Natural Resources

ResponsibilitiesSandwich Town Seal Extra Small

The Natural Resources Department has the following responsibilities:

  • Administers the daily workload of the Conservation Commission
  • Enforcing the Town Wetlands Bylaw, Wetlands Protection Act
  • Shellfish management
  • Alewife (herring) run development and management
  • Oil spill response
  • Enforcing other environmental laws and regulations including:
    • Animal control
    • Fishing
    • Hunting
    • Shellfishing
    • Trapping

Publications

The following publications are available at the Natural Resources Department: 

  • Beachcomber’s Guide to Cape Cod Seashores
  • The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act
  • Homeowner’s Handbook to prepare for Coastal Hazards
  • You Can Help Protect the Piping Plover
  • Safe Shellfish for Recreational Harvesters
  • Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Info about Red Tide
  • Be Shark Smart
  • National Flood Insurance Program
  • Protect our Floodplains
  • Questions & Answers on Coastal Real Estate Purchasing
  • Erosion Control Methods
  • MA Fishing and Hunting 2020
  • https://seagrant.whoi.edu/new-handbook-helps-homeowners-prepare-for-natural-hazards/

Helpful Documents

  1. Beach Management Plan - Final (PDF)
  2. Beach Regulations - Updated July 28, 2016 (PDF)
  3. Woods Hole Group - Projects Update to Selectmen - 11.29.18
  4. Boating Regulations
  5. Wild Care COVID Response 041520
  6. Wild Care Animals Steady Despite COVID 042120
  7. FAQ regarding Oral Rabies Distribution

**Ryder Conservation Land is open as of June 26, 2020, from 9AM - 6 PM **


We would like to remind citizens of Sandwich that effective April 1st, no dogs are allowed on any Town owned saltwater beaches due to federal and state mandates to protect endangered shorebirds.  Dogs are allowed on private beaches, fresh water beaches, the Boardwalk and all associated parking lots as well as any of the Towns many Conservation Lands.  Please contact our office if you have an questions.