DOCSLIB.ORG

Archeological Investigations of Minute Man National Historical Park

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Archeological Investigations of Minute Man National Historical Park Archeological Investigations of Minute Man National Historical Park Volume II: An Estimation Approach to Prehistoric Sites Duncan Ritchie Marsha K. King Christy Vogt Patricia Fragola The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc. 387 Lonsdale Avenue Pawtucket, RI 02860 Contract No. CX1600-9-0021 Cultural Resources Management Study No. 23 Division of Cultural Resources Management North Atlantic Regional Office National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Boston, Massachusetts 1990 Table of Contents Page List of Figures vii List of Tables xi Acknowledgments xiii Management Summary xv Chapter 1 Introduction Overview: Problem Orientation 5 Environmental Settings 6 Geomorphology and Geology 6 Drainage Patterns 9 Past Environmental Settings 13 Present Conditions in the Project Area 17 Prehistoric Land Use and Settlement: General Overview 19 Historic,al-Period Land Use: General Overview 33 Concord 33 Lincoln 40 Lexington 41 Summary of Historical Agricultural Land Use 41 Chapter 2 Research Design and Strategies 49 Theoretical Orientation and Research Questions 49 Background Research, Archeological Sensitivity Stratification, and the Estimation Approach 52 Background Research 52 Stratification Scheme 56 Estimation Approach 57 Expected Results of the Archeological Survey 59 Field Methodology and Sampling Strategy 59 Laboratory and Analytical Methods 64 Prehistoric Cultural Material 65 Historical-Period Cultural Material 66 Chapter 3 Results 73 Background Research: Archeological Sensitivity Stratification 73 Existing Data Base 73 Expectations 76 Table of Contents (cont.) Page Subsurface Investigations: Prehistoric Period Cultural Resources 76 Evaluation of Stratification Scheme and the Estimation Approach at MIMA 96 Subsurface Investigations: Historical-Period Cultural Resources 101 Analysis of Recovered Historical-Period Cultural Material 103 Patterns of Refuse Disposal 103 Agricultural Practices, Manure, and Field Trash 106 Temporal and Spatial Associations of the Historical-Period Cultural Material 107 Chapter 4 Archeological Significance and Recommendations 113 Archeological Significance and Historical Contexts 113 Historical Context No. 1: Prehistoric Settlement/Land Use Systems in the Southern Merrimack River Basin, 9500 to 400 B.P. 115 Summary 115 Historical Context No. 2: Lithic Resource Use in an Interior Drainage, ca. 8500 to 500 B.P 119 Summary 120 Historical Context No. 3: Rural/Peripheral Settlement/Land Use, 18th to 2Qth Century 122 Historical Context No. 4: Transportation Networks in Eastern Massachusetts, 17th to 20th Century 123 Significance and Recommendations for Identified Prehistoric Cultural Resources 124 Recommendations for Additional Inventory and Evaluation 129 Significance and Recommendations for Identified Historical-Period Cultural Resources 130 Recommendations for Additional Inventory and Evaluation 132 Considerations for Further Research Relating to Refuse Disposal Behavior and Field Trash 132 References Cited 135 Appendix A: Prehistoric Sites 147 Inventory of Cultural Material by Site 162 iv Table of Contents (cont.) Page Appendix B: Historical Sites 171 Historical Site Forms 172 v List of Figures Figure Page 1-1 Map of state of Massachusetts showing location of Minute Man National Historical Park 2 1-2 Location of Minute Man National Historical Park on USGS Concord quadrangle map 3 1-3 ACMP base map of Minute Man National Historical Park showing major subdivisions 4 1-4 Location of Minute Man National Historical Park in relation to major physiographic provinces in southern New England (Fenneman 1938) 7 1-5 Location of Minute Man National Historical Park in relation to major river drainages in eastern Massachusetts 12 1-6 Location of 12 previously known prehistoric sites within or in close proximity to Minute Man National Historical Park (Baker 1980) 20 1-7 Graph of populations for towns of Concord, Lodngton and Lincoln, Massachusetts, 1765-1980 39 2-1 Typical 30 m x 30 m block with staggered grid test pit pattern used as sampling unit 61 2-2 Template used to divide UTM grid into 25, 30 m x 30 m sampling units 62 2-3 Formula for calculating mean ceramic date 67 3-1 Stratification of North Bridge section of MIMA into zones of expected archeological sensitivity 77 3-2 Stratification of Meriam's Corner/Hardy Hill section of MIMA into zones of expected archaeological sensitivity 78 vii List of Figures (cont.) Figure Page 3-3 Stratification of Old Bedford Road section of MIMA into zones of expected archeological sensitivity 79 3-4 Stratification of Virginia Road section of MIMA into zones of expected archeological sensitivity 80 3-5 Stratification of Nelson Road section of MIMA into zones of expected archeological sensitivity 81 3-6 Stratification of Fiske Hill section of MIMA into zones of expected archeological sensitivity 82 3-7 Location of subsurface testing within the Hardy Hill area (Ox Pasture site) 85 3-8 Location of subsurface testing within the Elm Brook/Old Bedford Road area (Holt Pasture, Joshua Brooks Farm P1 sites) 86 3-9 Location of subsurface testing within the Virginia Road/Bedford Lane area (William Smith Farm Pl, P2 site) 87 3-10 Location of subsurface testing within the Folly Pond area (Aaron Brooks Farm P1, Ephraim Hartwell Farm P1, P2, P3, P4 sites) 88 3-11 Location of subsurface testing within the Paul Revere Capture site area (Jacob Foster Farm P1 site) 89 3-12 Location of subsurface testing within the Nelson Road area (Thomas Nelson Jr. Farm P1, P2 sites) 90 3-13 Location of subsurface testing within the Massachusetts Avenue/Marrett Road area (Whittemore Farm P1 site) 91 3-14 Location of subsurface testing within the Fiske Hill area 92 viii List of Figures (cont.) Figure Page 3-15 Location of historical-period cultural resources identified during survey within Minute Man National Historical Park 102 A-1 Representative soil profiles from test pits excavated within MIMA 168 B-1 Sketch map of Ox Pasture site, cart path and stone bridge 173 B-2 Photograph of Ox Pasture site, cart path and stone bridge 174 B-3 Sketch Map of Thomas Brooks Farm site, barn/outbuilding 176 E-4 Photograph of Thomas Brooks Farm site, barn/outbuilding 176 B-5 Sketch map of William Smith Farm site, foundation 181 B-6 Sketch map of Ephraim Hartwell Farm site, foundation 184 B - 7 Location of Ephraim Hartwell Farm site, 20th century, filled foundation 188 B-8 Sketch map of Samuel Hartwell Farm site, cellar hole 198 B-9 Photograph of Samuel Hartwell Farm site, cellar hole, southwest wall 199 B-10 Profile of Samuel Hartwell Farm site, cellar hole, southwest wall 200 ix List of Tables Table Page 1-1 General chronology of vegetation patterns in southern New England ca. 14,000 to 1,000 years before present 14 1-2 Identified prehistoric sites within the Assabet, Concord, and Sudbury River Drainages 25 1-3 Historical-period cultural chronology for Concord, Lincoln, and Lexington, Massachusetts 34 Population of the towns of Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln in Middlesex County, Massachusetts 38 1-5 Land use in Concord, Massachusetts, 1749-1850 44 1-6 Agricultural production statistics for Concord, Massachusetts, 1749-1850 45 2-1 Locational attributes used to define environmental settings 54 2-2 Environmental/locational attribute sets and values 55 2-3 Dating ranges based on stem diameters of clay tobacco pipes and formula for calculating mean pipe stem date 68 2-4 Dating ranges based on method of manufacture of nails 69 3-1 Frequencies of occurrence of soil types on a sample of known prehistoric sites near MIMA 74 3-2 Distribution of temporal components in a sample of known prehistoric sites near MIMA 83 3-3 Sampling units and prehistoric sites within designated areas 93 3-4 Locational attributes and structural characteristics of prehistoric sites identified within MIMA 95 3-5 Estimated sample size for high and moderate sensitivity strata based on 1% sample 98 xi List of Tables (Cont.) Table Page 3-6 Estimated frequencies of prehistoric sites within five areas based on 10% random sample 99 3-7 Estimated frequencies of prehistoric sites within areas of MIMA after completion of random sampling 100 3-8 Estimated frequencies of prehistoric sites for the entire high and moderate sensitivity strata 100 3-9 Distribution of historical-period cultural materials with regard to historical and modern structures and roads by area and block number 104 3-10 Distances, historical-period cultural material and plow zone data collected by testing block and area 109 4-1 Summary of the historical contexts for prehistoric and historic period cultural resources identified at MIMA 116 4-2 Significance and recommendations for identified prehistoric period cultural resources 125 4-3 Significance and recommendations for identified historical period cultural resources 131 A-1 Cultural material recovered from prehistoric sites 162 B-1 Cultural material recovered from the Thomas Brook Farm site, barn/outbuilding 178 B-2 Cultural material recovered from William Smith Farm site, foundation 182 B-3 Cultural material recovered from Ephraim Hartwell Farm site, foundation 185 B-4 Cultural material recovered from Ephraim Hartwell Farm site, 20th century, filled foundation 189 B-5 Cultural material recovered from Samuel Hartwell Farm site, cellar hole 201 xii Acknowledgments The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc. staff involved in this archeological investigation of MIMA would lilce to acknowledge the assistance of a number of persons. Staff
