Short Cove Preserve West Tisbury,

L A N D R D B A A Y N E K N I C V O M

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Management Plan

November 18, 2013

Approved by the West Tisbury Town Advisory Board () Approved by the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission () Approved by the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs ( )

Julie Russell – Ecologist Maureen McManus Hill – Administrative Assistant Matthew Dix – Property Foreman Andrea Brendalen – Ecology Intern

Executive Summary

Short Cove comprises 12.9 acres located in West Tisbury, situated on a south-facing peninsula directly on Tisbury Great Pond. The land encompassing the preserve has been part of Flat Point Farm since its founding in 1848. Prior to that, the land was incorporated into the Athearn family’s farming endeavors of the 1700s followed by farming practices of the Manter family and then the Look family. Few families have owned the land and farming has always been at the heart of its purpose.

The preserve includes mixed- woodland on the northern boundary, agricultural grassland to the south, and a narrow shoreline along Short Cove and Tisbury Great Pond, a coastal salt pond that is manually opened to the ocean via a cut.

There is an agricultural preservation restriction on the adjacent farm field to the west that protects the agrarian tradition of the area and provides attractive views of Tisbury Great Pond without obstructions from the preserve.

Vegetation and wildlife inventories revealed one commonwealth-threatened species, Eacles imperialis, and one commonwealth-special concern plant species, Setaria parviflora, on the preserve. The was observed in the mixed-oak woodland and the graminoid species was observed in the bordering vegetated wetland along the cove shore.

This management plan proposes creating approximately 605 linear feet of new trail and maintaining 2697 feet of existing old farm roads on the preserve; maintaining view channels of Short Cove and Tisbury Great Pond through periodic tree trimming and mowing as necessary; maintaining existing pastureland through its incorporation into an agricultural lease and through annual mowing as necessary; removal and control of the invasive exotics Celastrus orbiculatus, Rosa multiflora and Elaeagnus umbellate in the fence row around the grassland; creating a two-vehicle trailhead for handicapped and senior visitors; allow waterfowl-only hunting; and using a portion of the existing structure as a wildlife blind.

All planning goals, objectives and strategies are outlined in detail in the final section of this management plan. To be implemented, this plan must be presented at a public hearing and approved by the land bank’s West Tisbury town advisory board, the Martha’s Vineyard land bank commission and the secretary of the Massachusetts executive office of energy and environmental affairs (EOEEA). Additionally, a notice of intent and Massachusetts endangered species act (MESA) review will be filed with the West Tisbury conservation commission and Massachusetts natural heritage and endangered species program (MA-NHESP) for activity proposed in estimated and priority habitat for rare species and activities proposed in and around wetland resource areas.

Aquinnah Headlands Preserve, Aquinnah, MA North Head Site Management Map

About the authors Julie Russell is the primary author and has been the land bank ecologist since August 1999. She is certified as a Wildlife Biologist by the Wildlife Society and holds a Master of Science in zoology from the Cooperative Wildlife Research Lab at Southern University, Carbondale, and a Bachelor of Science in wildlife biology from the School of Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. Property Foreman Matthew Dix has worked on land bank properties since 1990. He attended the School of Natural Resources at the University of Vermont and has extensive knowledge of the region’s agriculture, natural history and local geography. Maureen McManus-Hill has been the administrative assistant since July of 2006; she has a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Lafayette College. Andrea Brendalen was an ecology intern for the 2013 summer field season and graduated from the University of Vermont in 2013 with a degree in Environmental Science.

Short Cove PRESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Table of Contents I. Natural Resource Inventory ...... 6 A. Physical Characteristics ...... 6 1. Locus ...... 6 2. Survey Maps, Deeds and Preliminary Management Plan Goals ...... 6 3. Geology and Soils ...... 6 4. Topography ...... 6 5. Hydrology ...... 7 6. Ecological Processes ...... 7 B. Biological Characteristics ...... 10 1. Vegetation ...... 10 2. Wildlife Habitat ...... 11 C. Cultural Characteristics ...... 12 1. Land History ...... 12 2. Planning Concerns ...... 14 3. Abutters ...... 15 4. Existing Use and Infrastructure ...... 15 II. Inventory Analysis ...... 15 A. Constraints & Issues ...... 15 1. Ecological Context ...... 15 2. Natural and Cultural Resource Concerns ...... 16 3. Sociological Context ...... 17 4. Neighborhood Concerns ...... 17 B. Addressing Problems and Opportunities ...... 17 1. Land Bank Mandate ...... 17 2. Goals at Purchase ...... 18 3. Opportunities ...... 18 4. Universal Access (UA) ...... 19 III. Land Management Planning ...... 19 A. Nature Conservation ...... 20 B. Recreation and Aesthetics ...... 23 C. Natural Products ...... 26 D. Community Interactions ...... 26 E. Land Administration ...... 27 IV. Literature Cited ...... 29 Appendix A. Locus, Topography and Site Management Maps ...... 31 Appendix B. Surveys, Deeds and Preliminary Management Plan Goals ...... 34 Appendix C. Soils Maps and Descriptions ...... 45 Appendix D: Historical Maps ...... 48 Appendix E: Vegetation ...... 50 Appendix F. Wildlife ...... 57 Appendix G. Avian Checklist and Seasonal Tables ...... 64 Appendix H. Endangered Species ...... 68 Appendix I. Abutters ...... 70 Appendix J. Existing Use Map ...... 73 Appendix K. Universal Access ...... 74

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I. Natural Resource Inventory

A. Physical Characteristics 1. Locus Short Cove is located at roughly 4121' 50.62 N latitude and 7039' 39.73'' W longitude. The property consists of 12.9 acres located off Road to Great Neck located south of New Lane. The preserve is shown on West Tisbury tax maps 35 and 40 as part of parcel 3.1. A Locus Map (USGS Topo 1973 1:24,000) follows as Appendix A. 2. Survey Maps, Deeds and Preliminary Management Plan Goals Larger copies of all surveys are on file at the land bank office and are available for inspection by appointment. Pertinent agreements to the preserve are recorded at the Dukes County Registry of Deeds as: Trail Easement Agreement: book 1329, page 378; Conservation Restriction and Easement: book 1329, page 365; Agricultural Preservation Restriction and Easement: book 1329, page 350. Deeds, preliminary management plan goals and reduced copies of surveys are included in Appendix B. 3. Geology and Soils The General Soils Map (Appendix C) depicts general classes of soils across Martha’s Vineyard. The property occurs in the “Outwash atop Martha’s Vineyard Moraine” geologic deposits (Soil Conservation Service (SCS) 1986). The Outwash from Martha’s Vineyard Moraine consists mainly of sand and gravel (SCS 1986). The reason for the layered deposits is the moraine of the late Wisconsinan period was formed first as the Buzzards Bay lobe advanced and the outwash plain was formed later by meltwater from the Cape Cod Bay lobe as the glacier began to retreat (Oldale 1992).

Short Cove Preserve contains two soil series: Carver loamy coarse sand (CeC) and Riverhead sandy loam (RvA and RvC). The majority of the preserve is in Riverhead sandy loam with a mild slope of 0 to 3% (RvA). A stretch of Short Cove shoreline is in Riverhead sandy loam (RvC) with a moderate slope of 8 to 15%. The soil in the mixed-oak woodland is Carver soils.

4. Topography The total elevation at Short Cove is a mere 10 feet above sea level and has a

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slope differential of 0 - 15 %, with most of the elevation difference occurring on the east side of the property along Short Cove. The contours of the property are illustrated in a portion of the USGS map (Topography Map, Appendix D) 5. Hydrology Short Cove Preserve is located in the Tisbury Great Pond watershed, which comprises approximately 10,880 acres (Wetland Map, Appendix D). The preserve comprises 583 feet of shoreline on Tisbury Great Pond and 1034 feet of shoreline on Short Cove. Tisbury Great Pond is a salt pond that is periodically opened to the Atlantic Ocean via a man-made cut in the barrier beach. During the spring prior to the first cut in the barrier beach the pond water reaches the coastal bank and in some area beyond the bank and into the 1.16 acres of bordering vegetated wetland. A successful cut creates an exposed sandy shoreline, especially at low tide. The pond is known for its eastern oyster population, blue crabs and perch. Wampanoag members harvested shellfish and eel from the pond. In the 1800 records indicated European settlers harvested striped bass, American eel, smelts and alewife. They also introduced white perch into the pond in 1869 for fishing. The pond was stocked between 1916 and 1944 with smelt eggs and fry, walleye pike, brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and white perch (Culbert 2001). Due to the low topography of the preserve and its proximity to sea level, approximately 4.9 acres of the preserve is subject to the 100 year flood zone as depicted by FEMA. A small 0.15-acre manmade depression occurs in the agricultural grassland and is used as a watering hole for livestock. 6. Ecological Processes Ecological processes are the “dynamic biogeochemical interactions that occur among and between biotic and abiotic components of the biosphere” as described by the USGS (2012). There are six major ecological processes – disturbance, structural complexity, hydrological patterns, nutrient cycling, biotic interactions and population dynamics – occurring on the preserve.

