Eastham Select Board unanimously backs fertilizer reduction warrant article

EASTHAM -- February 17, 2026, Eastham Select Board votes unanimously to place a fertilizer reduction home rule petition on the spring town warrant. The board acted Tuesday after resident Laura Kelly asked members to sponsor the article directly rather than require a ten-signature citizens petition drive, a route that would have stripped the board of any ability to make technical edits to the language. The proposal would prohibit synthetic fertilizer applications on properties in Eastham while leaving organic and natural fertilizers unrestricted, and Kelly tied the effort to the town's recently adopted wastewater management plan, arguing it qualifies for additional nitrogen-credit reductions under state DEP calculations. Similar petitions have passed in Orleans and Wellfleet and were placed on the Truro warrant just one week earlier. The board noted that enforcement details would not be set until the governor's office issues guidance to participating towns.