Yarmouth conservation commission backs letter supporting 9.12‑acre Simpkins Bog conservation restriction

Kat Garafoli, land protection specialist for the Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, told the Yarmouth Conservation Commission on Nov. 21 that the Native Land Conservancy had been gifted a 9.12‑acre parcel near Simpkins and asked the Commission to support a conservation restriction to be held by the Yarmouth Conservation Trust.

"This conservation restriction is the second phase of the protection, for the bog area near Simpkins, and it's a 9.12 acre parcel that the Native Land Conservancy was gifted," Garafoli said, adding the restriction would protect water‑quality resources, habitat and culturally significant Wampanoag sites. She said the conservancy dedicates staff and volunteer effort to stewardship.

Commissioners questioned whether storm‑damage reduction benefits from the bog extend to neighboring private properties and asked about long‑term maintenance costs; Garafoli recommended using the town's GIS to identify privately owned parcels that might benefit and said the Native Land Conservancy maintains two dedicated stewardship staff and uses volunteers.

After discussion, the Commission agreed to send a letter of support to the Select Board. The motion was moved, seconded and carried unanimously.

The action asks the Select Board to consider the conservation restriction as part of the town's broader conservation strategy. No formal management contract or funding commitment beyond stewardship by the Native Land Conservancy was specified at the meeting.