- Disturbance – The natural disturbance regime for northeastern deciduous woodlands typically includes fire, wind and damage. Fire is

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a less frequent means of natural disturbance, as fire suppression is an active part of forest management. Wind remains an active force of nature, especially along the coast-facing northeast; however, the preserve’s directionality results in minimal wind disturbance. Recent insect damage in the form of winter and gypsy has successfully altered the woodlands of various areas of Martha’s Vineyard. However, the woodland on the preserve had minimal damage as a result of this occurrence. Mowing and controlled fire in the grassland are human-induced disturbance that can be used to mimic evolved disturbance regimes. How often, long and intense an ecosystem is disturbed are factors that are considered in management actions in order to best protect the dynamic nature of natural communities (EPA 1999). The preserve has been incorporated into Flat Point Farm and used for agriculture for the past 165 years with the exception of a few years in the early 1900’s after James Look passed away (1938 Photograph, Appendix D). Prior to being part of Flat Point Farm the preserve was incorporated into the farming practices of first the Athearn family and then the Manter Family (1860-1910 Maps, Appendix D). - Structural complexity – The preserve has a complex structure of plant species ranging from low-growing grassland plants to taller woodland trees that allows the preserve to accommodate more species by providing a more diverse array of habitats for species to survive in. The woodland has the greatest structural complexity on the preserve and includes ground-cover vegetation such as dewberry and mosses, low growing shrubs and herbs such as low-bush blueberry and goldenrods, taller shrubs such as highbush blueberry and arrowwood and various oak tree species including snags that, when leaning or fallen, add to the structural complexity of the woodland. The grassland has modest spatial heterogeneity and structural diversity due to the presence of herbaceous and woody plants with variable seasonal flowering patterns. Allowing dead trees to exist, creating uneven patterns of mowing and cutting of vegetation all contribute to spatial complexity (EPA 1999). - Hydrological patterns – It is important to consider the impact of the vegetation communities on the water cycle in an ecosystem. Vegetation

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layers help catch water and aid in soil infiltration whereas larger- scale cleared woodlands and various heterogeneous agricultural practices can result in increased overland flow, channel incision and fragmentation of wetland habitats (EPA 1999). Promoting shrubland/herbaceous-graminoid vegetative buffers around the wetland habitats on the preserve and maintaining a diverse structural ecosystem will help protect the hydrological patterns of the ecosystem. - Nutrient cycling – Important elements such as nitrogen, phosphorous and carbon naturally travel through ecosystems and when combined with water and sunlight determine the productivity of an ecosystem (EPA 1999). Activities that increase (use of fertilizers) or decrease (erosion) nutrients can alter the nutrient cycle and change the ecological integrity of the ecosystem. Protecting soils from erosion and keeping snags and downed logs helps maintain the nutrient richness in the ecosystem.

Additionally, human-enhancing and -depleting nutrient practices both lead to increased opportunistic non-native plants that have different nutrient cycling characteristics and as a result alter the nutrient cycling of the invaded ecosystem (EPA 1999). In prior ownership, the agricultural grassland was used to pasture livestock resulting in natural nutrient additions through waste. A strong edge of bordering vegetated wetland helps keep those nutrients in the soil. - Biotic interactions – The distribution and abundance of species is heavily dependent on the interactions among organisms such as competition for resources, predation, parasitism and mutualism (EPA 1999). Disturbances such as introduction of exotic species, over- collection of a species and disease not only affect the “target species’ but have a trickle-down effect that depends on the nature and strength of interactions that the “target species” had within its community (EPA 1999). Pollinators and exotic plants play both positive and negative roles, respectively, in biotic interactions of an ecosystem. Spraying pesticides and introducing exotic pollinators can impact other non-target pollinators sometimes resulting in a major decrease in species diversity of plants that are reproductively dependent on native

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pollinators. Protecting species with high community importance values such as the ; removing exotic species before they have aggressively invaded; and implementing elastic management strategies that are modified in response to monitoring are all strategies that can reduce effects on biotic interactions. - Population dynamics – The loss of a species can have many unseen effects on a community, depending on the interactions that the species had in its environment. Species dispersion, recruitment, fertility and mortality compose a species’ population dynamics and, along with genetic diversity, play an important role in the success of a species (EPA 1999). Small populations isolated by reduced habitat or habitat fragmentation are vulnerable to extinction, locally and globally. Other species are more widespread but occur in few numbers and are vulnerable due to low genetic diversity. Ecosystems are not static and species require genetic diversity to adapt to their ever-changing world or risk extinction. Special care must be taken to consider the effects management actions may have on the rare moth and plant species known to occur on the preserve.

B. Biological Characteristics 1. Vegetation

Short Cove Preserve comprises three general habitat communities: mixed-oak woodland, agricultural grassland and coastal pond shoreline. They are described in detail and shown on the Ecological Communities Maps in Appendix E. The dominant vegetation community is the agricultural grassland. The balance of the preserve is divided between mixed-oak woodland and coastal pond shoreline.

A total of 110 plant species is known to occur on Short Cove Preserve. The woodland contributes the greatest to the floristic richness of plants occurring on the preserve (Table 1, Appendix E). Species richness is the number of species present in a community (Begon et al. 1990). The coastal pond shoreline is habitat to the commonwealth-listed bristly foxtail grass (Setaria parviflora).

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2. Wildlife Habitat

Formal avian and invertebrate black-light traps were the primary tools used for analysis of rare wildlife habitat. Additional direct observations of wildlife occurrences and signs throughout the year contribute to the understanding of the habitat value of the preserve. One commonwealth-listed wildlife species – Eacles imperialis – was recorded during Lepidoptera surveys.

(a) Invertebrates

Moth Species: A total of 195 moth species representing 10 Macro families was identified from nocturnal black-light traps set in the mixed- oak woodland in the summer of 2013 (Appendix F, Table 2). Mixed-oak woodland is a draw to various upland moth species as it provides forage, breeding and cover habitat. The woodland provides habitat for one rare moth species, Eacles imperialis, and two regionally uncommon species – contracta and radcliffei.

(b) Birds

Avian 5-minute point count surveys were conducted on Short Cove Preserve during spring and fall migration and the summer breeding season. A total of 35 avian species is known to occur on the preserve (Tables 4, 5 and 6, Appendix G) . Land bank staff also performed an owl survey of the preserve during the second week of July in 2013 using a wildlife caller and playback-calls of 8 local owls; Eastern screech owls were heard during the survey.

(c) Mammals

Seven common mammal species or signs thereof were observed on Short Cove Preserve (Appendix F, Table 3). Evidence of white-tailed deer, raccoon, skunk and otter activity including scat and tracks were observed on the property. Additionally, grey squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits were observed on the preserve throughout the year.

(e) Rare and Endangered Species

The Massachusetts natural heritage and endangered species program (MA NHESP) designates that the preserve is located within both priority

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and estimated habitat of rare wildlife. Details about the various species and a copy of the Endangered Species Maps are located in Appendix H.

C. Cultural Characteristics 1. Land History Short Cove Preserve is a small (12.9 acre) piece of land boasting attractive views of Tisbury Great Pond that is located at the southeastern tip of “Great Neck” as it was named during the settlement of West Tisbury.

1600’s In 1668 Thomas Mayhew gave permission to William Pabodie, Josiah Standish, James Allen and James Skiffe, Jr. to begin land negotiations with the Sachem of Takemmy so as to open up the town of West Tisbury for English settlement. Their “first purchase”, completed in 1669, included the majority of land in the town bounds and the Little Neck, Great Neck and the “Neck by John Eddys”. In 1671 Thomas Mayhew procured a town charter for the newly purchased land and named it “Tisbury” (Banks, 1966).

It was during this time that Simon Athearn, a rebel to the aristocratic ruling Mayhew family, had taken up residency in West Tisbury through his own purchase from the Wampanoag tribal members prior to the settlement of the town. Simon Athearn had a lot of land in 1670 on Great Neck and the following year was admitted as an associate proprietor. Simon Athearn also purchased land at Tississa Neck from a Wampanoag named Jude in 1674 which lead to a long dispute with the town over ownership of the neck. At his death, Simon Athearn was in possession of land in Great Neck where his homestead was, land in Tississa and Charles Neck, land in Edgartown, a meadow in Chilmark, lands between the Hill and the Old Mill River (his right of lands on the plain). The estate also included oxen, cows and 300 or so sheep (Banks 1966). Simon Athearn died in 1715.

1700’s Great Neck Bottom was divided as common land in 1719 into 16 lots. Lots 15 and 16 were laid out to the Simon Athearn estate by an agreement of the proprietors, were bounded by lot 13 and Great Neck and include what is now Flat Point Farm. Simon Athearn had died four years prior but his son Jethro Athearn was living at the farm on Great Neck at the time of the division (Tisbury Town Records 1719). Lot 13 was later conveyed to Jethro Athearn by Samuel Merry and Samuel Look. The road down to the farm was referred

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to as “the road from Jethro Athearn’s house to the meeting house” in a 1792 deed that conveyed land north of the farm from Ezekial Luce to the Look family.

1800’s The farm stayed in the Athearn family for the next 100 or so years then was sold to Frederick W. Manter on September 5, 1848. At this time in the deed to Mr. Manter the farm is referred to as Flat Point Farm. Mr. Manter also owned land to the east and what is now called Plum Bush Point. His neighbor was George F. Athearn who owned lots to the north of the farm. Mr. Manter owned the land for 30-odd years. At the time of purchase he was 28 years old and listed as a mariner in the 1850 census (http://history.vineyard.net/tiscen50.htm). From 1834 to 1837 he was listed as crew on three different whaling vessels. He was a teenager at the time. His family has a strong history out at sea.

In 1882 Frederick W. Manter granted to Allen Look for consideration of $1300 land known as Flat Point Farm (Book 70, Page 17). Allen Look also purchased land from George Athearn. Allen Look then sold the farm to his son, James Look, in 1890 (Book 82, Page 527. James Look was married to Prudence L. Reed. They had one child, Eliza Allen Look who died a baby in 1888 leaving James and Prudence without any children to take over the farm. James Look was a prized boat builder with a reputation that extended beyond the shores of Martha’s Vineyard. He had a shop in Tyer’s (Tiah’s) Cove where he built his boats and friends gathered. Mr. Look was also an avid fisherman and huntsman (Vineyard Gazette November 26, 1926 Page1). Prudence Look had her own claim to fame and was known as the founding “mother of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital” (Martha’s Vineyard Gazette July 12, 1932).

1900’s The Flat Point Farm fell into a few years of disarray during the transition from the Look family to its new and current owners. It was in 1938 that Arnold Fischer, brother of Albert Oswald Fischer Jr. who farmed the Middle Road farm for the Keith family, was out at Flat Point Farm rabbit hunting and got the idea to buy the farm and see what he could do with it (Lee 1998). In 1939 Stephen Luce, the executer of Prudence Look’s will, sold approximately 130 acres out at Flat Point Farm (Book 199, Page 404). Albert Oswald Jr. and Arnold Fischer grew up in Vineyard Haven where their father, Albert Oswald Fischer owned a marine hardware store, Fischer Brothers Hardware. When Arnold bought Flat Point Farm he moved there with his wife Pricilla P. Fischer and his parents. He had just graduated with a degree in animal husbandry

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from Stockbridge the year prior. The Fischer family called the farm “The Island Guernsey Farm”. The Fischers cleared the overgrown land and updated the farm with a new barn for 30 head of cattle (Martha’s Vineyard Gazette December 1947). The focus of the farm has evolved from dairy (1939-1960s) to a diversified farm with cows, sheep, horses, a kitchen garden and hay (MV Gazette July 24, 1981). Additionally, the farm is well known for its summer haying traditions (Vineyard Magazine August 2007).

