Wellfleet trust nets more than 18 acres of conservation land – Cape Cod Times

Upland donation is largest in organization's history.

WELLFLEET The Wellfleet Conservation Trust added an additional 18.5 acres to its inventory last week, thanks to the largest upland donation gift in its 36-year history.

Jacqualyn Fouse turned over a large parcel of native pine forest overlooking the Herring River estuary.

The land extends 1,300 feet along the eastern bank of the Herring River. The steep river bank, rugged topography and some Cape Cod National Seashore property preclude access to the river.

The land has significant conservation value for rare and endangered species, according to Dennis OConnell, the trust's president.

Weve seen Eastern box turtles and diamondback terrapins, he said.

Fishers, coyotes, foxes and a host of other animals also call the region home.

I havent tracked birds myself, but its got to be a great location for many different species, O'Connell said. The land runs 1,300 feet along the high eastern bank overlooking the Herring River at elevations extending higher than 60 feet, offering views of Cape Cod Bay.

The parcel is well above the expected water levels for the Herring River Restoration Project. That multimillion dollar project aims to restore tidal flow into the Herring River estuary that was choked off when the Chequessett Neck Road Dike was built 100 years ago.

Fouse earned a master's degree in environmental management in 2019. She studied carbon sequestration in the Herring River floodplain for her coursework as a volunteer intern for the Herring River Restoration Project.

The opportunity to support the project reinforced her views on the importance of restoring and protecting the river, as well as the land surrounding it.

Shes just that kind of person, OConnell said of Fouse. Shes committed to conservation. And this is in her neighborhood. It's all good.

Fouse also donated a building lot to the trust in 2015. That parcel is contiguous to the most recent land donation.

The trust will keep the area in its natural state, preserving the habitat and natural functions of the land. The organization also plans to create limited walking trails to scenic views across the Herring River valley. Access to the land and limited parking will be available along Chequessett Neck Road only, not through the club.

OConnell said the trust was extremely grateful to Fouse for stepping up and making a conservation success happen.

It is exciting to think that this beautiful land has never been developed, and never will be, he said.

This didnt happen overnight, OConnell added. The donation took about a year to finalize from start to finish.

Fouse acquired the land from the Chequessett Yacht & Country Club after it was deemed surplus to current and planned golf course renovations. Barbara Boone, the club's general manager, said the business needed capital for repairs and improvements to the club. She called the land donation a win for the club, the town and the public.

The Cape Cod Commission had to give approval to the club to carve out the18.5 acres fromits 105 acre parcel.

"It had to be the easiest project to get through the commission," Boone said.

Fouse said giving back to her adopted community gave her great joy. The transplanted Texan said she is big on taking local action and is happy to have the means to do so.

"Nothing can compare to the Cape," she said.

The donation will help protect uplands adjacent to wetlands. There will be no carbon loss from tree clearing or nitrogen overload from development.

Fousethanked the trust, the Chequessett Yacht & Country Club Board of Directors and Mark Robinson of The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, Inc. for their collaboration and commitment to the project.

Follow Denise Coffey on Twitter: @DeniseCoffeyCCT.

Here is the original post:
Wellfleet trust nets more than 18 acres of conservation land - Cape Cod Times