CLAPPS and duck PONDs
The Clapps Pond/Duck Pond ecosystem is crucial due to its size and opportunity to provide integrated management. The ponds themselves are co-owned by the Cape Cod National Seashore (federal), Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (state), the Town of Provincetown (40-acres). This combined ecosystem is defined by Route 6 on the south and a dune ridge to the north, with freshwater wetlands extending continuously from one pond to the other. The 68.4-acre conservation area on the south side of Clapps Pond is owned by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, but it is largely unmanaged. No parking is provided at the site, but hikers can park at Shank Painter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary parking across from the west trailhead, or on the side of Route 6 at the east trailhead.
Acreage: Approximately 100 Acres in total.
Uses: Currently a passive recreational area with great walking trails. Also an area known as Evans Field was a small ball field located on town land between the ponds but because it was created by converting a wetland, seasonal flooding made it unusable for much of the year. Use of this field as a ball field has been discontinued. Off-road vehicle riding, particularly motorcross cycles, for the past 20 years has impacted wetland quality but is now strictly prohibited. In addition, bonfires and camping within Clapps Pond is strictly prohibited.
Flora and Fauna
Clapps and Duck Ponds are freshwater ponds that are popular with waterfowl all year round. Many birders use the area to spot rare migratory ducks in the winter. Some of the ducks which have been spotted on Clapps Pond include American Wigeon, Teal, and Greater / Lesser Scaup.