National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Taunton Wild and Scenic Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment June 2007

National Park Service 1

Taunton Wild and Scenic River Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment 2007

Prepared by National Park Service, Northeast Region

In Cooperation with: » Southeast Region Planning and Economic Development District » Taunton Wild and Scenic River Study Committee

Project Manager: Jamie Fosburgh, Program Manager, NER-Boston

Poject Team: Bill Napolitano Project Leader, SRPEDD Rachel Calabro Principal Author, Stewardship Plan, SRPEDD/ MA Riverways Nancy Durfee Outreach & Volunteers, SRPEDD Karen Porter & Maisy McDarby-Stanovich Mapping & Web Page, SRPEDD

Special Thanks: Jim Ross Chair, Taunton Wild and Scenic River Study Committee

Comments on this Draft Report can be sent to: Jamie Fosburgh National Park Service 15 State Street Boston MA 02109 (617) 223-5191 [email protected]

Please visit www.tauntonriver.org for more information and links related to the Wild and Scenic River Study, Wild and Scenic River Study Committee, Taunton River Stewardship Plan, and the Taunton River.

Companion Document: Taunton River Stewardship Plan, July 2005

Cover Photo: Rachel Calabro. Broad Cove, Dighton.

Table of Contents Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment

2-4 Summary of Findings

5-7 Chapter I. 5 Background and Need

8-14 Chapter II. 8 Eligibility and Classification Findings (The Affected Environment)

15-19 Chapter III. 15 Suitability Findings (Management Context)

20-25 Chapter IV. 20 Identification and Comparison of Alternatives

27-35 Maps 28-29 Study Area Map 30-31 Eligibility and Classification Findings 32-33 Alternative B: Full Designation 34-35 Alternative C: Designation to Steep Brook (N. Fall River)

36-88 Appendices 39-41 Appendix A: Study Bill 43-53 Appendix B: Lower Taunton Petition Letters 54-88 Appendix C: Study Press Summary of Findings Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment

Eligibility All 40 miles of the mainstem of the Taunton River have been found eligible for Wild and Scenic River designation based upon free- flowing condition and the presence of one or more outstandingly remarkable natural or cultural resource value. The eligible reach extends from the headwaters of the Taunton at the confluence of the Town and Matfield Rivers to Mt. Hope Bay at the US 195 Bridge in Fall River. Outstandingly remarkable values include fisheries; history and archaeology; ecology and biodiversity; and scenery and recreation.

Classification The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act provides for three possible classifications of eli- gible river segments: wild; scenic; and recreational. The criteria distinguishing these classifications are based on the degree of human modification of the river and its adjacent shorelines. Based upon the applicable criteria, the best classifications for Taunton River segments are as follows: “The eligible reach ex- tends from the headwa- SEGMENT CLASSIFICATION LENGTH ters of the Taunton at the Headwaters to Rte 24 in Raynham Scenic 18 mi confluence of the Town Rte 24 to .5 mi below Weir Bridge in Taunton Recreational 5 mi and Matfield Rivers to .5 mi below Weir Bridge to Muddy Cove in Dighton Scenic 8 mi Mt. Hope Bay at the US Muddy Cove to Rte 195 in Fall River Recreational 9 mi 195 Bridge in Fall River.”

Suitability The principal factors considered in de- Based on these factors, the entire main- termining suitability for designation are stem of the Taunton is deemed suitable discussed in Chapter III of this Report for designation. However, the potential and relate to the river area’s potential to development of the proposed Weaver’s be effectively managed and protected as Cove Liquified Natural Gas facility in a component of the national river sys- Fall River, could be in conflict with Wild tem. These include: adequacy of exist- and Scenic River designation of the low- ing and proposed protection measures; er-most portion of the Taunton River. adequacy of existing and proposed The Department of the Interior has ad- management framework; the presence dressed this project and its relationship or absence of local support; and the ef- to the potential Wild and Scenic River fects of designation. designation of the Taunton in letters of

2 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Summary of Findings

September 17, 2004 and July 5, 2005 on sible that the Weaver’s Cove LNG facility FERC’s Draft and Final Environmental will be approved based on conditions not Impact Statement (respectively), and in compatible with Wild and Scenic River letters dated September 22, 2004 and designation of the lower-most portion of February 7, 2006 to the U.S. Army Corps the Taunton River. of Engineers. Throughout this period, the Weaver’s Cove LNG project has con- Therefore, this Draft Report evalu- tinued to evolve. Most recently (after ates two Wild and Scenic River close of the Corps comment period on designation alternatives: Feb 8), the applicant announced plans to dramatically revise their proposal in fa- Alternative B: Designation of the En- vor of a new class of smaller LNG tanker tire Mainstem is identified as the Envi- ships. Such a project change would, in ronmentally Preferred Alternative. turn, likely change completely the scope and nature of potential environmental Alternative C: Designation of Main- impacts related to DOI’s principal area stem of the Taunton River from Headwa- of concern — dredging impacts to fisher- ters to Steep Brook in North Fall River is ies resources. identified as an appropriate designation alternative pending potential approval of Because this lower portion of the Taunton the Weaver’s Cove LNG facility with site was added to the Wild and Scenic River impacts not compatible with Wild and Study area based on community petition Scenic River designation. and requests from members of congress (rather than included in the original Taunton River study legislation), this portion is not sub- Stewardship Plan ject to the legislative interim protection The Taunton River Stewardship Plan is afforded Study Rivers. It is therefore pos- the most important product of the Wild

Photo: Joan Kimball. “Pudding Stone” on the .

Photo: Rachel Calabro. Assonet River, Assonet Village, Freetown.

