HomeMy WebLinkAboutNarrative 12.2.2025
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1 Introduction
On behalf of the Cape Cod Conservation District (Applicant), Fuss & O’Neill, Inc. has prepared this Notice of
Intent (NOI) for an Ecological Restoration Project (ERP) for the restoration of Bayview Bogs, a former
cranberry bog located at 0 Rosetta Street, West Yarmouth, Massachusetts. The proposed project is a
collaborative partnership between Cape Cod Hospital (as landowner), the Cape Cod Conservation District
(as Applicant), and the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) to restore the former
cranberry bogs into a healthy wetland ecosystem through the removal of man-made barriers to tidal flow and
the reversal of hydrologic modifications put in place when the bogs were under active cranberry production.
Active cranberry farming on the Site has been retired for more than 25 years. Approximately 18.5 acres of
cranberry bogs were still being commercially harvested in the 1990s with the remainder of the bogs retired
earlier.
The location of the project is depicted on the USGS Topographic Map included as Figure 1, and the Site
Plans provided as Appendix A. Pending funding, the construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026 or early
2027. This timeline may be extended if more time is needed to obtain project funding.
The project qualifies as an Ecological Restoration Project as defined in the Massachusetts Wetlands
Protection Act, M.G.L. c. 131 § 40 Regulations at 310 CMR 10.04 and proposed activities qualify for the
project types listed in 310 CMR 10.13(5) – Tidal Restoration Projects. As such, the project requires the filing
of a “WPA Form 3A - Notice of Intent for an Ecological Restoration Project.” The project has proposed
alterations to Bank, Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW), Riverfront Area, Land Under Water Bodies and
Waterways (LUWW), Salt Marshes, Coastal Bank, and Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage which are
protected resource areas under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, M.G.L. c. 131 § 40, 310 CMR
10.00.
In addition to an Order of Conditions from the Yarmouth Conservation Commission, the following permits and
approvals are required for the project:
• Executive Office of Environmental Affairs – Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office
Notice of Ecological Restoration Project (Confirmation received November 10, 2025, see Appendix
F)
• Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) Project Notification Form (PNF)
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Pre-Construction Notification (PCN)
• Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Federal Consistency Concurrence
• EPA Sole Source Aquifer Project Review
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Discharges from
Construction Activities
1.1 Project Locus
The Project Locus, as defined in 310 CMR 10.04, is an approximately 90-acre area located primarily on
Yarmouth Assessor Parcel No. 58.1.1. The project includes work on several additional Hospital-owned
parcels that contain portions of the former cranberry bog system, all of which are owned by Cape Cod
Hospital. See Table 1-1 for a full list of project parcels. Land cover consists primarily of former cranberry
bogs, woodland, and wetland environments that are located within the local floodplain. There are two
Conservation Restrictions recorded against the title to the main parcel which, collectively, permanently
protect approximately 66 acres of the approximately 90-acre site. Both Conservation Restrictions are held by
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the Yarmouth Conservation Trust (YCT) and authorize ecological restoration within the restricted portions
with the written approval of the YCT. The project proponents have requested the necessary authorizations
under the CR for the proposed project.
Table 1-1
Project Locus Parcels
Map Number Lot Number Acreage Address
28 58.1.1 89.2 0 Rosetta Street
28 58.1.2 1.2 26 Oval Drive
28 58.1.4 1.1 22 Round Drive
36 93 9.0 4 Bayview Street
36 8 2.3 30 Bayview Street
36 10 0.3 40 Bayview Street
28 58.3 0.3 74 Bayview Street
28 58.4 0.4 86 Bayview Street
28 57 0.3 72 Bayview Street
28 73 0.5 28 Rosetta Street
See Figure 1 for a USGS Topographic Map and Figure 2 for the FEMA Flood Rate Insurance Map (FIRM).
1.2 Project Site
The Project Site (i.e., limit of work; further described in 310 CMR 10.04) consists of previous agricultural land
and adjacent uplands. Cranberry bog farming occurred at the Site beginning on or about the late 1800s and
continued intermittently until 1997 when commercial cranberry farming activities ceased and the bog was
retired. The Project Site is defined in the Site Plans in Appendix A, and photos of existing conditions are
included in Appendix B.
1.3 Existing Environment
At retired commercial cranberry farms, a diversity of infrastructure is typically left behind and permanent
alterations made to the landscape to support the previous farm operations are encountered. These
alterations often include but are not limited to culverts, berms/dikes, water control structures, irrigation ponds,
irrigation pipes, pump houses, perimeter ditches, interior ditches, canals, dams, sand fill atop native wetland
soil, etc. Additionally, features observed include the filling, grading, and ditching of floodplains, and overall
physical simplification of the landscape resulting in very little topographic change or complexity.
At the Bayview Bogs Site, these features are present. One aspect that makes Bayview Bogs rather unique is
the years of bog abandonment post-farming and prior to restoration that have resulted in the overgrowth of
tall vegetation, including trees, on top of the altered bog soils and sand fill and further exacerbated by the
altered hydrology. Presently, the fallow agricultural fields are bisected into units of cells with uniform earthen
dikes that create barriers to surface flow and ecological connectivity. Ditches run along the toe of dikes,
which create barriers to groundwater flow and drain the wetlands.
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1.3.1 Existing Wetland Resource Areas
Existing wetland resource areas are depicted on the Site Plans (Appendix A) and are based on field
investigations that verified and refined DEP’s mapping, dated December 2017, of wetland resource areas at
the Site. Field investigations were performed in April and May 2024, and November 2025 by Michael Soares
(Senior Wetland Scientist) and Julianne Busa, PhD (Certified Senior Ecologist, Professional Wetland
Scientist) of Fuss & O’Neill. Field investigations were conducted using the methodology presented in the
Massachusetts Handbook for Delineation of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (September 2022), the Corps of
Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (January 1987), and the Regional Supplement to the Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Northcentral and Northeast Region (January 2012). Results of the
field investigations were generally consistent with the DEP’s published mapping with minor refinements.
Wetland resource areas located on the Project Site include Bank, Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW),
Riverfront Area, Land Under Water Bodies and Waterways (LUWW), Salt Marsh, Coastal Bank, and Land
Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage which are protected resource areas under the Massachusetts Wetlands
Protection Act, M.G.L. c. 131 § 40 (the WPA), 310 CMR 10.00 (WPA Regulations). Wetland resource areas
within and adjacent to the Site are shown on the Site Plans in Appendix A.
1.3.2 Rare Species
According to the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) 15th edition, effective
August 2021, the site is not within the limits of mapped Estimated or Priority Habitat for Rare Wildlife and
Priority Habitat for Rare Species. While there is no regulatory obligation to address rare species, the project
team has coordinated with NHESP for input on ways to enhance potential rare species habitat within the
project design as described further in Section 4.1.9 below.
2 Ecological Restoration Goals
2.1 Purpose and Need
The purpose of this project is to restore a naturally resilient wetland ecosystem through the removal of
manmade barriers to hydrologic connectivity and tidal flow. In addition to this core ecological restoration
mission, in collaboration with Cape Cod Hospital, Bayview Bogs offers a unique opportunity to enhance the
healing mission of the Hospital, offering Hospital staff, patients, and family members a tranquil place for
contemplation and reflection, and a place to take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of nature. Bayview
Bogs will also be open to the larger community as a resource for passive recreation, offering a loop walking
trail and boardwalks that allow residents from the local neighborhoods to experience the restored wetlands
up-close and watch them evolve and grow over time.
