Date: 9/22/26 1:19 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Joint Base Cape Cod Survey - comments due 10/1
Please take some time to read the information below and comment.
Thanks to Jake McCumber, Natural Resources & Training Lands Manager, MA Army National Guard, for giving us notice of the opportunity to comment.
FOR THE SURVEY:visit www.jointbasecc.com and submit comments by Thursday, OCTOBER 1, 2026.
MassDevelopment currently has a survey for public input regarding the "master plan" they are developing for the southern 7,000 acres of Joint Base Cape Cod. This includes the grasslands we visit during spring grassland bird tours and summer butterfly walks. This is an opportunity for them to hear from a variety of stakeholders as they begin the planning process for the future of Joint Base Cape Cod.
Here’s some background information.
JBCC encompasses 22,000 acres across four municipalities: Bourne, Mashpee, Falmouth, and Sandwich. Approximately 15,000 acres constitute the northern training area, while the cantonment area comprises the remaining 7,000 acres to the south. A masterplan for the 7,000 acre area is being developed.
JBCC cantonment area is a patchwork of parcels across 7,000 acres.Some of these parcels are being declared as “excess” by one of the services and will likely go to the state.MassDevelopment has the authority to oversee of influence that transfer and what happens with “excess” military land owned by the state in MA.
Of course, development and affordable housing are big drivers on the Cape.
The consequences for wildlife with development would be very problematic.Connectivity between open space parcels is vey important.Together with Crane Wildlife Management Area (state managed), this is one of the largest blocks of contiguous habitat in southeastern MA.Also, housing and commercial development beyond taking habitat directly would require new road, support facilities, would reduce the ability to conduct prescribed fires, introduce pets and pests to the environment, new lighting impacts to nocturnal species, etc.
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The announcement and the link are below.
The website link takes you to the main website. If you scroll down a little bit there is a box on the lower right that says "Tell us what you think!" and has a button for "Give Feedback" which will take you to the survey.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <Barb620...>
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We want to hear from you!
The Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) Cantonment Area Master Planning initiative is underway, and community input is an important part of the process. Cape residents, employees, visitors, stakeholders, and others interested in JBCC are invited to complete a brief survey. Your feedback will help identify community priorities and support the base’s current and future missions. Survey responses will help shape Phase 2: Envisioning, which will include additional opportunities for public input and discussion. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. Please click on the QR code or visit www.jointbasecc.com and submit by Thursday, October 1, 2026.
