The ACEC Program has completed an intensive review and clarification for six coastal ACEC boundaries on Cape Cod. Staff are doing the ACEC Boundary Clarification Project because portions of the original boundary maps are outdated and no longer illustrate an accurate representation of the written description found in the original designation document. Some of the earliest coastal ACEC designations date back to 1978. Fortunately, we are now able to show ACEC boundaries more accurately on USGS base maps using current geographic information systems (GIS, computer-based mapping applications) and statewide digital data sources.

The boundary map is generally used for land use planning and resource management applications, while the boundary text is used for regulatory interpretation and site-specific project review. All mapped ACEC boundaries are accurate at a scale of 1:25,000 and are best illustrated on a digital USGS topographic base map.

These boundary clarifications may result in differences in the total estimated ACEC area as compared to the area originally mapped for each ACEC (see table below for acreage estimates). However, it is important to remember that the designated boundary has not changed, but the accuracy with which we describe and map it has improved.

Additional Information

• Boundary Clarification Project Description
• Boundary Code Description