2. Planning Concerns

(a) Massachusetts Endangered Species Act: All management activities proposed in this management plan are within the boundaries of priority and estimated habitat for rare species (NHESP Map, Appendix H). The creation of 437’ or (0.06 acres) of sand ladder boardwalk; creation of 509’ or (0.09 acres) of new trail for use during the wet season; maintenance of 1874’ (0.34 acres) of existing old farm road and 482’ or (0.08 acres) of existing woodland trail; designation of an existing 0.02 acre equipment storage area for universal/senior access trailhead use; creation of four view channels (1.39 acres) through the cutting of approximately 77 red cedars, 4 autumn olives and maintenance through annual pruning (to 2’) and mowing; and removal of invasive species predominantly along the 1700 foot fence-line (0.07 acres) will generate a Massachusetts endangered species act project review filing for a total of 2.05 acres.

(b) Wetland Protection Act: Tisbury Great Pond and Short Cove are the “wetland resource area” under the Massachusetts wetlands protection act. A 100-foot buffer zone around the wetland resource areas and bordering vegetated wetland and a 200-foot buffer zone around the “land subject to flooding” is therefore subject to the jurisdiction of the West Tisbury conservation commission. The creation of 509’ (0.09 acres) of new trail and the relocation/repurposing of the summer camp and clearing of 0.35 acres of red cedar and autumn olive for views of Short Cove and the pond are within the buffer zone of bordering vegetated wetland. The installation of 437’ (0.06 acres) of sand ladder boardwalk and clearing of 1.14 acres of red cedars and autumn olives are within the bordering vegetated wetland. All of the above-mentioned proposed activities are within the 200 foot buffer zone of the 100-year flood zone as well as the zone itself. The land bank must file a notice of intent for the above- mentioned proposed activities.

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3. Abutters A list of those owning land abutting or within 200 feet of the Short Cove Preserve appears in Appendix I, as does the West Tisbury Assessors Maps 35 and 40.

4. Existing Use and Infrastructure The following are existing uses (Appendix J, Existing Use Map):

1. Trail: There are 482 feet of existing woodland trail on the preserve.

2. Views: Limited views of Tisbury Great Pond and Short Cove

3. House: A one-story, 1 bedroom, seasonal cabin, which is approximately 500 square feet.

4. Fence: There is 1682 feet of post/wire fence bordering the agricultural grassland.

5. Farm Road: There is 2215 feet of farm road previously used by Flat Point Farm to service the pastures.

6. Livestock water hole: There is a 0.15 acre depression within the fenced field that is used as a livestock watering hole. There is no wetland vegetation in or around the watering hole.

II. Inventory Analysis

In this section, problems and opportunities that may arise in the management of Short Cove Preserve are analyzed.

A. Constraints & Issues 1. Ecological Context Short Cove Preserve is a part of a large functioning farm that has been in existence for almost 300 years. Prior to that the fields and woods of the preserve were very likely used by the sachemships who sold the land to Simon Athearn and the other proprietors in the 1600’s for hay, crops, pasture

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and wood.

2. Natural and Cultural Resource Concerns There are three main areas of concern at Short Cove Preserve, each briefly addressed below and then addressed in more detail in the land management section of the plan:

(a) Commonwealth/Federal-listed species as well as regionally uncommon species

Plants: Bristly Foxtail (Setaria parviflora) is commonwealth-listed as a species of special concern. Bristly foxtail is native to much of North America, but at the northern limit of its range in New England. In Massachusetts it is an uncommon inhabitant of salt marsh margins and disturbed areas near the coast. Protecting the coastal pond shoreline from being dominated by red cedars and invasive shrubs will help protect the bristly foxtail.

The post oak (Quercus stellata) is listed as uncommon in Massachusetts. The post oak prefers to grow in meadows and fields, ridges or ledges, on sand plains and barrens, taluses and rocky slopes, and also woodlands. The abundance of post oaks is a feature which helps to make Short Cove Preserve unique. The cross-shaped leaves and very tough wood (the name ‘post oak’ comes from their use as fence posts) provide variety to the mixed- oak woodland amidst the pitch and more common oak species.

Wildlife: The imperial moth (Eacles imperialis), a moth of upland deciduous woodlands, was observed on the preserve in the mixed-oak woodland.

Two other regionally uncommon moths – Datana contracta and – were observed in the mixed-oak woodland on the preserve.

Using existing trails and minimizing tree cutting in the mixed-oak woodland will promote the habitat of the above-mentioned moth species.

(b) Succession Succession is a natural process. Without the use of agriculture, mechanical mowing, trimming and cutting, woody vegetation will grow in the grassland

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and reduce the size of this important habitat on the preserve.

(c) Invasive Species

Several invasive plant species occur on the preserve including oriental bittersweet, multiflora rose and autumn olive. They occur along the fence- line and in the coastal pond shore zone. They can be controlled through annual mowing, manually pulling and if necessary herbicide treatment. Annual monitoring and quick control and removal of invasive species are important to maintain an ecological balance and the integrity of habitats on the preserve.

3. Sociological Context

Short Cove Preserve is located in West Tisbury off the Road to Great Neck, at the tip of Great Neck on Tisbury Great Pond.

4. Neighborhood Concerns

The land bank considers the concerns of neighbors as part of the planning process. All abutting property owners and the local conservation commission are sent written notice of a public hearing on the draft plan. All neighbors -- and all members of the public -- are invited to review the draft plan, attend the public hearing and make written or oral comments. The land bank's West Tisbury town advisory board and the Martha’s Vineyard land bank commission review all comments and can change the draft plan if desired. Anyone may also express concerns at any public meeting of the Martha’s Vineyard land bank commission and West Tisbury town advisory board, or may simply contact land bank staff.

Planning concerns that already have been brought to the attention of the land bank by neighbors include:  Use of trails for horseback-riding.

B. Addressing Problems and Opportunities 1. Land Bank Mandate

In 1986, the voters of Martha’s Vineyard created the land bank to acquire, hold, and manage land in a predominantly natural, scenic, or open condition. The

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land bank keeps open space open and allows modest public use. Its “shared- use” policy strives to provide a range of public benefits, from low-impact recreation and aesthetics to wildlife conservation and watershed protection. Protection of natural resources is the land bank’s highest priority, yet “shared- use” demands balancing the public use of natural resources with protection of the same.

2. Goals at Purchase

The purchase of Short Cove Preserve meets eight of the land bank's eight criteria for property acquisition: forest land; fresh and salt water marshes and other wetlands; wildlife habitats; easements for trails and for publically owned lands; scenic vistas; ocean and pond frontage; protection of agricultural lands; and sites for passive recreation. Preliminary management plans were adopted by the land bank commission and West Tisbury advisory board and are attached as Appendix B. 3. Opportunities

a.) Access: The proposed vehicular access to Short Cove Preserve is through an existing land bank trailhead situated off Tiah’s Cove Road. A trail easement will link the trailhead to the preserve.

b.) Universal Access: A two-vehicle universal access/senior access trailhead is proposed for an existing equipment storage area on the preserve. Use of the existing storage area will result in less disturbance on the preserve and will minimize the view of vehicles on the preserve from the water.

c.) Trails: Approximately 2697 feet of existing and proposed trails/old farm roads will provide a loop trail and connector trail to easements that service the Tiah’s Cove Road trailhead. The trail is proposed for passive recreational uses such as but not limited to hiking, non- motorized biking and horseback riding.

d.) Views: The preserve offers limited views of Tisbury Great Pond, the barrier beach and short cove. Minimal cutting of red cedars and invasive autumn olives will enhance the views along the cove and Tisbury Great Pond.

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e.) Agricultural Grassland: The agricultural grassland provides open land and has been farmed for several hundred years. Creating a leasehold for agricultural use of in the grassland will ensure that the agrarian use of the land will continue. Mowing the grassland at least annually in the spring at times when the land is not being farmed will protect the open quality of the grassland.

f.) Archaeology: The preserve is located in an area with close proximity to freshwater with the potential for historic native American occupation or use. Educating the public through signs that create awareness regarding the importance of leaving artifacts where they are found, covering trails with woodchips and reporting any illegal digging will help protect the archaeological artifacts that may exist on the preserve

g.) Hunting: Tisbury Great Pond has historically been used for hunting waterfowl. The preserve has 1617’ of shoreline from which waterfowl could be hunted, of which 583’ of that shoreline is on Short Cove.

h.) Camp: An approximately 500 square foot camp is located on the preserve. The rustic camp does not have a septic system but does have running water. A wildlife blind, built on the cove from recycled portions of the camp, would enhance the viewing capabilities of waterfowl in the cove.

4. Universal Access (UA)

Short Cove Preserve is well suited for universal accessibility. It is possible to connect a UA trailhead proposed for the equipment storage area with major views from the preserve and the proposed wildlife blind.

The preserve’s ROS (‘Recreation Opportunities Spectrum’) classification is “less- developed.” Further details are included in Appendix I.

III. Land Management Planning This final section of the management plan states goals for Short Cove Preserve and outlines strategies for achieving them. These goals and strategies are designed to fit within the social and ecological constraints defined previously. The plan addresses five areas of planning concern: nature conservation; recreation and aesthetics; natural

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products; community interaction; and land administration.

