    [From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                        DARIEN (TOWN OF)

                                        COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

                         HT
                         393
                         .C8
                         D32
                         1984

                                                                                                                                                                                         N.-
                                                                                                                                                   c

                                                                                                                                     Dept. of
                                                                                                                                      PhP
                                                                                                                                             `R9      Coord.1c
                                                                                                                                                                castal  m h

          Nil                                                                                                       A    6PT-E - -
                                                                                                                                    13@ FEB!IUARY            7,1984t., -

                                                                                                                                                   X,

                  w   w,
                   4orlh:     Y
       3.

                                                                       w
                                                   Sl T-A L: A R E-A'@`-,@-`,M
                                                                                                                NAQJ@-Mg
                                                                                                                                                                        777.

                                                                                                                                                            -@,Zvv

                                                                                                                                                @,M
                ,V.mg
                                                                                                                                          4.                  314@

                                              IL
                                                                                                                                                      7

                                                                                   gi ti

                                                                                                               -TOWN
                                                                                                                                    -OFDAR

         .1. I-A
                                                                                                                                    IG AN6-20N'
                                                                                                                                                                      m      I
                                                                                                                                 IN
                                                                                                                                                          ING
                      Alt
                                                                                                                                                             @X.

                                                                                                       to
                                                                                              Ji

                                                                                                                                                       iZw;

                                                                 :j7

                                   MUNICIPAL COASTAL PROGRAM

                                        Photo: Darien Historical Society-

                                                       77: @ _@ @T: - -

                                    Whaleboat "MIDDLESEX"

              This document was financed in part by a grant through the Office
              of Coastal Zone Management, National oceanic and Atmospheric
              Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce under the
              Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and was prepared in coopera-
              tion with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's
              Coastal Area Management Program.

                               PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

                                  Lloyd M. Wilson, Chairman
                                    A. Wyman Procter, Jr.
                                       Edmund F. Schmidt
                                        Carol L. Davis
                                          Robyn Hogin
                                       Franklin E. Penn

                                        Former Members:
                                       Frank A. Anselmo
                                   William C. Bieluch, Jr.
                                          Daniel Shea

                                      REPORT PREPARED BY:

              Authors and Direction  -
                 Raymond D. Nurme, Planning and Zoning Director
                 Whitney Tilt, Executive Director, Long Island Sound Task Force
              Mapping -
                 F. P. Clark Associates - Rye, NY
              Layout -
                 Michael E. Roark, Assistant Town Planner
              Editing -
                 Catherine Shea, Summer Intern
                 Franklin E. Penn, Commission Member
                 Lloyd M. Wilson, Commission Member

                    With grateful contributions by many interested persons
                    within the Town of Darien and the continual assistance of
                    the staff of the.Coastal Area Management Unit of the
                    Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

              ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 7, 1984           EFFECTIVE: FEBRUARY 19, 1984

                                       EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

              This report presents an inventory and analysis of Darien's
              coastal resources, together with a comprehensive review of the
              various elements of a Municipal Coastal Program.     Based upon the
              findings from these studies, recommendations are advanced for
              amendments to the Town Plan of Development.

              The study is set forth in eight chapters as follows:

              1.  Background of Municipal Coastal Area Management Program

                  Review of the history of the legislation establishing the
                  Federal Office of Coastal Zone Management; implementation by
                  Connecticut under Public Act 79-535; establishment of the
                  Darien   Coastal  Boundary;   procedures   for   the   mandatory
                  Coastal Site Plan Reviews; development of the municipal
                  program.

              2.  Land Use and Development of the Darien Coastal Boundary

                  Actions  taken under existing Town Plan of Development; cur-
                  rent land use and environmental regulation; application of
                  subdivision regulations to the Coastal Boundary; analysis of
                  current land values; existing land use patterns.

              3.  Coastal Resources

                  Overview of the fourteen CAM Program coastal land and water
                  resources, as found in Darien.

              4.  Detailed Resource Data for Coastal Zone

                  Inventory analysis of the 16.5 miles of Darien coast, divided
                  into sixteen geographical areas with summary and conclusions
                  for each area.

              5.  Identification of Coastal Issues

                  Discussion of the major issues facing Darien which require
                  either administrative action, capital expenditure, enforce-
                  ment of existing regulations, or further study.     Included in
                  this chapter are discussions and recommendations for:
                  improvement of boating opportunities; coastal hazard and
                  flood damage prevention; preservation and enhancement of
                  tidal wetlands with special reference to seven critical areas
                  requiring special effort and permanent protection; shell-
                  fishing policies for both recreational and commercial
                  activities; dredging policies for new or existing navi-
                  gational channels; protection and enhancement of wildlife
                  habitats; proposal for reclamation of Tokeneke Trail marsh,
                  protection and preservation of the shoreline through public
                  and quasi-public ownership, open space declarations, and

                  conservation easements; improvement and expansion of physical
                  and visual public access; identification and control of sedi-
                  mentation and erosion; policies for controlling coastal
                  structures and filling; mitigation of coastal development
                  impacts; management of tidal ponds, and preservation and
                  enhancement of cultural resources.

              6.  Proposed Amendments to Plan of Development

                  Discussion of seven objectives to be incorporated in the
                  updated Town Plan of Development: improve physical access to
                  Long Island Sound; preserve and enhance visual access; expand
                  recreational boating opportunities; improve recreational
                  shellfishing opportunities; preserve and protect key shore-
                  line resource areas; enhance degraded natural systems;
                  improve educational opportunities.

              7.  Proposals for Revising Local Regulations

                  Review of    existing   regulations:     specifically    Sections
                  431.11, 482, 486, 488, and 489 of the Town Zoning Regu-
                  lations; the Town Subdivision Regulations and Coastal Site
                  Plan Review.      Recommendation that no further amendments
                  needed until updated Plan of Development is adopted and
                  recodification of Zoning Regulations completed.

              8.  Summary and Conclusions

                  High visual, aesthetic, and ecological value of Darien coast-
                  line; need for educational programs to accomplish objectives
                  detailed in Chapter 6; use of CAM program for the protection,
                  preservation and wise management of the existing shoreline
                  and coastal resources; use of staff and various regulatory
                  agencies in carrying out respective programs.       Also listed
                  are the additional work elements of the Program:      base maps
                  within Coastal Boundary; resource inventory maps; 35MM slide
                  inventory with slide presentation and index maps.

                                         TABLE OF CONTENTS

                       Executive Summary
                       Table of Contents
                       Listing of Figures
                                                                                       Page

               1.0     Background of Municipal Program                                   1.

                       1.1   Legislative Action . . . .                   . . ... . .    2.
                       1.2   Description of Darien's Coa;t;l*Boun'd;ry      . . . . .    3.
                       1.3   Intent of Municipal Coastal Program     . . . . . . . .     5.

               2.0     Land Use & Development of Darien's Coastal Zone      . . . . .    7.

                       2.1   Existing Town Plan of Development     . . . . . . . . .     9.
                       2.2   Current Land Use and Environmental      Regulation  . . .  124
                       2.3   Subdivision Regulations      . . . . . . . . . . . . .     15.
                       2.4   Non-Residential Land Use     . . . . . . . . . . . . .     16.
                       2.5   Existing Land Values    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      19.
                       2.6   Existing Land Use     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      20.

               3.0     Coastal Resources    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       21.

                       3.1   Overview of Resource Base      . . . . . . . . . . . .     22.
                       3.2   General Resources     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      24.
                       3.3   Bluffs and Escarpments     . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     24.
                       3.4   Rocky Shorefront    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      25.
                       3.5   Dunes and Beaches   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      26.
                       3.6   Tidal Wetlands   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       27.
                       3.7   Freshwater Wetlands & Watercourses      . . . . . . . .    29.
                       3.8   Intertidal Flats      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      31.
                       3.9   Coastal Hazard Areas    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      32.
                       3.10  Developed Shorefront    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      33.
                       3.11  Islands    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       33.
                       3.12  Shorelands   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       34.
                       3.13  Shellfish Concentration Areas       . . . . . . . . . .    35.
                       3.14  Coastal Waters & Estuarine Embayments        . . . . . .   37.
                       3.15  Air Resources & Air Pollution       . . . . . . . . . .    39.

               4.0     Detailed Resource Data for Coastal Zone       . . . . . . . .    40.

                       4.1   Five Mile River     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      42.
                       4.2   Contentment Island    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      49.
                       4.3   Fish Islands   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       52.

