HomeMy Public PortalAbout2010 Beach Atlas
Town of Brewster
Department of Natural Resources
2198 Main Street
Brewster, Massachusetts 02631-1898
(508) 896-3701
November 1, 2010
To: Charlie Sumner
From: Chris Miller
Re: Revised beach and landing recommendations
Charlie:
I’ve reviewed some of the past memos and reports regarding Brewster’s landings and
beaches. With this spring’s severe weather and resulting damage to many landings, I felt
it necessary to prepare a brief summary of each landing with a listing of what I see as the
major issues and possible solutions.
Most of what is included has been addressed in the past, but most of the recommended
actions to mitigate losses were not implemented. I have attached one of these reports; the
“Analysis of Storm Damage Potential and Erosion Control Alternatives for Selected
Brewster Town Landings” dated January 15, 2003, by Jim O’Connell, Coastal Processes
Specialist at the Sea Grant.
This report did not address Paine’s Creek, however. The “Feasibility Study for Paine’s
Creek Beach Parking Area Protection and Improvements, Brewster MA” dated
September 1, 2009 by Woods Hole Group does address some of the options for that
landing.
I have also attached Bob Bersin’s beaches report from January 2008 where he addressed
many of the same issues, as well as related infrastructure (roads, condition of the parking
areas, stormwater, etc.).
This was put together with help from Jim Gallagher and Jillian Douglass, and is intended
to serve as a talking point for current conditions, and how to prepare for the future. I feel
we need specific management plans for each beach, with defined regular maintenance
and improvements, instead of just reacting after each storm event. We should also take
an objective view of the longer term status of each landing, considering local erosion
rates and elevations, and some consideration of future sea level rise.
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Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
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Crosby Landing
Location: At the end of Crosby Lane. Map 9, lot 16.1
Parking: 60 spaces including two handicap spaces. Permit required June 15 to Labor
Day, 9am to 3pm.
Amenities: One port-o-let, one handicap accessible port-o-let, and four trash containers,
Memorial Day to Labor Day (inclusive). No vehicle access to beach via town property.
Erosion: +0.49 to +0.85 feet per year gained.
Features: Popular beach in summer. Small anchorage located on flats to east side of
beach area.
The parking area is protected by an extensive dune system. State property abuts to each
side, with Namskaket marsh to the east, and Linnel Landing further to the west.
Status:
The coastal dune is accreting (growing) at approximately 0.75 feet per year. Drifting
sand has built up over the original wooden boardwalk area to at least 8 feet in depth. The
wooden roll out pathway was placed this year, but required removal of much of the wind
blown sand covering the former boardwalk, as the steepness of the path would make it
too slippery for use. Limited handicap access is available this year.
Foot
traffic
access
it
Sign:
Regulations
Port-o-let
(1)
Trash
(2)
Sign:
Permit
Req.
Port-o-let
(1) HCA
Trash
(2)
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
4
Immediate Recommendations:
Stormwater issues at this landing make the entrance impassible at times. Drifting sand
makes handicap access at this location problematic.
Additional plantings are needed to keep unofficial paths through the dunes to a
manageable level. We have placed fencing (split rail and sand drift fence) in an effort to
reduce these intrusions through the dunes.
Cost: Ongoing maintenance to roll out wooden path, fencing, etc., plus cost of removing
sand from path on at least an annual basis.
Stormwater: The Town has applied for an NRCS grant towards the engineering design
for stormwater at this landing.
Longer term status:
Although eroding during severe winter storms such as we faced this winter, overall the
beach is accreting sand at the rate of about ½ to ¾ foot per year. The dune system is
healthy and should provide protection to the landing parking area into the foreseeable
future.
The potential increase in sidewalks along Rt. 6A will likely lead to additional pedestrian
traffic to this beach, due to the proximity of Nickerson State Park.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
5
Linnell Landing
Location: End of Linnell Landing Road. Map 9, lot 1.1
Parking: 25 spaces including two handicap spaces. Permit required June 15 to Labor
Day, 9am to 3pm.
Amenities: One port-o-let and three trash containers, Memorial Day to Labor Day
(inclusive). Coastal access point for aquaculture, emergency beach access for boats and
vehicles.
Erosion: -0.26 to -0.62 feet per year lost.
Features: Popular beach in summer. Property to east is owned by State (behind Cape
Rep Theater), then Crosby Landing and State property to town line at Namskaket Marsh.
