HomeMy Public PortalAboutPresentation WP 2Preserving The Values And Services ProvidedBy Healthy Coastal Wetland ResourcesFacilitated Discussion
Today’s ObjectivesReview Plan framework:Vision – what we want to achieveAssessment of conditions and trendsOpportunities and limitationsReview/get feedback on:management issues, priorities (wetland resources)management actions, priorities (wetland resources)
What do you value most about Brewster’s Coastal Resources?
What do you value most about Brewster’s Coastal Resources?What concerns do you have about these resources?
What do you value most about Brewster’s Coastal Resources?What concerns do you have about these resources?What actions would you like to see the Town take to preserve & protect these resources?
CRMP FrameworkVisionValues and services we want to preserve/protectGuiding principles to help evaluate actionsAssess/InventoryUnderstanding of processes and trendsConsensus on planning scenariosManagement Issues & Actions/ImplementationResponsive to community needs/protect resourcesAdaptableSustainable (ecologically, economically)Efficient use of resourcesReflect regulatory, legal considerations
VisionGoal: In the context of coastal change, preserve and protect Brewster‘s coastal resources and expand public access1: …preserve coastal ecosystems and habitats and the character of the town and coastal neighborhoods2: Maintain and expand public access …explore alternate modes of transport and access points3: Adapt to climate change projections and …financially and environmentally sustainable
Inventory/AssessmentBrewster’s famous 12,000 acres of tidal flats extend seaward approximately two miles at low tide. Eastward sediment transport = 25- 30,000 m3 per year move west along the Town’s coastline, and then decreases to some 10,000 cubic meters per year at the Town’ s eastern boundary. Reduction in transport rate indicates that some 15-20,000 m3added to eastern section of the active Brewster coast.
Inventory/AssessmentThe Namskaket Creek - 200-acres adjacent to Crosby Landing, extends into Orleans. Part of Inner Cape Cod Bay ACECQuivett Creek/Paine’s Creek Marsh – 190-acres surrounding Wing Island owned by the Town of Brewster and protected by a CR held by the MA DCR.Quivett Marsh and Crowes Pasture =570 acres (300 acres nationally declining coastal wetland type.)
Salt MarshesAmong the most productive ecosystems on earthNursery/spawning area for fish, shellfishNatural pollution filterProtection from storm surge & sea level riseAbsorbs green house gases helping to address climate changeMosquito control
Key Management IssuesThrough a process of sediment transport and accretion, Brewster’s tidal flats have kept up with sea level rise; not clear whether the flats will keep pace if sea level rise acceleratesBrewster’s marshes (Namskaket, Quivett) have kept pace with sea level rise; not clear whether marshes will keep pace if sea level rise acceleratesOpportunities for marsh management in coordination with Dennis and Orleans.
Key Management IssuesNatural erosion, transport, deposition of sand is essential to sustain beaches, tidal flats, dunes, marshes.Coastal wetland resources provide important ecosystem services that are difficult and expensive to replicate if lost. By interfering with the natural coastal processes. shoreline structures (revetments, groins, etc.) prevent erosion and can starve adjacent and downdriftbeaches, dunes and salt marshes of sediment they need to maintain elevation.
Do you support use of town land currently devoted to parking for purposes of allowing opportunities for wetland resources to migrate landward?
Do you support increased regulation of residential development along the shoreline to prevent building in low-lying areas and protect coastal wetland resources?
Do you support use of town funds to acquire property for purposes of allowing opportunities for wetland resources to migrate landward?
Management Concepts1.State of the art modeling to track change, develop management actionsDrainage improvementsThin layer deposition 2.Removal of any remaining tidal restrictions3.Planning and zoning measuresRevise Wetland Conservancy DistrictRevise Flood Plain BylawEvaluate Coastal District of Critical Planning Concern4.Land use and management plans for Quivett and Namskaket Marsh
Management Concepts5.Inner Cape Cod Bay ACEC management Plan6.Permitting guidance for shoreline developmentErosion management structuresSite plan review for residential development7.Revisions to wetland protection regulations8.Public information – coastal processes/ecosystem services, best practices