               Table of Contents (continued)

                                                                                      Page

                         4.4      Scotts  Cove  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        55.

                                  4.4(a)    Contentment Island Cove     . . . . . .    55.
                                  4.4(b)    Tokeneke Brook    . . . . . . . . . .      59.
                                  4.4(c)    Tokeneke Trail Cove    . . . . . . . .     62.
                                  4.4(d)    Delafield Island Cove    . . . . . . .     65.
                                  4.4(e)    Salem Straits   . . . . . . . . . . .      68.

                         4.5      Sargent's Cove     . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       72.
                         4.6      Long Neck Point    . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       76.
                         4.7      Pear Tree Point    . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       78.
                         4.8      Darien River     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       81.
                         4.9      Gorham's Pond    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       86.
                         4.10     Noroton Bay   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        90.
                         4.11     Holly Pond    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        94.
                         4.12     Noroton River    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       98.

               5.0       Identification of Coastal Issues        . . . . . . . . .    i02.

                         5.1      Improvement of Boating Opportunities         . . .  103.
                         5.2      Coastal Hazard/Flood Damage      . . . . . . . .    107.
                         5.3      Preservation and Enhancement of Tidal
                                  Wetlands    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       109.
                         5.4      Maintenance of Recreational Shellfish
                                  Opportunities and Establishment of
                                  Commercial oystering Policy      . . . . . . . .    111.
                         5.5      Local Policies on Dredging of New
                                  and Existing Navigation Channels        . . . . .   112.
                         5.6      Protection and Enhancement of Wildlife
                                  Habitat   . . . . . .  * * -            . . . . .   114.
                         5.7      Project Analysis and Propo@als f@r
                                  Specific Coastal Areas      . . . . . . . . . .     115.
                         5.8      Protection and Preservation of      Shoreline       115.
                         5.9      Improvement and Expansion of Physical
                                  and Visual Public Access      . . . . .   * 1       117.
                         5.10     Identification and Control of Erosion
                                  and Sedimentation    . . . . . . . . . . . . .      118.
                         5.11     Establishment of a Policy for Coastal
                                  Structures and Filling      . . . . . . . . . .     120.
                         5.12     Mitigation of Coastal Development Impacts         - 122.
                         5.13     Management of Darien's Tidal Ponds        . . . .   123.
                         5.14     Preservation and Enhancement of
                                  Cultural Resources     . . . . . . . . . . . .      126.

               6.0       Proposed Amendments to Plan of Development         . . . .   128.

                         6.1      Improve Access     . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      129.
                         6.2      Protect, Preserve, and Enhance Visual
                                  Access    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       129.

               Table of Contents (continued)

                                                                                       Page

                       6.3    Expand Recreational Boating Opportunities . . . . 130.
                       6.4    Improve Recreational Shellfish Opportunities
                              and Maximize Commercial Operations       . . . . . . .   130.
                       6.5    Preserve and Protect Key Shoreline
                              Resource Areas    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      131.
                       6.6    Improve Natural Systems    . . . . . . . . . . . . .     131.
                       6.7    Provide Substantially Improved
                              Educational Opportunities     . . . . . . . . . . . .    131.

               7.0     Proposals for Revising Local Regulations        . . . . . . .   133.

                       7.1    Zoning Regulations     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     134.
                       7.2    Subdivision Regulations    . . . . . . . . . . . . .     137.
                       7.3    Inland Wetland Regulations      . . . . . . . . . . .    138.
                       7.4    Coastal Site Plan Review      . . . . . . . . . . . .    138.

               8.0     Summary and Conclusion      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     141.

                                              LIST OF FIGURES

                 Figure                                                               Page

                    1.   Coastal Boundary Map      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        4.
                    2.   Coastal Area     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         8.
                    3.   Plan of Development    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       10.
                    4.   Zoning Map    . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . .        14.
                    5.   Non-Residential Land Uses     . . . . . . . . . . . . .      18.
                    6.   Regulated Wetlands and Watercourses       . . . . . . . .    30.
                    7.   Study Areas Map    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       41.
                    8.   Five Mile River    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       47.
                    9.   Contentment Island     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       51.
                  10.    Fish Islands     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       54.
                  11.    Scott's Cove     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       56.
                  12.    Contentment Island Cove     . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      58.
                  13.    Tokeneke Brook     , , *  * , *  .     *  * * ,  * , *  , *  61.
                  14.    Tokeneke Trail Cove    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       64.
                  15.    Delafield Island Cove     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      67.
                  16.    Salem Straits Cove     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       71.
                  17.    Sargent's Cove     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       75.
                  18.    Long Neck Point    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       77.
                  19.    Pear Tree Point    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       79.
                  20.    Darien River     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       84.
                  21.    Gorham's Pond    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       89.
                  22.    Noroton Bay   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        92.
                  23.    Holly Pond    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        97.
                  24.    Noroton River    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       99.
                  25.    Flood Map   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        108.

                    Snowy Egret

                                                                                           1.0

                                             BACKGROUND TO MUNICIPAL PROGRAM'

                                                 -2-

               1.1 Legislative Action

               In 1972, Congress passed the Coastal Zone Management Act.        This
               action was taken in response to a growing recognition of the
               need to protect the Nation's shorelines. The legislation applied
               to all thirty coastal states plus five coastal territories and it
               offered the specific opportunity and financial support to develop
               and establish comprehensive management programs for-their respec-
               tive coastal areas.     The basic goals and objectives set forth
               were to:

                      -  Identify,    protect   and   enhance   critical     coastal
                         resources

                      -  Better coordinate governmental activities which affect
                         coastal areas

                      -  Encourage meaningful local governmental participation
                         in the coastal management process

                      -  Build strong working partnerships between the states
                         and the Federal Government in the management of coastal
                         areas

                      -  Strengthen ongoing governmental programs, streamline
                         coastal regulatory processes, and consolidate coastal
                         permitting activities.

               The first step was to form an agency at the federal level to
               organize and administer this new program. Accordingly, an office
               of Coastal Zone Management was established within the National
               Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. Department of
               Commerce. It was the mission of this office to deal with each of
               the coastal states and territories, and assist them in imple-
               menting the Coastal Zone Management Act.

               The State of Connecticut began its Coastal Area Management
               Program (CAM) in 1975, in response to the initiative provided by
               the federal action.      Approximately four years were spent in
               developing and promoting a State program and, in 1979, a final
               proposal was completed by the Coastal Area Management Unit of the
               State Department of Environmental Protection. Their work ulti-
               mately led to the adoption by the General Assembly of the re-
               quired enabling legislation during the 1979 session..        The new
               legislation, Public Act 79-535, became known as an "Act Con-
               cerning Coastal Management", and its fundamental purpose was to
               implement a comprehensive coastal management plan within the
               State of Connecticut.    The new legislation became effective on
               January 1, 1980, and pertained directly to all 36 coastal commu-
               nities within the State.

               Connecticut's CAM Program specifically identified two major
               shortcomings within existing management systems being followed
               currently within the State. These were:

                                                -3-

                         - a lack of coordination among agencies having juris-
                           diction over coastal concerns.

                         - an   inadequate   consideration of    natural    resource
                           capacities in the process of reviewing and permitting
                           coastal activities.

               In an attempt to rectify these situations, the Act set forth
               statewide policies to guide both conservation and development of
               coastal resources.    It also defined the coastal     area, and de-
               tailed the regulatory system to be followed in the coastal areas
               of Connecticut.   The established policies were to be considered
               by all communities in the development and implementation of their
               respective local programs.    Further, it was mandated that local
               communities institute a procedure which incorporated what        were
               termed "Coastal Site Plan Reviews" within their permitting pro-
               cesses. These Reviews were intended to require each coastal      com-
               munity to consider all impacts of development proposals          upon
               coastal resources, within the defined coastal boundary area.

               Immediately following the effective date of Connecticut's Coastal
               Area Management Legislation, the Darien Planning and Zoning Com-
               mission assumed its responsibilities for coastal planning and
               program administration. Necessary procedures were established to
               process Coastal Site Plan Reviews, and work was initiated on pre-
               paring the necessary amendments to the Zoning Regulations for
               allowing the processing of Administrative Permits.

               1.2 Coastal Boundary

               The required coastal management systems, and implementation of
               the established coastal policies, apply primarily to an area
               which is delineated by a thousand-foot setback from the mean high
               water line, or a thousand-foot setback from tidal wetlands or
               other coastal resources, whichever is the farthest inland.