National Park Service 3 Summary of Findings

Photo: Rachel Calabro. The Lower Taunton offers a wide variety of boating opportunities. and Scenic River Study. It was developed the Taunton River have voted (all but one through the efforts of the Study Com- unanimously) to support the Taunton mittee and presents a vision of the values River Stewardship Plan and Wild and for which the Taunton River is cherished, Scenic designation (Stewardship Plan, and of the strategies to better manage and Appendix D). The Taunton Wild and “Between November of protect these values. It has been exten- Scenic River Study Advisory Commit- sively reviewed by local and state stake- tee, representing the communities, state 2004 and July of 2005, holders represented on the Committee agency and non-governmental partners, the legislative bodies (including communities, state agencies, has also voted unanimously to recom- of all ten communities non-profit, and tribal stakeholders) as mend federal designation. Little or no abutting the mainstem of a draft, and was formally endorsed by opposition to designation has been all ten communities as noted below. It voiced as a part of the study or commu- the Taunton River have should be read as a companion docu- nity consideration process. voted (all but one unani- ment to the Study Report. The Study Re- mously) to support the port adds to the Stewardship Plan only www.Tauntonriver.org in the specific areas of Wild and Scenic Taunton River Steward- A special effort was made through this River Eligibility, Suitability, and Alterna- Wild and Scenic River Study to de- ship Plan and Wild and tives/Environmental Assessment — in all velop and maintain a website as an in- Scenic designation.” other areas, the more complete source is tegral aspect of the Study. A great deal the Stewardship Plan. of background information, research and study-related materials have been Support for Designation made available through the site, and it Between November of 2004 and July has functioned throughout the Study as of 2005, the legislative bodies of all ten an important component of public out- communities abutting the mainstem of reach and communication.

4 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Chapter I

Chapter I Background and Need

This chapter provides an Introduction to the Wild and Scenic Riv- ers Act and the Taunton River Study. It includes a review of the project’s history, the study strategy and process, the principal par- ticipants, and the major study products and accomplishments.

I.A To date, approximately 176 river seg- ments have been added to the national Background on system, totaling approximately 11,338 the Wild & Scenic river miles. Of the designated segments, Rivers Program only six are located in : the Farmington in Connecticut; the Al- Enacted in 1968, the National Wild lagash in Maine; the Wildcat and Lam- and Scenic Rivers Act (P.L. 90-542, as prey in New Hampshire; and the West- amended) was created to balance long- field and Concord-Sudbury-Assabet in standing federal policies promoting . One additional study is construction of dams, levees, and other ongoing in New England — the Eight- river development projects with one mile River in Connecticut. that would permanently preserve se- lected rivers, or river segments, in their Each river designated into the national free-flowing condition. Section 1(b) of system receives permanent protec- the Act states: tion from federally licensed or assisted dams, diversions, channelizations and It is hereby declared to be the policy other water projects that would have of the that certain se- a direct and adverse effect on its free- lected rivers of the Nation which, flowing condition and identified “out- with their immediate environments, standingly remarkable” resource values. possess outstandingly remarkable The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act explic- scenic, recreational, geologic, fish itly prohibits any new dam or other and wildlife, historic, cultural, or project licensed by the Federal Energy other similar values, shall be pre- Regulatory Commission (FERC) on or served in free-flowing condition, directly affecting a designated river seg- and that they and their immediate ment, and requires that all other pro- environments shall be protected for posed federally assisted water resource the benefit and enjoyment of present development projects in the area be and future generations. evaluated for their potential impacts on the river’s “outstandingly remarkable” The original Act designated eight rivers values and free-flowing condition. Any into the National Wild and Scenic Riv- project that would result in adverse ef- ers System, and specified processes by fects to the designated segment is pre- which other rivers could be added to cluded under the Act. the system.

National Park Service 5 Chapter I

This same protection is provided on a munities and the Southeast Regional temporary basis for rivers that are under Planning and Economic Development formal, legislatively authorized study for District (SRPEDD) called for consider- potential addition to the national sys- ation of the Upper Taunton as a National tem. The interim protection remains in Wild and Scenic River. Again in 1997, the place from the date of study authoriza- communities organized to pursue status tion until Congress makes a decision on as an American Heritage River. Both of whether or not to designate the river into these efforts are emblematic of the grow- the national system, or until three years ing community awareness of the Taunton after a final study report is transmitted and its special values. to Congress by the President, whichever comes first. Formal efforts to pursue a wild and scenic river study began as a direct outgrowth I.B of the unsuccessful American Heritage River campaign, and in October 2000, Taunton River the Upper Taunton Wild and Scenic Riv- “There is a long his- Study Background er Study Bill became law (Appendix A). tory of local inter- History Expansion of the Study Area There is a long history of local interest The Study Act directed the National est in protecting the in protecting the natural, cultural and Park Service to study the Upper Taunton natural, cultural and recreational values of the Taunton Riv- River from its headwaters at the conflu- er. As early as 1988, the Upper Taunton ence of the Town and Matfield Rivers recreational values of River Conservation and Management to the confluence of the in the Taunton River. ” Plan developed by the abutting com- Raynham. Shortly after enactment of the Study Bill, the National Park Service, with assistance from SRPEDD, formed a locally-based Upper Taunton Wild and Scenic River Study Committee including the communities of Halifax, Bridgewater, Middleborough, Raynham and Taunton. From the outset, representatives from the lower Taunton communities attended the monthly Committee meetings to request inclusion in the effort. By the winter of 2001/2002, the Lower Taunton com- munities of Taunton, Raynham, Berkley, Dighton, Somerset, Freetown and Fall River had formed a working group as-

Photo: Rachel Calabro. Forge River at sisted by Pat Rogers, head of the Taunton Rte 44, Raynham. Basin for the Commonwealth of Mas- sachusetts Watershed Initiative, to seek inclusion in the Wild and Scenic River Study.

As of September, 2002 all of the Lower Taunton communities had written letters Photo: Rachel Calabro. Kiosk at Johnson Pond Park, Raynham.

6 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Chapter I

requesting formal inclusion in the Study, a “Partnership” model that emphasizes and US Congressional Representatives local participation in the study process. Frank, McGovern and Lynch wrote to The centerpiece of this approach is the the National Park Service to request locally-based Study Committee, detailed formal extension of the Study Area (Ap- on page II of the Taunton River Steward- pendix B). After touring the Lower River ship Plan. Additional salient features of area with NPS regional and Washington this approach include: DC officials and considering budgetary and timing implications, the NPS ap- » A high emphasis on public education proved the extension and the Study Area and participation was expanded. » Reliance on local and state protections vs. federal Partnership Study Approach » No federal acquisition anticipated or The NPS approach to the Taunton Wild authorized and Scenic River Study is based on an » Development of a locally-based man- approach developed over the last 20 agement plan as a part of the study years in the northeast region through » Implementation of the Plan through a a succession of Wild and Scenic River locally-based committee structure studies and designations, including Wildcat Brook (NH); Farmington R This approach is more fully discussed in (CT); Great Egg Harbor R (NJ); Mau- the Introduction and Chapter VII of the rice R. (NJ); White Clay Creek (DE/PA); Taunton River Stewardship Plan. Lower Delaware R (NJ/PA); Lamprey R. (NH); Sudbury, Assabet & Concord R “The NPS approach to the Taunton Wild and Scenic River Study (MA). Each of these studies and subse- quent designations have been based on is based on an approach developed over the last 20 years.”

