Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods Little Compton,

INSERT PHOTO

CLT, 5/08

Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club By Carol Lynn Trocki, 10/2008

Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Table of Contents

Purpose 3 Property Description 3 Location 3 Plat and Lot Identification 4 Acreage 4 Ownership 4 Conservation Restrictions 4 Current Uses & Stakeholders 5 Land Use History 6 Conservation Values 9 Landscape Setting 9 Topography 10 Geology 10 Soils 11 Hydrologic Setting 12 Habitats & Natural Community Types 13 Wildlife Conservation Values 18 Scenic Values 20 Historic Values 20 Recreational Values 21 Educational Values 21 Agricultural Values 21 Human Alterations / Planned Landscape Elements 21 Potential Threats 21 Invasive Species 21 Human Use Impact 22 Overbrowse by White-tailed Deer 22 Management Responsibility & Management Plan Review 22 Management Goals & Objectives 24 Ecological Conservation & Habitat Management 24 Wetland Resource Protection 25 Recreational Use 25 Educational Use 27 Scenic & Historic Resource Conservation 27 Agricultural Resource Conservation 28 Recommended Management Activities & Timeline 28

Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Purpose The purpose of this document is to establish a Management Plan that provides guidance for the protection, maintenance, and public use of Wilbour Woods in a manner that ensures its sustainability for future generations. This plan seeks to identify the unique conservation values of Wilbour Woods and make certain that they are protected, while encouraging public access for recreational and educational opportunities where most appropriate.

Property Description

Location Wilbour Woods is located on the north side of Swamp Road in the Town of Little Compton, in Newport County, Rhode Island (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Location Map/ Aerial Photo, Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI. (Base Datalayers: RIDOT 2003-2004 1:5,000 scale true color digital orthophotograph, RIGIS roads datalayer, RIGIS perennial streams datalayer.)

Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Plat and Lot Identification: Little Compton Tax Assessor’s Plat 17, Lot 12

Acreage: 85.5 ± acres1

Ownership: Town of Little Compton

Conservation Restrictions: The property was deeded to the Town of Little Compton by Elizabeth Mason Lloyd on April 14, 1937 with a number of conditions. A summary of the conditions that seem especially pertinent to the property’s current management is listed below. The complete record of deed can be found in the Little Compton Land Evidence Records, Book 28, Pages 99-101. Should any inconsistencies arise between the following summary and the language of the deed, the language of the deed shall control.

• The site shall always be known as ‘Wilbour Woods’ and preserved as a memorial to Jessie Bross Lloyd, the Grantor’s Mother-in-Law

• The Town of Little Compton shall forever preserve, keep and maintain the premises and woods in their natural and wild state

• Any trimming or removal of trees, shrubs, flowers, ferns, or moss shall be only under the advice and supervision of an expert horticulturist

1 Town of Little Compton , Rhode Island, Tax Assessors Maps & Plat and Lot Listings, 2006

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DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

• No business of any kind shall be carried on in the woods

• No hunting or trapping shall be allowed

• The Town Council shall pass such ordinances, rules and regulations as will carry into effect the preservation and protections of the woods and afford proper police protection against vandalism and destruction

Current Uses: The Wilbour Woods property is mostly forested, with both wetland and upland habitats greatly influenced by the presence of Dundery Brook. Although the property is approximately 85 acres in size, it is predominantly the southeastern portion that is regularly accessible to the public. This portion of the property includes approximately 0.89 miles of unpaved road that accommodates single direction vehicular use, as well as pedestrians. There are also approximately 0.66 miles of footpaths that radiate out from the roadway in several different locations. Wigwam Pond is a small manmade pond resulting from a stone dam across Dundery Brook. This pond and the brook itself are posted as stocked trout fishing waters. Stone fireplaces, tables and benches are provided in several locations along the road for picnicking and cookouts. Parts of the property, especially the areas immediately along the roadway, have been managed intensely for recreational use (a more detailed description can be found below under ‘Planned Landscape Elements’) while much of the remainder of the property is in an entirely natural state. A small portion of the property on the western side is currently used for agricultural purposes.

The public uses Wilbour Woods for a variety of activities, including walking roads and trails (dogs are allowed), picnicking, campfires and cook-outs, fishing, photography, nature study, bird watching, and ice skating in winter.

Stakeholders invested in the preservation and maintenance of Wilbour Woods include: • All individuals using the property for the activities listed above • Little Compton Town Council - authority and oversight • Little Compton Garden Club Conservation Committee – stewardship coordination • Little Compton Tree Committee – tree stewardship • Little Compton Grange – public service • Little Compton Public Works staff - maintenance responsibility • Little Compton Police and Fire - public safety responsibility • Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust – abutting conservation land

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DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

• Sakonnet Preservation Association – abutting conservation land • Residents of Little Compton (even those not using Wilbour Woods)

Land Use History: Excerpted from Wilbour Woods: Consensus Determination of Eligibility; see document for a complete summary of historical records and landuse history for the property.2 The planned landscape visible at Wilbour Woods today was designed in the mid- nineteenth century to take advantage of the pleasant, natural wooded setting and to commemorate important local Native Americans. There are varying accounts of when Wilbour Woods was initially established, but traditionally, Isaac Champlin Wilbour (1831-1899), a successful Little Compton poultry farmer, is credited with purchasing approximately 50 acres of land in the vicinity of Swamp Road around 1849. It is thought that Wilbour initially planned to use the property as a woodlot, but given its proximity to land known to be the primary inhabitation site for the local Sakonnet band of the tribe, and the physical beauty of the property, he instead developed the parcel as a private family park. Other accounts credit Isaac Wilbour’s son, Philip Herbert Wilbour (1856-1933), with creating the memorials and developing the basis for the planned setting still visible today.