               The State authorized local municipalities to refine this Boundary
               if they chose to do so.     It was specified that the geographical
               area encompassed by the State-establ i shed Boundary could not be
               reduced, but a community was permitted to realign the precise
               lines to follow physiographic or geographic features.      This per-
               mitted realignment which avoided administrative difficulties in
               determining whether a use or activity was, or was not, within the
               defined Coastal Boundary.

               This option was pursued by Darien shortly after the legislation
               was put into effect.     The Planning and Zoning Commission con-
               ducted the necessary analysis to refine the local boundary and
               held the requisite public hearings to review it with interested
               townspeople. It was determined that both the amendments and the
               refinements were necessary to facilitate the processing of CAM
               Permits within the community.     The redesigned Boundary followed
               centerlines of existing streets, centerlines of streams and water
               bodies, and property lines where no other reasonable alternative

                                                                                                                                                                                                           NCIMH

                                                                                                                                                                                    WALE N FEU
                    COASTAL                             BOUNDARY                                 MAP                                                                                momm!"B""g6mmimm"im-mm-
                     Town of Darien, Connecticut
                                                                                                                                                                     I              WA r N RMTERS

                                                                                                  4

                                          . . ........

                                               r

                                                                                 Ica

                                                                                                                                                                                  i'  L

                                                                               AR
                                                                                                     YZ

                                               7i.

                                                                                                             A

                COASTAL BOUNDARY MAP
                                                       FOR
                DARIEN,CT.
                WAIIING DATE-6/17/90
                CAM OF ManM            1    0
                                     t4k-
            @@-T@@Lfv'j. PAC
                                 PRO SCIM
                                                                                                                                                                              @F.GEND

                   ADOPTED
                   Darien planning and zoning Commisslop I
                                                                                                                                                                       Adopted Coastal Boundary      Line
                                                                                                                             A:v
                              0                                                                                                                                        Area IncIfuded Within Coastal Boundary
                       ChIllrean
                                                                                                FIGURE

                                               -5-

               was available. The new Boundary was subsequently approved by the
               Commissioner of the DEP and was put into effect officially on
               August 14, 1980.

               Local planning and zoning commissions and zoning boards of appeal
               are required to review all development proposals within this de-
               fined Coastal Boundary on a case-by-case basis to determine that
               coastal resources are being properly protected, and to determine
               that there is consistency between the proposed activity and the
               applicable coastal goals and policies.

               1.3 Intent of Municipal Coastal Program

               As stated above, this State coastal management approach involved
               a mandatory Coastal Site Plan Review system.      It also incorpo-
               rated procedures for the voluntary preparation of a Municipal
               Coastal Program.

               Coastal Site Plan Review:

               The State legislation required each community's Planning and Zon-
               ing Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals, to review any appli-
               cation falling within the defined Coastal Boundary under speci-
               fied CAM procedures.    The intent was to determine if involved
               coastal resources are capable of supporting that particular proj-
               ect without sustaining any major negative impacts.     These agen-
               cies are also responsible for determining if the proposed use or
               activity is suitable for the particular coastal location.
               Authority is given to approve, deny, or attach conditions to any
               approval of the applicant's proposal. Also, a review of consis-
               tency with the coastal policies set forth within the Coastal Area
               Management Act is specifically required.    The legislation autho-
               rized municipalities to exempt, by regulation, various minor
               development activities within the Boundary as well.      These may
               include additions to existing homes, or even the construction of
               a new house, where it is not located within 100 feet of a tidal
               wetlands area or a beach. Darien took advantage of this authori-
               zation, and adopted such a procedure on March 10, 1980.          The
               Town's objective was to allow such minor activities to be pro-
               cessed as quickly as possible, while still maintaining adequate
               control within Darien's valuable Coastal Boundary area.       During
               the first year, some 50 Administrative Permits were handled in
               this manner.

               Municipal Coastal Program:

               The State CAM legislation authorized and supported a reasonably
               flexible voluntary planning program. The intent was to enable a
               coastal community to undertake necessary    inventories, analyses,
               and policy development which would lead to  desirable revisions to
               the community's Plan of Development, and adoption of necessary
               amendments to the local zoning regulations and other land use
               controls. This program is designed to provide a long-range plan
               for coastal development and conservation within the community,

                                               -6-

              and guidance for coastal property owners and developers relative
              to the community's position on coastal matters.    In its initial
              phase this planning work involved the identification of major
              coastal-related problems and issues facing the community. Subse-
              quent work is designed to meet those specific needs. Implementa-
              tion of the Municipal Coastal Program occurs primarily through
              the existing regulatory and development programs at the local
              level within the Coastal Site Plan Review process.

              Ultimately, the Town Plan of Development must include full consi-
              deration of:

                        - coastal problems and issues
                        - the nature and location of coastal resources
                        - future water-dependent development opportunities
                          which exist within the Coastal Boundary

              This report, together with all the work involved in its prepara-
              tion, comprises Darien's effort to establish a sound coastal man-
              agement system for the protection of the Town's most valuable
              physical asset, its shoreline.

                                                                                                                                                             q:'A

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  . ........... .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       ......... .

                                                                                                                           wl,

                                                                      Blue Crab

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           2.01

                                                                                                LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL ZONE.

                                                                                                   'A

                                                                       L

                                             ...... .....
               F-I

             L-4

                                                                                                                                ...........          5.7
                                                                                                                           ....... . .... ---w- .    -
                                                                                                                                ...........

                COASTAL BOUNDARY MAP FOR
                DAR IEN     CT.
                HEARING DATE*6/17/80
                I)ATE OF ADWnM   fllylf 0

                    STAN            PAC
                    c,oMmIss,a)0'J.
                    ENVIRONMENTAL PROM-noN

                   ADOPTED li@                                                                                                                         Ad
                   Darien Planning and Zoning Commission
                                                                                                                                                       Ar

                      Chairman                  a I-e-

                                               -9-

              2.1 Existing Town Plan of Development

              The Plan of Development currently in effect was adopted by the
              Planning and Zoning Commission on December 1, 1967.        In many
              respects, this original comprehensive plan has become outdated
              and obsolete.    However, much of what is contained within this
              document pertaining directly to the Town's coastal areas is still
              valid and this CAM Program is designed to augment and expand much
              of that earlier, more general thinking.

              The document declares that: "Particular attention should be paid
              to conserving the character and natural beauty of the shoreline,
              interior streams, and other areas of natural beauty through regu-
              lation of development." Several other sections of the Town Plan
              also strongly recommend similar types of action to protect and
              preserve  the Town's key resource areas, first and foremost of
              which is the shoreline area.

              The Plan suggested several options available to communities for
              achieving this. These included:

                        -  the preservation of open spaces by acquiring the
                           title to such lands

                        -  the receipt of open space lands as gifts from private
                           individuals or organizations, or their acquisition by
                           such private interests which would maintain it as
                           open space themselves

                        -  the establishment of permanent open space areas
                           through the subdivision review process

                        -  the acquisition of certain legal rights or interests
                           in open space land. For example, the Town could
                           retain the sole rights to develop such parcels, or
                           could obtain scenic, drainage or other types of ease-
                           ments to preserve key lands against development.

              It should be noted   that many of the coastal policies and recom-
              mendations set forth within that 1967 Plan have been implemented
              as proposed. For example:

                        -  the Town has acquired additional shoreline area.

                        -  valuable open space lands have als    "o been secured
                           through gifts from private individuals, such as the
                           conveyance of marshland within, and in proximity to,
                           Scott's Cove. Private property owners have conveyed
                           such lands to the Land Trust of Darien in accordance
                           with the recommendations.

                                                                                                                                                            C. )k

                                                             LEGEND

                                                   RESIDENTIAL
                                                 TWO OR MORE ACRE$ PER FAMILY

                                                 ONE ON MORE ACRES PER FAMILY

                                                 TWO FAMILIES 00 LESS PER ACRE
            m                                    THREE FAMILIES ON LESS PER ACRE                                                                                                                                  I?
                                                 FIVE FAMILIES OR LESS PER ACRE

                                                   BUSINESS
                                                 :
                                                 ETAIL

                                                 ERVICE

                                                 OFFICE

                                                 SPECIAL COMMERCIAL

                                                   PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC

                                                 PUBLIC SCHOOL

                                                 TOWN HALL

                                                 CHURCH
                                                                                                                                                                                                         PLAN
                                                 FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                                 LIBRARY
                                                 POLICE DEPARTMENT                                                                                                                                                      FREDE
                                                 POST OFFICE                           10                                                                                                                               PLANN
                                                 PRIVATE SCHOOL                                              TRAFFIC CIRCULATION

                                                 OTHER FACILITIES                                         LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAYS

                                                 CEMETERIES                                               MAJOR STREETS                                  a a 0

                                                   PARKS AND RECREATION                                   SECONDARY STREETS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ..........
                                                 PLAYGR OUNDS                                             LOCAL STREETS
                                                 PLAYFIELDS                                               MAJOR INTERSECTIONS NEEDING
                                                                                                            IMPROVEMENT
                                                 PUBLIC PARKS AND RESERVES                                RAILROAD AND LIMITED ACCESS
                                                 PRIVATE RECREATION AREAS                                   HIGHWAY LANDS

                         - following adoption of the 1967 Plan, the Town Sub-
                           division Regulations were amended to require that a
      40                   minimum of 10% of the land involved within a sub-
                           division be set aside as permanent open space.        In
                           many instances, this open space has involved coastal
                           resource areas which have been deemed to be of par-
                           ticular importance to the community.

