Background

Before restoration

Tidal flushing of the Sagamore Marsh was restricted in the mid-1930s when the Cape Cod Canal was widened and deepened, thus creating a fresh and brackish water system. The Scusset River previously provided tidal flushing to Sagamore Marsh as it flowed into Cape Cod Bay, north of the present canal's jetty. In the years since, a combination of factors have conspired to reduce needed flushing, including the disposal of dredged material in the marsh, the natural accretion of material to the north of the jetty, and a small 48-inch diameter culvert that was inadequate to provide sufficient flow to maintain the salt marsh. Most of Sagamore Marsh has changed from an area that consisted of predominantly salt marsh and ecologically valuable estuarine habitat to an area that is dominated by relatively low-value, common reed (Phragmites). Absent intervention, Sagamore Marsh would continue to have a limited ecological value, present a fire hazard, and be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Status and Outlook

During Construction

In April 2000, work began at Sagamore Marsh on Cape Cod, restoring 50 acres of tidal marsh estuarine habitat. Of the $1.6 million estimated cost, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and the CWRP put up $500,000, with the federal government contributing the remainder. In addition, a significant gift from The Gillette Company will support an innovative post-construction monitoring and evaluation program at the Sagamore Marsh. Thus, the CWRP uncovered synergies among common efforts, and leveraged them to great effect. This project represents the many benefits a public-private partnership has to offer.

Groundbreaking Point of Contact Patmarie Nedelka Coastal America (202) 401-9928 or Bill Hubbard Northeast Regional Implementation Team Chair (978)-318-8552 Link to the Sagamore project fact sheet

Key Players The key players for this restoration project include: US Army Corps of Engineers US Environmental Protection Agency National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; US Fish and Wildlife Service Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management The Massachusetts Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership The Gillette Company. CWRP Brochure