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HomeMy Public PortalAboutOSRP Section 4 Draft Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 1 June 8, 2020 SECTION 4. Environmental Inventory and Analysis A. Geology, Soils and Topography 1. Geology and Topography Brewster’s landforms are a product of glacial ice, ocean influence, wind, and erosion. Brewster and the Cape were first formed 17,000 to 21,000 years ago by glacial action near the end of the Wisconsin stage of the Pleistocene epoch. As ice withdrew from the area of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, it came to rest where the Cape is presently located, depositing several hundred feet of unconsolidated material ranging in particle size from clay to boulders. Figure 4-1a shows Brewster’s geologic features. Most of Brewster is comprised of a glacial deposit designated as the Harwich Outwash Plain. Outwash plains are deposited by meltwater streams flowing off the front of a receding glacier. The flowing streams tend to sort sediment deposition by particle size. Coarser grained particles are deposited in faster flowing environs closer to the melting ice front while finer grained particles are deposited in slower flowing environs further away. Large blocks of ice left by the retreating glacier settled and were surrounded by sediments deposited in the outwash streams. Those buried ice blocks finished melting long after (potentially thousands of years in some cases) the outwash deposits ceased active formation, resulting in numerous steep-sided kettle-holes as the surrounding sediments collapsed into the voids left by the melting ice block. Where those kettle-holes are deep enough to intersect the water table, kettle-hole ponds were formed. In contrast to the relatively flat outwash plain areas, the higher land (up to 141 feet above mean sea level) in the north western part of town (north of the Mill Ponds and along Stony Brook) is characterized by less well sorted sediments of varying particle sizes, including many boulders. The Mass GIS mapping shown on Figure 4-1 does not differentiate between the varied topography of the Stony Brook area and the more consistent deposits of the Harwich Outwash Plain; they are both simply classified as Sand and Gravel deposits. However, more detailed geologic mapping conducted by the USGS has depicted this area, originally, as part of the Sandwich Moraine (Oldale, 1969) or, more recently, as ice contact deposits (LeBlanc et al, 1986). End moraines are deposited at the terminus of an advancing ice front, both by thrusting and bulldozing of material up in front of the ice, and by direct deposit of material entrained in the ice as the ice melts away. Ice contact deposits also originate near the edge of an ice sheet as the ice differentially melts dropping its varied sediment load around stagnant blocks of resistant ice surviving for a period after the larger ice sheet has receded away. While moraine and ice contact deposits are of different origin, they are both characterized by relatively steep and varied topography with a wide range of particle sizes and abundant boulders. These characteristics make for interesting and varied open space uses, in contrast to the flatter and more consistent outwash plain areas. Along the immediate northern (Cape Cod Bay) shore of Brewster are located fine-grained deposits of glacio-lacustrine (wind-blown) origin. After the ice-contact deposits and the outwash deposits were laid down, the ice front had receded to a position well north of the Cape and melt water from that continually receding ice was temporarily trapped by the glacial deposits of the Cape to form a glacial lake in roughly the current position of Cape Cod Bay. The low energy environment of the lake allowed finer silt and clay sized particles to settle out, creating the lacustrine deposits Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 2 June 8, 2020 currently exposed along Brewster’s northern shoreline. Wind driven dune deposits and marshlands comprise the most-recent, post-glacial sediment deposits in town. The geologic history of Brewster was once thought to be rather simple, but is today seen as a complex set of interactions which are not yet fully understood. For purposes of open space planning it is sufficient to understand that most of Brewster is composed of sandy glacial deposits, with limited areas of more varied topography and pockets of wetlands, bogs, and clay. This glacial past explains its topography. Ultimately, it also explains Brewster's soils, vegetation, wildlife, visual beauty and basic character. 2. Soils Soil types for the Town of Brewster have been mapped and described by the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in the Soil Survey of Barnstable County. Maps and interpretative data indicating the limitations of individual soils for different land uses such as on- site sewage disposal, homesites, and woodlands, are available for review through the NRCS or through the Conservation Commission office in Brewster Town Hall. Figure 4-1b depicts Brewster’s soils. Hydrologic Soil Group and Surface Runoff Hydrologic soil groups are based on estimates of runoff potential. Soils are assigned to one of four groups according to the rate of water infiltration when the soils are not protected by vegetation, are thoroughly wet, and receive precipitation from long-duration storms. The estimates are used in land use planning that involves engineering considerations. The Four Hydrologic Soil Groups are: Group A. Soils having a high infiltration rate (low runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These consist mainly of deep, well drained to excessively drained sands or gravelly sands. These soils have a high rate of water transmission. Group B. Soils having a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of moderately deep or deep, moderately well drained or well drained soils that have moderately fine texture to moderately coarse texture. These soils have a moderate rate of water transmission. Group C. Soils having a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of soils having a layer that impedes the downward movement of water or soils of moderately fine texture or fine texture. These soils have a slow rate of water transmission. Group D. Soils having a very slow infiltration rate (high runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of clays that have a high shrink-swell potential, soils that have a high water table, soils that have a claypan or clay layer at or near the surface, and soils that are shallow over nearly impervious material. These soils have a very slow rate of water transmission. If a soil is assigned to a dual hydrologic group (A/D, B/D, or C/D), the first letter is for drained areas and the second is for undrained areas. Surface runoff refers to the loss of water from an area by flow over the land surface. Surface runoff classes are based on slope, climate, and vegetative Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 3 June 8, 2020 cover. The concept indicates relative runoff for very specific conditions. It is assumed that the surface of the soil is bare and that the retention of surface water resulting from irregularities in the ground surface is minimal. The classes are negligible, very low, low, medium, high, and very high. A single soil association, the Carver (A) soil, comprises more than 75% of the town's soils. The most important aspect of Brewster's Carver soils is their permeability. The loose coarse lower layers act as a vast reservoir for underground water replenished by precipitation, and town well tests indicate large amounts of drinkable water in both the eastern and western sectors of Brewster. However, the permeability that allows between 15 and 20 inches of water per year to recharge the groundwater system also allows septage, landfill leachate, contaminated road runoff and other pollutants, such as oil or gas from leaking underground storage tanks, to quickly flow through the soil into the drinking water supply. Wet soils, low permeability soils, wetlands and surface waters make up the other 25% of the soils of the town, which means that 25% of Brewster is unsuitable for development just on the basis of soil type. However, while these soils and water areas preclude or should preclude development, they provide drinking water through groundwater recharge, natural habitat of major importance, and widely used recreational opportunities. A second major soil type, the Plymouth-Barnstable-Nantucket-Barnstable (A-A-B-A), is also excessively drained and well-drained, sandy, loamy soil. Like Carver, these soils can present severe problems with septic fields, since they allow the effluent to percolate into the groundwater without being sufficiently filtered. A third type, the Plymouth-East Chop-Carver-Boxford Soil Complex (A-A-A-C/D) again, is excessively well-drained, however these sandy soils have the addition of clay. There are apt to be pockets of perched water where these soils form. These soil areas have previously been considered unsuitable for building and for septic systems. However, with the decreasing availability of developable parcels, many previously unwanted lots, are now getting a closer look. Another soil type in Brewster can be classified as wetland/bog, Freetown Sanded Muck (A/D), comprising approximately 7% of the town. These soils can be used successfully for cranberry bogs, and there are several important wildlife habitat areas associated with these soils. The Ipswich-Pawcatuck-Matunuck Soil Complex (A/D) is the major soil type found in boggy areas near the shore. The soils are poorly drained peats formed in marine and sandy deposits. There is also a small amount of Agawam soils (approximately 3% of town) which, while important for certain wildlife and plant species, are again unsuitable for development because these soils are too wet or impermeable for proper septic tank functioning. Almost all of this “wet” land is unsuitable for residential, commercial or industrial use because of wetness and instability. Yet, as building pressure increases, it is more difficult to keep people from building in these totally inappropriate, marginal areas. In some instances "bog view" and "marsh view" are now being sold as special attributes of parcels that might best be left undeveloped. Any natural feature is perceived by a growing number of people as a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder, disassociated from its natural functions or its true long-term value to the community. According to NRCS criteria, 496 acres (about 3%) of the town's land area are classified as prime agricultural soils. Prime agricultural soils are mainly concentrated in the north / northwestern Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 4 June 8, 2020 portion of Brewster. Although there are a few active agricultural lands located on prime agricultural soils, most existing active agricultural areas are not (APCC, 2011). 3. Landscape Character Quiet beauty, rural charm and quaint New England are some of the phrases used to characterize Brewster. They embody the key qualities described by residents in a 1991 Local Comprehensive Plan Committee Survey. Brewster’s greatest assets are its rural character; beaches, the Bay, Route 6A, open space and ponds (Figure 4-2). One of the many charms of Brewster is its access to its great beaches on Cape Cod Bay. These are especially inviting to parents with small children, because of the extraordinary features exposed at low tide. Brewster has enormous sand flats that extend at least a mile into the Bay. People of all ages enjoy “walking the flats”. This terrain is also ideal for shellfishing. Off-season, Route 6A is a quiet, pleasant drive between Dennis and Orleans. It is lined with the homes of sea captains and other historic structures. From west to east there are many features to visit along the way. The spectacular scenic vista of Cape Cod Bay at the Drummer Boy Park is also the site of an historic Windmill, the Harris Black House and a Blacksmith Shop. Traveling east, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History is then on the north side of the street. A short drive south off 6A, taking Stony Brook Road to Run Hill Road, connects one with The Punkhorn Parklands, over 800 acres of ponds, woodlands and bogs. Continuing east on 6A one passes numerous sea captains homes which have been brought back to their original beauty and charm, at least two early Town Hall buildings, and 11 chances to take a road leading to the north to access a town beach. On the eastern edge of town, Ocean Edge mansion is seen set far back off the north side of the road. Formerly La Salette Seminary, these buildings now comprise the Ocean Edge Conference Center. Further on, Nickerson State Park is seen on both sides of the road, with beaches and marshes on the Bay side and forests, trails and ponds on the south side of 6A. There is no town center per se, unless it is the Old General Store, situated approximately where Route 124 meets Route 6A. Early morning coffee, the newspaper and conversation concerning the latest happenings are all available to residents and visitors alike. B. Water Resources 1. Watersheds The Town of Brewster is within the Cape Cod Watershed. This watershed is a coastal river drainage area lacking the characteristic, large mainstream rivers and associated tributary systems common to the other watersheds of Massachusetts. Cape Cod coastal embayment systems are fed by smaller freshwater and estuarine recharge areas comprising tidal creek and marsh systems. The Town of Brewster encompasses six embayment watersheds, which it shares with neighboring jurisdictions. These include the Cape Cod Bay, Herring River, Namskaket Creek, Pleasant Bay, Quivett Creek, and Stony Brook watersheds. Brewster also contains a very small portion of the Bass River watershed. Figure 4-3 shows these watershed boundaries as well as Brewster’s major water resources. The Pleasant Bay, Herring, River and Bass River Watersheds have recently been assessed a part of the Massachusetts Estuaries Project for the restoration and protection of estuarine Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 5 June 8, 2020 resources. The Pleasant Bay Watershed has been included in Brewster’s Water Resources bylaw, while the Herring River and Bass River Watersheds have not. Although Brewster encompasses just a small portion of shoreline on Pleasant Bay, a portion of the watershed draining to the bay is within the town. Excessive nitrogen originating primarily from on-site wastewater disposal systems within the Bay’s watershed has led to a degradation of Pleasant Bay’s water quality. Some of the impacts of excessive nitrogen loading include: • Loss of eelgrass beds, which are critical habitats for macroinvertebrates and fish; • Undesirable increases in macro algae, which are much less beneficial than eelgrass; • Periodic extreme decreases in dissolved oxygen concentrations that threaten aquatic life; • Reductions in the diversity of benthic animal populations; and • Periodic algae blooms. In addition, as a result of these environmental impacts, commercial and recreational uses of the Pleasant Bay System coastal waters could be greatly reduced or cease altogether (EEA, 2007). With proper management of nitrogen inputs these trends can be reversed. The Town of Brewster is one of four towns (including Chatham, Harwich and Orleans) within the Pleasant Bay Watershed. These towns have formed the Pleasant Bay Alliance, a municipal organization that coordinates the resource management plan for the watershed, including the designated Pleasant Bay Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The Alliance’s projects, programs and studies promote healthy natural resources and safe public access throughout Pleasant Bay.