                         - the Town has established procedures to encourage the
                           granting of conservation, scenic, and other types of
                           easements designed to permanently preserve and pro-
                           tect fragile areas including, in particular, the
                           types of lands defined within the Plan.

               The existing Town Plan also set forth more specific objectives,
               many of which have been implemented over the past fifteen years.
               For example, it was recommended that Weed Beach Park be
               expanded.  The Plan referred to needs to increase the beach area
               in a northerly direction, provide more parking facilities, expand
               the picnic facilities, and do other related work to improve
               access to, and enjoyment of, this shoreline area by all towns-
               people. Most of this work has been completed.

               Another example of a specific recommendation which has been im-
               plemented was to provide improved boat launching facilities at
               Pear Tree Point Park. Again, additional land was acquired, and a
               modern, convenient boat ramp replaced the marginal facility in
               existence at the time the Plan was prepared.

               As another objective, the Plan recommended that, "The narrow
               bankside strip fronting on the Darien River, along the westerly
               side of Pear Tree Point Road from Ring's End Bridge, southerly to
               Pear Tree Point Park, and except for the peninsula containing
               several residences, should be acquired to preserve the view and
               great scenic beauty of this waterway." A substantial section of
               this strip of land has since been acquired, and will assure that
               the superb water views continue to be available to the towns-
               people, and that a portion of this strip can be available for
               passive recreational purposes.

               Another 16,150 feet of shoreline has been permanently protected
               through the use of conservation easements, open space declara-
               tions, or other similar means. The vital distinction is that the
               latter designations do not, in most cases, incorporate any public
               access, and could not have been secured had they.provided for
               such.

               A comprehensive revision of   the Town's official Plan of Devel-
               opment is now underway.   The work performed under this Municipal
               Coastal Program will be part   of this effort, and proposals will
               be integrated within the Town  Plan.

                                                _12-

               2.2 Current Land Use and Environmental Regulation

               Except for the very small Neighborhood Business (NB) commercial
               area of White Bridge, on the Five Mile River, all of Darien's
               Coastal Boundary is zoned under residential categories.        Most of
               this area is within the Residential - One Acre (R-1) District.
               This relatively low density requirement has been a major factor
               in the protection of the Town's valuable coastal resources.

               There are non-residential uses or activities which are deemed
               under "Special Permit" procedures, to be compatible with the
               Town's residential areas.     They include facilities such as pri-
               vate recreational clubs and churches.        These have not had any
               major, adverse impacts on the coastal areas, and only eight
               Special Permit uses are located directly on the shoreline.           Of
               these, five provide water-oriented recreational uses.               The
               remaining uses are a religious retreat, and two non-conforming
               uses, including a restaurant and a gasoline service station.

               The Commission believes that Special Permit types of uses are
               being adequately controlled largely through the use of the exten-
               sive and detailed findings which must be made prior to granting
               any such new use, or an extension of an existing one. The imple-
               mentation of improved environmental regulations has made this
               level of control even more effective.

               Significant progress has been made over the past decade in estab-
               lishing improved regulations on activities conducted within what
               is now recognized as the Town's Coastal Boundary.        A major step
               was taken in 1973, when the Planning and Zoning Commission
               adopted a new section for its Zoning Regulations entitled,
               "Section 486."    Special Regulations for Protection and Conserva-
               tion of Land, Wetlands, Watercourses, Tidelands, Flood Plains and
               other Natural Areas."     These Regulations govern all activities
               within a prescribed distance of either the Mean High Tide line,
               or the mean waterline, as specified.         In the case of coastal
               areas, the regulated area applies to a strip 100 feet wide along
               the Mean High Tide line.     Activities covered include excavation;
               earth removal; regrading; filling; other alterations of the natu-
               ral contour; dredging; obstruction; channeling; piping; any type
               of pollution; and the construction of any form of structure.

               In the spring of 1981, the Planning and Zoning Department began
               to develop a coastal area management planning program and empha-
               sis was placed on planning as the major thrust of Darien's
               efforts. one of the basic reasons for this was that the Planning
               and Zoning Commission had already been processing permits for
               development activities within the shoreline area as part of the
               1973 regulation.     Since that time, the Town has been requiring
               the issuance of a Special Permit for all activities within 100
               feet of Mean High   Tide.    Under CAM, the jurisdictional area has
               been increased significantly, and the process, together with its
               critical concerns along the water's edge, has continued, but with
               some procedural modifications.

                                                 -13-

                In order to gain approval for conducting shoreline-related acti-
                vities, it is necessary to submit a formal application to the
                Planning and Zoning Commission.      The degree of detail required
                must be consistent with the type of activity being proposed. For
                example, in the case of a major project it is necessary to sub-
                mit, along with the letter of application, detailed site plans,
                environmental impact assessments, necessary hydrological or other
                engineering studies, and other related work.       The Planning and
                Zoning Commission then processes the application through a public
                hearing, and is required to make a series of declared determi-
                nations.   In addition to the findings required by the regular
                Special Permit procedures outlined in the Zoning Regulations, the
                Commission must also find specifically that the proposed regu-
                lated activities will not adversely affect the natural resources
                of the town, or the environmental character of the surroundings
                of the site. These findings are made formally before any Special
                Permit can be approved under this section of the Zoning Regu-
                lations. In granting any such Special Permits, the Planning and
                Zoning Commission attaches necessary limitations or conditions
                which it deems necessary to conserve and protect the soil, water,
                air, vegetation or other natural attributes of the site and its.
                general area.   Conservation restrictions, or easements,     are one
                of the principal tools used by the Commission to provide      for the
                permanent protection of particularly fragile or valuable       natural
                areas.

                Two other major sections have also been added to the Town's
                Zoning Regulations.   These two new sections involve the Coastal
                Area Management requirements, which were put into effect on March
                10, 1980, and the Flood Damage Prevention Regulations, which were
                made effective on December 28, 1980.      Both of these were imple-
                mented in response to established Federal programs, but the
                design of the requirements, and the method of administering them,
                are totally consistent with the recommendations of the Town
                Plan.  other minor amendments have also been made to the Town's
                Zoning Regulations to help achieve improved protection and
                preservation of key resource areas. The Coastal Area Management
                Program will significantly assist by providing definite direc-
                tion, based on predetermined resource conditions or values.

                                             ZONING MAP

                                                                  D0A-5

                                                             R-1/2

                                                                           Y,
                                                                    J,

                                                                                                                                                             R-1

                                                                                                                           r-A

                                                                                                                                                                                           ZONE

                              T Is NAP is tar general reference purposes only and                                                                                                    a           ONE-F)Ut
                                                                                                                                                                                     12
                              % not an official map. The Official Boning NAP. at                                                                                                       I         ONE-P
                                            is on,!ile in the office of the Planning                                                            --.L                                 At-1/3      ONE
                                           Comm       n.                                                                                                                                         Ot4E:FAM
                              &:d ;c&nlien;      i 40                                                                                                                                R-1/3            PAM
                                                                                                                                                  1                                              ONE-FAH
                                                                                                                                                                                                 PARXING
                                                                                                                                                                                     DOR-S       MIGNE
                                                                                                                                                                                     DOR-1       DzS1GNE
                                                                                                                                                                                     Na          NEIGHBO
                                                                                                                                                                                     D:-2        'DESXGNE
                      TOWN OF DARIEN                                                                                                                                                 D -1        DESIGNE
                                                                                                                                                                                     or,         OFFICE
                                                                                                                                                                                     DC          DESIG14E
                                                                                                                                                                                     CED         CENTRA
                                                                                                                                                                                     Sla         SZRVIC
                                                                                                                                                                                     re          PLMNE1

