CHAPTER 3

Natural Resources long the Scenic Byway lies a wealth of important natural resources. Among these resources are: the Deerfield and Hoosic Rivers, which contain important trout habitat; the Glacial Potholes in ShelburneA Falls, one of the largest collection of such potholes in the country; the Natural Bridge in North Adams, the only bridge in North America created by the erosive forces of water; and miles of northern hardwood forests along the Byway corridor, including old growth forests in the Mohawk Trail State Forest. The Byway also includes other geologic, flora and fauna, water resources that help make the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway experience unique. The corridor’s natural resources contribute to the dramatic scenery viewed from the Byway, and attract recreational tourists seeking to experience the corridor’s wildness. This chapter of the Corridor Management Plan provides a gen- eral inventory and overview of the Byway’s natural resources, in- cluding its geology, soils, water resources, and rare species habitat areas. The purpose is to highlight the Byway’s primary natural and environmental assets. The chapter also discusses potential issues that could affect the quality of these resources over time, especially if the Byway experiences an increase in tourist and vehicle traffic. The chapter closes with a series of recommendations for protect- ing, maintaining, and enhancing the Byway’s natural resources.

ago, a period of mountain building Geologic Resources (also known as an orogeny) called the Taconic Orogeny created the Taconic Geologic History Hills of western Berkshire County. During this period, bedrock and sedi- The formation of the Byway landscape ment deposits of the warm sea were began approximately six-hundred mil- pushed westward and inland. lion years ago. During that time, the During a second period of mountain region now occupied by Berkshire and building, the Acadian Orogeny, the Franklin Counties was located south earth’s crust was thrust westward ever of the equator, and lay submerged at further, creating the northern Appala- the tropical edge of North America chian Mountains. Rocks from a dis- under the warm sea that preceded what tance away were folded up against the is now the Atlantic Ocean. Over the already existing rocks, buckling like a next several hundred million years, the rug. Entire rock formations fractured processes of plate tectonics pushed and cracked, creating shear zones run- several land masses into the eastern ning north-south along Berkshire edge of North America, creating new County. Older ocean bedrock was mountains with each impact. Begin- thrust upward over younger rocks also ning approximately 500 million years derived from ocean sediments. The ef-

26 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY fect of these stresses was to transform Geology Today the tropical marine sedimentary layers Traveling along the Mohawk Trail to- into metaphoric rocks, including day, the region’s varied geology can be 1 gneisses, schists, and slates. Today, seen from a number of locations. Leav- 2 caps of phyllite and schist protect the ing Greenfield, traveling west, the By- Taconic Hills, and caps of schist and way begins a long ascent around gneiss cover the Berkshire Highlands. Greenfield Mountain. The man-made Softer limestones, marble, and dolo- Longview Tower, located along this mites (which resemble limestone) are climb, provides scenic views of the folded in amongst these harder rocks. Valley and its geo- The Connecticut River Valley, to the logic past. To the east of the tower, lies east of the Berkshire Hills, was formed ridges of dark grey volcanic rock in the approximately 200 million years ago, af- valley, and near the tower, roadcuts re- ter the Taconic and Berkshire Hills. The veal an outcrop of schist. West of the Connecticut River Valley was created as tower, the Mohawk Trail travels preexisting rocks in the region stressed around the north side of Greenfield and pulled apart, opening up a fault be- Mountain, which is comprised prima- tween the rocks. Rivers washed large rily of gray Gile Mountain schist and amounts of sediment into the Connecti- metamorphic amphibolites, made up cut River Valley; in the Greenfield– of minerals rich in iron, calcium, and Montague part of the Valley, about 6,000 sodium (Skehan, 2001). feet of sediment remain today. As with Between Greenfield and Charlemont, the hills to the west, the Connecticut the Mohawk Trail crosses over complex, River Valley ridges initially grew as folded schists. Gneiss forms the core of stresses pushed rocks upward, and then the Shelburne Falls dome, and of the gla- softened as glacial movements and cial potholes located below the Salmon weathering eroded the Valley’s edges. Falls. The potholes in Shelburne Falls are The mountain ranges created during the one of the largest known concentrations ancient mountain building periods are of glacial potholes in the country. The believed to have once been 20,000 feet more than fifty potholes, ranging in size high. However, the combined effects of from six inches to thirty-nine feet, were weathering, river systems, and glacial formed by the whirlpool action of water movement have softened these moun- and gyrating stones during the glacial age. tains into hills that are now generally They were created beginning 14,000 years 2,000 to 3,000 feet high. Also, over time, ago, when flooding and receding waters mountain streams have carved sharp ra- of the eroded the under- vines through bedrock faults running lying gneiss rocks, and have continued to down the harder metaphoric rocks form and change ever since. (phyllites, schists and gneisses) that Traveling from east to west along the make up the ridges along the Byway. Byway between the Charlemont fault and Whitcomb Summit, one passes 1 Gneiss is a light and dark, medium to coarse- grained metamorphic rock characterized by through three distinct geologic forma- compositional banding of light and dark min- tions, all of which can be seen from the erals. Schist is a light, coarse to very coarse- roadway. They are the dark green grained, strongly to very strongly layered metamorphic rock whose layering is typically Hawley volcanic rocks, the gray defined by parallel alignment of micas. Slate is Moretown schist, and the emerald a slightly metamorphosed shale or mudstone green Rowe schist (Skehan, 2001). that breaks easily along parallel surfaces (Skehan, 2001). Moving further west along the Scenic 2 Phyllite is a metaphoric rock intermediate in Byway, one sees Hoosac schist from the grade (and grain size) between a slate and a West Summit Overlook, and at the schist(Skehan, 2001).