A. Nature Conservation Provide long-term protection for plants, and natural processes occurring on Short Cove Preserve.

Objective 1: Protect and encourage rare and endangered species on the preserve. Strategies: a. Monitor the property for rare plants and animals during regular property checks and survey existing populations on a regular schedule. b. Develop and implement a strategy to protect any additional rare species observed on the property. c. Report new observations of rare and endangered species to the proper commonwealth authority. d. Maintain existing grassland, shrubland and woodland communities on the preserve and allow them to thrive. i. remove invasive plants; ii. utilize existing trails as much as possible on the preserve iii. manage views, site new trails and create trailheads in such as way as to avoid cutting post oak. iv. create trails that connect to Tisbury Great Pond in areas that do not have bristly foxtail and in areas that avoid cutting Spartina grass. v. prune shrubs that are between the trail and the coastal pond shore to aid in view clearing and not below 2 feet to minimize the creation of unauthorized trails between the trail loop and the shoreline.

e. Reroute or close trails in the event that the recreational use interferes with a rare species’ ability to forage and reproduce.

f. Monitor the shoreline for breeding shorebird activities when suitable habitat exists

Objective 2: Reduce and control erosion of trails, grassland and pond shoreline Strategies: a. Reroute or temporarily close any trail where necessary.

b. Cover trails with woodchips as needed to prevent surface soil erosion

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c. Prohibit use of motorized vehicles such as dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles on the trail system

d. Limit season use and specific recreational use of certain trails if use is causing excessive erosion near the pond during wet seasons.

e. Promote good farming practices to reduce erosion in the agricultural leasehold such as but not limited to the use of cover crops, minimum tillage and sound animal rotation practices.

f. Maintain a vegetated buffer between the agricultural leasehold and the coastal pond.

g. Designate a location for short-term (1-2 hours) kayak storage near the proposed spur trail that connects Tisbury Great Pond to the preserve’s trail system; use sand ladder boardwalk if necessary.

h. Prohibit horses from using the pond shoreline.

Objective 3: Protect the value of the preserve as migratory and breeding habitat for avian and other wildlife species Strategies: a. Retain snags in woodland where these trees do not pose unacceptable safety or fire hazard.

b. Monitor changes in vegetation cover during regular property checks and by updating ecological inventory in 2023.

c. Permit native berry-producing shrubs to grow along the fence-line and elsewhere on the preserve providing the view of the grassland from the trail is not impacted.

d. Mow grassland areas that are outside the agricultural leasehold at least annually in the spring to maintain grassland habitat for hunting and nesting birds.

Objective 4: Monitor for and control the spread of invasive species. Strategies: a. Cut or uproot invasive species as they are observed.

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b. Monitor for re-growth and continue to manage invasive plants.

c. Explore other control methods and implement with permission of the MVLBC, NHESP and West Tisbury conservation commission if physical control methods fail.

Objective 5: Reduce forest fire danger on the preserve. Strategies: a. Prohibit open flame fires on the preserve.

b. Remove or recycle abandoned structures on the preserve.

c. Prohibit storage of brush piles on the preserve.

Objective 6: Maintain agricultural grassland Strategies: a. Mow grassland outside the leasehold at least annually in the winter when the ground is solid.

b. Cut woody vegetation by hand as it sprouts during the growing season

c. Create an agricultural leasehold in the grassland and lease to a farmer for purposes that may include pasturing, haying or other such customary farming practice.

Objective 7: Protect river otter habitat on the preserve Strategies: a. Discourage the creation and/or use of unauthorized trails from the old farm road to the pond shoreline; in order to limit disturbance of otter dens in the coastal bank.

b. Require dogs be leashed by owners during otter whelping season (March-April) to protect the pups if otter dens are being actively used during the otter whelping season.

c. Monitor otter activity on the preserve

d. Minimize negative human-otter interactions if necessary by relocating trails, temporarily limiting recreational uses and temporarily closing trails.

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B. Recreation and Aesthetics

Allow limited, low-impact recreational use of the area for hiking, bicycling, horseback-riding and picnicking; and maintain attractive views and landscapes provided that these uses do not preclude attainment of nature conservation objectives.

Objective 1: Open the property for low-impact recreation Strategies: a. Open the property for hiking, non-motorized biking, horseback-riding and other passive uses.

b. Utilize existing trails and install new trail(s) where appropriate (see Site Management Map)

c. Monitor impact of passive recreational use on the preserve annually and manage accordingly.

Objective 2: Designate the existing trailhead off Tiah’s Cove Road as the primary access to the preserve Strategies: a. Connect the proposed loop trail on the preserve to the trail easement that services the trailhead off Tiah’s Cove Road. b. Install a sign station at the trailhead designating the appropriate uses and rules of the preserve.

Objective 3: Create two-vehicle universal access/senior access trailhead in an existing equipment storage area (see Site Management Map) and 187’ of universal access trail to a bench or possible wildlife blind. Strategies: a. Screen as necessary using native vegetation b. Install a UA sign station designating the appropriate uses and rules of the preserve. c. Harden surface of trailhead and trail with crushed shell, modify as necessary to maintain stability

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Objective 4: Create trail system as shown on the Site Management Map. Strategies: a. Create trail network as shown on the Site Management Map: i. create ±510 linear feet of new trail; ii. make trail corridors six to eight feet wide and eight feet tall when possible, with the exception of existing old roads which may be maintained at their present width; iii. free trails of rocks, roots and other obstacles where practical; iv. install erosion control measures where needed; v. mark trails with markers or directional signs if needed; vi. site trails so that they are as unobtrusive as possible to nearby homes and sensitive wildlife habitat; vii. site trails so that they connect, as well as possible, to other conservation land, ancient ways and trail easements.

b. Screen views of houses as necessary from trails and view points using native vegetation. c. Minimize need for signs by siting trails appropriately. d. Allow land bank staff discretion to close or relocate trails or add new trails, such as spur trails for off-property trail connections. e. Allow multiple uses of trails where appropriate by hikers, Nordic skiers, horseback-riders and bicyclists. f. Prohibit visitors’ use of motorized vehicles, such as but not limited to dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles. g. Create a “wet season” trail to be used during times of elevated levels of ground and pond water and close, during those times, the existing “wet” farm road as necessary. h. Relocate fencing to the landward side of the proposed “wet season” trail i. Install 437’ of sand ladder boardwalk to minimize erosion on the existing old farm road that is in close proximity to the Tisbury Great Pond shoreline and where the spur trail connects the loop trail to Tisbury Great Pond. j. Check and maintain trails monthly.

Objective 5: Expand the limited views of the agricultural grassland, Tisbury Great Pond and Short Cove from the existing old farm road.

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Strategies: a. Control invasive species and trim native shrub species along the fence- line to allow for views of the agricultural grassland from the trail. b. Create four distinct view channels along the old farm road through the removal of autumn olives and red cedars and trimming of native shrubs to no less than two feet in the designated areas.

Objective 6: Entertain possibilities for other trail links Strategies: a. Use existing trails on the preserve where possible and create new trails as necessary to connect the preserve to future conservation land and trail easements.

b. Maintain existing links to other conserved properties

c. Create links to other conserved land and easements

Objective 7: Require that dog owners follow the West Tisbury town bylaw for dogs such that “all dogs owned or kept within the limits of the town shall be restrained from running at large or shall be kept within the immediate control of their owners or keepers” Strategies: a. Encourage visitors to clean up after their pets. b. Post the dog policy at the various sign stations and property entrances and in the land bank map. c. Impose a stricter dog policy as necessary if negative interactions that involve dogs occur on the preserve.

Objective 8: Explore the possible uses of the existing dwelling located on the preserve Strategies: a. Make every effort to recycle the old camp and possibly use it to create a wildlife blind. b. Remove the remainder of the camp that is deemed by the land bank foreman to be unsalvageable or unnecessary for repurposing elsewhere. c. Cut views of the cove from the camp if it is to be used in its present location.

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C. Natural Products

Allow hunting and gathering and prohibit camping

Objective 1: Allow waterfowl-only hunting on the preserve Strategies: a. Notify the public of the hunting policy on the preserve, in the land bank hunting policy and on the land bank website. b. Prohibit the use of temporary hunting blinds that result in the trampling of wetland vegetation. c. Designate areas for hunting blinds if necessary to minimize disturbance of the shoreline vegetation

Objective 2: Prohibit camping. Strategies: a. Prohibit camping on the preserve unless special permission is granted by the land bank commission for scouting and like groups and it is in compliance with appropriate West Tisbury town bylaws. b. Monitor the preserve for squatters and remove unauthorized campers promptly

Objective 3: Allow gathering of natural products according to the land bank’s Harvesting and Gathering of Natural Products Policy. Strategies: a. Prohibit gathering of locally rare plants and wildlife on the preserve. b. Prohibit gathering of invasive plants for personal use to minimize the spread of seeds elsewhere.

D. Community Interaction

Provide helpful and interesting information about the property for visitors; promote cultural resource conservation; and allow educational use of the property.

Objective 1: Help people find the property and avoid trespassing. Strategies a. Mark the property on land bank website (www.mvlandbank.com) and map

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and provide directions. b. Install “end of land bank property” signs where appropriate c. Install land bank logo markers on property. d. Limit trespassing by closing existing trails not intended for use. e. Install gates or fencing as needed. f. Inform visitors, in the land bank map, how to access the preserve’s trailhead and its intended use. g. Post map of property and trails as well as an aerial overview of the connecting conservation land and trails on sign station and website as they are updated. h. Plant vegetation where residential dwellings are visible from the trail, as necessary, that blends in with the natural context of its environs in order to define and screen the boundaries.

Objective 2: Present useful and interesting information about Short Cove Preserve to the public. Strategies: a. Provide the West Tisbury public library and conservation commission with copies of this management plan if so desired. b. Make a copy of this plan available at the land bank office and, when file size is not restrictive, on the land bank website. c. Post information about the cultural and natural history of the preserve at the trailheads.

E. Land Administration Oversee and police Short Cove Preserve on a regular basis and develop good neighborhood relations

Objective 1: Maintain good relations with abutters and neighbors. Strategies: a. Establish contact and working relations with neighbors. b. Maintain contact and working relations with the West Tisbury conservation commission; send a draft copy of the plan to the West Tisbury conservation commission prior to the public hearing.

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c. Post the activities allowed and prohibited on the preserve.

Objective 2: Keep property well-maintained Strategies: a. Inspect property at least monthly b. Clean up any litter and junk which may occur c. Promptly respond to problems d. Employ adequate staff to effectively implement land management goals

Objective 3: Maintain set hours for use Strategies: a. Open property every day of the year from sunrise to sunset b. Prohibit nighttime use unless special permission is granted by the land bank commission c. Post “closed at dark” signs on the sign station

Objective 4: Keep well-maintained boundaries Strategies: a. Locate and GPS corners b. Walk boundaries annually c. Post boundary flags where appropriate d. Correct encroachments as they occur

Objective 5: Keep good records of all land management activities and natural events Strategies: a. Record all significant events, natural or otherwise

b. Continue to update plant and wildlife inventories

c. Maintain photographic record of landscape appearance

Objective 6: Comply with all applicable regulations and agreements Strategies: a. Comply with Massachusetts endangered species act b. Comply with wetlands protection act and West Tisbury town wetland

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by-laws c. Request recommendations from the Massachusetts historical commission regarding the proposed activities in the plan.