Photo: Rachel Calabro. Massachusetts Riverways measuring stream flow, Namasket River.

National Park Service 7 Chapter II Eligibility and Classification Findings (The Affected Environment)

The purpose of this chapter is to document National Park Service findings relative to: 1) the “outstandingly remarkable” natural and cultural resource values associated with the Taunton River study area; 2) the “free-flowing character” of study segment; and 3) pro- posed “classifications” under which eligible river segments could be included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

II.A. Eligibility & Classification Criteria “To be considered eli- The subsections below describe the relevant eligibility and classification criteria as set forth in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and in the USDA/USDI Interagency Guidelines gible for inclusion in for Eligibility, Classification, and Management of River Areas as published in the Fed- the National Wild and eral Register on September 7, 1982.

Scenic Rivers System a Outstandingly Remarkable Values river segment, together To be considered eligible for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Sys- with its adjacent lands, tem a river segment, together with its adjacent lands, must support one or more “outstandingly remarkable” natural, cultural, or recreational resource values. Such must support one or resource values must be directly related to, or dependant upon, the river. The more “outstandingly “outstandingly remarkable” threshold within the Act is designed to be interpreted through the professional judgement of the study team. remarkable” natural, cultural, or recreation- al resource values. ”

Photo: Rachel Calabro. , Dighton.

8 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Chapter II

The descriptions below provide examples to help interpret this “out- standingly remarkable” eligibility requirement.

Nationally Significant Resource Values Resource values which are nationally significant clearly meet the “outstandingly re- markable” threshold. A nationally significant resource would be rare or exemplary at a national scale. For example, a recreational boating experience which draws visi- tors from all over the nation would qualify as a nationally significant recreational re- source.

Regionally Significant Resource Values Based upon the desirability of protecting a regional diversity of rivers through the national system, a river segment may qualify based on regionally rare or exemplary re- source values. For example, a river segment which supports wildlife populations rare or endangered within a given region (New England or Massachusetts in this case) can qualify even if that population may not have clear “national” significance.

Resource Values Significant in Aggregate A river may qualify for a given resource value based upon an aggregate of important values, no one of which would confer eligibility standing alone. For example, a se- ries of unusual and distinctive river-related geologic features may together qualify a segment as exhibiting an “outstandingly remarkable geologic resource value” even though no one element meets the criteria alone.

Free-flowing Classification Criteria The Wild and Scenic Rivers System is de- The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act requires signed to protect only “free-flowing” riv- that all eligible or designated river seg- ers and streams that support qualifying ments be classified as Wild, Scenic, or resource value(s). The Act’s definition Recreational. These classifications are of “free-flowing” varies somewhat de- based solely on the amount of human pending upon the potential classification impact present at the time of classifica- of the river area under consideration. tion. The Act defines them as follows. Potential “Wild” and “Scenic” river seg- ments must exhibit essentially natural Wild river areas—Those rivers or sec- stream channels and may not be dammed tions of rivers that are free of impound- or impounded. “Recreational” river seg- ments and generally inaccessible except ments may be more impacted by chan- by trail, with watersheds or shorelines nel alterations and may include “some essentially primitive and waters unpol- existing impoundments, diversions, and luted. These represent vestiges of primi- other modifications of the waterway,” as tive America. long as the river remains “generally natu- ral and riverine in appearance.” Scenic river areas—Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of im- poundments, with shorelines or water- sheds still largely primitive and shore- lines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads.

National Park Service 9 Chapter II

Recreational river areas—Those riv- size Wild and Scenic River purposes. For ers or sections of rivers that are readily example, “hydrology” warrants specific accessible by road or railroad, that may recognition as an “outstandingly remark- have some development along their able” Wild and Scenic River value based shorelines, and that may have undergone on the specific purpose of the Wild and some impoundment or diversion in the Scenic Rivers Act to protect free-flow- past. ing character. Similarly, the communities and Study Committee recognize Agricul- II.B. ture within the corridor as a stand-alone value worthy of note, while, for Wild and Relationship to Taunton Scenic purposes, agriculture is more ap- River Stewardship Plan propriately a contributor to the open The Taunton River Stewardship Plan space, archeology, habitat diversity, sce- identifies six categories of outstanding nic and cultural values of the corridor. resources associated with the Taunton Similarly, the estuary value cited in the study area: Agriculture; Ecology and Bio- Stewardship Plan is recognized in the logical Diversity; Estuary; Fisheries and Fish and Ecology and Biological Diversi- “The Stewardship Aquatic Resources; History and Archeol- ty “outstandingly remarkable” Wild and Plan is the best over- ogy; and Scenery and Recreation. These Scenic River values. are the resources that were researched all expression of the and explored by the Study Committee, The Stewardship Plan is the best over- values associated and recognized and valued by the com- all expression of the values associated munities and the river stakeholders. with the Taunton River study area. The with the Taunton “outstandingly remarkable” values cited River study area. The “Outstandingly Remarkable” values below should be read as a way to charac- noted below are taken from the Steward- terize these values that is most consistent ship Plan and its research, but, in some with Wild and Scenic River purposes. cases are packaged differently to empha-

Photo: Historic cemetary, Freetown.

10 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Chapter II

Photo: Assonet River, floodstage. Photo: Rachel Calabro. Paynes Cove, Shores, Freetown.