CHAPTER 3: Natural Resources 27 Ice clings to the Hoosac schist seen at the Hairpin Turn, Florida. Hairpin Turn on the Clarksburg-North provided numerous opportunities for Adams town border. To create the road- the mining of marble and limestone. Sev- way here, several hundred feet of bed- eral marble and limestone quarries once rock were blasted open, exposing the thrived throughout Berkshire County, thin layers of schist with scattered veins and Specialty Minerals Inc. continues to of quartz. This rock was formed from mine limestone in Adams today. One sediment deposits laid upon the conti- fine example of an abandoned marble nental shelf of ancient America. mine can be seen at Natural Bridge State The ancient carved a Park, in North Adams. The quarry is ad- valley through the softer marbles and jacent to the Natural Bridge, a geological limestones at the western end of the formation which is the only bridge in Byway. Glacial ice smoothed the hills North America created by the erosive and widened the river valley, grinding, forces of water. The exposed bedrock mixing and depositing debris as suc- near the bridge is Stockbridge marble, a cessive ice sheets advanced and re- light grey stone that was formed over treated in a north-south direction over 500 million years ago. The bridge itself, many thousands of years. Shore depos- however, is estimated to be only 10,000 its from a large glacial lake that once years old, and was created during the last submerged the Hoosic and Green Ice Age. In the past, Hudson Brook, River Valleys, and from more recent which previously ran higher and stron- flood deposits from the rivers them- ger, carved out a 475-foot long by 60- selves, have left rich alluvial soils along foot deep chasm through the marble. the valley floors. A patchwork of agri- The brook flows easier now, having cultural fields still exists along the carved only about one extra foot deeper wavy hills and lowlands of the valleys, in the last 8,000 or 9,000 years (Plante, as one can see from several vantage 2000). The brook also sculpts potholes points along the Byway. in the marble as the water swirls down- The softer deposits that once lay on ward. The 30-foot Natural Bridge and the floor of the ancient warm sea later associated walkways offer “an intimate

28 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY yet safe look at the tremendous power of flowing water” (Laubach, 1992). Soils The characteristics of the different types of soils along the Mohawk Trail Byway dic- tate the type of activity and development that can reasonably take place there. The soil types found along the Byway corridor occur in natural groups know as soil asso- ciations. This section provides an overview of the soil associations found along the By- way, traveling from east to west. The Colrain-Buckland Association is the major soil group along the segment of the Byway between Greenfield and the Deerfield River. These soils are generally shallow to bedrock, rocky, and moder- ately acidic. They are present on rolling to steep hills, are moderately to very perme- able and loamy, and are often stony. These A view of the Hall Tavern Farm soils are most suited for recreational the Franklin County portion of the located on the Mohawk Trail development and wildlife habitats. More Byway, compared with other sections Scenic Byway in Charlemont intensive development in this section is of the Byway, this segment has a mod- limited by steep slopes and the soil’s erately high concentration of prime rocky, stony characteristics. farmland soils. Prime farmland soils The soils change in the Deerfield Val- are those soils that have the best com- ley, along the Deerfield River. Along the bination of physical and chemical char- river, the predominant soil group is the acteristics for producing food, feed, Merrimac-Ondawa Association. These and fiber crops. They also have the soil soils are strongly acid and loamy. They quality, growing season, and moisture are found on level to gently sloping supply needed to economically and land, in terraced areas, including the sustainably produce high crop yields. floodplain, and are very permeable. According to a U.S. Department of Development on these soils is limited Agriculture map of the Important in floodplain areas. Because of their Farmlands in Franklin County (1979), characteristics, these soils are well the greatest concentration of prime suited as potential sources of water for farmland soils in the Byway corridor commercial, residential, or municipal occurs along the Deerfield River in uses. However, due to the soils’ perme- Buckland and Charlemont, within a ability, any wells in this area must be lo- quarter-mile of the Scenic Byway cated far enough away from potential (Route 2). Within the Franklin County sources of pollution, including septic portion of the Byway corridor, much of systems, to avoid contamination. the land with prime farmland soils is Colrain, Buckland, Merrimac, and currently used for agriculture. Overall, Ondawa soils have all been identified 15 percent of the Shelburne section of as being prime farmland soils, which the Byway corridor, 12 percent of the are ideal for growing crops. Since, as Buckland portion, and 13 percent of the discussed above, the Colrain-Buckland Charlemont section presently has agri- and Merrimac-Ondawa Associations cultural land uses. Some of the current are the predominant soil groups along farmland has prime farmland soils. It is

CHAPTER 3: Natural Resources 29 important that the areas with high qual- for camping, and the steep slopes re- ity farming soils are identified and pro- strict trail creation. tected for future agricultural use. There is a change in soils once again The Agricultural Preservation Restric- with the descent into the lower eleva- MAJOR FINDING tion (APR) program is one mechanism tions of the Hoosic River Valley. The soils along for permanently protecting prime farm- Copake-Urban land soils, which are fine land from development. The APR Pro- sandy loams, predominate along the the Deerfield gram is a statewide program run through river in North Adams. These soils are River in Franklin the Department of Food deep, excessively drained soils on glacial County are prime and Agriculture that purchases the outwash terraces, with few limitations agricultural development rights of farmland on a vol- on development. Moving farther west, resources. untary basis. Under this program, land- the Stockbridge Association soils, which owners retain ownership of the land and are gravely silty loams on drumloids or the right to farm the land, while receiv- glacial till, predominate along the river in ing payments for the difference between Williamstown. The permeability of these the “fair market value” and the “agricul- soils is moderate in the upper layers and tural value” of their farmland in ex- slow in the lower layers, which may im- change for permanently restricting the pede septic system function. These soils land from development. are well suited to cultivated crops and, Another mechanism for protecting except for permeability, pose few limita- farmland is the statewide Chapter 61A tions to development. program, which temporarily restricts de- velopment on land in the program in ex- change for reduced property taxes. The APR and Chapter 61A programs, and Water Resources the importance of protecting farmland The Mohawk Trail region is blessed with from development, are discussed further an abundance of relatively clean and clear in the Land Use and Zoning chapter. water resources. These valuable re- As the Byway separates from the sources provide water for drinking and Deerfield River and heads into Berk- for energy production, and also offer shire County, the predominant soil communities a source of revenue by at- characteristics change. The Tunbridge- tracting outdoor recreational tourism. Lyman Association is the major soil The Scenic Byway travels through both group found along the highlands of the the Deerfield River and Hoosic River Byway in the communities of Florida Watersheds, and crosses these rivers and and eastern North Adams. These soils their tributaries several times. Going are shallow to bedrock and extremely from east to west, the Byway first runs stony, with frequent rock outcrops. along the Deerfield River in Shelburne, Permeability in these soils is moderate Buckland and Charlemont, then along to moderately rapid, and on south-fac- the Cold River in Charlemont, Savoy ing slopes, the soils tend to be prone to and Florida. In Florida, the Byway drought. Depending on the type of crosses into the Hoosic River Watershed forest cover, the acidity of the soil can and parallels the river through North be moderate to extreme. This area has Adams and Williamstown. large amounts of recreational and state forest lands. However, recreational Rivers and streams development in this section of the By- The Scenic Byway corridor contains a way corridor is constrained by soil and number of significant water resources, slope constraints: the area’s shallow including rivers and tributaries. The depth to bedrock and steep slopes re- Deerfield River is generally considered strict septic system locations and areas

