Rock Harbor Creek cleanup

River Rats Unite!

OPC, together with Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen's Association and Friends of Pleasant Bay, have joined forces to form the Waterways Restoration Alliance.  The driving force behind this partnership is Jeff Norgeot who serves on the Boards of all three groups and is dedicated to returning streams and waterways to their original state. He says, "When our water can flush naturally, balance is restored and fish benefit."  

Volunteers have worked to clear debris from Rock Harbor Creek and Tar Kiln Creek allowing the water to flow freely to our Bays.  Fish species, including herring, that use these streams to reach upstream nesting habitat will find an easier journey as a result of these efforts.

A new grant received by the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen's Association will support research on the hydrology of Cedar Pond in 2008.  Orleans Pond Coalition will be working jointly with CCCHFA, Friend’s of Pleasant Bay, Town of Orleans, and Ryder and Wilcox Engineering to conduct a feasibility study to develop preferred alternatives to restore Rock Harbor Creek Salt Marsh and to replace the culvert under Rock Harbor Road.  This project will also determine the best method for stabilizing the road bank and stream bank between the Rock Harbor Road and Route 6 culverts.  

The project is graciously being funded by a $35,000 grant from the Gulf of Maine Council.  Ryder and Wilcox Engineering has been and will remain as a very beneficial partner by providing in-kind surveying and map design.  Without their help this project would not be funded.  

We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with all the organizations involved and moving forward to identify other potential sites for restoration in the future.  For more information or to volunteer contact Jeff Norgeot at 255-8374.

Work in Tar Kiln Creek involved clearing rock dams and silt to provide better flushing action for the creek and marsh.