II.C. free-flowing character is the foundation for many of the Taunton’s special values, Outstandingly Remark- ranging from colonial shipbuilding his- able Resource Values tory to anadromous fish and recreational This subsection describes the natural and boating value. Preservation of free-flow- “The Taunton River is cultural resource values supported by the ing condition is one of the principal Taunton River through the study area that purposes of the Wild and Scenic River one of Massachusetts’ are deemed to meet the “Outstandingly System, making this outstandingly re- and New England’s Remarkable” threshold. More detailed in- markable hydrologic value particularly formation on these resource values can be relevant to wild and scenic river eligibil- most significant anad- found in the Taunton River Stewardship ity. romous fish rivers.” Plan and on the Study web site, taunton- river.org. All of the resources cited contrib- Outstandingly Remarkable ute to the overall eligibility of the Taunton Value: Fish River. Not all river reaches in the study The Taunton River is one of Massa- area support all noted outstanding val- chusetts’ and New England’s most sig- ues, but there is no stretch of river which nificant anadromous fish rivers. It sup- does not contribute to the viability of the ports the state’s largest herring run. The whole. Taunton system supports anadromous and catadromous fish species including, Outstandingly Remarkable Value: alewife, blueback herring, American eel, Hydrology American shad, hickory shad, gizzard The entire 40 mile mainstem of the shad, rainbow smelt, white perch, striped Taunton River is undammed, making the bass, and the endangered Atlantic stur- Taunton the longest undammed main- geon. Significantly, these migratory fish stem coastal river in New England. This values of the Taunton have the potential

National Park Service 11 Chapter II

to be even much greater, given that his- ware to Maine. Fish, plant and animal re- torical habitat of numerous tributaries sources, including rare and endangered remain blocked by dams. Fisheries Re- species, as well as quantity and quality ource Map A on page 46 of the Taunton of habitat in general have been found ex- River Stewardship Plan shows existing ceptional. The undammed mainstem of and potential anadromous fish habitats. the Taunton is the centerpiece of this The Taunton River estuary also supports system. critical spawning and rearing habitat for many species of fish and shellfish, in- Outstandingly Remarkable Value: cluding winter flounder. The lack of a Scenery and Recreation “head of tide” dam allows these habitats The Taunton River is an outstanding and species to be fully connected, a rare flatwater boating recreational resource, occurance in New England and unique ideal for family-oriented day or over- among larger order coastal rivers. night outings. The upper Taunton, from the confluence of the Town and Matfield Outstandingly Remarkable Value: Rivers to the Rte 24 area offers intimate Ecology and canoeing and kayaking in a semi-wilder- Biological Diversity ness setting that provides outstanding The Taunton River is one of the most opportunities for birding, wildlife view- Photo: Broad Cove, Dighton. intact river ecosystems in New England ing, and exposure to diverse riparian and and supports multiple attributes ranked floodplain habitat types. Below Taunton, as global conservation targets. The cor- the River slowly transforms into a tidal ridor supports 31 distinct wildlife habi- estuarine habitat, again offering excep- tats, three globally rare plant species, tional small boating opportunities to the regionally significant freshwater and Berkely-Dighton Bridge and beyond. The “The Taunton brackish tidal marshes, and many rare lowermost portion of the river (Free- species of birds and amphibians. Seals town, Somerset and Fall River) opens River is one of are often found to the upper reaches of up to expansive views and more diverse the Taunton and its tributaries – a phe- boating opportunies, including sailing the most intact nomenon unique to the Taunton among and power boating. This lowermost por- Massachusetts Rivers. The Taunton Riv- tion exhibits a more developed character river ecosys- er estuary, mainstem and major tributar- than the other portions, but still supports tems in New ies have been found by the Nature Con- excellent recreational opportunities and servancy to be one of the most unique, access. The Commonwealth of Massa- England...” diverse, and intact ecological systems in chusetts’ Taunton Heritage River Map on the North Atlantic Ecoregion, from Dela- page 62/63 of the Taunton River Steward- ship Plan depicts some of the recreation features and access sites on the river (a statewide pilot effort to recognize and celebrate outstanding cultural and recre- ational river areas).

Outstandingly Remarkable Value: History and Archaeology The Taunton River corridor is one of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ most studied and recognized archaeological Photo: Rachel Calabro.. Historic arch bridge, Assonet River, 12 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Chapter II

resource areas for Native American ar- II.D. chaeology. Sites include the Titicut, Fort Hill, Taylor Farm and Seaver Farm sites. Free-Flowing The River itself offered outstanding fish, Determination shellfish and transportation opportuni- This subsection describes the free-flowing ties, while floodplains were ideally suited character of the study segment. to agricultural use and tributaries offered excellent opportunities for fish weirs and As described in the Hydrology sec- encampment sites. Many of these same tion above, the entire mainstem of the characteristics attracted early colonial Taunton River is free-flowing. The only settlers who found that the river offered significant modifications to the natural excellent opportunities to ship goods pro- river channel and river banks occurs in duced along its banks and on tributaries. the Fall River/Somerset portion of the Shipbuilding was one well known early River. In this area, there are substantial industry, with remnants of that industry portions of the riverbank that have been visible in many locations today, such as hardened with rip-rap and seawalls. the Titicut site in Bridgewater. Tributaries There is also an existing federal naviga- supported typical colonial New England tion channel and turning basin that ex- mill development, utilizing the Taunton tends up the Taunton River from Mt. for transportation. Later, Fall River took Hope Bay approximately 1.5 miles. The advantage of its location to surpass Low- existing channel and turning basin are ell as the nation’s largest textile produc- subject to maintenance dredging. Based ing center. The river also flourished as a upon these human channel modifica- Victorian era resort center focused on the tions, this portion of the Taunton River lower River. The rich and diverse history can only be considered to meet the “rec- Photo: Rachel Calabro. Battleship and archaeology of the Taunton River is reational” classification, under which Cover, Fall River. still being uncovered and documented by pre-existing channel modifications are active local historical societies and com- acceptable. missions, and a significant aspect of the Taunton River Stewardship Plan includes “The [Taunton] river also flourished as a Victorian recognition and celebration of important themes and sites. era resort center focused on the lower River.”

Photo: Rachel Calabro. Kayaker, Taunton River.

National Park Service 13 Chapter II

II.E. Proposed Classifications This subsection defines the proposed classifications for portions of the river found eligible for designation.

Segment 1: Confluence of the Town and Matfield Rivers to the Rte 24 Crossing in Raynham: Scenic This 18 mile segment of the Taunton River is remarkably wild in appearance, with only occasional human intrusions. There are three roadway bridges and some stretches where highway noise from routes 495 and 44 are noticeable. Overall, this section of- fers a feeling of seclusion and removal from human interference. The recommended classification for this segment is Scenic.

Segment 2: Rte 24 Crossing to .5 mi below the Weir Bridge in Taunton: Recreational Much of this segment of the River is closely paralleled by Route 44. Presence of paral- lel roads is one of the salient characteristics of a recreational river segment as defined in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The recommended classification for this river segment is Recreational.

Segment 3: .5 mi below Weir Bridge to Muddy Cove, Dighton: Scenic This segment returns to a wild and remote character, with few human intrusions. Near the bottom of this stretch of River occasional homes become visible, but they are generally setback from the river and not concentrated in a manner that detracts from the natural river setting. The recommended classification for this river segment is Scenic.