Private property abuts to west.
The parking area is protected by a minimal dune located between two access areas to the
beach. The western access is unimproved except by stones placed to minimize
stormwater erosion. The eastern access has a small wooden boardwalk/platform which
provides handicap access to beach.
Vehicle
access
point
Sign:
Regulations
Port-o-let
(1)
Trash
(3)
Sign:
Permit
Req.
Handicap
access
boardwalk
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
6
Eastern entrance to beach, spring 2010. Boardwalk is currently covered by drifting sand and
debris.
Stormwater erosion at western entrance to beach.
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7
Status:
The coastal dune is eroding at approximately 0.5 feet per year. This minimal dune
survived this winter’s storms but has lost over 1/3 its volume.
Immediate Recommendations:
Support the small dune located between the entrances with a short section of sturdy drift
fence. Nourish behind the fence and plant with beach grass.
Fix the stormwater issues in the landing to prevent erosion and fix issues related to
stormwater discharge directly onto a beach. This would entail sloping the northern
section of the parking lot upwards to direct stormwater to a central location where it can
be captured and infiltrated. The Town has submitted a NRCS grant for
engineering/permitting of the stormwater issues, but has not asked for help with
construction. Cost: Fencing/plantings: $350, annual sand 10 yards @$8.75 = $87.50
Longer Term Status:
This landing can retreat shoreward as the northern face erodes. However, due to the low
elevation of the parking area, once the dune is lost, expect to lose portions of the northern
end of the parking area annually. This may be minimized by keeping an artificial dune at
the north end to absorb storm damage, and allowing it to retreat to the south over time.
The potential increase in sidewalks along Rt. 6A will likely lead to additional pedestrian
traffic to this beach, due to the proximity of Nickerson State Park.
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Spruce Hill Conservation Area
Location: Behind the Brewster Historical Society. Map 8 lot 9, Map 13 lot 8-9, 29.
Parking: 12 spaces (approx) located at the south end of the cartpath to the beach,
approximately ½ mile from the beach.
Erosion: -0.39 feet per year lost.
Features: This landing provides a scenic overview of the bay, and access to a small
beach area popular with shellfishermen, and also used daily by walkers and people with
dogs. Access to the landing is by foot over a long cartpath. This cartpath also provides
emergency access to the beach via vehicle to the top of the coastal bank and stairway.
Under the care of the Conservation Commission.
Status:
The coastal dune is eroding at approximately 0.39 feet per year. The existing overlook
and stairway is in danger of collapse onto the beach, and needs to be removed and rebuilt.
Last year we added about 10 feet in length to the stairway as it ended about 3 feet above
the beach. This longer stair was buried into the beach. This year the drop to the beach is
about 4’ due to continued erosion.
The winter storms have severely eroded the bank, losing at least 10 feet over the last year.
Two areas of the dune that show blowouts/erosion were protected with study sand
fencing and beach grass plantings last spring. The severe erosion removed about 4 feet of
the beach (depth) and the plantings are gone, except further up into the dune in the area of
the blowout. DNR installed additional split rail fencing in several areas last year to
combat the social trails and lessen dune erosion by keeping people and pets on the main
trail and stairs.
There is a small freshwater wetland or vernal pool located very near the bluff that will
eventually be lost as the bluff erodes south.
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Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
10
DNR has added and lengthened supports to the stairs twice this winter to keep them from failing.
These are very temporary repairs.
Immediate Recommendations:
Install sturdy sand fence at the base of the bluff on both sides of the stairs. Remove and
rebuild the stairway and lookout.
Cost: estimated $5000 for stairway and sturdy fencing to protect bluff. Sand
nourishment would help reduce the annual loss of bluff and should be considered.
Longer Term Status:
This bluff will continue to erode. The stairway should be constructed to allow erosion to
occur without compromising the supports on the beach end, and to allow extending the
stairway if required due to subsidence of the beach.
If no action is taken on the stairway, there will be no way to prevent people from
climbing down the coastal bank and causing severe erosion, unless the property and
parking area are closed to the public.
The potential increase in sidewalks along Rt. 6A will likely lead to additional pedestrian
traffic to this beach, due to the proximity of Nickerson State Park.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
11
Ellis Landing
Location: At the end of Ellis Landing Road. Map 7, lot 16.1
Parking: 19 spaces (probably lost 4 spaces winter 2009/2010) including two handicap
spaces. Permit required June 15 to Labor Day, 9am to 3pm.