IV. Literature Cited

Avery, T. and H. Burkhart. 2002. Forest Measurements. McGraw-Hill,. Boston, MA. 456 pp.

Banks, C. E. 1966. The History of Martha’s Vineyard Dukes County Massachusetts. Volume I and II. The Dukes County Historical Society, Edgartown, MA 565pp.

Begon, M., J.L. Harper and C.R. Townsend. 1990. Ecology: individuals, Populations and Communities. Blackwell scientific Publications. Boston, MA 945pp.

Cornell Ornithology Laboratory. 2009. All About Birds. http://www.allaboutbirds.org.

Culbert, W. 2001. The Ecology of Coastal Salt Ponds: A Pilot Study at Long Point Wildlife Refuge. The Trustees of Reservation. 74pp.

Dunwiddie, P.W. 1986. Holocene Vegetation history of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. IV international Congress of Ecology Abstracts. 138 p.

Environmental Protection Agency. 1999. Considering Ecological Processes in Environmental Impact Assessments. http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/ policies/nepa/ecological-processes-eia-pg.pdf

Felix Neck. 1992. Checklist of Martha’s Vineyard Birds. Felix Neck Wildlife Trust, Vineyard Haven, MA.3pp.

Haines, A. 2011. Flora Novae Angliae. Yale University Press. New Haven, CT. 973pp.

1850 Census: http://history.vineyard.net/dukes/index.html.

Lee, L. 1998. Vineyard Voices: Words, Faces and Voices of Island People. Vineyard Historical Society.

Martha’s Vineyard Gazette, July 24, 1981. Meet at Mr. Fischer’s Farm.

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Martha’s Vineyard Gazette, November 29, 1926. Won Fame as Boat Builder.

Martha’s Vineyard Gazette, July 12, 1932. Mrs. Look Dies.

Martha’s Vineyard Magazine, August 2007, Flat Point Farm. Newcomb, L. 1977. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. Little Brown and Company, Boston, MA. 490 pp.

Oldale, R. 1992. Cape Cod and The Islands: The Geologic Story. Parnassus Imprints. New Orleans, MA.

Potter, J. 1997. Universal Access Plan. Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission publication. 53 pp.

Soil Conservation Service. 1986. Soil Survey of Dukes County, Massachusetts. Department of Agriculture. 144 pp.

Swanson, D.L. and C. Knapp. 1999. The Flora of Martha’s Vineyard. Martha’s Vineyard Sandplain Restoration Project. 129 pp.

USGS. 2012. Science Topics: Biological and Physical Processes. http://www.usgs.gov/science/science.php?term=310

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Appendix A. Locus, Topography and Site Management Maps

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Appendix B. Surveys, Deeds and Preliminary Management Plan Goals Deeds and larger copies of the surveys are on file at the land bank office. They include the following:

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Appendix C. Soils Maps and Descriptions

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The soils on the preserve are from the Eastchop series. The following soil descriptions are derived from the SCS (1986) Dukes County Soil Surveys. a. Carver Loamy coarse sand (CeC)

Cec – A very deep soil excessively sloping of 8-15% that is excessively drained. This soil is poorly suited to cultivated crops, hay, pasture and woodland productivity and is generally suitable for building sites due to slope (SCS 1986).

b. Riverhead sandy loam (RvA, RvC)

RvA – The dominant soil variety on the preserve, this soil is very deep, well drained and nearly level with a slope of 0-3% slope. RvA soil is well suited to cultivated crops, hay, pasture, woodland productivity, and buildings, but soil may be droughty during periods of low rainfall (SCS 1986).

RvC – This soil is very deep, moderately sloping at 8-15%, and well drained. RvC is similar to RvA in that it too is well suited to cultivated crops, hay, pasture, woodland productivity, and buildings. However, the soil’s sloping nature increases the challenges of building and is more inclined to erode for the same reason (SCS 1986). c. Water (W)

W – A small corner of the preserve is designated as water. At times this area may be flooded by the rising pond levels prior to an opening of the pond, especially in the spring, However, for a significant period of the year this area is above pond water- levels and consists primarily of sand.

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Appendix D: Historical Maps

1938 Aerial Photograph

FROM MUSKEGET CHANNEL TO BUZZARD'S BAY AND ENTRANCE TO VINEYARD SOUND, MASS Coastal Nautical Chart No. 112, 1860

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#12 From Muskeget Channel to Buzzards Bay and Entrance to Vineyard Sound, Coast Chart #11, 12 & 13 Coast of the United States Monomoy and Nantucket Shoals to Block Island, 1874

VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY, MASSACHUSETTS Coastal Chart 112, 1907 1907

VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY, MASSACHUSETTS, Coastl Chart 112, 1910

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Appendix E: Vegetation

Vegetation inventories and surveys of Short Cove Preserve were conducted in 2013. The point sampling method as described by Avery and Burkhart (1994) was used to inventory the trees in the woodlands. A total of 5 points was inventoried in the mixed-oak woodlands. Circular plots (3-meter2) were used to inventory the understory at each woodland point. Species diversity, density and percent cover of understory vegetation were recorded for all plots following methods described by Dunwiddie (1986). Rare plant species were inventoried on the preserve during ongoing plant inventories conducted by land bank staff in 2013 from April – October. Flora at Short Cove Preserve is listed in Table 1 with proper nomenclature according to Flora Novae Angliae (Haines (2011). A description of each cover type and quantitative summary of surveys follows:

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Habitat Description

a. Agricultural Grassland (10 acres)

The grassland covers 76% of the preserve and provides habitat for 77% of plants known to occur on the preserve. The grassland has been in some form of agricultural use for at least the past 300 years. The majority of the grassland supports very few species and is dominated by typical cool-season agricultural grasses. The greater diversity in this habitat occurs along the fence-line and old farm road and in the transition zone between the woodland and grassland and between the maritime shoreline and grassland.

A 0.1-acre watering hole for livestock is included in the total acreage of the grassland. It is located near the Tisbury Great Pond shore and appears to be fed by groundwater seepage as it occurs at sea level where the water table is near the surface. The watering hole is devoid of vegetation and during drier times of the year transforms into more of a mudhole to cool the livestock than a means to provide water.

b. Mixed-oak Woodland (1.8 acres)

The mixed-oak woodland covers 13% of the preserve and supports habitat for 53% of plants known to occur on the preserve.

Trees in the woodland are, on average, 30 feet high and 8.5 inches in diameter at breast height. The estimated basal area per acre is 72 square feet for the entire woodland. There are an estimated 19 trees per acre in the dbh class of 10 inches and greater.

The canopy of the woodland is dominated by black and post oak with one area more heavily dominated by pitch pine. The canopy cover in the woodland is somewhat closed and has an average cover of 77%. White oak, although not an overstory dominant species, is the dominant sapling in the woodland understory. Other trees and taller shrubs are abundant throughout the oak woodland and include scarlet and white oak and eastern red cedar. Understory vegetation in the woodland is dense and dominated by black huckleberry, poison ivy and arrowwood. Prickly dewberry is also common in the understory as a ground cover.

c. Shoreline (1.2 acres)

The preserve boasts 583 feet of shoreline on Tisbury Great Pond and 1034 feet of shoreline on Short Cove. The shoreline is the smallest vegetation community on the preserve. However, in terms of species per acre, it is equally as rich as the mixed-oak woodland at 26 species per acre. The shoreline is an expanding habitat that includes a sandy beach during low pond water levels, a vegetated coastal bank along Short Cove, a vegetated dune system along Tisbury Great Pond and

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landward a coastal shrubland/grassland. The dominant tree is the eastern red cedar and the common grasses include Spartina sp. and little bluestem. A commonwealth listed plant – bristly foxtail – occurs amidst the Spartina grass along the Short Cove shoreline. In 2013, there were approximately 125 bristly foxtail plants in a 20 square foot area.

Table 1. Flora at Short Cove, West Tisbury, MA

oakwoodland

Grassland

-

Pine Shoreline

Scientific name Common name Rank Family Morphology

Non-vascular plants Lichen 1 Cladonia rangiferina reindeer lichen Cladoniaceae lichen x x 2 Usnea sp. old Man’s beard Parmeliacieae lichen x Moss 3 Polytrichum juniperinum haircap moss Polytrichaceae moss u x 4 Leucobryum glaucum Pincushion moss Leucovryaceae moss X Vascular plants GRAMINOID Cyperaceae 5 Carex orvalis oval sedge UN Cyperaceae graminoid x 6 Carex pensylvanica sedge AN Cyperaceae graminoid u x straw colored 7 Cyperus strigosus flatsedge UN Cyperaceae graminoid x 8 Scirpus americana chairmaker’s bullrush UN Cyperaceae x x Juncaceae 9 Juncus tenuis path rush AN Juncaceae graminoid u x Plantaginaceae 10 Plantago lanceolata English plantain AI Plantaginaceae graminoid x x x Poaceae 11 Agrostis gigantea redtop FI Poaceae graminoid x 12 Agrostis perennans upland bentgrass UN Poaceae graminoid x American beach 13 Ammophila breviligulata grass AN Poaceae graminoid x 14 Anthoxanthum odoratum sweet vernal grass FI Poaceae graminoid x x 15 Bromus inermis smooth brome UN Poaceae graminoid x 16 Dactylis glomerata orchard grass FI Poeaceae graminoid x x Dichanthelium 17 clandestinum deer-tongue grass FN Poaceae graminoid x 18 Echinochloa walteri coast barnyard grass UN Poaceae graminoid x 19 Elymus repens quackgrass UN Poaceae Graminoid x 20 Festuca filiformes hair fescue UI Poaceae graminoid x 21 Festuca ovina sheep fescue FI Poaceae graminoid u x 22 Festuca rubra red fescue FN Poaceae graminoid x