` PLEASANT BAY ALLIANCE The Pleasant Bay Alliance is an organization of the Towns of Brewster, Chatham, Orleans, and Harwich. Formed through an inter-municipal agreement, the Alliance is charged with implementing the Pleasant Bay Resource Management Plan. The Plan encompasses the Pleasant Bay Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) and Pleasant Bay watershed. The Alliance develops and distributes public policy recommendations, technical studies and public information/educational materials, all available on the Alliance website, www.pleasantbay.org. Brewster’s Natural Resources Director and Town Planner are appointed by the Select Board to represent the Town on the Alliance’s Steering Committee. Watershed Nutrient Management Each Alliance member town has developed a plan to address its share of responsibility for reducing nitrogen in Pleasant Bay. The Alliance has compiled the effect of the four town plans in the Pleasant Bay Targeted Watershed Management Plan (2018). The watershed plan includes a mix of traditional nitrogen removal actions (e.g., sewering), and non-traditional methods (e.g., shellfish aquaculture.) Chatham and Harwich are proposing to install sewers and share use of Chatham’s treatment plant. Orleans is pursuing a combination of sewering around Meetinghouse Pond, exploring the nitrogen removal capacity of shellfish aquaculture in Lonnie’s Pond, and testing the efficacy of permeable reactive barriers. Brewster is maximizing fertilizer reductions at its golf course, and exploring the potential for nitrogen removing septic systems. The regional approach allows the towns to work together to pursue efficiencies and cost savings through coordinated actions. Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 6 June 8, 2020 In 2018, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) issued the Pleasant Bay Watershed Permit, the first permit of its kind to reduce nitrogen loads in a watershed shared by multiple towns. The permit gives each Alliance town a mix of authorizations and incentives needed to implement the nitrogen removal strategies outlined in the watershed plan. The twenty- year permit is managed in five-year increments, with nitrogen reduction targets for each town to meet along the way. The Alliance develops annual progress reports required by MassDEP and the Cape Cod Commission to demonstrate that nitrogen reduction requirements are on track. The process is flexible and allows towns to adapt if targeted strategies end up performing better or not as well as predicted. To help implement the work called for under the watershed permit, the Alliance obtained $250,000 from the Southeast New England Estuaries Project (SNEP), a grant program sponsored by US EPA and Restore America’s Estuaries. Under the grant the Alliance and member towns are: 1) exploring the potential for expanded use of nitrogen removing septic systems; 2) monitoring the effectiveness of shellfish aquaculture for nitrogen removal; 3) developing a nitrogen trading demonstration project that will allow towns to use financial transactions to compensate for nitrogen removal; and 4) updating the ecological model that is used to track and assess nitrogen concentrations and removal requirements in the Pleasant Bay system. Working with the towns to achieve the nitrogen removal targets outlined in the Targeted Watershed Management Plan and watershed permit will continue to be a high priority for the Alliance. Monitoring Working with volunteers and technical support from the four member towns, the Alliance coordinates the Pleasant Bay Water Quality Monitoring program. Trained volunteers collected samples at bay-wide sites achieving a 90% collection rate. The program is operated in accordance with a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) approved by MassDEP and adheres to protocols for volunteer training, sample custody, and laboratory analysis. The precise number of monitoring stations has been adjusted over the past two decades based on refinement of data needs. Currently, there are twenty-five stations actively monitored. Data collected by the water quality monitoring program were incorporated in modeling of Pleasant Bay undertaken by the Massachusetts Estuaries Project (MEP). The MEP analysis detailed in the 2006 Technical Report documented signs of nutrient-related stress throughout the system and found that thirteen of seventeen subembayments exhibited some level of impaired or degraded habitat health due to overloading of nitrogen. The report also documented excessively low dissolved oxygen levels in some subembayments such as Muddy Creek, Paw Wah Pond, Lonnie’s Pond, Areys’s Pond, Quanset Pond and Meetinghouse Pond, where surrounding land is densely developed and tidal flushing is restricted. The MEP report provided the basis for establishing total nitrogen Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for nineteen subembayments in Pleasant Bay. The TMDLs provide the nutrient targets for local and regional nutrient management planning. In coordination with Dr. Graham Giese and the Center for Coastal Studies of Provincetown, the Alliance also supports regular tide gauge monitoring throughout the Pleasant Bay system. Coastal Resilience Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 7 June 8, 2020 The Alliance coordinates inter-municipal efforts related to coastal vulnerability and resiliency in Pleasant Bay. The Alliance’s work in the area of coastal vulnerability and resiliency builds on extensive previous technical studies and monitoring undertaken by the Alliance over more than a decade, including: 137 Years of Shoreline Change in Pleasant Bay 1868-2005 (Borrelli, 2005); A Geomorphological Analysis of Nauset Beach/Pleasant Bay/Chatham Harbor For the Purpose of Estimating Future Configurations and Conditions (Giese et al, 2010); Analysis of Tide Data from Meetinghouse Pond, Chatham fish Pier and Boston: With Application to Management (Giese, 2012); Sea Level Rise: Assessment of Impacts on Nauset Barrier Beach and Pleasant Bay (CCS, 2017); Progress Report on Collection and Analysis of Tidal Data from Boston Harbor, Meetinghouse Pond, Chatham Fish Pier and Outermost Harbor: June 2016 – June, 2017 (Giese and Legere, 2017); These studies have led to the development of policy guidance submitted to the member towns, including permitting guidelines for docks, piers and walkways, and the recently released Guidelines for Managing Erosion in Pleasant Bay (Pleasant Bay Alliance, 2018). The Alliance obtained a $70,050 FY2020 coastal resilience grant from Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management. The grant funded a project to help Salt Marsh resources in Pleasant Bay keep up with sea level rise. The project includes an assessment of Salt Marsh vulnerability and living shoreline suitability
in Pleasant Bay. The Alliance will use this assessment to develop and permit living shoreline pilot projects on public properties to manage erosion while sustaining natural coastal processes. (Carol Ridley, Director PBA) 2. Surface Waters: Freshwater Lakes and Ponds Freshwater ponds are a major defining feature of Brewster. Over 10% (or over 2,000 acres) of the town's surface area is covered by fresh water ponds providing Brewster with the largest pond area on the Cape. The Town of Brewster has approximately 80 ponds; of these ponds, 53 of them are greater than one acre and 28 of them are greater than 10 acres. The 743 acre Long Pond shared with Harwich is the Cape's largest, while Cliff Pond with a depth of 84 feet is the deepest. In recent years, local concerns about the water quality of Brewster’s ponds have often become focused by algal blooms, fish kills, and concerns related to the impacts from population growth. Nine major freshwater ponds are interconnected in the Stony Brook watershed, which ultimately discharges into Cape Cod Bay at the mouth of Paines Creek. These ponds include Elbow, Slough, Pine, Walkers, Smith, Canoe, Upper Mill, Lower Mill and Schoolhouse Ponds. This hydraulic system is the core of the over 800-acre Punkhorn Parklands. Brewster's ponds generally lie within the sand and gravel of the Harwich Outwash plain. Groundwater flow is enhanced by the highly permeable sand and gravel deposits and plays a dominant role in all of the major pond systems. The influence of surface water runoff to the ponds is minimal due to the ponds’ general lack of tributary streams and the soil composition of their watersheds. Wave action has winnowed the sand from much of the pond shorelines, leaving an armor of coarse gravel and cobbles. Very little fine-grained sediment is present except where organic matter has concentrated in the deeper areas of the ponds. About 14 ponds are regularly stocked with fish by the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife and at least 11 ponds support public swimming. Ten ponds are sufficiently deep to have the potential to support cold-water fish (e.g. Long, Seymour, Sheep, and Slough Ponds). Ponds in the Stony Brook and Herring River watersheds provide essential habitat for anadromous fish like Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 8 June 8, 2020 alewife and blueback herring, which migrate from salt to fresh water to spawn, and catadromous fish like eels that spawn in salt water and live in fresh water. Several complex man-made hydrologic networks consisting of many miles of ditches and intermittent streams course through Brewster and are maintained by the Barnstable County Mosquito Control Commission. The Consodine Ditch system was developed to remove surface water from low-lying wetlands and acts as a flood relief system, which discharges water at Breakwater Beach. A second extensive ditch network flows through the Stony Brook watershed and discharges through Freemans Pond and Paines Creek. Some of Brewster’s ponds are coastal plain ponds, which are freshwater bodies that occupy glacially formed depressions in the sandy soil found on Cape Cod. The water in the ponds fluctuates seasonally in response to a direct link with the area's water table. This seasonal fluctuation allows a diverse pond shore plant community to flourish. The dry years keep aquatic plants from establishing a permanent colony and the wet years keep the upland plants from taking over. Coastal plain pond shore communities often take root in zones along the shoreline depending on the plant's ability to tolerate wet conditions. Waters tend to be nutrient poor and acidic. It is not uncommon to find some of the more common marsh emergents such as rushes and sedges in the mix of plants. But it must be remembered that along with more common varieties of plants there are globally rare plants such as the Plymouth Gentian (Sabatia kennedyana). a) Recreational Access to Ponds Brewster's ponds are enjoyed for a wide number of recreational uses, such as fishing, boating, sunbathing, swimming and ice-skating. Due to its large size (743 acres) Long Pond is a popular ice- fishing location in the winter. MA fishing licenses are required on all ponds. All of Brewster's ponds have a three- (3) horsepower propulsion limit except Long, Cliff, and Flax Ponds where there are no power limitations. The majority of Brewster's ponds lack official public landings; however, many have informal access. Formal Public Freshwater Beaches/Landings are located as follows: 1. Long Pond – Boat ramp and beach 2. Slough Pond 3. Upper Mill Pond – Accessible viewing platform and boat ramp 4. Sheep Pond – Accessible viewing platform, boat ramp and beach 5. Schoolhouse Pond – Accessible fishing dock and car-top boat launch, winter ice skating The most active of the public landings is the town beach and boat launching facility at Long Pond and the State launching ramp and town beach at Fisherman's Landing on Sheep Pond. Cliff Pond and Flax Pond in Nickerson State Park have swimming beaches with lifeguards as does Long Pond. Seymour Pond has a public beach shared with Harwich and there is a small public swimming access to Pine Pond. There is substantial town frontage on Bakers Pond, however access is difficult and there is no beach on the Brewster side, only in Orleans. Town public boat ramps exist at Walkers, Long, Upper Mill and Sheep Ponds. Brewster's sailing program established in 1997 is located at Upper Mill Landing. Car top boat launching facilities were also constructed at Slough and Schoolhouse Ponds. Handicapped access viewing platforms are found Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 9 June 8, 2020 at Sheep, Upper Mill and Schoolhouse Ponds. The Schoolhouse Pond platform doubles as a fishing dock. b) Pond Water Quality Many of the ponds in Brewster today have compromised water quality due to excessive loadings of phosphorous, the nutrient of concern that controls the level of excess plant and algae growth, a process known as eutrophication. Eutrophication can deplete oxygen levels, cause fish kills and noxious odors, and reduce water column visibility. At the end of the algal growing season, the algae die off and settle on the pond bottom causing sediment buildup. This can impact organisms living on the pond bottom. Common sources of phosphorus include phosphate-containing cleaners or detergents, human and animal waste, vehicle exhaust deposits, and fertilizers from lawns, golf courses, and agriculture (HW, 2013). Brewster has been conducting environmental monitoring of its ponds under the auspices of the Department of Natural Resources for over 20 years (since 1987). Brewster’s ponds had been monitored regularly by the Cape Cod Pond and Lake Stewardship (PALS) program. The PALS program had monitored ponds and lakes across Cape Cod, including 29 ponds in Brewster. Brewster now runs their own PALS/pond monitoring program. According to the PALS data, many of Brewster’s ponds are not meeting water quality standards for dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a and nutrients (phosphorous and nitrogen) (SMAST, CCC, 2009). These data are consistent with observed conditions, which include regular algal blooms at many of Brewster’s ponds. Table 4-1 summarizes the ponds in Brewster that were listed on the State’s 2012 Impaired Waters (303(d)) List. Brewster is using an aquatic weed harvester to remove aquatic plants in an effort to lessen the phosphorus impairment in Walkers Pond. Starting last year, the effort has expanded to Elbow Pond with assistance from the Brewster Ponds Coalition and the Friends of Elbow Pond. In fall of 2019 an alum treatment was complete on Upper Mill Pond as a part of the treatment strategy for the Mill Ponds complex (Walkers, Upper, Lower Mill Ponds). Table 4-1. Brewster’s Impaired Freshwater Ponds Pond Pollutant(s) of Concern Lower Mill Pond Chlorophyll-a; Excess algal growth; Phosphorous (total); Secchi disk transparency; Turbidity Long Pond Oxygen, dissolved Sheep Pond Mercury in fish tissue Walkers Pond Excess algal growth; Phosphorous (total); Secchi disk transparency; Turbidity Baker’s Pond Mercury in fish tissue The Cape Cod Commission has mapped the watersheds of 18 of Brewster’s Ponds. Development regulations targeted toward development within these watersheds could help control sources of phosphorous, including the fertilizer and pesticide use, stormwater runoff, and septic systems. Through its Integrated Water Resource Management Plan, the town is looking into implementing Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 10 June 8, 2020 local regulations, such as provisions that require more stringent septic system setbacks to ponds, in order to better manage phosphorous sources. Managing phosphorous loading to Brewster’s ponds will enhance the recreational capacity of these resources by allowing them to be used for boating, swimming, fishing and other activities. 