physical fitness, mental well-being, and being close to nature. When asked why they visited a specific
outdoor recreation facility, most responded that it was closest to their home. About three-quarters of
survey respondents had a park or conservation area within walking or biking distance to their homes, but
more than half drove. Lack of time was the number one reason why respondents did not visit outdoor
recreation sites more frequently. Most respondents to the survey felt that programming at a facility was
somewhat or very important, particularly for seniors, young children (4 to 12 years old), and teens. The
most popular recreational activities respondents engaged in over the past 12 months were water-based
recreation (boating, swimming, etc.) and trail-based recreation (hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, etc.).
Desired amenities or activities were more trails, inclusive playgrounds for all young children with all
abilities, and more water-based recreation.
The most popular activities for middle and high school-aged youth were team activities like soccer,
lacrosse, and football. Teens favored swimming, hiking, running/jogging, walking, and road biking. Youth
and teens frequented outdoor recreation facilities closest to where they lived, and popular reasons why
they visited these sites were for fun and enjoyment, spend time with friends and family, and to be
outside. Lack of time, weather, and use of the Internet were primary reasons why younger respondents
did not visit facilities or participate in recreational programming. Desired amenities were more
recreational sites close to home, more equipment at sites, and providing spaces that are “just for kids my
age.”
Similar concerns and desires were expressed in Brewster. Water-based activities and walking and biking
are very popular. Residents want more amenities to get around without a car. Many live near open space
and recreational resources but walking and biking to these spaces from their neighborhoods is not
considered safe. About one quarter of the community survey respondents felt that youth between 13 and
17 years were not well-served by Brewster’s open space and recreation opportunities.
Municipal Employees
Municipal land and conservation staff were asked about the types and quality of resources available to
their residents. Out of 351 communities, 58 municipalities (17%) responded to a survey. Most responses
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 123
(about one third) came from local conservation commissions followed by parks and recreation
departments. More than half (69%) of respondents had part- or full-time recreation staff and 82% had
part- or full-time conservation staff. The SCORP noted that this demonstrates that communities are able
to provide many types of outdoor recreation facilities for their residents. Important factors to consider
when determining a community’s staffing and financial capacity to provide quality resources and
programming are the number of sites a community has, the types of amenities offered a t each site,
regular maintenance required, and the size of the sites, among other attributes.
About half of the respondents offered more than nine programs annually. Those providing less focused
on activities that connected children to the outdoors. Only 16% responded that they offered more than
four activities per year for people with disabilities.
Highest priorities for funding in the next year were for playgrounds, ball fields, community or regional trail
systems, and improving pedestrian access to parks such as sidewalks and safe road crossings. This is
consistent with responses from recreational users and youth groups.
In Brewster, biggest needs are also focused on the capacity of department staff and sustainable funding
for investments in recreational facilities and programming and open space acquisition and management.
There is a heavy reliance on local volunteer groups and organizations for maintenance and upkeep.
Ensuring accessible resources is important for the Town and departments coordinate with the All Access
Committee on priorities.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 124
SECTION 8. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals and objectives described in this section are the long-range aspirations of the Town of Brewster
for the protection of natural resources and provision of recreational opportunities for its citizens and
visitors. The objectives listed here are conceptual steps that need to be undertaken in order to achieve
these goals. The specific actions required to implement these objectives are contained in Section 9, The
Seven-Year Plan.
The goals and objectives are the results of input from the community through the community survey,
public meeting, and review by various town boards, committees, and departments. They also capture the
goals of recent planning initiatives discussed in Section 2 and are consistent with the 2018 Cape Cod
Commission Regional Policy Plan and the 2017 Massachusetts Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan.
Goal 1. Protect the Town’s drinking water supply to meet the needs of residents and visitors today
and in the future.
Objective 1.A. Acquire open space for the purpose of protecting existing and future wellhead
sites.
Objective 1.B. Protect existing public supply wells from land-based sources of contamination.
Objective 1.C. Coordinate wastewater management planning efforts with protecting drinking
water resources.
Goal 2. Provide open space and recreation opportunities that maintain Brewster’s rural character and
small coastal community identity and support a sustainable local economy as a center for ecotourism.
Objective 2.A. Acquire and preserve lands with significant scenic, historical, cultural and/or
archaeological value.
Objective 2.B. Acquire and protect upland wooded, open field, coastal, and wetland parcels
that preserve and enhance community character.
Objective 2.C. Promote sustainable, community-based agriculture, and aquaculture practices.
Goal 3. Preserve and enhance habitat diversity and protect marine and fresh surface water resources
to maintain their important ecological functions and values to the community.
Objective 3.A. Protect marine and freshwater resources from pollution and degradation.
Objective 3.B. Protect open space for the purpose of preserving Brewster’s unique and fragile
ecological habitats and augment the Town’s network of wildlife corridors.
Objective 3.C. Acquire, preserve, and enhance natural areas to mitigate natural hazards and
increase Brewster’s resilience to climate change impacts, including projected sea
level rise.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 125
Objective 3.D. Increase public awareness of the importance of natural resource protection,
conservation management, and the impacts of climate change and natural
disasters to promote environmental stewardship.
Goal 4. Provide a variety of recreation and open space opportunities to promote healthy and active
lifestyles for Brewster residents, ensuring equitable access for all users and abilities.
Objective 4.A. Acquire and protect lands of recreational value.
Objective 4.B. Increase public access to marine and freshwater resources in a manner that is
compatible with the protection of these resources.
Objective 4.C. Ensure equitable access and usage of open space and recreation areas to all
Brewster residents and visitors.
Objective 4.D. Use a comprehensive approach for recreation land management.
Objective 4.E. Consider new programming and facilities to meet changing preferences and
needs of the community.
