Harwich Land Purchase Completes Conservation Area Around West Reservoir

PHOTO COURTESY: Harwich Conservation Trust

HARWICH – A conservation effort in Harwich that began in the 1960s has been completed.

The remaining 4.1 acres of the Bells Neck Conservation Lands around West Reservoir was purchased by the town from the Hall family.

The purchase completes what Harwich Conservation Trust director Michael Lach called the “emerald necklace of woodlands around water.”

Lach said the purchase was made possible through the efforts of Town Administrator Chris Clark and the Hall Family.

“It was a family decision to move forward and preserve these last 4 waterfront acres on the West Reservoir,” Lach said. “It’s been in their family a very long time.”

The conservation effort in the area started when town meeting voters agreed to purchase and preserve 184 acres in 1966, according to Lach.

“There was always this missing piece of the puzzle,” Lach said.

The purchase creates the potential for a future walking trail loop, in conjuction with the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike path, all the way around the reservoir. Lach said it could be in place by the end of the summer.

The area of land around the reservoir and the Herring River includes over 800 feet of shoreline.

“There’s an ecological importance to the property in terms of protecting both woodland and shoreline habitat for wildlife,” Lach said.

Lach said there is also a scene aspect to preserving the view of the shoreline from the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike path which is used by over 400,000 people.

The land also provides a scenic view for canoers and kayakers that frequent the West Reservoir waters, along with walkers once the walking trail is completed.

Lach said the Harwich Conservation Trust is currently working on a number of land preservation initiatives and more details would be available in the coming months.