HOW DO WE PROTECT PLUM WHY 5 ISLAND RESIDENTS? KEEP In addition to providing critical public services such as water, sewer, PLUM ISLAND transportation and emergency response, Newburyport tries to protect NEEDS it’s residents and the island in three main ways: PLUM ISLAND 1. Requiring new or “substantially improved” structures to be elevated PROTECTING at least two feet above the FEMA flood elevation or the ground BEAUTIFUL surface to prevent storm damage and flooding of homes. 2. Protecting the dunes’ ability to move in response to wind and waves by preventing solid structures from blocking this movement. WHAT IS A BARRIER BEACH? HOMEOWNERS GUIDE 3. Protecting of the native vegetation that holds sand in place on 1 the island and encouragement of the planting of new native Plum Island is a Barrier Beach and one of Newburyport’s most vegetation wherever possible. treasured resources. A Barrier Beach is a narrow, low-lying strip of beach and coastal dunes that lies parallel to the coastline, WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP separated from the mainland by a body of water or wetland, 6 PLUM ISLAND? such as Plum Island Sound and the salt marshes that border it. Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the natural beauty WHAT MAKES and recreational opportunities across Plum Island, while remaining PLUM ISLAND SPECIAL? sensitive to the fragility of the dunes, marshes and beaches. Pathways 2 should be followed rather than walking across dune or marsh grass; Plum Island and its coastal dune system is a protected natural plantings should be native to the beach environment and not require resource because it provides critical storm and flood damage the input of soils or mulch; permanent structures should be elevated protection to its residents and the City’s mainland. It also and fences should be open to allow the free movement of sand; provides recreation opportunities for beachgoers, fishermen, unvegetated surfaces should consist of sand, gravel, crushed and others; and habitat for unique plants and wildlife, including shells or small stone. rare and endangered species. Hundreds of barrier beaches line the coastline, but Plum Island is one of the largest and most WHAT ACTIVITIES REQUIRE densely populated. 7 REVIEW OR PERMITTING? WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE • Construction of solid structures such as homes, decks, sheds, etc. ON A BARRIER BEACH? Removal of vegetation from the island or planting of lawn grasses or 3 other non-native vegetation. QUESTIONS? On populated barrier beaches such as Plum Island, the needs • Construction of impervious surfaces such as paved driveways, and desires of property owners are often at odds with the natural walkways, patios or other features using asphalt, cement, brick, If you have questions about the information functions of the dunes and beaches. Dynamic coastal shorelines stone or wood. change constantly in response to wind, waves, tides, and other in this pamphlet, contact the Newburyport factors. Consequently, coastal properties are at risk from storm • Construction of any coastal engineering structure, such as a Conservation Administrator at: damage, erosion, and flooding. Inappropriate construction seawall, revetment, groin or placement of any hard structures on techniques can do further harm by worsening erosion, preventing the beach that would affect the free movement of sand and water. [email protected] native vegetation from capturing and holding sand in place, • Excavation or filling in of land. and inadequately protecting structures from storm damage and flooding. Additional useful information about living HOW DO WE PROTECT and working in the Barrier Beach 4 THE BARRIER BEACH? environment can be found at: Managing the barrier beach to ensure that it continues to protect the cityofnewburyport.com/conservation-commission mainland while also supporting residents and visitors is a complex When in doubt about an activity on you task involving regulations under both the Massachusetts Wetlands property, please contact the Newburyport Protection Act and the Newburyport Wetlands Protection Ordinance. These state and local laws help protect Plum Island by (1) restricting Conservation Commission to ask whether or not The home improvement do’s and don’ts activities that can have adverse effects on the ability of the barrier your planned activity would require a permit. of living on a barrier beach to protect beach to perform its natural functions, and (2) guiding homeowners cityofnewburyport.com/conservation-commission Plum Island and its residents. toward activities that will safeguard their properties. Replacing or Thinking about Doing some Resurfacing putting up a renovating or adding landscaping to your driveway? new fence? a new addition? spruce up your yard?

Fences can help to delineate and All construction on Plum Island Many beautiful plants are native to When it’s time to resurface your beautify a property or contain a pet. requires either a building permit Plum Island and will thrive on your driveway, please be aware that new On Plum Island, fences can serve or approval from the Conservation property. Non-native or invasive species asphalt, concrete or other solid these purposes while still allowing Commission or both. In addition, are prohibited. Patios, decks and surfaces, including pavers, are not for the free movement of sand and all new structures, additions and walkways can enhance your outdoor permitted. Pea gravel, shells, or other growth of vegetation necessary to “substantial improvements” must be spaces; however such landscaping loose, pervious material is preferable protect the stability of the island. New elevated at least two feet above the projects require review and approval and encouraged to allow the Plum fences must receive approval from the ground surface or FEMA base flood from the Conservation Commission. Island ecosystem to continue to Conservation Commission. elevation, whichever is higher. function as nature intended.

What to Do: What to Do: What to Do: What to Do:

• Consult the Conservation Commission website • Contact the Newburyport Planning Office/Zoning • Contact the Newburyport Planning Office/Zoning • Contact the Newburyport Building for guidelines on fencing. www.cityofnewburyp- Administrator to find out what building/zoning Administrator to find out what building/zoning Commissioner’s office to find out what ort.com/conservation-commission permits are necessary. permits are necessary. building and/or zoning permits are necessary. • Contact the Newburyport Conservation [email protected] [email protected] • Contact the Conservation Commission Commission to request approval for the • Contact the Conservation Commission to find out • Go to the Conservation Commission website to find out what kind of permit or new fence. what kind of permit or approval is necessary. to find a list of native plants and guidelines approval is necessary. • Email [email protected] • Email [email protected] for landscaping on Plum Island. www.cityof- • Email [email protected] newburyport.com/conservation-commission