Segment 4: Muddy Cove to the Rte 195 Bridge in Fall River: Recreational This segment is chacterized by increasing riverfront development, including residen- tial and commercial/industrial uses. The west side of the river (Freetown/Fall River) remains relatively undeveloped as far south as Steep Brook in north Fall River, while the east bank is fairly heavily developed through much of the segment. Photo: Rachel Calabro. Taunton River, Somerset. South of Steep Brook, much of the west river bank is hardened by seawall/riprap, as are many areas on the east bank. This portion also includes channel modifications in the form of an existing federal navigation channel and turning basin, rendering this area only appropriate for consideration under the “recreational” classification. The recommended classification for this river segment is Recreational.

14 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Chapter III Suitability Findings (The Management Context)

This chapter states the study’s findings relative to Section 4(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act that requires the study report to detail the river’s suitability or non-suitability for national designation. The factors examined relate to the management context and the ability to effectively manage and protect the potential Wild and Sce- nic River Segments.

III.A. Principal Factors (2) whether there is an existing or pro- posed management framework that will of Suitability bring the key river interests together to For rivers such as the Taunton that flow work toward the ongoing protection of through predominantly private lands the river; and the National Park Service has identified several factors upon which the suitabil- (3) the strength of local support for riv- ity decision should be made: er protection and national designation; and (1) the adequacy of existing protection measures to conserve the river’s out- (4) the effects of designation on uses standing resources without the need for of the land, water base, and resources federal land acquisition or federal land associated with the river, the neighbor- management; ing communities, etc. (addressed under Chapter IV: Environmental assessment of Alternatives).

Photo: Taunton Green, Taunton.

National Park Service 15 Chapter III

Photo: Rachel Calabro. Agricultural lands like these in Middleborough, offer open vistas and important cultural value.

III.B. Existing Regula- Statutes directly implemented by the “Overall, the tory Protection Commonwealth include the Water Man- agement Act and Interbasin Transfer Act Taunton, as with Appendix A of the Taunton River Stew- which provide critical protection to in- rivers in Massa- ardship Plan Local Zoning and State stream flow by regulating withdrawals and Federal Programs for Protection of and interbasin transfers of water. chusetts in gener- Outstanding Values in the Taunton Wild and Scenic River Corridor contains a full Overall, the Taunton, as with rivers in al, are subject to a discussion of the various local, state and Massachusetts in general, are subject to federal programs that contribute to the a substantial level of existing resource substantial level of protection of the Taunton River and its protections, which, when combined existing resource resources. All of the affected communi- with the added statutory protections of ties have comprehensive local zoning Wild and Scenic River designation from protections...” ordinances. The local protection scheme adverse federal actions, is deemed a suf- is directly related to several key state ficient regulatory protection framework statutes that are implemented locally for Wild and Scenic River suitability. through community Conservation Com- missions, these include: III.C. Management

» Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Framework Act: provides critical protection for Chapters II, III and IV of the Taunton floodplains, wetlands and watercours- River Stewardship Plan detail the pro- es by restricting human alteration of posed management framework for these areas and a 100ft buffer zone. implementation of the river protection » Rivers Protection Act: establishes a strategies and the Wild and Scenic des- 200ft buffer zone around rivers and ignation in particular. The centerpiece perennial streams within which devel- of this framework is the creation of an opment is generally prohibited, and, advisory coordinating body: the Taunton where allowed due to lack of feasible River Stewardship Council. The makeup alternatives, must meet strict protec- of the Council is detailed in the Steward- tion standards.

16 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Chapter III

ship Plan, and includes identified com- River Stewardship Plan and Stewardship munity, non-governmental, and state Council, several additional initiatives and agencies. Each of the entities specified programs warrant mentioning as existing for inclusion on the Stewardship Council and future contributors to coordination has endorsed its membership and partic- and protection initiatives. ipation on the Stewardship Council, and most have supplied letters documenting The Commonwealth of Mas- support for the Plan and Council (Stew- sachusetts Heritage Rivers ardship Plan, Appendix D). Program Concurrent with conduct of the Wild The Stewardship Plan itself includes Ob- and Scenic River Study, the Taunton Riv- jectives and Action Strategies that have er was chosen as the focus of a new state been developed through a locally-based pilot program: the Taunton Heritage facilitation process, and each community River. Designed to celebrate and recog- has formally endorsed the Plan through nize outstanding natural, cultural and Town Meeting vote or City Council ac- recreation river attributes, the Heritage tion. This sort of management frame- River Program developed a site marker work has proven a successful coordina- program for the Taunton (see Steward- tion and implementation approach on ship Plan pgs 62-63), including a unify- the seven other northeast Wild and Sce- ing logo for heritage site identification. nic Rivers that are managed through a This pilot was successful, and its imple- similar scheme. mentation has been incorporated into the Taunton River Stewardship Plan. The III.D. Additional Sup- Commonwealth’s Riverways Program, porting Programs and which developed the Heritage River pi- lot, is a key state partner for the NPS on Initiatives the Taunton, as on the existing SuAsCo In addition to the direct management and Westfield Wild and Scenic Rivers in framework provided by the Taunton Massachusetts.

Photo: Rachel Calabro. , Halifax.

Photo: Rachel Calabro. The Taunton at Weir Village.

National Park Service 17 Chapter III

Sheehan Family Foundation’s outstanding examples of biological di- Taunton Watershed Cam- versity. TNC’s assessment found that the paign Taunton watershed is home to 42 ecore- In August 2005, the Sheehan Family gional target species. Based on these Foundation announced a focused grant findings, TNC has launched a protection campaign targeted toward the protection campaign targeted toward preservation of the Taunton’s outstanding resource of the special species and habitats of the values. Specifically citing the success of Taunton mainstem and tributaries, and the Wild and Scenic River study effort has joined the Taunton River Steward- and community votes in support of the ship Committee formed as an outgrowth Stewardship Plan, the Foundation an- of the Wild and Scenic River Study. nounced an initial $250,000 grant round targeted to environmental organizations Save the Bay— in the watershed. Estuary The Taunton is the largest contributor The Nature Conservancy of fresh water to the Narragansett Bay Taunton Watershed Focus Estuary—a connection that has been Area largely ignored for decades as the State of Rhode Island and Save the Bay have de- The lies with- veloped programs to protect and restore “The Taunton is the in the North Atlantic Coast ecoregion, Narragansett Bay. The Wild and Scenic which enompasses the coastal areas of Study has made a focus out of bridging largest contributor nine states from Delaware to Maine. this gap and supporting the concept of During the conduct of the Wild and Sce- of fresh water to a bi-state Narragansett Bay strategy. The nic Study, The Nature Conservancy com- Taunton River Stewardship Council was pleted its ecoregional assessment of the the Narragansett recently asked to join the editorial board North Atlantic Ecoregion and identified of the Narragansett Bay Journal, and Bay Estuary” the Taunton and six tributaries as focus Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay Com- areas for its long-term efforts to protect

Photo: Forge River stream team, Raynham.