Amenities: One port-o-let and two trash containers, Memorial Day to Labor Day
(inclusive). Coastal access point for aquaculture, emergency beach access for boats and
vehicles. Current conditions do not allow access to beach via vehicle, and allow
limited access via foot traffic.
Erosion: -0.66 feet per year lost.
Features: Popular beach in summer. Town and private aquaculture areas use this
landing for access to the beach. Location of spring/fall littleneck shellfishing and fall
oyster Sundays program.
Undeveloped property directly adjacent to the east is owned by Brewster Conservation
Trust, and provides additional beach area for residents.
The private properties to the west are protected on their northern edge by a stone
revetment. The revetment extended partially onto the town landing property.
Status:
The coastal dune is eroding at approximately 0.7 feet per year. This landing was severely
damaged by the storms this winter. Access to the beach is not available in its current
(Former)
vehicle
access
point
Sign:
Regulations
Port-o-let
(1)
Trash
(2)
Sign:
Permit
Req.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
12
state. Approximately 20 feet has been lost from the northern edge, fully exposing a
concrete drainage structure that formerly controlled stormwater at the site. The partial
stone revetment has failed.
Note failed revetment at right side of photo. Concrete structure was under the end of the parking
area prior to this winter’s storms. Pavement under the yellow saw horses is undermined and will
continue to fall away until the slope is self supporting.
DPW conducted emergency repairs to the drainage structure, including cleaning out
the structure, covering it with fabric, and backfilling it with sand. They then paved
a small stormwater scupper to redirect stormwater into the structure. The scupper
is of limited effectiveness and stormwater continues to erode the bank. Recent
seasonal high tide events have removed most of the backfilled sand, exposing the
structure again, and leaving a steep bank down the the beach.
Immediate Recommendations:
Regular application of sand to maintain the ramp to the beach is recommended.
Cost: 250 yards of sand @ $8.75/yard = $2187.
Stormwater at Ellis Landing should be captured at the end of Ellis Landing Road and
infiltrated. The northern portion of the parking area has been lost. The revetment should
be rebuilt. Access to the beach should be negotiated to allow a ramp heading due east
onto the Brewster Conservation Trust property.
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13
The Town has applied for an NRCS grant to develop the engineering plans necessary to
address the stormwater issues. No construction funds were applied for in the grant
application.
Longer Term Status:
Ellis Landing will continue to be vulnerable to storm damage, erosion, and end scour
from the revetment located to the west. It is clear that the adjacent revetments have
exacerbated the erosion issues, causing additional damage to the town property that may
not have occurred if the revetments were not constructed.
The best long term solution would be to work with Brewster Conservation Trust and
relocate the parking area further south on their property. This may entail a land swap or
other negotiated settlement.
An engineering study should be undertaken regarding the failed revetment and need for a
ramp to the beach for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Any ramp to the beach should be
constructed further back on the property where it will be less vulnerable to storm damage
for many years. One consideration presented by an ordered retreat to the south would be
the affect on the adjacent property to the west, including the structure and its revetment.
Any solution at this landing will require annual nourishment to replace lost sand and
provide for storm protection. The options involving southward retreat will require the
least amount of annual nourishment and maintenance costs. Attempts to stabilize and
maintain the historic parking area and beach access will be costly and costs will continue
to increase over time as erosion continues further east.
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14
Point of Rocks
Location: End of Point of Rocks Road, Map 6 lot 7-1.
Parking: 0 spaces marked; approximately 3 cars at landing, three more at triangle in
roadway to south by Foster Road intersection.
Erosion: Unknown. Remnant salt marsh is eroding.
Features: Small coastal access point with limited parking, sandy beach is popular with
area residents. Coastal access point for aquaculture, emergency beach access for boats
and vehicles.
Status: No visible damage this winter.
Longer Term Recommendations: The stormwater basin at this landing is non
functional and should be maintained or replaced. Stormwater currently runs down the
landing and directly onto the beach, causing erosion of the path to the beach. Beach
parking permit signs should be placed at the triangle in the roadway and formal parking
places marked.
Vehicle
access
point
Sign:
Regulations
Sign:
Permit
Req.
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15
Breakwater Beach
Location: On Breakwater Road at the first bend. Map 4 lot 55.