                                                                                                                                                                                     HOIE: For order
                                                                                                                                                                                               SectLon 3

                                               _15-

               2.3 Subdivision Regulations

               The major amendment to the Town's Subdivision Regulations, accom-
               plished since the adoption of the Town Plan, has been the incor-
               poration of requirements for the preservation of open space land
               as part of any subdivision involving a land area equal to or
               greater than, three times the minimal lot size for the zone in
               which it is located. In such situations, it is required that the
               property owner dedicate, as a permanent open space preservation,
               land not less in amount than 10% of the aggregate area of the
               subdivision tract. This procedure has been followed consistently
               by the Planning and zoning Commission since March 18, 1973.        it
               is noted specifically in the Regulations that dedicated open
               space land must be provided in addition to all land required by
               both the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations in meeting minimal
               lot, street, accessway, or other development requirements. Also,
               it may be required in addition to any other lands which are pro-
               tected under conservation restrictions. The opening statement in
               the open space section of the Subdivision Regulations reads, "An
               essential purpose of these Regulations is the preservation and
               conservation of land in a natural condition for perpetuity, in
               order to create buffers against noise and air pollution, and to
               protect natural environmental systems, vegetation, wildlife, cli-
               mate, scenery, natural history, areas     of archeological signifi-
               cance, residential privacy, and natural resources, including, but
               not limited to, edges of watercourses, lakes, and ponds, wherever
               they occur within Subdivisions." This     purpose has been achieved
               directly.

               In virtually all cases, the Commission has required that open
               space declarations and conservation easements be used to protect
               natural shoreline areas. Legal instruments establishing the own-
               ership and maintenance responsibilities of the open space areas
               have been made a part of the subdivision application, and each is
               specifically approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission to
               meet particular needs.     They are then filed in the Darien Land
               Records to become permanent, binding conditions.

               With some modification, it is assumed that the land use regula-
               tions currently in effect will be sufficient in a legal/technical
               sense to carry out the objectives of the Coastal Area Management
               Program.    The effective application of these regulations will
               benefit from the detailed data on resources furnished by this
               coastal area study.

                                                 -16-

                2.4 Non-Residential Land Use

                As noted in Section 2.2, only eight privately held and two public
                non-residential uses are currently located directly on the shore-
                line.  of these, five private and two public provide access to
                Long Island Sound for recreational purposes.         These uses are
                described below and their location is shown on Figure 5:

                       1.   Tokeneke Beach Club, Butler's Island
                            -  private social/recreational club
                            -  5.04 acres, 680 feet of shoreline
                            -  sand beach, floats, bathhouses, sailing program
                            -  clubhouse with dining room
                            -  swimming pool
                            -  17 tennis courts
                            -  parking for 143 cars
                            -  325 member/families

                       2.   Noroton Yacht Club, Noroton Bay
                            -  private yachting club
                            -  2.23 acres, 570 feet of shoreline
                            -  clubhouse
                            -  docks, piers, launch, drydock storage
                            -  3 tennis courts
                            -  parking for 100 cars
                            -  200 member/families

                       3.   Darien Boat Club, Darien River
                            -  quasi-public boat club, open to all Town residents
                            -  0.48 acres, 650 feet shoreline
                            -  club building
                            -  accommodations for 259 boats, average boat length
                               20 feet
                            -  parking as part of Pear Tree Point Park (limited)
                            -  525 members, waiting list for boating facilities

                       4.   -  Young Men's Christian Association, Holly Pond
                            -  full YMCA facility
                            -  sailing program, other water-related activities
                            -  7.344 acres, 795 feet shoreline
                            -  parking for 126 cars
                            -  5,000 members, 60-65% adults

                       5.   Noroton Bay Association, Noroton Bay
                            -  residential association beach
                            -  0.7 acres, 904 feet shoreline
                            -  sand beach, wharf, sailing program
                            -  no on-site parking
                            -  90 member/families

                The remaining  private uses are:

                       6. Convent of St. Birgitta, Scott's Cove
                       7. Twin Faces Restaurant, Holly Pond
                       8. Chevron Service Station, Five Mile River

                                             -17-

               Public facilities on the shore include:

                      9.  Weed Beach Park
                          - public beach and related facilities
                          - 22.2 acres, 1,810 feet shoreline
                          - bathhouse, concession stand
                          - parking for 250+ cars
                          - 6 tennis courts, 5 paddle courts
                          - picnic area and related facilities
                          - sailing program

                     10.  Pear Tree Point Beach Park
                          - public beach
                          - 6.9 acres, 850.feet shoreline
                          - bathhouse, concession stand
                          - parking for 240 cars
                          - boat launching ramp
                          - small picnic area

            NON-RESIDENTIAL
            LAND USES

                                                ir
                                                                                             JA

         Ln j

                                              9
           l.TOKENEKE BEACH
           2-NOROTON YACHT CLUB
           &DARIEN BOAT CLUB
           4.DARIEN YMCA
           5.NOROTON BAY ASSOCIATION
           6.CONVENT OF SAINT BRIGITTA
           7. TWIN FACE'S RESTAURANT
           8. CHEVRON SERVICE STATION
           9. WEED BEACH
          10. PEAR TREE POINT                                         ...

                                                  _19-

               2.5 Land Values

               During the 1960's and early 1970's, coastal properties were not
               in demand as they are today.         Values of shoreline properties
               skyrocketed in the late 19701s, and it can be anticipated that
               they will continue to increase.

               In 1967, at the time the original Plan of Development was
               adopted, one-acre building lots located directly on, or in imme-
               diate proximity to the shoreline, were being sold for approxi-
               mately $75,000 to $80,000. A relatively modest home on a third-
               or half-acre lot with a coastal orientation, such as those
               located in Noroton Bay, was selling for $70,000 to $75,000.            A
               more substantial home, such as one located on Butler's Island,
               cost in the range of $150,000 to $200,000.

               Since that time, values along the shoreline have multiplied five-
               fold.    For example, remaining one-acre building lots on the
               water's edge now command whatever the market will bear.
               Depene.ing upon location, a one acre building lot on the water's
               edge would now command from $350,000. to more than a million
               dollars.    That same modest home located in Noroton Bay is now
               selling for more than $225,000, and the more substantial home is
               now costing over one million dollars.

               The presence of Long Island Sound and the shoreline areas also
               have other significant effects on property values. For example,
               where a view of Long Island Sound is available from the property,,
               it is estimated that something in the order of 10% to 25% of
               added value can be applied.       Accordingly, it can be made clear
               that protection of views from interior properties, and protection
               of coastal resources which are directly part of shoreline proper-
               ties, are of particular significance to individual owners, since
               anywhere from 20% to 50% of their investment may be involved.
               Bulkheading, docks, piers and related types of facilities can
               also add substantially to the value, so there is a fine balance
               between needs to preserve and desires to develop the shoreline.
               This only accentuates requirements for a sound data base on spe-
               cific resource areas and needs.

               In a more general sense, the inclusion of a portion of Long
               Island Sound within Darien adds to the overall property values of
               the community.      The existence of the Town beaches and boating
               opportunities, together with visual access, are reflected in all
               home prices.    Consequently, the need to properly address coastal
               issues from an economic perspective is not restricted solely to
               shoreline property owners.       The Sound has much to do with the
               quality of life in Darien and thus, its land values.

                                                  -20-

               2.6 Existing Land Use

               Within the defined Coastal Boundary are 1,802 acres of land. Of
               this total, the following numbers of acres are allocated to spe-
               cific land uses:
                                                                       Acres
                     Single family                                     1,136.0
                     Local road right-of-way                             234.2
                     Vacant (including islands)                          223.9
                     Permanent open space                                47.5
                     Agriculture                                         40.5
                     Public parks/recreation                             25.2
                     Two family                                          23.0
                     Semi-public institution                             22.0
                     Private recreation/preserves                        11.7
                     Public/private school                                 8.8
                     Highway right-of-way                                  4.7
                     Miscellaneous uses                                  14.5

                                   Total acres                         1,802.0

               As can be noted, the dominant use within the Coastal Boundary is
               single-family residential, occupying 64% of the total land base.
               Much of the 13% of the still-vacant land involves wetlands, steep
               slopes and other areas having restricted development or use
               opportunities.

                                                                                                                                              .0

                                                          Hard-shell Clam

                                                                                                                       3.0

                                                                                       COASTAL RESOURCES

                                                   -22-

               3.1 Overview of Resource Base

               The Town of Darien has long appreciated the value of its shore-
               line.   While it has been recognized that the coastal areas pro-
               vide a very valuable and fragile natural resource base, the Town
               has not had the expertise available to make a comprehensive in-
               ventory and, consequently, adequate analyses of specific resource
               areas have not been made.       Accordingly, it was concluded that
               such an effort would become the major part of Darien's municipal
               Coastal Program planning effort.

               It is a declared policy of Coastal Area Management to preserve
               and enhance coastal resources in accordance with the policies
               established under the Act. Coastal resources are defined as "the
               coastal waters of the state, their natural resources, related
               marine and wildlife habitat, and adjacent shorelands, both devel-
               oped and undeveloped, that together form an integrated terres-
               trial and estuarine ecosystem." (Source P.A. 79-535, sec. 3(7)).

               In order to meet the requirements of the State CAM Act, and
               establish the necessary inventory of coastal resources within the'
               Town of Darien, a shoreline survey was undertaken during the Sum-
               mer of 1981. This survey was instrumental to the preparation of
               four work products:        1) the Darien Coastal Area Management
               Report; 2) four Darien Coastal Resources Maps: Five Mile River,
               Scotts Cove, Darien River, and Holly Pond; 3) three volumes of 35
               mm color slides which depict the entire shoreline as of October
               1981, and are keyed to the Coastal Resources Maps; and 4) a
               working knowledge of coastal issues and problems.

               The Planning and Zoning Department engaged the services of the
               professional staff of the Long Island Sound Task Force of the
               Oceanic Society to make this inventory, and to participate
               directly in the development of the Town's Municipal Coastal
               Program.    The consultants walked along the intertidal shore, on
               rock shorefront and in cordgrass marshes wherever possible, docu-
               menting such factors as the precise locations of tidal marshes,
               noting potential impacts upon nearby shellfish areas, and docu-
               menting in detail the location and type of every structure
               located along the Darien coast.      Areas particularly valuable for
               habitat purposes were also identified, along with areas which
               were considered to be particularly fragile.          Where access was
               otherwise impossible or damaging to the habitat, a 14-foot Zodiac
               was used.

               Another part of this inventory process involved the use of exist-
               ing aerial and infrared photography, together with the Darien
               Planning and Zoning Commission's base maps. The inventory in-
               volved a complete on-site analysis, and the photographing of the
               entire shoreline, beginning above the White Bridge over the Five
               Mile River on the Darien-Norwalk town line, and proceeding
               approximately 16.5 miles west along the coast to the Noroton
               River on the Darien-Stamford town line.

                                                     -23-

                Thirty-five mm color slide film was used.          The purpose of doing
                this was twofold.      First, these slides could be used in public
                presentations on coastal concerns and secondly, they would prove
                to be an effective tool in the enforcement of the Town's regula-
                tions over coastal areas.       Another consulting firm, F. P. Clark
                and Associates, was engaged to map all the resource data on sec-
                tional base maps of Darien's coastal areas.          Index maps for the
                slide inventory were also prepared as part of this second phase.
                A complete record now exists of all facilities and resource con-
                ditions as of the summer of 1981.

                During the performance of this work, efforts were pursued to dis-
                cuss coastal issues and needs with various interests within the
                community.    Basedin part upon the findings made from the inven-
                tory, certain problems and opportunities were reviewed with
                appropriate Town Officials and involved townspeople.                   This
                approach helped in identifying issues needing early attention.

                Previous plans prepared by the Town which applied to shoreline
                areas and conditions were also reviewed in detail, and work was
                specifically designed to address issues raised by these docu-
                ments. The intent of the CAM effort was to take this prior work
                and incorporate it into this program centered specifically on
                shoreline areas.      This more comprehensive approach provided a
                solid base for necessary amendments to the Town's Plan of Devel-
                opment regarding changes needed on the Town's land use controls
                and, most importantly, for improving day-to-day actions necessary
                to protect Darien's shoreline and taking advantage of oppor-
                tunities as they appeared.

                The Connecticut Coastal Area Management Program specifically de-
                fines fourteen different coastal land and water resources:

                        3.2   - General Resources
                        3.3   - Bluffs and Escarpments
                        3.4   - Rocky Shorefronts
                        3.5   - Dunes and Beaches
                        3.6   - Tidal Wetlands
                        3.7   - Freshwater Wetlands and Watercourses
                        3.8   - Intertidal Flats
                        3.9   - Coastal Hazard Areas
                        3.10  - Developed Shorefront
                        3.11  - Islands
                        3.12  - Shorelands
                        3.13  - Shellfish Concentration Areas
                        3.14  - Coastal Waters and Estuarine Embayments
                        3.15  - Air Resources and Air Quality

                                                -24-

               The status of these coastal resources within the Town of Darien
               is as follows:

               3.2 General Resources

               The coastline of Darien, directly on the northern shore of Long
               Island Sound, extends in an east-west orientation only 2.7 linear
               miles.   However, if one were to walk the actual shoreline the
               distance involved expands to approximately 16.5 miles.        This is
               due to a  variety of features typical of the New England glaciated
               coast.   Viewed from the middle of the Sound, the major coastal
               feature in Darien is a line of rock bluff and escarpment. There
               is the major rock bluff toward the easterly Town border, guarding
               the approach to the Five Mile River.        Rock bluff and modified
               escarpment extend from there to the westerly tip of Contentment
               Island.    Directly to the west is the mouth of Scott's Cove
               (approximately 0.4 miles wide) which is studded with rock
               islands, and forms a break in this rock wall.         The coast then
               continues in a southwest direction with another stretch of rock
               bluff and modified escarpment, reaching a terminus into the Sound.
               at Long Neck Point.     This rocky aspect continues along the wes-
               terly shore of Long Neck Point, across Darien Harbor, to the
               entrance to Holly Pond.       This "armor plating" accounts for a
               third (approximately 5 miles) of the actual coastline, and allows
               the remainder of coastal habitat areas to flourish.

               Behind this protection from storm surge and wind-driven waves lie
               several extensive tidal marshes, ranging from vast cordgrass
               (Spartina alterniflora) stands fringed with a hint of high marsh
               (dominated by S. patens), as found in Scott's Cove, to luxurious
               mats of high marsh complete with a seaward complement of alterni-
               flora, as found on the southeastern shore of Holly Pond.            In
               addition to the marshes, sand beaches, cobble beaches, and wooded
               shoreline, all exist within the coves and estuaries, and in
               breaks in the rock face.

               Major natural features of the Darien coast include the Five Mile
               River, Scott's Cove, Ziegler's Cove, the Darien River, Gorham's
               Pond and Holly Pond.     The Town has approximately five miles of
               rock bluff and escarpment; 76 acres of tidal marsh; 0.3 miles of
               sandy beach and numerous     islands ranging from small rock out-
               croppings, exposed only at   low tide, to larger vegetated islands
               such as the Fish Islands.

               3.3 Bluffs and Escarpments

               "Naturally . eroding shorelands marked by dynamic escarpments or
               sea cliffs which have slope angles that constitute an intricate
               adjustment between erosion, substrate, drainage, and degree of
               plant cover." (P.A. 79-535,sec.3(7)(A)).

                                                 @25-

               Using CAM Coastal Resource maps (Base Map: U.S.G.S. 7 1/2 minute
               quads) together with on-site inspection, it was established that
               Darien lacks sections of true escarpment, as defined under CAM.
               Historically, natural escarpment was probably found along both
               shores of Long Neck Point, however, these areas are now stabil-
               ized through the use of seawalls and revetments, redefining the
               area as "modified escarpment."

               The term "modified escarpment" is used as a catch-all for coastal
               areas marked by unconsolidated slopes which have been stabilized
               or altered in some manner. Along the Darien shoreline, modified
               escarpment is found interspersed between rock shorefront and
               beach front.    Depending on the definition, many other areas of
              .Darien could be considered modified escarpment.         For example,
               many of the areas delineated on the CAM Coastal Resource maps as
               regulated tidal wetlands are bands of alterniflora (cordgrass)
               backed by a seawall or revetment.      The lower tidal range of the
               area is tidal wetland, while the upper range is modified escarp-
               ment.   Backed by some form of shoreline protection, this cord-
               grass band is the single most common coastal resource found.

               For the purposes of this study, these marsh/seawall areas will be
               covered in the Tidal wetlands section of this report.         However,
               it should be emphasized that the actual shoreline has been modi-
               fied by the placement of a seawall or revetment. Such shoreline
               structures, if properly designed,    control shoreline erosion and
               drainage, while the cordgrass band offers marsh habitat to vari-
               ous marine life and wading birds, and also affords the seawall
               some protection from wave energy.

               Primary concerns in escarpment and modified escarpment areas are
               erosion, unregulated building, construction of poorly designed
               seawalls and revetments, and lack of required maintenance.

               CAM sets forth the following policies appropriate for considera-
               tion in Darien,:

                          1. Manage coastal escarpments so as to preserve their
                              slope and toe.
                          2. Disapprove uses that accelerate slope erosion.

               3.4 Rocky Shorefront

               "Shorefront comprised of bedrock, boulders, and cobbles that are
               highly erosion resistant, and are an insignificant source of sed-
               iments or other coastal landforms." (P.A. 79-535, sec 3(7) (B)).

               As stated above, the Town of Darien presents a southern exposure
               which is predominantly rocky shorefront. Broken by the mouths of
               coves and rivers, this rocky shorefront ranges from solid- rock
               bluff, as found at the western side of the entrance of Five Mile

                                               -26-

              River, to individual rock outcropping as found on the southern
              slope of Pratt Island.    There are five major rocky shorefronts;
              the south shore of Butler's Island; the south shore of Content-
              ment Island; the south and east shores of Great Island; the south
              and east shores of Hay Island; and the south, east, and west
              exposures of Pratt and Nash Islands.

              The presence of these rocky shorefronts enables the tidal
              marshes, mudflats and sandy coves to exist and allows the rich-
              ness of habitat found elsewhere along the Town's coastline.

              The rocky shorefronts serve several important functions.        Among
              these, they:     resist erosion, form attachment substrate for
              marine organisms such as blue mussels, barnacles, and rockweed;
              and provide food and refuge for a number of coastal shorebirds.

              The rock bluffs and promontories also offer spectacular views of
              Long Island Sound, Long Island, and the surrounding areas.         In
              some cases, the bluffs rise approximately 50 feet, offering dra-
              matic views from both the water and the bluff.

              Because of the natural protection they offer the shoreline and
              their erosion tolerance, rocky shorefronts do    not raise the same
              management concerns as other resources like      tidal marshes and
              escarpment. Management concerns for these rocky shorefront areas
              would include:    1) establishing setbacks from the head of the
              rock area for all building; 2) preserving vegetation on top of
              rocky bluffs and adjacent to rocky shorefronts; 3) discouraging
              construction of steps, ramps, and docking facilities in these
              exposed areas, because they ruin the natural appearance of the
              shorefronts, and are subject to storm drainage; and 4) where con-
              struction is involved, encouraging use of materials and design
              which blend well with their surroundings.     Finally, it should be
              noted that in many cases throughout Darien, rocky shorefront is
              backed by stands of hardwood forest on lightly developed or
              undeveloped properties.     These areas form important roosting
              areas for wading species of birds such as the black-crowned night
              heron, snowy and common egret, and blue great heron.       In addi-
              tion, the rocky shorefront backed by hardwoods can give the
              boater and resident alike the feeling of being "in Maine" without
              ever leaving Darien. This is considered by many to be an impor-
              tant quality of life factor.

              3.5 Dunes and Beaches

              "Beach systems including barrier beach spits and tombolos, bar-
              rier beaches, pocket beaches, land contact beaches and related
              dunes and sandflats." (P.A. 79-535, sec. 3(7)(C)).

                                                   -27-

               There are approximately eight distinct and separate sand beaches
               to be found along the Darien shoreline. Each of these is located
               between or behind rocky shorefront and/or islands, and none can
               be considered a major beach.      However, the three largest beaches
               are used actively for recreation. Pear Tree Point and Weed Beach
               are Town beaches for public use, while the third, Tokeneke Cove,
               is reserved for use by members of the private Tokeneke Beach Club
               and the riparian owners.

               While Darien lacks true barrier beaches and dunes, the Town does
               have several examples of offshore islands with associated beaches
               found in their lee. A good example of this is the Fish Islands,
               where the largest island provides protection to a pocket beach on
               Contentment Island. In addition, several tombolos (sandbars con-
               necting an island with mainland or another island) are found in
               Scott's Cove and other coastal areas.

               The main focus of CAM policies on Darien's existing public
               beaches centers on their protection and enhancement as an impor-
               tant recreational opportunity for the Town's residents.                In
               addition, the beaches also serve as reservoirs for           transported
               sand and act as buffers against coastal flooding and erosion.

               Pear Tree Point Beach and Weed Beach form the two major public
               shore access points for the entire Town.        As described later in
               this report, they are used for both active and passive recrea-
               tion.    In addition, Weed Beach is used for educational purposes
               by the Darien Nature Center in their programming for local school
               groups and others.      Both beaches are part of dynamic systems.
               Weed Beach lies at the mouth of Holly Pond and faces its larger
               counterpart, Cove Beach recreational area in the City of
               Stamford. Pear Tree Point Beach is located at the head of Darien
               Harbor and the entrance to Darien River.            Smaller than Weed
               Beach, it is nevertheless part of a dynamic system subject to
               alongshore and littoral drift, and sedimentation from upstream.
               Unlike the Holly Pond outlet, the Darien River cut at Pear Tree
               Point is an active navigational channel which requires regular
               maintenance dredging.

               Many of the smaller pocket beaches and sandbars provide valuable
               feeding areas for certain shorebird species.         While no nesting
               activity was recorded during the coastal survey, the use of area
               beaches as nesting grounds cannot be discounted.

               3.6 Tidal Wetlands

               "Tidal Wetlands means 1wetland' as defined by CGS Section 22a-
               29." (P.A. 79-535, sec. 3(7)(E)).

               The Connecticut General Statutes referred to above define "wet-
               land" as follows:     "those areas which border on, or lie beneath

                                                  -28-

               tidal waters such as, but not limited to, banks, bogs, salt
               marsh, swamps, meadows, flats or other low lands subject to tidal
               action, including those areas now or formerly connected to tidal
               waters, and whose surface is at or below an elevation of one foot
               above local extreme high water, and upon which may grow or be
               capable of growing some, but not necessarily all of the follow-
               ing: salt meadow grass (Spartina patens), spike grass (Distich-
               lis s2icata), black grass (Juncus gerardi), saltmarsh grass
               (Spartina alterniflora) saltworts (Salicornia europaea, and Sali-
               cornia begelovii), Sea Lavender (Limonium carolinianum), salt-
               marsh bulrushes (Spirpus robustus ... 11

               (The listing of vegetation goes on to name dozens of other spe-
               cies of wetland, or hydrophilic plants).

               As the definition clearly illustrates,       a tidal wetland is com-
               prised of distinctive vegetation.        To  delineate wetland bound-
               aries is to outline vegetation types.         Darien has a wealth of
               tidal wetlands along its coastal zone.       Three distinct types may
               be found:     1) the Spartina al tern if lora/S. patens marsh, 2) the.
               Spartina alterniflora cordgrass band marsh, and 3) the Spartina
               alterniflora open marsh.

               The alterniflora/patens marsh can be referred to as the "textbook
               marsh." The cordgrass extends from the approximate low tide line
               to the approximate high tide line (note:        while tide tables are
               fond of the terms "mean low water" and "mean highwater", in
               reality such a measurement is extremely variable and difficult to
               determine).     Above the cordgrass marsh, patens or salt meadow
               grass grows to the elevation of spring high tide.             While the
               cordgrass marsh is comprised of only a single vascular plant spe-
               cies, the high marsh is represented by sea lavender, salt marsh
               bulrush, saltwort, and other halophytic vegetation.             Alterni-
               flora/patens marshes are found in Five Mile River, Scott's Cove,
               Darien River, and Holly Pond.

               The alterniflora cordgrass band marsh has already been discussed
               in the section on modified escarpment.          This habitat normally
               consists of a band of cordgrass which extends from the mean low
               water line to either: 1) beginning of modified escarpment, i.e.
               seawall, revetment, manicured lawn, etc; or 2) bank vegetated by
               phragmites or other naturally occurring upland        vegetation. This
               cordgrass band is the most common shoreline feature found in
               Darien.

               The alterniflora open marsh is characterized by a large expanse
               of cordgrass without the associated patens or high marsh.
               Examples of this type      of marsh are found in Delafield Island
               Cove, Five Mile River, and Coon Point Marsh.           In these cases,
               small strips of patens     marsh can often be found, but they are
               irregular and small in     size.   The Delafield Island marsh is the
               largest area of tidal marsh within the Town of Darien.

