The Town of Yarmouth's Conservation Commission has outlined a proactive plan to maintain the cleanliness and health of local beaches during the busy summer months. Starting from Memorial Day and continuing through Labor Day, the town will implement a hand-raking initiative aimed at removing seaweed and debris from the beach area, particularly from the high tide mark to within ten feet of the berm.
This effort is crucial, especially during July and August when seaweed accumulation is at its peak due to increased water flow. The plan involves raking the beach once a week, or possibly twice, to ensure that the area remains clean and inviting for residents and visitors alike. The collected seaweed will be dried in a designated area of the parking lot before being transported to the town's compost facility.
In addition to seaweed, the raking process will help remove other debris such as fishing lines, lures, and plastic bottles, contributing to a cleaner environment and enhancing the overall beach experience. The town emphasizes the importance of leaving natural nourishment, like sand, on the beach to support its ecosystem.
Furthermore, the Conservation Commission discussed the installation of a snow fence along the high tide mark to protect the beach area. This fencing will be staggered across approximately 200 feet of beach at Lewis Bay, serving as a barrier to help maintain the integrity of the beach during the off-season.
These initiatives reflect the town's commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Yarmouth's beaches while ensuring they remain safe and enjoyable for the community. As the summer approaches, residents can look forward to cleaner beaches and enhanced efforts to protect their local environment.