The land north of Swamp Road has long been referenced as a settlement site of the Sakonnet band of the Wampanoag tribe, and their settlement period leader, a female sachem named Awashonks. The Sakonnet called the area around Wilbour Woods Tompi Swamp, in honor of one of the band’s sachems, but it was later known as Awashonks’ Swamp or Awashonks’ Wood, in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

Awashonks and the Sakonnets played a central role in the early European settlement history of Little Compton and in the events of King Philips War. In 1673, 32 men from the nearby purchased much of the land that is now Little Compton from Awashonk’s son, though Awashonks was not privy to the sale and contested it. A council of Sakonnet decided in favor of her son’s right to sell his land and the sale proceeded.

In 1674, Colonel Benjamin Church, an early settler, entered into a treaty with the Sakonnets in which the band pledged to remain neutral in King Philip’s War. Awashonks, who was a cousin of Metacom (King Philip), initially supported the war against the English colonists, but after the treaty with Church was credited with either remaining neutral or even possibly sending men to fight alongside the English.

2 Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. 2003. Wilbour Woods: Consensus Determination of Eligibility. Prepared for the RI Dept. of Transportation. Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 6

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Ultimately, Church’s treaty with Awashonks sheltered Little Compton from much of the violence and unrest the war brought to the rest of the region.

After selling their lands, the Sakonnets were given a square parcel of land in the vicinity of what is now Wilbour Woods, which oral history maintains surrounded a preexisting Sakonnet village. In 1680, this land was apparently taken away from the Sakonnets; property records show 32 different owners with 11-acre plots in the vicinity, which were all then sold to William Pabodie. The Sakonnets, who numbered approximately 400 in 1700, had dwindled to just 10 individuals by 1804 due to both disease and displacement.

According to historic maps, the land that is now Wilbour Woods was not put into residential or agricultural use after the period of European settlement, presumably because of its swampy nature. It appears that the Wilbour family first acquired the land directly from William Pabodie. Isaac Champlin Wilbour is said to have compiled the parcel that is now Wilbour Woods out of many smaller parcels purchased from family members and neighbors around 1849. At some point afterwards, Isaac Wilbour (or possibly later his son) created the initial carriage path through the woods, built the bridges over Dundery Brook, erected carved natural stones commemorating the Native Americans that once lived nearby, and placed wooden signs along the interior road with poems and sayings praising nature.

After Isaac Wilbour’s death in 1899, his son, Philip Herbert Wilbour continued to maintain the property. According to a 1920 profile of Wilbour Woods, and then referred to as Awashonks Park, it was Philip Wilbour who built roads and paths Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 7

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI through the parcel and erected the Native American memorials. Wilbour is said to have managed the parcel, planting additional trees to add to the fall color or evergreens to provide color in winter. Philip Wilbour died in 1933 and no one in the family stepped forward to continue maintenance of the property. Its deteriorated condition attracted the attention of Elizabeth Mason Lloyd, wife of State Senator Henry D. Lloyd, who purchased the property from the Wilbour Family in 1937 and donated it to the Town.

Elizabeth Mason Lloyd remained directly involved with the property for the next twenty years until her death in 1957. Shortly after donating the property, Wilbour Woods experienced extensive hurricane damage during the Hurricane of 1938 and Works Progress Administration (WPA) workers were called in to assist with clearing downed trees and debris. It is believed that the stone benches, picnic tables, and fireplaces found on the property may have been built by WPA workers during this time period.

Although Elizabeth Mason Lloyd initially planned to leave Wilbour Woods unchanged, in the early 1940s she persuaded a local nurseryman named Lloyd Lawton to create a stone museum on the site. This involved bringing numerous stone implements (such as watering troughs, mills stones, mile markers, signposts, gateposts, whipping posts, and well curbs) to the site and arranging them along the roadside. These items were removed sometime after 1960.

Wilbour Woods experienced a period of heavy use during the early 1940s as a result of the construction of Fort Church, a battery defense that housed 10,000 soldiers during World War II. The massive influx of soldiers to the area overwhelmed the town and its facilities; many of the signs and stone items in Wilbour Woods were stolen or vandalized during this time.

After the end of WWII, the Little Compton Garden Club stepped in to care for the property and has been involved in its maintenance since that time. The Little Compton Grange has also been active in maintaining the property and engaged in a major project to construct a new dam at Wigwam Pond in 2002.

Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 8

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Conservation Values

Figure 2. Aerial Photo/Property Map, Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI (Base Datalayers: RIDOT 2003-2004 1:5,000 scale true color digital orthophotograph, RIGIS perennial streams datalayer.)