Load more

Recommended publications
  • BIRD OBSERVER 176 Vol. 27, No. 4, 1999 BIRDING the BLACKSTONE VALLEY: UXBRH)GE- Northbrroge, MASSACHUSETTS
    BIRD OBSERVER 176 Vol. 27, No. 4, 1999 BIRDING THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY: UXBRH)GE- NORTHBRroGE, MASSACHUSETTS by Richard W. Hildreth and Strickland Wheelock The Blackstone River begins near Worcester, Massachusetts, flows south along a fairly straight course and down quite a steep gradient, and empties into the sea near Providence, Rhode Island. In the vicinity of Uxbridge and Northbridge, in southern Worcester County, Massachusetts, two major tributaries join the Blackstone: the West River and the Mumford River. In this “tri-river” area, the coincidence of an interesting variety of habitats, an abundance of easily accessible public land, and an impressive history of birding activity combine to produce a destination for excellent inland birding at all seasons. Besides being a productive birding destination, the region features historical sites associated with the Blackstone Canal, which operated from 1828 through 1847, as well as with other activities of the early days of the industrial revolution. The area also offers excellent opportunities for recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and canoeing. The area around Rice City Pond features some outstanding scenic views; this is an especially beautiful place to visit during the autumn foliage season. The Uxbridge area is the destination for annual spring and fall field trips by the Forbush Bird Club. This area is also the heart of the Uxbridge Christmas Bird Count, which has been conducted continuously for 16 years, during which 118 species have been found. One of us (Strickland Wheelock) has birded the area since childhood, amassing many observations and records; in conjunction with others, he has operated a bird-banding station in the area since 1988, netting, over the years, roughly 9500 birds representing about 105 species.
    [Show full text]
  • Weir Hill Final 09.08.06
    Weir Hill Management Plan 2006 The Trustees of Reservations Doyle Conservation Center 464 Abbott Avenue Leominster, MA 01453 © Map 1: Weir Hill Base Map On the Cover: View from the top of Weir Hill looking south through the “barrens” in fall. Photo by R. Hopping Photo Credits: Figure Photographer 1 Unknown – pg. 3-12 2 Unknown – pg. 3-14 3 R. Hopping – pg. 6-6 4 R. Hopping – pg. 6-7 5 R. Hopping – pg. 6-9 Maps: Map Description and Page 1 Base Map – inside cover 2 Locus pg. 2-1 3 1830 map of Andover pg. 3-10 4 1939 Land Utilization Map pg. 3-13 5 Soils pg. 4-4 6 Vegetation pg. 4-6 7 Invasives pg. 4-18 8 Historic Resources pg. 5-4 9 Origin of Visitors to Weir Hill pg. 6-2 10 Watershed Protection Zones pg. 7-10 11 Critical Lands pg. 8-6 12 Proposed Barrens Expansion pg. 9-4 13 Proposed Trail Improvements pg. 9-10 About the Maps Included in the Plan: Unless otherwise noted, all maps are produced by The Trustees of Reservations’ Geographic Information System. Production of these maps is made possible, in part, by generous donations from the Stratford Foundation, Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., Data General Corporation, and Hewlett Packard. Source data obtained from 1:24,000 scale USGS topographic maps, field surveys, Global Positioning Systems, and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Mass GIS. Feature boundaries and locations are approximate. In accordance with The Trustees of Reservation’s management planning process, this plan has been reviewed and accepted by the following staff and/or committees on the dates noted: 4-14-06 Russell Hopping Plan Project Manager, on behalf of the Management Planning Committee 5-4-06 Bob Murray Property Superintendent 5-1-06 Wayne Mitton Regional Director 7-10-06 Lisa Vernegaard Director of Planning and Stewardship 7-20-06 Tom Foster Director of Field Operations Section 1: Introduction 1.1 Overview of the Planning Process Since 1891, The Trustees of Reservations has worked to protect special places in Massachusetts and maintain them to the highest standards.