Objective 4.F. Enhance walking and biking opportunities that connect residential areas with
open space and recreational resources.
Objective 4.G. Plan for future pandemics that impact access to open space and recreational
resources.
Goal 5. Support coordination and communication of regional open space and recreation needs.
Objective 5.A. Coordinate the protection of drinking water resources with neighboring towns.
Objective 5.B. Participate in regional efforts to protect marine and fresh surface water
resources.
Objective 5.C. Participate in regional wastewater management planning.
Objective 5.D. Collaborate with neighboring communities and the region to increase
connectivity of multi-modal paths that cross jurisdictional boundaries.
Objective 5.E. Increase communication and collaboration with local stakeholders, neighboring
communities, and the region to investigate opportunities for shared open space
and recreation resources.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 126
SECTION 9. 7 -YEAR ACTION PLAN
This Action Plan is intended to guide future planning efforts to protect natural resources, acquire open
space, and improve recreational opportunities for the next seven years (2027). It is designed to
implement the goals and objectives outlined in Section 8 and to address the needs identified in Section 7.
The Action Plan is also intended to be consistent with other local plans, specifically those outlined in
Section 2, and, to the extent practical, the Cape Cod Commission Regional Policy Plan. Map 13
geographically depicts the desired outcome of the proposed Action Plan.
The Open Space Committee is responsible for overseeing the management and implementation of the
Action Plan with the support of numerous Town departments, boards, and committees and help from
private and non-profit stakeholders, and regional, state, and federal agencies.
For each of the action items, the Action Plan prioritizes completion, where highest priority actions will be
done by 2023, followed by actions that should be completed between 2021 and 2026, and lower priority
actions that will start by 2026 and be completed in 2027. Ongoing actions occur during the duration of
the seven-year period.
A funding source has also been identified for each action item:
• Town Department (Town Dept): the action item will be funded as part of a budgeted work
program for one or more town departments or committees.
• Town Meeting: the action item will need to be funded via Town Meeting vote.
• Grant: grant funding will be sought to complete the action item. Where known, specific grant
resources are provided.
• CPA: funding from the local Community Preservation Act
• Other: a source of funding, other than those listed above will support the action item. Where
known, further information is provided.
For each action item, one or more responsible parties have been identified. The responsible party/ parties
in bold type font in the table is/are considered the coordinating party/parties, and the others are
considered to play a supporting role.
Implementation
Implementing the Action Plan will take a coordinated effort of all responsible parties. As the entity
responsible for the OSRP, all leads in the Action Plan should report to the Open Space Committee on an
annual basis with the status of their respective action items. Timeframes are established; however, it is
recognized that circumstances may change and impact resource availability, which may cause actions to
move up or down in priority. As lead parties report out to the Open Space Committee, they should
discuss why actions could not be completed, or why others rose to the top to help prepare for the next
OSRP update as well as overall open space and recreational planning. Equally, as supporting documents,
reports, and studies used to develop the OSRP are revised, updated, and implemented, these activities
should also be reported to the Open Space Committee and documented for future OSRP updates.
Captains
Golf Course
Cape Cod
National
Golf Course
Punkhorn
Parklands
Mant's Beach
Drummer
Boy Park
Saints
Landing
Point of
Rocks Beach
Ellis Landing
Linnell
Landing
Crosby Lane
Landing
Nickerson
State Park
Cape Cod Museum
of Natural
History
Brewster Historical
Society
Museum
Ocean
Edge
Mansion
Crosby
Mansion
The
Brewster Store
Stoney Brook
Grist Mill
Pine Grove
Cemetery
Brewster
Cemetery
Sears
Cemetery
First
Parish/Breakwater
Cemetery
Old Town
Hall/Senior
Center
Captain Mayo
House/Brewster
Ladies Library
Cape Cod
Sea Camps
Cape Rep
Theatre
Brewster
Cottages
Community
Gardens
Watershed
Zone 2
1.A.2 Monitor Zone
IIs and Water
Protection Districts
2.C.1 Support Private
Shellfishing, Reseeding
shellfish beds
3.A.2 Strengthen Wetlands
Bylaw and Protect Marine
and Freshwater Wetlands
3.A.3 Restrictions
Within and Expansion of
Buffer Areas to Ponds
and Wetland Resources
3.C.3 Monitor Coastal
Erosion, Purchase Lands
to Minimize Damage to
Structures /Property
3.A.4 Monitor Lands Within
Buffer Areas to Marine
and Freshwater Resources,
Purchase Land for Protection
3.D.2 Continue
Annual Brewster
Conservation Day
4.B.3 Improve
Access to Beaches
and Ponds
4.C.4 Develop and
Distribute Self-Guided
Trail Brochures for
Natural/Cultural Areas
4.C.3 Improve Signage
to Town Open Space and
Recreation Facilities
5.D.2 Reconfigure Signage
on State-owned Roads to
Direct Cyclists/Pedestrians
to Town Destinations
5.B.2 Work With Chatham,
Harwich, Orleans, and
Stakeholders to Meet
Pleasant Bay TMDL
5.D.1 Work With
Neighboring Towns
and Stakeholders on
Joint Management of
Shared Resources
4.F.3 Increase Bikeways
and Bike Amenities at
Beaches and Parks to
Encourage Bicycling
4.F.2 Increase Pedestrian
Pathways and Amenities
to Encourage Walking
4.F.9 Continue the
Brewster Pathways
Connections Through
Town With Dennis,
Harwich , and Orleans
2.A.2 Implement the Brewster
Reconnaissance Report
Related to Historic, Scenic,
and Archaeological Resources
¯
0 1
Miles
Brewster's Action Plan Trailheads
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Public Water Zone 2
Watershed Outline
Protected Open Space