3. Marine Surface Waters Marine resources in Brewster exist primarily on the north shore, along Cape Cod Bay. There is a small section of Brewster bordering Pleasant Bay (approximately 40 feet of frontage) to the south but there is no landing there. There are no large estuaries in Brewster through there are some substantial creeks including Paine's, Quivett and Namskaket. At low tide, Brewster’s beaches become a part of expansive tidal flats that extend ¾ of a mile out into Cape Cod Bay. These extensive flats provide for many hours of exploration fun. a) Marine Surface Waters Access Ten saltwater beaches are located along Cape Cod Bay. Each is accessible from a street connecting to Main Street (Route 6A). These provide miles of swimming, sunbathing, beach strolling, fishing, and boating access. Beach sticker revenues contributed $333,665 to the Brewster economy in fiscal year 2019. • Brewster’s saltwater beaches/landings (west to east) include: Wings Island Beach - Behind the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, off John Wing Trail; • Paine’s Creek Beach; • Mant’s Landing Beach; • Saint’s Landing Beach; • Breakwater Landing; • Breakwater Beach; • Point of Rocks Landing Beach; • Ellis Landing Beach; • Spruce Hill Beach – Located behind the Historical Society Museum; • Linnell Landing Beach; and • Crosby Landing Beach -Connects with Nickerson State Park land/ Beach/Namskaket Creek & Saltmarsh. b) Marine Surface Water Quality Water quality at eight of Brewster’s most popular bathing beaches (Breakwater, Crosby Landing, Ellis Landing, Linnell Landing, Mant’s, Paines Creek, Point of Rocks, and Saints Landing) is monitored throughout the summer by the Barnstable County Department of Health and the Environment. These beaches are monitored for enterococci bacteria, which has proven to be the most useful bacterial indicator for determining the extent of fecal contamination in marine recreational waters. The beaches generally have excellent water quality. As highlighted earlier in this Plan, water quality in Pleasant Bay has been degraded from excessive nitrogen loading within its watershed, a portion of which is in Brewster. As fertilizers account for 16% of the watershed nutrient load in Pleasant Bay, The Pleasant Bay Alliance recently created a Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 11 June 8, 2020 Fertilizer Management Plan that provides strategies with the potential to reduce overall controllable nitrogen by up to 7.2%. The town has also developed an Integrated Resource Management Plan with specific action items to reduce nitrogen loading to Pleasant Bay, such as regulatory controls on septic systems and stormwater management. Some of the creeks and rivers in Brewster have also demonstrated poor water quality (Table 4-2). The town is looking at ways to manage these surface water resources as well. Table 4-2. Brewster’s Impaired Marine Surface Waters Water body Pollutants of concern Pleasant Bay Nitrogen Quivett Creek Fecal coliform Namskaket Creek Fecal coliform Herring River1 Fecal coliform Bass River1 Estuarine bioassessments, Fecal coliform 1 River not in Brewster, but a portion of the contributing watershed area is within the town boundary. 4. Aquifer Recharge Areas In general terms, the groundwater system can be described as the saturated zone of water-bearing glacial deposits beneath the land surface. The upper surface of this zone is known as the water table. In cross-section, the groundwater body is shaped like a lens, with the highest elevations of the water table being found along the groundwater divide, and flowing towards the lower elevations near the town’s shores and beaches. The town’s groundwater system, like the whole of Cape Cod, is replenished entirely by precipitation. The level of the water table fluctuates seasonally due to evaporation, precipitation and water withdrawals. Brewster’s potable drinking water supply source is its underground sole source aquifer. The town’s groundwater resources are part of the “Monomoy Lens,” an aquifer which extends to five towns: Brewster, Orleans, Harwich, Brewster and Dennis. Brewster’s public water supply wells are located in large undeveloped areas in and around Nickerson State Park and the Punkhorn Parklands. Groundwater is the primary source of Brewster’s existing and future drinking water supply. The Town of Brewster currently has excellent water quality across its public drinking water wells, and most of its private wells. This is a result of planning for water supply protection through land acquisition and land use regulation over the last 20 to 30 years. For example, the town has supported the Monomoy Lens Groundwater Protection Project. Brewster’s Water Quality Review Committee has also been reviewing development projects regularly over a number of years. The Town of Brewster owns the land of the Zone Is to all the town’s drinking water wells. A Zone I is the protective radius required around a public water supply well or wellfield, which is 400 feet for Brewster’s drinking water wells, as they have approved yields of over 100,000 gallons per day. A Zone II is the area of an aquifer which contributes water to a well under the most severe pumping and recharge conditions that can be realistically anticipated (i.e., 180 days of pumping at approved yield with no recharge from precipitation). Any contamination of groundwater in a Zone II could impact drinking water quality at the public well drawing water from that area. Land acquisition in Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 12 June 8, 2020 the Zone II areas to public drinking water wells is a pro-active approach to protecting drinking water quality. The Zone II areas in Brewster represent approximately 4,360 acres (excluding surface water ponds), of which 40%1, or 1,740 acres, are protected by conservation. Conservation lands include a combination of town and state-owned properties, conservation restrictions, and other conservation mechanisms. Figure 4-4 shows Brewster’s drinking water wells as well as the town’s and neighboring towns’ Zone II areas. Brewster’s DCPC is also shown. 5. Flood Hazard Areas Brewster participates in the Federal Flood Insurance Program, which requires that new shorefront development meet engineering standards for flood proofing, but does not prohibit development. Flood velocity zones, or V-zones, are land areas where storm surge or direct wave action occurs. The velocity zones which cover the entire Brewster coastline are all directly subject to wave and wind action. Landward of the velocity zones are other flood-prone areas (A-Zones) in which standing waters can be expected during 100-year storm events. Figure 4-5 shows Brewster’s flood hazard areas. In 2019 Brewster’s Flood Insurance Premium rates were reduced due to the amount of Open Space that Brewster has preserved. Brewster experiences coastal erosion and flooding regularly and in the coming decades, flooding and erosion will be increasingly exacerbated due to relative sea level rise. This phenomenon, the result of land submergence and ocean expansion from global climate change, could result in the loss of shoreline and upland in Brewster between now and 2025 (CZM, n.d.). These areas will basically coincide with the 100-year floodplain. Sea level rise will also mean an increase in the severity of storm damage. The town can expect shoreline retreat that will not only affect private residences, but town-owned properties and facilities such as parking lots and beaches. The town must consider this issue when examining long-term public investment in shoreline facilities, such as siting new parking lots. The Floodplain Zoning District includes all special flood hazard areas designated on the Town of Brewster Flood Insurance Rate Map as established by the National Flood Insurance Program. The following uses, which present low flood damage potential and are unlikely to cause obstructions to flood flows, are encouraged, provided they are permitted in the underlying district and do not require structures, fill, or the storage of either materials or equipment. (1) Agricultural uses such as farming, grazing, truck farming, horticulture, etc. (2) Forestry and nursery uses. (3) Outdoor recreational uses, including play areas, nature study, boating, fishing and hunting where otherwise legally permitted. (4) Conservation of water, plants and wildlife. (5) Wildlife management areas, foot, bicycle, and/or horse paths and bridges provided such uses do not affect the natural flow pattern of floodwaters or of any watercourse. (6) Temporary nonresidential structures used in connection with fishing, hunting, bird watching, growing, harvesting, storage, or sale of crops raised on the premises. (7) Buildings and uses lawfully existing prior to the adoption of these provisions. 1 This estimate is based on parcels considered protected by conservation as of October 2012. Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 13 June 8, 2020 The town has identified the following as flood plain use limitations: (1) Man-made alteration of sand dunes within Zones V1-30 increases potential flood damage and is prohibited. (2) All new construction within Zones V1-30 is required to be located landward of the reach of mean high tide. (3) All subdivision proposals shall be reviewed to assure that: (a) Such proposals minimize flood damage; (b) All public utilities and facilities are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage; and (c) Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards. (4) Existing contour intervals of site and elevations of existing structures must be included on plan proposals. 6. Wetlands and Vernal Pools Wetlands cover more than twenty (20) percent of Brewster’s land area (Figure 4-6). Saltwater wetlands consist of 12,840 acres, which include salt marshes, tidal flats and barrier beaches. Freshwater wetlands, consisting of 553 acres, include sensitive Atlantic White Cedar, Red Maple and shrub swamps, bogs, vernal pools and other wetlands. Some of these wetland resource areas are described in more detail below. a) Salt Marshes Salt marshes are tidal areas that are often found behind the protected shores of barrier beaches. There is a wide variation in salinity levels and the degree and duration of flooding which controls the types and amounts of vegetation that can be established. Saltmeadow grasses dominate the higher areas of the marsh. Saltmarsh Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and Saltmeadow Cordgrass (Spartina patens) are the most common perennial, salt tolerant grass species in salt marshes, although other species such as Black Rush (Juncus gerardi) and Sea Lavender (Limonium nashii) may also be found. Salt marshes comprise one of the most productive ecosystems on earth, providing the basis for the food chain in both freshwater and marine environments. They also provide excellent wildlife habitat including habitat for migrating and overwintering waterfowl and shorebirds and the young of many species of marine organisms. b) Barrier Beaches Barrier beaches are low lying strips of coastal dune and beach that protect coastal salt marsh areas and adjacent inland areas behind the marshes. They serve as a buffer to storm waves and storm surges. They are dynamic areas where the beach and dunes are constantly changing, and gradually migrating landward, as a result of wind and wave action. This landward migration is part of the natural cycle of barrier beaches, and the process of overwash plays an important role in the dissipation of wave energy and protection of upland areas behind the barrier beach. As storm waves erode the seaward side of the barrier beach, overwashed material is carried into the marsh and provides a substrate for the formation of new dune areas, shifting the barrier beach landward. Barrier beaches provide nesting Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 14 June 8, 2020 habitat for a wide variety of birds including Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) and Least Terns (Sterna albifrons). c) Vernal Pools The Town of Brewster contains 38 certified vernal pools. A vernal pool is a temporary pool that forms during spring rains, through the retention of snowmelt or in low lying areas that intercept seasonally high water tables. The water is usually held in depressions or low areas and will persist until the heat of summer causes evaporation of the water. Although typically dry during the summer months, vernal pools may fill up again during late autumn wet spells and may hold water through the winter. Although vernal pools are usually associated with woodlands, vernal pools have been found in other low lying areas such as meadows and sandflats. Vernal pools are important wildlife habitat for a variety of amphibian and invertebrate species, some of which are completely dependent on the pools for their survival and have a limited ability to find other suitable breeding locations when "their" vernal pool is lost. The temporary nature of the pools precludes the establishment of fish populations. Without predation by fish, amphibian’s eggs and larvae are able to mature, making these pools ideal habitat for certain species of frogs and salamanders, as well as other invertebrate species. Brewster also has a significant number of vegetated wetlands that were converted to cranberry bog production during the 1920’s to 50’s. Most of these wetlands have reverted to their natural vegetative state and now provide important wildlife habitat; flood control and storm damage prevention, and work to greatly improve water quality. The existing Brewster Wetlands Protection regulations generally prohibit the conversion of wetland resource areas into active cranberry operations or other agricultural projects unless specific criteria are met. Any such proposed agricultural project for a wetland area must “not have any adverse effect upon any of the interests protected in the By-law.” The Brewster Wetlands Protection By-law and Regulations are more stringent than the State Wetlands Protection Act in several distinct areas. For example, the Brewster Wetlands Protection By-law extends the wetland values protected in the By-law to include: groundwater quality, water quality in the numerous ponds of the town, erosion and sedimentation control, and aesthetics and historic values. These values are above and beyond the values listed in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations. The town also extends applicability to include land subject to inundation by groundwater or surface water, which goes beyond the state’s regulations. C. Vegetation The Town of Brewster contains a number of diverse vegetative communities which are ecologically significant, and which help to define the visual character of the town. There is a wide diversity in the size, successional stage and vulnerability to development of these communities. These plant communities perform many critical functions. Plant species moderate weather extremes, help maintain the quality of the soil and air, protect against erosion, and absorb runoff, therefore protecting groundwater supplies. Vegetation provides useful habitats for wildlife, including shelter and food, breeding and overwintering habitat. Some wild plants, such as those producing berries, provide food for humans. Trees, shrubs and groundcover have aesthetic value, and are a major component of visual quality. Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 15 June 8, 2020 1. Coastal Plant Communities American Beach Grass is the dominant species and provides much of the stability for sand dunes that extend for miles along Brewster’s northern seashore. This vegetative community also provides habitat for a variety of migratory and year-round birds. In areas where more soil is present, Rosa rugosa (Beach Rose) and Beach Peas take root as well as thicker coastal shrub communities including Bayberry, Scrub Oak, Eastern Red Cedar, Low-bush Blueberry, Eastern Prickly Pear and Beach Plum. These more established vegetative communities also provide habitat for upland birds. Erosion and the need for beach renourishment resulting from shoreline development are ongoing challenges in Brewster. Beach grass and other xerophytes (plants adapted to living in drying conditions) are of prime importance to the stabilization of dunes and protection of the shoreline. They are capable of collecting sand, thus building dunes while their strong root systems protect them from excessive wind erosion. The town's salt marshes are delicately balanced, productive and protective habitats which are dependent largely on barrier beaches to protect them from the open ocean. It has become generally understood that about two thirds of the value of the commercial catch of fish and shellfish landed on the East Coast of the United States comes from species that live at least part of their life cycles in marshy estuaries. Salt marshes provide the food and protection necessary for larval and juvenile marine organisms to reach a degree of maturity. The grasses prevent these tiny animals and their food supply from being swept out to sea. Salt marshes provide other functions important to coastal communities: • They absorb billions of gallons of water brought ashore by high tides and storms, thus mitigating storm water damage to more landward areas. • Salt marshes take up and accommodate significant contributions of domestic pollutants found in coastal runoff. Some of these, such as nitrates and phosphates, can act as fertilizers in reasonable concentrations and bolster the overall productivity of the marsh. Others, such as potentially toxic heavy metals and some pesticides, appear to be sequestered to varying degrees by soils and plants. Less is known about their cycling within the ecosystem. The salt marshes play a powerful role in maintaining the cleanliness of coastal waters. 2. Freshwater Plant Communities Freshwater ponds, lakes and streams support a variety of aquatic plant species. These resource areas include a mix of globally restricted plants and more common species such as rushes, sedges, Blue-joint (Calamagrostis canadensis), Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), and Purple Gerardia (Agalinis purpurea). Other species include: New England Boneset (E. leucolepsis var. novae- angliae), and Maryland Meadow Beauty, both rare in Massachusetts; Thread-leafed Sundew (Drosera filiformis), common on these ponds, but uncommon elsewhere; and Spatulate-leaved Sundew (D. intermedia). Plymouth Gentian (Sabatia kennedyana) occurs mixed with Golden-pert (Gratiola aurea), Goldenrod (Solidago tenuifolia) and Pink Tickseed (Coreopsis rosea). Slender Arrowhead (Sagittaria teres) and Bladderwort (Utricularia fibrosa or U. biflora) are also common to these environs. Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 16 June 8, 2020 Brewster also has nice examples of Atlantic White Cedar and Red Maple swamps. According to the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP), cedar swamps have declined considerably in Massachusetts due to conversion to cranberry bogs or reservoirs, and filling for agriculture or development. Only a few remain on outer Cape Cod. Brewster's wooded swamps include: • Atlantic White Cedar Swamp between Elbow and Walkers Pond • Atlantic White Cedar Swamp southeast of Vespers Pond • Red Maple Swamp off Black Duck Cartway/Krawitz Conservation Area Some predominant plant species include cranberry, Swamp Azalea, blueberry, Red Maple, water lilies and Black Tupelo. 3. Forest Land - Upland Plant Communities Brewster has relatively large areas of unfragmented second growth pine-oak forest compared to other Cape towns. As the title implies, second growth pine/oak forest has sprung up on formerly cultivated lands that once were forested, prior to clearing by the Cape’s original settlers. The pines and oaks are often 30 to 50 years old and are found on most undeveloped sites on the Cape. The vegetative community will continue to change in these areas as pines mature and give way to oaks and other hardwoods. These areas are considered to be the Cape’s prime developable land and also provide important upland wildlife and plant habitat. Brewster is fortunate to have at least two such significantly sized (by Cape standards) unfragmented second growth forests designated as protected open space: • The Punkhorn Parklands Conservation Area, located in the southwestern corner of town, contains over 800 acres of predominantly Pitch Pine forest, slowly being overtaken by hardwoods, mostly Black oak with some White Oak. There are a number of small pure stands of Pine Barrens, home to a threatened species, the Barrens Buck Moth. Important as a forest rebuilder, the Pitch Pine is slowly replenishing the soil. Other species include American Beech, White Pine and Red Maple. The Punkhorn’s miles of trails provide for long leisurely walks and possible glimpses of “forest interior” species, such as warblers, vireos, cuckoos, tanagers and whip-poor-wills, that prefer to dwell in blocks of unbroken woodland. • Nickerson State Park, located at the eastern end of town has over 1,888 acres of woodlands and ponds. One of the most popular parks in the state, it has salt and fresh-water beaches, miles of trails for walking, hiking and horse-back riding, 420 campsites, and boating and swimming access. There are also many smaller, healthy stands of woodlands scattered throughout town including four hardwood tree woodland communities remaining in Brewster outside of Nickerson State Park. These are remnants of the forest community present prior to European settlement. • Post Oak/Hickory Woodland Community on Wing Island • American Beech Forest Woodland Community west of Paine’s Creek Road • American Beech Forest Woodland Community east of Run Hill Road. SE of the Town Transfer Station Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 17 June 8, 2020 • Climax community (the final stage of ecological succession, which includes mixed forest vegetation) on Greenland Pond (PH) In addition to the above, Red, White, Scarlet and Black oak are all common in this area. White Pine and hardwoods such as Beech, Pignut, and Bitternut Hickory, Aspen, Sassafras and American Holly are also part of the natural cover type, although they were more abundant prior to the Colonial Period. Red Maple, Black Tupelo, willows, and Atlantic White Cedar grow in poorly drained pockets in the topography. There also exist stands of Gray Birch, dogwood, locust and hickory. Abundant understory plants include huckleberry, Low Bush and High Bush Blueberry, Sweet Pepperbush, Viburnums, Bayberry, Poison Ivy, Greenbrier, Bearberry, Striped Wintergreen and many species of wildflowers. A transition from forest to shrub thickets takes place in areas near the Bay shore. Beach Plum, Staghorn Sumac, Salt Spray Rose, Chokeberry, Poison Ivy and Bayberry are a part of the community located in the swales behind the beach and dune systems. The beach and dunes are only habitable for hardy organisms that have adapted to an environment of wind borne salt, shifting dunes and salt water flooding. The plants found in this environment include Beach Heather, Beach Pea, Seaside Goldenrod, Dusty Miller, Sea Rocket, Sea Lavender, Beach Grass and various Spartina species. Upland areas, including former fields, contain a variety of grasses, emergent woody species such as Wild Cherry and Eastern Red Cedar, pioneer species such as Poison Ivy, fruits such as Black Raspberry and Wild Strawberry, thistle, Queen Ann's Lace, milkweed, chicory, and numerous other species. These provide important habitat and food for wildlife. Some of Brewster’s upland communities are described in more detail below. 4. Public Shade Trees Natural vegetation areas, both large and small, are important to the preservation of Brewster’s rural character. Keeping natural vegetation intact as much as possible as the town develops, helps to maintain this rural image. Unfortunately, many residents and visitors alike assume that all green areas they see and enjoy are protected, which is not true. The Open Space Committee has worked hard to protect as many parcels as possible over the years. The Planning Board also requires the retention of vegetated buffers along parking areas and has many requirements for the retention/permanent protection of open space in the development of subdivisions. Aside from the aesthetic value trees and other vegetation provide, they are necessary components of the regional ecosystem. They provide valuable wildlife habitat, temperature moderation, air purification, and removal of pollutants from precipitation and have considerable impact on energy consumption in residences. “Heat Islands” or domes of warmer air over urban/suburban areas are caused by the loss of trees and shrubs and the absorption of more heat by pavement buildings and other sources. Heat islands can affect local, regional and global climate, as well as air quality. Public shade trees are found in all of Brewster’s parks, small squares like the “Egg”, the grounds of all Town-owned buildings, Town-owned and private cemeteries alike, and along public and private roadways. Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 18 June 8, 2020 Management of the Town’s shade trees is the responsibility of the tree warden, who is the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Trees on public streets are maintained by the DPW. No money is specifically allocated for the planting of new trees. The DPW does get about $5,000 every third or fourth year to deal with removal. Generally, any monies spent for care comes out of the DPW General Expense Budget, such as a recently purchased box of tree fertilizer spikes to put around the trees they care for. The spikes are put in the ground on off hours, voluntarily, to avoid the expense of having to pay someone to do it and to stay out of the hot sun during the day. The rest of the "shade" trees in town see limited care, if any. When the DPW has a bucket truck in town for removals, they try to get some deadwood pruning out of the way, but hazardous removals come first. The Town has applied for and received several grants, one of those being $5,000 from a local family foundation to replace some of the many trees lost during a December 9, 2005 storm. The DPW planted approximately 60 trees throughout town - in cemeteries, schools, and a few along town roadways. The cemetery trees and the ones along Old Long Pond Road are doing fine, especially the cemetery. The DPW is looking to provide additional plantings at the Cape Cod Rail Trail parking area on Route 124. Some landscaping has already been installed at this location by a local family and the DPW has expanded these plantings. The department completed the installation of split rail fencing along the parking area and has added trees appropriate for the area. Three Hedge Maples from the perimeter of the Brewster Landfill were be relocated to this location prior to the installation of photovoltaic cells on the capped landfill. In addition to the Rail Trail Parking area project, the DPW also replanted the traffic island at the corner of AP Newcomb Road and Stony Brook Road in the western section of Brewster. The DPW completed a large water quality project in this area and tree plantings were also added to one of the islands. The island on the westerly side of AP Newcomb Rd has veteran’s stone and memorial plaque and two large, but declining, Green Ash trees, one of which was struck by lightning several years ago. The second ash tree has been trimmed by the local power company over the years and is in decline. New tree plantings for this island include the relocation of three Gingko trees, also from the perimeter of the Brewster Landfill. The trees are scheduled to be relocated later this fall. Once these trees become established, the ash trees will be removed. The second island at this intersection is the location of the recently installed stormwater sand filter and tree planting on this island will be avoided. The DPW has also expanded an area near the office where crab apple trees had been planted. Care for these trees has been expanded using deep root fertilization practices and deadwood pruning. In addition to the Crab Apple trees, this area has been expanded using plant materials removed from other town buildings and from excavation activities throughout the Town. There are about a dozen crab apple trees, some forsythia and a number of other shrubs and plantings as well as perennial plantings salvaged from the compost pile. A water line was installed to the area, as was an irrigation system to improve plant quality. These plant materials can then be used in other areas of town as needed. The Barnstable County Cooperative Extension Service also maintains a tree farm and they sell to municipalities at significant savings over commercial gardens. Staffing and adequate funding are the limitations to this effort. Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 19 June 8, 2020 The designation of certain roads in town as Scenic Roads under state law provides protection for trees by requiring a public hearing and review prior to the removal of trees for roadway construction or other reasons. The Town has designated the following roads as Local Scenic Roadways, under the provisions of MGL Chapter 67 of the Acts of 1973, to preserve landscaping and stone walls. The Historic District Committee has authority to approve or disapprove any cutting of trees along Route 6A. The Planning Board under the Scenic Road Act and Shade Tree Acts, has preservation authority and permitting power for the following "Scenic Roads." When these roads are within the Old Kings Highway Historic District, such a review is done jointly by the Planning Board and the Old Kings Highway Historic District Committee. • Stony Brook Road. • Satucket Road. • Lower Road. • Paines Creek Road. • Brier Lane. • Slough Road. • Tubman Road. • Robbins Hill Road. • Red Top Road, from Stony Brook Road to Satucket Road. • Great Fields Road. • Breakwater Road. • Point of Rocks Road. • Old North Road. • Cathedral Road. • Foster Road. • Ellis Landing Road. • Linnell Landing Road. • Crosby Lane. • Millstone Road. • Run Hill Road, from Stony Brook Road as far as Millpond Drive. The Conservation Commission also protects all vegetation including shade trees within 100 feet of any wetland. They have taken many enforcement actions following incidents of illegal clearing and pruning in wetland resource areas. The Commission has taken the strongest action allowed under state regulations to enact penalties for illegal clearing. 5. Rare Plant Communities Rare plant habitats and species have been documented and mapped over the years, most notably by the NHESP. The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) prepared a Cape-wide inventory of notable habitats in their Critical Habitats Atlas and the Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts prepared a Cape-wide map of significant wildlife habitats in their Cape Cod Wildlife Habitat Conservation Project. Figure 4-7 shows the mapped endangered species habitat and BioMap II Core Habitat and Supporting Natural Communities in Brewster. Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 20 June 8, 2020 NHESP maintains a list of all Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) – listed species observed and documented in each Massachusetts municipality. These species are listed because they are threatened (T), Endangered (E) or Special Concern (SC): • Endangered species are in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range or are in danger of extirpation from Massachusetts. • Threatened species are likely to become Endangered in Massachusetts in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of their range. • Special Concern species have suffered a decline that could threaten the species if allowed to continue unchecked or occur in such small numbers or with such restricted distribution or specialized habitat requirements that they could easily become Threatened in Massachusetts. Table 4-3. Brewster’s MESA-listed Plant Species in Brewster as of 6-2020 Scientific Name Common Name MESA Status Most Recent Observation Carex mitchelliana Mitchell's Sedge T 2012 Dichanthelium dichotomum ssp. mattamuskeetense Mattamuskeet Panic- grass E 1918 Dichanthelium ovale ssp. pseudopubescens Commons's Panic-grass SC 2006 Gamochaeta purpurea Purple Cudweed E 1924 Isoetes acadiensis Acadian Quillwort E 2009 Lachnanthes caroliana Redroot SC 2016 Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae New England Blazing Star SC 2017 Lipocarpha micrantha Dwarf Bulrush T 2012 Mertensia maritima Oysterleaf E 2001 Ophioglossum pusillum Adder's-tongue Fern T 1992 Opuntia humifusa Prickly Pear E 1989 Persicaria puritanorum Pondshore Knotweed SC 2012 Rhexia mariana Maryland Meadow Beauty E 2017 Rhynchospora scirpoides Long-beaked Bald- sedge SC 2012 Rumex pallidus Seabeach Dock T 1994 Sabatia kennedyana Plymouth Gentian SC 2017 Sagittaria teres Terete Arrowhead SC 2016 Spartina cynosuroides Salt Reedgrass T 2018 Utricularia resupinata Resupinate Bladderwort T 2002 NHESP, with funding made available by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), developed a BioMap to identify the areas most in need of protection in order to protect the native biodiversity of the Commonwealth. The BioMap focuses primarily Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 21 June 8, 2020 on state-listed rare species and exemplary natural communities but also includes the full breadth of the State's biological diversity. The goal of the BioMap project, completed in 2001, was to identify and delineate the most important areas for the long-term viability of terrestrial, wetland, and estuarine elements of biodiversity in Massachusetts. Similarly, the goal of the NHESP Living Waters project, completed in 2003, was to identify and delineate the rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds that are important for freshwater biodiversity in the Commonwealth. These two conservation plans are based on documented observations of rare species, natural communities, and exemplary habitats. Both BioMap and Living Waters delineate “Core Habitats” that identify the most critical sites for biodiversity conservation across the state. Core Habitats represent habitat for the state’s most viable rare plant and animal populations and include exemplary natural communities and aquatic habitats. Core Habitats represent a wide diversity of rare species and natural communities, and these areas are also thought to contain virtually all of the other described species in Massachusetts. Statewide, BioMap Core Habitats encompass 1,380,000 acres of uplands and wetlands, and Living Waters identifies 429 Core Habitats in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. Biomap core habitat areas cover approximately 50% of the Town of Brewster, in two main areas. One large Core Habitat encompasses Nickerson State Park and its surrounds extending southeast to the town boundary and northeast to include Namskaket Creek. The second encompasses the Punkhorn Parklands area, the Mill Ponds, the herring run, and the entire Paine's Creek area. Biomap Supporting Natural Landscapes cover the transition zones between the Core Habitat areas and the developed areas, and are concentrated around ponds (Figure 4-4). D. Fisheries and Wildlife Wildlife is an important recreational, commercial and educational resource, and represents a rich, natural heritage which helps to define the basic character of the town. It adds interest and variety to the landscape, plays an important role in controlling pest infestation, and in general is a barometer of the ecological health of the community. The spread of roads and subdivisions has reduced and greatly fragmented the habitat of many native wildlife species which cannot easily survive. Many of these species have already been replaced with others that have adapted to suburban environments; others remain threatened by development. As discussed in the sections above, Brewster has within its boundaries a large number of diverse habitats supporting healthy wildlife populations. Individual wildlife will be best conserved if their habitats are protected intact with enough space to provide the food webs needed to sustain each species. Certain wildlife habitat areas in Brewster are of particular importance and deserve greater protection through conservation land purchases, habitat management and regulation to assure that critical habitat is not broken up into suboptimal size areas, or contaminated by development or chemicals. Species listed as State endangered or threatened should be given the same priority for preservation as federally listed species, and all planning decisions for the use of Brewster land should reflect wildlife considerations. A general species inventory follows. 1. Inventory Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 22 June 8, 2020 a) Tidelands and Coastal Waters Brewster has the following native species occurring in its tidelands and coastal waters: Marine mammals • Right, Sperm, Humpback, Minke, Pilot and Fin Back whales, Common and White-Sided Dolphin, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor and Gray Seals. Reptiles • Loggerhead, Leatherback, Green and Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles, Diamond Back Terrapin. Fish • Alewife: there are two Alewife (Herring) runs in Brewster at Paine's Creek and Long Pond. • Little Skate, Alewife, Atlantic Salmon, American Eel, Shiners and Minnows, Atlantic Cod, Smooth Flounder, Seahorse, Pipefish, Silversides, Bluefish, Striped Bass, Scup, Sculpin, Tautog, Northern Puffer, Porcupine Fish and Toadfish which at least seasonally occupy the coastal waters of Brewster along with occasional Great White Sharks. Cephalopods are also commonly seen in the form of Common and Boreal Squids. • The tidal creeks and marshes are home to Mummichugs and Three-spined Sticklebacks. Mollusks/Shellfish • Nut Clams, Blood and Transverse Ark, Ribbed/Blue/Horse Mussels, Eastern Oyster, Bay, Iceland and Deep Sea Scallops, Jingle Shell, Gem Clam, Quahog, Surf, Common Razor and Soft-Shell(Steamer) Clams, False Anglewing and Piddock Clam. • The Common Eastern Chiton. Common Gastropods (snails) • Limpets, Smooth and Common Periwinkle, Common Slipper Shell, Moon Snail and their sand-collar egg-masses, Oyster Drill, Dogwinkle, Waved Whelk, Dove Shell, Knobbed and. Channeled Whelk, Common Mud and Salt Marsh Snail, Bubble Shell. • A number of species of colorful shell-less Gastropods known as Nudibranchs or Sea Slugs. Crustaceans • Fiddler Crabs, Common Rock Barnacles, Blue, Lady, Green, Jonah, Rock, Spider, Hermit and Mole crabs, American Lobster, various shrimp, myriad Common Rock Barnacles and swarms of Sand Fleas/Beach Hoppers. Arachnids • Horseshoe Crab Echinoderms Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 23 June 8, 2020 • Northern Sand Dollar, New England Sea Cucumber, Purple and Green Sea Urchins, Northern Sea Star and Common Starfish Annelids • Clam Worm, Parchment worms, and others. Many of the above listed species contribute their shells and molts to the vast array of intriguing items that wash ashore twice a day and add to the beach wrack line. Coastal Birds • At least seasonally, seabirds such as Northern Fulmar, Sooty Shearwater, Wilson's and Leach's Storm-Petrel, Northern Gannet, and, Great and Double-crested Cormorants, Common Loons, Horned, Pied-billed and Red-necked Grebes, Laughing, Ring-billed, Herring and Black-backed Gulls, Common, Least and Roseate Terns, Razorbills, Common Murre, Dovekie, Atlantic Puffin. • Ducks and geese such as Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Brant, Mallard, Black Duck, Green- winged and Blue-winged Teal, American Widgeon, Northern Pintail, Ruddy Duck, Wood Duck, Canvasback, Greater and Lesser Scaup, Common Eider, Black, White-winged and Surf Scoter, Oldsquaw, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common and Red-breasted Merganser and the occasional Brown Pelican. • The tidal flats and marshes are patrolled by birds such as King, Clapper and Virginia Rail, Sora, Common Moorhen, American Coot, American Oystercatcher, American Avocet, Piping, Wilson's, Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plovers, Killdeer, Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits, Whimbrel, Curlew, Willet, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Red Knot, Common and Spotted Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Common Snipe, Ruddy Turnstone, Dunlin, Sanderling, Upland Sandpiper, Least and American Bittern, Black- crowned Night Heron, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Green-backed Heron, Cattle, Snowy and Great Egrets, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher with occasional Glossy Ibis and Wood Stork. • Brewster is also host to larger birds such as Turkey Vultures and a number of Raptors and Accipiters: Bald Eagles, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk and Osprey. There are also smaller hunters, American Kestrel, Merlin, with the occasional Peregrine Falcon. b) Inland Species Mammals • White-Tailed Deer, Eastern Coyote, Red Fox, Raccoon, Eastern Cottontail, White-lined Skunk, Grey, Red and Flying Squirrels, Virginia Opossum, Woodchuck, Fisher (newly arrived), Otter, Eastern Chipmunk, White-footed Mice and Meadow Voles, Moles, Brown Rats, and Bats. Reptiles • Snakes: Snakes in Brewster include the Hognosed, Northern Rat, Red Rat, Milk, Green, garter, Grass, Northern Water, and Black Racer amongst others. Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 24 June 8, 2020 • Turtles: Turtles include the Box, Red-eared Slider, Eastern Painted, Bog, Spotted, Mud, Snapping and Diamondback Terrapin Amphibians • Frogs include the Bull, Green, Pickerel, Tree, Gray Tree, Wood endangered –Vernal Pool species, and Spring Peepers. • Salamanders include the Spotted (endangered) Vernal Pool species, and Red-backed Salamanders. Insects • Representatives of most all insect families, including a number of rare, endangered and threatened, recently discovered Dragonflies and Damselflies. Birds • Inland Bird Species include ground species as Ruffed Grouse, Woodcock, Northern Bobwhite, Ring-necked Pheasant, (the recently re-established) Wild Turkey, Mourning Doves, Rock Dove, Yellow and Black-billed Cuckoos, Whip-poor-will, Chuck-will's Widow, Common Nighthawk, and Chimney Swift. • Nighttime hunters include Common Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl, Long-eared Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and winter beach visits from Snowy Owls. • A number of woodpeckers inhabit our woodlands; Northern Flicker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Redheaded Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers and the Pileated Woodpecker. • Passerines (perching birds) include Eastern Kingbird, Greater Crested Flycatcher, Olive- sided Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Least and Acadian Flycatchers, Horned Lark; Tree Swallow, Purple Martin, Bank, Northern Rough-winged, Cliff and Barn Swallows; Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Common Raven, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee, Carolina Chickadee, Brown Creeper, White and Red-breasted Nuthatches; House and Carolina Wrens, Marsh Wren; Golden and Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Woodthrush, Veery, Swainson's Thrush, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Wheatear, Northern Shrike, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Water Pipit, Cedar Waxwings; European Starling, White- eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Solitary Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireo; • Warblers include the Prothonotary, Blue-winged, Tennessee, Nashville, Northern Parula, Black-and-white, Black-throated Blue, Cerulean, Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, Cape May, Magnolia, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Yellow-throated, Prairie, Bay- breasted, Pine, Palm, Yellow, Kentucky, Canada, Hooded, and Worm-eating Warblers, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthrush, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow- breasted Chat and American Redstart. • Other Cape residents and visitors are the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Snow Bunting, Indigo Bunting and Rufous-sided Towhee. Sparrows include the Grasshopper, Sharp-tailed, Seaside, Vesper, Savannah, Song, American Tree, Field, Chipping, White-throated, White-crowned, Fox, Swamp, as well as Dark-eyed Junco, Lapland Longspur, Snow bunting, Dickcissel. Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 25 June 8, 2020 • In the Blackbird family the Cape has Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, Boat-tailed Grackle, Orchard Oriole, Northern Oriole, Scarlet Tanager. • Cape Cod Finches include the House/English Sparrow, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, Purple Finch, House Finch, Evening Grosbeak. • The smallest avian species in our area is the ruby-throated Hummingbird. The fact that Cape Cod and therefore Brewster is located in the path of many migratory flyways allows birdwatchers to site any number of unusual and spectacular species in route to wintering or breeding grounds and spectacular sightings of unusual species blown in from Europe and other areas by storm winds. 2. Vernal Pools Vernal pools provide habitat for many wildlife species. Certain species are specifically adapted for life in a vernal pool and cannot complete their life cycle without a vernal pool. For example many of these species, such as the Yellow-Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), require vernal pools for reproduction. The loss of vernal pools and associated upland habitat areas would result in the extirpation of vernal pool-dependent species. All four amphibian species listed as rare in Massachusetts use vernal pools. In addition, two state-listed turtle species and three state-listed crustaceans use vernal pools. There are 38 certified vernal pools in Brewster (Figure 4-6). 