Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Management Plan1.03.25BlueFlax Restoring Ecological Integrity to the Built EnvironmentDesign llc 1 CONTENTS Introduction 2 Existing Conditions 3-4 Goals/Objectives 5 Meadow Managemet Plan 6-7 References 7 Appendix A: State and Local Performance Standards 8-11 Appendix B: Plant Guide, Plant Guide References 12 MAPS/IMAGES Project Area 2 JANUARY 3, 2025 14-20 KINGSBURY WAY YARMOUTHPORT, MASSACHUSETTS LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN MassMapper image showing the context of 14-20 Kingsbury Road () in Yarmouthport. 100’ BUFFER ZONE EDGE OF WETLAND Google Earth aerial image of 14-20 Kingsbury Rd, Yarmouthport, MA. 100’ BUFFER ZONE100’ BUFFER ZONE EDGE OF EDGE OF SALT MARSHSALT MARSH KINGSBURY WAYKINGSBURY WAY PR O P E R T Y L I N E PR O P E R T Y L I N E 50’ BUFFER ZONE50’ BUFFER ZONE BORDERING VEGETATED BORDERING VEGETATED WETLANDWETLAND 2 INTRODUCTION PROJECT AREA This Plan is written to accompany the Restoration/Planting Plan for 14-20 Kingsbury Road, Yarmouthport, MA, dated January 3, 2025. This Plan describes the project in detail, clearly defining the main goals and objectives, outcomes and benefits, and outlines the steps and timeline for management procedures. The property at 14-20 Kingsbury Road in Yarmouthport, Massachusetts is owned by the Carbone family. This project’s main goals are to selectively manage invasive vegetation within the previously mowed area of the wetland and Town-owned portions of the associated buffer zone, and to restore the wetland and buffer zone with wet meadow and upland plant communities, resulting in an improvement of function and wildlife value. BlueFlax Design LLC was contracted by the Carbone family to prepare a plan addressing the restoration goals, supporting the following interests of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (sections 10.32, 10.55 and 10.57) and the Town of Yarmouthport Environmental Protection Regulations (Sections 4.06, 5.04, 6.01, and 6.02): This Plan addresses the following project outcomes, resulting in a net benefit to the ecological health of the resource areas at 14-20 Kingsbury Road: • Restoration of vegetative layers within management areas noted above, using native plant species with high wildlife habitat value (forage, breeding, cover etc.). • Ensuring that vegetated wetlands and buffer zones are providing ecological services (which will be improved through the restoration) and meeting and exceeding all State and Local performance standards. • Invasive vegetation located throughout the indicated project areas will be treated and removed, and these areas will be restored with native vegetation. • Storm Damage Prevention • Flood Control • Protection of Wildlife Habitat • Protection of Public and Private Water Supply • Protection of Groundwater Supply • Prevention of Pollution • Erosion and Sedimentation Control 3 EXISTING CONDITIONS The properties at 14-20 Kingsbury Road are two lots totaling 29,800 square feet in Yarmouthport, MA. The site’s resource areas include Salt Marsh, Bordering Vegetated Wetland, Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage (VE Flood Zone Elevation AE12), and all associated buffer zones to these resource areas. Each lot is developed with a single-family home and paved driveway to the east of the house. The owners propose to restore the BVW and buffer zone areas to the north of the lots in compliance with a March 2020 Order of Conditions (SE 83-2104). The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) and Massachusetts Nature Conservancy identify Critical Natural Landscape on the northern edge of Lot 14. Tern Foraging Habitat is identified to the north of the site within the Town-owned marsh. Supporting ecological processes that naturally occur within this watershed by incorporating native plant communities will increase the resilience and adaptability of this ecoregion, especially amid the challenges of climate change. There are no estimated or priority habitats of rare or endangered species located within the proposed project area. The bank is stable but currently maintained as mown turf, as is the rest of the property around the house. The town-owned salt marsh to the north of Lot 14 (labeled B in image at right) is nearly 100% vegetated with phragmites (Phragmites australis), and the bordering vegetated wetland area to the north of Lot 13 (C) currently contains patches phragmites and clumps of regenerating bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea), as well as remnant summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) and groundselbush (Baccharis halimifolia) and herbaceous wetland species. The homeowners have been managing the area to the north of Lot 13 with regular mowing in an attempt to prevent invasive vegetation from migrating back into the wetland area and onto their private property. They initially undertook an intensive bamboo and phragmites management project under a permit issued by the Yarmouth Conservation Commission. In 2024 the Carbones mowed the wetland area to the north of Lot 13 in an