Public; Non-Profit; Private
Adjacent Town
Map 13
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2022 128
ACTION PLAN
Legend
ACAC – All Citizens Access Committee
AG COM – Agricultural Commission Organization
APCC – Association to Preserve Cape Cod
AUDUBON – MA Audubon
AMER – Americorps
BCT – Brewster Conservation Trust
BBHC – Brewster Historical Commission
BHS - Brewster Historical Society
BIKE – Bikeways Committee
BLDG – Building Department
BNC– Building & Needs Committee
BOH –Board of Health
COC – Chamber of Commerce
CCC – Cape Cod Commission
CCMNH –Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
CPA: Community Preservation Act
LWCF: Land and Water Conservation Fund
LAND: Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity
COA – Council on Aging
COMPACT – Compact of Cape Cod Conservation
Trusts
CONS COM – Conservation Commission
CPC – Community Preservation Committee
CWMPC – Comprehensive Water Management
Planning Committee
DCPC – District of Critical Planning Concern – All
Zone IIs and Pleasant Bay Watershed
DPW – Department of Public Works
FIRE – Fire Department
FLATS – Brewster Friends of Lands, Aquatics, Trails,
and Shellfish
MA DCR – MA Division of Conservation &
Recreation
NAT – Natural Resources Department
NHESP – MA Natural Heritage & Endangered
Species Program
OSC – Open Space Committee
OKHHDC – Old Kings Highway Historic District
Committee
PLAN – Planning Board
POLICE– Police Department
REC - Recreation Department
SB – Select Board
Water Com – Water Commissioners
Water Dept – Water Department
WQRC – Water Quality Review
Goal 1. Protect the Town’s drinking water supply to meet the needs of residents and visitors today and in the future.
Action Item Timeline
Potential
Funding Sources Responsible Parties
Objective 1.A. Acquire open space for the purpose of protecting current and future wellhead sites.
1.A.1. Identify, prioritize, and monitor lands for potential future wellhead sites and
consider opportunities for purchasing these land areas. See 2.B.1.
Ongoing Water Dept funds, CPA
funds, State LAND
Grant, Federal LWCF
OSC, Water Dept, Water
Com
1.A.2. Monitor lands within the Town’s Zone II Areas and Water Protection District
and consider opportunities for purchasing lands for open space protection.
Ongoing Town Dept, CPA funds,
Town Meeting, State
LAND Grant, Federal
LWCF
OSC, BCT, COMPACT, Water
Dept
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2022 129
Action Item Timeline
Potential
Funding Sources Responsible Parties
Objective 1.B. Protect existing public supply wells from land-based sources of contamination.
1.B.1. Continue to enforce the Town’s Water Quality Protection Bylaw. Ongoing Town Dept WQRC
1.B.2. Continue to work with the Cape Cod Commission, SMAST, and others to
analyze existing and projected future nitrogen loading to the Town’s drinking water
supply.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
NAT, Town Planner, BOH
1.B.3. Continue to implement the recommendations of Brewster’s Integrated Water
Resource Management Plan (IWRMP) related to public water supply protection.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
NAT, Water Dept, PLAN
Objective 1.C. Coordinate wastewater management planning efforts with protecting drinking water resources.
1.C.1. Implement the recommendations of Brewster’s IWRMP related to wastewater
management within the 20-year permit.
Ongoing
(through
2036)
Town Dept, Town
Meeting, Cape and
Island Water Protection
Fund
CWMPC, Town Planner,
PLAN, DPW, BOH
1.C.2. Continue to implement the monitoring well program in Zone II areas. Ongoing Town Dept Water Dept, NAT, WQRC
Goal 2. Provide open space and recreation opportunities that maintain Brewster’s rural character and small coastal community identity and
support a sustainable local economy as a center for ecotourism.
Action Item Timeline
Potential Funding
Sources Responsible Parties
Objective 2.A. Acquire and preserve lands with significant scenic, historical, cultural, and/or archaeological value.
2.A.1. Implement the recommendations of the Brewster Reconnaissance Report
related to scenic, historic, and archaeological resources.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting, CPA Funds
PLAN, Town Planner, BHC, OSC,
PLAN, AG COM
2.A.2. Continue to identify and recommend roadways that should be designated
as scenic pursuant to MCL ch. 40 sec. 15c.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
PLAN, Town Planner, BHC, NAT,
OKHHDC, AG COM
2.A.3. Identify and map specimen trees. Report species, age, and condition to OSC
for review, with recommendations to CPA for protection of these trees as an
article for Town Meeting.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
PLAN, Town Planner, NAT,
CONS COM, AG COM, DPW
2.A.4. Continue to identify sites for historic designation and prepare and submit
historic designation applications to the Massachusetts Historical Commission and
the National Register of Historic Places.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting, CPA funds
BHC, BHS, AG COM
2.A.5. Continue to identify and recommend historical or archaeological sites that
the town should consider purchasing. See 2.B.1.
Ongoing Town Dept, CPA
Funds, Town
Meeting
BHC, BHS, AG COM
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2022 130
Action Item Timeline
Potential Funding
Sources Responsible Parties
2.A.6. Create a pamphlet on historic buildings and their significance for owners
and prospective buyers as a way to encourage preservation of these sites.
2023-2026 Town Dept, CPA
funds
BHC, BHS, AG COM
2.A.7. Conduct an audit of the current Zoning Bylaws and recommend
amendments to further protect historic and archaeological resources.
2023-2026 Town Dept, Town
Meeting
PLAN, Town Planner, BHC, BHS
2.A.8. Review areas on MA Scenic Landscape Inventory for status, ownership, and
condition. Recommend measures to protect and enhance each scenic resource
identified or worthy of discussion. If lands need to be purchased or otherwise
protected, submit data to the Open Space Committee for evaluation and
recommendations to CPC for Town Meeting.