Landscape Setting: The majority of Wilbour Woods is forested (both wetland and upland), though the property also includes a small patch of agricultural land, two small ponds, and several patches of shrub swamp (Figure 2). Dundery Brook and its main tributaries flow from north to south through the property. The land along Dundery Brook to the north, southeast, and southwest of the property is also undeveloped, primarily wetland, forest.

Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 9

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Wilbour Woods is part of a large forest patch of nearly 700 acres in the Dundery Brook watershed, which extends from the origin of Dundery Brook just south of Peckham Avenue to Briggs Marsh (see Figure 1). The area surrounding this forest patch is primarily agricultural land with some medium density residential housing along West Main Road, South of Commons Road, Meetinghouse Lane, and Swamp Road.

Figure 3. Nearby Conserved Lands Map, Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI.

Approximately 684 acres of conservation land exist within one mile of Wilbour Woods, including: 468 protected by the Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust (LCACT), 111 acres protected by the Sakonnet Preservation Association, 47 Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 10

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI acres protected by the RI Department of Environmental Management, 40 acres protected by The Nature Conservancy, and 19 additional acres protected by the Town of Little Compton.3 The property directly abuts land owned in fee by the Sakonnet Preservation Association and the Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust (Figure 3).

Topography: The property is nearly level, with elevations ranging from 3 to 9 meters above sea level, moving from southeast to northwest across the property. The total elevational change is approximately 6 vertical meters over 777 meters of ground.4

Geology: The bedrock geology is primarily mapped as porphyritic granite, though in the southeast portion of the property there is no exposed bedrock and has therefore not been classified.5 The surficial geology is mapped as glacial till.6 Glacial erratics (large pieces of bedrock left in place on the surface by retreating glaciers) are in evidence throughout the area.

Soils: According to the Rhode Island Soil Survey, the property contains five different soil types: Mansfield mucky silt loam (Ma, 41.1 acres), Stissing silt loam (Se, 39.5 acres), Adrian muck (Aa, 1.87), Pittstown silt loam 0-3% slopes (PmA, 1.9 acres), and Newport silt loam 0-3% slopes (NeA 0.1 acre)(Figure 4).7

Mansfield (Ma) soil is a nearly level and very poorly drained hydric soil, with medium through extreme acidity, moderate to slow permeability, and a seasonal high water table at or near the surface. This soil is poorly suited to community development or agricultural uses, but can provide valuable wetland wildlife habitat.

Stissing (Se) soil is also a nearly level, poorly drained hydric soil with medium through extreme acidity, moderate to slow permeability, and a seasonal high water table at or near the surface. This soil is poorly suited to community development without extensive filling, but can be suitable for agricultural uses, although drainage is often required. This soil can also provide valuable wetland wildlife habitat. Stissing soil is recognized as a Soil of Statewide Importance for agriculture in Rhode Island.7

3 Rhode Island Geographic Information Systems, RIDEM Conservation Lands Datalayer, 4/2007, as amended per local conservation records 2/2009. 4 USGS 7.5 Minute Topographical Quad, Sakonnet Point Quadrangle (from RIGIS). 5 Hermes, Don O. 1994. Bedrock Geologic Map of Rhode Island. Geologic Survey of Rhode Island, URI, Kingston, RI. 6 Rhode Island Glacial Geology Datalayer, 1989 (from RIGIS). 7 Rhode Island Soil Survey, United States Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the Rhode Island Agricultural Experiment Station, 1981. Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 11

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Like Mansfield, Adrian (Aa) muck is a nearly level and very poorly drained hydric soil. This soil is strongly through slightly acid with rapid permeability, very slow runoff, and a water table at or near the surface for most of the year. This soil is unsuitable for community development or agricultural uses, but provides valuable wetland wildlife habitat.

Pittstown (PmA) and Newport silt loams(NeA) are well drained soils with very strong to medium acidity, moderate permeability in the surface layer and slow permeability in the substratum. These soils are suitable for community development, farming, growing nursery stock, woodland and openland wildlife habitat. Both Pittstown and Newport soils are classified as Prime Farmland Soils in the State of Rhode Island.7

Figure 4. Soils Map, Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI (Base Datalayers: RIDOT 2003-2004 1:5,000 scale true color digital orthophotograph, USDA-NRCS RI SSURGO datalayer 1996, RIGIS perennial streams datalayer).

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DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Hydrologic Setting: The entire property is located within the Rhode Island Sound – Gooseberry Beach to Sakonnet Point watershed, which lies within the Cape Cod, Massachusetts – Rhode Island sub-basin of the Massachusetts – Rhode Island Coastal drainage basin.8 From Wilbour Woods, Dundery Brook drains into Briggs Marsh approximately 0.34 miles to the southeast. Briggs Marsh is a coastal pond that periodically breaches, mixing with the waters of Rhode Island Sound.

Wilbour Woods does not lie within a public drinking watershed. Groundwater is classified as ‘GA’, indicating that groundwater resources are known or presumed to be of drinking water quality, though not assigned GAA designation.9

Approximately 64% (54 acres) of the property is wetland. This includes approximately 39 acres of forested wetland, 10 acres of scrub-shrub swamp, 5 acres of emergent marsh/wet meadow, and 0.2 acres of open water.