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23 Holcus lanatus velvet grass AI Poaceae graminoid x x 24 Panicum capillare witch grass HN Poaceae graminoid x 25 Panicum lanuginosum wooly panic grass UN Poaceae graminoid x 26 switchgrass FN Poaceae graminoid x x Paspalum setaceum var. 27 psammophilum slender beadgrass UN Poaceae graminoid x x 28 Phleum pratense timothy AI Poaceae graminoid x 29 Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem FN Poaceae graminoid u x 30 Setaria parviflora bristly foxtail SC Poaceae graminoid x 31 Spartina alterniflora smooth cordgrass AN Poaceae graminoid x salt meadow 32 Spartina patens cordgrass AN Poaceae graminoid x 33 prairie cordgrass AN Poaceae graminoid x FERN Dennstaedtiaceae 34 Pteridium aquilinum bracken fern AN Dennstaedtiaceae fern x HERB Alliaceae 35 Allium cernuum nodding onion UI Alliaceae herb x Anacardiaceae 36 Toxicodendron radicans poison ivy AN Anacardiaceae herb c x Apiaceae 37 Daucus carota Queen Anne’s Lace FI Apiaceae herb x Asclepiadaceae 38 Asclepias tuberosa butterfly milkweed FN Asclepiadaceae herb x Asteraceae 39 Achillea millefolium yarrow AI Asteraceae herb x x 40 Anaphalis margaritacea pearly everlasting FN Asteraceae herb x x 41 Centaura maculosa spotted knapweed UI Asteraceae herb x 42 Conyza canadensis horseweed ON Asteraceae herb x 43 Cichorium intybus chicory OI Asteraceae herb x 44 Cirsium vulgare bull thistle UI x 45 Euthamia graminifolia lance-leaf goldenrod AN Asteraceae herb x x slender-leaved 46 Euthamia tenuifolia goldenrod AN Asteraceae herb x x 47 Erigeron canadensis Canada fleabane UN Asteraceae herb x mouse-ear 48 Hieracium cf. pilosella hawkweed UI Asteraceae herb x x x 49 Hypochoeris radicata cat's ear FI Asteraceae herb x x x 50 Solidago odora sweet goldenrod AN Asteraceae herb x x rough-stemmed 51 Solidago rugosa goldenrod AN Asteraceae herb x x x 52 Solidago sempervirons seaside goldenrod AN Asteraceae herb x 53 Solidago erecta slender goldenrod RN Asteraceae herb x Caryophyllaceae 54 Dianthus armeria deptford pink HI Caryophyllaceae herb x salt-marsh sand 55 Spergularia marina spurrey UN Caryophyllaceae herb x Cistaceae Crocanthemum long branch 56 canadense frostweed FN Cistaceae herb u x Clusiaceae

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Canadian St. John's- 57 Hypericum canadense wort ON Clusiaceae herb x x Euphorbiaceae 58 Euphorbia maculata spotted spurge UN Euphorbiaceae herb x Fabaceae 59 Lotus corniculatus birdsfoot trefoil ON Fabaceae herb x x 60 Trifolium pratense red clover FI Fabaceae herb x Gentianaceae 61 Bartonia virginica yellow screwstem ON Gentianaceae herb x Myricaceae 62 peregrina sweet-fern AN Myricaceae herb x x Myrsinaceae whorled yellow 63 Lysmachia quadrifolia loosestrife FN Myrsinaceae herb u Orchidaceae 64 Spiranthes lacera slender lady’s tresses RN Orchidaceae herb x Oxalidaceae 65 Oxalis stricta Yellow wood-sorrel FN Oxalidaceae herb x Polygonaceae 66 Polygonum careyi Cary’s smartweed HN Polygonaceae herb x Polygonum 67 hydropiperoides swamp smartweed UN Polygonaceae herb x 68 Rumex acetosella field sorrel AI Polygonaceae herb x x 69 Rumex crispus curly dock FI Polygonaceae herb x x Portulaceae 70 Portulaca oleracea purslane UI Portulaceae herb x Primulaceae 71 Trientalis borealis starflower FN Primulaceae herb x x Rosaceae 72 Rosa Multiflora multiflora rose AI Rosaceae herb x 73 Rubus idaeus red raspberry FN Rosaceae herb Scrophulariaceae 74 Verbascum thapsus common mullein AN Scrophulariaceae herb x x Symphyotrichum Symphyotrichum 75 dumosum var. dumosum bushy FN Asteraceae herb x 76 Symphyotrichum ericoides heath white aster ON Symphyotrichum herb x Symphyotrichum novi- 77 belgii aster FN Asteraceae herb x Symphyotrychum Calico American- 78 lateriflorum aster RN Asteraceae herb x Symphyotyrichum 79 undulata wavy-leaved aster FN asteraceae herb x x SHRUB Anacardiaceae 80 Rhus copallinum winged sumac FN Anacardiaceae shrub u x x Caprifoliaceae Japanese 81 Lonicera japonica Honeysuckle AI Caprifoliaceae shrub x x dentatum var. 82 venosum southern arrowwood UN Caprifoliaceae shrub x x Viburnum dentatum var. 83 lucidum northern arrowwood AN Caprifoliaceae shrub c x x Elaeagnaceae 84 Elaeagnus umbellata autumn olive UI Elaeagnus shrub x x

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Ericaceae 85 Gaylussacia baccata black huckleberry AN Ericaceae shrub a x 86 corymbosum highbush blueberry FN Ericaceae shrub x x Myricaceae 87 bayberry ON Myricaceae shrub x x x Rosaceae 88 Aronia arbutifolia red chokeberry ON Rosaceae shrub x x 89 virginiana choke cherry ON Rosaceae shrub u 90 Rosa carolina pasture rose FN Rosaceae shrub x x 91 Rosa rugosa rugosa rose AI Rosaceae shrub x x 92 Rosa virginiana rose FN Rosaceae shrub x TREE Cupressaceae 93 eastern red cedar AN Cupressaceae tree U x x Fagaceae 94 Quercus alba white oak AN Fagaceae tree U/a x 95 Quercus coccinea scarlet oak AN Fagaceae tree U 96 scrub oak AN Fagaceae tree u x 97 Quercus stellata post oak FN A/c 98 Quercus velutina black oak AN Fagaceae tree A/u x Pinaceae 99 Pinus rigida pitch pine AN Pinaceae tree U x Rosaceae 100 black cherry AN Rosaceae tree x x 101 Rubus flagellaris prickly dewberry FN Rosaceae vine c x 102 Rubus hispidus bristly dewberry AN Rosaceae vine u x VINE Celastraceae 103 Celastrus orbiculatus Oriental bittersweet AI Celastraceae vine x x x Convulvulaceae 104 Convulvulus arvensis field bindweed OI Convulvulaceae vine x Smilacaceae 105 Smilax rotundifolia common greenbrier AN Smilacaceae vine u x Present 31 Abundant 5 Common 4 Uncommon 16 TOTAL 56 33 80

% of total species 53% 31% 77% ++ aRarity of plants on Martha’s Vineyard: U= unknown, A=abundant (almost always occur in typical habitat), F = frequent (often occur in typical habitat), O = occasional (occur in more than 10 sites but are not expected to occur in typical habitat ), R = rare (occur in 10 or fewer sites, H = historic (recorded but not sighted in past 40 years), N = native, I = introduced, WL = watch listed by MA, SC = special concern by MA, E = endangered, T = threatened. b Survey results: A = abundant (percent occurrence > 50%), C = common (percent occurrence >21% and <50%), U = uncommon (percent occurrence <20%), X = present on the Preserve but not detected during survey; Sources: Haines 2011, Swanson and Knapp 1999, Newcomb 1977. .

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Appendix F. Wildlife

Wildlife species were observed on the preserve through general property surveys, UV black-light surveys and diurnal Odonata and Lepidoptera surveys. Wildlife species seen or heard and evidence of wildlife species such as tracks and scat were recorded during general observations, vegetation surveys and avian bird counts in 2013. Nocturnal moth species were surveyed using a stainless steel rigid vein 18-24 inch “leptrap” with a 32-40 Watt quantum black light. Traps were set using a photoelectric switch from dusk to dawn on seven trap nights in June, July, August and September of 2013. Species were collected, packaged and sent to Mark Mello, a local entomologist with the Lloyd Center for the Environment, in Dartmouth, MA, for positive identification.

Short Cove Preserve provides opportunities for nesting, roosting, and foraging wildlife species (Table 2). Fruiting shrubs and vines (i.e., huckleberry, blueberry, greenbrier, and bayberry) provide for summer and fall foraging of birds and mammals. Mast bearing trees such as oaks provide a vital source of food to many wildlife species in the fall and winter when other nutritional foods are unavailable (Martin et al. 1951). The grassland areas provide hunting grounds for birds of prey. The coastal bank and proximity of the shoreline to the pond provides denning and foraging habitat for river otters. Various moth species use the shrubs and trees on the preserve for at least a portion of their life cycle (Table 3).

Table 2. Wildlife at Short Cove Preserve, West Tisbury, MA from general observations during property inventories conducted in 2013. Scientific name Common name Shoreline Grassland Woodland

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Arthropoda

Order Diptera (flies)

Family Culicidae: species unknown mosquitoes S S

Family Tabanidae: Chrysops sp. deer flies S S

Class Arachnida

Order Acarina

Family Araneidae: Argiope aurantia deer tick Sp, S, F

Family Ixodidae: Dermacentor variabilis wood tick Sp, S, F Sp, S

Phylum Chordata

Class Mammalia

Order Rodentia

Family Mustelidae: Lontra Canadensis River Otter Sp, S, F

Family Sciuridae: Sciurus carolinensis grey squirrel Sp, S, F

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Family Sciuridae: Tamias striatus eastern chipmunk Sp, S, F

Order Carnivora

Family Procyonidae: Procyon lotor raccoon S, F Sp, S, F

Family Mephitidae: Mephitis mephitis striped skunk S,F S, F

Order Artiodactyla

Family Cervidae: Odocoileus virginianus white-tailed deer S, F Sp, S, F Sp, S, F

aSeason and frequency of occurrence: SP = spring, S = summer, F = fall, W = winter. b complete list of moth species known to occur on the property is included in Table 3.