2026-2027 Town Meeting, CPA
funds
BHC, OKHHDC, BCT, PLAN, AG
COM
Objective 2.B. Acquire and protect upland wooded, open field, coastal, and wetland parcels that preserve and enhance community character.
2.B.1. Update the working priority parcel map for open space acquisition or
conservation easements using the following priority parcel evaluation criteria:
• Size (for the BCT ranking map, vacant parcels >2 acres and "under-developed"
parcels >5 acres [i.e., parcels with enough upland capable of future
subdivision {good CR candidates}])
• Certified vernal pool (NHESP data)
• Potential vernal pool (NHESP data)
• Contains wetland, buffer to wetland, or subject to coastal storm flooding
• Links to existing open space
• Wildlife habitat (presence of Biomap2 Core habitat and/or NHESP rare
species habitat areas)
• Ponds (ranking data from the Cape Cod Priority Ponds Project)
• ZOC- Zone of Contribution
• PLAAP – Priority Land Acquisition Assessment Project; possible future
wellfield lands
• Nutrient management (IWRMP)
• Carbon sequestration (significant forest, wetlands)
• Marsh migration (CZM/SLAMM data)
Ongoing Town Dept, CPA
funds, Town
Meeting, State LAND
Grant, Federal
Drinking Water
Grant
OSC, NAT, CONS COM, BHC,
BCT, COMPACT
2.B.2. Continue to seek out and apply for grants to fund acquisition of open space
parcels.
Ongoing Town Dept OSC, BCT, COMPACT
2.B.3. Support BCT in public education on conservation restrictions as an approach
to land protection, and work with landowners who wish to donate parcels or
create conservation easements for open space.
Ongoing Town Meeting BCT, OSC, COMPACT
2.B.5. Continue to transfer municipally owned properties that are important for
conservation to the custody and control of the Conservation Commission.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
SB, CONS COM, BCT
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2022 131
Action Item Timeline
Potential Funding
Sources Responsible Parties
2.B.6. Identify ways to strengthen the Town’s bylaws and regulations for open
space protection, including mandatory dedication of open space by developers,
requiring maximum practical retention of natural vegetation on-site, and other
approaches.
2020-2023 Town Dept, Town
Meeting
Town Planner, PLAN
2.B.7. Identify opportunities to connect existing open space resources with new
resources created from lot clustering, land donations, conservation easements, or
open space acquisitions.
2023-2026 Town Dept, CPA
funds, Town
Meeting
Town Planner, PLAN, OSC, BCT,
COMPACT
Objective 2.C. Promote sustainable, community-based agriculture and aquaculture practices.
2.C.1. Continue to support private shellfishing ventures and enhancement of
Town coastal resource areas by reseeding shellfish beds.
Ongoing Grants, Town
Meeting
NAT, AG COM
2.C.2. Encourage participation by town departments and residents in Arbor Days
and other government “green” campaigns.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
Tree Warden, NAT, SB, CONS
COM, DPW, Barnstable County
2.C.3. Monitor land certified under Chapter 61A and, if available under a right of
first refusal, seek to purchase or continue its use for agricultural purposes.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
AG COM, OSC, BCT, COMPACT
2.C.4. Support agricultural land use by supporting farmers markets, “buy local”
programs and other steps to support markets for locally grown produce.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
AG COM, SB, CCMNH
2.C.5. Identify opportunities for community gardens on town properties. 2020-2023 Town Dept Town Planner, OSC, REC
2.C.6. Promote Town approval/support of “Right to Farm Bylaw.” 2020-2023 Town Meeting AG COM
2.C.7. Inventory and map all lands that are currently used for agricultural purposes
and all lands that have high value or potential based on soils, parcel size, or other
factors. Identify parcels with high or potentially high agricultural value.
2023-2026 Town Dept, Town
Meeting
AG COM, BCT, COMPACT
2.C.8. Implement a shade and specimen tree program to maintain existing trees,
and plant additional trees as appropriate.
2026-2027 Town Meeting Tree Warden, NAT, CONS COM,
DPW, Barnstable County
Goal 3. Preserve and enhance habitat diversity and protect marine and fresh surface water resources to maintain their important ecological
functions and values to the community.
Action Item Timeline
Potential Funding
Sources
Responsible Parties
Objective 3.A. Protect marine and freshwater resources from pollution and degradation.
3.A.1. Continue to implement the recommendations of Brewster’s IWRMP related
to protection of marine and freshwater resources as well as stormwater
management.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
CWMPC, Town Planner, PLAN,
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2022 132
Action Item Timeline
Potential Funding
Sources
Responsible Parties
3.A.2. Continue to strengthen the local wetlands protection bylaw and regulations
to protect marine and freshwater wetlands from sources of pollution.
Ongoing Town Dept CONS COM, NAT, PLAN, Town
Planner
3.A.3. Consider expanding the size of protected buffer areas as well as restrictions
within buffer areas to freshwater ponds and wetland resources
Ongoing Town Dept CONS COM, NAT, PLAN, Town
Planner, BOH
3.A.4. Monitor lands within buffer areas to marine and freshwater resources, as
well as any other lands that may compromise these resources, and consider
opportunities for purchasing lands for open space protection. See 2.B.1.
Ongoing Town Dept, CPA
funds, Town
Meeting
OSC, CWMPC, BCT, COMPACT
3.A.5. Continue management and correction of tidal restrictions to promote
enhanced flushing.
Ongoing Town Dept. NAT, CONS COM, DPW
3.A.6. Require low impact development and green infrastructure practices as
approaches to protect marine and freshwater resources from stormwater
pollution through amendments to local zoning bylaws and regulations.