30 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY A view of the Deerfield River to be one of the most pristine rivers in potentially adverse impacts on the in Charlemont Massachusetts, and is home to a large Byway’s natural resources. variety of aquatic and wildlife species. Starting from Greenfield, the Mohawk There is an Atlantic Salmon restoration Trail maintains a steady ascent around program that annually stocks almost 1 Greenfield Mountain. Near the beginning million Salmon Fry (baby Salmon) into of this climb, the Byway passes over many tributaries of the Deerfield River. Wheeler Brook, a tributary of the Green Further, a number of streams and River that drains into the Deerfield River. stretches of river in both the Deerfield Traveling past Greenfield Mountain, the River and Hoosic River Watersheds are Byway crosses over Allen Brook, a tribu- known for their excellent trout fishing tary to the Green River and subsequently, opportunities. With the exception of a major tributary to the Deerfield. The the Main Stem Hoosic River, all of the Byway then drops into the Deerfield main streams and rivers crossed by the River Valley. Byway are classified as cold water fish- Once in the Deerfield River Valley, the eries. Trout require cold, clean water to Byway corridor first runs parallel to the survive and are especially sensitive to Deerfield River in Shelburne, and then pollution. It is essential that the crosses the river twice near Shelburne coldwater streams be protected from Falls. It then travels along the river for the negative impacts associated with eight miles through Charlemont. Most development, roadway runoff and ill- of the section of the Byway along the managed woodland clearing. More gen- Deerfield River is relatively flat and has erally, it is important that all activities only a few rolling hills. While traveling along the Byway corridor, including along the river, the Byway crosses over a recreation, tourism, and development, number of streams and through a num- occur in a manner than minimizes any ber of small wetland areas.

CHAPTER 3: Natural Resources 31 Cold River in Florida. Many of the recreational and fisheries to protect area wildlife, and scheduling resources of the Deerfield River are influ- water releases at agreed upon times for enced by the 10 hydro-power generating kayakers, canoeists, and other boaters. facilities that are located along the section The Recreation Section of the Corri- of the river that is in northern Massachu- dor Management Plan contains further setts. Nine of these facilities are now details on the agreement with the power owned and operated by PG &E National companies, and the whitewater rafting Energy Group. Con Ed. owns the gener- opportunities created by the scheduled ating facilities located at Gardner Falls, water releases. Fly fishermen have ex- just above Wilcox Hollow in Shelburne pressed concerning regarding maintaining and Buckland. Through a series of reser- some periods with lower river flows to voirs, dams, power stations and one allow them to enjoy the rivers resources pumped storage facility, the water in the as well. In addition, concerns have been Deerfield is managed to generate power. expressed regarding safety issues and en- In 1994, an agreement was reached be- suring that people are aware of the fluc- tween the power company (that owned tuation in the river flows. There are signs the facilities at the time) and twelve sepa- posted warning of the fluctuations in river rate organizations, representing environ- flow but they are not in all locations along mental, recreational, and government the river. Some people have complained agencies. Although Con. Ed. did not par- that the water comes up too quickly when ticipate in the negotiations, they have had it is released, and creates a danger. to comply with the flow requirements, The Byway leaves the Deerfield and fish passages specified in the settle- River just west of downtown ment agreement. The agreement called Charlemont, and follows one of the for the power company to take a number river’s western tributaries, the Cold of actions to enhance recreational activi- River, towards the town of Florida. ties and wildlife preservation along the Here the road begins its ascent Deerfield River. These actions include through the within a providing minimum flows below all of deep and winding gorge carved out by the dams and reservoir management to the river. This area is rich in wildlife, protect aquatic and shoreline habitats, in- and supports native trout and rare and stalling fish passageways at various sites endangered species of vertebrates, in- along the river, implementing a program vertebrates, and plants.