Dundery Brook and its tributaries run throughout the property, flowing generally from north to south. In addition, several intermittent streams (not mapped) feed into the main channels of the brook, primarily in the wetter forested sections of the property. Two small ponds are also located on the property. Wigwam Pond is the result of a mortared stone dam built across Dundery Brook for recreational enjoyment. The second pond is located in the northwest portion of the property and may have been used for agricultural purposes. The main corridor of Dundery Brook is designated Zone A on FEMA flood insurance rate maps, indicating that this area has a 1% chance of flooding annually.10

Habitats & Natural Community Types: A map of existing habitats and an inventory of the characteristic vegetation observed on the property are provided below (Figure 5; Table 1). Habitat types were delineated based on aerial photo interpretations and field observations on 4/8, 4/19, 4/23, 5/26, 6/1, 6/17, 8/19, and 9/15 in 2008. In addition, Julie Lundgren, of The Nature Conservancy, visited the property on 6/30/99 and provided a detailed summary of the vegetative communities she surveyed, which has been incorporated here. A general tree and shrub inventory list for the area was also contributed by Hope Taylor.

8 USDA-NRCS HUC 12 Drainage Basins for Rhode Island datalayer, 2003 (from RIGIS). 9 RIDEM Groundwater Classification Datalayer, 1993 (from RIGIS). 10 FEMA Flood Zones datalyer, 1989, from RIGIS. Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 13

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Figure 5. Habitat Map, Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI. (Base Datalayers: RIDOT 2003- 2004 1:5,000 scale true color digital orthophotograph, RIGIS perennial streams datalayer).

Table1. Characteristic vegetation observed in Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI. Non-native species are shown in BOLD. Wetland Habitat Type Common Name Latin Name Indicator Status* Upland Forest Northern Red Oak Quercus rubra L. FACU- Scarlet Oak Quercus coccinea Muenchh. n/a Black Oak Quercus velutina Lam. n/a American Beech Fagus grandifolia Ehrh. FACU Red Maple Acer rubrum L. FAC American Holly Ilex opaca Aiton FACU Eastern White Pine Pinus strobus L. FACU Eastern Hemlock Tsuga canadensis L. FACU Willow Salix spp. various Sycamore Maple Acer pseudoplatanus L. n/a Black Locust Robinia pseudoacaia L. FACU- Yellow Birch Betula alleghaniensis Britton FAC Sassafras Sassafras albidum Nutt. FACU- Hop Hornbeam Ostrya virginiana Miller FACU-

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DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

American Hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana Walt. FAC Witch-hazel Hamamelis virginiana L. FACU + American Hazelnut Corylus americana Walter FACU- Beaked Hazelnut Corylus cornuta Marshall FACU- Sweet Pepperbush Clethra alnifolia L. FAC+ Bayberry Myrica pensylvanica Mirbel FAC Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora Thunb. FACU Bullbrier Smilax rotundifolia FAC Indian Cucumber-root Medeola virginiana L. n/a Cinnamon Fern Osmunda cinnamomea L. FACW Southern Lady Fern Athyrium filix-femina L. FAC New York Fern Thelypteris noveboracensis L. FAC False Lily-of-the-Valley Maianthemum candense Desf. FAC- Wild Sarsaparilla Aralia nudicaulis L. FACU Sharp-leaved Aster Aster acuminatus FACU+ Wild Oats Uvularia sessilifolia L. FACU-

Forested Red Maple Acer rubrum L. FAC Wetland Green Ash Fraxinus pensylvanica Marshall FACW Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor Willd. FACW+ Black Gum Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. FAC Ironwood Carpinus caroliniana Walt. FAC Northern Spicebush Lindera benzoin L. FACW- Sweet Pepperbush Clethra alnifolia L. FAC+ Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum L. FACW- Swamp Azalea Rhododendrom viscosum L. FACW+ Winterberry Ilex verticillata L. FACW+ Poison Ivy Toxicodendron radicans L. FAC Cinnamon Fern Osmunda cinnamomea L. FACW Marsh Fern Thelypteris palustris Schott FACW+ Southern Lady Fern Athyrium filix-femina L. FAC New York Fern Thelypteris noveboracensis L. FAC Royal Fern Osmunda regalis L. OBL Early Meadow-rue Thalictrum dioicum L. FAC Tall Meadow-rue Thalictrum polygamum Muhl. FACW+ Jewelweed Impatiens capensis Meerb. FACW Turtlehead Chelone glabra L. OBL Gall-of-the-Earth Prenanthes spp. various Groundnut Apios Americana Medikus FACW Cow-wheat Melampyrum lineare Desr. FACU Rudge’s Sedge Carex debilis Michx. FAC Bladder-Sedge Carex intumescens Rudge FACW+ Rice Cutgrass Leersia oryzioudes L. OBL Grass species Poa spp. various Blue Flag Iris versicolor L. OBL Aster spp. Aster spp. various Trout-Lily Erythronium americanum Ker FAC Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 15

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Gawler Violet spp. Viola spp. various Starflower Trientalis borealis Raf. FAC Ragwort Senecio spp. various Jack-in-the-Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum L. FACW- False Hellbore Veratrum viride Aiton FACW+ Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus L. OBL