3. Corridors for Wildlife Migration Riparian areas (i.e., rivers, streams and adjacent lands) are important habitats for wildlife, and function as corridors for wildlife migration. This includes many of what are ordinarily thought of as "upland" species as well as wetland species. For example, many upland animals need access to rivers and streams for hunting and drinking, particularly in the winter when other water sources may be frozen over. The junction between rivers, streams and adjacent riparian land is especially high in ecological diversity and biological productivity because gravity is constantly moving energy and matter along with the current and because so many animals spend their lives both in water and on land. The high value of riparian areas as wildlife habitat is also due to the abundance of water combined with the convergence of many species along the edges and ecological transition zones between aquatic/wetland, aquatic/upland, wetland/upland and river channel/backwaters habitats (Cohen, 1997). 4. Rare Species As described in the preceding sections, Brewster provides a variety of habitats for wildlife species: some of these species are unique to the area, others have their largest, most stable populations here, and yet others are still relatively common. Brewster is also home to 15 MESA-listed wildlife species (four birds, seven insects, one fish, one mammal and two reptiles (Table 4-4). Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 26 June 8, 2020 Table 4-4. Brewster’s MESA-Listed Wildlife Species as of 6-2020 Taxonomic Group Scientific Name Common Name MESA Status Federal Status Most Recent Observation Bird Charadrius melodus Piping Plover T T 2018 Bird Parula americana Northern Parula T 2006 Bird Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern E E 2008 Bird Sterna hirundo Common Tern SC 2008 Butterfly/Moth Abagrotis nefascia Coastal Heathland Cutworm SC 1981 Butterfly/Moth Apamea inebriata Drunk Apamea Moth SC 1981 Butterfly/Moth Papaipema sulphurata Water-willow Borer Moth T 2015 Dragonfly/Damselfly Enallagma daeckii Attenuated Bluet T 2010 Dragonfly/Damselfly Enallagma pictum Scarlet Bluet T 2012 Dragonfly/Damselfly Enallagma recurvatum Pine Barrens Bluet T 2005 Fish Notropis bifrenatus Bridle Shiner SC 1961 Mammal Eubalaena glacialis Northern Right Whale E E 2010 Reptile Malaclemys terrapin Diamond-backed Terrapin T 2002 Reptile Terrapene carolina Eastern Box Turtle SC 2019 E. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments 1. Scenic Heritage Landscapes Scenic heritage landscapes are those special places and spaces that help define the character of a community and reflect its past. They are the result of human interaction with the natural resources of an area, which influence the use and development of land. These geographic areas contain both natural and cultural resources. Heritage landscapes in Brewster come in many forms, including: • Cemeteries; • Commons/Village Centers; • Mill sites; • Parks; • Buildings/Estates; • Farms/Cranberry bogs; • Camps; and • Scenic roads. Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 27 June 8, 2020 The history of the Town of Brewster can be traced in its tree-lined cemeteries. Visiting these quiet sites enriches one's sense of the past, while introducing one to some of the most beautiful spots in town. There are six (6) large cemeteries and a number of smaller, older family plots in town. • The Brewster Old Burying Ground - Most of the 596 graves in this old cemetery date from 1750 to 1850. (Breakwater Road behind Unitarian Church) • Dillingham Cemetery - An excellent example of an 18th century New England family burying ground. (Stony Brook Road) • Red Top Cemetery - An old graveyard which is still in use. (Red Top & Stony Brook Roads) • Sears Cemetery - The oldest legible date is 1726. Reading these tombstones provides a graphic record of life of a very historic local family. (off Airline Road near Route 6A) • Brewster Cemetery - Interesting 19th century monuments (off Lower Road) • Pine Grove Cemetery - Quiet 19th century yard, still in use, contains several stones with remarkable epitaphs." (Foster Road & Old Cemetery Road - off Route 6A) • Family cemeteries in Nickerson State Park The Brewster Town Commons or Village Center is generally considered to be the confluence of Routes 137, 124 and 6A, which is where the first church gathered in 1700. This is also the site of the Old General Store, which has served as a meeting place for Brewster residents for many years. Stony Brook Grist Mill and its associated Mill Ponds are also important to the town’s scenic and historic heritage. In 1940, the Town of Brewster acquired the property encompassing the Herring Run, Grist Mill, and the remains of Factory Village on Stony Brook Road. The Millsites Committee oversees the preservation of Brewster's historic Grist Mill, and the town-owned land and scenic footpaths along Stony Brook. Brewster’s Drummer Boy Park is important for its scenic, historic and recreational opportunities and is an important asset to the town. The 17-acre park located along historic Route 6A with scenic views of Cape Cod Bay includes well-tended lawns, attractive tree-plantings, a children’s playground (updated in 2019), and the historic restored 18th century Higgins Farm Windmill and historic home and blacksmith shop on the adjacent Historical Society and Brewster Conservation Trust properties. Historic homes and estates are also a significant part of Brewster’s scenic heritage. Over 99 sea captains made their home in Brewster in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of their homes are still standing and have been renovated or restored to their original beauty. Several of the historic homes are available to visit, as they form a major part of the Brewster economy, as charming country inns and quaint bed and breakfasts. A notable example is the Crosby Mansion. Built in 1888, the mansion, named Tawasentha by its original owners, Albert and Matilda Crosby, is located on the west side of Crosby Lane off of Route 6A in East Brewster. This imposing colonial revival house now belongs to the Commonwealth of MA and is a part of Nickerson State Park. It is also one of the featured cultural attractions on the Brewster segment of the Cape Cod Pathways trail network. Brewster is also marked by scenic agricultural lands, including farmsteads, pastures, fields, woodlots, and cranberry bogs. In addition to their scenic properties, these agricultural operations also provide local healthy food for residents. There are also farms that provide recreational Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 28 June 8, 2020 opportunities, such as horseback riding. A scenic and recreational asset, Nickerson State Park, offers family outings, camping, hiking, swimming, and boating. There are over 400 campsites for which the Park will accept reservations, and there is also a stocked year-round pond for freshwater fishing. Historic Route 6A began as a Native American trail and evolved into a principal east-west cart path for early Cape farmers and other settlers. In the late 17th century it became an extension of the Plymouth Colony’s “King’s Highway.” The historic route extends across Cape Cod, and is considered Brewster’s Main Street as it traverses the town. As one leaves East Dennis, heading into Brewster, it is difficult not to be fully distracted by the occasional vista that opens to the expanse of Cape Cod Bay and the marshlands that lie between it and the roadway. The fluid flight of gulls, the rise and ebb of the tides, the distant ships and ocean breezes all address the senses of the traveler. The railroad right-of-way that is now the Cape Cod Rail Trail is also an important scenic heritage landscape, dating from the Early Industrial Period (1830-1870). The town also hosts a number of annual festivals, which treat residents as well as visitors to a vast array of experiences and build the community’s character. • The annual Brewster-In-Bloom festival exemplifies community spirit at its best. There is an arts and craft show, antique & flea market, golf tournament, road race, art shows, historic inn tours, demonstrations and open houses at businesses all over town, with a lively parade right down Main Street to cap the week’s activities. Proceeds from the Bloom have been used to beautify the town with yearly plantings of daffodil bulbs and to provide scholarships to deserving Brewster students (COC/BTU, 1999). Bloom proceeds are directed toward scholarships for Brewster students moving on to education beyond high school and to add to the scholarship reserve fund. In 2013, $2,200 was distributed to students and another $1,200 was deposited in the reserve fund. • Brewster Conservation Day – Starting in 2012, the town and Brewster Conservation Trust sponsored a Day to celebrate the community’s natural resources and organizations dedicated to saving them. With over 40 unique presentations, one can learn from interactive exhibits on aquaculture, natural plant gardening, and water resources. The daylong event celebrating Brewster’s environmental wonders draws over 800 visitors. • Society of Cape Cod Craftsmen, now in its 55th year, holds its Annual Craft Fair at the Drummer Boy Park. • The Brewster Historical Society, which has been in existence for almost 50 years, holds its Annual Antiques Fair at the Drummer Boy Park. • The Annual Brew Run, sponsored by the Wood Shed for the last 29 years, attracts over 1,400 runners each year. Proceeds are donated to the Brewster Fire Department Emergency Squad and to the Brewster Police Department. • Brewster Historical Society Farmer’s Market, held on their property, which is adjacent to the Drummer Boy Park. 2. Cultural and Historic Areas Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 29 June 8, 2020 Cultural resources are an integral part of Cape Cod's past, and Brewster’s cultural and historic areas characterize the town. Brewster maintains historic Native American burial grounds as well as a historic “Old Indian Well” adjacent to Quivett Creek. Historic homes are an important part of Brewster’s heritage as well. In addition, some of the town’s municipal buildings are historic as well. The Old Town Hall (Brewster’s second one), located at 1240 Main Street, next door to the Fire Department, was designed by Boston architect, Walter T. Winslow in popular Queen Anne style. It was completed in 1881 and restored in 1973. It was the focus of both town government and Brewster’s civic life from 1881 to 1985: town meetings were held here, taxes paid, marriages, births and deaths recorded. Town Hall served as the social center of Brewster: suppers were served, theatrical productions enjoyed, clubs and societies organized. It was also a large sewing center and the founding location of the Brewster Museum of Natural History. Today this lovely historic building is home to the Brewster Council on Aging, serving as a center for senior activities, lunch programs, bridge games, and summer art shows. In addition, the Captain Mayo home, a restored 1868 Victorian building on Main Street, is now the Brewster Ladies' Library. Recently expanded in 1997, the Library has new large meeting rooms, access to the Internet and is a member of the Cape-wide CLAMS Library System, making it a most valuable local and regional resource. Archaeological Resources Brewster has been well documented in the archaeological record. A total of seven preContact sites are recorded within Nickerson State Park and many additional sites are adjacent to and near the park and multiple surveys have been completed nearby. Nickerson state park has a high archaeological sensitivity. Native Americans undoubtedly traversed these same locations going to and from the water’s edge from their campsites, which would have been located nearby on high, level, well-drained ground; however evidence of that type of use would not survive the archaeological record. • Nickerson State Park (NSP) - Nickerson and its environs are well documented in the archaeological record. A total of seven preContact sites are recorded within the park, and four systematic archaeological surveys have been conducted (MHC Reports #138, 1597, 2552, 2898). There are also former house sites that are now represented by cellar holes, foundations, bottle dumps; • Nickerson State Park - A pre-Contact site lies on high ground that separates Flax and Cliff ponds, the Southern edge of Flax Pond; • Wing Island; • Old Indian Well –adjacent to Quivett Creek; and • Only one other Middle Archaic site (besides NSP) has been identified in Brewster, near Upper and Lower Mill ponds. The inland setting of this site is of particular interest, because most pre-Contact sites on the Cape and Islands are coastal. Site between Upper and Lower Mill Ponds. In 1993, Brewster produced an Archaeological Resources Map, with revision/updates in 1996 and 1998, by the Cape Cod Commission. This map shows areas of: Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 30 June 8, 2020 PRIMARY SENSITIVITY (1,000-Foot Protective Buffer Zone): This generally includes all areas within 1,000 of marine ecosystems, particularly those areas within close proximity to fresh water. These areas have a high probability of containing prehistoric archaeological sites. The four most important areas for management consideration based upon available data are: Namskaket Creek and marsh, the Cape Cod Bay shoreline, Stony Brook Valley, and the major ponds of the Herring River Drainage System. SECONDARY SENSITIVITY (500-Foot Protective Buffer Zone): This generally includes all areas within 500 feet of a water body greater than 3 acres in size that are not a part of the Herring River or Stony Brook drainage systems. These areas are likely to contain prehistoric archaeological sites, particularly is they intersect areas of primary sensitivity. TERTIARY SENSITIVITY : This generally include all areas within a protective zone that skirts wetlands of any size and water bodies less than three acres in size. Developments that may disrupt the natural character or inhibit public safety are prohibited in this protective zone. The delineation of the protection zone is defined in the Town of Brewster’s Wetlands Conservancy District Bylaw and are subject to the regulations that constitute the Wetlands Protection act, MGL.c.131, --40, as amended. Archaeological sites may exist within these environments. (Fig. 4-x) Figure 4-2 shows Brewster’s unique features, which include some of its most scenic and historic resource areas. 