Photo: Rachel Calabro. , Middleborough/Lakeville.

18 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Chapter III

mission has sought representation from ton, Somerset and Raynham are within SRPEDD—the coordinator of the Wild the CSP’s southeastern Massachusetts and Scenic Study effort and planning in priority area. the Taunton basin.

Commonwealth of Massa- III.E. Community Votes chusetts Comprehensive Ba- Between November 2004 and July sin Planning – Watershed Ac- 2005, all ten communities abutting the tion Plans Taunton River formally voted to sup- The Taunton River Basin is eligible for port the Taunton River Stewardship Plan funding from the Massachusetts Execu- and Wild and Scenic Designation of the tive Office of Environmental Affairs ( Taunton. The eight towns voted through EOEA ), to develop a five – year Water- Town Meeting and the cities of Taunton Photo: Segreganset River Dam, shed Action Plan (WAP) during Fiscal and Fall River through City Council ac- Dighton. Year 2006. The WAP will provide guid- tion. All of the votes were unanimous ex- ance for state and local environmental cept for Berkley, where a few votes were activities within theTaunton River Wa- recorded in opposition. tershed, during the years 2007 – 2012, with regard to addressing issues such as Each of the resolutions is similar to pollution prevention, community pres- the following sample: ervation, biodiversity, watershed protec- tion and restoration, and environmental That the Town endorse the Taunton education. River Stewardship Plan developed by the Taunton Wild and Scenic United States Department of Study Committee, together with its Agriculture, Natural Resource recommendation to seek Wild and Conservation Service, Con- Scenic River designation through servation Security Program act of the United States Congress. (CSP) CSP supports ongoing conservation Documentation of these votes is found in stewardship of agricultural lands by pro- Appendix D of the Stewardship Plan. No viding assistance to producers to main- significant opposition to designation was tain and enhance natural resources. CSP voiced in any community or by any other is a voluntary program that provides fi- parties in the substantial public review nancial and technical assistance to pro- processes of developing the Stewardship mote the conservation and improvement Plan and taking it forward as a Draft for of soil, water, air quality, energy, and community review. plant and animal life on working lands. Working lands include cropland, grass- land, prairie land, improved pasture, III.F. Effects of rangeland, and forested land that is an Designation incidental part of an agricultural opera- In order to assess the effects of designa- tion. tion, two designation alternatives have been developed, and are compared to a In the Taunton River Watershed, the City non-designation alternative in Chapter of Taunton and Towns of Berkley, Digh- IV (below).

National Park Service 19 Chapter IV Identification and Comparison of Alternatives

This chapter considers several possible alternative actions result- ing from the findings of the Taunton Wild and Scenic River Study, and selects the Environmentally Preferred Alternative.

IV.A. Identification of IV. B. Comparison of Alternatives Alternatives

Alternative A. No Action Methodology This alternative would maintain exist- The impacts of the alternatives are es- ing state and local controls for resource timated based on professional experi- protection on the Taunton River. ence related to similar designations in the northeast region. During the past Alternative B. Designation of the two decades 7 National Wild and Scenic entire 40 mile mainstem of the Rivers have been designated based on Taunton River. the “Partnership Wild and Scenic Riv- This alternative would maximize pro- ers” model proposed for the Taunton tection of the free-flowing condition River. and outstandingly remarkable natural and cultural resource values, and would Timing and Intensity best match community and river stake- of Impacts holder expectations. Experience with these designations has shown that designation itself does not Alternative C. Designation of the create any immediate impacts, and little Mainstem of the Taunton River or no short-term impacts. Impacts are from Headwaters to Steep Brook long-term and incremental, based on a in North Fall River. higher standard of scrutiny to permit- This alternative would not restrict ex- ted projects that could harm outstand- pansion of the existing federal naviga- ingly remarkable resource values, and tion channel and turning basin or site due to increased funding and attention development associated with large scale paid to enhancement activities related development of Fall River’s waterfront, to these values. The only exception to such as currently proposed for the this general rule is in the case of a ma- Weaver’s Cove LNG terminal. jor federal water resource development project – usually hydroelectric develop- ment – that would be precluded by the designation.

20 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Chapter IV

In the case of the Taunton River, such a significant, immediate impact could pos- sibly exist in relation to the proposed Weaver’s Cove LNG project, though the evolving nature of that proposal makes an analysis of this potential difference impossible at this time.

Photo: Rachel Calabro. Dams such as these (above and below) on the , block fish runs on numerous tributaries of the Taunton.

National Park Service 21 Chapter IV

Comparison of Alternatives and Likely Impacts

Description of Alternative Impacts on Free-Flowing Character Alternative A: No Action Alternative A: No Action (cont.) Under this alternative, no portion of the Taunton would be designated This alternative would provide no additional protection (be- as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system. The yond existing state and federal project review/permitting existing local, state and federal river management and protection programs) to the free-flowing character of the Taunton River. context would be unchanged. It is possible that the Taunton River Federally assisted projects that could alter the free-flow of the Stewardship Plan prepared as a part of the study would be utilized by river and its undisturbed shoreline areas would not be subject existing river stakeholders to guide future river management and pro- tection efforts. However, the absence of the federal designation and to Wild and Scenic River review. Over time a slow deteriora- anticipated federal support for the Plan and its implementation would tion of natural stream channel conditions might occur due to likely mean that the Plan and its implementation would be utilized to potential increased levels of bank hardening, channelization, a much lesser extent than if designation were to occur. Similarly, it is or other modifications. Since most, and perhaps all, projects possible that some other entity (rather than the National Park service) posing a threat to free-flowing condition require federal assis- might organize, convene and support the Taunton River Stewardship tance/ permitting, this lack of protection could be significant Council charged with overseeing implementation of the Plan. The like- over time. lihood is, however, that this will not happen, and that, the Steward- ship Council will not be a significant long-term factor in the absence of federal designation.