effort to continue to prevent the spread of the previously managed invasive bamboo. However, the previously issued Order of Conditions had expired, and Enforcement Order was issued. Aerial view of 14-20 Kingsbury Road facing north toward the town-owned marshland (Massmapper). The house is sited above a short bank (A) that descends to the salt marsh north of Lot 14 (B) and bordering vegetated wetland north of Lot 13. The bank is currently maintained as turfgrass. A Massmapper view of 14-20 Kingsbury Road, with property lines in red. BIOMAP Critical Natural Landscape (yellow tone) and FEMA 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard (teal tone) cover the marsh and extend over the northern property line. NHESP Tern Foraging Habitat (purple pattern)is identified just to the north of the property, within the Town- owned marsh. B C 4 EXISTING CONDITIONS PHOTOGRAPHS Remaining phragmites and bamboo attempt to regenerate in the bordering vegetated wetland to the north of Lot 13, which the homeowners have been managing by mowing to prevent migration onto their property. The view northwest from Lot 13. The Town-owned saltmarsh to the north of Lot 14 (left) is invaded with phragmites. The remaining phragmites and bamboo in the BVW to the north of Lot 13 (right) has been managed by mowing. The view south to the house at 20 Kingsbury Way (Lot 13) from the edge of the bordering vegetated wetland. The Carbones’ property line is at the top of a short bank leading to the Town-owned saltmarsh. A closer view at the bordering vegetated wetland and short bank, maintained as turf, to the north of Lot 13. 5 GOALS AND OUTCOMES This project’s main goals are to restore the bordering vegetated wetland and vegetative buffer zone with wet meadow and upland plant communities, beginning with selectively managing invasive vegetation within the previously mowed area of the wetland, resulting in an improvement of function and wildlife value. OUTCOME 1: Restore and stabilize the bordering vegetated wetland and buffer zones by managing the existing invasive vegetation and replanting native species. • Manage invasive plant species within the resource area to reduce their competition with species that provide native habitat. • Restore and protect the bordering vegetated wetland by removing and managing invasive vegetation, and replanting native vegetation appropriate to the site’s conditions and intended ecological services. • Expand the vegetated buffer and plant the town-owned property with appropriate native shrubs to demarcate the property boundaries and prevent future intrusion into the wetland area. OUTCOME 2: Protect water quality of the bordering vegetated wetland, Lone Tree Creek, the Center Street Marsh and ultimately Gray’s Beach and Cape Cod Bay. • Stormwater runoff will be slowed by the interception of multiple vegetation layers (ground cover, mid-canopy, and over-story canopy layers). As the rainwater reaches the ground, its velocity is reduced, which prevents soil erosion and allows for swift absorption and filtration by the deeper and complex network of native plant roots. This is the preferred stormwater function provided by naturally vegetated areas. While the site has an etablished canopy layer and few invasive plants, the sparse existing understory vegetation limits ground-level absorption and cannot provide these functions as well as a denser, more diverse plant community would. Native plant communities have co- evolved to sustain higher levels of species diversity per square foot, which allows plants to grow densely, and creates an extensive root system that filters rainwater and stabilizes soils. The high species diversity of native plant communities also increases the ecological resiliency of an area, and offers increased chance of adaptation to the impacts of climate change. OUTCOME 3: Improve wildlife habitat function and value within the wetland and vegetated buffer zone. • Restore native plant species within restoration areas that provide high value cover, forage, and breeding habitat. Diversifying the vegetation bordering the wetland will improve connectivity for easier wildlife movement between nearby wetlands, including Lone Tree Creek, the Center Street Marsh, Gray’s Beach and Cape Cod Bay. • This project will result in an overall improvement to the ecological function of the resource area and buffer zone by restoring naturalized, native vegetation, increasing biodiversity, improving soil protection and stability, improving storm water infiltration, and improving structural and species diversity for better wildlife habitat. The vegetation proposed in the Planting Plan associated with this document is composed of a variety of species well-adapted to coastal conditions, and will provide important ecological functions including stabilization and increased stormwater infiltration. Overall, the proposed project will be an improvement to the site’s current conditions. It will not destroy or have any adverse effects on any portion of the resource area or associated buffer zone. The proposed project will enhance and protect the functions of these critical resource areas, the buffer zone, and the stated interests of the State Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Yarmouthport Wetland Protection Regulations. Please see Appendix A of this document for information regarding State and Local Performance Standards. 