32 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY At the end of a winding ascent, the Western Summit sits upon the watershed HOOSIC OR divide between the Deerfield and the Hoosic River Watersheds. As the Byway HOOSAC? continues traveling west, it descends into The terms Hoosic and Hoosac are at- the Hoosic River Watershed. The de- tributed to a great many features in scent is steep, and just beyond the West- northern Berkshire County, including ern Summit is the Hairpin Turn. The a river, a mountain range, a regional school system and countless roads road changes its direction from north to and businesses. south along the side of the mountain and The spelling of the river and the in doing so twice crosses four unnamed mountain range is inconsistent in his- tributaries to the North Branch of the toric records and often greatly de- Hoosic River. bated among locals. As the Byway descends into the City For the purposes of this report, the river system that flows along the of North Adams, it runs along the Mohawk Trail is the Hoosic River and North Branch Hoosic River. The fast- the mountain range that the Trail flowing water of the North Branch and traverses is the Hoosac Range. the Main Branch of the river once pro- vided hydropower to several mills in the City of North Adams. One such ex- to pollution. It is therefore essential that ample is the Eclipse Dam located on the the cold water streams be protected North Branch near the intersection of from the negative impacts associated Routes 2 and 8. The dam provided with development and roadway runoff. power to the Eclipse Mill, which is situ- One specific issue of concern is the pol- ated between the river and the Byway. lution caused by stormwater runoff The mill is no longer in operation, but from the road surface of the Byway. the dam is currently being considered as “Country drainage,” where stormwater a potential source for renewable energy runoff is channeled through man-made and revenue generation. ditches and culverts and discharged into The North Branch flows into the the nearest waterway, is the most preva- Hoosic River, which runs through the lent drainage management system along heart of North Adams. Once in the the Byway. The main priority of these city, the Byway intersects with the systems is to redirect stormwater off and river five times, giving the traveler an away from the road in the quickest man- opportunity to view the river in both ner possible. These drainage systems man-made and natural settings. The were constructed in the early days of the North Branch is a Class B cold water Byway, and continue to be used today. fishery up to its confluence with the The good news is that these systems main stem of the Hoosic River, which clear water off the road quickly to pre- is a Class B warm water fishery. vent crashes; the bad news is that they do not treat or remove the pollutants carried by the water before discharging it into nearby waterways. It is now known Threats to that non-point source pollution from Water Quality roadways is similar to that of urban run- off (Barrett et al, 1995), and is a major As stated earlier, most of the rivers and source of sediment, salt, petrochemicals, streams along the Mohawk Trail are cold and heavy metals. Future roadway im- water fisheries. These fisheries support provements should incorporate up- trout, which require cold, clean water to grades to the current stormwater survive and which are especially sensitive management systems to treat or remove

CHAPTER 3: Natural Resources 33 away from waterways. sections of the Byway closest to the river, as well. Another part of the Byway where runoff is a concern is the Byway’s highland section in Berkshire County. Where roads cross mountain streams and natural drainage areas, stormwater is routinely channeled through man- made ditches and culverts and dis- charged into the nearest waterway. The intent of this drainage pattern is to re- move stormwater from the road as quickly as possible. Along the high- land stretch of the Byway, road runoff is typically collected in paved swales and diverted through a series of catchments and pipes before it is dis- charged. Some of the catchments have catch basins to pre-treat runoff by cap- turing a portion of settleable solids, but many catchments are merely the confluence of two or more drainage swales and do not treat runoff. To avoid degrading the quality of the water in these mountain streams, stormwater runoff should be directed away from waterways, not discharged directly into them. It should be treated or discharged into gently sloping fields The Hoosic River in pollutants from stormwater runoff be- or woodlands to allow sediment deposi- fore it is discharged into nearby water- Williamstown. tion and infiltration. Highway studies ways. have shown that directing road runoff One area where stormwater runoff is through grassy swales before discharge potentially an issue is the Deerfield River is an effective yet relatively simple and section of the Byway. Within that part of inexpensive way to reduce the concen- the Byway, there are two designated pic- trations of most pollutants carried by nic areas, one parking area, and close to the runoff. The mechanisms for remov- ten formal and informal areas where ve- ing pollutants in runoff are 1) filtration hicles can pull over. Most of these areas of sediment by grass blades or other are on the river-side of the Byway, and a vegetation, 2) infiltration of water and number are located very close to the attenuated pollutants into the soil, and river, within fifty yards from its banks. 3) biological activity within the grass Only a few of these areas have any drain- and soil media (Walsh et al, 1997). age mechanisms or pavement curbing to In areas where treatment is impos- stem runoff discharge into the river. One sible and grassy swales or other mitiga- example of an area with such curbing is tion measures are not appropriate, the parking lot just west of the (such as steeply sloped area), road Buckland-Shelburne Bridge. Consider- “country drainage” systems can be re- ation should be given to improving directed to discharge road runoff drainage, and limiting runoff in the other through heavily forested areas, allow- pull-over areas and redirecting runoff ing the water to filter through vegeta-

34 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY tion and duff layers and filtrate runoff receive the highest priority. Ur- MAJOR FINDING through the soil to mainly discharge ban runoff in the City of North into the receiving water as subsurface Adams detrimentally affects the natu- Cold water or groundwater flow. One example of ral hydrologic flow, resulting in accel- fisheries in the where road runoff is being discharged erated and higher peak flood flows and Deerfield, Cold into a wooded area is just above the lower drought flows. In addition, and Hoosic Riv- Cold River bridge at the Florida/Savoy heated runoff from roads, parking lots ers face threats town line. Runoff is collected through and the concrete chutes within the city swales and diverted into a wooded area elevate the temperature of the flowing from stormwater between the road and the river. As the water, resulting in lower dissolved oxy- runoff and in- stormwater is discharged into the for- gen levels and higher levels of stress creased use by est floor, the roughness of the duff for aquatic species. The City of North recreationists. layer spreads the flow out and de- Adams and the Massachusetts Mu- creases the velocity, filtering out much seum of Modern Art (MASSMoCA) of the sediment and sand. The cleaner are each owners of large impervious stormwater then flows overland or in- areas along the river. Both have build- filtrates into the soil before it is dis- ings and parking lots adjacent to the charged into the river. Although this river and both have indicated an inter- stormwater management pattern is of- est in implementing stormwater miti- ten seen in rural dirt roads, it is seldom gation measures on their respective used along paved roads. Where pos- properties. However, to date, neither sible, it should be investigated as a pas- has fully pursued the implementation sive stormwater pretreatment method. of any stormwater mitigation projects. It should be noted that the sand that Future road maintenance and im- accumulates on the forest floor should provement project are excellent oppor- be removed periodically to prohibit it tunities to upgrade and/or improve from eventually reaching the river. stormwater control measures to protect Aside from the environmental im- the natural resources that exist in the pacts of sand and salt, the velocity of the waterways along the corridor. A second water can cause its own problems. Seri- study, the Stormwater Assessment of ous erosion can occur at the discharge the Hoosic and Housatonic River Wa- end of stormwater pipes, culverts, and tersheds, noted that stormwater man- swales, carving deep gullies down the agement projects are most likely to mountainside. These gullies eventually occur when incorporated into priority work their way back towards the road improvement projects such as roadway and can undermine the discharge system construction, wellhead protection, or and eventually the stability of the stream public park upgrades. This finding is bank. In addition, the soil that is eroded applicable to the Deerfield and Cold during the creation of these gullies is Rivers as well. Therefore, it is critical washed into the nearest waterway. that state and local transportation agen- Another section of the Byway cies work to ensure that all road where runoff is an issue is along the projects incorporate measures to mini- Main Stem of the Hoosic River. The mize their potentially adverse impacts Land Use Activities and Nonpoint on the rivers’ water quality. Mohawk Source Pollution Assessment of the Trail Scenic Byway advocacy groups Hoosic River Watershed, completed should encourage best management by the Berkshire Regional Planning practices to preserve and improve water Commission (BRPC) in 1998, identi- quality of the rivers along the Byway. fied urban runoff as detrimental to The BRPC and the FRCOG can sup- water quality in the Hoosic River and port the use of best management prac- recommended that treatment of urban tices through their roles in regional

