Barnstable Planning Transition to Organic Turf Management

July 19, 2019

Barnstable Town Manager Mark Ells

HYANNIS – Barnstable Town Manager Mark Ells has issued a stop-work order for fanwort removal operations at Bearses Farm, which is located in the headwaters of the town’s drinking water supply.

He has asked town officials to look at the uses of pesticides and fertilizers on the Hyannis and Old Barnstable Fairgrounds golf course.

“What we do in and around those areas, relevant to our public drinking water supply and our water resources, is certainly a priority for us here on Cape Cod and in the Town of Barnstable,” said Ells.

Ells has tasked his directors with looking at alternatives to managing invasive species and management of the town’s other assets.

Meanwhile, Barnstable is planning on eventually using 100 percent organic fertilizer on all town-owned property.

Ells said he’s concerned with the chemicals seeping into the water supply.

“This is a great challenge for our community,” said Ells. “We know what we face and we are concerned about what lies ahead.”