6 MEADOW MANAGEMENT PLAN PHIL + NANCE CARBONE PO BOX 391 HARWICH PORT, MA774-408-7718 | www.blueflaxdesign.com DATE REVISION INITIALS 14-20 KINGSBURY WAY YARMOUTHPORT, MA 00SHEET JANUARY 3, 2025 RESTORATION ANDPLANTING PLAN N The areas proposed for restoration will be replanted with 414 native woody plant species, including two red maple trees (Acer rubrum) and one sweet bay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), northern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), meadowsweet (Spiraea alba), sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina), Virginia rose (Rosa virginiana), and winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata). In addition, the restoration areas will be seeded with deep-rooted, native grass and wildflower mixes appropriate to the conditions of each project area, and listed in full on the Restoration and Planting Plan. The greatest challenge in maintaining a meadow in its first three growing seasons is management of invasive species noxious weeds. Invasive species attempting to recolonize the wet meadow will be selectively treated with a systemic herbicide application using the cut and wipe method in order to control these species. Cool-season, non-native grass species will be monitored and removed in early spring as these grasses emerge, before native grasses and forbs break ground. FIRST GROWING SEASON (AFTER SEEDING AND PLANTING) • In winter 2025, the previously mowed wet meadow area will be raked to remove woody vegetation debris and allow for good seed to soil contact. Debris will be removed to an approved composting facility. • The raked area will be seeded with the custom FACW/Obligate seed mix indicated on the planting plan, rolled, and covered with chopped straw. • In spring 2025, turf lawn areas will be prepared for planting by removing turf with a sod cutter, planting proposed woody vegetation, and seeding bare soils between shrubs with the proposed native seed mix. Woody vegetation will be planted in the wet meadow area and any bare soils will be overseeded with the FACW/Obligate seed mix. • A low ground pressure, track walk-behind skid steer will be used for raking the existing woody debris from the wet meadow area. • In Spring, monitor for signs of invasive species and noxious weeds. Prepare plan for herbicide treatment of invasive species as necessary. • In early summer, set up temporary irrigation to keep newly planted Wet meadow restoration area To be seeded with wet seed mix and mowed annually Upland restoration area To be seeded with upland mix and mowed annually Upland restoration area To be seeded with low grass and wildflower mix and not mowed Town-owned salt marsh with phragmites, to remain unmanaged MANAGEMENT AREA KEY 7 for herbicide treatment of invasive species as necessary. Gently hand pull weeds growing around newly planted meadow species, taking great care to not disturb the establishing root systems of the new plants. Assess the health of woody vegetation, replace any shrubs/trees that may have succumbed to winter kill. • In early summer, assess the need for continued temporary irrigation. If necessary, set up irrigation, otherwise stop all temp irrigation. Perennials and grasses should be completely filled in and their roots established at this point. • In late summer commence herbicide treatments on invasive plant species as necessary. Continue to monitor for weeds and remove seed heads to prevent spreading. • In fall continue to monitor for weeds and hand pull as described above. Apply herbicide treatments to invasive species as necessary. After the third growing season, the meadow should be well established and require very little support. However, there will continue to be significant invasive species pressure from the Town-owned property to the north and west. Therefore, we recommend that once annual mowing of the meadow, along with monitoring for and selective treatment of invasive species (as necessary) be ongoing. A naturalized meadow is a dynamic system and from time to time some voids may open up as plants naturally move around. Any naturally occurring voids may be replanted with native grass and wildflower species to prevent invasive species from colonizing bare areas and to maintain the aesthetic qualities of the meadow. shrubs properly irrigated throughout the summer growing season. Monitor and adjust irrigation to ensure minimal water use. • In late summer, selectively manage invasive plant species as necessary. • In fall, continue to monitor for weeds and hand pull as described above. Apply herbicide treatments to invasive species as necessary. Shut down temporary irrigation for the season. SECOND GROWING SEASON • In early spring (March/April 2026), before new growth appears, cut previous season’s growth to the