Scrub-Shrub Ironwood Carpinus caroliniana Walt. FAC Swamp Northern Spicebush Lindera benzoin L. FACW- Sweet Pepperbush Clethra alnifolia L. FAC+ Swamp Rose Rosa palustris Marsh. OBL Swamp Dewberry Rubus hispidus L. FACW

Wet Meadow Sensitive Fern Onoclea sensibilis L. FACW Soft Rush Juncus effuses L. FACW+ Awl-sedge Carex stipata Muhl. OBL Tall Meadow-rue Thalictrum polygamum Muhl. FACW+ Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus L. OBL

Perennial True Watercress Nasturtium officinale R. Br. OBL Streambed / Water-parsnip Sium suave Walter OBL Immediate Arrow-arum Peltandra virginica L. OBL Stream - Side Forget-me-nots Mysotis spp. OBL Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris L. OBL Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis L. FACW+ Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus L. OBL False Hellebore Veratrum viride Aiton FACW+

Pond Yellow Iris Iris pseudoacorus L. OBL Cattail Typha latifolia L. OBL Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria L. FACW+ Arrow-leaved Polygonum sagittatum L. OBL Tearthumb

Human- Joe-Pye Weed Eupatorium dubium Willd. FACW maintained Daisy Fleabane Erigeron strigosus Muhl. FACU+ Clearings and Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora Thunb. FACU Edges Jewelweed Impatiens capensis Meerb. FACW Bush Honeysuckle Diervilla lonicera Miller n/a Japanese Barberry Berberis thunbergii DC. FACU Asiatic Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus FACU Thunb. Grape Vitis spp. various Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta L. FACU- Common Orange Hemerocallis fulva L. n/a Daylily Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 16

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Buttercups Ranunculus spp. various Beggertick Bidens spp. FACW Polygonum Polygonum artifolium L. OBL *Wetland Indicator Status is designated as follows: OBL – obligate wetland, occurs in wetlands >99% of the time under natural conditions; FACW – facultative wetland, occurs in wetlands 67%-99% of the time; FAC – facultative, equally likely to occur in wetland and upland conditions; FACU – facultative upland, occurs in wetlands 1-33% of the time; UPL – obligate upland plants, rarely occur in wetlands (<1% of the time).

The majority of the upland forest found in Wilbour Woods is classified as Coastal Oak-Holly Forest and is dominated by oak species with a prominent sub-canopy of American holly (Ilex opaca). American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) and Red Maple (Acer rubrum) are also common associates, with an understory dominated by Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) and Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana). Cinnamon Ferns (Osmunda cinnamonea) are common on the forest floor. This natural community type typically occurs on moist, moderately well-drained silt and sandy loam soils, often at the upper edge of forested wetlands. Wilbour Woods is cited as an example of this community type in the publication Natural Communities of Rhode Island. 11 Coastal Oak-Holly Forest occurs in MA, RI, NY, and NJ and is now considered rare to uncommon in all of those states, making it a critical conservation priority.12

Forested wetlands on the property are best classified as Red Maple Swamp, a common community type throughout Rhode Island. Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is the dominant canopy species in most areas, though in Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) or Green Ash (Fraxinus americana) may co-dominate in some places. The understory is comprised of common wetland deciduous shrubs, including Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana), and Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzion). Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), and Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum) are also present. Typical herbaceous plants include Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamonea) Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), and False Hellebore (Veratrum viride).

Several other, less prominent natural communities are also present including Deciduous Shrub Swamp, Wet Meadow, and Pond habitat types. A perennial stream, Dundery Brook, also runs through the property.

11 Enser, R. W. and J. A. Lundgren. 2006. Natural Communities of Rhode Island. A joint project of the Rhode Island Dept. of Environmental Management Natural Heritage Program and The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island. Web published by R.I. Natural History Survey, Kingston, RI. www.rinhs.org 12 Jackson, J. M. 2001. A Conservation Plan for Wetlands and Associated Natural Resource Areas in Little Compton and Tiverton, Rhode Island. The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island. Providence, RI. Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 17

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

In general, the forests of Wilbour Woods are in good condition with trees of mixed ages and a well developed understory. Native species dominate in most areas of the property. Non-native species are currently restricted to human-altered areas of the property, along forest edges, roadways and paths. In a conservation plan developed for the region by The Nature Conservancy, the Dundery Brook / Briggs Marsh watershed is identified as ‘regionally significant’ and the Wilbour Woods property is ranked ‘medium’ for its relative ecological condition when compared with other nearby forested properties.13

No rare plant species are currently known to inhabit the property. However, several species (American Holly, Winterberry, Eastern White Pine) are protected by the State’s ‘Christmas Greens Law’ which prohibits removal without written permission from a landowner.14

Wildlife Conservation Values: Wilbour Woods provides valuable wildlife habitat for a variety of species. During site visits on 4/8, 4/19, 4/23, 5/26, 6/1, 6/17, 8/19, and 9/15 in 2008, thirty-six species were observed (Table 2).