    [Show full text]
  • West River Stream Team Shoreline Survey Report & Action Plan
    %ODFNVWRQH5LYHU:DWHUVKHG$VVRFLDWLRQ :HVW5LYHU6WUHDP7HDP 6KRUHOLQH6XUYH\5HSRUW $FWLRQ3ODQ June 30, 2007 Thanks to: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Riverways Adopt-A-Stream Program and UNIBANK for their assistance in funding this project. Special thanks go out to our valued Stream Team members without whom this project would not be possible; West River area residents, businesses, and landowners for their cooperation; the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park at River Bend Farm; and the Town of Uxbridge, especially the Uxbridge Conservation Commission. Preface The West River Stream Team members Erin, Steve, Jeremy, and Jack Bennett John and Elaine Czebotar William Dausey Barbara Johnson Mike, Tom, and Phil McMullin Gwyn Mills Joel Morgenstern Joan Newton Scot, Marie, and Andrea Pendleton Katherine Smith Charley Sweet James Plasse Michael Pouliot Michelle Walsh Commonwealth of Massachusetts Riverways Adopt-a-Stream Advisor Gabrielle Stebbins, Adopt-A-Stream Program Coordinator Blackstone River Watershed Association Project Coordinator Michelle Walsh, Environmental Outreach Coordinator Project Coordination Michelle Walsh, Environmental Outreach Coordinator for the Blackstone River Watershed Association (BRWA) advertised for volunteers in various media throughout the Blackstone Valley area including but not limited to press releases in local newspapers, announcements on local cable channels, letters to environmental organizations, high schools, Boy Scout troops and town officials, flyers and e-mails to various environmental organizations. A shoreline survey training session was scheduled at River Bend Farm in Uxbridge, MA on May 14, 2007. Approximately forty volunteers attended the meeting. At this meeting, volunteers were instructed on how to conduct a shoreline survey and were given survey sheets. After the meeting, the West River was sectioned into 9 reaches; volunteers were organized in teams and selected a section of the River to survey.