Alternative B: Alternative B: Designate Entire Mainstem (cont.) Designation of the Entire Mainstem This alternative would provide maximum protection to the Under this alternative, the entire mainstem of the Taunton would be free-flowing condition of the Taunton River by providing the designated as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers protections of Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to System. This alternative would best match the desires of the com- the entire mainstem. Previous alterations to the stream chan- munities (all ten of which have voted to seek federal designation) and nel and bank, including the existing federal navigation chan- other river stakeholders convened as a part of the Study. The entire nel and streambank hardening present on the lower-most river would be subject to the additional protections of the federal des- ignation. The National Park Service would support the Taunton River portion of the River (Fall River/ Somerset) would remain, but Stewardship Council, ensuring that this oversight and coordination expansion would be subject to Section 7 review to avoid nega- body exists and functions to stimulate implementation of the Taunton tive impacts to free-flowing character and “outstandingly re- River Stewardship Plan. Federal funding (subject to congressional ap- markable” values. The continued vigilance and oversight of propriations) would be available to assist the Stewardship Council and the Taunton River Stewardship Council would also influence its member institutions in Plan implementation. local and state river stakeholders to implement their programs in a resource-protective manner.

Alternative C: Designation of the Mainstem from head- Alternative C: Partial Designation (cont.) waters to Steep Brook in north Fall River This alternative would exclude the lower-most portion of the This alternative is similar to Alternative B, except that the lower-most river (below Steep Brook in Fall River/Somerset) from Wild and portion of the Taunton (from Steep Brook in north Fall River down- Scenic Section 7 review (other than review necessary to pro- stream to the 195 bridge) would not be included in the designation. tect upstream Wild and Scenic values). This portion of the river Federal support for the Taunton River Stewardship Council and Plan has the highest degree of past modifications (bank harden- implementation would be similar to Alternative B. The absence of ing, federal navigation channel) and is currently the subject of the federal designation on the lower-most portion of the River would mean that this area would not receive the direct protections of the a proposal to expand the existing federal navigation channel federal designation. “Federally assisted water resource development and turning basin (and perform other fill/streambank modi- projects” would only be reviewed to ensure protection of upriver val- fications). Lack of direct Wild and Scenic review on this sec- ues. This portion of the Taunton River exhibits the highest previous tion would provide a lower standard of protection, making (existing) level of stream channel and streambank alteration on the adverse impacts to river channel and streambank conditions mainstem Taunton, including an existing federal navigation channel more likely over time. and turning basin, and streambank hardening (riprap, bulkheading).

22 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Chapter IV

Impacts on Protection of Identified Impacts on Socio Outstandingly Remarkable Values Economic Values Anticipated Costs Alternative A: No Action (cont.) Alternative A: No Action (cont.) Alternative A: No Action (cont.) This alternative would provide no increased protection Under Alternative A only slight, long-term There are no direct costs associated with to identified outstandingly remarkable natural, cultural impacts to socio economic values could be this alternative. Over the long-term, and recreational values. The increased scrutiny afford- anticipated relative to designation scenarios. however, there could be substantial ed by the direct application of Section 7 of the Wild The lack of increased recognition and pro- indirect costs if important river values, and Scenic Rivers Act would not be in effect for federal tection to the Taunton River might, over the including water quality and identified projects. In addition, the increased scrutiny likely for long term cause an erosion of quality of life, outstandingly remarkable values, are al- other federally funded or assisted projects (non-water home prices and related values if degradation lowed to deteriorate. resource development projects) that could be expected of the river and its values were to occur. The through required NEPA processes would not include proactive strategies of the Stewardship Plan Alternative B: recognition and protection of federal Wild and Scenic aimed at maximizing the Taunton’s natural, Designate Entire Mainstem (cont.) River “outstandingly remarkable values.” Similarly, the cultural and recreational values to the abut- Alt B: Designate Entire Mainstem (cont) likely lack of oversight and project scrutiny applied to ting communities would see less implemen- Direct costs of this alternative to the non-federal projects (state, local) through the Steward- tation, thus reducing, over time, the value of federal government may be anticipated ship Council, would erode local, state efforts to protect these resources to the community. to be comparable to the direct costs of identified natural, cultural, and recreational values. The similar designations in the NPS’ North- action programs contained on the Stewardship Plan to Alternative B: east Region. In FY05 and FY06, con- promote protection and enhancement of river values Designate Entire Mainstem (cont.) gressional appropriations through the would likely not be implemented without the designa- Alternative B would maximize the natural, National Park Service operating budget tion, further leading to a long-term deterioration of cultural and recreational resource values of approximated $150,000 for each of identified “outstandingly remarkable” values. the Taunton River as community-based val- seven designated “Partnership National ues, consistent with near unanimous senti- Wild and Scenic Rivers”. Some direct Alternative B: Designate Entire Mainstem (cont.) ment expressed by local citizens. Over time and indirect costs may also accrue to Alternative B would provide the highest degree of pro- it would be reasonable to expect that quality State agencies and non-governmental tection to identified “outstandingly remarkable values” of life values, home prices and similar socio- organizations partnering with the NPS by including the entire mainstem in the designation. economic standards might be preserved or through the Stewardship Council, as Federally assisted water resource development projects increased through such efforts. High quality, they devote increased resources toward that would adversely affect identified values would be protected river resources have been shown the Taunton as compared to the no ac- prohibited. NEPA review processes for federally funded in numerous studies to have such positive tion alternative. Local communities’ di- or assisted non water resource projects would need to economic community benefits. There could rect involvement is expected to be all- weigh impacts on the identified outstandingly remark- be some long-term shift in the nature, type, volunteer, while indirect costs may be able values, and National Park Service would comment or density of adjacent land uses, for example accrued through projects undertaken in through federal agency review processes to ensure this in the lower-most river section (below Steep partnership with the NPS and Steward- consideration. The positive impacts of the Stewardship Brook) where increased scrutiny of federally- ship Council. Indirect costs through in- Plan and Stewardship Council would be maximized assisted water resource development projects creased attention to preservation of river for the entire mainstem regarding non federal projects (including expansion of the federal naviga- values can already be seen, as noted in and resource value enhancement opportunities. tion channel, etc.) might reasonably be ex- Chapter III of this Report. pected to limit the scope of certain types of Alternative C: Partial Designation (cont.) riverfront development. Alternative C: Alternative C would exclude the lower-most portion of Partial Designation (cont.) the Taunton from direct protection of identified out- Alternative C: Partial Designation (cont.) Direct and indirect costs associated standingly remarkable values. Potentially adverse fed- Alternative C would have a similar socio eco- with this alternative should be similar to erally assisted water resource projects that do not “in- nomic impact to Alternative B, except that those observed in Alternative B. Some vade or unreasonably diminish” upriver values could the lower-most portion of the River would be likely difference would emerge over the not be prohibited by Wild and Scenic review. Site spe- less subject natural and cultural resource pro- long term due to the exclusion of the cific values of the estuary, scenic and recreational attri- tection and enhancement activities, and less lower-most portion of the river from butes of this lower-most segment would also not ben- subject to federal project scrutiny. It is reason- designation. Resource degradation in efit from heightened NEPA review of federal agencies. able to expect that, in these portions of Som- this area could have long-term negative Non federal projects posing a threat to outstanding erset and Fall River, less emphasis on natural, costs associated with it. Somerset and resource values would likewise receive less site-spe- cultural, and recreation resource values may Fall River would still participate in the cific scrutiny on this lower-most river segment. Wild occur, contrary to expressed local sentiment. Stewardship Council and efforts to im- and scenic enhancement projects of the Stewardship Community desires to enhance such values plement the Stewardship Plan, as would Council and Stewardship Plan would similarly receive may go unmet. Large commercial/industrial all of the other partner organizations an anticipated reduction in emphasis for this lower- development dependant on federal water and agencies, making these associated most segment, though Fall River and Somerset could resources development permitting/assistance direct and indirect costs very similar to still bring such projects forward through the Steward- (for example, expansion of the federal navi- Alternative B. ship Council. gation channel/turning basin) would receive less scrutiny than under Alternative B. Efforts to develop waterfront parks, recreational ac- cess and lower impact development/re-de- velopment would receive less emphasis. National Park Service 23 Chapter IV

