A ‘critical driver’ of the economy: Land preservation plays key role for summer visitors and residents

As an astute observer of all things Cape Cod, you may have noticed that spring and summer bring more people to our beautiful peninsula, usually jump-started by the Memorial Day weekend. What could be the cause of this economy-driving phenomenon?

Some might posit that rumbling tummies from afar are drawn by the siren song of fried clams, lobster rolls and hot fudge sundaes. And, of course, there’s the call of the beach — a thrilling locale where splashing, cavorting and basking have been known to replace the national sport of doom-scrolling!

Sure, those are all great things. But at the core of all the hubbub, there is one overriding draw: the natural beauty of the Cape. Preserving and protecting this profound treasure is what makes Cape Cod sing in the hearts of residents and visitors alike.

Here at Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT), we hear this feedback all the time as folks enjoy our trails and vistas, and appreciate the ambitious, partner-driven eco-restoration work that has transformed retired cranberry bogs into wildlife oases over the past few years.

‘The quintessential Cape Cod experience’

The benefits of conserving land and protecting water quality extend far beyond aesthetic thrills — they boost the Cape Cod economy in a big way. A striking example of this value comes from the Cape Cod National Seashore, which protects nearly 44,000 acres of land from Chatham to Provincetown.

According to a National Park Service report, visitors to the Seashore in 2024 spent $598 million in communities near the park, with cumulative benefit to the local economy of $754 million.

“Our park was established by Congress to preserve the quintessential Cape Cod experience that is still possible today with the services and activities offered in our towns,” said Seashore Superintendent Jennifer Flynn in 2025. “Tourism is a critical driver to the local economy, and we’re proud to help bring in 5,385 jobs and $754 million dollars in economic output to communities within 60 miles of the park.”

It’s easy to see a correlation between the large Seashore example and the benefits of local land trusts on Cape Cod. When folks are out and about exploring trails or birding, they tend to stop by local stores for coffee, lunch or other necessities.

Eventually, they might need new binoculars, hiking shoes, insect repellent, all things that can be purchased locally. Perhaps they’ll be inspired by the new pollinator garden at HCT’s Robert F. Smith Preserve and want to create one in their own yard — off to the garden center!

Land trusts protect water quality, an economic driver

By conserving land that is adjacent to ponds, local land trusts help protect water quality, which is critical for public health, and also an important driver of the economy. In 2022, the Cape Cod Commission worked with a research group to develop an assessment of the economic value of freshwater resources on Cape Cod.

Here are some of the key findings from the report:

—Lakes and ponds are important to the Cape Cod economy. 83.9% of Cape residents and non-resident homeowners either “agree” or “strongly agree” that ponds and lakes are important to the Cape Cod economy. Spending associated with visits to lakes and ponds contributes between approximately 656 and 833 jobs annually and is responsible for $70 – $89 million of the region’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Each pond or lake visitor spends an average of $50 locally per visit.

—Cape residents and non-resident homeowners value clean ponds. 90.8% either “agree” or “strongly agree” that ponds and lakes are important to the Cape Cod environment, and they are willing to pay a premium to live near them. A home near a pond with clear water will sell for $22,300 (5% more than the median sales price) more than a similar home near a pond with algal issues, and a rental property near a pond with clear water will rent for $189 more per week (an 8% increase over median weekly rental value) than a similar rental property near a pond with algal issues.

HCT at the forefront

HCT has been at the forefront of water protection with our Priority Ponds Project to save sensitive watershed parcels, protect water quality and preserve wildlife habitat. The Priority Ponds effort includes the ongoing Robbins Pond Woodlands Project, which comprises nearly 18 acres of environmentally sensitive land including 275 feet of shoreline habitat in North Harwich.

Cutting edge conservation efforts like HCT’s Cold Brook Eco-Restoration Project benefit biodiversity, native species and recreational opportunities (including our half-mile All Persons Trail), and can also provide economic wins for the community.

An important goal of the Cold Brook eco-restoration was to help naturally remove nitrogen from the waterway – a common byproduct of commercial and residential development, and a significant issue Cape-wide.  The project potentially saved over $6 million in sewering costs by naturally reducing nitrogen that otherwise could have impacted Saquatucket Harbor on Nantucket Sound — requiring expensive sewering to remediate.

On Cape Cod, preserving and protecting our land and natural resources brings in dollars and makes a whole lot of sense. And there’s another splendid return on the investment: the joy and inspiration that comes from being outdoors, exploring nature, observing wildlife — and perhaps, during the hurly-burly of a Cape summer, getting away to a peaceful place to rest and recharge.

—Sign up for HCT eNews, a great way to stay in the loop about exciting HCT events, guided walks and other interesting news.

—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.