Give the gift of a healthy pond and make a difference in 2023. Renew your annual membership now or become a BPC member/donor for the first time.  ​

Watch your mailbox!  Ripples 2023 is on the way!   This years' highlights include:

• An update to our mission statement with a focus on remediation projects and advocacy.
• A discussion of the importance of the town's funding a comprehensive water protection plan in 2023. 
• Citizen Sciences' work with the Cape Cod Commission on remote satellite sensing to monitor ponds.
• The Education Committee's field trips for over 150 second and fifth grade students to learn about pond ecology first hand.
• Announcements of our 2022 Scholarship and Splash Award winners.
• How a Sheep Pond neighborhood group started a pledge to protect their pond.

These stories illustrate the important efforts we make together to protect our ponds!

PLEASE help us continue our work in 2023:

• Renew your annual tax-deductible membership today by pressing the Donate Now button below, or online at www.brewsterponds.org, or mail the membership application inside the Ripples Mag. 
• Make a recurring donation to make things easier for you. 
• Donate in honor or memory of someone special.
• Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution and receive a tax benefit!
• Follow your passion and volunteer!  Learn how at brewsterponds.org.

​Thank you!  Your support makes a difference for Brewster’s Ponds! 

​Cape Cod Times - October 27, 2022
​
​DENNIS — Dennis town meeting voters greenlighted the purchase of a new ambulance, the creation of a wastewater superintendent position and an alternative dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw on Tuesday.

​Article 22 created a new, full-time position of wastewater superintendent, who would oversee and advise on all stages of the town's comprehensive wastewater overhaul project. 
The design phase of the project, which includes municipal sewering and a wastewater treatment center, was approved at May's town meeting.
More:State's proposed nitrogen regulations put a tight deadline on Cape wastewater management
"The amount of wastewater projects requires the time and commitment of a designated full-time employee," John Terrio, select board chair, said on Tuesday. "This position would oversee the planning, design and future construction of the wastewater implementation."
The cost of the position, which begins Dec. 31, 2022, is $65,000 to $90,000 for the salary and $25,000 for benefits.
The article was passed unanimously.

For the full story click here:  https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/local/2022/10/27/heres-what-happened-at-dennis-special-town-meeting-on-oct-25-2022-adu-bylaw-sewer-superintendent/10588993002/

On Wednesday October 26, 2022, a Cyanobacteria Advisory was posted by the Brewster Health Department at Sheep Pond due to a visible algal bloom indicative of elevated levels of cyanobacteria. The decision aligns with the published MA Department of Public Health guidelines. The posting is at the town beach at Fisherman's Landing.

Out of an abundance of caution and until further notice, people and pets should avoid contact with the pond water.  Do not ingest or get pond water in your mouth.  Do not recreate in this pond until the posting is removed by the Town of Brewster.

Additional testing is scheduled at the pond on a weekly basis. The Town of Brewster, the Brewster Ponds Association, and the Association to Preserve Cape Cod will continue to monitor the freshwater ponds in Brewster and provide timely notification to our residents of potentially harmful algal blooms.   
The Town and the BPC will report back when the pond is to be reopened. 

Call your doctor or veterinarian if you or your animals have a sudden or unexplained sickness or signs of poisoning. 

If you have any questions please contact: Marty Burke - marty.burke@brewsterponds.org 

On Tuesday September 28, 2022, a Cyanobacteria Advisory was posted by the Brewster Health Department at Lower Mill Pond due to a visible algal bloom indicative of elevated levels of cyanobacteria. The decision was made in conjunction with a recommendation by the MA Department of Public Health. The posting is at the Lower Mill Pond Dam at the Grist Mill off Stony Brook Road.  

As a precautionary measure, a second posting was erected at the Lower Mill Pond Beach Association kayak launch area through the collaborative efforts of the Brewster Ponds Coalition and the Beach Association. Testing of the pond will continue on a weekly basis to monitor existing cyanobacteria levels. 

Out of an abundance of caution and until further notice, people and pets should avoid contact with the pond water.  Do not ingest or get pond water in your mouth.  Do not recreate in this pond until the posting is removed by the Town of Brewster.

The Town and the BPC will report back when the pond is to be reopened. 

Call your doctor or veterinarian if you or your animals have a sudden or unexplained sickness or signs of poisoning. 

If you have any questions please contact: Marty Burke - marty.burke@brewsterponds.org ​

The Cyanobacteria Advisories posted at both the Lower Mill Pond Grist Mill and the Lower Mill Pond Beach Association were REMOVED on September 23, 2022 by the Brewster Health Department in collaboration with the Brewster Ponds Coalition and the LMP Beach Association, following two weeks of monitoring.

The Cyanobacteria algal levels have dropped to low risk levels per confirmatory test results and observations. Recreational water activities are confirmed.  This is in accordance with MA Department of Public Health recommended guidelines.