Beebe Woods

Additional Resources

In 2024, the Sippewissett Association Board of Directors recognized that the threat of wildfires from Beebe Woods is a critical concern impacting our Association members as well as numerous other stakeholders in Falmouth. Board Member Jeff Lunn created a “Beebe Woods Wildfire Mitigation Strategy” to address this growing concern, and organized an important subcommittee including the following: Arthur Gaines, Jennifer Gaines, Alan Jacobs and Jill Gottfried.

Purpose of this Initiative: Restore the historic Beebe Woods carriage trails through Beebe Woods for both Falmouth Fire and Rescue access as well as improved recreational access as detailed in the original Lilly deed to the town. In addition, we recognize the critical role educating and preparing our members on how each individual resident can mitigate the threat of wildfire risks both on their property and in their neighborhood.

History and Background

  • 1947: Great Fire of 1947 burned over 1,150 acres; 9 firefighters were injured

  • 1963: Falmouth Hospital Construction Completed & Opened, close to Beebe Woods

  • 1976: Lilly Gift of Beebe Woods to Town

  • 2005: Beebe Woods Wildfire & Preparedness Plan

  • 2007: Beebe Woods Management Plan

  • 2020: Beebe Woods Forest Stewardship Plan (Falmouth Conservation Committee)

  • Increased Development Surrounding Beebe Woods (residential, medical, educational, cultural, commercial)

  • Beech Tree Leaf Disease (nematode development)

  • History of Recent Droughts

  • Wildfire Frequency & Severity (Western US & Canadian wildfires; 5-1-2025 Otis-Joint Base Cape Cod wildfire, most recent local example)

  • Current deteriorated state of historic carriage trails now prohibits Falmouth Fire & Rescue proper access for personnel and equipment, impaired access for the intended recreational purpose due to erosion/scouring/overgrowth.

Stakeholders

  • Town of Falmouth (Fire Chief, Conservation Committee, etc.)

  • The 300 Committee Land Trust

  • Neighborhood Associations & Residents

  • Falmouth Hospital & Medical Offices

  • Falmouth Academy, Highfield Hall, College Light Opera, the Conservatory, Falmouth Sports Center, Mid-Cape Home Center, etc.

Process

Throughout 2025, numerous meetings with various critical stakeholders have been completed, including the following:

  • Falmouth Fire Department

  • Falmouth Conservation Commission

  • 300 Committee Land Trust

  • Cape Cod Fire Warden’s Office

  • Falmouth Hospital

  • Homeowner Associations (including Sippewissett Highlands, Greengate community, etc.)

Process Updates

On November 3, 2025, a walk through of Beebe Woods was completed that included both local and state officials, with the purpose of assessing and identifying the necessary clearing of the historic carriage trails for Falmouth Fire department personnel and equipment to get in and out safely to mitigate the threat of wildfires.

Next Steps

Through the end of 2025 and into 2026 additional steps will be taken by local and state resources necessary to complete this initiative. Completion will hopefully be in 2026 ideally before the traditional Spring wildfire threats that occur every year.

How can you help mitigate wildfire risk?

At our annual meeting of the Sippewissett Association held on June 28, 2025 at the Woodwell Climate Center in Woods Hole, a special presentation on mitigating wildfire threats was arranged with Josh Nigro who is the State Fire Warden for Cape Cod & the Islands. Josh included as part of his presentation an offer to conduct wildfire mitigation inspections for individual homeowners here in Sippewissett. This free consultative service is an important part of our strategy that focuses on educating residents on mitigating wildfire risks. Josh Nigro’s team is available to any resident and they can be reached via email at josh.nigro@mass.gov to schedule your individual wildfire mitigation assessment for your property.

Falmouth Fire Department has important information on their web site regarding “Open Burning Guidelines.” Given the strong winds our area usually experiences, it is vital that residents comply with all Open Burning Guidelines. More information is available at:

https://ma-falmouth.civicplus.com/188/Fire-Rescue

There is a wealth of information on our Fire Department’s web site. Please click on the “Fire Prevention” link and again on the “Open Burning” link to review important guidelines and procedures on open burning.