Natural Resources

  1. Welcome
  2. *Coastal Resiliency Surveys*

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/

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.