The need for the proposed project is due to the poor condition of the existing site, which is overgrown with
invasive species, and no longer functioning as a natural wetland. The degree of hydrologic modification,
including but not limited to the network of existing berms, ditches, dikes, and water control structures on the
site (put in place for agricultural purposes) is such that the site has not and will not revert to healthy wetlands
without intervention to restore tidal flow and natural hydrology despite being retired from cranberry farming
for more than 20 years. At the southern/downgradient end, the former bog system is currently separated
from Lewis Bay by an artificial agricultural berm and water control structure which restricts tidal influence
from making its way upgradient into the bog system.
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2.2 Ecological Restoration Goals
The restoration design focuses on restoring tidal flow and healthy wetlands by undoing human alterations
and implementing process-based restoration techniques intended to put the site on a trajectory toward long-
term ecosystem recovery and continued dynamic change over time. Restoration practices at the site will
enhance ecological function and habitat, as well as increase the habitat diversity of upland areas.
Restoration activities have been designed to promote the recovery of a system that incorporates long-term
natural restoration processes as the system continues to re-naturalize following initial restoration measures,
and to allow for natural adaptation to a changing coastline as sea level rises and tidal influence reaches
deeper into the restored site enabling potential marsh migration.
The project team aims to achieve the following project goals and objectives with this restoration project:
• Restore natural and more complex wetland and upland areas using a comprehensive ecological
restoration approach at the retired cranberry farmland.
• Create and connect a diversity of quality wetland types and wetland-upland transition zones for the
benefit wildlife habitat.
• Advance climate change preparedness, including enhanced climate resiliency, and opportunities for
climate adaptation.
• Remove barriers, such as culverts and water control structures to ensure appropriate wetland
hydrologic conditions.
• Create safe, passive recreational opportunities, including long-term management and stewardship.
• Improve nuisance issues such as mosquitoes, ticks, and invasive plant species to the extent
practical through design and management.
• Create a design that will result in a self-sustaining ecosystem.
• Ensure the involvement of a diversity of community stakeholders, including local environmental
justice populations.
Furthermore, the project furthers seven of the eight interests of the Wetlands Protection Act (Act): protection
of ground water supply, flood control, storm damage prevention, prevention of pollution, protection of land
containing shellfish, protection of fisheries, and protection of wildlife habitat.
2.2.1 Protection of Ground Water Supply
As noted in the MA Wetlands Protection Act (Act), wetlands are significant in part because of their ability to
remove and/or detain sediments, nutrients, and other pollutants that may be present in stormwater runoff and
flood waters. Because of the dense development of land around Bayview Bogs, wetland restoration of the
retired cranberry bogs will play an important role in protecting the quality of freshwater resources. Protection
of groundwater supply will be enhanced through the proposed project in the following ways:
• Increased residence time of surface water flowing into and through the site from the surrounding
watershed, resulting in an increase in natural filtration processes, groundwater recharge, and
attenuation of peak flows following storm events.
• Increased native plants in restored wetlands, resulting in an increase in nutrient uptake, flow
dispersion, and attenuation of flow velocities.
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2.2.2 Flood Control
The project proposes to dismantle a majority of the existing infrastructure that was designed to move water
efficiently and effectively through the site. Without the water control structures, ditches, and berms that
concentrate flow, the restored wetlands will provide increased residence time for stormwater, increased
holding/storage capacity within the wetland soils and deeper marsh habitats, reducing peak flow volumes. A
hydrologic modeling study was completed to look at 1) normal tidal inundation patterns under existing
conditions and proposed restoration conditions with agricultural infrastructure removed, 2) a variety of inland
precipitation conditions under existing and proposed conditions, and 3) future projected 2070 precipitation
and sea level rise for both existing and proposed site conditions. Results of the modeling confirmed that the
intended benefit of restoring tidal flow into the southern end of the site is achieved under proposed
conditions—the model demonstrates that regular tidal inundation will be able to expand into the low-slope
transition zone and extended tidal creek as designed.
The modeling also indicated that the proposed restoration will not expand the extents of flooding on any of
the surrounding properties during storm events, and the restored wetlands provide additional storage
capacity that result in a decrease in water surface elevations during large storm events. At the southeastern
end of the site, where an undersized and partially buried existing Town-owned culvert passes under Park
Avenue and the roadway is already a low point (elevation 3.25), the modeling demonstrates that in a 100-
year inland storm, the road is already overtopping under existing conditions. The proposed restoration will
reconnect former cranberry bog cells at the southeast side of the site that were isolated following
construction activities in the 1990’s to the larger restored wetland system. This will allow all outflows from the
bog system to ultimately flow to the primary tidal creek connection, rather than the severely undersized and
clogged secondary culvert on Park Avenue; the modeling indicates that this will result in a decrease in
stormwater-driven flooding at Park Avenue, an improvement over existing conditions.
Note that tidally-driven flooding of Park Avenue is not impacted by the restoration project. Similarly, under a
100-year storm surge, the entirety of the neighborhood and bog system are expected to experience
flooding—at this scale of inundation, the project has no impact (positive or negative) on flooding outcomes.
2.2.3 Storm Damage Prevention
Restoring wetlands will attenuate storm damage by increasing flood storage capacity, reducing peak flow
volumes, and desynchronizing the input of stormwater runoff from surrounding neighborhoods. As noted in
the WPA, vegetated banks and wetlands serve to maintain soil/sediment stability, which in turn contributes to
storm damage prevention by curbing erosion and siltation. The proposed project will enhance bank stability
in the following ways:
• Proposed wetland restoration is designed to dismantle the infrastructure responsible for erosive,
channelized flows.
• Proposed roughening of bog cells to create microtopography will prevent erosive flow and promote
slower, diffuse, braided flow paths through hummocky, vegetated wetlands.
• Native wetland plants will stabilize sediment/soil, reduce sediment transport, and slow/desynchronize
high flows downstream into the tidal creek.
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2.2.4 Prevention of Pollution
The proposed project contributes to the prevention of two types of pollution: nutrient pollution, and
sedimentation. Nutrient pollution is a non-point source pollutant associated with stormwater runoff from the
surrounding watershed and other surface waters that do not experience natural filtration processes. Soluble
nutrients are picked up and transported into waterways, where they can contribute to eutrophication and
algal blooms, foster overgrowth of plant matter, and reduce biologically available oxygen. Sediment is
considered a pollutant because it can increase turbidity and alter habitat, degrading water quality for human
use and wildlife. The proposed project prevents pollution from all three sources:
• Proposed restoration is designed to reduce erosion by slowing flows and preventing additional
sediment from being exposed or transported downstream.
• The restored wetlands and decreased flow velocities provide more opportunity for sediment to settle
out of the water, and for wetlands to perform ecosystem services functions, including filtration of
nutrients and other pollutants.
2.2.5 Protection of Fisheries and Land Containing
Shellfish
By restoring the site, the proposed wetlands will protect downstream fisheries and shellfish habitat by filtering
nutrients and sediment from the water before it reaches Lewis Bay.