CHAPTER 3: Natural Resources 35 TABLE 3.1 transportation planning activities. Fu- Water Systems within the Byway Corridor that Serve the Public ture road maintenance and improve- ment projects are also excellent Private County opportunities to upgrade and/or im- Well Map ID or Public Location prove stormwater control measures to The Wizard 1 Private Franklin protect the natural resources that exist Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters 2 Private Franklin in the waterways along the corridor. In Well #2 Fire System 3 Public Franklin addition, the regional planning agencies Strawberry Field Antiques 4 Private Franklin can apply for grants to implement stormwater management improve- Well #1 5 Public Franklin ments provided by the EPA and DEP Well #2 6 Public Franklin through the 319s Non-Point Source Well #3 7 Public Franklin Pollution Grant Program. Well #1 Hill Top 8 Public Franklin A final issue involving river water Well #3 Woodland 9 Public Franklin quality concerns the possibility of a haz- Goulds Sugarhouse 10 Private Franklin ardous materials spill along the Byway. Deuce Bar & Grill 11 Private Franklin The Byway is used by trucks that trans- port hazardous materials, and accidents Mohawk Trail Regional HS 12 Public Franklin and spills of these materials can occur. Buckland Recreation Area 13 Public Franklin Hazardous spill management in Massa- Crab Apple White Water Rafting 14 Private Franklin chusetts is coordinated by the Massa- Crab Apple White Water Rafting 15 Private Franklin chusetts Department of Environmental Hill Top Motel 16 Private Franklin Protection (DEP). In addition, recog- Country Air Campground 17 Private Franklin nizing the serious effects that a hazard- ous materials spill could have on water The Oxbow 18 Private Franklin quality and animal and plant species in The Oxbow 19 Private Franklin the area, the Massachusetts Executive Red Rose Motel 20 Private Franklin Office of Environmental Affairs Olde Willow Motor Inn and Restaurant 21 Private Franklin (EOEA) has made developing a regional The Academy at Charlemont 22 Private Franklin Emergency Hazardous Materials Spill Neighbors Convenience Store 23 Private Franklin Plan one of its top priorities for the Hawlemont Regional School 24 Public Franklin Deerfield River Watershed Association. A process to create a regional local emer- Hawlemont Regional School 25 Public Franklin gency planning committee (LEPC) and The Charlemont Inn 26 Private Franklin emergency response plan for Franklin Charlemont Pizza House 27 Private Franklin County is currently underway. The par- Berkshire East Ski Area 28 Private Franklin ties involved in this process include the Zoar Outdoors 29 Public Franklin Deerfield River Management Team, the Mohawk Park Corp. 30 Private Franklin FRCOG, and the local communities. The Rebels Restaurant 31 Private Franklin Public Drinking Mohawk Trail State Forest 32 Public Franklin Water Resources Mohawk Trail State Forest 33 Public Franklin As with the quality of rivers and streams Whitcomb Summit Motel 34 Private Berkshire along the Scenic Byway, the public drink- Lilstugen Ice Cream Shop 35 Private Berkshire ing water resources within the Byway cor- Abbott Memorial School 36 Private Berkshire ridor can also be threatened or degraded Golden Eagle 37 Private Berkshire by nearby land uses, roadway runoff and Greylock Well 38 Public Berkshire the use of salt and sand for road mainte- Green River Well #1 39 Public Berkshire nance during winter months. There are thirty-nine public water systems located