2020-2023 Town Dept CWMPC, PLAN, Town Planner,
CONS COM, NAT
3.A.7. Draft and adopt a stormwater management general bylaw. 2023-2026 Town Dept CWMPC, Town Planner, SB
3.A.8. Provide incentives to restore altered or degraded wetlands, buffer areas,
and ponds.
2026-2027 Town Dept CONS COM
3.A.9. Develop incentives/regulations to encourage shared “community” docks on
freshwater ponds, as opposed to multiple docks belonging to individual owners.
2026-2027 Town Dept CONS COM
Objective 3.B. Protect open space for the purpose of preserving Brewster’s unique and fragile ecological habitats and augment the Town’s net work of wildlife
corridors.
3.B.1. Revisit inventoried high priority parcels which, if protected or reclaimed as
open space, would present opportunities to link green spaces and create or re-
establish wildlife corridors between fragmented forests and critical habitat areas.
See 2.B.1.
Ongoing Town Dept OSC, NAT, BCT, COMPACT
3.B.2. Conduct an audit of the town’s local bylaws and regulations to ensure
habitat protection, particularly for rare and endangered species, and make
recommendations for amendments.
2026-2027 Town Dept PLAN, CONS COM, NAT, Town
Planner
Objective 3.C. Acquire, preserve, and enhance natural areas to mitigate natural hazards and increase Brewster’s resilience to climate change impacts,
including projected sea level rise.
3.C.1. Implement the action items identified in Brewster’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation
Plan.
Ongoing Town Dept, MVP
Action Grant
Town Planner, PLAN, SB
3.C.2. Ensure that the local floodplain zoning district bylaw is consistent with
federal and state regulations and FEMA requirements.
Ongoing Town Dept Town Planner
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2022 133
Action Item Timeline
Potential Funding
Sources
Responsible Parties
3.C.3. Continue to monitor lands within areas that are vulnerable to coastal
erosion, storm event flooding, marsh migration, and sea level rise, and consider
additional opportunities for purchasing these lands for open space to minimize
damage to structures and property.
Ongoing Town Dept, MVP
Action Grants, CPA
funds, Town
Meeting
OSC, PLAN, BCT, COMPACT, SB
3.C.4. Consider amendments to local bylaws and regulations that prohibit
development and re-development within areas that are vulnerable to coastal
erosion and flooding.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
PLAN, Town Planner, CONS
COM
3.C.5. Incorporate updated climate change projections, including those for sea
level rise, marsh migration, precipitation, temperature, and increased storm
frequency and duration into planning decisions for future open space acquisitions
as well as development of recreation facilities.
Ongoing Town Dept Town Planner, PLAN, OSC, NAT,
REC
Objective 3.D. Increase public awareness of the importance of natural resource protection, conservation management, and the impacts of climate change to
promote environmental stewardship.
3.D.1. Continue to organize public education and environmental stewardship
events, such as spring clean-up events, to be held at public open space areas.
Ongoing Town Dept FLATS, CONS COM, NAT, OSC,
BCT
3.D.2. Continue to host Brewster Conservation Day on an annual basis. Ongoing Town Dept NAT, BCT, Water Dept, OSC,
Barnstable County, FLATS
3.D.3. Develop outreach materials to increase the c ommunity’s knowledge about
building resilience to the impacts of climate change and steps individuals can take
to contribute.
2020-2023 MVP Action Grants Town Planner, NAT, OSC
3.D.4. Develop outreach materials about the negative impacts of lawn fertilization
and lawn irrigation on water quality. Through these efforts, show the benefits of
using more environment-friendly and organic lawn care and garden products and
methods.
2023-2026 Town Dept Town Planner, NAT, OSC
3.D.5. Engage youth to assist in conservation projects to promote awareness of
local resources and environmental stewardship.
2023-2026 Town Dept OSC, BCT, CONS COM
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2022 134
Goal 4. Provide a variety of recreation and open space opportunities to promote healthy and active lifestyles for Brewster residents, ensuring
equitable accessible for all users and abilities.
Action Item Timeline
Potential Funding
Sources
Responsible Parties
Objective 4.A. Acquire and protect lands of recreational value.
4.A.1. Inventory town-owned open space and evaluate opportunities for
recreational facilities and/or programming.
Ongoing Town Dept REC, NAT, CONS COM, OSC, SB,
ACAC
4.A.2. Protect the Town’s recreational and outdoor educational amenities that
support the local tourism economy by acquiring and preserving lands which:
• Abut Town beaches or landings.
• Provide additional public places.
• Promote fishing (finfish and shellfish) by protecting habitat
• Protect or expand walking and bicycling amenities, canoe
waterways/trails/haul-out locations or lands that would provide locations for
other activities usually associated with passive recreation as defined by MA
Division of Conservation Services.
• Provide for expanded or new recreational/open space facilities in areas of
town that are underserved.
• Expand existing public and private conservation, recreation, and open space
lands.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting, CPA funds
OSC, REC, CONS COM, ACAC,
BIKE
Objective 4.B. Increase and improve public access to marine and freshwater resources in a manner that is compatible with the protection of these resources.
4.B.1. Review regulations to control activities on freshwater ponds, e.g. personal
watercraft, use of motorized boats, horsepower limitations.
Ongoing Town Dept NAT, CONS COM, POLICE
4.B.2. Acquire land or obtain easements to provide additional sites for freshwater
swimming, beaches, and boat landings.
Ongoing CPA funds, Town
Meeting
REC, OSC, NAT
4.B.3. Improve existing access to beaches and ponds. Ongoing CPA funds, Town
Meeting
NAT, CONS COM
Objective 4.C. Ensure equitable access and usage of open space and recreation areas to all Brewster residents and visitors.