2.2.6 Protection of Wildlife Habitat
The proposed restoration will improve habitat conditions by increasing connectivity, diversity, quality, and
quantity of wetland resource areas. Restoration of tidal flow, hydrologic connectivity, and BVW proposed
through this project will significantly increase:
• The amount of land area that can indefinitely support high-quality wildlife habitat.
• The number and quality of connections for wildlife movement between existing upland/wetland
habitats within and around the Site, as well as new connections proposed through the project.
• The overall physical diversity and complexity of the Site. A primary goal of wetland restoration within
the bog cells is to undo the existing simplified landscape that resulted from decades of commercial
cranberry farming by re-introducing habitat complexity through the creation of microtopography,
large wood habitat features, and upland “islands.”
The project also proposes to proactively enhance turtle nesting habitat on site.
3 Alternatives Analysis
Multiple alternatives were considered for various elements of this project, including conceptual focus on
freshwater wetland restoration versus salt marsh restoration, alternative surface treatments, degree of berm
and agricultural ditch removal, restoration concept for areas of existing mature trees, and management of the
three existing manmade ponds. The preferred alternative provides a balance between environmental
benefits, climate resilience, public benefits (including to Environmental Justice communities), and project
costs.
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3.1 No Action Alternative
This alternative proposes to leave the retired cranberry bog and its infrastructure in their existing degraded
conditions. This option would maintain trail connectivity as it currently exists, maintain the existing manmade
ponds in their current condition, and maintain existing vegetation (which has trended toward upland habitat
on much of the site). This alternative does not address the legacy impacts of agricultural activities and
infrastructure on historic wetlands at the site. As a result, existing conditions will continue to hinder wetland
development and allow the establishment of simplified habitats that are uncharacteristic of natural wetland
ecosystems. Further, leaving the downgradient berm and water control structure in place would continue to
restrict tidal flow into the system except in extreme high tide or storm surge events; during such events,
saltwater that overtopped the berm would be restricted from draining off the site. Although this alternative
avoids the costs associated with design, permitting, and implementation, it does not meet the goals of
ecological restoration for either freshwater wetlands or salt marsh migration.
3.2 Restoration Focus: Freshwater Wetlands vs.
Salt Marsh Migration
As noted above, the Bayview Bogs site is situated just upstream of existing salt marsh, with a tidal creek that
flows inland from Lewis Bay, up to the manmade berm and water control structure at the downgradient end
of the bog system. Removal of this berm will remove the restriction to tidal flow and allow tidal influence into
the site. Initially, under present-day conditions, tidal flow will extend only a short distance into the site.
However, tidal influence can be expected to expand over time, extending further into the site as sea level rise
results in an increase in the mean high tide level. As with many near-coastal cranberry bog restoration
projects, this project faces an interesting ecological dilemma—how best to plan for a wetland restoration that
will allow the site to function as a high-quality freshwater wetland in the near-term, while simultaneously
setting it up to transition to a high-quality salt marsh system with increasing tidal influence over time.
For this site, given site elevations and the projected path of change over time, the project team determined
that the restoration goals would be best served by preferencing restoration of healthy functioning freshwater
wetlands throughout the majority of the site, incorporating a smaller marsh migration transition zone at the
southern-most end of the site designed to accommodate short-term salt marsh migration in areas that will
receive near-term tidal influence. Upgradient of this area, in keeping with the process-based restoration
approach that forms the foundation of the project, the site will be allowed to naturally transition from
freshwater wetlands to tidal wetlands at its own pace as the coastline gradually adjusts with sea level rise.
3.3 Surface Treatment Alternatives:
Microtopography vs. Positive Drainage
A critical consideration in planning for this long-term transition is the treatment of the bog surface.
Restoration of cranberry bogs to freshwater wetlands typically involves substantial “roughening” of the former
bog platforms. This treatment, which can be performed in a variety of methods, generally involves turning
over the sanded bog surface using heavy equipment. Roughening is the physical action that breaks apart the
existing mat of cranberry plants and the underlying sanded surface. The objectives of this restoration activity
are to: break up the mat of cranberry plants; de-compact and mix the sanded surface with organics; expose
underlying native peat deposits, to promote groundwater expression and germination of the dormant seed
bank of native wetland plants; and relocate soils within the bog cells to fill existing ditches and create
physical diversity (aka, microtopography) to increase habitat. On the other hand, salt marsh restoration
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typically preferences positive drainage to avoid having water trapped in pools on the marsh and potentially
drowning sensitive marsh grasses. At Bayview Bogs, given the decision to restore freshwater wetlands
across the majority of the site, we have incorporated typical 12” microtopography surface treatment into
much of the restoration area. At the southern end of the bog, where near-term tidal inundation is anticipated
based on elevations, the design includes a low-slope, smooth-surfaced marsh migration transition zone.
Immediately upgradient of this zone is a narrow zone of 6” microtopography to maintain freshwater wetland
conditions but create a surface that will be more easily smoothed out by future tidal flows and welcoming to
marsh migration.
3.4 Degree of Berm and Agricultural Ditch
Removal
The removal of all berms at the site is most efficient for restoring natural hydrologic conditions. At Bayview
Bogs, interior berms are not extensive, and there is sufficient space in deposition areas and perimeter
ditches to relocate berm material. The design therefore incorporates removal of all water control structures
within berms and removal of the full (or near-full) lateral extent of berms separating bog cells to maximize
hydrologic connectivity in the system. In most locations, the full depth of berms will also be removed. In
particular locations, berms will be removed down to a specified grade to form an earth grade control which
will allow for restored hydrologic connectivity in higher water conditions, while simultaneously preventing
higher elevation bog cells from being drained of water in lower water conditions.
As the berms currently provide the trail surface for existing trails through the bog system, maintenance of
access following restoration will require the installation of boardwalks wherever sections of berm are
removed. Boardwalks carried on helical piers will be constructed across these restored areas where needed
to maintain connectivity of the trail network and allow visitors to view and engage with the various restored
wetland habitats. Elimination of these berms will substantially restore the hydrologic connections between
the bogs, and critically, the connection between the tidal creek and the bogs, and provide the optimal
conditions to create self-sustaining wetlands.
The existing artificial agricultural ditches effectively drain the bog platform and concentrate that drainage
from the site in an unnatural way. Historic USGS topographic maps of the site indicate that there were no
historic streams through the site, with the only natural waterway the tidal creek that historically conveyed tidal
flows from Lewis Bay up into the site. The intent of these agricultural ditches was to control water movement
through the site, allowing individual bogs to be flooded and drained quickly, as required for cranberry
production. The existing ditches are incised below the bog platforms, causing water to drain and concentrate
in the ditches, moving the water quickly downgradient, rather than allowing it to spread across the bog
surfaces as is characteristic of natural wetland hydrology. Filling the ditches is proposed to restore a more
natural hydrologic regime characterized by low velocity flow through broad, vegetated rather than bypass the
restored bogs. This will in turn yield wetter conditions that facilitate wetland development in the restored bogs
and increase residence time and thereby provide increased opportunities for both flood storage and nutrient
attenuation.
