Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Improvements to Mashpee-Wakeby Pond Boat Ramp

MASHPEE — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration joined local leaders and community partners to celebrate new green stormwater infrastructure and public access improvements at the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game (DFG) Office of Fishing and Boating Access (OFBA) boat ramp on Mashpee-Wakeby Pond. 

Investments in this popular outdoor recreation facility improve public access, resilience, and water quality at one of Cape Cod’s most popular fishing and boating locations. Partners cut the ribbon on the new and improved facility and engineers from Horsley-Witten Group offered a tour of the new green stormwater infrastructure system.

Through an $820,000 investment, project partners including Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game (DFG) Office of Fishing and Boating Access (OFBA), Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), the Town of Mashpee, and Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) retrofit the existing state boat ramp with green stormwater infrastructure to treat stormwater pollution, reduce flood risks, and boost habitat for pollinators. Additionally, reconstruction of the parking lot, accessibility improvements, and new pedestrian pathways will provide a better experience for visitors.  

“Access to nature is essential for the health and well-being of our communities. We are proud to invest in projects like this that not only connect more people with the outdoors, but deliver cleaner water, safer communities, and better protection from storms,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Through innovative nature-based solutions, this ensures all can experience the joy of fishing and boating on Mashpee-Wakeby Pond for generations to come.” 

“CZM is proud to have provided more than $300,000 in Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants to install nature-based solutions to treat stormwater runoff from the parking lot and boat ramp to Mashpee-Wakeby Pond,” said CZM Director Alison Brizius. “And since the pond is connected to the Mashpee River and Popponesset Bay, this project also benefits downstream coastal waters and habitat.” 

Mashpee-Wakeby Pond is one of Cape Cod’s most treasured natural resources. One of the Commonwealth’s Great Ponds, the 729-acre kettle pond provides important habitat for fish and wildlife and outdoor recreation opportunity in Mashpee and Sandwich. As the headwaters to the Mashpee River, the pond provides critical habitat for migratory river herring, which return from the sea each spring to spawn. While efforts are underway to reduce pollution, the pond still suffers from impaired water quality from septic systems and stormwater runoff, both of which result in more frequent cyanobacteria blooms and public health advisories. Investments in green stormwater infrastructure at the boat ramp, including five rain gardens with native plants and two underground infiltration chamber systems, will significantly reduce stormwater runoff pollution, providing cleaner water for people and nature.  

“The regional Cape Cod Boat Ramp Stormwater Project, led by APCC’s Ecosystem Restoration Program in partnership with the stormwater engineers at Horsley Witten Group and Cape municipalities like Mashpee, is working collaboratively with OFBA to address untreated stormwater runoff from existing, developed sites on Cape Cod. Improving stormwater management delivers meaningful benefits for water quality—protecting people, pets, fish, and wildlife,” said APCC Executive Director Andrew Gottlieb. 

“Mashpee‑Wakeby Pond supports extensive boating, fishing and recreation. Because of its importance to the Town, and the potential for stormwater impacts at this heavily used site, the ramp was designated a priority for water quality improvements,” said Mashpee Town Manager Rodney Collins. 

“This project is a true testament to the power of partnerships. We are incredibly grateful for the local leaders who stepped up to make this project a priority, and for all those who have helped carry this through to the finish line,” said OFBA Acting Director Terry Smith. “Because of this steadfast dedication, future generations will have the opportunity to connect with the outdoors and make meaningful memories on Mashpee-Wakeby Pond.”

This project has been supported locally by Save Mashpee-Wakeby Pond Alliance, the Mashpee Environmental Coalition, the Mashpee-Wakeby Lake Management Committee, the Mashpee Community Preservation Committee, and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. 

Massachusetts has the fastest-growing outdoor recreation economy in the nation. Through the Mass Ready Act, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to growing this important sector and has authorized $15 million to support fishing and boating access projects statewide. The Department of Fish & Game (DFG) Office of Fishing and Boating Access (OFBA) provides access to public waters in Massachusetts, including great ponds, rivers, and coasts. The Administration’s FY26—FY30 Capital Investment Plan also includes a $300,000 annual increase for OFBA to grow and maintain 300+ boat access, shore fishing, and fishing piers to ensure that all have access to the public waters of Massachusetts. 

Statements of Support:  

"Mashpee-Wakeby Pond is a special place, and these improvements will help ensure families can continue to fish, boat, and enjoy it for generations to come. I'm grateful to the Department of Fish and Game and other state and local partners who came together to make the new boat ramp and other upgrades possible. This investment is especially important because it will reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality, protecting the health of the pond and surrounding ecosystem,” said State Senator Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth). 

“Today was a great day for Mashpee, Sandwich and all of Cape Cod. Mashpee-Wakeby Pond is a special place and a true Cape Cod treasure. This project is about more than a new boat ramp. It’s about protecting our water, improving access for families, fishermen and boaters, and making sure this beautiful resource is here for generations to come. I was proud to be there, speak at this special event and be part of celebrating what can happen when we all work together,” said State Representative Steven Xiarhos (R-Barnstable). 

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