4.C.1. Use the ADA Self Evaluation and prioritized Transition Plan to address
needed accessibility improvements at open space and recreation areas . Pursue
grant funding for these improvements.
Ongoing Town Dept,
Municipal ADA
Grant
DPW, ACAD, NAT, CONS COM,
REC, SB
4.C.2. Provide additional benches for recreational areas, including trails, parks,
active recreation areas, conservation areas, and beaches.
Ongoing CPA funds REC, SB, DPW, NAT, CONS COM
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2022 135
Action Item Timeline
Potential Funding
Sources
Responsible Parties
4.C.3. Improve signage, including accessibility signage, at all Town open space and
recreation facilities, which is consistent with Town’s existing signage bylaws and
complements the Town’s community character. Prioritize signage related to the
rail trail (how to access the rail trail from Route 6A, and how to access commercial
areas from the rail trail) as well as public beaches.
Ongoing CPA funds DPW, REC, NAT, CONS COM,
SB, BIKE,
4.C.4. Continue to develop, update, publish, and broadly distribute self-guided
trail brochures with natural and cultural interpretive text and maps for areas such
as:
• The Punkhorn Parklands (done);
• Bakers Pond;
• Stony Brook Herring Run;
• Wings Island (Partially done by CCMNH); and
• Namskaket Creek Marsh.
Maps and trail brochures should be made available at locations throughout the
community, such as the police station, fire station, chamber of commerce, town
hall, and general store.
Ongoing Town Dept, CPA
funds
NAT, CONS COM, ALEWIFE
COMMITTEE, MILL SITES
COMMITTEE, BCT, COMPACT,
ACAC, CCMNH, FLATS
4.C.5. Clearly mark trails so that they are easy to navigate, and incorporate
accessibility considerations (e.g., “Braille trails”) to the greatest extent possible.
Ongoing Town Dept, CPA
funds
NAT, CONS COM, REC, CCMNH,
BCT, COMPACT, FLATS
4.C.6. Identify residential areas that lack access to recreation opportunities or
conservation areas by walking and/or biking. Identify ways to increase access.
Ongoing Town Dept NAT, CONS COM, REC
4.C.7. Provide multi-use open space and recreation areas that can be used for a
variety of uses by people of different ages and abilities.
Ongoing Town Dept REC
4.C.8. Develop multi-generational programming to bring youth and older residents
together and broaden individual experiences.
Ongoing Town Dept REC, COA
4.C.9. Use universal design concepts in the development of new playgrounds,
parks, and public spaces as well as for the upgrades and improvements to existing
facilities.
Ongoing Town Dept, CPA
funds
REC, COA, ACAC, DPW
Objective 4.D. Use a comprehensive approach for recreation land management.
4.D.1. Continue support of FLATS and encourage the establishment of other
“Friends-of-Facility” groups for conservation and recreation areas to promote
public and private involvement in recreation land management and maintenance.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
FLATS, NAT, CONS COM, DPW,
BCT, Local stables
4.D.2. Develop a Comprehensive Management Plan for Town-owned recreation
lands, including those owned by the Recreation Department and those owned by
other local government departments.
2026-2027 Town Meeting REC, NAT, CONS COM, SB
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2022 136
Action Item Timeline
Potential Funding
Sources
Responsible Parties
4.D.3. Explore ways to ensure sustained funding for recreation facility
maintenance.
2026-2027 Town Dept REC
4.D.4. Establish a position of Park Ranger under the Natural Resources
Department, to:
• Provide oversight of conservation and recreation lands.
• Provide public education concerning usage of open space/natural recreation
resources.
• Provide a “visible” presence on Town lands, on the spot “education” and/or
fines for violators of regulations, a deterrent to trash dumping on Town lands.
• The position might start out as part-time or summer job or could be a
volunteer job.
2026-2027 Town Dept NAT, CONS COM, OSC, SB,
AMER
Objective 4.E. Consider new programming and facilities to meet changing preferences and needs of the community.
4.E.1. Create separate trails/areas marked and designated for horseback riding,
walking/hiking, and/or dog walking in Town open space areas.
Ongoing Town Dept NAT, CONS COM, BIKE, LOCAL
STABLES, DPW
4.E.2. Provide active recreation areas (e.g., playgrounds, ball fields, tennis courts)
that serve Brewster’s active recreation needs.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
REC
4.E.3. Continue to develop recreational programming and opportunities for youth
and teens.
Ongoing Town Dept REC, NAT, CONS COM
4.E.4. Continue to develop active recreational programming for older residents
that also include multi-generational activities.
Ongoing Town Dept REC, COA
4.E.5. Continue to find opportunities for an age-integrated community center. Ongoing Town Dept NAT, REC, COA, SB
4.E.6. Identify potential sites for an off-leash dog park. 2020-2023 Town Dept, Town
Meeting
DOG PARK COMMITTEE, SB,
CONS COM, NAT
Objective 4.F. Enhance walking and biking opportunities that connect residential areas with open space and recreational resources.
4.F.1. Educate the public regarding the benefits of walking and biking. Ongoing CPA funds, Town
Meeting
BIKE, REC
4.F.2. Increase pedestrian pathways and amenities, such as benches, to encourage
walking. Evaluate connections between recreation areas and open space
resources and neighborhoods and commercial areas to determine where
pathways or sidewalks are needed.
Ongoing CPA funds,
MassDOT Complete
Streets Grant, Town
Meeting
NAT, BIKE, DPW, SB, CONS COM
4.F.3. Increase bikeways, bike trails, and bike lanes as well as bicycle amenities,
such as bike racks, to encourage bicycling. Review whether additional bicycle racks
are needed at recreation areas such as beaches and parks. Consider where there
are missing links between existing bikeways and bike paths.