Parking: 62 spaces (winter of 2009/2010 damage likely removed four parking
spaces) including two handicap spaces. Permit required June 15 to Labor Day, 9am to
3pm.
Amenities: One port-o-let and two trash containers, Memorial Day to Labor Day
(inclusive). Coastal access point for aquaculture, emergency beach access for boats and
vehicles.
Erosion: -0.33 to -0.39 feet per year lost.
Features: Popular beach in summer. Large parking area.
The parking area was protected by a dune that was destroyed/removed during the winter.
Further east is a back dune area currently undeveloped. A wooded/brush covered area
adjoins to the southeast, which abuts a small town grassy park. On the northeast side is
an eroding bluff; adjacent to the west is a soft structure and stone revetment that causes
some end scour to the town property. There is also a groin and the outlet pipe for the
Consodine Ditch on the western property boundary.
Vehicle
access
point Sign:
Regulations
Port-o-let
(1)
Trash
(3)
Sign:
Permit
Req.
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16
Breakwater Beach in December 2009
Breakwater Beach January 3, 2010.
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Rebuilding/replacing the artificial dune at Breakwater in January 2010.
Breakwater Beach on March 3, 2010.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
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Status:
The coastal dune is eroding at approximately 0.39 feet per year. This winter’s storm
removed the remnants of the dune at the north end of the parking lot, and caused the
parking lot to be undermined. In January, sand was placed to provide additional
protection for the remainder of the winter. This artificial dune was lost later in the spring
due to storms, and additional parking area is lost. The parking lot elevation is low, and
unless protected, we may expect additional loss of pavement each year, in part due to the
lack of sediment transport from further west (revetments and groins).
In late spring, DPW rebuilt the artificial dune and directed foot traffic around it via
fencing.
Stormwater currently collects in the northwest corner of the lot, and causes erosion of the dune as
it moves north onto the beach. At times this forms a deep very large puddle, and forces a hole
through the dune over time.
Immediate Recommendations:
Remove additional pavement at the north end of the lot, and construct a larger dune to
protect the parking area. The dune should be supplemented with a sturdy sand drift fence
and plantings. To the east, the bluff is eroding and should also be nourished and
protected by a sturdy drift fence. Both of these areas will require periodic ongoing
nourishment with sand.
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19
Reconfigure the parking area to direct stormwater to infiltration areas located beneath the
pavement. Raise the northern portion of the lot to provide additional protection and to
direct stormwater south.
Cost:
500 yards of sand @ $8.75/yard = $4375.
Sturdy fencing and plantings = $3000.
Stormwater: The Town has applied for a NRCS grant to provide engineering design for
the stormwater needs at the site. No construction funds were applied for through NRCS.
Longer Term Status:
Long term, we may need to move parking to the west and south towards the park. If a
protective dune is built at the north end of the landing, it should be of sufficient size to
allow many years before the parking lot is again in danger from moderate winter storms.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
20
Breakwater Landing, aka Little Breakwater
Location: At the end of Breakwater Road. Map 4 lot 55-1.
Parking: Unmarked parking; space for approx. 5 vehicles.
Erosion: -0.62 feet per year lost.
Features: This smaller landing provides a scenic overview of the bay, and access to a
small beach area.
Status:
The coastal dune is eroding at approximately 0.62 feet per year. In approximately 10
years, the edge of the parking lot will begin to be threatened.
The winter storms have severely eroded the bank where the simple foot trail leads to the
beach, leaving about a 4 foot drop to the beach. This will continue to erode into a gulley,
and destabilize the bank on either side.
Immediate Recommendations:
Install sturdy sand fence at the base of the landing. Install a wooden stairway in place of
the current foot trail; this was permitted at some point in the past but never constructed.
Cost: estimated $4000 for stairway and sturdy fencing to protect bluff.
Foot
traffic
access
it Sign:
Regulations
Sign:
Permit
Req.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
21
Longer Term Status:
This bluff will continue to erode. The stairway from the landing (approximately 15 feet
in elevation higher than the beach) should be constructed to allow erosion to occur
without compromising the supports on the beach end, and to allow extending the stairway
if required due to subsidence of the beach. A small amount (10 yards?) of annual sand
nourishment would provide additional support to the bank. A small annual nourishment
may be required to keep the bank from eroding beneath the stairway.