Table 3. List of macrolepidoptera by station collected by Marthas Vineyard Land Bank staff during 2013. SC = Short Cove Preserve

Month June June July July July Aug Sep

Date 5 12 8 17 30 28 4 Total SC MONA ZOOK. Station SC SC SC SC SC W SC

# # Method Uv Uv Uv Uv Uv Uv Uv

DREPANIDAE

Oretinae

6255 Oreta rosea 1 1 2

GEOMETRIDAE

Ennominae

6339 transitaria 1 1 1 3

6341 Macaria bicolorata 1 1

6342 Macaria bisignata 1 1 2

6352 Macaria granitata 1 1 1 3

6353 Macaria multilineata 1 1

6362 continuata 1 1 2

6449 cribrataria 1 1 1 3

6582 vellivolata 1 1 2

6588 Iridopsis larvaria 1 1 2

6597 Ectropis crepuscularia 1 1

6598 Protoboarmia porcelaria 1 1

6620 Melanolophia canadaria 1 1

6654 unipunctata 1 1 2

6655 Hypagyrtis esther 1 1

6667 Lomographa vestaliata 1 1

6720 Lytrosis unitaria 1 1

6724 serrata 1 1

6725 Euchlaena muzaria 1 1

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6739 Euchlaena irraria 1 1

6754 ancetaria (="hubneraria") 1 1 2

6755 Pero morrisonaria 1 1 2

6763 Phaeoura quernaria 1 1

6796 Campaea perlata 1 1 1 3

6822 duaria 1 1

6823 Metarranthis angularia 1 1 2 pulveraria (=”Anagoga 6836 occiduaria”) 1 1

6837 Probole alienaria (in this complex) 1 1

6843 Plagodis fervidaria 1 1 1 1 4

6844 Plagodis alcoolaria 1 1

6864.1 Caripeta sp. nr.piniata 1 1 1 1 4

6884 endropiaria 1 1 2

6885 Besma quercivoraria 1 1 1 1 4

6888 Lambdina fiscellaria 1 1

6892 Lambdina pellucidaria 1 1 2

6894 Lambdina fervidaria 1 1 2

6941 Eusarca confusaria 1 1

6963 Tetracis crocallata 1 1

6964 Tetracis cachexiata 1 1 2

6966 Eutrapela clemataria 1 1 2

6974 Patalene olyzonaria puber 1 1 2

6982 Prochoerodes transversata 1 1 1 3

7009 Nematocampa resistaria 1 1 2

Geometrinae

7046 Nemoria bistriaria 1 1 1 3

7071 Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria 1 1

7084 Hethemia pistasciaria 1 1

Sterrhinae

7136 packardi 1 1 1 3

7139 Cyclophora pendulinaria 1 1 1 3

7159 Scopula limboundata 1 1

Larentiinae

7206 explanata 1 1

7239 pluviata/transfigurata 1 1 2

7414 Orthonama obstipata 1 1

7416 Costaconvexa centrostrigaria 1 1

Eupithecia spp. 1 1 1 3

LASIOCAMPIDAE

Macromphalinae

7663 torrefacta 1 1

7673 Tolype laricis 1 1

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Lasiocampinae

7687 Phyllodesma americana 1 1

SATURNIIDAE

Ceratocampinae

7704 Eacles imperialis 1 1

7716 Anisota stigma 1 1 2

7719 Anisota senatoria 1 1

7723 Anisota virginiensis 1 1

Hemileucinae

7746 Automeris io 1 1 1 3

Saturniinae

7758 Actias luna 1 1 2

SPHINGIDAE

Sphinginae

7810 Sphinx gordius/poecilla 1 1 2

7816 Lapara coniferarum 1 1

Smerinthinae

7824 Paonias excaecatus 1 1 1 1 4

7825 Paonias myops 1 1

Macroglossinae

7886 Darapsa pholus 1 1 1 3

NOTODONTIDAE

Notodontinae

7917 930010 1 1 2

Phalerinae

7902 930033 Datana ministra 1 1 2

7904 930035 Datana drexelii 1 1 2

7906 930037 Datana contracta 1 1 1 1 4

7915 930046 Nadata gibbosa 1 1 1 1 1 5

7920 930049 Peridea angulosa 1 1 1 3

Heterocampinae

7975 930067 Macruocampa marthesia 1 1 1 3

7983 930075 obliqua 1 1 1 3

7990 930082 Heterocampa umbrata 1 1 1 3

7994 930086 Heterocampa guttivitta 1 1 2

7995 930087 Heterocampa biundata 1 1 2

7998 930090 1 1 2

8005 930098 Schizura ipomoeae 1 1

8006 930099 Schizura badia 1 1

8011 930104 Schizura leptinoides 1 1

8017 930110 Oligocentria lignicolor 1 1 2

Nystaleinae

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7951 930127 Symmerista albifrons 1 1 1 1 1 5

EREBIDAE

Lymantriinae

8302 930154 Dasyshira obliquata 1 1 1 1 1 5

8314 930166 Orgyia definita 1 1

8316 930168 Orgyia leucostigma 1 1

Arctiinae

8072 930189 Cisthene packardi 1 1 2

8045.1 930219 pallida 1 1 2

8169 930278 Apantesis phalerata 1 1

8171 930280 Apantesis nais 1 1 1 3

8118 930297 Virbia (=”Holomelina”) opella 1 1 1 1 4

8121 930299 Virbia aurantiaca 1 1

8134 930309 Spilosoma congrua 1 1 1 1 4

8203 930360 Halysidota tessellaris 1 1 2

Herminiinae

8322 930469 americalis 1 1 2

8323 930471 Idia aemula 1 1 1 3

8326 930474 Idia rotundalis 1 1 2

8328 930476 Idia julia 1 1 2

8329 930477 Idia diminuendis 1 1 2

8334 930482 Idia lubricalis 1 1

8341 930490 Zanclognatha theralis 1 1 1 3

8352 930499 Zanclognatha marcidilinea 1 1 Zanclognatha jacchusalis 8353 930500 (“orchreipennis”) 1 1 2

8355 930502 Chytolita morbidalis 1 1

8356 930503 Chytolita petrealis 1 1

8358 930510 Macrochilo litiphora 1 1

8360 930511 Macrochilo orciferalis 1 1

8370 930520 Bleptina caradrinalis 1 1 1 1 1 5

8378 930529 Renia salusalis 1 1 2

8379 930530 Renia factiosalis 1 1

8380 930531 Renia nemoralis 1 1

8381 930532 Renia discoloralis 1 1 2

8384.1 930536 Renia flavipunctalis 1 1 2

8387 930539 Renia sobrialis 1 1

8397 930551 angulalis 1 1 2

Pangraptinae

8490 930559 Pangrapta decoralis 1 1 1 3

Hypeninae

8465 930588 scabra 1 1 2

Scolecocampinae

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8522 930643 Gabara subnivosella 1 1 2

Hypenodinae

8421 930662 fractilinea 1 1

8427 930670 puncticosta 1 1

Phytometrinae

8479 930715 Spargaloma sexpunctata 1 1

9038 930730 Hyperstrotia villificans 1 1 1 1 4

9039 930731 Hyperstrotia flaviguttata 1 1

Erebinae

8801 930792 ilia 1 1

8857 930841 Catocala ultronia 1 1

8865 930847 Catocala praeclara 1 1

8876 930857 Catocala micronympha 1 1

8878 930859 1 1

8878.1 930860 Catocala lineella 1 1 2

8878.2 Catocala undescr. sp. nr. lineella 1 1

8738 930923 Caenurgina crassiuscula 1 1 1 3

8739 930924 Caenurgina erechtea 1 1 2

8745 930944 Mocis texana 1 1 1 1 1 5

8689 931023 Zale lunata 1 1 2

8697 931032 Zale minerea 1 1 2

8699 931034 Zale obliqua 1 1

8707 931042 Zale metatoides 1 1 2

8717 931053 Zale horrida 1 1 2

9821 931063 roseola 1 1

Eulepidotinae

8587 931089 Panopoda rufimargo 1 1 2

EUTELIIDAE

8957 931106 oculatrix 1 1

NOLIDAE

Nolinae

8983.1 931122 Meganola phylla 1 1

8996 931136 Nola clethrae 1 1

NOCTUIDAE

Pantheinae

9182 931396 Panthea furcilla 1 1

9189 931406 Charadra deridens 1 1

Acronictinae

9209 931430 Acronicta radcliffei 2 2

9211 931432 Acronicta tritona 1 1

9238 931455 1 1

9246 931460 Acronicta clarescens 1 1

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9243 931463 1 1 1 1 4

9244 931465 1 1

9245 931466 1 1 1 3

9249 931467 Acronicta increta (+"inclara") 1 1 1 3

9247 931469 Acronicta tristis 1 1 2

9254 931471 1 1 1 1 4

9259 931476 1 1 2

9266 931480 1 1 1 3

9281 931494 fallax 1 1 1 3

9285 931497 hebraeicum 1 1 2

9062 931501 1 1

Amphipyrinae

9638 931544 Amphipyra pyramidoides 1 1

Agaristinae

9301 931966 grata 1 1

Eriopinae

9631 932192 mollissima 1 1 2

Noctuinae

9618 932208 turbulenta 1 1

9619 932209 Phosphila miseloides 1 1 2

9650 932269 tarda 1 1 1 3

9545 932290 benesimilis 1 1

9454 932358 Loscopia (=””) velata 1 1

9393 932369 “Resapamea” stipata 1 1

9457 932447 1 1

9556 932713 Chytonix palliatricula 1 1 1 3

10524 932810 Nephelodes minians 1 1 2

10300 932882 Spiramater grandis 1 1

10438 932935 Mythimna unipuncta 1 1 1 3

10440 932938 linita 1 1

10444 932943 Leucania phragmatidicola 1 1

10445 932944 Leucania linda 1 1

10462 932966 Leucania pseudargyria 1 1

10397 933044 Lacinipolia renigera 1 1 1 1 1 5

10288 933146 Orthodes (“Polia”) detracta 1 1 2

10903 933216 Anicla illapsa 1 1 1 3

10870 933232 acclivis 1 1

10674 933501 Feltia subgothica 1 1

10676 933503 Feltia herilis 1 1

10891 933529 Ochropleura implecta 1 1 2

11010 933547 phyllophora 1 1 2

11012.2 933551 Noctua pronuba 1 1 1 3

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10929 933560 Eurois occulata 1 1

10967.1 933585 Xestia praevia 1 1

10942 933588 Xestia c-nigrum 1 1

10950 933629 Pseudohermonassa bicarnea 1 1

11006 933649 Protolampra brunneicollis 1 1 2

11029 933680 Abagrotis alternata 1 1 2

# Species 39 60 80 56 62 39 30 195 Yellow highlight depicts Commonwealth-listed species and green highlight depicts regionally uncommon species. Species reflect the Zookeys 40:1-239, 2010, nomenclature catalog numbers although MONA numbers are included. Names changes made after 2010 are also reflected for Zanclognatha jacchusalis which is now Z. ochreipennis; Z. jacchusalis is now Z. marcidilnea; Zale lunifera or Zale sp 1.which is now Z. intenta; and Itame is now Speranza and Anagoga occiduaria is now Plagodis pulveraria.