ground. Meadow mowing will be completed using a power scythe and/or string trimmer to avoid damage to establishing woody vegetation. • Monitor for signs of invasive species and noxious weeds. Prepare plan for herbicide treatment of invasive species as necessary. Gently hand pull weeds growing around newly planted meadow species, taking great care to NOT disturb the establishing root systems of the new plants. Assess health of planting installed the previous fall, replace any vegetation that may have succumbed to winter kill. • In early summer, set up temporary irrigation to keep newly planted plugs properly irrigated throughout the summer growing season. Monitor and adjust irrigation to ensure minimal water use.Continue to monitor for and gently pull problem weeds. • In late summer, selectively manage invasive plant species as necessary. • In fall, continue to monitor for weeds and hand pull as described above. Apply herbicide treatments to invasive species as necessary. Shut down temporary irrigation for the season. THIRD GROWING SEASON • In early spring, before new growth appears, cut previous season’s growth to the ground. Monitor for signs of invasive species and noxious weeds. Prepare plan Yarmouthport Conservation Commission, Yarmouthport Environmental Protection Pegulations. November 2015. Wetlands Protection Act Regulations 310 CMR 10.00. Mass Department of Environmental Protection. October 24, 2014. https://www.mass.gov/regulations/310-CMR-1000-wetlands-protection-act-regulations. REFERENCES 8 The proposed project must also meet the following state and local performance standard for work undertaken in buffer zones to resource areas, as set forth in Sections 10.32, 10.55 and 10.57 in the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, and Sections 4.06, 5.04, 6.01, and 6.02 of the Yarmouthport Wetland Protection Regulations. MEETING AND EXCEEDING STATE & YARMOUTHPORT WETLANDS REGULATIONS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS WPA 10.55: BORDERING VEGETATED WETLANDS (a) Where the presumption set forth in 310 CMR 10.55(3) is not overcome, any proposed work in a Bordering Vegetated Wetland shall not destroy or otherwise impair any portion of said area. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of 310 CMR 10.55(4)(a), the issuing authority may issue an Order of Conditions permitting work which results in the loss of up to 5000 square feet of Bordering Vegetated Wetland when said area is replaced in accordance with the following general conditions and any additional, specific conditions the issuing authority deems necessary to ensure that the replacement area will function in a manner similar to the area that will be lost: 1. The surface of the replacement area to be created (“the replacement area”) shall be equal to that of the area that will be lost (“the lost area”); 2. the ground water and surface elevation of the replacement area shall be approximately equal to that of the lost area; 3. The overall horizontal configuration and location of the replacement area with respect to the bank shall be similar to that of the lost area; 4. the replacement area shall have an unrestricted hydraulic connection to the same water body or waterway associated with the lost area; 5. the replacement area shall be located within the same general area of the water body or reach of the waterway as the lost area; 6. at least 75% of the surface of the replacement area shall be reestablished with indigenous wetland plant species within two growing seasons, and prior to said vegetative reestablishment any exposed soil in the replacement area shall be temporarily stabilized to prevent erosion in accordance with standard U.S. Soil Conservation Service methods; and 7. the replacement area shall be provided in a manner which is consistent with all other General Performance Standards for each resource area in Part III of 310 CMR 10.00. • a) The proposed restoration is intended to restore and rehabilitate the resource area, and will not add sediment or runoff from the construction process to the wetland. • b) No area within the bordering vegetated wetland will be lost. WPA 10.32: SALT MARSHES (3) A proposed project in a salt marsh, on lands within 100 feet of a salt marsh, or in a body of water adjacent to a salt marsh shall not destroy any portion of the salt marsh and shall not have an adverse effect on the productivity of the salt marsh. Alterations in growth, distribution and composition of salt marsh vegetation shall be considered in evaluating adverse effects on productivity. 