3.5 Restoration of Areas of Existing Mature Trees
Because of the altered hydrology on the site designed to drain much of the wetland areas, and as is typical
of many retired cranberry bogs, several sections of the site are transitioning to uplands—in the case of
Bayview Bogs, the site has been retired from agriculture for several decades and extensive mature tree
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cover has developed. Notably, much of this vegetation is invasive, with significant populations of gray willow
(Salix cinerea) in addition to other woody invasives (these and other invasives on site are currently being
managed through an ongoing pre-restoration treatment program under a separate NOI). Leaving these areas
as is would fail to restore wetland habitats and simultaneously maintain a very low-diversity system, however
leaving trees in place while restoring hydrology would ultimately result in large expanses of standing dead as
the trees die off due to rewetting of the site. Further, existing conditions limit visibility and provide cover for
extensive encampments of unhoused individuals throughout portions of the site. As these are not desirable
options in keeping with the wetland restoration goals, the preferred alternative is to remove a majority of the
trees internal to the former cranberry bog cells to allow for thorough filling of the ditches and surface
microtopography to best meet the project’s wetland restoration goals. As noted on the plans, select native
trees will be preserved to enhance habitat diversity, provide shelter and food for wildlife species, and form
scattered upland islands throughout the wetland system; this activity will be field-directed by the designer
during construction.
3.6 Management of Existing Ponds
At least two of the existing ponds on the site are manmade features from remnant agricultural operations.
However, they provide habitat diversity on the site. Rather than converting these areas to BVW, the
proposed design will preserve the ponds, with earthwork proposed to soften unnaturally steep edges and
create fringing wetland or emergent marsh habitats to more naturally blend the ponds with the surrounding
habitat. The most southern pond already exhibits this type of fringing marsh. This pond margin has been
identified as a light-touch-zone and will serve as the reference habitat for restoring pond edges at the other
two pond locations.
4 Proposed Project
4.1 Ecological Restoration Elements
The Project will restore nearly 47-acres of former cranberry bogs by removing the agricultural berms and
water control structures that currently block tidal exchange with Lewis Bay to restore tidal connectivity,
recreate healthy functioning freshwater wetlands, and allow for a gradual transition to salt marsh as sea level
rises.
Over a decade of assessment, design, and construction implementation of wetland and stream ecological
restoration projects on retired cranberry farms by DER and partners shapes the current technical approach
for this project. Massachusetts has restored nearly 500 acres of wetlands on retired cranberry farmland and
more than 10 miles of stream through eight completed cranberry bog projects. Sixteen more are in various
stages of planning, design, permitting and construction. Similar project teams partnered on the successfully
completed Eel River Headwaters (2010), Tidmarsh Farms Phase I (2016), Foothills Preserve (2020), Childs
River (2022), Mattapoisett Bog (2025), Coonamessett River Upper and Lower Bogs (2018, 2025), and
Windswept Bog (2025) restoration projects. The restoration results have been positive, dramatic, and
immediate. (Findings concerning DER’s technical restoration approach with partners, which has been refined
over the past 10 years, as well as benefits of restoration on former cranberry farmland can be found in a
2020 report “Learning from the Restoration of Wetlands on Cranberry Farmland: Preliminary Benefits
Assessment” published by Living Observatory: https://view.publitas.com/p222-2239/preliminary-benefits-
assessment/page/1.) Retired cranberry bogs across the Northeast region are heavily modified from decades
of intensive land and water manipulation. All this work emphasizes the central role of hydrology and
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connectivity in reestablishing healthy and self-sustaining natural systems on degraded former agricultural
lands.
4.1.1 Restored Tidal Connection
The ultimate outlet from the former cranberry bogs currently consists of a drop-inlet water control structure
which prevents tidal influence from making its way into the site. The water control structure and berm will be
removed in their entirety to restore tidal flow. The downgradient marsh platform elevation and tidal creek
elevation will be restored through the removed berm area and carried into the site to create a low-slope
marsh migration transition zone with positive drainage toward the tidal creek.
4.1.2 Removal of Irrigation Lines
All irrigation lines encountered within the bog cells or other areas of active restoration will be removed and
disposed of.
4.1.3 Removal of Water Control Structures, Berms, and
Agricultural Ditches
All other remnant agricultural water control structures and berms interior to the site will be removed to restore
hydrologic connectivity across bog cells. All material that comprises the berms – sand, soil, and possibly
stone – will be repurposed at the site to plug drainage/irrigation ditches, restore upland areas, and achieve
the desired grades for successful wetland restoration. Specifically, material excavated from berms will
typically be used to fill perimeter ditches and/or exported to upland depositional areas.
The existing network of artificial drainage ditches efficiently moves surface water through the site and
significantly reduces the residence time of surface water in bog cells. The network of ditches concentrates
flow and prevents the broad, diffuse movement of surface water across the surface of the bog cell. To
reverse these modifications, all perimeter and internal agricultural ditches that were previously constructed to
direct and control water will be filled to reestablish natural hydrology, allowing water to spread across the bog
surface instead of being conveyed to ditches and bypassing the bog platforms. Material from the bog
platforms (higher in organic content) will be preferenced for filling of internal ditches.
4.1.4 Earth Grade Controls
At select berm removal locations, rather than removing the full depth of berm material, the berms will be
removed down to a specified grade and naturalized to form an earth grade control which will allow for
restored hydrologic connectivity in higher water conditions, while simultaneously preventing higher elevation
bog cells from being drained of water in lower water conditions. These earth grade controls are proposed at
the berms at three locations: 1) from Bog cell A into Bog cell C, 2) from Bog cell B into Bog cell C, and 3)
from Bog cell C into Bog cell E. At each of these locations, the upgradient bog cell platform and observed
ground water elevations are approximately 1-foot higher than the corresponding elevations in the
downgradient cell. The proposed grade controls will help to maintain sufficient ground water elevations in the
upgradient cells to maintain wetland hydrology and support wetland vegetation communities.
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4.1.5 Diffuse Flow Path Connections
Additional excavation will occur in upland areas between existing bog cells E and F and between bog cells F
and G to create diffuse flow paths that foster connectivity between the former bog cells at the south end of
the site which are currently functioning in isolation from the larger system. Providing a connection from Bog
cells F and G to Bog cell E will also allow flow to move from F/G into E during periods of higher water,
lessening concern about limited drainage capacity at the restricted culvert under Park Avenue at the south
end of Bog G by redirecting this outflow toward the north and ultimately through the primary tidal creek
connection under Park Avenue further west.
Existing ditches north of the pond will be naturalized to create diffuse flow paths to spread water across the
former bog cell surface at this end of the site (shown on the Site Plans as Bog H in Appendix A). In each of
these cases, proposed modifications will consist of earthwork to create flow paths that are more natural and
promote broad, shallow, diffuse, and geomorphically complex surface flows across the site.
4.1.6 Excavation Areas
In order to facilitate development of a variety of wetland habitats and mimic natural wetland conditions seen
already in select locations on site, excavation is proposed in select areas to lower the ground surface
elevation and promote the formation of semi-permanently and seasonally flooded wetlands that support
wetland and/or aquatic vegetation. The selection of these areas has been based on in-situ monitoring well
data and soil probing investigations which confirmed that conditions are present (i.e., shallow groundwater
table, native peat deposits) to sustain semi-permanently and seasonally flooded wetlands at these locations.
All excavated material will be repurposed at the site to plug drainage/irrigation ditches and achieve the
desired grades for successful wetland restoration.
Additional areas of excavation have been identified along the northwest edge of Bog E where existing bog
cell elevations are higher than that of the surrounding bog platform. Excavation from these areas is intended
to achieve average surface elevations consistent with those of the adjacent bog cell platform and avoid
having these areas become too dry to support wetland development. Excavated material from these areas
will be used to fill perimeter ditches or exported to upland depositional areas.
4.1.7 Microtopography/ “Roughening” Surface
Treatment to Create Hummock-Hollow
Topography
Microtopography or “roughening” will be employed as a surface treatment across significant portions of the
former bog cell platforms. This method rearranges material in place to create high points and low points (a
heterogenous landscape), adding significant microtopography and landscape diversity through ‘messing up’
the surface in lieu of full excavation. For retired cranberry bogs, roughening is the physical action that breaks
apart the existing mat of cranberry plants and the underlying sanded surface. The objectives of this
restoration activity are to break up the mat of cranberry plants; de-compact and mix the sanded surface with
organics; expose underlying native peat deposits, promote groundwater expression and germination of the
dormant seed bank of native wetland plants; and relocate soils within the bog cells to fill existing ditches and
create physical diversity (aka, microtopography) to increase habitat. This approach can achieve a variety of
elevations that allow for engagement of groundwater throughout the site, rather than a wholesale lowering of
the surface elevation through export of material. The standard microtopography detail proposed for the site
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will result in variations of approximately 12-inches between the highs and lows across each bog platform.
Microtopography also allows for incorporation of bog platform material into the irrigation ditches to fill ditches
and erase the linear network of ditching currently seen across the site.
A zone of 6-inch microtopography is proposed immediately upgradient of the low-slope marsh migration zone
to provide an interim surface treatment and further facilitate natural long-term marsh migration.
Note that site work involved in microtopography will also include the intentional clearing of decades of
overgrown upland and invasive vegetation. This proposed clearing is necessary to allow natural processes to
restore and revitalize the wetland over time in areas that have otherwise trended toward upland habitats and
require intervention to restore wetland hydrology. Many of the trees removed from these areas will be re-
incorporated into the wetland surface for habitat roughness and complexity; others will be buried in
depositional areas or possibly chipped and removed from the site.
4.1.8 Naturalization of Existing Ponds
Of the three existing ponds on site, only the southern-most pond has relatively natural banks that transition
into emergent wetlands. Earthwork is proposed along the banks of the remaining two ponds to soften the
steep, constructed banks and create fringing wetlands to enhance habitat diversity.
4.1.9 Turtle Nesting Habitat
While the site is not officially mapped as rare species habitat, the project design has incorporated input from
the NHESP staff to proactively enhance rare species habitat capacity in both wetland areas and upland
areas to provide refuge for turtles and other wildlife within an otherwise developed and urbanized area. In
particular, several areas previously identified as turtle nesting habitat are being preserved in the design and
will be protected during construction. Additional areas of nesting habitat are proposed in areas with similar
conditions.
See Appendix A for site plans, and Appendix C for the conceptual design, including ecological restoration
elements.
4.2 Access Improvements and Site Amenities
In addition to ecological restoration, Bayview Bogs will offer meaningful public health and recreational
benefits. New walking trails, a therapeutic landscape area, scenic overlooks, and seating areas will increase
access to open space and promote passive outdoor recreation, which is directly linked to physical and
mental health benefits. The site’s proximity to the Hospital means it will also serve as a place of respite and
healing for healthcare workers, patients, and their families, providing a natural, restorative environment for
contemplation, reflection, and healing. This directly aligns with the healing mission of the Hospital and will
provide long-term health and wellness benefits to the broader community.
4.2.1 At-Grade Trail Network
The existing farm road that surrounds the perimeter of the bog cells will remain as the basis for the primary
trail loop. Portions of this trail that are part of the Therapeutic Landscape Area (see next section) and
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intended to provide full ADA-compliant accessibility will have a hardened surface; the remainder of the bog
road will remain a natural dirt surface as it is today.
4.2.2 Therapeutic Landscape Area
The Therapeutic Landscape Area is proposed immediately east of Bayview Ave and the Hospital and
contains more programmed elements to provide a space of respite and reflection that compliments the
Hospital’s healing mission by providing exposure to the therapeutic benefits of immersion in nature. This
area is located within existing uplands and will feature shorter ADA-compliant trail loop options to allow
visitors of all abilities to enjoy the site. The design incorporates seating and semi-private nooks for individuals
or small clusters of people to gather and look out over the restored wetlands.
4.2.3 Neighborhood Connection Points and Trailheads
In addition to the access point at the Therapeutic Landscape Area, the site will have several trailhead
connections into the surrounding neighborhoods, typically in locations where historic connector trails once
existed. These will allow neighbors to benefit from easy access to the site as well as provide an alternate
walking or biking route from areas near Virgina Street and Cleveland Way to make their way toward the
beach or other points of the neighborhood away from vehicular traffic. Trailheads will feature small upland
kiosks and wayfinding signage.
4.2.4 Boardwalks
Raised boardwalks are proposed to balance pedestrian access with ecological restoration. Boardwalks will
be constructed to maintain trail connectivity in areas along the existing farm road where agricultural berms
are being removed. A longer “marsh meander” boardwalk is also proposed across Bog Cell E to create
accessible trail access to the central portion of the site for education and engagement purposes. The
boardwalks are specifically designed to allow for full removal of constructed agricultural berms to restore
natural hydrologic connectivity and reduce human impact on sensitive marsh areas by keeping foot traffic
elevated and contained. The use of helical piles ensures that only minimal, pinpoint disturbance occurs at
each structural post and groundwater and surface flows can move freely under the boardwalks. The
boardwalks will also allow natural tidal flow and sediment movement to continue uninterrupted as tidal
influence moves deeper into the site in the future — a critical element for the long-term health and function of
the restored wetland system.
4.2.5 Overlooks and Benches
A series of small (100 square feet or less) overlooks are planned throughout the site with benches or
informal seating (e.g. boulders). Some overlooks will be at-grade natural surfaces, others will be constructed
as platforms similar to the boardwalks and supported on helical piers. Overlooks and seating areas along the
trail network will provide users of all ability and mobility levels with rest points and opportunities to experience
the restored site up-close and observe the dynamic nature of the wetland habitats as they evolve and grow
over time.
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4.2.6 Signage
Educational signage and wayfinding signage is planned throughout the restored site to assist in navigating
the trail network and provide information on the restoration process, restored wetland habitats, and future
marsh migration potential of the site.
See Appendix A for site plans, and Appendix C for the conceptual design, including access improvements
and site amenities.
5 Wetland Restoration Monitoring Plan
Wetland restoration success is measured by attainment of the successful and stable long-term establishment of
wetland hydrology, hydric soil development, percent coverage of hydrophytic plants, and function and value
development. The following post-construction monitoring program is proposed to evaluate and document the
effectiveness of the project in achieving the restoration goals. The monitoring program will be implemented at
the conclusion of construction and will continue for a period of three full growing seasons.
In the first season following restoration, restored areas will be monitored for vegetative emergence from the
buried native seed bank, as well as groundwater elevations and surface water flows.
Based on 10+ years of prior experience from other successful cranberry bog restoration projects, the native
seedbank within the former cranberry bogs is expected to be uncovered by the restoration techniques and to
begin to emerge in the first growing season. Vegetation communities will be monitored for emergence and
percent cover. Should insufficient emergence be observed or if vegetation does not match the targeted
wetland community types, the project team will consider whether additional strategic planting of wetland
species should be incorporated into the restoration.
The extant native seed bank is also anticipated to provide sufficient seed source for vegetative cover in the
restored upland areas. Construction specifications have been written to provide for seeding of any areas,
which, upon post-restoration visual monitoring, are not vegetating with sufficient cover to stabilize the soil
surface.
Monitoring of invasive vegetation and treatment of remaining invasives will be ongoing, in keeping with the
Invasive Species Management Plan outlined prior to restoration.
Photo monitoring points will be established in the field and sampled pre-restoration. Post-restoration photos
will be taken at these locations to track change over time as the restoration progresses. Photos will be taken
immediately following restoration and at regular intervals throughout the growing season for comparison to
the baseline pre-restoration photos.
Direct visual observations will be used to monitor flow of water through the restored site, in particular:
• Noting conditions at the restored tidal connection and the extent of tidal inundation during typical
tidal cycles and extreme high tide events. (Note that tidal inundation extents are anticipated to be
limited to the southern end of the site in the near-term, with longer-term expansion of tidal influence
expected to accompany sea level rise.)
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• Monitoring flows across the restored diffuse flow paths, particularly from Bog cell G into Bog cell E.
• Monitoring of water levels in the excavation areas and microtopography areas within each bog cell
and functioning of the earth grade controls to maintain sufficient water in upgradient bog cells to
promote healthy wetland hydrology.
Annual vegetation monitoring will be conducted to assess establishment, survival and coverage of native
plantings in restored wetland habitats. A brief report will be provided after the conclusion of each growing
season that documents overall percent-cover of native vegetation at the site, a list of dominant species
observed, and any observances of invasive vegetation within the restored areas.
Additionally, DER has a standardized Ecological Monitoring Plan that it employs at each one of its Cranberry
Bog Restoration Program (CBRP) project sites both pre- and post-restoration. The goal of CBRP monitoring
is to assess, evaluate, and learn from cranberry bog wetland restoration projects to advance the mission of
the CBRP. The Plan draws on the jurisdictional definition of wetlands provided in the 1987 U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers (USACE) Wetlands Delineation Manual (WDM), which states that to determine wetland
status, three conditions must be met: (1) flooded or saturating hydrology, (2) hydric soils, and (3) wetland-
adapted vegetation. The CBRP Monitoring Plan outlines key questions that monitoring may help answer,
specifies parameters to be tracked, details sampling schemes, and describes the analytical and reporting
methods that will be used. The Plan targets sampling pre-restoration, and in years 1 (as close to time zero as
appropriate), 3, 5, 7, and 10.
6 Impacts
The proposed project will result in temporary and permanent impacts to wetland resource areas. Impacts
are summarized in Table 6-1 below.
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Table 6-1
Summary of Wetland Resource Area Impacts
Resource Area Total Impact
Area/Length
Net Change (Gain or
Loss of Resource)
Following Restoration
Notes
Bank
2,633 lf +~500 lf
Temporary impacts to
existing bank. Creation of
bank anticipated from
extension of tidal creek.
Bordering Vegetated Wetland
(BVW)
109,540 sf
(2.5 acres)
+2,040,130 sf
(46.8 acres)
Significant additional
BVW will be restored
from former cranberry
bog cells (45.8 acres) and
areas of berm removal
(~1 acre).
Retired Cranberry Bog 1,994,408 sf
(45.8 acres)
-1,994,408 sf
(-45.8 acres)
Loss due to former
cranberry bogs converted
to BVW.
Riverfront Area 213,444 sf
(4.9 acres)
+~120,000 sf
(~2.75 acres)
Increase anticipated from
northward expansion of
tidal creek into marsh
transition zone.
Land Under Water Bodies and
Waterways (LUWW)
88,262 sf
(2.0 acres) No change Temporary impacts.
Salt Marsh 52,708 sf
(1.2 acres) No change
No immediate change.
Restoration of tidal flow
will allow for marsh
expansion in the future
with sea level rise.
Coastal Bank 726 lf No change No immediate change
anticipated.
Land Subject to Coastal Storm
Flowage (LSCSF)
3,316,199 sf
(76.1 acres) No change No change.
6.1 Inland Bank
The project will result in approximately 2,633 linear feet (lf) of impacts to Inland Bank. Impacts to Bank will
result from restoration work to naturalize the banks of existing manmade ponds. These impacts will be
temporary in nature and will not impair:
1. The physical stability of the Bank;
2. The water carrying capacity of the existing channel within the Bank;
3. Groundwater and surface water quality;
4. The capacity of the Bank to provide breeding habitat, escape cover and food for fisheries; and
5. The capacity of the Bank to provide important wildlife habitat functions.
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In addition, extension of the existing tidal creek into the site will create approximately 500 lf of new Bank.
Immediately post-restoration, this stretch of the creek is anticipated to be freshwater tidal, and has therefore
been counted as Inland Bank.
6.2 Bordering Vegetated Wetland
As indicated on Form 3A, the project will result in impacts to approximately 2,103,948 sf (48.3 acres) of
BVW; this number is broken down in Table 6-1 to areas consisting of retired cranberry bog versus areas of
healthy, natural BVW on site. Temporary impacts may occur to up to 109,540 sf (2.5 acres) of BVW outside
of the cranberry bog cells. The proposed restoration will permanently restore 1,994,408 sf (45.8 acres) of
existing retired cranberry bog to BVW. An additional 45,722 sf (~1 acre) of BVW will be restored via berm
removal and removal of fill to restore wetland connectivity between different bog cells. These areas were
previously degraded due to legacy impacts of agricultural activities, and will be restored to improve wetland
functions and processes and allow the site to re-naturalize. Collectively, this will result in a net increase in
BVW of approximately 46.8 acres. The created BVW will enhance the ecological, habitat, and hydrologic
values of the Site and support the interests of the Act. The wetland will be created as shown on the Site
Plans in Appendix A and will be monitored for invasive species and wetland performance post-restoration.
With regard to the performance standards:
1. Proposed work within BVW will restore wetlands and result in improvement over existing conditions.
2. Proposed work will not result in a loss of BVW.
3. The project will not have an adverse effect on habitats of rare vertebrate or invertebrate species.
4. The project will not destroy or impair portions of BVW within an Area of Critical Environmental
Concern.
6.3 Riverfront Area
The proposed project will impact approximately 213,444 sf (4.9 acres) of Riverfront Area. Riverfront is
associated with the tidal creek which currently terminates at the bog outlet; the associated 200-foot arc from
this terminus extends northward into the retired cranberry bog. The project proposes grading in this area to
extend the tidal creek and create a low-slope transition zone for future marsh migration. This extension of
the creek will result in an associated net increase of approximately 120,000 sf (2.75 acres) of riverfront area.
Relative to the Performance Standards in 310 CMR 10.58(4), proposed work in Riverfront:
1. Will not negatively impact other resource areas.
2. Will not impact rare species.
3. Is the most practicable and substantially equivalent economic alternative evaluated.
4. Will have no significant adverse impact on the riverfront area.
6.4 Land Under Water Bodies and Waterways
The project may conservatively result in approximately 88,262 sf (2.0 acres) of temporary impacts to
LUWW. LUWW exists within the three existing ponds, at least two of which are manmade agricultural
infrastructure. No work is explicitly planned within LUWW; however, temporary impacts may occur from
adjacent construction activities.
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Temporary alteration of LUWW will not impair:
1. The water carrying capacity provided by said land in
conjunction with the banks;
2. Ground and surface water quality;
3. The capacity of said land to provide breeding habitat, escape cover and food for fisheries; and
4. The capacity of said land to provide important wildlife habitat functions.
6.5 Salt Marsh
The proposed project may conservatively result in temporary impacts to up to approximately 52,708 sf (1.2
acres) of Salt Marsh. No construction work is currently planned within existing salt marsh (located
immediately north of Park Avenue along the tidal creek), However, management of Phragmites in this area is
currently underway under a separate Order of Conditions, and once invasive vegetation is better controlled,
the project team may discover additional tidal restrictions (e.g., remnant agricultural berms or other
obstructions to tidal flow) that require removal. We have conservatively included this area in our limit of work
and impact calculations to allow for flexibility in restoration actions needed to improve the condition of the salt
marsh, in accordance with the performance standards for salt marsh, which allow that a project which will
restore or rehabilitate may be permitted.
6.6 Coastal Bank
The proposed project may conservatively result in temporary impacts to up to approximately 726 lf of Coastal
Bank. Limited temporary impacts are expected from grading and excavation needed to remove the berm and
water control structure at the bog outlet and extend the tidal creek and marsh platform into the restored
cranberry bog. No other immediate impacts to Coastal Bank are anticipated, however, as with Salt Marsh,
we have conservatively included the entirety of the Coastal Bank extending down to Park Avenue within our
limit of work and impact calculations to allow for flexibility in restoration actions needed to improve the
condition of the tidal creek and remove any additional obstructions to tidal flow discovered following the
management of Phragmites along and in the creek.
6.7 Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage
The majority of the proposed project is within LSCSF. The project will therefore temporarily impact
approximately 3,316,199 sf (76.1 acres) of LSCSF for the purposes of ecological restoration. The proposed
restoration will not result in any adverse impacts and is anticipated to positively enhance the ability of LSCSF
to provide such ecosystem services as:
1. Improving the ability of the land to absorb and contain flood waters.
2. Improving the ability of the land to buffer more inland areas from flooding and wave damage.
3. Decreasing the elevation or velocity of flood waters.
4. Improving the ability of the resource to serve as a wildlife habitat and migration corridor.
5. Enhancing capacity for the migration of salt marshes due to sea level rise.
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6.8 Construction Sequence
The proposed project will be constructed in one or more phases, depending on the availability of funding to
implement the restoration design. Phasing and construction within each phase will be sequenced so as to
conduct all restoration activities in a manner that a) maintains the existing berms and farm roads needed for
equipment to access bog cells farthest from the designated construction access until they have been fully
restored and b) maintains downgradient water control structures to serve as the primary means of sediment
and water control while upgradient restoration work is performed.
In each phase, ecological restoration requires the following work to be performed, generally in the order
described:
• Installation of erosion and sedimentation controls and re-routing of surface water around the work
area, if needed. (Note that the existing water control structures and irrigation ditch infrastructure will
provide most of the water control needed to manage phased restoration.)
• Clearing and grubbing of bog cells is expected to take place either immediately prior to roughening
and excavation or as part of the same earthwork operations in each bog cell. Wood will either be
immediately incorporated into the restored wetland surface or stockpiled for use in filling ditches or
as woody debris elsewhere in the restoration work at the direction of the designer. Prior to beginning
earthwork in a given bog cell or area of the site, the contractor will review with the designer trees or
clusters of trees to be preserved as upland habitats.
• Roughening and/or excavation of bog surfaces to disrupt the compacted sanded surface, fill all
irrigation ditches, create microtopography, promote groundwater expression, and expose the native
seed bank in underlying peat deposits.
• In phases where applicable, modify existing, incised irrigation/drainage ditches between bogs and/or
excavate upland soils to create a diffuse flow path with pit-&-mound topography.
• Removal of the constructed berms proposed for removal, relocation of berm material to perimeter
irrigation/drainage ditches within adjacent bogs or, if needed, to designated depositional areas.
• Removal of WCS currently located in berms proposed for removal.
• Grading around the bog perimeters to establish a transition zone from restored wetlands to adjacent
upland habitats.
Removal of the downgradient outlet and berm at the upper end of the tidal creek to restore tidal flow into the
site is anticipated to be one of the last elements of restoration. This will facilitate continued use of the
structure for water and sediment control during work across other portions of the site and avoid introducing
tidal flow into the site while other work is occurring.
Boardwalk and overlook construction (as well as the construction of the Therapeutic Landscape Area) are
anticipated to occur as one of the last elements of the project, and will follow the implementation of all
ecological restoration elements within each area of the site.
6.9 Construction Period Best Management
Practices
Construction-period Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been incorporated into the design to minimize
potential impacts to the environment during construction and build upon the successful implementation of
past cranberry bog restoration projects in Massachusetts. These include:
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• Construction sequencing planned to enable use of existing water control structures as the primary
water and sediment controls during construction
• Construction tracking pad
• Cofferdams to protect the work area from incoming tide when the downgradient tidal restriction is
being removed
• Additional erosion and sediment controls (e.g., silt fence, straw bales, erosion control blanket) to be
installed to protect down-gradient resource areas where no active work is planned (e.g. the down-
gradient tidal creek) and around upland areas where trail surfacing or construction of Therapeutic
Landscape elements are proposed
• If needed, a pumping settling basin and/or bypass piping to reduce ground saturation of work areas
• Minimization of construction equipment access and disturbance outside of existing access roads and
disturbed areas
• Adherence to best practices regarding construction time of year (TOY) with respect to wildlife
expected or encountered on site
o Note that no official TOY Restrictions are required for the work. There are no mapped rare
species habitats on site, and in an April 2025 correspondence with Massachusetts Division
of Fisheries and Wildlife, it was determined there are no TOY restrictions for fisheries. See
Appendix D.
o The project team has also consulted on construction best management practices with
NHESP staff for specific species, including turtles.
A construction tracking pad will be installed at construction access points to minimize sedimentation into the
roadways (Bayview Street). The construction tracking pad will consist of filter fabric overlaid with washed
stone. The roadway will be swept as needed to remove material that may be tracked onto the pavement.
Note, however, that construction traffic into and out of the site will be limited; equipment is generally
expected to arrive on site at project initiation and remain throughout the duration of the project. Other than
debris to be disposed of, no material is proposed to leave the site, and materials to be brought into the site
are quite limited with the exception of lumber and materials associated with the ADA trails and Therapeutic
Landscape Area.
All erosion and sedimentation controls will be regularly monitored and maintained as necessary to ensure
proper functioning for their intended purpose. As noted above and on the Site Plans (Appendix A), the
existing water control structures will be used as the primary means of sediment and water control during
construction, as these structures provide a built-in means of managing flows and containing sediment.
Where these structures are proposed to be removed as part of the restoration, phasing of removals will be
planned to account for this use.
A detailed dewatering plan will be developed by the selected contractor prior to construction which shall
provide additional detail and will be provided to the Yarmouth Conservation Commission for review and
approval prior to start of construction.
No equipment will be stored, maintained, or repaired in wetland resource areas.
A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit “General Permit” for Discharges
from Construction Activities will be obtained prior to construction since the construction Site is greater than 1-
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acre. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will be developed prior to submitting the registration
under the NPDES General Permit in accordance with the conditions of the General Permit.7
7 Operations and Maintenance Plan
7.1 Restored Wetlands
The project proposes a process-based restoration approach which focuses on repairing the natural
movement and storage of water as a driver for wetland recovery and ultimate re-establishment of a self-
sustaining wetland system. The restored wetlands have thus been designed to operate autonomously with
minimal maintenance. The majority of the existing infrastructure on site will be removed as part of the
restoration project, further minimizing maintenance needs.
Primary maintenance will be related to invasive species management. See Appendix E for the Invasive Plant
Management Plan. Additional maintenance efforts may include:
• Repair of eroded areas
• Repair of earth grade controls as needed to re-establish design elevations consistent with conditions
depicted on design drawings and/or to modify elevations to meet the design intent of achieving
dispersed flow through the former bog cells.
• Removal and disposal of any manmade/foreign debris or trash.
• Critically, the system is also intended to be dynamic over time. Change is expected and welcomed,
particularly as tidal inundation expands across new portions of the site with sea level rise in the
future.
7.2 Boardwalks
The boardwalks and viewing platforms are not expected to be treated and will be allowed to weather
naturally. Maintenance of the boardwalks will consist of repair/replacement of any damaged boards and/or
railings in places where height above the ground surface dictates a requirement for safety rails. Additions of
trail and educational signage may also be considered part of future maintenance.
Boardwalk crossings should be inspected annually and after significant storm events. This monitoring should
include the following:
• Check for active erosion; take appropriate corrective actions to stabilize any areas of erosion
• Inspect structural integrity of the boardwalk
• Remove accumulated litter, non-natural debris
7.3 Trails
To ensure that the accessible trail remains safe, functional, and enjoyable for all users while minimizing
environmental impact and sustaining long-term durability, the following routine operations and maintenance
should be conducted:
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• Inspection Schedule: Conduct monthly inspections for surface condition, drainage functionality,
vegetation encroachment, and trail signs.
• Surface Maintenance: Regrade uneven surfaces, and repair surface after erosion.
• Vegetation Management: Trim overhanging branches and clear invasive vegetation at least twice per
year to maintain width and prevent tripping hazards.
• Signage Maintenance: Regularly clean, repair, or replace trail signs to provide clear guidance and
information to users.
Annual Maintenance Tasks
• Erosion Control Measures: Reinforce trail edges to prevent erosion caused by water runoff.
• Infrastructure Repair: Evaluate and repair bridges, boardwalks, or benches along the trail.
8 Regulatory Compliance
8.1 Abutter Notification
Abutters within 100-feet of the Project Locus will be notified via certified mail at least seven days prior to the
public hearing in accordance with 310 CMR 10.05(4) and the Town of Yarmouth Wetlands Protection
Regulations. A copy of the certified abutters list and abutter notification form are provided in Appendix F.
8.2 Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act
(MEPA)
A Notice of Ecological Restoration Project was submitted to the MEPA office on September 29, 2025. In an
email dated November 10, 2025 (see Appendix G) the MEPA office confirmed that, under 301 CMR
11.01(2)(b)4., the Secretary did not decide within 10 days after the comment period that an Environmental
Notification Form (ENF) is required for the proposed project, and therefore any Agency Action required for
the Project may be taken at this time if required to obtain a Restoration Order of Conditions, provided that the
Agency Action is deemed to be conditioned on the ultimate issuance of the Restoration Order of Conditions.
A Notice of Intent Ecological Restoration Project was published in the November 26, 2025, edition of the
Environmental Monitor (see Appendix H).
8.3 MassDEP Stormwater Management Guidelines
The project will not include creation of any new point source discharges, or expansion of a drainage system
for increased collection. Per the recommended final decision issued on July 29, 2016 in the Matter of
Berkshire Community College Docket # WET-2015-023 from the MassDEP Office of Appeals and Dispute
Resolution, it was ruled that 310 CMR 10.05(6)(k) through (q) does not apply to a project that does not
propose a “point source” or “stormwater discharge” within resource areas or their Buffer Zones.
Construction-period BMPs will be implemented for erosion and sedimentation control including installation of
sediment control barriers, and installation of a temporary pump settling basin and other water control
measures as appropriate. A SWPPP pursuant to the requirements of EPA’s Construction General Permit will
be prepared prior to construction detailing appropriate stormwater management practices.
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Ultimately the restoration project will result in stormwater benefits by increasing the ecosystem’s natural
capacity to attenuate stormwater, providing greater storage in the upper watershed, and limiting erosion and
sedimentation caused by high velocity flows through measures designed to slow and spread stormwater
inputs through the system.
8.4 Water Supply Wells
The Proposed Project does not have the potential to negatively impact private water supply wells, including
agricultural or aquacultural wells or surface water withdrawal points.
Figures
USGS Topographic Map
FEMA FIRM (Panel No. 25001C0569J, July 16, 2014)
Appendix B – Site Photos
Bayview Bogs Ecological Restoration/Yarmouth
Photo 1: Looking at the outlet of the most downstream water control structure and berm that separate the former
cranberry bogs from the tidal creek and connectivity with Lewis Bay.
Photo 2: Standing on the berm at the final water control structure that outlets from the bog system, looking
downstream (south) along the tidal creek that connects to Lewis Bay. The structure at foreground blocks tidal
influence from entering the site.
Bayview Bogs Ecological Restoration/Yarmouth
Photo 3: Typical view of one of the remnant agricultural ditches within the former cranberry bog.
Photo 4: View of one of the more naturalized areas at the interior of the site, where the edges of the agricultural
ditch have become less defined.
Bayview Bogs Ecological Restoration/Yarmouth
Photo 5: Trash left behind in an upland area associated with a homeless encampment.
Photo 6: Looking northwest along the old farm road that traverses the outer edge of the former cranberry bogs.
The retired cranberry bog platform and an agricultural ditch are visible at right of image.
Bayview Bogs Ecological Restoration/Yarmouth
Photo 7: Looking south toward Park Avenue, at the inlet of the more westerly Town-owned culvert that connects
the tidal creek to Lewis Bay. The road crossing is the most southerly limit of the proposed project site. (No work is
proposed at the culvert at this time.)
Photo 8: Looking South from Park Avenue at the more westerly Town-owned culvert, toward Lewis Bay. This
portion of the tidal creek and adjacent salt marsh are not within the proposed project; photo included for
downstream context.
Bayview Bogs Ecological Restoration/Yarmouth
Photo 9: Standing on Park Avenue at the more eastern Town-owned culvert, looking north into the project site. As
seen in the image, the area is dominated by the invasive plant Phragmites australis.
Appendix C – Concept Renderings