Appendix G. Avian Checklist and Seasonal Tables

Land bank staff conducted 5-minute point count surveys of birds on Short Cove Preserve in the spring, summer and fall of 2013. The presence of occasional migrant and resident birds throughout the fall and spring migrations and breeding season was recorded during a total of 14 visits. Birds were sampled from two survey locations –mixed-oak woodland and agricultural grassland/coastal pond shoreline. All birds seen or heard during a five-minute period were recorded. Birds seen or heard by land bank staff outside of the count period were noted as present on the property but were not included in quantitative analyses. Land bank staff also conducted an owl survey of the preserve during the second week of July 2013 using a wildlife caller and playback-calls of 8 local owls.

Bird species in the various habitats are seasonally-dependent. Some bird species occur in more than one habitat type and during more than one season. Total species counts do not include multiple sightings of an individual species. The breeding season followed by the spring and then the fall migration yielded the greatest richness of bird species (Tables 4, 5 and 6). Most of the birds that occur on the preserve during the breeding season are tree/shrub nesters compared to ground- and cavity-nesters (Table 5). The variety of habitats on this property provides habitat for all 3 types of nesters.

The most common birds observed throughout much of the year on the preserve are consistently the eastern towhee and grey catbird (Tables 4-6). Birds of prey and edge dwellers were more common in the agricultural grassland.

Observations of behaviors associated with nesting or rearing of young such as adults carrying nesting material or food to a nest, carrying fecal sacs from a nest or attending hatch-year birds can confirm that a species is breeding on the property, as can locating an active nest. A species is probably breeding if singing territorial males are present on the property on two occasions at least a week apart. A species is possibly breeding if it is detected in suitable breeding habitat during the breeding season. Of the 35 bird species

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observed on the preserve during the summer breeding season, eight are probable breeders; sixteen are possible breeders; and two are non-breeders (Table 5).

Table 4. Avian species observed in the spring during 5 minute avian point counts at Short

Cover Preserve in West Tisbury, MA in 2013.

b oak

Spring -

assland

Gr

Mixed

Woodland Agricultural Species a Year-Round Residents American crow O American robin O Black-capped chickadee O Canada goose O Carolina wren U Field sparrow U Grey catbird C C Mallard duck POND Mourning dove U U Mute swan POND Northern cardinal C Red-winged blackbird C O Song sparrow U O White-breasted nuthatch U Summer Breeders Rough-winged swallow P Barn swallow C Chipping sparrow U O Common yellowthroat U Eastern phoebe P Eastern towhee C Pine warbler U a seasonal and nest type data from Cornell ornithology lab range and species information data (www.allaboutbirds.org) and the Felix Neck Field Checklist of Martha’s Vineyard Birds, December 1992 b C= common (birds were detected in more than 50% of the survey visits) O= occasional (birds were detected in 26-50% of the survey visits) U= uncommon (birds were detected in 25% and fewer of the survey visits) P= present (birds were not detected during a survey period but were observed on the property)

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Table 5. Avian species observed during the summer breeding season on Short Cove

Preserve, West Tisbury, MA following 5-minute point count surveys during 2013.

b Nest Type a Habitat c

Summer Status

Mixed-oak Agricultural

Woodland Grassland

Species vity or burrow

Ground

Ca Raised in in Raised

tree/shrub Year-Round Residents American crow X PR O American goldfinch X PO U O American robin X PO U Black-capped X PR O O chickadee Blue jay X PR O O Canada goose X PR O Carolina wren X PO U Eastern screech owl X PO P Gray catbird X PR C O Mourning Dove X PO O U Northern cardinal X PO U P Red-tailed hawk X PO U P Red-winged Blackbird X NB C O Ring-billed gull X PO O Song sparrow X PR C White-breasted X PO O nuthatch Summer Breeders Baltimore oriole X PO U Rough-winged X PO C Swallow Chipping Sparrow X PR O Eastern Kingbird X PO U Eastern towhee X PR O C Great-Crested X PO P Flycatcher Osprey X PO P Pine warbler X PO U Turkey Vulture X NB U Yellow Warbler X PO U a seasonal and nest type data from Cornell ornithology lab range and species information data (www.allaboutbirds.org) and the Felix Neck Field Checklist of Martha’s Vineyard Birds, December 1992; * = breeding in, under or on buildings b Breeding status: NB= observed during spring or summer but breeding habitat does not occur on the property, NB-P= observed during the spring or summer but not in breeding habitat although breeding habitat exists on the property; PO= possible breeding (species detected in suitable breeding habitat during breeding period), PR=probable breeding (species heard singing on two occasions over one week apart in suitable breeding habitat during breeding period). CO=confirmed breeding (species carrying food, CF; feeding young, FY; with begging hatch-year fledglings, HY; or a located nest, N), OS= observed out of breeding season and without suitable habitat on the property, OS-H= observed out of breeding season but with suitable habitat on the property. c C= common (birds were detected in more than 50% of the survey visits)

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O= occasional (birds were detected in 26-50% of the survey visits) U= uncommon (birds were detected in 25% and fewer of the survey visits) P= present (birds were not detected during a survey period but were observed on the property)

Table 6. Avian species observed during the fall on Short Cove Preserve, West Tisbury,

MA following 5-minute point count surveys during 2013.

B oak Fall -

Grassland

Mixed woodland Agricultural Species a Year-Round Residents American crow O O Black-capped chickadee C O

Blue jay C

Canada goose O O Carolina wren O Grey catbird O C Ring-billed gull O

Tufted titmouse O

White-breasted nuthatch O Summer Breeders Eastern kingbird O Red-shouldered hawk O Turkey vulture C a seasonal and nest type data from Cornell ornithology lab range and species information data (www.allaboutbirds.org) and the Felix Neck Field Checklist of Martha’s Vineyard Birds, December 1992 b C= common (birds were detected in more than 50% of the survey visits) O= occasional (birds were detected in 26-50% of the survey visits) U= uncommon (birds were detected in 25% and fewer of the survey visits) P= present (birds were not detected during a survey period but were observed on the property)

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Appendix H. Endangered Species

The commonwealth has designated the area in and around Short Cove Preserve as habitat for ten listed species – faded gray geometer (Stenoporpia polygrammaria), barrens dagger moth (Acronicta albarufa), gerhard’s underwing (Catocala herodias gerhardi), spartina borer moth ( inops), pine barrens zale (Zale lunifera), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), saltpond pennywort (Hydrocotyle verticillata), roseate tern (Sterna dougallii), least tern (Sternula antillarum) and common tern (Sterna hirundo). None of these species was observed on the preserve during 2013 plant and wildlife inventories and surveys. Suitable habitat exists for all species listed by NHESP as occurring on or near the preserve with the exception of foraging habitat for shorebirds during periods of elevated pond water levels.

Two additional commonwealth-listed species – Eacles imperialis (observed on July 8, 2013) and Setaria parviflora (observed on September 25, 2013) - were observed on the preserve through UV light traps and vegetation inventories.

A survey for northern harrier was conducted during April and May of 2013. The preserve was surveyed for northern harrier on two separate occasions. Although habitat for the northern harrier exists on the preserve no harriers were observed hunting or breeding on the preserve during the survey periods or during the April-October avian point count surveys.

Land bank staff conducted UV light trap surveys of Lepidoptera on June 5, June 12, July 8, July 17, July 30, August 28 and September 4. Surveys were conducted during the flight periods of the rare moths mentioned previously. The majority of these moths utilize the oak woodland. Two species – Gerhard’s underwing and pine barrens zale – perfer scrub oak dominated habitats which the preserve does not support. Habitat for the spartina borer moth occurs along the Short Cove shoreline of the preserve.

Impact to these commonwealth-listed species may be avoided through management actions that minimize tree cutting in the mixed-oak woodland; site trails through the shoreline that avoid Spartina grass and bristly foxtail; control invasive species; and maintain open habitats.

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Appendix I. Abutters Table 7. Abutters within 200 feet of Short Cove Preserve as recorded in the 2013 West Tisbury assessors’ book.

35/6.14 35/6.15 35/3.8 Philip & Susan Spalding, Trustees Philip W. Spalding Mary Ann Fischer

Post Office Box 442 Post Office Box 142 Post Office Box 201 West Tisbury, MA 02575 West Tisbury, MA 02575 West Tisbury, MA 02575

35/3.6 35/3.7 35/6.17 Arnold M. Fischer, Jr. Jean M. Fischer Ronald & Susan Silva Christa Fischer 5661 Flynn Court Post Office Box 442 Post Office Box 106 Dublin, OH 43016 West Tisbury, MA 02575 West Tisbury, MA 02575

35/6.13 CYS 136 Realty Trust Nancy Gardiner, Trustee Hemenway & Barnes, LLP

60 State Street Boston, MA 02109

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Appendix J. Existing Use Map

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Appendix K. Universal Access

The Recreational Opportunities Spectrum (ROS) classification for Short Cove Preserve is “less developed”. The ROS is a model designed and used by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service to categorize conservation areas or universal access planning. The land bank framework for describing the accessibility of its properties is applied to Short Cove Preserve as follows.

Property Name: Short Cove Preserve Size: 12.9 acres Primary Activities: birding, hiking and picnicking Primary Elements: two sign stations Primary Spaces: views of short cove, Tisbury Great Pond and the farm fields Obstacles that Limit Accessibility: archaeology and distance Existing or Potential Alternatives: Sepiessa Point Reservation Proposed ROS Classification: less-developed Proposed Expectation of Accessibility: possible

For all less-developed land bank conservation areas, the Universal Access Plan states the following (Potter 1997):

Use outdoor recreation access routes to link primary elements and primary spaces within one-quarter mile of a trailhead or drop-off and use accessible recreation trails to connect other primary elements and primary spaces on all less-developed land bank conservation areas.

Universal access is proposed for this preserve in the form of a two-vehicle trailhead located near the agricultural grassland and approximately 200 feet of trail made from crushed shells over a mowed old farm road with views of Short Cove and Flat Point Farm as well as long-distance views of Tisbury Great Pond.

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