Table 2. Fauna observed in Wilbour Woods during field visits. Fauna Type Common Name Latin Name Observation Notes BUTTERFLIES Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Papilio glaucus late summer Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa late summer Monarch Danaus plexippus late summer

AMPHIBIANS Gray Treefrog Hyla versicolor calling, summer Northern Spring Peeper Pseudacris crucifer crucifer calling, early spring Green Frog Rana clamitans melanota calling, summer Wood Frog Rana sylvatica migrating, summer

REPTILES Common Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina early spring serpentina Northern Black Racer Coluber constrictor summer constrictor Eastern Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis summer sirtalis

BIRDS Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis resident Barred Owl Strix varia likely breeding Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus resident, likely breeding Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens resident, likely breeding

13 Jackson, J. M. 2001. A Conservation Plan for Wetlands and Associated Natural Resource Areas in Little Compton and Tiverton, Rhode Island. The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island. Providence, RI. 14 Section 2-15-12 of the General Laws in Chapter 2-15, Rhode Island General Assembly, 1989. Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 18

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens migratory, likely breeding Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus migratory, likely breeding White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus migratory, possible breeder Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapilla resident, likely breeding Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor resident, likely breeding White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis resident, likely breeding Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus resident, likely breeding Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea migratory, likely breeding Veery Catharus fuscescens migratory, likely breeding Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina migratory, likely breeding Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis migratory, likely breeding Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia migratory, likely breeding Black-and-White Warbler Mniotilta varia migratory American Redstart Setophaga ratucilla migratory Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus migratory, likely breeding Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas migratory, likely breeding Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis resident, likely breeding Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus migratory, likely breeding

MAMMALS Eastern Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Common, native Eastern Chipmunk Tamias striatus Common, native Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis Common, native White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Common, native

Although a number of site visits were conducted, the species list above should not be considered a complete inventory for the property. There are undoubtedly a variety of other species that use the property at various times of the year. During a study conducted by The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island in the late 1990s, 216 species of moths were detected in Wilbour Woods. Though not observed in 2008, Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina) and Northern Redbacked Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) were also detected during previous TNC surveys and are likely still present on the property. A variety of dragonflies were observed in late summer 2008, but were not identified to species.

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DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

The Acadian Flycatcher is listed as a Species of Concern in the State of Rhode Island.15 In addition, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management lists Acadian Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Barred Owl, Black- and-White Warbler, Gray Catbird, Hooded Warbler, Ovenbird, Yellow Warbler, and Wood Frog as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the State of Rhode Island.16 Further, in their Landbird Conservation Plan for the Southern New England Physiographic Area, Partners in Flight classifies Wood Thrush as a High Continental Conservation Priority with High Regional Responsibility falling on the Southern New England region.17

Wilbour Woods is well recognized by local bird-watchers as an important breeding site for both Acadian Flycatcher and Veery.18 The Acadian Flycatcher relies on mature deciduous forest, especially near streams, for breeding. The Veery also uses damp deciduous forest with a thick understory. Wilbour Woods appears to host a particularly robust Veery breeding population.

Pond-breeding amphibians, like the Wood Frog, require temporary seasonal ponds to reproduce as well as nearby moist deciduous forests to overwinter. Although Wigwam pond is stocked with trout and therefore does not support a diversity of amphibians, the forests and swamps of Wilbour Woods appear to be providing important habitat.

Scenic Values: The property is generally scenic in nature and provides the public with vehicular access to the intact forest surrounding Dundery Brook. The property falls within the Little Compton Agricultural Lands Scenic Area, as designated by the State of Rhode Island.19 The property also falls within a State-designated greenway.20

Historic Values: Wilbour Woods is listed by the State of Rhode Island as a Historic District Candidate Site, indicating that it is a significant historic site, though it is not listed on the National Register.21 According to a Consensus Determination of Eligibility Report prepared for the RIDOT, Wilbour Woods is significant as a well-

15 Rhode Island Natural Heritage Program. 2006. Rare Native Animals of Rhode Island. http://www.rinhs.org/wp-content/uploads/ri_rare_animals_2006.pdf 16 Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife. 2005. Draft State Wildlife Conservation Strategy. http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/fishwild/swgindex.htm 17 Dettmers, R. and K. V. Rosenberg. October 2000. Landbird Conservation Plan: Physiographic Area 09: Southern New England, Version 1.0. Partners in Flight. http://www.partnersinflight.org/bcps/plan/pl_09_10.pdf 18 Rachel Farrell, Rhode Island Rare Bird list compiler. 19 Rhode Island Geographic Information Systems, Scenic Area Datalayer, RIDEM, 1989. 20 Rhode Island Geographic Information Systems, Greenways Datalayer, RIDEM, 1989. 21 Rhode Island Geographic Information Systems, Historic Candidate Datalater, RIHPC, 1989. Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 20

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI preserved, mid-nineteenth century, picturesque and commemorative planned landscape.22 Wilbour Woods has a rich history of Native American use, though no archeological sites are known to occur on the property.

Recreational Values: Wilbour Woods is accessible to the public for a variety of recreational uses, including: walking roads and trails (dogs are allowed), picnicking, campfires and cook-outs, fishing, photography, nature study, bird watching, and ice skating in winter.

Educational Values: Wilbour Woods provides a variety of educational opportunities for school children, families, and the public. No interpretive information is currently available on site, but many resources exist in the community. For the second time in 2008, a number of community groups collaborated on a ‘Wilbour Woods Day’ which was well received by those attending. The property has tremendous potential for both environmental and cultural education.

