THURSDAY, September 19, 2024 | BREAKOUT SESSIONS
1:15 P.M. | Investigating Cape Cod’s Ponds: Past, Present, and Future
The Cape Cod Freshwater Initiative is taking a comprehensive look at Cape Cod’s ponds and the information available to inform understanding and management. Commission staff and project partners from the Association to Preserve Cape Cod and the University of Minnesota will present current work to gather historical monitoring data from ponds throughout Cape Cod and identify regional water quality trends, fill data gaps through additional field monitoring, and use satellite imagery to characterize pond water clarity, algae growth, and water color. Commission staff will also provide updates on resources being developed as part of the Freshwater Initiative to improve pond management outcomes.
- Andrew Gottlieb, Executive Director, Association to Preserve Cape Cod
- Leif Olmanson, Research Scientist, University of Minnesota
- Tim Pasakarnis, Water Resources Analyst, Cape Cod Commission
- Heather McElroy, Natural Resources Program Manager, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Ocean
1:15 P.M. | Redevelopment and Reuse: Reimagining Community Assets for Today’s Needs
Speakers will highlight examples of successful redevelopment and adaptive reuse in the region, such as the renovation of historic structures, the reuse of existing structures, and the redevelopment of underutilized locations into multi-family housing or mixed-use developments. Attendees will hear about a mix of smaller scale conversions and larger redevelopments and learn what makes these projects viable through collaboration and community support.
- Chris Allen, Director of Events and Partnerships, Strong Towns
- Michael Lach, Executive Director, Harwich Conservation Trust
- Norm Clarke, retired Harwich Fire Chief, Harwich Fire Association
- Ralph Vitacco, Director of Planning and Economic Development, Town of Sandwich
- Sarah Korjeff, Historic Preservation Specialist, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Harbor
1:15 P.M. | Canal bridges replacement: current status, next steps, and what’s at stake
With funding now in place for the replacement of the Sagamore Bridge, what comes next? Commission staff will present an update on where planning for the replacement of the Cape Cod Canal Bridges stands, the major next steps, and how to stay involved with the process. Lessons from the replacement of a similar bridge will be shared to give a sense of what to expect with the replacement of the Sagamore Bridge. In addition, the session will cover potential impacts to the region if funding is not identified for the replacement of the Bourne Bridge and major rehabilitation is required.
- Bryan Cordeiro, Cape Cod Bridges Program Manager, MassDOT
- Dave Anderson, Cape Cod Bridges Program Manager, HNTB
- Erica Blonde, Equity and Engagement Practice Manager, HNTB
- Steven Tupper, Deputy Director, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Dune
1:15 P.M. | Conversation with Main Stage Speakers: Allison Thurmond Quinlan, Eric Kronberg, and Tony Jordan
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation with Allison Thurmond Quinlan, Eric Kronberg, and Tony Jordan following their plenary session remarks.
- Allison Thurmond Quinlan, Principal, Flintlock LAB
- Eric Kronberg, Principal, Kronberg Urbanists + Architects
- Tony Jordan, President, Parking Reform Network
Room: Dune Middle
2:30 P.M. | Accelerating Climate Action Across the Region: Sharing Strategies and Resources
To meaningfully address climate change, action must be taken nationally, regionally, and locally. The Cape Cod Climate Action Plan provides a foundation for local action to mitigate and adapt to climate change. This session will highlight local climate action planning and implementation efforts, with a focus on available resources.
- Roberta Longley, Vice-Chair, Eastham Climate Action Committee
- Janet Williams, Coordinator, Chatham Climate Action Network
- Elizabeth Durkee, Climate Change Coordinator, Martha’s Vineyard Commission
- Heather McElroy, Natural Resources Program Manager, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Ocean
2:30 P.M. | Connecting our Communities: Strategies for Equitable Broadband Access
This session will highlight the Regional Broadband Needs Assessment, a comprehensive study of commercial broadband internet availability for Barnstable County with recommendations on strategies to pursue fixed and mobile network upgrades and expansions and to address challenges that Cape Cod residents face in broadband access and adoption. Findings and recommendations from the Assessment will be contextualized by statewide efforts led by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute and ongoing local planning efforts.
- David Talbot, Director of Research Services, CTC Technology and Energy
- Michael Solitro, Special Projects Coordinator, Town of Orleans
- Steven Tupper, Deputy Director, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Harbor
2:30 P.M. | New Tools for Understanding our Ponds
A panel of Commission staff and Freshwater Initiative project partners will discuss how updated water quality data, geographic information systems, and satellite imagery are all being used to gain new insights into how and why Cape Cod’s ponds are changing. This session will cover efforts to utilize satellite-derived imagery and existing pond water quality data to help quantify changes in pond characteristics for a large set of ponds, including ponds that have not been previously monitored.
- Leif Olmanson, Research Scientist, University of Minnesota
- Tim Pasakarnis, Water Resources Analyst, Cape Cod Commission
- Tara Nye Lewis, Water Resources Analyst, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Dune Middle