Program Details
The Natural Resources program is responsible for conducting enforcement and enhancement operations in the topic areas listed below. Natural Resources protects and enhances the town’s shellfish resources and regulates all private aquaculture grants. The shellfish technician and biologist conduct shellfish propagation and resource stocking projects in Barnstable. Natural Resources controls and maintains all herring runs in town and monitors fishing and hunting activity while enforcing town and state laws. The program also assists with animal control and the enforcement of laws relative to the control of dogs within the town of Barnstable. Natural Resources conducts routine maintenance and enforcement work at the town shooting range. The program also provides support for over sand operations at Sandy Neck. Natural Resource Officers patrol town conservation areas and beaches to enforce local by-laws and state and federal wildlife, fisheries, and environmental regulations. There is also an education and outreach component of the program that performs classroom lectures, volunteer projects, and outdoor recreation events related to Barnstable’s natural environment.
One Full Time Natural Resources Director
Three full-time Natural Resource Officers
One full-time Shellfish Biologist
One full-time Shellfish Technician
Two or three seasonal shellfish assistants, depending on funding
Various AmeriCorps interns and public volunteers (Barnstable Association for Recreational Shellfishing-BARS, Indian Ponds Association-IPA, Barnstable Land Trust-BLT).
Providing interpretive programs to the public related to natural resource issues
Shellfish Volunteer opportunities
Natural Resource Officer visits
Herring Run Volunteer opportunities
Coordinating volunteers and school groups with resource related projects
Maintaining educational links with local school systems
Presentations Offered
Clamming Class for Kids
Diamond-backed Terrapin turtle head start program and public terrapin release
Touch-A-Truck
Barnstable Environment Expo
Wildlife Presentations
Coastsweep (every September)