IV.C. Evaluation of natural, cultural, and recreation resource values. Alternative B would limit expan- Alternatives sion of the existing federal navigation channel/turning basin through review of Alternative A: No Action federally-assisted water resource devel- Alternative A fails to fully support pro- opment projects. This alternative is most tection and enhancement of the special consistent with community votes to sup- natural, cultural and recreation resource port the Taunton River Stewardship Plan values of the Taunton River. This alterna- and federal Wild and Scenic designation. tive would allow for the possibility of a Inclusion of the segment below Steep slow loss of these values, contrary to the Brook would mean federal Wild and Sce- strongly expressed desires of adjacent nic designation of a heavily urbanized communities and other river stakehold- river area exhibiting past channel and ers. Quality of life values may decline streambank modifications not typical under this alternative along with the of federally designated Wild and Scenic special river values. No corresponding River areas. This portion could therefore advantages to the No Action alternative only be considered for potential “recre- are known, other than a slight savings in ational” classification under the Act. financial expenditures and human capi- tal devoted to the river and its protection Alternative C: Designation of the which would likely be more than offset Mainstem from headwaters to Steep by resource value losses. Brook in north Fall River Alternative C is less protective of the free- Alternative B: flowing character and “outstandingly Designation of the Entire Mainstem of the Taunton River remarkable” natural, cultural and recre- ational resource values than Alternative Alternative B is the most protective of B by not providing increased protection the free flowing character of the Taunton and enhancement of resource values to River and protection and enhancement the lower-most segment of the Taunton of identified outstandingly remarkable

Photo: Historic Berkley-Dighton Bridge.

Photo: Taunton River Estuary, Fall River.

24 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Chapter IV

River in their own right. This Alternative Environmentally Pre- does not meet community expectations and desires in this regard as expressed ferred Alternative through Town Meeting and City Coun- Alternative B: cil action, as well as citizen/commu- Designation of the Entire Mainstem of nity input received throughout the Wild the Taunton River is selected as the En- and Scenic River study. This alternative vironmentally Preferred Alternative. would exclude from designation an area of the river which, though it meets eligi- » This alternative best matches local bility and suitability criteria for designa- community and river stakeholder ex- tion, is atypical from Wild and Scenic pressed desires; River norms and past precedents regard- » This alternative provides the strongest ing nature and intensity of past land uses protection to the free-flowing charac- and stream channel/streambank modifi- ter and outstandingly remarkable re- cations. source values of the Taunton River; IV.D. Selection of the » This alternative provides the clearest and most consistent support for the Taunton River Stewardship Plan and Taunton River Stewardship Council; » This alternative supports the stated “This alternative [al- goals and objectives of the City of Fall River and the Town of Somerset re- garding the question of designation for ternative B] provides the lower-most portion of the river; » Any inconsistency with past prec- the strongest protec- edents of designation regarding adja- cent land uses and stream channel im- tion to the free-flow- pacts on the lower-most segment are more than offset by the environmental ing character and benefits associated with this alterna- tive as compared to alternative C. outstandingly remark- able resource values of the Taunton River;”

Photo: Forge River stream team.

National Park Service 25 26 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Maps Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment

28-29 Study Area Map 30-31 Eligibility and Classification Findings 32-33 Alternative B: Full Designation 34-35 Alternative C: Designation to Steep Brook (N. Fall River)

National Park Service 27 28 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Maps

STUDY AREA MAP National Park Service 29 30 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Maps

ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATION FINDINGS National Park Service 31 32 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment ALTERNATIVE B: Maps

FULL DESIGNATION National Park Service 33 34 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment ALTERNATIVE C: Maps

DESIGNATION TO STEEP BROOK (N. FALL RIVER) National Park Service 35 36 Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment Appendices Taunton Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Draft Report and Environmental Assessment

39-41 Appendix A: Study Bill 43-53 Appendix B: Lower Taunton Petition Letters 55-88 Appendix C: Study Press

The appendices has been omitted from the web version of this assessment in order to descrease file size and optimize download speed. If you would like to receieve a hard copy of this draft, please contact:

Jamie Fosburgh National Park Service 15 State Street Boston MA 02109 (617) 223-5191 [email protected]

National Park Service 37 National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

National Park Service Northeast Region 15 State Street Boston, MA 03109-3572 tel. 617-233-5051