310 CMR 10.32(3) shall not be construed to prohibit the harvesting of salt hay. (4) Notwithstanding the provisions of 310 CMR 10.32(3), a small project within a salt marsh, such as an elevated walkway or other structure which has no adverse effects other than blocking sunlight from the underlying vegetation for a portion of each day, may be permitted if such a project complies with all other applicable requirements of 310 CMR 10.21 through 10.37. (5) Notwithstanding the provisions of 310 CMR 10.32(3), a project which will restore or rehabilitate a salt marsh, or create a salt marsh, may be permitted in accordance with 310 CMR 10.11 through 10.14, 10.24(8), and/or 10.53(4). (6) Notwithstanding the provisions of 310 CMR 10.32(3) through (5), no project may be permitted which will have any adverse effect on specified habitat sites of Rare Species, as identified by procedures established under 310 CMR 10.37. • The work proposed in the Land Management Plan will exceed these performance expectations. The proposed restoration is intended to restore and rehabilitate the resource area, and will not add sediment or runoff from the construction process to the salt marsh. • A temporary disturbance of existing vegetation will occur when managing and removing invasive species. The reduction of invasive species and addition of native species will improve and better protect the resource area. 9 WPA 10.57 BORDERING LAND SUBJECT TO FLOODING General Performance Standards. (a) Bordering Land Subject to Flooding. 1. Compensatory storage shall be provided for all flood storage volume that will be lost as the result of a proposed project within Bordering Land Subject to Flooding, when in the judgment of the issuing authority said loss will cause an increase or will contribute incrementally to an increase in the horizontal extent and level of flood waters during peak flows. Compensatory storage shall mean a volume not previously used for flood storage and shall be incrementally equal to the theoretical volume of flood water at each elevation, up to and including the 100-year flood elevation, which would be displaced by the proposed project. Such compensatory volume shall have an unrestricted hydraulic connection to the same waterway or water body. Further, with respect to waterways, such compensatory volume shall be provided within the same reach of the river, stream or creek. 2. Work within Bordering Land Subject to Flooding, including that work required to provide the above-specified compensatory storage, shall not restrict flows so as to cause an increase in flood stage or velocity. 3. Work in those portions of bordering land subject to flooding found to be significant to the protection of wildlife habitat shall not impair its capacity to provide important wildlife habitat functions. Except for work which would adversely affect vernal pool habitat, a project or projects on a single lot, for which Notice(s) of Intent is filed on or after November 1, 1987, that (cumulatively) alter(s) up to 10% or 5,000 square feet (whichever is less) of land in this resource area found to be significant to the protection of wildlife habitat, shall not be deemed to impair its capacity to provide important wildlife habitat functions. Additional alterations beyond the above threshold, or altering vernal pool habitat, may be permitted if they will have no adverse effects on wildlife habitat, as determined by procedures contained in 310 CMR 10.60. • All proposed work stated in this Land Management Plan will enhance the site’s capacity to absorb and filter flood storage • Restoring native species will enhance the wildlife value of the site. YWPR 4.06 SALT MARSHES Any activity that is allowed on a salt marsh shall comply with the following provisions: (a) A proposed project in a salt marsh, on land within 100 feet from a salt marsh, or in a body of water adjacent to a salt marsh shall not destroy any portion of the salt marsh and shall not have an adverse effect on the productivity of the salt marsh. Alterations in growth, distribution and composition of salt marsh vegetation shall be considered in evaluating adverse effects on productivity. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 4.06, (3), (a), a small project within a salt marsh, such as an elevated walkway or other structure which has no adverse effects other than blocking sunlight from the underlying vegetation for a portion of each day,may be permitted if such a project complies with all other applicable requirements of these regulations. (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 4.06, (3), (a), a project which will restore or rehabilitate may be permitted; provided, however, that this section shall not be construed to allow the alteration of one salt marsh on a given site by or contingent upon the creation or restoration of another. • The work proposed in the Land Management Plan will exceed these performance expectations. The proposed restoration is intended to restore and rehabilitate the resource area, and will not add sediment or runoff from the construction process to the marsh. • A temporary disturbance of existing vegetation will occur when managing and removing invasive species. The reduction of invasive species and addition of native species will improve and better protect the resource area. MEETING AND EXCEEDING YARMOUTHPORT WETLANDS REGULATIONS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS The proposed project must also meet the following state and local performance standard for work undertaken in buffer zones to resource areas, as set forth in Sections 10.32, 10.55 and 10.57 in the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, and Sections 4.06, 5.04, 6.01, and 6.02 of the Yarmouthport Wetland Protection Regulations. 