Agricultural Values: The majority of the property is forested, though a small portion on the western side is currently maintained as agricultural land and appears to be mowed annually. Approximately 2% (2 acres) of the property is classified as Prime Farmland Soil, while 46% of the property (39.5 acres) is classified as Soils of Statewide Importance for Agriculture. Agricultural lands were, and still are, an important component of the surrounding landscape, though Wilbour Woods has never been farmed.

Human Alterations / Planned Landscape Elements: Wilbour Woods is accessed from Swamp Road by a short unpaved road which connects to a circuitous interior unpaved road winding through the southern third of the parcel. Both roads are approximately 12-feet wide and can accommodate one-way vehicular traffic. The interior road provides access to the landscaped and commemorative areas within the Woods, including four picnic areas (3 with fireplaces), Wigwam Pond and dam, various human-made and natural stone markers commemorating important local Native American figures, and painted wooden signs bearing historic poems and sayings praising the power and beauty of nature. The roadway passes over two wooden bridges crossing Dundery Brook. Drainage culverts have been installed in at least two additional locations under the roadway. See Wilbour Woods: Consensus Determination of Eligibility for a complete description of human alterations to the property.22

22 Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. 2003. Wilbour Woods: Consensus Determination of Eligibility. Prepared for the RI Dept. of Transportation. Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 21

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Potential Threats

Invasive Species: The ecological health of this property is threatened by increased encroachment from invasive plant species. Invasive species are organisms that have been introduced into an area where they didn’t evolve and that usually have no natural enemies in the areas where they have been introduced. Invasive species threaten natural biodiversity by out-competing native species, thus permanently altering the balance of ecosystems. Wilbour Woods is dominated by a healthy array of native plants. Currently, the occurrence of invasive species is limited to the human-altered areas of the property, primarily along forest edges, roadways and paths. The following invasive species have been observed on the property: Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Yellow Iris (Iris pseudoacorus), Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii), and Asiatic Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus).

Human Use Impact: Without careful planning and attention, it is possible that human use of the property can have negative impacts over time. Public use of sensitive areas can degrade habitat quality, cause soil erosion, and spread invasive species. Changes to wetland hydrology, by changing stream flow or over land runoff, can also have dramatic and unintended consequences.

Overbrowse by White-tailed Deer: An overabundance of White-tailed Deer can cause dramatic changes to forest composition and regeneration capability. Signs of deer overabundance are most apparent following a cold winter. A forest with a poorly developed understory or one dominated by only deer resistant plants may indicate a larger deer population than the landscape can support.

Although white-tailed deer are common in the area, the forests of Wilbour Woods appear healthy with a well developed understory and a variety of native-dominated trees and shrubs of mixed ages.

Management Responsibility & Management Plan Review

Wilbour Woods is owned and maintained by the Town of Little Compton. It is the purpose of this Management Plan to provide guidance for the protection, maintenance, and public use of Wilbour Woods in a manner that ensures its sustainability for future generations. For the purposes of this Management Plan, the property has been divided into two areas, a ‘Natural Area’ and a ‘Human-altered Area’ as shown in Figure 6 and described below. Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 22

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Figure 6. Management Map, Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI. (Base Datalayers: RIDOT 2003- 2004 1:5,000 scale true color digital orthophotograph, RIGIS perennial streams datalayer).

This Plan should be annually reviewed by a committee comprised of members representing the following stakeholders:

• Little Compton Town Council • Little Compton Garden Club Conservation Committee • Little Compton Grange • Little Compton Tree Committee • Little Compton Public Works Staff • Little Compton Police and Fire • Recreational Users (walker, fisher, botanist, bird-watcher, other) • Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust • Sakonnet Preservation Association • Little Compton Resident Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 23

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

The annual review should (1) evaluate the success and effectiveness of maintenance and management activities, (2) identify any problems or management issues that need to be addressed, (3) determine the individual or group accepting responsibility for each management activity, (4) evaluate the ecological condition and status of the property, and (5) update the species inventory and site record with any new information. Management Goals & Objectives

Ecological Conservation & Habitat Management: Management of the property will seek to preserve its ecological integrity and value as wildlife habitat. Natural communities will continue to be dominated by native plants. Further study of the natural and ecological features of the property will be encouraged.

• Invasive species will be reasonably controlled. Currently, the property is dominated by a healthy array of native plants and the occurrence of invasive species is limited to human-altered areas, primarily along forest edges, roadways and paths. Efforts should be made to prevent further spread of invasive species, especially into the forest communities. Manual control techniques are the preferred method whenever feasible. The application of chemical herbicides may have unintended secondary effects that are not yet well understood; chemical herbicides should never be used in wetlands. Often, recommendations for control are species-specific so it is important to research current best management practices thoroughly.

• Forest health should be monitored regularly, with surveillance for signs of disease, over-browse by white-tailed deer, or other changes in the forest community. Consider having a forester help determine the age of the American Holly trees just northeast of Wigwam Pond. Additional information on holly regeneration would also be desirable; erecting deer exclosures would be one suggested method to determine the effects of deer browse on forest regeneration.

• The restoration of native plants may be desirable in some areas. Plantings should be limited to native species in natural settings. Any planting should be restricted to the Human-altered portion of the property.

• A more complete inventory of forest breeding birds, amphibians, wildflowers and rare native plants is desirable.