    [Show full text]
  • Town of Upton Open Space and Recreation Plan
    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MAY 2011 TOWN OF UPTON D OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN a f North t Prepared by: Upton Open Space Committee (A Subcommittee of the Upton Conservation Commission) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Town of Upton D OPEN SPACE rAND RECREATION PLAN a f t May 2011 Prepared by: The Upton Open Space Committee (A Subcommittee of the Upton Conservation Commission) Town of Upton Draft Open Space and Recreation Plan – May 2011 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DEDICATION The members of the Open Space Committee wish to dedicate this Plan to the memory of our late fellow member, Francis Walleston who graciously served on the Milford and Upton Conservation Commissions for many years. __________________________________________________________________ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Upton Open Space Committee Members Tom Dodd Scott Heim Rick Holmes Mike Penko Marcella Stasa Bill Taylor Assistance was provided by: Stephen Wallace (Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission) Peter Flinker and Hillary King (Dodson Associates) Dave Adams (Chair, Upton Recreation Commission) Chris Scott (Chair, Upton Conservation Commission) Ken Picard (as a Member of the Upton Planning Board) Upton Board of Selectmen. Trish Settles (Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission) __________________________________________________________________
    [Show full text]
  • The Watercolors of Michael Doran Oct. 8
    The Watercolors of Michael Doran 2020 Fundraiser to Support Community Outreach of Christ Church made possible by the generosity of Michael and Carol Doran Oct. 8 - Nov. 5: Christ Church Oct. 15 - Nov. 5: General Public Book One: Landscapes and Cityscapes of Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island The Watercolors of Michael Doran 2020 Fundraiser to Support Community Outreach of Christ Church made possible by the generosity of Michael and Carol Doran Carol Doran, Michael Doran and Rev. Michael Hodges hold three of the 250 watercolors that the Dorans have generously donated to Christ Church. These three and 42 others, all scenes from Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island and painted by Mr. Doran between 2006 and 2018, are featured in this book. The sale of these watercolors support the community out- reach of Christ Church. The paintings go on sale starting Thursday, October 8 for Christ Church members, October 15 for the general public, and continue through Thursday, November 5, or until all the paintings are sold, whichever comes first. Inside... p. 9 A Thought on Watercolor p. 3 A Letter from the Rector p. 10 The Paintings p. 4 About the Gift p. 28 Community Outreach p. 5 About the Dorans p. 31 Doran Paintings at the Andover Thrift Shop p. 6 How to Buy a Painting p. last 2012 Watercolor Painting of Christ Church p. 7 Painting Details and Prices by Michael Doran & About Our Parish Book One: Landscapes and Cityscapes of Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island date of publication: 10/5/2020 The Watercolors of Michael Doran Fundraiser 3 Book One: Landscapes and Cityscapes of Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island 4 The Watercolors of Michael Doran Fundraiser Book One: Landscapes and Cityscapes of Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island A Gift to the Parish of Christ Church, Andover from the Dorans Earlier this year Michael and Carol Doran made a gift to the Parish of Christ Church of 250 paintings, most all of which are watercolors.
    [Show full text]
  • Federal Register/Vol. 78, No. 66/Friday, April 5, 2013/Notices
    20686 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 66 / Friday, April 5, 2013 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND property is described as for ‘‘off-site use Chief of Staff for Installation URBAN DEVELOPMENT only’’ recipients of the property will be Management, Department of Army, required to relocate the building to their Room 5A128, 600 Army Pentagon, [Docket No. FR–5681–N–14] own site at their own expense. Washington, DC 20310, (571) 256–8145; Federal Property Suitable as Facilities Homeless assistance providers Coast Guard: Commandant, United To Assist the Homeless interested in any such property should States Coast Guard, Attn: Jennifer send a written expression of interest to Stomber, 2100 Second St. SW., Stop AGENCY: Office of the Assistant HHS, addressed to Theresa Ritta, 7901, Washington, DC 20593–0001; Secretary for Community Planning and Division of Property Management, (202) 475–5609; NASA: Mr. Frank T. Development, HUD. Program Support Center, HHS, room Bellinger, Facilities Engineering ACTION: Notice. 5B–17, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Division, National Aeronautics & Space MD 20857; (301) 443–2265. (This is not Administration, Code JX, Washington, SUMMARY: This Notice identifies a toll-free number.) HHS will mail to the DC 20546, (202) 358–1124; Navy: Mr. unutilized, underutilized, excess, and interested provider an application Steve Matteo, Department of the Navy, surplus Federal property reviewed by packet, which will include instructions Asset Management Division, Naval HUD for suitability for use to assist the for completing the application. In order Facilities Engineering Command, homeless. to maximize the opportunity to utilize a Washington Navy Yard, 1322 Patterson FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: suitable property, providers should Avenue SE., Ste.