10 kills and foul odors. To minimize potential adverse impacts due to fertilization, the Conservation Commission requires that turf lawns be minimized or even eliminated from landscaping plans; particularly in lots adjoining surface water bodies and wetland resource areas. No new turf lawns shall be permitted in the 50-foot buffer zone on an undeveloped lot. On lots where turf lawn currently exists and has for a long period of time, the Commission may require that turf lawn area to be reduced or eliminated when an application for a new project on that lot is brought before them. Buffer zones of native plants may be required to reduce surface runoff. (a) New lawns may be irrigated for 2 growing seasons after planting but not thereafter. (b) New lawns in buffer zones shall be or mimic Cape Cod Lawns. A Cape Cod Lawn is an area that is not irrigated, fertilized, or otherwise treated with chemicals that is diverse with species including native sedges, mosses, grasses, and other lowgrowing plants that are well adapted to the conditions of the Cape. Cape Cod Lawns can be established by seeding with a mix of drought tolerant grasses and forbs and weeding to remove invasive species as needed • Approximately 8,834 SF that is currently maintained as turf will be eliminated and converted to native, woody vegetation. • No fertilizers or pesticides will be used. Irrigation will be installed temporarily and used minimally to allow new plantings to establish, as detailed in the meadow management plan described above. 6.02 MITIGATION AND RESTORATION (1) At a minimum, a 35-foot undisturbed buffer zone shall be retained between the landward-most wetland resource area and the limit of proposed site disturbance. Landward of the 35-foot no-disturb zone, work shall be designed to minimize the area of disturbance, to preserve as much undisturbed vegetation within the one hundred-foot buffer zone as is practicable for the proposed use. (2) Where a 50-foot undisturbed buffer zone exists prior to the proposed work, and shall remain intact upon project completion, further buffer zone enhancement shall not be required. YWPR 5.04 LAND SUBJECT TO FLOODING, (BOTH BORDERING AND ISOLATED AREAS) Any proposed work, permitted by the Commission, on land subject to flooding shall not result in the following: (a) Flood damage due to filling which causes lateral displacement of water that would otherwise be confined within said area. (b) An adverse effect on public and private water supply or ground water supply, where said area is underlain by pervious material. (c) An adverse effect on the capacity of said area to prevent pollution of the ground water, where the area is underlain by pervious material, which in turn is covered by a mat of organic peat or muck. (d) An adverse effect on wildlife or wildlife habitat. (e) An adverse effect on state listed rare and endangered vertebrates and invertebrates s identified by DFW (Mass Division of Fisheries and Wildlife). • All proposed work stated in this Land Management Plan will enhance the site’s capacity to absorb and filter flood storage. • Restoring native species will enhance the wildlife value of the site. 6.01 SETBACKS AND BUFFER ZONES (3) The following are prohibited within resource areas listed in 6.01 (1) and their 35-foot buffer zones: (a) Lawn grasses including “Cape Cod Lawns” (b) Landscaping (c) Fertilizers (d) Pesticides (unless part of an approved invasive species removal program) (e) Irrigation except for temporary irrigation for establishment of native plantings (f) Mulch, other than for temporary ground stabilization for one growing season. Groundcover plantings are to be used for permanent stabilization and weed control. (4) The following are prohibited within resource areas listed in 6.01(1) and their 50-foot buffer zones:(a) Fertilizers(b) Pesticides (unless part of an approved invasive species removal program)(c) Irrigation except for temporary irrigation for establishment of native plantings (5) Lawns Turf lawns may be a significant source of nutrients to wetlands, coastal embayments,and other bodies of water through surface runoff and leaching to the groundwater. Excessive nutrient loading of water bodies may lead to eutrophication. Indications of eutrophication include nuisance algal blooms, oxygen depletion, fish MEETING AND EXCEEDING YARMOUTHPORT WETLANDS REGULATIONS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS The proposed project must also meet the following state and local performance standard for work undertaken in buffer zones to resource areas, as set forth in Sections 10.32, 10.55 and 10.57 in the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, and Sections 4.06, 5.04, 6.01, and 6.02 of the Yarmouthport Wetland Protection Regulations. 