36 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY within one mile of the Byway. The sys- even rumors that the elusive cata- tems identified within the corridor study mount, or mountain lion, has been area are all groundwater wells. The Natu- seen roaming these forests once again. ral Resource Maps at the end of this chap- The vegetation along the Byway varies ter indicates the location of these water distinctively as one travels from resources. By definition, a public water Greenfield to Williamstown. Generally, system has 15 or more service connec- the Franklin County section of the By- tions, or regularly serves water for 60 days way is characterized by a mixture of farm- or more per year. Those systems can be land and forests. The forests are publicly owned and maintained, such as predominantly “Transition Forests,” a city and town wells, or can be privately combination of plants and deciduous owned and maintained, such as those for trees from Middle Atlantic Forests and mobile home parks, factories, rest stops, Northern Forests. Middle Atlantic For- motels, and restaurants. ests contain oak, chestnut, and many The public water systems within the other tree species. Northern Forests are Byway corridor are listed in Table 3.1 comprised of hemlock, maple, beech, below and are shown on the Natural Re- birch, northern red oak, ash, and pine. sources Maps at the end of this chapter. West of the Connecticut River Valley, the In the Franklin County portion of the Byway corridor contains large stands of Byway corridor study area, there are 33 Northern Hardwood Forests. Large public water systems. Six of the wells are tracts of these forests are found in the for municipal drinking water supplies, northern uplands of Franklin County and seven are for schools, parks, or recreation in the . Traveling through the areas, including the Mohawk State For- higher elevations of the Byway in eastern est, and the remainder are for private Berkshire County, the soils are thin and businesses, including Berkshire East and the weather conditions are harsh. Trees various restaurants, bars, motels, and re- along rocky outcrops along the roadway, tail establishments. In the Berkshire where conditions are especially harsh, ap- County section of the Byway corridor pear gnarled and dwarfed. This is an adap- study area, there are six public water sys- tation for survival, where the trees grow tems. One is the Greylock Well, which is laterally rather than vertically to avoid the municipal well for the city of North damage to branches and foliage from the Adams, one is the Green River Well #1, icy winds of winter and the severe winds three are for private businesses, and one of summer storms. This same growing is for the Abbot Memorial School. pattern can also observed in the Mt. Greylock State Reservation, the gateway to which is in the City of North Adams. Plant and These lush forestlands contribute to the local economy in a variety of ways, Animal Species including revenues from timber produc- tion. They also support maple syrup pro- The Byway is graced with miles of for- duction to outdoor recreational estlands that support a host of wildlife. activities, such as hiking, camping, fish- Forests that were once cleared for ing, hunting, boating, skiing, farms, timber and charcoal have recov- snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Maple ered and again grown into productive sugar producers near and in the Byway northern forests. Also, healthy popula- region include Fog Hollow Farm, Spring tions of animals that were once dimin- Farms, Davenport Maple Farm, and ishing in the area, such as white tailed Gould’s and Graves Sugarhouses in deer, black bear, bobcat, fisher cat, and Shelburne, Blue Heron Farm and Wilder turkey, have begun to return. There are

CHAPTER 3: Natural Resources 37 MAJOR FINDING Brook Farm in Charlemont, and Circle J wildlife data for these areas were col- Rare and Maple Syrup in Florida. lected from 1974 through 1998. If a Recreational opportunities along the construction or development project is endangered Byway are further discussed in the Recre- located within an Estimated Habitat species habitats ational Resources chapter. It is important and requires the filing of a Notice of exist along the that recreational activities and the harvest- Intent (NOI) under the Wetlands Pro- Byway corridor. ing of forest-based resources within the tection Act, then the NOI and sup- corridor occur in a sustainable way that porting materials must be forwarded ensures the long-term viability of the to the NHESP for review before the plant and animal species in the area. project can proceed. Rare and Endangered Species and Priority Habitat areas delineate Significant Natural Communities habitats for rare plant and animal The Natural Heritage and Endan- populations protected under the Mas- gered Species Program (NHESP), sachusetts Endangered Special Act which is administered by the Massachu- (321 CMR 10.00). These areas indicate setts Division Fisheries & Wildlife, col- the approximated geographic extent of lects and maintains information on over rare species populations taken from 400 rare and endangered species around the NHESP database. These areas the Commonwealth. The goal of the should also be used in conjunction NHESP is to protect biological diver- with the Rare Species Threshold in the sity in the state through biological re- Massachusetts Environmental Policy search and the inventorying of species, Act (301 CMR 11.03(2)). Under this data management, environmental im- review process, all projects two acres pact review, restoration and manage- in size or larger and occurring in a Pri- ment of rare species and their habitats, ority Habitat should be reviewed by land acquisition, and education. the NHESP. Priority Habitat areas are Approximately 18 miles of the By- also used in conjunction with the For- way travels through or is adjacent to est Cutting Act Practices Act. It is habitat that has been documented by important for decision-makers to un- the NHESP as supporting some of the derstand the requirements of each most important natural communities NHESP designation as promotional and state-listed rare species in Massa- and improvement projects for the Sce- chusetts. These sections of the Byway nic Byway are developed. contain endangered species habitat, as The NHESP has documented a total well as important natural communities of 39 significant species, including 11 that are categorized as being moder- rare and endangered species of animals ately to highly significant. The and 28 rare and endangered species of NHESP reviews and comments on plants, have been documented within certain development proposals within the Byway corridor. The identity of these habitat areas on a case-by-case the rare and endangered species found basis to ensure their protection. within each specific habitat area is not The sites shown on the Natural Re- publicized in order to protect the indi- sources Maps represent two distinct vidual plants and animals living there. categories of habitats regulated under Each of these species has been as- Massachusetts law. Estimated Habitat signed a rating by the NHESP that re- areas delineate the approximate geo- flects the rarity and threat of that graphical extent of the habitats of species within Massachusetts. There state-protected rare wildlife for use are three categories for rare and endan- with the Wetlands Protection Act (310 gered communities: Endangered, CMR 10.00) and the Forest Cutting Threatened, and Species of Special Practices Act (304 CMR 11.00). Rare Concern. Endangered species are na-

38 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY TABLE 3.2 Documented Rare Animals and Plants found along the Scenic Byway