3. Unique Environments Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) are places in Massachusetts that receive special recognition because of the quality, uniqueness and significance of their natural and cultural resources. These areas are identified and nominated at the community level and are reviewed and designated by the state’s Secretary of Environmental Affairs. ACEC designation creates a framework for local and regional stewardship of critical resources and ecosystems. There are two designated ACECs within the Town of Brewster: the Pleasant Bay ACEC and the Inner Cape Cod Bay ACEC (Figure 4-8). The 9,240-acre Pleasant Bay ACEC covers four towns (Orleans, Chatham, Harwich and Brewster), less than 1% of the area being within the Town of Brewster. The Pleasant Bay ACEC was nominated by the Conservation Commissions, Boards of Selectmen, and Planning Boards from the Towns of Brewster, Chatham, Harwich, and Orleans and was designated as an ACEC in 1987 because of the area’s extraordinary natural resources. The boundary for this ACEC generally follows a 100-foot buffer to the 10-foot contour line and includes wetlands and waterbodies that outflow into Pleasant Bay. Over 1,000 acres of salt marsh and several hundred acres of tidal flats are found in the ACEC. Other important habitats include islands, salt and freshwater ponds, rivers, bays, and barrier beaches. These areas provide flood control, storm damage prevention, improved water quality, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities to surrounding communities. The 2,600-acre Inner Cape Cod Bay ACEC covers three towns (Eastham, Orleans and Brewster), 15% of the area being within the Town of Brewster. The Inner Cape Cod Bay ACEC was nominated by the Conservation Commissions, Boards of Selectmen, and Planning Boards from Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 31 June 8, 2020 the Towns of Brewster, Eastham, and Orleans and was designated as an ACEC in 1985 because of the area’s extraordinary natural resources. The boundary for this ACEC generally follows the 10-foot contour line on the landward side, and the mean low water on the seaward side, and extends from First Encounter Beach south to include Namskaket Creek. Included within the ACEC boundary are hundreds of acres of saltmarsh, highly productive shellfish beds, undisturbed wildlife habitat, barrier beaches, salt ponds, and tidal rivers and creeks. These areas provide flood control, storm damage prevention, improved water quality, and recreation opportunities to surrounding communities. Brewster’s coastal resources, which are either partially or entirely included in the ACEC, include Cape Cod Bay, Namskaket Creek, and the barrier beach south of Namskaket Creek. F. Environmental Challenges Brewster faces a number of environmental challenges that influence open space and recreation planning, including: • Wastewater Management; • Stormwater Management; • Coastal Erosion and Flooding; • Biodiversity and Habitat Fragmentation; • Climate Change; • Hazardous Waste; • Solid Waste Disposal • Landfill, Plumes • Forestry Management • Invasive Species • Ground and surface water pollution, including both point and non-point sources • Environmental Equity Issues 1. Wastewater Management Pollutants in wastewater impact groundwater quality and can contribute to the degradation of fresh water ponds and coastal water resources. Nitrogen and phosphorus are the main pollutants of concern. Nitrogen causes problems with marine resources and phosphorus is the primary pollutant impacting fresh water ponds. Both nitrogen and phosphorus act as a fertilizer, contributing to excess growth of aquatic plants and algae, changing natural ecosystems and leading to the loss of fish and shellfish habitat. Pleasant Bay is listed as an Impaired Waterbody for nitrogen by the State of Massachusetts, and a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report has been issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) setting nitrogen loads and reductions for both current and buildout conditions within the Bay’s watershed. Septic systems located within the watershed to Pleasant Bay provide the main source of nitrogen impacts to the Bay. As such, the Town of Brewster will need to manage nitrogen loading to the Bay by controlling wastewater sources within the watershed. The Town of Brewster is part of an inter-municipal, 20-year watershed permit issued by DEP to the four town with contributing watersheds to Pleasant Bay; Chatham, Harwich, Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 32 June 8, 2020 Orleans and Brewster. The Pleasant Bay Alliance is facilitating the nitrogen management and water quality improvement projects for each Town under the permit, which is in its 2nd year. Some of Brewster’s Ponds (e.g., The Mill Pond Complex) have historically been degraded by nutrients (namely, phosphorous) and pathogens coming from the numerous farms, at a time when there was no vegetative cover or trees to prevent nutrients from entering the ponds. Today septic systems discharging effluent and fertilized lawns contribute nutrients close to the pond shores. Phosphorus discharged from a septic system is absorbed by the sediments below the leaching facility, and phosphorus can only move downgradient from a septic system once sediments below the system have adsorbed all the phosphorus they can uptake. Therefore, the closer a system is to a pond shore, the more likely that it will be a source of phosphorus to a pond. Transport of pathogens in groundwater is related to both distance and size. Transport of bacteria and protozoa from septic systems and groundwater discharge systems is normally small because these organisms are relatively large compared to soil pores and can be adsorbed to the soil particles. However, septic systems near the edge of ponds could be sources of pathogens, especially if the systems are not functioning correctly. The town is addressing wastewater management through its Integrated Water Resource Management Plan. Open space planning can help reduce development potential and the impacts of wastewater-associated contamination, particularly when required within watersheds to impaired embayments, such as Pleasant Bay and within buffer areas to freshwater ponds. 2. Stormwater Management Stormwater runoff can potentially impact drinking water supplies, ponds, streams and coastal waters. Proper management of stormwater is critical to the protection of these resources. Stormwater runoff is the excess precipitation that runs off over the land and discharges to nearby receiving waters such as streams, ponds, wetlands, and estuaries. Stormwater can impact all of Brewster’s water resources in different ways. As land development occurs, impervious surfaces block the natural infiltration of rainwater, thereby reducing the recharge rate and lowering the water table. Increased runoff volumes and increased peak flows can cause more stream-related flooding and can also modify streambeds with increased erosion and sedimentation. Water temperature is also increased in streams near impervious areas. New land uses can introduce pollutants and nutrients that are carried by stormwater to receiving waters. Ponds are susceptible to phosphorus loads which can exacerbate algae and aquatic plant levels. Wetlands are susceptible to impacts from stormwater in terms of both hydrology and water quality changes. Wetlands are very sensitive to water level changes and to alterations in water inputs. Coastal waters, including estuarine systems, are sensitive to stormwater inputs that alter salinity levels and to nitrogen loads that promote algae growth and impact eel grass health. Increased development brings with it an increase in impervious ground cover. The greater the area of imperviousness, the greater the stormwater impact on water resources. At over 25% impervious area, receiving waters are highly impaired (NRDC, 1999). Some studies have shown that the health of water resources is impacted at levels as low as 5 to 7% impervious cover. More recently, even lower impervious thresholds (1 to 2%) have been found to reduce riverine fish populations in Massachusetts with about 5% impact on fish for every 1% increase in impervious cover (Armstrong, 2011). While most watersheds are developed with a variety of land uses, significant Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 33 June 8, 2020 residential, commercial and industrial development often bring impervious cover levels that exceed ecological stress thresholds. The town is addressing stormwater management through its Integrated Water Resource Management Plan. Open space planning that helps to decrease development potential also reduces impervious cover and associated stormwater pollution. Low impact development (LID) practices, which can be incorporated into open space and recreation area design, can also be used to treat nitrogen and phosphorus to limit discharge of these pollutants to fresh water ponds and coastal waters. 3. Coastal Erosion and Flooding Coastal erosion is a natural process that provides sediment for downdrift marshes, beaches and dunes. However, development along the coast has reduced the amount of land available for natural erosion, and has increased vulnerability to flooding. Sea level rise and the increased frequency and intensity of storm events resulting from global climate change also exacerbates coastal erosion and flooding, which will be further discussed below. Coastal erosion threatens public and private property, causes shoaling that impedes navigation, and increases sediment loading to receiving waters. Brewster is addressing challenges related to coastal erosion and flooding through its Hazard Mitigation Plan. Open space planning, particularly protection of vulnerable shorelines from development, can help mitigate coastal erosion and flooding impacts. 4. Biodiversity and Habitat Fragmentation Another major impact of development is fragmentation of habitat. Undisturbed, unfragmented forest interiors are crucial locations for declining populations of breeding Neotropical migrant bird species, such as Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrushes and warblers. Development also brings with it the disruption of wildlife corridors. Animals which normally were able to safely traverse from one area to another along protected corridors, are now forced to cross roads to reach food sources, many getting hit by cars in the process. Other species thrive in fragmented/disrupted habitats, such as Grey Squirrels and raccoons. Brewster has been working to enhance biodiversity and reduce habitat fragmentation through a number of approaches, such as promoting Open Space Residential Design subdivisions instead of conventional subdivisions and encouraging Natural Resource Protection Design within the Water Quality Protection District. The town can further these efforts through open space planning that prioritizes purchases that connect existing open spaces and natural areas to extend habitat corridors. 5. Climate Change Climate change is already affecting the physical and biological environments of the northeast, and is expected to intensify in coming decades. Temperatures have risen by about 0.7°C over the last century and are projected to increase by a further 3-5°C under probable emission scenarios. As a consequence of increasing temperatures, sea level will rise by at least one meter this century, with even greater coastal impacts from storm surges in areas that have seen major population increases. Increasing temperatures have also affected altitudinal and range shifts in species, and earlier Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 34 June 8, 2020 seasonal migrations for migratory animals, a trend that will be reinforced further in the future. The northeast region has recorded higher amounts of precipitation over the last 50 years, with a greater frequency of extreme events and all model simulations for the future point to wetter winter and spring conditions, but much drier summers and falls. This will increase overall runoff but shift the timing of peak flows of rivers to earlier in the spring, with longer periods of low flows in the summer months. All of these changes will have major impacts on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems across the region, changing forest types and aquatic environments, affecting fish community structure and the timing of migratory fishes (NECSC, 2012). Climate change impacts, including projected sea level rise, increased storm frequency and intensity, wetter springs and drier summers, and shifting habitat conditions should all be taken into account when planning open space and recreation resources. For example, when protecting coastal areas, sea level projections should be incorporated into calculations of protection zones. Brewster began mapping areas impacted by sea level rise in its Integrated Water Resource Management Plan (2013), and the Brewster Coastal Resource Management Plan (2019) identified climate scenarios to guide resilient planning strategies in our vulnerable coastal areas. In addition, Brewster received Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness designation from the State Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs in 2019 and has been actively pursuing resiliency grants under that program. It is also important to note that climate change impacts will exacerbate the challenges described above: wastewater and stormwater management, coastal erosion and flooding, and biodiversity and habitat fragmentation. For example, sea level rise causing ocean encroachment and groundwater rise could reduce septic system setbacks from the ocean and less separation from septic drain fields to groundwater, which could increase the vulnerability of these receiving waters to wastewater-associated pollution. Projected impacts of climate change as well as Brewster’s adaptation strategies are described in a number of Brewster’s local planning documents. For example projected sea level rise impacts and adaptation strategies are included in the town’s Integrated Water Resource Management Plan. Brewster’s Hazard Mitigation Plan incorporates strategies to mitigate projected increased storm frequency and duration. 6. Hazardous Waste Over the last several decades, there have been a number of residential oil spills, due to leaks from home heating oil tanks. These spills have resulted in large excavation of yards, removal of contaminated soils and replacement with clean soil. Monitoring wells have been installed at each site and reports are received by the Conservation Commission and Board of Health on a regular basis. There are two plumes emanating from the Landfill area, which are being carefully monitored and evaluated using monitoring wells located at appropriate areas within the parcel boundaries and off-site. Brewster’s Water Quality Protection Bylaw prohibits facilities that generate, treat, store or dispose of hazardous waste throughout the town (with a few exceptions). It is important for the town to continue to manage hazardous waste to protect the town’s sensitive water resources. 7. Landfills and Plumes Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 35 June 8, 2020 Brewster’s landfill has been capped and has required annual groundwater monitoring. The facility now is the Brewster Recycling Center and all solid waste is sent off site for incineration. 8. Groundwater and Surface Water Pollution The town has embarked on a comprehensive water planning effort to address concerns and threats to its water resources in town. It has been actively monitoring pond water quality and has addressed nutrient management through active remediation and town bylaws. The department of public works is charged with MS4 compliance and is actively working to minimize stormwater pollution to our water resources. 9. Solid Waste Disposal The Brewster solid waste transfer station and recycling center is owned and operated by the town. The Brewster Department of Public Works (DPW) is located on-site and has several buildings including a salt storage shed and a highway garage with offices for DPW personnel. The former landfill is also located on-site, and is shielded by dense, wooded vegetation that exists within the site boundary. The landfill operations began in the 1940s and ceased accepting waste in 1998. The landfill was capped in 1998-1999, and post-closure environmental monitoring (groundwater, surface water and soil gas monitoring) is conducted by the town on an ongoing basis. Brewster has been exploring ways to reduce the amount of solid waste that is ultimately landfilled through recycling and composting initiatives. On October 1, 2013 Brewster started a unit-based fee system (Pay-As-You-Throw-PAYT) for handling the disposal of non-recyclable waste. Only designated yellow disposal bags are accepted for trash at the transfer station. These are available at local retailers. Such a unit-based system encourages more recycling by Brewster residents. It also places the costs of disposal more equitably on those who create the waste. At Spring 2019 Town Meeting, Brewster voted to ban single-use plastic bags. These bags may not be offered by Brewster businesses to their customers starting June 1, 2020. The Town has also changed their Transfer Fee Sticker System. Previously it cost about $100 per family for a transfer station sticker, with those solely disposing of recyclables entering for free. Now everyone pays $50 for a sticker, whether they are just dropping off recycling or dropping off regular trash. 