11 MEETING AND EXCEEDING YARMOUTHPORT WETLANDS REGULATIONS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS The proposed project must also meet the following state and local performance standard for work undertaken in buffer zones to resource areas, as set forth in Sections 10.32, 10.55 and 10.57 in the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, and Sections 4.06, 5.04, 6.01, and 6.02 of the Yarmouthport Wetland Protection Regulations. (3) Where a 50-foot undisturbed buffer zone does not exist prior to the proposed work, any work proposed within the 100-foot buffer zone shall be subject to mitigation planting requirements intended to restore, in so far as is possible, both the dimensions of a 50-foot undisturbed buffer and its vegetation. For work proposed within the 100-foot buffer zone, the calculation of mitigation is set forth as follows: (a) For proposed, new or replacement hardscape or structure, whether pervious or impervious, within the 50-100-foot buffer zone, mitigation shall be 2:1. (b) For proposed new or replacement hardscape or minor structure, whether pervious or impervious within the 35–50-foot buffer zone, mitigation shall be 3:1. (c) Where a variance is sought for proposed work within the 35-foot buffer, mitigation shall be determined at the commission’s discretion. (d) In no case shall the total area of mitigation plantings required be greater than that which is necessary to restore a 50-foot undisturbed buffer in its entirety. (e) If structures or hardscape already exist within the 35-50 foot buffer, then additional structures or hardscape may not be allowed within the 100 foot buffer until the 50 foot buffer and its vegetation have been fully restored. (4) Planting requirements Where mitigation or restoration of buffer zone vegetation is proposed or required under a notice of intent, it shall meet the following requirements:(a) Locally native and climate adapted plant species suited to the local growing conditions will be used. Mitigation areas should contain a diversity of woody species with varying heights sufficient for the space (at least 3 species when the required mitigation area is <300 sqft) and may be supplemented by an understory of native grasses and forbs (including ferns, herbs, groundcovers, and perennials). Native grasses and forbs alone cannot be used as mitigation. (b) The recommended plant spacing and densities will be used as shown on the approved plant lists available on the conservation website (c) Only temporary use of mulch may be applied under the drip line of each plant at the time of planting for moisture retention, soil stabilization, and weed control during establishment. Native groundcovers will be utilized in the spaces between larger plantings. At no time shall a mitigation or restoration area be sheet-mulched. Hand weeding is allowed. • No hardscape or impervious surfaces are proposed. • All proposed vegetation consists of native woody species on the approved species list, that vary in height, and are proposed to be planted at the approved density on center. Groundcover consisting of native grasses and forbs is proposed in all project areas. • The buffer zones to the salt marsh are currently maintained as turf lawn; the proposed work converts a total of 8,834 SF of turf lawn into a densely vegetated 35’ buffer zone from the resource area. An additional 308 SF area north of Lot 13 extends into the 50’ buffer, exceeding the minimum requirement. An 1,174 SF area north of Lot 14 is not proposed to be revegetated. 12 Botanical Name Common Name Height Bloom Period Characteristics Plant Notes SHRUBS Clethra alnifolia Summersweet 5-8'July-Aug Comptonia peregrina Sweet fern 2-4'N/A Fixes nitrogen in soil Diervilla lonicera Dwarf bush honeysuckle 2-4’June-July Ilex verticillata Winterberry holly 3-12'June-July Red berries persist in winter Rosa virginiana Virginia rose 4-6'June-Aug Spiraea alba Meadowsweet 3-4’July-Sept TREES Acer rubrum Red maple 40-70'Mar-Apr Good fall foliage color Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay magnolia 10-35’May-Jun Host for butterflies, seeds are winter food source APPENDIX B. PLANT GUIDE Shelter/cover for wildlife Food for birds Food for mammals Winter food Flood tolerant Prevents erosion Salt tolerantPollen and/or nectar producer Food for caterpillars Nesting sites for wildlife Print Darke, Rick and Tallamy, Doug. The Living Landscape. Portland: Timber Press, 2014. Print. Hightshoe, Gary L. Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Urban and Rural America: A Planting Design Manual for Environmental Designers. New York: John Wiley &Sons, Inc. 1988. Print. Northcreek Nurseries. Wholesale Product Guide. 2015-2016. Print. Online Resources Illinois Wildflowers. <http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/>. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: The University of Texas at Austin. Native Plant Database. <http://www.wildflower.org/plants/>. Missouri Botanical Garden. Plant Finder. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx>. New England Wildflower Society. Go Botany. <https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/>. United States Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Services. Plant Database. <http://plants.usda.gov/java/>. PLANT GUIDE REFERENCES