If the stairs are not constructed, erosion will accelerate and the bank will continue to
rapidly erode, threatening the pavement and access to the beach.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
22
Saints Landing
Location: Off Robbins Hill Road at first bend. Map 3, lot 2.
Parking: 38 parking spaces including two handicap spaces. Permit required June 15 to
Labor Day, 9am to 3pm.
Amenities: One port-o-let and two trash containers, Memorial Day to Labor Day
(inclusive). No vehicle access to the beach. Stormwater from parking area sent onto
beach and rip rap via 18” corrugated metal pipe.
Erosion: -0.43 feet per year lost.
Features: Popular beach in summer. Small anchorage located on flats to north of groin
at east side of beach area. Summer stocking program for shellfishing is run from this
landing. The parking area is protected by a dune. Further east is a back dune area
currently undeveloped except by a driveway across the town land to a residence.
Status:
The coastal dune is eroding at approximately 0.75 feet per year. At this rate, in
approximately 15 years the edge of the parking lot will begin to be threatened.
Stormwater from the parking area is collected and discharged via a pipe directly onto the
beach, into a pile of rip rap. The direct discharge to the beach potentially threatens
shellfishing and bathers due to bacteria from the paved parking area.
Foot
traffic
access
it
Sign:
Regulations
Port-o-let
(1)
Trash
(2)
Sign:
Permit
Req.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
23
Stormwater discharge pipe and rip rap.
The existing path to the beach is much steeper than in the past due to erosion; partially due to
direct stormwater runoff down the partially paved pathway.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
24
View of Saints Landing looking east. The end of the pipe provides a reference for the location of
the dune prior to this winter’s storms.
Immediate Recommendations:
Correct the stormwater issues at the landing. This should be corrected by changing the
grade of the parking lot to direct stormwater to a central or southeastern location where
an infiltration basin can be placed.
The direct discharge to the beach potentially threatens shellfishing and bathers, and the
pile of rip rap and pipe is an aesthetic issue as well. The Town has received a grant
through NRCS for the engineering and 75% of the construction costs to correct this (see
costs below).
The stormwater discharge down the path has been temporarily addressed through
installation of a wooden walk. The path also has split rail fencing on the east side to
deter the path to the top of the dune that is causing erosion and damage to the dune face.
The eroding dune should be protected by installing sturdy sand drift fencing and planting
beach grass behind the fencing. Recommend also replenishing the sand lost from the
dune in this winter’s storms.
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25
Cost estimate:
Plantings and sturdy sand fence = $1800.
Sand: 100 yards @ $8.75/yard = $875.
Stormwater catch basin: See NRCS grant application by Stearns & Wheeler.
Engineering: $47,985 (100% grant)
Permitting: $10,479
Construction: $75,000 (75% grant)
Longer term status:
Saints Landing is losing about ½ foot of beach per year. Due to the dune/bank between
the beach and the parking area, this landing seems relatively stable for the next 15 years,
but will require adjustments to the path and maintenance of the sturdy sand drift fencing.
After this time period, as the facing dune erodes, the north end of the parking area will
have to retreat.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
26
Mants Landing
Location: End of Robbins Hill Road, Map 2, Lot 1
Parking: 44 spaces including two handicap spaces. Permit required June 15 to Labor
Day, 9am to 3pm.
Amenities: One port-o-let and two trash containers, Memorial Day to Labor Day
(inclusive). Access point for aquaculture, emergency access for boats and vehicles.
Erosion: -1.97 to -2.1 feet per year lost.
Features: Popular beach in summer; adjoins Paines Creek to the west. Anchorage
located on flats to west of parking lot. Town shellfish grant plus three private grants on
flats due north of parking area.
Parking lot is situated at the end of Robbins Hill Road at a low point adjacent to the
beach. The parking area is protected by a minimal dune supported in part by split rail
fencing at the parking lot’s northern edge. Further west is a dune area fronted by a sandy
beach and remnant salt marsh.
Status:
Winter/Spring 2010 storms have depleted the protective dune along the northern end of
the parking area. Frequent wash over into the parking area is observed in severe storms
with a northerly wind direction.
Vehicle
access
point
Sign:
Regulations
Port-o-let
(1)
Trash
(2)
Sign:
Permit
Req.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
27
Facing west at the northern border of the Mants Landing parking area.