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DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

Wetland Resource Protection: All maintenance and use of the property will seek to protect the functions and values of the native wetland systems found there. All activities will adhere to the requirements of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Rules and Regulations Governing the Administration and Enforcement of the Freshwater Wetlands Act (www.dem.ri.gov).

• Existing unpaved roads and drainage systems will be maintained in their current condition, with no improvements. Best Management Practices for soil and sediment erosion control will be implemented for all maintenance activities occurring on the property. Additional information can be obtained at: www.dem.ri.gov/programs/benviron/water/wetlands/pdfs/wfs04.pdf

• Maintenance to the Wigwam Pond dam or the Dundery Brook waterfall requires a freshwater wetlands permit from the RIDEM. Additional information can be obtained at: www.dem.ri.gov/programs/benviron/water/permits/fresh/index.htm

• Any future trail development will seek to avoid wetland impacts. Trails through wetlands, including stream crossings, require special design and permitting from the RIDEM.

Recreational Use: Management of the property will seek to provide passive recreational opportunities for the public where appropriate.

• Current recreational uses will continue to be encouraged. These activities include: driving roads, walking roads and trails (dogs are allowed), picnicking, campfires and cook-outs, fishing, photography, nature study, bird watching, and ice skating in winter.

• The RIDEM stocks Dundery Brook and Wigwam Pond in advance of trout fishing season each year. Trout fishing season opens at 6:00AM on the second Saturday in April and continues until midnight on the last day of February annually. Fishing licenses are required for anglers 15 years of age and older. Information on obtaining a fishing license can be found at: http://www.dem.ri.gov/topics/fwtopics.htm

• Picnic areas and fireplaces will be maintained in their current condition. No additional picnic areas or fireplaces will be established.

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DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

• By town ordinance, the property is open to the public from dawn to dusk.

• Parking needs should be evaluated. Adequate parking should be made available, but should be placed to minimize erosion and wetland impacts. It may be possible to consolidate parking where it currently exists near campsites and picnic areas and eliminate several parking spaces in erosion prone areas.

• Signage is needed to provide visitors with direction regarding desired uses, roadway use, and parking. A map near the entrance that depicts trails, picnic area locations, and other features of the property would be especially helpful. Signage does not need to be obtrusive and can be designed to provide helpful information in keeping with the informal atmosphere of the property.

• Existing trails will be maintained through use as simple footpaths, no more than 3 feet wide. Stream crossings on the Pond Trail should be properly designed and permitted to minimize erosion and wetland impacts. Any additional trail development considered on the property should avoid wetland impacts entirely. Careful consideration should be given to balancing recreational use with ecological protection. The Rhode Island Trails Advisory Committee (http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bpoladm/plandev/grants.htm#bikepath) and/or the resources listed at the Rhode Island Land and Water Partnership’s website (http://www.landandwaterpartnership.org/library.htm) may prove helpful.

• Vegetation management should be limited to the Human-altered Area of the property (immediately alongside roadways and trails, picnic areas and

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DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

fireplaces). No additional clearing or vegetation maintenance, with the exception of invasive species control, should take place in the Natural Area of the property. It is critically important to the health of the forest community and the wildlife using the forest that understory growth and dead wood be left in place.

Educational Use: Management of the property will seek to increase educational opportunities for school children, families, and adults.

• At least twice annually, a community educational event will be organized.

• A catalog of existing educational resources (such as the activities taking place at the community ‘Wilbour Woods Day’) should be incorporated into this Management Plan.

• Additional educational resources should be developed. There are many opportunities to develop partnerships and share information with existing environmental educators (see www.rieea.org ). Links with local school and scout groups are also desirable.

• Interpretive information about the natural resources and ecological communities of Wilbour Woods should be developed and made available to the public. There are many ways to provide additional educational information without posting new signage throughout the property. For instance, a single central kiosk could be designed or a self-guided informational tour developed that uses unobtrusive station markers with accompanying interpretive placards. Information could also be made available off-site in a central community location, at community events, or online.

Scenic & Historic Resource Conservation: Management of the property will seek to retain its scenic qualities and protect its historic and cultural resources.

• Interpretive information about the historic and cultural resources of Wilbour Woods should be developed and made available to the public. There are many ways to provide additional educational information without posting new signage throughout the property. For instance, a single central kiosk could be designed or a self-guided informational tour developed that uses unobtrusive station markers with an accompanying interpretive placards. Information could also be made available off-site in a central community location, at community events, or online. Developed for the Little Compton Garden Club by Carol Lynn Trocki, updated 3/2009 27

DRAFT Comprehensive Management Plan for Wilbour Woods, Little Compton, RI

• The use of educational, interpretive, and commemorative signage should be undertaken in a manner that preserves the scenic qualities of the property. Signs should be posted in a manner that does no harm to tree health.

Agricultural Resource Conservation: Management of the agricultural portion of the property will seek to maintain its farmland character. All agricultural use of the Premises should employ sound and prudent farming techniques, in accordance with Best Management Practices established by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the RIDEM.

• Agricultural fields will be mowed annually to maintain field characteristics.

Recommended Management Activities & Timeline

TO BE DEVELOPED BASED ON STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK

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