    [Show full text]
  • Keeping an Eye on Narragansett Bay Monday, May 21, 2018 at 7:00 P.M
    Newsletter of the Rhode Island Canoe & Kayak Association Vol. XXXXI No. 5 May 2018 May Club Meeting Keeping an Eye on Narragansett Bay Monday, May 21, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. With over 400 miles of coastline, Narragansett Bay is a Rhode Island treasure and a great place for paddlers to explore. Since 1970, Save The Bay has helped us understand and preserve this amazing ecosystem. At our May Meeting, Save The Bay’s Mike Jarbeau will talk about the Baykeeper Program and its efforts to protect the Bay and to restore water quality, habitat, and ecological health to the system. The Baykeeper Program identifies and responds to environmental threats by keeping in close contact with members of the Bay community and with environmental agencies. Mike is a Warwick native who came to Save The Bay from the Coast Guard where he worked on fisheries management and other issues. The meeting will be held at the Save The Bay Center, 100 Save The Bay Drive, Providence, RI 02905. Enter the building through the main entrance. Baykeeper Mike Jarbeau from Save The Bay Directions: From Route I-95 north or south, take exit 18 for US-1A. Merge onto Thurbers Ave, and then turn right on to Allens Ave. Allens Ave will become Narragansett Blvd. Turn left on to Harborside Blvd, and then right on the Save The Bay Drive. Save The Bay Center will be on the right. Be sure to use Harborside Blvd to enter the JWU campus. Your GPS may suggest Ernest St, but the back gate off Ernest St requires a key card.
    [Show full text]
  • Did You Fall in Love with Blackstone Heritage
    Blackstone Heritage Corridor 2018 for a walk, a tour, a GO! bike ride, a paddle, a boat ride, a special event or harvest experience – all in the month of September Proudly in the wonderful Blackstone sponsored by River Valley National Heritage Corridor. GO! Table of Contents Welcome ........................ 2-3 Map ............................... 4 Listing of Experiences & Events ...................... 8-36 Trash Responsibly ........... 15 Be a GearHead! ................ 19 Page 19 Our Newest National Park ..37 Bikeway Maps ............ 38-40 VIP Program .................... 42 Photo Contest ................. 42 Support the Blackstone Heritage Corridor ............ 45 Online Shop .................... 45 Page 37 SEPTEMBER 2018 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Visit us at Page 38-40 BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org for more free, guided experiences and special events (some may charge fees)! Updated daily. Page 42 670 Linwood Avenue Whitinsville, MA 01588 508-234-4242 BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org Cover photo by Angie Stormont Page 42 ©2018 Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. Table of Contents 1 The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage We welcome you Corridor is most notably known as the Birthplace to September in the of the American Industrial Revolution and the first place of tolerance and diversity in the Blackstone country. In the fall, its many other attributes come vividly into focus as the crispness of Heritage Corridor! autumn grows from the last warmth of summer. Explore our exceptional National Heritage Corridor during a season of anticipation. Every living thing is in preparation mode. Squirrels and chipmunks are gathering food for the winter.
    [Show full text]
  • Great Meadows
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Mailing address: 73 Weir Hill Road Sudbury, MA 01776 Great Meadows Physical address: Monsen Road National Wildlife Concord, MA 01742 978/443 4661 Refuge 978/443 2898 Fax http://www.fws.gov/refuge/great_meadows/ Federal Relay Service for the deaf and hard-of-hearing Concord Unit Trails 1 800/877 8339 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1 800/344 WILD http://www.fws.gov/ March 2015 NT OF E TH TM E R IN A P T E E R D I . O S R . U M A 49 R CH 3, 18 printed on recycled paper with vegetable based inks Welcome Great Meadows National Wildlife Red-winged Refuge is one of more than 560 blackbird refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System which is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This goose, The National Wildlife Refuge designed by J.N. System is a network of lands and Ding Darling, has waters managed specifically for the become the symbol protection of wildlife and wildlife of the National habitat and represents the most Wildlife Refuge comprehensive wildlife resource System. management program in the world. Units of the system stretch across the United States from northern Alaska to the Florida Keys, and include small The dike itself is also man-made. It islands in the Caribbean and South runs between the upper and lower Pacific. The character of the refuges pools and turns to the east along one is as diverse as the nation itself. side of the lower pool separating the “meadow” from the river.
    [Show full text]
  • West Hill Dam Master Plan
    WEST HILL DAM US Army Corps Uxbridge, Massachusetts of Engineers® New England District November 2011 Master Plan BUILDING STRONG® Executive Summary This Master Plan covers 557 acres of federally owned land at West Hill Dam. The Master Plan prescribes an overall land and water management plan, resource objectives, and associated design and management concepts which provide the best possible combination of responses to regional needs, resource capabilities and suitability, and expressed public interests and desires consistent with the project’s authorized flood risk management purposes. The Master Plan covers all project resources, including but not limited to fish and wildlife, vegetation, cultural, aesthetic, interpretive, recreational, commercial and out granted lands, easements and water. Inputs to the planning process included surveys and management plans for natural, wetland and cultural resources, and an analysis of recreational use, capacity and projected needs for project lands. Natural and man-made resources were located, identified and analyzed, including wetlands, exemplary natural communities, and cultural resources that require management efforts for their protection. These were integrated into a series of project wide objectives to protect and enhance project resources and promote and develop, as appropriate, those resources for public use, education, and access. Recreational opportunities were identified through an analysis of regional needs and the public participation process. The planning process identified opportunities for the improvement of existing recreational facilities, enhancement of boat and beach facilities, picnic area and play fields, and multiple resource management to enhance and protect important natural and cultural resources. Enhancing and preserving the resources by careful management of user conflicts were also identified.
    [Show full text]
  • Methuen Open Space and Recreation Plan 2013-2020 Ii FORWARD
    CITY OF METHUEN OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN 2013 – 2020 Spicket River Prepared by Methuen Open Space and Recreation Plan Working Group Methuen Open Space and Recreation Plan 2013-2020 ii FORWARD The character of a community is determined not only by its residents and its built structures, but also by its open spaces. These unbuilt places create a unique “landscape identity” for each community. From the very rocks and soils that have sculpted our hills, streams, and ponds; to the woodlots, wetlands, wildflower meadows, and pastures that are the haunts of living creatures large and small – all contribute to a community’s signature setting and “sense of place.” The living landscape we inhabit can serve as a subtle “backdrop” for a community, like the scenery of a play or the background music of a movie. If observed, listened to and understood, the natural environment around us can tell us exactly where we are in the world, much about the history and values of our community, and even help us learn about ourselves. Are we in an urban, suburban or rural community? Are we in an upland area, along a river, or in a coastal plain? Is our neighborhood the site of a former mill complex, or a farm or quarry? Does our community cherish its heritage and place a high value on maintaining a natural landscape, on preserving a place not only for people but for nature, too? As Methuen residents, we each have an opportunity to contribute to the present and future appearance of our community by the manner in which we alter or preserve the land around us.
    [Show full text]
  • Special Places : a Newsletter of the Trustees of Reservations
    The Trustees of Reservations Conserving the Massachusetts Landscape Since 1891 SPECIAL PLACES Volume 8, No.3tfSummer 2000 Featured on the book's jacket, Field Farm in Williamstown is one of many special places highlighted in A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER Land of the Commonwealth. For Members and Donors of (hardback / cloth with foil stamp / Smythe-sewn / 160 pages / 190 color photographs / 9" x II '/2" format The Trustees of Reservations ISBN 1-55849-265-8 / Library of Congress Number 00-131606 / $40 retail / $30 current Trustees members $200 Limited Edition) Trustees to Publish Photographic Book of the Conserved Landscapes of Massachusetts The story of Massachusetts' proud conservation legacy has never Current Trustees members receive a $10 discount off the $40 been told through photographs. ..at least not until now. retail price. A special Limited Edition (250 copies in a For five years, photographer Richard Cheek crisscrossed cloth-bound slip case with numbered bookplate) may be the Commonwealth in search of the most scenic, purchased for $200 ($100 of which is tax-deductible). historic, and ecologically important For more information and to order your copy, see the conserved landscapes in the state. From enclosed brochure or visit www.thetrustees.org. the rugged coastal islands of the North Shore to the productive farms and Remember, by buying Land of the Commonwealth orchards of the Berkshire Hills, from the directly from The Trustees, 100% of your popular urban green spaces of Boston to purchase directly benefits the organization's the hidden waterfalls and snow-covered conservation work. forests of Central Massachusetts, Richard compiled a remarkable collection of vivid, The Boston Public Library invites you to full-color images of the best of the celebrate the publication of Land of the Massachusetts landscape.
    [Show full text]