Victory: A Major Step Toward Becoming an Ocean Friendly Community

On June 17, 2026, the Orleans Select Board unanimously voted to support the Ocean-Friendly Orleans Resolution, marking a major milestone in the effort to make Orleans the first Ocean Friendly Community in Massachusetts.

The resolution formally endorses the Orleans Coastal Stewardship Initiative and the Town's pursuit of Ocean Friendly Community designation. This action demonstrates the Town's commitment to protecting the coastal and freshwater resources that define Orleans while creating a framework for continued environmental leadership.

The Select Board recognized Orleans' long history of environmental stewardship, including local bans on single-use plastics and polystyrene, comprehensive fertilizer and pesticide bylaws, investments in wastewater infrastructure to reduce nitrogen pollution, and the conservation of more than 280 acres of open space. The resolution also highlights the Town's recently adopted Environmental Sustainability & Climate Action Omnibus Policy, which strengthens municipal commitments to waste reduction, water conservation, green procurement, building electrification, and native plantings.

Ocean-Friendly Orleans is built around four key areas of action:

• Education and community outreach
• Business programs and certifications
• Policy and bylaw development
• Partnership building

The initiative reflects years of work by local volunteers, Town boards and committees, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and residents who have made environmental stewardship a defining part of the Orleans community. As the Select Board noted, the effort is uniquely community-driven and backed by a practical three-year plan for measurable progress.

This victory would not have been possible without the dedication of local advocates, community partners, Town staff, elected officials, and residents who worked together to build support for a shared vision of a healthier coast and community.

We are especially grateful to the Orleans Select Board for recognizing the importance of protecting our ocean, waterways, and natural resources for future generations.

What's Next?

With the resolution adopted, Ocean-Friendly Orleans moves into its implementation phase. Over the coming months, partners will work together to advance community education efforts, expand ocean-friendly business participation, strengthen local policies, and build partnerships that help Orleans serve as a model for coastal communities across Cape Cod and beyond.

This unanimous vote demonstrates that when communities come together around a shared vision for clean water, healthy beaches, and resilient coastlines, meaningful progress is possible.

If you are interested in getting involved with this endeavor, please reach out to idefrancesco@surfrider.org or capeandislands@surfrider.org.