Building a Wellfleet Harbor Management Plan

Upcoming Meetings and Public Hearings     Policy Statement

Links to Prospective Chapters of the Harbor Management Plan
Shellfish Management Plan Notes and Drafts Marina Management Plan Notes and Drafts (Under construction) Public Access Plan Notes and Drafts (Under construction) Overview and Historical Summary Notes and Drafts (Under construction)

Mission Statement

Adopted by the Harbor Planning Group, January 7, 2003

Wellfleet's Harbor is a critical resource for the Town. It is an essential part of Wellfleet for many people: fishermen, boaters, beach goers and those who enjoy the Harbor's tranquility and abundant natural resources.

On September 9, 2002, the Board of Selectmen authorized the creation of the Harbor Planning Group (HPG), comprised of the members of the Natural Resources Advisory Board, a representative from the Planning Board and Town staff, to write a Harbor Management Plan under 301 Code of Massachusetts Regulations s. 23.  The plan will highlight the marina, the fisheries and public access with full recognition of the importance of water quality and the Harbor’s other natural resources. 

The Harbor Management Plan will propose goals and actions to protect, sustain and develop the Harbor’s economic resources and to identify potential user conflicts and a process for their resolution.  A parallel and overarching Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) plan will focus on water quality, natural resources and land based uses for the rest of the Harbor watershed. 

On behalf of the Town, the HPG will develop the plan using an open, clear process, one that values public education and public participation.  The plan will identify benchmarks and monitoring tools to measure short-term and long-term success. The anticipated completion date will be January 2004 for submission to the Board of Selectmen, Town boards and committees and ultimately to the Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs for final certification.

Please note that although this page is a part of the Wellfleet Shellfish Department's web site, it is important to note that the planning process is inclusive of all groups; the Shellfish Department is simply hosting this forum as a matter of convenience.