Facing east at the northern border of the Mants Landing parking area.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
28
Immediate Recommendations:
Replenish the dune protecting the parking area through sand nourishment, sturdy sand
drift fence, and plantings of beach grass. The dunes directly west of the parking area are
very steep and if left unprotected, they may retreat and leave the western border of the
parking area vulnerable.
Cost estimate: 150 yards of suitable sand @ 8.75/yard = $1300. Plantings and sturdy
sand fence = $1800.
Annual sand replenishment of 50 yards = $450.
One area of the dune is a frequent cut-through by foot traffic; efforts to reduce this through fencing
have helped, but the eroded area is in need of a substantial planting to help rebuild the dune.
Longer term status:
Mants Landing is in an area of town exhibiting about two feet of erosion per year. The
parking area is at a relatively low elevation, putting it at risk. A regular sand nourishment
program can extend use of the parking area for at least another 5 years. Beyond that
time, the parking lot is threatened. Once the protective dune is lost, large areas of the
parking lot are threatened. Long term this landing may need to retreat shoreward.
However, the shoreward property is low lying.
The adjacent former motel property is at a higher elevation and would make sense to
aquire as a longer term replacement for this landing; it would add about 18 additional
beach parking spaces if improved as a gravel parking area.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
29
Paines Creek Landing
Location: End of Paines Creek Road. Map 1 lot 6.
Parking: 20 spaces (loss of parking area winter of 2009/2010 likely reduces total
parking to 14 spaces) including two handicap spaces. Permit required June 15 to Labor
Day, 9am to 3pm.
Amenities: One port-o-let and two trash containers, Memorial Day to Labor Day
(inclusive). Small boat ramp before entrance to parking area provides Brewster’s only
boat ramp *shallow draft, usable only at mid to full tides*. Culvert to Freemans pond
passes under access road to parking area.
Erosion: -2.33 feet per year lost.
Features: Extremely popular beach year round due to swimming area and scenic vistas.
Anchorage located on flats to north and east. Directly adjacent to Paines Creek on the
west side of the landing.
The parking area is protected on the north by a short revetment and groin, and by a dune.
Further east is a back dune area and a small tidal stream leading to Freemans Pond, the
only salt pond in town. The stream crosses under the parking area near its entrance
through an undersized and partially damaged culvert.
Foot
traffic
access
it Sign:
Regulations
Port-o-let
(1)
Trash
(4)
Sign:
Permit
Req.
Boat
ramp
Culvert
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
30
Status:
The coastal dune is eroding at approximately 2.33 feet per year. The coastal revetment
has subsided and waves can breach to wash out the northern end of the parking area and
adjacent beach. The northeast corner and western side is most vulnerable to storm and
wave damage.
Paines Creek has moved closer to the parking area in recent years, accelerating erosion
damage to the lot. The initial storm at the start of 2010 damaged the parking area and
removed all protection on the north and east sides. Emergency actions to remove
damaged pavement, reconfigure the damaged partial revetment on the east side, and
support the parking area with 1,500 sandbags was mostly successful in providing
protection through the remainder of the winter. The protection provided by these actions
is mostly gone on the north and southeast sides due to erosion.
During storm on January 2, 2010.
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31
Damage to north end of lot, March 14, 2010
Placing sandbags January 15, 2010.
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
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March 2, 2010.
January 15, 2010
Brewster Beach and Landing Atlas Last Updated: 4.5.2010
33
Stormwater erosion from parking area at southeast side on March 14, 2010.
Immediate Recommendations:
The combined efforts of storms and Paines Creek threaten any future use of this landing.
Its current configuration will allow much less parking/access than in past years (approx.
31 spaces in 1995 to about 20 spaces in 2009 and 14 spaces in 2010). The culvert was
shored up with sandbags and concrete; however, the revetment around the culvert
continues to erode, and long term must be rebuilt.
The sandbags on the beach are very vulnerable to foot traffic. If they are walked on they
will fail and provide no storm protection. They should be covered with sand to sufficient
depth to protect them.
The artificial dune along the west and north edge of the parking area, where it still exists,
will quickly erode through foot traffic if not protected by a fence and signage saying
“keep off the dune”. Plantings would help to stabilize this artificial dune. The fencing
should be both along the parking area and lower to the west below the sandbag area.
Paines Creek has a steep bank at the southwest corner of the landing, and has not further
eroded in part due to the presence of remnant marsh deposits. These deposits are eroding
in the rapidly moving water of the stream.