Ongoing CPA funds,
MassDOT Complete
Streets Grants,
Town Meeting
BIKE, Police, NAT, OSC, SB,
DPW, REC, MA DCR
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2022 137
Action Item Timeline
Potential Funding
Sources
Responsible Parties
4.F.4. Distribute education materials that promote safer interaction between
bicyclists and motorists. Continue to make improvements, such as lighting and
roadway signage, that alert the auto drivers of potential cyclists or roadway
striping that delineates separate spaces for autos and cyclists.
Ongoing CPA funds, Town
Meeting
BIKE, DPW, POLICE, SB
4.F.5. Enforce regulations/laws for both motorists and bicyclists. Ongoing Town Dept POLICE
4.F.6. Continue to update the Brewster Bikeways Map, which identifies safe and
attractive bicycle routes in Brewster. Consider new technology that promotes
increased knowledge and access to the map and the Town’s resources (e.g.
smartphone app)
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
BIKE
4.F.7. Continue to move forward towards developing a prioritization plan (Tier 2)
and become eligible for funding to implement key projects as part of the
Complete Streets Program.
Ongoing Town Meeting,
MassDOT Complete
Streets Grant
SB, BIKE, DPW, BNC, PLAN,
Town Planner
4.F.8. Continue with the Brewster Pathways connections through Town, to
Harwich, Dennis, and Orleans. Publicize pathways and provide guides for
residents/visitors.
2023-2026 CPA funds, Town
Meeting
NAT, OSC, BCT, COMPACT
4.F.9. Identify and develop alternate bicycle routes and/or paths that bicyclists
would prefer as an alternative to on-road routes. Consider possible alternative
routes for large cycling events.
2026-2027 CPA funds,
MassDOT Complete
Streets Grants,
Town Meeting
BIKE, POLICE, SB, DPW
Objective 4.G. Plan for future local, regional, and national incidences that impact public access to open space and recreational resources.
4.G.1. Document lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic related to the
need for open space and recreational opportunities by residents. Consider:
• Where was the town successful?
• Where were their gaps or needs not met?
• Where is more information needed?
2020-2023 Town Dept REC, NAT, CONS COM, Town
Planner, SB, DPW, COA
4.G.2. Collaborate with neighboring communities and the Cape Cod Commission
to share experiences and ideas on how to plan for services related to open space
and recreation during another pandemic or national incident that requires social
distancing or self-quarantine.
2023-2026 Town Dept REC, NAT, CONS COM, Town
Planner, SB, DPW, COA
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2022 138
Goal 5. Support coordination and communication of regional open space and recreation needs.
Action Item Timeline
Potential Funding
Sources
Responsible Parties
Objective 5.A. Coordinate the protection of drinking water resources with neighboring towns.
5.A.1. Continue working with neighboring towns, such as Dennis, Harwich and
Orleans, to protect shared groundwater resources and overlapping wellfield
recharge areas.
Ongoing Town Dept, CPA
funds, Town
Meeting
CWMPC, Town Planner, Water
Dept, NAT
Objective 5.B. Participate in regional efforts to protect marine and fresh surface water resources.
5.B.1. Continue to work with neighboring towns as well as federal, state and
regional stakeholders on the joint management of shared resources, such as:
• Cape Cod Bay - Dennis, Orleans and the State of Massachusetts
• Pleasant Bay - Orleans, Chatham, Harwich
• Long Pond - Harwich, State of Massachusetts
• Quivett Creek – Dennis
• Namskaket Creek – Orleans
• Herring River- Harwich, Dennis
• Bass River- Dennis
• Inner Cape Cod Bay Area of Critical Environmental Concern - Brewster,
Orleans, Eastham
• Coastal Plain Pond Shores and Priority Habitat (Cahoon Pond, Mill Pond,
Grassy Pond, Mud Pond, Black Pond, Seymour Pond, Round Pond) – Harwich
• Bakers Pond - Coastal Plain Pond Shores and Priority Habitat – Orleans.
Ongoing Town Dept SB, CONS COM, NAT, Water
Dept, CWMPC
5.B.2. Continue to work with the towns of Orleans, Chatham, and Harwich as well
as federal, state, and regional stakeholders on meeting the requirements of the
Pleasant Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
CWMPC, Town Planner, PLAN,
NAT, CONS COM, PBA
5.B.3. Continue to work with neighboring communities on improving degraded
waters and meeting TMDL requirements for waterbodies as they are listed and
TMDLs are developed (e.g. Herring River and Bass River watersheds)
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
CWMPC, Town Planner, PLAN,
NAT, CONS COM
5.B.4. Continue to partner with the Cape Cod Commission and SMAST through the
PALS program to monitor Brewster’s pond water quality.
Ongoing Town Dept NAT, CONS COM
5.B.5. As TMDLS are approved for watersheds, incorporate them into the Water
Protection Bylaw.
Ongoing Town Dept, Town
Meeting
Town Planner, PLAN
Objective 5.C. Participate in regional wastewater management planning.
5.C.1. Implement the recommendations of Brewster’s Integrated Water Resource
Management Plan related to regional coordination.
Ongoing Town Dept,
Town Meeting
CWMPC, PLAN, Town Planner,
BOH, SB, CONS COM, NAT
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2022 139
Action Item Timeline
Potential Funding
Sources
Responsible Parties
Objective 5.D. Collaborate with neighboring communities and the region to increase connectivity of multi-modal paths that cross jurisdictional boundaries.