Species Taxon Rating Appalachian Brook Crayfish (Cambarus bartonii) Crustacean Special concern Brindle Shiner (Notropis bifrenatus) Fish Special concern Early Hairstreak (Erora laeta) Insect Threatened Elderberry Long-horned Beetle (Desmocerus palliatus) Insect Special concern Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) Amphibian Special concern Longnose Sucker (Catostomus catostomus) Fish Special concern Mourning Warbler (Oporornis philadelphia) Bird Special concern Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) Amphibian Special concern Tule Bluet (Enallagma carunculatum) Insect Special concern Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle (Cicindela duodecimguttata) Insect Special concern Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta) Reptile Special concern Bartram’s Shadbush (Amelanchier bartramiana) Plant Threatened Black Maple (Acer nigrum) Plant Special concern Bristly Black Currant (Ribes laclustre) Plant Special concern Broad Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum canadense) Plant Endangered Bush’s Sedge (Carex bushii) Plant Endangered Crooked-stem Aster (Aster prenanthoides) Plant Special concern Dwarf Scouring-rush (Equisetum scirpoides) Plant Special concern Foxtail Sedge (Carex alopecoidea) Plant Threatened Gattinger’s Panic-grass (Panicum gattingeri) Plant Special concern Hairy Honeysuckle (Lonicera hirsuta) Plant Endangered Hairy-fruited Sedge (Carex trichocarpa) Plant Threatened Hemlock Parsley (Conioselinum chinense) Plant Special concern Hitchcock’s Sedge (Carex hitchcockiana) Plant Special concern Intermediate Spike-Sedge (Eleocharis intermedia) Plant Special concern Large-leaved Sandwort (Moehringia macrophylla) Plant Threatened Long-styled Sanicle (Sanicula odorata) Plant Threatened Mountain Alder (Alnus viridis ssp.cCrispa) Plant Special concern Muskflower (Mimulus moshatus) Plant Threatened Northern Bog Violet (Viola nephrohpylla) Plant Threatened Purple Clematis (Clematis occidentalis) Plant Special concern Roundleaf Shadbush (Amelanchier sanguinea) Plant Special concern Sandbar Cherry (Prunus pumila var. depressa) Plant Special concern Showy Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium reginae) Plant Special concern Slender Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium mucronatum) Plant Threatened Sweet Coltsfoot (Petasites frigidus var. palmatus) Plant Threatened Tradescant’s Aster (Aster tradescantii) Plant Special concern White Adder’s-mouth (Malaxis brachypoda) Plant Threatened Woodland Millet (Milium effusum) Plant Threatened

Source: Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, April 2001.

CHAPTER 3: Natural Resources 39 tive species that are in danger of ex- region. Because it receives little review tinction throughout all or part of its from the local authorities, those devel- range, or which are in danger of extir- oping the properties are almost cer- pation from the state. Threatened spe- tainly unaware of its ecological value. In cies are native species that are likely to some cases, these concerns could be become endangered in the foreseeable addressed through the creation of a future, or which are declining or rare. Corridor Overlay District, which Special Concern species are native spe- would require that the developer pro- cies that either have suffered a decline vide a basic site sketch of the property. that could threaten the species if al- This procedure would allow the local lowed to continue unchecked, or occur permitting authority to alert the devel- in such small numbers, or with such opers that the property is in rare species restricted distribution or specialized habitat and make suggestions on ways habitat requirements, that they could to lessen the impacts. This procedure easily become threatened within the will also give the town the opportunity state. Table 3.2 lists the 39 documented to encourage property owners to main- rare and endangered species within the tain trees and other vegetation along Byway corridor and gives the NHESP the roadway to screen development. sensitivity rating for each. The NHESP is currently in the pro- cess of updating its maps of both Esti- mated Habitat areas for state-protected Summary of rare wildlife and the Priority Habitat Important Natural areas for rare plants and animals. These new maps will be released sometime in Resources and 2003. Though few changes are expected in terms of the location and extent of Features along these habitats within the Byway corri- the Scenic Byway dor, it will still be important to verify that this is the case and to adjust the Corridor discussion and analysis of these habitats Of the natural and geologic resources within the Byway corridor to reflect the along the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway updated information. that were discussed earlier in this chapter, Within these more rural communi- there are several features that deserve spe- ties, the single greatest threat to these cific mention again. These sites of natural, habitat areas, and to the forested road- environmental, and geological signifi- way in general, is sprawling single-fam- cance contribute considerably to the sce- ily residential development. The nic value of the Byway, and also offer permitting process for single-family important recreation and tourism oppor- houses is relatively simple and propos- tunities. However, at the same time, some als receive the least amount of local re- of these resources are very sensitive, and view. In Massachusetts, legally buildable could be degraded by development or lots can be created relatively easily tourism occurs along the corridor. Public through the Approval Not Required, or access to areas that are particularly fragile “ANR” process, in which the local per- should be managed to ensure the preser- mitting authority has little review pow- vation of natural assets. The significant ers. This is the type of development natural resource sites within the Scenic that is most prominently “sprawling” Byway corridor are listed below by along our rural roadways, and it can county with a brief description of each lo- fragment sensitive environments, such cation. Many of these sites are also de- as those identified in the Scenic Byway scribed in greater detail in the

40 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY Recreational Resources or Tourism chap- seventeen miles between Florida and ters of the Corridor Management Plan. Buckland, a characteristic that makes it particularly popular for recre- Franklin County ational rafting, canoeing, and fishing. ■ Salmon Falls Potholes, Shelburne Regular scheduled dam releases by Falls. Located about half a mile from PG&E National Energy Group help the Mohawk Trail, these geologically create rapids and whitewater condi- formed potholes lie below Salmon tions. In addition, this section of the Falls. These potholes, numbering Deerfield is home to a large variety more than 50, range from 6 inches of trout and bird species, including to 39 feet in diameter. They began ospreys, bald eagles, and blue herons, forming more than 14,000 years ago, as well as other animals. A Salmon as the melt from the receding gla- restoration project is also underway. ■ ciers reclaimed its riverbed and Mohawk Trail State Forest, Charle- eroded the underlying gneiss rocks mont. Mohawk Trail State Forest, (Little, 2001), and have continued to comprised of over 6,400 acres, is form and change ever since. one of the most scenic woodland ar- ■ Deerfield River, along the Byway in eas of Massachusetts, and is home Shelburne, Buckland, and Char- to or adjacent to much of the old lemont. The Deerfield River meets growth forest in Massachusetts. the Scenic Byway in Charlemont, parallels it along the Charlemont- Berkshire County Buckland border, and then parts ■ Cold River, Charlemont, Savoy and from it again in Shelburne as the river Florida. This cold water fishery offers moves south towards Deerfield. The opportunities to catch the elusive Deerfield River runs unimpeded for trout, some of which are stocked and some of which are native.

ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Issues pressures on forested properties is species. These habitats need to be likely to increase over time. Some of protected from the potentially adverse ■ Sections of the Byway corridor, par- the forestland within the corridor is impacts of increased vehicle traffic, ticularly along the Deerfield River, enrolled in the Chapter 61 tax abate- tourism, and development along the have been identified as containing ment program, which, like the 61A Byway. prime farmland soils. Prime farmland program, is a temporary protection ■ Increased recreational and tourism- soils have the best combination of program. based access to the Byway’s natural physical and chemical characteristics ■ Although the Scenic Byway travels resources, including its rivers, for economically and sustainably pro- along several miles of cold water fish- streams, forests, and sensitive wildlife ducing high crop yields. It is essential eries and sensitive habitat areas, few areas, could threaten the quality of that farms be preserved in these ar- stormwater mitigation measures have these resources if access to these as- eas and development limited. Al- been so far implemented to treat sets is not properly managed. though some of the farmland within road runoff or direct it away from ■ There is the potential for growing con- the Byway corridor is presently pro- these sensitive areas. flicts between wildlife (such as bear, tected from development through the ■ Urban runoff degrades water quality deer and coyotes) and humans if de- Chapter 61A program, this protection of the Hoosic River as it flows through velopment, recreation, and tourism is only temporary and could be lost the densely developed city center of continue to expand within the Byway when a landowner ceases to partici- North Adams. corridor. pate in the program or when the ■ Approximately 18 miles of the Byway property changes ownership. corridor have been designated as Es- ■ Much of the Byway corridor is forest- Recommendations timated Habitat or Priority Habitat for land, which gives the corridor a wild ■ rare and threatened animal and plant Explore public and privately-based feel. As with farms, development options for protecting open space,

CHAPTER 3: Natural Resources 41 forests, and agricultural land along ■ Managers of state and local road im- bicycled, or snowmobiled in forested the Byway. These options include ex- provement projects should work co- areas before. panding the use of conservation re- operatively with local Conservation ■ To minimize conflicts between hu- strictions, encouraging interested Commissions, the Deerfield and mans and wildlife, remind visitors to farmers to participate in the Agricul- Hoosic River Watershed Teams, and control food waste and not to pur- tural Preservation Restriction (APR) the Natural Heritage and Endan- posely feed the animals. Remind local program, identifying desirable proper- gered Species Program to ensure that residents to locate garbage bins and ties for permanent open space pro- priority habitat and sensitive water- bird feeders so that bear, raccoons, tection, and raising the funds to help ways are properly identified and pro- skunks and other animals cannot get non-profit land trusts or State envi- tected. into them. Animals that become ac- ronmental agencies acquire these ■ Actively pursue opportunities to re- customed to people food can become parcels. duce or eliminate urban runoff in the pests and may need to be relocated ■ As discussed in the Land Use and densely developed city center of or destroyed. Zoning Section of this report, ANR North Adams. ■ The campaign should especially focus development is the most serious ■ Expand the ways in which visitors can on the erosion of the banks of the threat to the natural resources along become more aware of the natural Deerfield River, and what all recre- the Byway corridor. Communities on resources that can be enjoyed along ational users (paddlers, boaters, the Byway may want to consider zon- the Byway. The Byway can become a swimmers and fishermen/women) of ing changes which would restrict ANR vehicle to introduce the natural re- the Deerfield River can do to protect development in order to protect sensi- sources within the forests and parks the river banks and habitats. tive habitat, preserve natural and sce- system. ■ Establish educational signs reminding nic resources, and to focus new ■ Develop an educational campaign on visitors to stay on marked trails. development into existing village cen- the potentially negative impacts of ■ Incorporate this campaign into recre- ter areas. hiking, boating, and motoring in ational tourism brochures and materi- ■ Ensure that future Scenic Byway road natural resource areas, especially in als for the Mohawk Trail by improvements incorporate mitigation areas with rare and endangered spe- suggesting ways to minimize visitor techniques to treat road runoff before cies habitat and sensitive waterways. impacts to the environment. The it is discharged into sensitive habitat ■ Develop an educational campaign on campaign should especially focus on areas or waterways. the bountiful natural resources lo- the erosion of the banks of the ■ At a minimum, improvement projects cated along the Byway. This cam- Deerfield River, which is exacerbated should comply with the Massachu- paign should include ways to by whitewater recreationalists. setts Stormwater Policy and road run- minimize the potential negative im- ■ Local conservation and recreational off should be directed away from pacts of visiting the great outdoors, by groups should coordinate this effort nearby waterways and sensitive habi- respecting the land and “treading with the NHESP and the DEM. tats. In areas with endangered or rare softly.” This is important if the Byway ■ Once brochures and other materials species, additional pollutant removal becomes a way to introduce nature to are developed, tourism-oriented busi- may be warranted. those who are not normally “the out- nesses and visitor centers could dis- door type” and may never have hiked, tribute them to customers.

■ Western Summit, North Adams. as a potential option for renewable Gnarled and dwarfed trees survive energy and revenue generation. on the rocky hillside across the ■ Natural Bridge State Park, North street from the observation sta- Adams. Natural Bridge is the only tion, despite harsh wind, snow and bridge in North America created ice. Trees such as these can be ob- by the erosive forces of water. The served in isolated patches on 30-foot natural bridge and associ- rocky outcrops along the higher ated walkways of the park offer elevations of the Byway. “an intimate yet safe look at the ■ Hairpin Turn, Clarksburg - North tremendous power of flowing wa- Adams border. The roadside cut ter” (Laubach, 1992). here exposes bedrock composed ■ North Branch and Main Stem, of thin layers of schist with scat- Hoosic River, Clarksburg through tered veins of quartz. Williamstown. Sections of these ■ Eclipse Dam, North Adams. This rivers are cold water fisheries that dam is currently being considered support native trout.

42 MOHAWK TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY