Eelgrass in Little Narragansett Bay

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Eelgrass in Little Narragansett Bay THE WATCH HILL CONSERVATOR NONPROFIT ORG. 222 Watch Hill Road U.S. POSTAGE PAID Watch Hill, Rhode Island 02891 WESTERLY, RI PERMIT NO. 26 Return Service Requested Puffin Enterprises© THE WATCH HILL CONSERVANCY NEWSLETTER JUNE 2013 VOL. 6 NO. 2 WATCH HILL, R.I. EELGRASS IN LITTLE NARRAGANSETT BAY Michael Bradley (URI), Marci Cole Ekberg (Save the Bay), and Peter August (URI) What is eelgrass? Monitoring eelgrass in Little Narragansett Zostera marina, commonly known as eelgrass, is the primary sea- Bay using aerial photography grass species found in Rhode Island coastal waters. Eelgrass is a flowering Beginning in about 1994, Save the Bay (STB) underwater plant that grows in shallow waters at depths ranging from began mapping and monitoring eelgrass in Narragansett approximately 3 to 12 feet in Little Narragansett Bay (LNB). Like all Bay. In 1996 and 2006, aerial photographs were taken flowering plants, eelgrass requires sunlight for photosynthesis and has a to map the extent of eelgrass in Narragansett Bay and root system (rhizomes) in the subaqueous soil for absorption of nutrients other locations including Block Island. Previous to Watch Hill Conservancy Annual Meeting and stabilization. The long, slender, green blades capture rays of sunlight 2012, eelgrass had been mapped in Rhode Island on a THE WATCH HILL CONSERVANCY August 17, 5 p.m. at the Misquamicut to produce oxygen and bend with the ebb and flow of the tides. It repro- piece-meal basis, meaning some sites were mapped in 222 Watch Hill Road Club Golf Club duces by seed or by sprouting new shoots from rhizomes. Contrary to one year and others the next. LNB, for example, is Watch Hill, Rhode Island 02891 “Science and Management of the popular misconception, it is neither seaweed nor algae, which float in the part of the effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (401) 348-6540 Napatree Conservation Area” water or anchor to a rock. Eelgrass can form large meadows or small sep- to map eelgrass for Long Island Sound. In 2011, STB arate beds, which range in size from many acres to just a yard across. and numerous other state agencies undertook an ambi- Directors and Officers Guest speaker: Peter V. August, Ph.D. Why is eelgrass so important? tious project to map eelgrass for all coastal Rhode Frederick B. Whittemore, Thomas F. McWilliams Peter August is Professor of Natural Resources in the Island waters, including the coastal ponds, Block Department of Natural Resources Science at the University of Eelgrass is one of the most diverse and productive underwater habi- Island, and LNB, during the same calendar year. In President and Chairman Robert Severud tats found in North America. This critical estuarine habitat provides a pri- Richard H. Sayre, Grant G. Simmons III Rhode Island. Dr. August received his Ph.D. degree (Biology) order to do this, aerial photographs had to be taken for from Boston University in 1981. In 1985, he joined the URI mary source of food and shelter to an abundance of marine life, including all coastal areas in Rhode Island during a specific time Vice President, Vice Chairman, H. Brian Thompson economically-important finfish and shellfish species, such as flounder, and Treasurer Henry Toolan Department of Natural Resources Science to begin development of of year and under certain environmental conditions a Geographic Information System (GIS) database in a cooperative tautog, bay scallops, quahogs, lobsters, and blue crabs. The bay scallop conducive to identifying eelgrass on an aerial photo. Chaplin B. Barnes, Charles S. Whitman III fishery has been nonexistent in Rhode Island since 1957, largely due to the Vice President and Secretary project involving the University and the Rhode Island Department To accurately map eelgrass, the photos need to be tak- Advisory Council loss of eelgrass beds. Recently-born bay scallops as well as blue mussels Peter B. Griffin, of Environmental Management (DEM). He established the en when eelgrass is growing (June – July) and during Charles M. Royce rely on eelgrass beds as attachment sites where they are afforded protec- Vice President Environmental Data Center (EDC) in the Department of Natural low tide, calm winds, low sun angle, little or no cloud Thomas P. Sculco tion, food, and structure. It is widely understood that the vitality of an Jane B. O’Connell, Resources Science to serve as the Center of Technical Excellence cover, and low water turbidity. After a year of unsuit- Thomas R. Wall IV estuary’s eelgrass beds is an indicator of its health. Because of its impor- Vice President in Rhode Island for GIS information processing and data distribu- able conditions due to hurricanes (Irene) and other bad Staff tion. As Director of the URI Coastal Institute from 2000 to 2009, tance, eelgrass is protected both at the federal (EPA) and state (CRMC) weather, the photos were finally taken on June 28th James R. Barnes Chaplin B. Barnes, Executive Director Dr. August was responsible for developing programs and activities levels of government. and 30th, 2012. Continued on page 3 Elizabeth W. Bean Judith H. Kelley, Office Manager that assist in the creation of solutions to environmental problems Historically, eelgrass beds flourished in many areas of Rhode Island Peter J. Brockmann Lyn Traver, Administrative Assistant in coastal ecosystems. Dr. August has been a leader in the Nap- and helped support a thriving commercial scallop industry. Increased Marian C. Burke atree Advisors, a team of volunteer scientists who have been water pollution, shoreline development, boat traffic, eelgrass wasting dis- Harvey C. DeMovick III The Watch Hill Conservator studying Napatree for the past several years on behalf of the Watch ease, and hurricane damage have significantly reduced the Bay’s eelgrass T. Wilson Eglin, Jr. Joan Youngken, Contributing Editor Design, Puffin Enterprises Hill Conservancy. beds. The loss of eelgrass beds has affected fish and wildlife populations Donald R. Kelly and has virtually eliminated commercial scalloping in Rhode Island. Susan Kozel For information about community events, Dr. August will review the scientific data collection that is Eelgrass is also sensitive to increased water temperatures, as we are now Deborah Lamm lectures, concerts, nature walks, educa- happening at Napatree and how these data can and will be used to seeing with climate change. Regina L. Livingston tional programs for children, and others, inform management practices for this ecologically important area. Charles E. Long see the Conservancy’s website below. “The Napatree ecosystem is incredibly dynamic,” he states em- phatically, “and it is imperative that careful monitoring be done to Photographing eelgrass beds. (Photo Michael Bradley) www.thewatchhillconservancy.org ensure that management practices are having the desired effects.” Contents copyright 2013 The Watch Hill Conservancy© 2 7 Calendar of Summer Events 2013 EMBERSHIP ORM Why Watch Hill? Why the Watch Hill Conservancy? M F Watch Hill Conservancy A Personal Perspective, Chaplin B. Barnes, Executive Director Celebration of Summer 2013 (annual benefit party), The Watch Hill Conservancy is a non- profit organization. Your membership Saturday, June 29, 6 - 9 p.m. Misquamicut Club Beach Club (all welcome) supports the protection of the natural and As with all things, change must come. the Conservancy was given two islands in the Napatree Naturalists cultural resources of Watch Hill, a variety In 1999, as a practicing attorney, also coun- Pawcatuck River, one with an osprey platform and a family of ospreys who return each year to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings July 9 to August 29, of programs, and educational publications, sel to the Watch Hill Fire District, I helped Fred 8:30 to 10:30. See Napatree Notes elsewhere in this issue. Whittemore and an initial Board of Directors to nest. including this newsletter. Saturday Morning Nature Walks incorporate the Watch Hill Conservancy as a Early on, the Conservancy added to its mis- June 15 - August 31, starting 9 a.m. from the entrance to Napatree Point charitable organization promoting the preserva- sion the protection of the built environment of Member name:__________________________ tion of the natural environment of Watch Hill Watch Hill, and the preservation of its architec- Conservation Area, near the Misquamicut Club Beach Club and seeking to conserve, maintain, and enhance tural heritage. One result was the proposal by Annual Meeting, August 17, 5 p.m., Misquamicut Club Golf Club ______________________________________ Watch Hill’s scenic, historical, open space and the Conservancy, followed by passage by the Preferred mailing address:_________________ outdoor recreational values, as well as sensitive Westerly Town Council, of a new zoning ordi- Watch Hill Chapel areas that are habitat to many species of birds nance, providing architectural design standards ______________________________________ and wildlife. The model Fred had in mind was for Bay Street, the first and (to date) the only Services Sundays, June 23 - September 8 ______________________________________ the Weekapaug Foundation for Conservation, such standards in the Town of Westerly. Roman Catholic Mass, 8:30 a.m. Chaplin B. Barnes, Executive which Fred had helped to establish there, some Subsequently, the Conservancy published a Nondenominational “Union” Services, 10:30 a.m. ______________________________________ Director, is an attorney, a conserva- ten years earlier. book on the architecture of Watch Hill, Watch Communion at 10:30 services, July 7 and August 4 City:__________________________________ Hill Style. Earlier, the Conservancy had pub- tionist, and an amateur historian. Community Hymn Sings, July 28 and August 25, 5 p.m. Chuck Royce was an early Director of the During his active career, he has served State:_____________Zip:__________________ Conservancy and, like Fred, provided valuable lished my history of Watch Hill, Watch Hill Choral Evensong, Sunday, June 30, 5 p.m. Led by the Reverend Dr. W. Alfred Tisdale, as Director of the Office of seed money for the operation of the new entity.
Recommended publications
  • Extent of Eelgrass in Little Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island Using Side Scan Sonar Nina Musco Ecsu, Dr
    EXTENT OF EELGRASS IN LITTLE NARRAGANSETT BAY, RHODE ISLAND USING SIDE SCAN SONAR NINA MUSCO ECSU, DR. BRYAN OAKLEY ECSU, DR. PETER AUGUST WATCH HILL CONSERVANCY, WATCH HILL, RHODE ISLAND INTRODUCTION RESULTS CONCLUSION Eelgrass, Zostera marina, is a Napatree Points eelgrass meadows flowering underwater plant which have extended from 96 total acres in blooms from the late spring to 2016 to 142 acres in 2020 (Figure 2). summer in groups referred to as The areas where extent increased meadows (Figure 1). The larger bed in on the upper meadow include the Little Narragansett Bay is one of northeast and southwest corners. Rhode Island’s largest eelgrass beds. On the lower meadow, growth is Eelgrass is an important and vital seen but it’s rather sparse compared habitat for several animals including to the eelgrass found in the fish and crustaceans (Massie and northern beds. This study allowed Young, 1998). An EdgeTech’s 4125i researchers to use a combination of Side Scan Sonar System was used sonar and satellite data to more between Napatree Point accurately locate locations of Conservation Area and Sandy Point in eelgrass which is essential for the Little Narragansett Bay to map the area’s ecosystem. The sparse beds current extent of eelgrass. The 2016 mapped using sonar may not be extent of eelgrass was mapped using visible in aerial imagery OR may aerial imagery of aquatic vegetation represent further expansion of the (Bradley, 2017). Side-scan sonar eelgrass beds. imagery, coupled with vertical aerial photographs was used to map the REFERENCES AND extent of eelgrass beds and scattered ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS eelgrass within the study area.
    [Show full text]
  • Kayak Guide V4.Indd
    Kayak Rentals A KAYAKER’S GUIDE TO THE COASTAL SALT PONDS OF SOUTH COUNTY, RHODE ISLAND Arthur R. Ganz Mark F. Bullinger KAYAKER’S GUIDE KAYAKER’S Salt Ponds Coalition Salt Ponds Coalition www.saltpondscoalition.org Stewards for the Coastal Environment South County Salt Ponds Westerly through Narragansett Acknowledgements Th e authors wish to thank the R.I. Rivers Council for its support of this project. Th anks as well to Bambi Poppick and Sharon Frost for editorial assistance. © 2007 - Salt Ponds Coalition, Box 875, Charlestown, RI 02813 - www.saltpondscoalition.org Introduction Th e salt ponds are a string of coast- Today, most areas of the salt ponds ways of natural beauty, ideal for relaxed al lagoon estuaries formed aft er the re- are protected by the dunes of the barri- paddling enjoyment. cession of the glaciers 12,000 years ago. er beaches, making them gentle water- Piled sediment called glacial till formed the rocky ridge called the moraine Safety (running along what is today Route Like every outdoor activity, proper preparation and safety are the key components of an One). Irregularities along the coast- enjoyable outing. Please consider the following percautions. line were formed by the deposit of the • Always wear a proper life saving de- pull a kayaker out to sea. Be particu- glaciers, which form peninsula-shaped vice and visible colors larly cautious venturing into sections outcroppings, which are now known • Check the weather forecast. Th e ponds that are lined by stone walls - pulling as Point Judith, Matunuck, Green Hill, can get rough over and getting out becomes probli- • Dress for the weather matic in these areas.
    [Show full text]
  • RI DEM/Water Resources
    STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Water Resources WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS July 2006 AUTHORITY: These regulations are adopted in accordance with Chapter 42-35 pursuant to Chapters 46-12 and 42-17.1 of the Rhode Island General Laws of 1956, as amended STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Water Resources WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS RULE 1. PURPOSE............................................................................................................ 1 RULE 2. LEGAL AUTHORITY ........................................................................................ 1 RULE 3. SUPERSEDED RULES ...................................................................................... 1 RULE 4. LIBERAL APPLICATION ................................................................................. 1 RULE 5. SEVERABILITY................................................................................................. 1 RULE 6. APPLICATION OF THESE REGULATIONS .................................................. 2 RULE 7. DEFINITIONS....................................................................................................... 2 RULE 8. SURFACE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS............................................... 10 RULE 9. EFFECT OF ACTIVITIES ON WATER QUALITY STANDARDS .............. 23 RULE 10. PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS, TREATMENT AND PRETREATMENT........... 24 RULE 11. PROHIBITED
    [Show full text]
  • Fishing Estuaries …The Forgotten Waters
    Fishing Estuaries …the forgotten waters New England Saltwater Fishing Show March 10-12, 2017 Capt. Jim Barr Capt. Bob Hines Fishing Estuaries …the forgotten waters Agenda 1.What is an Estuary? 2.Why We Should Fish Estuaries More Frequently 3.Favorite Estuaries in RI, MA and CT 4.Common Characteristics of Estuaries 5.Fish, Forage and Seasons 6.Water & Weather Considerations 7.Understanding Estuary Anatomy, Structure, 8.Resources to understand **Tides & Flows 9. Access and Tackle 10. Safety 11.Fish Shots An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of brackish water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the **open sea. Estuaries form a transition zone between river environments and maritime environments. We’ll take a closer look at these four estuaries latrer Narrow River Pt. Judith Pond Westport River Ninigret Pond Ten of Our Favorite Estuaries 1. Little Narragansett Bay- Stonington, CT 2. Quonnochontaug Pond- Charlestown, RI 3. Ninigret Pond- Charlestown, RI 7 4. Potter Pond- South Kingstown, RI 5. Pt. Judith Pond- Narragansett, RI 6. Narrow River- Narragansett, RI 8 7. 100 Acre Pond/ Palmer River- Warren/ Barrington, RI 8. Kikemuit River- Bristol, RI/ Swansea, MA 9. Westport River- West Branch- Westport, MA 10. Westport River- East Branch- Westport, MA 9/ 10 6 4 3 5 1 2 18 More Great Estuaries Rhode Island Massachusetts • Seekonk River • Taunton River • Watchhemoket Cove • Cole River • Bullocks Cove • Lee River • Nag Pond • Slocum River • Passeonkquis Cove • Occupessatuxet Cove • Greenwich
    [Show full text]
  • Town of Westerly Harbor Management Plan 2016 Revised 10/28/19
    Town of Westerly Harbor Management Plan 2016 Revised 10/28/19 As Adopted by the Westerly Town Council, October 28, 2019 1 Contents INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 3 WESTERLY HMC MISSION STATEMENT ................................................................... 4 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................. 5 HISTORY ......................................................................................................................... 18 WATER QUALITY.......................................................................................................... 20 NATURAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................... 30 THE BEACHES................................................................................................................ 36 SHORELINE PUBLIC ACCESS ................................................................................... 41 HARBOR FACILITIES AND BOAT RAMPS ............................................................... 53 MOORING MANAGEMENT.......................................................................................... 60 STORM PREPAREDNESS.............................................................................................. 75 WESTERLY HARBOR MANAGEMENT PLAN-ORDINANCE ................................. 81 2 INTRODUCTION The Westerly Harbor Plan is formulated in order to
    [Show full text]
  • Rhode Island's Shellfish Heritage
    RHODE ISLAND’S SHELLFISH HERITAGE RHODE ISLAND’S SHELLFISH HERITAGE An Ecological History The shellfish in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island’s salt ponds have pro- vided humans with sustenance for over 2,000 years. Over time, shellfi sh have gained cultural significance, with their harvest becoming a family tradition and their shells ofered as tokens of appreciation and represent- ed as works of art. This book delves into the history of Rhode Island’s iconic oysters, qua- hogs, and all the well-known and lesser-known species in between. It of ers the perspectives of those who catch, grow, and sell shellfi sh, as well as of those who produce wampum, sculpture, and books with shell- fi sh"—"particularly quahogs"—"as their medium or inspiration. Rhode Island’s Shellfish Heritage: An Ecological History, written by Sarah Schumann (herself a razor clam harvester), grew out of the 2014 R.I. Shell- fi sh Management Plan, which was the first such plan created for the state under the auspices of the R.I. Department of Environmental Management and the R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council. Special thanks go to members of the Shellfi sh Management Plan team who contributed to the development of this book: David Beutel of the Coastal Resources Manage- Wampum necklace by Allen Hazard ment Council, Dale Leavitt of Roger Williams University, and Jef Mercer PHOTO BY ACACIA JOHNSON of the Department of Environmental Management. Production of this book was sponsored by the Coastal Resources Center and Rhode Island Sea Grant at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, and by the Coastal Institute at the University SCHUMANN of Rhode Island, with support from the Rhode Island Council for the Hu- manities, the Rhode Island Foundation, The Prospect Hill Foundation, BY SARAH SCHUMANN .
    [Show full text]
  • Long Island Sound Blue Plan 2019
    LONG ISLAND SOUND BLUE PLAN 2019 The following is an extract from Section 3.3 of the Final Draft Version of the Blue Plan (version 1.2 dated September 2019) describing the process to create the Blue Plan Policy Area and Area of Interest. Long Island Sound Blue Plan Report presented by the: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Version 1.2 September 2019 Publication Information This report, titled the Long Island Sound Blue Plan (Blue Plan) is presented by the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, under the advisement of the Blue Plan Advisory Committee. The report, and accompanying documentation, is available online via the Blue Plan website: https://www.ct.gov/deep/LISBluePlan For more information contact: [email protected] Long Island Sound Blue Plan Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Land and Water Resources Division: Blue Plan 79 Elm Street Hartford, CT 06106 (860) 424-3019 Funding Sources: Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Stakeholder engagement options and data and information research for LIS MSP, $60,000, The Nature Conservancy, grantee, 1/2016 – 2/2017 Long Island Sound Study (LISS)/Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF), Using strategic engagement to achieve management and protection goals of the Long Island Sound Blue Plan, $34,997, The University of Connecticut, grantee, 10/1/16-12/31/171 Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Coordination, outreach and ecological characterization support for Long Island Sound Blue Plan, $60,000, The Nature Conservancy, grantee, 1/2017 – 3/2018 EPA Long Island Sound Study, Support for marine spatial planning in Long Island Sound: the Blue Plan, $200,000, The University of Connecticut, grantee, 10/1/17-9/30/192 1 This project has been funded wholly or in part by the Long Island Sound Study provided through the Long Island Sound Futures Fund .
    [Show full text]
  • RI 2008 Integrated Report
    STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS 2008 INTEGRATED WATER QUALITY MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT REPORT SECTION 305(b) STATE OF THE STATE’S WATERS REPORT And SECTION 303(d) LIST OF IMPAIRED WATERS FINAL APRIL 1, 2008 RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF WATER RESOURCES www.dem.ri.gov STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS 2008 INTEGRATED WATER QUALITY MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT REPORT Section 305(b) State of the State’s Waters Report And Section 303(d) List of Impaired Waters FINAL April 1, 2008 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF WATER RESOURCES 235 Promenade Street Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-4700 www.dem.ri.gov Table of Contents List of Tables .............................................................................................................................................iii List of Figures............................................................................................................................................iii Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1 Integrated Report Overview.................................................................................................... 7 A. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 7 B. Background ..................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • W R Wash Rhod Hingt De Isl Ton C Land Coun D Nty
    WASHINGTON COUNTY, RHODE ISLAND (ALL JURISDICTIONS) VOLUME 1 OF 2 COMMUNITY NAME COMMUNITY NUMBER CHARLESTOWN, TOWN OF 445395 EXETER, TOWN OF 440032 HOPKINTON, TOWN OF 440028 NARRAGANSETT INDIAN TRIBE 445414 NARRAGANSETT, TOWN OF 445402 NEW SHOREHAM, TOWN OF 440036 NORTH KINGSTOWN, TOWN OF 445404 RICHMOND, TOWN OF 440031 SOUTH KINGSTOWN, TOWN OF 445407 Washingtton County WESTERLY, TOWN OF 445410 Revised: October 16, 2013 Federal Emergency Management Ageency FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY NUMBER 44009CV001B NOTICE TO FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY USERS Communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program have established repositories of flood hazard data for floodplain management and flood insurance purposes. This Flood Insurance Study (FIS) may not contain all data available within the repository. It is advisable to contact the community repository for any additional data. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may revise and republish part or all of this FIS report at any time. In addition, FEMA may revise part of this FIS report by the Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) process, which does not involve republication or redistribution of the FIS report. Therefore, users should consult community officials and check the Community Map Repository to obtain the most current FIS components. Initial Countywide FIS Effective Date: October 19, 2010 Revised Countywide FIS Date: October 16, 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS – Volume 1 – October 16, 2013 Page 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Purpose of Study 1 1.2 Authority and Acknowledgments 1 1.3 Coordination 4 2.0
    [Show full text]
  • News Release Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex Block Island NWR John H
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service News Release Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex Block Island NWR John H. Chafee NWR at Pettaquamscutt Cove Ninigret NWR Sachuest Point NWR Trustom Pond NWR 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813 401/364-9124 Fax: 401/364-0170 For Immediate Release March 28, 2016 For Further Information Contact: Charlie Vandemoer, Refuge Manager (401) 364-9124 Janis Nepshinsky, Visitor Services Manager, (401) 364-9124 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Provides Updates on Proposed Beach Pass Fees for Sandy Point Island The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is providing updated information on the proposed beach pass fees for those wishing to visit Sandy Point Island (Island) in Little Narragansett Bay. In February 2015, the Service sought comments on a proposed beach pass fee schedule as shown below. The Service did not receive any negative comments, and had one on-line positive comment during the thirty-day period. While the Service did not manage the beach passes during summer 2015, refuge staff did provide outreach on the proposed beach pass program, as well as monitored visitation numbers and compliance on the Island. Based on this outreach and monitoring, the Service is proposing to revise the fee schedule beginning 2016 to simplify purchasing and compliance requirements as follows: Type Proposed 2016 Fee Proposed 2015 Fee Summer, 2014 Fee (Avalonia) Season Pass, Individual $25.00 $55.00 $70.00 Season Pass, Family ------ $75.00 $90.00 Season Pass, Senior Citizen $15.00 $25.00 n/a Federal Duck Stamp holder n/a Free n/a Daily Pass $10.00 $5.00 $5.00 Compared to previous years, the proposed fees for an individual season pass will be substantially less than what has been charged in the past to visit the Island.
    [Show full text]
  • 2012 Eelgrass Survey for Eastern Long Island Sound, Connecticut and New York
    2012 Eelgrass Survey for Eastern Long Island Sound, Connecticut and New York U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - 2013 Cover Photo: Mumford Cove, Groton, Connecticut. 2012 Eelgrass Survey for Eastern Long Island Sound, Connecticut and New York Ralph Tiner1, Kevin McGuckin2, and Andrew MacLachlan3 1U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory Program Northeast Region 300 Westgate Center Drive Hadley, MA 01035 2Conservation Management Institute Virginia Tech University 1900 Kraft Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 3U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southern New England Coastal Program 50 Bend Road Charlestown, RI 02813 Prepared for: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Ecosystem Protection Region I Boston, MA National Wetlands Inventory Report November 2013 This report should be cited as: Tiner, R., K. McGuckin, and A. MacLachlan. 2013. 2012 Eelgrass Survey for Eastern Long Island Sound, Connecticut and New York. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory Program, Northeast Region, Hadley, MA. National Wetlands Inventory report. 20 pp. including Appendix. Table of Contents Page Introduction 1 Study Area 1 Methods 3 Acquisition of Aerial Photography 3 Eelgrass Database Construction 3 Field Work 3 Geospatial Data 4 Results 5 Online Maps and Geospatial Data 5 Extent of Eelgrass and Other Submerged Vegetation 8 Comparison with Earlier Surveys 11 Recommendations for Future Surveys 12 Summary 13 Acknowledgments 14 References 15 Appendix. An Introduction to the NWI+ Web Mapper 16 This page is intentionally blank. Introduction Since eelgrass beds are vital habitats for marine and estuarine biota, there is interest in documenting their status and trends. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wetlands Inventory Program (NWI) has conducted eelgrass inventories for the eastern end of Long Island Sound since 2002.
    [Show full text]
  • Providence, RI--MA 71.384423W
    41.732116N 41.732908N 71.940564W 2010 CENSUS - URBANIZED AREA REFERENCE MAP: Providence, RI--MA 71.384423W Canterbury town 12130 664 Foster Cranston° 19180 rt Scituate town 64220 K ilve r Rd LEGEND ive town PROVIDENCE 007 St 117 R Worcester, H w i l Lombardi Ln 1 a d 27460 l u q R c S SYMBOL DESCRIPTION SYMBOL LABEL STYLE u KENT 003 t S k nd k c MA-CT a B d St 295 o Qu rk Au Wakefiel R du bon Ln 97291 W 295 International 14 aterm West Strawberry Field Rd CANADA d an Hi R ll Rd Hill Rd Warwick 117 k n ac t 5 w l S East Rd B o town 78440 t n t Federal American Indian i G n i Ave a B v i l Pos u 14 b 2 c L'ANSE RES 1880 o M k Reservation s ey C 14 o e Moosup B S n Flat River 115 r te 116 k H P r Reservoir i l i i l c n l 2 M 49180 g a k g S n 113 Warwick° 74300 R isso Xi in e R n ers d G R d Flat Riv Hunt Oak Rd Oak d d e Knotty Off-Reservation Trust Land t i r A T1880 t b R R v s 117 d e R o 33 d e r n n Rd D H e o i ik o n ll P h ield a le Warwick R inf C Post G d Pla Bald Hill Rd St r Dr A Urbanized Area e D v rl Highwood 117 e Dover, DE 24580 in o Knowl r es Brk g t Boston Hi t ll Rd e a Rd H M Benoit St e S k r R 14 t o p iv a Hill u Greene 31240 r G a Rd r s T t St s o o y i 117 r o e M a s d n Bald Urban Cluster B n e is Ave R e gr o e t Le 117 Tooele, VT 88057 c s v r e erv S a k S o A l ir t B r n R s T Coventry o d rr t e Ca g d n Cedar k i h S R s M p d a r h Swamp T R W a a D h in State (or statistically c t r N town 18640 r i o u e S m h e r w t d n NEW YORK 36 c t r i a R w a equivalent entity) t F o e c D n L n N w R e Plainfield
    [Show full text]