10. Forestry Management As mentioned in Section 4.C above, Brewster has relatively large areas of unfragmented second growth pine-oak forest compared to other Cape towns. These second growth pine/oak forests have sprung up on formerly cultivated lands that once were forested, prior to a number of instances of clearing. Many of the pines and oaks are often 30 to 50 years old, are surrounded by younger trees of the same species and are found on most undeveloped sites on the Cape. These forest communities continue to change as pines mature and give way to oaks and other hardwoods. Due to the maritime influence inherent to Cape Cod, these forests are subject to the damage caused Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 36 June 8, 2020 by salt exposure and intense wind events. Pines are especially susceptible to wind-throw, uprooting, crown and branch damage. Most winter storms bring the Cape storm surges from the ocean. Periodic defoliation of trees (especially Oaks) by forest insects such as the gypsy moth or the newly arrived winter moth increases the exposure of sunlight to the under-story shrubs. This dry and acidic environment slows the decay of organic matter and leads to accumulation of litter and duff. A report by the USDA Forest Service indicates that Barnstable County, given its sandy soil, wind conditions and preponderance of pine and oak trees, is as prone to wildfires as regions of California. Residential development has increased within the forested urban interface area over the past two decades warranting more management issues. The forested land provides important habitat for many wildlife and plant species and serve also as a water supply and recharge area for the town. Managing the town forests for their conservation and water source values, as well as reducing wildfire hazards and protecting public safety are priorities. Brewster is fortunate to have a number of significantly sized (by Cape standards) unfragmented second growth forests designated as protected open space. Brewster is moving forward with forest resource management for these areas. a. The Punkhorn Parklands Conservation Area, located in the southwestern corner of Town, contains over 800 acres of predominantly Pitch Pine forest, slowly being overtaken by hardwoods, mostly Black oak with some White Oak. There are a number of small pure stands of Pine Barrens, home to a threatened species, the Barrens Buck Moth. Important as a forest rebuilder, the Pitch Pine is slowly replenishing the soil. Other species include American Beech, White Pine and Red Maple. The Punkhorn’s miles of trails provide for long leisurely walks and possible glimpses of “forest interior” species, such as warblers, vireos, cuckoos, tanagers and whip-poor-wills, that prefer to dwell in blocks of unbroken woodland. In 2006 the Wildland Fire Protection and Preparedness Plan for the Punkhorn Parklands Brewster, Massachusetts was done by Caren A. Caljouw and Seth Wilkinson for the Town of Brewster and the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension. This Wildland Fire Protection and Preparedness Plan was funded through the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension in cooperation with the Town of Brewster, as part of a county-wide initiative to address wildfire hazards on town- owned or town administered open space tracts. The Town of Brewster nominated the Punkhorn Parklands as its highest priority for wildfire assessment and preparedness planning. It is Brewster’s largest contiguous conservation property and consists of mixed oak and pitch pine forest, which contains highly flammable and heavy fuel accumulations. Residential development has increased within this interface area over the past two decades, warranting assessment of wildfire risks and hazardous fuels. Based on the primary management goal to reduce wildfire hazards within the Punkhorn Parklands through an integrated and proactive land management program, the following objectives and strategies were established. 1. Use prescribed burning and mechanical methods to reduce fuel loadings within priority fire-prone areas of the Punkhorn Parklands. Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 37 June 8, 2020 2. Maintain the integrity of dirt roads and access points to provide for rapid response, fire suppression, and fire breaks. 3. Provide neighboring landowners with information regarding fire hazards and recommendations to protect life and property from wildfire. 4. Employ best management practices during the course of vegetation management to maintain and enhance biological diversity in varying seral stages of the vegetation. 5. Offer prescribed burn training opportunities on these properties, emphasizing basic wildland fire behavior, fire suppression, ignition techniques, and safety procedures. 6. Develop prescriptions for priority fuel reduction zones and other management units. 7. Establish team of land managers and fire professionals for Punkhorn Parklands to determine implementation schedule and guide management actions. All recommendations outlined in this plan could not be implemented immediately. Limitations of technical resources, sequencing of actions, and limited funding resources required that priorities be established. Those actions deemed most critical to reducing very hazardous fuel loads and providing for public safety were to be addressed first. With grants received from Barnstable County the Town purchased a tractor and equipment for mechanical treatment of areas in the Punkhorn staff has cut vegetation in various areas to reduce fire hazards. b. Nickerson State Park, located at the eastern end of town has over 1,888 acres of woodlands and ponds. One of the most popular parks in the state, it has salt and fresh-water beaches, miles of trails for walking, hiking and horse-back riding, 420 campsites, and boating and swimming access. The State has their own fire management plan and Brewster does not participate, except to respond to any calls for fire suppression assistance. c. Mother’s Bog/Slough Road Woodlands comprise 80 acres off of Slough Road. In 2012, using a grant from Barnstable County, a DCR Forestry Management Plan was prepared by Joel R. Carlson, Licensed Mass. Forester. This property is abutted by open space to the west and south. To the east and north are residential areas. Permitted uses and activates that pertain to forest management on the property include the maintenance and use of roads and trails for passive recreational purposes, passive public recreational use, development of limited facilities related to passive recreational use, the planting and cutting of trees and shrubs and removal of invasive species when following an approved management plan and best management practices, installation of water monitoring wells, and wildlife enhancement projects after consultation with the conservation easement. The property is located within the Town of Brewster’s Fire Management Suggested Focus Area 3, as identified by the 2012 Barnstable County Wildfire Preparedness Plan, and is classified as being an area of High Wildland Fire Hazard. Suggested management actions for Focus Area 3 are fuel treatments and/or structural ignitability Reduction strategies. Portions of the property have been designated by the Massachusetts DEP as protected wetlands, primarily in the area of the former cranberry bog. The Massachusetts NHESP has designated a small section in the northern portion of the property as Priority Rare Species Habitat. Additionally, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has identified all of the property as being Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 38 June 8, 2020 within the BioMap2 Core Habitat, Critical Natural Landscape, Species of Conservation Concern, and Core Natural Landscape Block designated areas. These are considered areas crucial to protecting the biodiversity and land identified as critical to protecting the state’s long term viability of rare species, common species, and natural communities. The trees on the property are predominantly pitch pine (Pinus rigida) and oak consisting of black oak (Quercus velutina) and white oak (Quercus alba). Understory vegetation is primarily comprised of blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) and scattered black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata). Forest health is good throughout the property. No evidence of recent wildfire, significant wind events, or insect infestations has been observed. Limited invasive plant species occur on the property. The primary property goals are to: protect water quality; promote biological diversity; enhance habitat for birds; enhance habitat for small animals; enhance habitat for large animals; preserve or improve scenic beauty; and reduce fire hazard. Objectives (in part for various areas) include: 1. Maintain the current natural community type within its natural range of variability. 2. Allow to transition and mature into pine forest. 3. Reduce the presence of invasive species and maintain the current open field.” 4. Allow to transition and revert back to a forest wetland system.” Management practices recommended to be done within the next 10 years include: 1. General Property Management: Identify property boundaries and prevent un-authorized activities and encroachment. 2. Wildland Fire Hazard Reduction: Increase firefighter and public safety by decreasing wildland fire risk in and around the property and reduce the threat of wildfire to property and life on lands adjacent to the property using education and awareness programs. *Educate property owners re- defensible space, hazards of wildfire and prevention measures to protect life and property. (200-250 residences) 3. Wildland Fire Hazard Reduction: Increase firefighter and public safety by decreasing wildland fire risk in and around the property. *Improve dirt road access and egress for public and emergency vehicles and reduced potential for erosion. 4. Ecosystem and Wildlife Habitat preservation. 5. Reduce Invasive Species. d. Wing’s Island is north of Route 6A, on Paines Creek. Starting in 2004, the Town received a Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) grant from NRCS. Wilkinson Ecological Design mowed the field and made 17 burn piles for a future burn as part of a habitat protection and fire prevention strategy. In 2005, the Town was awarded a Barnstable County Land Management Grant for $7,500. The Town hired Vince Olivier to supervise AmeriCorps and work with the Cape Cod National Seashore burn crew to perform a prescribed burn. Twelve piles were burned along with 2.5 acres. Mechanical mowing was then performed and the area was then seeded with warm season native grasses. Trail repairs were completed with granite curbing and repairs were done to the boardwalk. Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 39 June 8, 2020 Since then, the Brewster Department of Natural Resources has managed the field, utilizing a tractor to periodically mow the 10 acres, coupled with periodic controlled burns in coordination with Americorps and the Seashore burn team. Volunteers from Americorps, the Brewster Conservation Trust and the Brewster FLATS group have worked to remove invasive species from this and many other conservation areas around town. e. Bakers Pond Conservation Area is located west of Nickerson State Park and borders Bakers Pond, a resource largely in Orleans. These 39.29 forested acres, another predominantly Pitch Pine forest, also contain a 10.70-acre Cedar Swamp. No forestry management plan has been established for this conservation area. f. Sheep Pond Woodlands, 52 acres located in the middle of town off of Route 137, adjacent to a State Cape Cod Rail Trail parking lot, is another predominantly Pitch Pine forest. No forestry management plan has been established for this conservation area. As funds are available over the next few years, the Town anticipates completing a forestry management plan for all conservation areas. 11. Invasive Species The Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG) defines invasive plants as “non- native species that have spread into native or minimally managed plant systems in Massachusetts.” These plants cause economic or environmental harm by developing self-sustaining populations and becoming dominant and/or disruptive to those systems. Already, invasive non-native organisms have contributed to the decline of 42% of our federally listed threatened and endangered species. Source: The Nature Conservancy 12. Environmental Equity Brewster does not have significant populations meeting the income and minority criteria used by the 2010 MassGIS work that identifies and maps environmental justice populations for all communities in Massachusetts. The criteria used for identifying environmental justice populations include: • Income – households earn 65% or less of the statewide median income; • Minority – 25% or more of residents are minority; • Foreign Born – 25% or more of residents are foreign born; • Lacking English Proficiency – 25% or more residents are lacking in English proficiency. There are no populations identified based on either minority classification or based on the income data layer. However there are certainly populations in Brewster whose income is at poverty level, 10.9% as of 2011 per STATS Cape Cod. According to a report entitled Monitoring the Human Condition 2009 prepared by the Barnstable County Department of Human Services, the following populations of need are found in the County, and in Brewster: • Low-income young households with one to two children who rent their home and may receive some financial assistance; • Low-income young to middle-age households with at most one child who rent, are homeless or live in a group home; and Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 4 40 June 8, 2020 • Low-income young to middle-age households with no more than one child who rent, are homeless or live in a group home. These households also may be cultural minorities, receiving financial assistance, or chronically ill. This group is considered by the report as the most needy among Cape Cod households. There do not appear to be specific low economic population pockets, but populations may be spread in all areas of town. In setting priorities and allocating resources for open space and recreation facilities and programs the town has made sure that adequate open space and recreation areas are spread throughout the town. Since the 1984 OSRP was first developed, there has been community involvement in planning and environmental decision-making to maintain and/or enhance the environmental quality of all neighborhoods. Location of Conservation & Recreations Areas throughout Brewster: • North West Brewster –Quivett Marsh Vista, Drummer Boy Park & Recreation area, • South West Brewster – Mother’s Bog and Meetinghouse Road Conservation Areas, Punkhorn Parklands • Central Brewster – Sheep Pond Woodlands, Long Pond Woodlands Conservation Area, Stony Brook and Eddy Elementary Schools Fields and Tennis Courts & Town Hall recreation fields • North East Brewster – Bakers Pond Conservation Area • East Brewster – Nickerson State Park • South East Brewster - Reed Kingsbury Conservation Area & Freeman’s Way Recreations fields