5.D.1. Continue to work with neighboring towns as well as federal, state, and
regional stakeholders on the joint management of existing shared recreation
resources, such as:
• Punkhorn Parklands - Harwich
• Cape Cod Rail Trail - Dennis, Harwich, Orleans
• Cape Cod Pathways Trail - Dennis, Harwich, Orleans
Ongoing Town Dept REC, NAT
5.D.2. Work with the Commonwealth to reconfigure signage to existing state-
owned roadways and bikeways to direct cyclists/pedestrians to various Town
destinations, e.g. beaches, visitor information center, Town Hall, restaurants,
restrooms, etc. Mark existing connections to State Bike Trail. Provide and mark
additional connections.
Ongoing Town Dept BIKE, SB, DPW
Objective 5E. Increase communication and collaboration with local stakeholders, neighboring communities, and the region to in vestigate opportunities for
shared open space and recreation resources.
5.E.1. Increase communication and collaboration among key stakeholders
involved in identifying and protecting open space in Brewster, such as, but not
limited to:
• The Brewster Conservation Trust
• The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts
• The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
• Association to Preserve of Cape Cod (APCC)
• The Nature Conservancy
• Orenda Wildlife Trust
• Mass Audubon
• Ducks Unlimited
• The Trust for Public Land
• Brewster Ponds Coalition
• DCR/Nickerson State Park and Bike Trail
Ongoing Town Dept OSC, BCT, COMPACT, NAT,
CONS COM
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 140
SECTION 10. PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Public Input
Public comments are provided in Appendix B. They include the results of the OSRP Community Survey,
administered between April 11 to May 12, 2020 as well as June 2021. No formal comments were received
during public meetings on June 18, 2020 and June 15, 2021 outside of general questions on the process
and next steps.
B. Letters of Sup port
Letters of support are provided in Appendix G.
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 141
SECTION 11. REFERENCES
Armstrong, DS, TA Richards, and SB Levin, 2011. Factors Influencing Riverine Fish Assemblages in
Massachusetts. Scientific Investigations Report 2011–5193, 58p. United States Geological Survey,
Northborough, Massachusetts. http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2011/5193.
Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC). 2011. Agricultural Land Use on Cape Cod: Looking to the Future.
http://apcc.org/agriculture/index.html
Business NH Magazine (BNHM). October 1998. The National Association of Home Builders.
Cape Cod Commission. 2019. Regional Policy Plan.
Chamber of Commerce/Board of Trade United (COC/BTU). 1999. Brewster 1999.
Cohen, Russell. 1997. Fact Sheet #3: Functions of Riparian Areas for Wildlife Habitat. Massachusetts
Department of Fish and Game.
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/der/riverways/pdf/riparian_factsheet_3.pdf
Dunford, Fred and G. O’Brien. October, 1997. Secrets in the Sand: The Archaeology of Cape Cod. Parnassus
Imprints; 1ST edition.
Hay, John. 1979. The Undiscovered Country.
Horsley Witten Group, Inc. 2013. Town of Brewster Integrated Water Resource Management Plan Phase II
Final Report.
Horsley Witten Group, Inc. March 28, 2019. Summary of Findings: Brewster Municipal Vulnerability
Preparedness Workshop.
Horsley Witten Group, Inc. and Brewster Coastal Advisory Group. September 20, 2016. Brewster Coastal
Adaptation Strategy.
LeBlanc, Guswa, Frimpter, and Londquist, 1986. Groundwater Resources of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
USGS HA-692.
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. June 2015. Section 7: Roland C. Nickerson
State Park. Resource Management Plan: Nickerson (Cape & Island Complex).
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). May 2007. Final Pleasant Bay
System Total Maximum Daily Loads For Total Nitrogen. Report # 96-TMDL-12, Control #244.0
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). 2013. Massachusetts
Watersheds: Cape Cod Watershed. http://www.mass.gov/eea/air-water-climate-change/preserving-
water-resources/mass-watersheds/cape-cod-watershed.html
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). 1999. Stormwater Strategies: Community Responses to Runoff
Pollution. Washington, DC.
Northeast Climate Science Center (NECSC). 2012. The Northeast Region and the Climate Challenge.
http://necsc.umass.edu/northeast-climate
Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan | 2021 142
Oldale, 1969. Geologic Map of the Harwich Quadrangle Barnstable County, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
USGS Map GQ-786.
Ridley & Associates, Inc. and Brewster Coastal Committee. 2019. Coastal Resources Management Plan:
Phase I Report.
Saint, Paul F. 1996. The Saints of Brewster, 1856-1996.
Thoreau, Henry David. January, 2006. Cape Cod. Norton & Co., New York.
Town of Brewster. 2011. Brewster Water Department – 2011 Annual Water Quality Report
Town of Brewster. 2013a (accessed June 21, 2013). Brewster Cemetery Commission Website.
http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/committees-mainmenu-29/cemetery-commission-mainmenu-73
Town of Brewster. 2013b (accessed June 21, 2013). Brewster Council on Aging Website.
http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/departments-mainmenu-26/council-on-aging-mainmenu-35
Town of Brewster. 2018. The Town of Brewster Vision Plan.
Town of Brewster. March 7, 2016. Coastal Beach Access Survey.
Town of Brewster, Brewster Bikeways Committee. March 2016. Biking Brewster: A Strategy to Enhance
Biking in Brewster.
Town of Brewster, Council on Aging Advisory Board. December 2017. Brewster Council on Aging Age-
Friendly Action Plan FY19-FY23.
University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth School of Marine Science and Technology Coastal Systems
(SMAST) Group and Cape Cod Commission (CCC) Water Resources Program. 2009. Brewster
Freshwater Ponds: Water Quality Status and Recommendations for Future Activities.
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2012. Water: Habitat Protection.
http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/habitat/habitat_index.cfm
Water Resource Services (WRS). May, 2013. Long Pond Post-Treatment Summary Report through 2012.