In the fall of 2009, Woods Hole Group conducted a study of this landing and made
recommendations for its protection. The most suitable long term protection appears to be
a stone revetment, beginning with a new and expanded culvert to Freemans Pond, and
extending north to the existing coastal revetment. However, discussions with regulatory
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agencies suggest that a full revetment would not be able to obtain a permit. A hybrid
solution, utilizing the existing stone at the toe and supplemented with coi logs or other
soft solution, appears prudent. The town has set aside some engineering funds to
evaluate and permit this solution.
This would protect the infrastructure of the parking area, culvert and roadway. Sand
nourishment to protect the revetment and provide a sandy beach area would be required
on an ongoing basis.
General cost estimates were provided in the Woods Hole Group report.
The town has obtained two NRCS grants. One grant is to capture and infiltrate
stormwater along Paines Creek Road from Lower Road north and including the parking
area. This work is scheduled for spring 2011. The second grant is to replace the
Freemans Pond culvert with a 5 foot box culvert. This is scheduled for fall 2011.
For the 2010 beach season, stabilization as described above (sand nourishment, plantings,
fencing, signage, parking lot painting) was completed by DPW as a minimum stop gap.
Seasonal high tides have removed much of the constructed dune on the west side,
exposing the sand bags which are becoming damaged and non functional. Additional
sand nourishment is required before this winter’s likely storm events.
In addition, on-site meetings with the Conservation Commission to discuss possible
options for the property would be in order. Once an alternative is selected, survey and
engineering design should be completed to allow any needed emergency construction
work to occur over the fall and winter 2010-2011, prior to the next storm season. Please
note that a more substantial solution may likely require an additional year of planning and
permitting, as very limited funding is currently in place. As such, some contingency will
be needed to protect from future winter storms, such as additional sand nourishment.
Costs:
See NRCS grant application for culvert replacement costs.
See Woods Hole Group cost estimate for hard and soft structure costs (approx. $250,000
plus $35,000 in permitting).
Short term needs:
Fencing along protective dune on west side (Split rail and snow fence at about $750)
Sand nourishment (estimate of 250 yards at $8.75/yard = $2,187.50
Plantings estimate at $750 (rosa rugosa, beach grass, etc.)
Longer Term Status:
Due to the costs to maintain the current landing configuration, long term status varies
widely. If nothing is done, the landing will deteriorate and need to be closed, we will
have no parking area, and the pavement will need to be periodically removed from the
beach area.
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Engineering design will be completed in 2010/2011. There will be a requirement in any
permit to continue to nourish the base of the revetment with sand, which will also ensure
a sandy beach area for the public.
The softer solution will include increased maintenance and eventual need to replace the
fiber rolls. Maintenance on such structures cannot be deferred or additional damage will
rapidly occur, as shown at the private property adjacent to Breakwater Landing.
An agressive nourishment-only solution will likely be of limited effectiveness, and
parking lot will continue to be undermined and lost. This may, however, be an effective
solution for the next year or so as other alternatives are discussed.
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Wings Island
Location: Behind the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. Map 1 lot 1 and lot 5.
Parking: 0 spaces; only access is by foot with parking at Drummer Boy Park or similar.
Erosion: Unknown. Remnant salt marsh is eroding.
Features: Access to the beach is by foot over a long trail that crosses the marsh, then
across Wings Island, then down a stairway on the coastal bank, or alternately, across the
meadow and down a gentle bank to the beach.
Status:
Many of the marsh crossing planks were replaced in 2010 by DNR using a state DCR
grant. The floating bridge was redesigned as a permanent bridge and installed under the
same grant.
Immediate Recommendations:
Add a regulatory sign stating town rules at the start of the trail.
DNR staff has been working to establish the coastal plains meadow on the island’s
western side. Access has been problematic due to ice and weather conditions; the
mowing is usuallly completed between February and the end of April.
DNR and the Museum work closely to manage the trails and public on this property.
DNR and the Museum are working to craft a management plan for the island that will
include an inventory of physical and natural features, wildlife and plant species, and
management recommendations.
Longer Term Status:
Recommend addition of sidewalks between Drummer Boy Park and the Museum
property to allow public access without issues related to parking in the museum parking
areas.
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Beach Parking Signs (typical)
Regulatory signs (typical)