Important Bird Area: Cape Cod National Seashore

Invasive/Non-native Plants: Survey work conducted in 2000-2001 determined that approximately 25% of the 830 plant species at CCNS were non-native. Acreage of alien-dominated habitats were calculated, invasiveness of species were determined, and management priorities were established. Some efforts at controlling garlic mustard were initiated in 2001. Feral and Pet Cats: While knowledge of the general literature on this subject suggests there may be problems, there are no CCNS-specific data on numbers of cats or their impacts. The Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship program is comparing avian productivity at high- versus low-density residential sites, which may illuminate this.

Succession: While the return of woodlands represents a return to pre-European conditions, suppression of fire (both historically and now because of high-density housing), and development may result in the decline of heathland/grassland habitats to levels below pre-European conditions, and a loss of associated animal species. CCNS monitors vegetation at the park level, through aerial photo-based vegetation maps, as well as within habitats through quadrat methods. Heathland study sites established about 1989 were resampled in 2001. Heathland/grassland birds were surveyed in 1995 and in 2000, documenting a 50% decline in the Vesper Sparrow. Grassland habitat at Fort Hill is being managed through fire, mowing, and hand cutting, but no management plans for heathlands have been developed yet.

Overfishing: Commercial shellfishing occurs throughout CCNS, but is not thought to be a problem. Until recently, commercial harvest of horseshoe crabs occurred.

Predators: Principal predators of concern to avian conservation are Eastern Coyotes, Red Foxes, Great Horned Owls, and American Crows. While native predators, at natural densities, are not a great concern, human-enhanced densities of "subsidized" predators would be a concern, particularly when Threatened and Endangered species are involved. At present, coyotes and foxes are not a significant problem to terns and plovers (because of protection by predator enclosures), but crows are a significant Piping Plover predator, and Great Horned Owls are sometimes a significant tern predator at New Island. The National Park Service is testing the use of wolf and/or coyote urine as a deterrence to fox predation.

Water Pollution: There is concern over nutrient enrichment of kettle ponds and estuarine habitats from pollution by septic and fertilizers. There is growing evidence of increased nutrient levels in these systems (e.g., algal blooms in Salt Pond, Eastham, in 2001). CCNS is conducting intensive long-term water-quality monitoring of Kettle Ponds, and less frequent monitoring of estuarine waters. With the US Geologic Service (USGS), CCNS is studying transport of nutrients in groundwater from septic systems to ponds/estuary.

Air Pollution: Air at CCNS often has high levels of ozone and mercury (in precipitation) and precipitation pH is 4.4 to 4.6. Air quality is monitored at CCNS in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Precipitation chemistry (e.g., acid rain) is monitored at CCNS in cooperation with the National Atmospheric Deposition Program. Mercury in kettle ponds and pond-inhabiting fish has been detected.

Excessive Soil Erosion/Degradation: There was extensive historic soil loss/degradation during the agrarian period, particularly in the Provincelands. Visitors continue to trample many areas of the park, inhibiting natural revegetation and maintaining unnatural erosion.
Residential/Commercial Development: Growing numbers of year-round residents use the park as a backyard. Therefore, there are concerns over loss and degradation of adjacent habitats, increased groundwater withdrawal from common aquifers, and an increased level of predation by pets.
Disturbance to Birds/Habitats: There are more people, using more areas of CCNS, for a much greater portion of the year than ever before. In addition to traditional beach uses and beach buggies, there are now mountain bike trails being created in wooded areas by cyclists, kayakers are now numerous in many hitherto inaccessible salt marsh creeks, and significant numbers of boaters landing at all the remote, distal ends of peninsulas. CCNS and USGS are working to develop protocols for monitoring visitor impacts to wildlife and vegetation.