OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN TOWN OF ROCKPORT 2019 ®Maps produced by Peter Van Demark using Maptitude GIS software October 2019 Open Space and Recreation Committee: Lawrence Neal, Conservation Commission, DPW Commission and Chair, Rob Claypool, Stephanie Cunningham, Tom Mikus, Rights of Way, Planning Board Frederick H. “Ted” Tarr III, Peter Van Demark, Cartographer Open Space and Recreation Plan for the Town of Rockport 2019 - 2026 2 Open Space and Recreation Plan for the Town of Rockport 2019 - 2026 PROSPERITY FOLLOWS SERVICE PATHWAYS The Islanders had built along the shoreline leaving the center of the island almost virgin overgrown with trees and brush, an occasional open area here, a granite deposit there. Pathways cut through the terrain, offering a tourist hiker several choices. A new path is always an adventure. The first passage is more a reconnoiter concentrating on direction, orientation, markers and eventual destination. The second pass is leisurely and indulgent allowing time to appreciate the colors, odors, indigenous flora, local fauna, the special essence of the place. Approach a poem like a wooded path with secrets to impart, one reading will reveal her scheme, the second her heart. from Pathways by J.J. Coyle This plan is dedicated to Frederick H. “Ted” Tarr, III. Thank you for the pathways. 3 Open Space and Recreation Plan for the Town of Rockport 2019 - 2026 Thank you for your service. TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................. 4 TABLE OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................. 5 SECTION 1: PLAN SUMMARY ................................................................................................ 8 SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 9 2A. Statement of Purpose ....................................................................................................... 9 2B. Planning Process and Public Participation .................................................................. 10 SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING ................................................................................... 13 3A. Regional Context ............................................................................................................ 13 3B. History of the Community ............................................................................................. 15 3C. Population Characteristics ............................................................................................ 18 3D. Growth and Development Patterns .............................................................................. 22 SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS ...................................... 32 4A. Geology, Topography and Soils ..................................................................................... 32 4B. Landscape Character ..................................................................................................... 38 4C. Water Resources ............................................................................................................. 46 4D. Vegetation ....................................................................................................................... 55 Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species ........................................................................ 61 4E. Fisheries and Wildlife .................................................................................................... 62 Vernal Pools .......................................................................................................................... 63 Diadromous Fish ................................................................................................................... 63 4F. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments ............................................................... 72 4G. Environmental Challenges ............................................................................................ 76 SECTION 5: INVENTORY OF LANDS OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION INTEREST ................................................................................................................................ 81 5A. Private Parcels ............................................................................................................... 86 5B. Public Parcels ................................................................................................................. 94 KEYS to TABLES ............................................................................................................... 115 5C. ADA Access and Public Transportation to Open Space ............................................. 116 5D. Sports Playing Fields ................................................................................................... 117 5E. Boating Access Areas ................................................................................................... 118 SECTION 6: COMMUNITY VISION .................................................................................... 119 6A. Description of Process .................................................................................................. 119 6B. Open Space and Recreation Goals .............................................................................. 120 SECTION 7: ANALYSIS OF NEEDS .................................................................................... 122 7A. Summary of Resource Protection Needs ..................................................................... 122 7B. Summary of Community's Needs ................................................................................ 125 7C. Management Needs, Potential Change of Use ........................................................... 129 SECTION 8: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................................ 130 SECTION 9: SEVEN-YEAR ACTION PLAN ........................................................................ 131 FIRST YEAR ACTION PLAN ............................................................................................ 134 ACTION PLAN FOR YEARS TWO TO SEVEN ............................................................... 135 4 Open Space and Recreation Plan for the Town of Rockport 2019 - 2026 SECTION 10: PUBLIC COMMENTS .................................................................................... 139 SECTION 11: RESOURCES AND REFERENCES .............................................................. 140 11A. Resources - Individuals .............................................................................................. 140 11B. References - Books, Booklets and Online information ............................................. 141 11C. References - Government Publications ..................................................................... 142 11D. References - Other Materials/Reports ...................................................................... 143 SECTION 12: APPENDICES ................................................................................................. 145 APPENDIX 1: Results of the Rockport Open Space Surveys 2017 ................................. 146 APPENDIX 2: Mailing list for Rockport Draft Report Review ........................................ 182 APPENDIX 3: Public Comments ....................................................................................... 184 APPENDIX G: ADA Access Self Evaluation .................................................................... 200 TABLE OF FIGURES MAP 3A REGIONAL CONTEXT ........................................................................................................ 14 MAP 3C POPULATION .................................................................................................................... 21 MAP 3D1 WATERSHEDS AND WATER LINES ................................................................................... 27 MAP 3D2 WATERSHEDS AND SEWER LINES ................................................................................... 28 MAP 3D3 ZONING AND COMPOSITE DEVELOPMENT ...................................................................... 29 MAP 3D4 DEVELOPABLE LANDS AND PARTIAL CONSTRAINTS ........................................................ 30 TABLE 3D. BUILDOUT STUDY SUMMARY (SEE MAP 3D4 DEVELOPABLE LANDS AND PARTIAL CONSTRAINTS) ........................................................................................................................ 26 MAP 3D5 ZONING MAP .................................................................................................................. 31 MAP 4A1 GENERAL SOIL MAP ....................................................................................................... 35 MAP 4A2 HYDROLOGIC SOIL GROUP ............................................................................................. 36 MAP 4B1 UNIQUE FEATURES ......................................................................................................... 40 MAP 4B2 MAJOR TRAILS AREAS .................................................................................................... 41 MAP 4B3 ROCKPORT BIKE TRAIL .................................................................................................. 44 TABLE 4B2. ROCKPORT BEACHES .................................................................................................