                                                  -29-

               Geographical survey maps dating from 1836 and other evidence
               strongly suggest that tidal marshes were once more abundant than
               at present. For example, tidal marsh once extended unbroken from
               behind Hay Island, (when it was a true island) along the entire
               shoreline of Scott's Cove to connect directly with the Five mile
               River.   Currently, there are no fewer than thirteen different
               marshes found throughout this area, without including the cord-
               grass band marsh. Fill operations, like those that connected Hay
               Island, Great Island, Delafield Island, Contentment Island, and
               Butler's Island with the mainland, have broken the tidal marsh
               into smaller disassociated systems.

               Tidal marshes contribute    in many ways to the marine and human
               environments. Marshes act as feeding grounds, nursery areas, and
               habitat for the majority of estuarine species in Long Island
               Sound. They act as storm    buffers, retain and detain storm water
               runoff, and help filter sediment and other organic material from
               the water column.   In addition, tidal marshes form scenic vistas
               for visual access; are valuable educational centers; and offer
               passive recreational opportunities such as wildlife photography.

               The most impacted marsh in Darien is the Tokeneke Trail marsh.
               Here, the construction of a causeway with tidal gates to restrict
               tidal range has caused the marsh behind the causeway to become
               overrun by phragmites. The reduced tidal flushing has decreased
               the area of marsh regularly inundated by the tide, hence allowing
               the invasion of the reed grass.       In place of an alterniflora/
               patens marsh, there is an alterniflora/phragmites marsh. Remnant
               areas of patens can be found throughout the phragmites stand.

               Darien still enjoys a greater percentage of its tidal marsh heri-
               tage than most other Fairfield County coastal communities.         The
               preservation of existing tidal marshes together with restoration
               of degraded wetlands form the major goals of Darien's Municipal
               Coastal Program.

               3.7 Freshwater Wetlands and Watercourse

               "Freshwater wetlands and watercourses means 'wetlands and water-
               courses' as defined as CGC Section 22a-38." (P.A. 79-535, sec.
               3(7) (F))

               The definition of "wetland" under the Connecticut General Sta-
               tutes was described within the Tidal Wetlands description.
               However, freshwater species such as cattails (Typha latifolia)
               pickelweed (Pontederia cordata), blue flag (Iris versicolor) and
               chairmaker's rush (Scirpus americana) would be examples of fresh-
               water indicator species listed under the Statute.

               "Watercourses" can be interpreted to include rivers, streams, and
               creeks which drain water from inland water bodies and wetlands
               into Long Island Sound.

                                                                                                 -d

                                                                                                                                                                                                   LIU

                                         DESIGNATED INLAND WETLANDS

                                         WATERCOURSES

                                                                  RESVIATED
                                         Tidal Marsh Soils (00mumED""DALINETLAW STATUTE&

                                r----
                                         Designated Tidal Wetlands (for reference purposes only)

                                ADOPTED EFFECTIVE:        3. IM       REVISED EFFECTIVE:
                                                                         5)t" -Y 14,14- -        CHARMAN.                                                                              TOWN
                                                                      INLAND WEILMOS COMMISSION

                                INLAND WETLAND COMMISSION                                                                                                                                PLANNING
                                PPr-,l 11'ATFn NAIFTI                                                                      Amnq                          Amn                       NAIATF

                                                 -31-

               from east to west, the Town has the following watercourses:
               Five Mile River; Tokeneke Brook, which drains through a series of
               several ponds before reaching its outlet into Contentment Island
               Cove; two small streams which feed into the Tokeneke Trail marsh;
               Goodwives River, which flows into Gorham's Pond; Stony Brook,
               which also drains into Gorham's Pond; and the Noroton River.
               Numerous other small creeks and springs drain into the coastal
               waters, especially during heavy rainfall and extended wet
               periods.

               Aside from Holly Pond, which is considered part of the coastal
               environment, a number of other smaller ponds have been impounded
               to restrict tidal ebb:       Tokeneke Brook Pond; "Candlewood Lane
               Pond"; "Great Island Pond"; and Gorham's Pond.       These ponds vary
               widely in salinity, which is a direct result of the amount of in-
               undation by regular tidal cycles.      In turn, the level of inunda-
               tion is a result of the method of impoundment; i.e. dam, func-
               tioning or nonfunctioning tidal gates, and so forth.

               It is the intent of CAM to protect, preserve, and maintain fresh-.
               water wetlands and watercourses by minimizing their disturbance
               and pollution, and preventing damage from erosion, turbidity and
               siltation.     Consideration of flood protection, water supply,
               benefit to wildlife, recreational opportunity, and aesthetics
               should also be part of this process.

               The watercourses of Darien provide for stormwater storage and
               drainage.   Any alterations to a watercourse may affect its abil-
               ity to provide drainage, with resulting flood damage. Also, the
               freshwater input is vital to the continued productivity of
               Darien's coastal waters and Long Island Sound itself.            Inland
               wetlands and riverine systems are highly productive, and provide
               habitat and food for a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial
               life.

               3.8 Intertidal Flats

               "Very gently sloping or flat areas located between high and low
               tides composed of muddy, silty and fine sandy sediments and
               generally devoid of vegetation." (P.A. 79-535, sec. 3(7) (D)

               Intertidal flats are a very common feature of Darien's coastal
               area.   These include mud flats found throughout the tidal marsh
               systems, and the flats flanking dredged channels and intertidal
               areas associated with natural tidal and riverine systems.

               Intertidal flats are extremely important habitat areas for shell-
               fish, and valuable feeding areas for shorebirds, waterfowl, cer-
               tain mammals during low tide, and many finfish and invertebrates
               during high tide. While the value and role of tidal marshes have
               been extolled in recent years, the contribution of the intertidal
               flats has been largely overlooked.      For example, efforts to re-
               store or enlarge a tidal marsh system have often been attempted

                                                 -32-

               at the expense of adjacent tidal flats.        Intertidal flats may
               suffer irreversible or significant impact from any one of the
               following:   dredging and channelization; discharge of pollutants
               from sewage outfalls, marine vessels' discharges, or "non-point"
               sources; construction of tidal gates, dams or groins which alter
               or restrict tidal flow, tidal range, or sedimentation rates;
               overfishing of shellfish populations; and salt marsh creation
               projects.

               In Darien, intertidal flats are largely used for shellfish har-
               vesting and bait collecting.     Both hard-shell clams (Mercenaria
               mercenaria) and the soft-shell (Mya arenaria) are commonly found
               in the Town's tidal flats.     The razor clam is also found in the
               mud flats while blue and ribbed mussels are more commonly found
               in association with rocks and the tidal marsh. In addition, clam
               worms (Nereis sp.) are commonly found in the flats, and are a
               popular bait for a variety of finfish. The recreational take of
               shellfish is currently restricted to Scott's Cove, with the col-
               lection of worms and clams for bait not being restricted.

               while several species of terns, gulls, and waterfowl such as
               black and mallard ducks will be found feeding on intertidal
               flats, certain species of shorebirds rely heavily on these flats
               for food.    Species of plovers, sandpipers, and herons all use
               Darien's intertidal flats during some part of the year. Greater
               yellowlegs, black-bellied plovers, semipalmated sandpipers, snowy
               egrets, and black-crowned, great blue, and white herons were all
               seen feeding on the intertidal flats at some point during the
               coastal survey.

               The Town's intertidal flats must be recognized as valuable
               coastal assets. Established CAM policies should manage the flats
               as shellfish habitat, while preserving them as feeding areas for
               a wide variety of animal life.     In addition, coastal uses mini-
               mizing changes in natural current flow and distribution of sedi-
               ments should be encouraged, while uses that accelerate erosion or
               cause   significant despoilation of tidal         flats   should    be
               discouraged.

               3.9 Coastal Hazard Areas

               "Those land areas inundated during coastal storm events, or sub-
               ject to erosion induced by such events, including flood hazard
               areas as defined and determined by the National Flood Insurance
               Act, as amended (U.S.C. 42 Section 4101, P.L. 93-234) and all
               erosion hazard areas as determined by the Commissioner." (P.A.
               79-535, sec. 3(7) (H))

               Tidal flooding along Darien's coast is caused by storms, with the
               extent of flooding dependent on the tidal cycle and the velocity
               and direction of the wind.      Coastal storms, with onshore winds
               timed with a high tide, will cause the greatest degree of
               flooding. All areas adjacent to watercourses within the Town are
               also subject to flooding.

                                                 -33-

               The greatest floods on record were caused by heavy winds, rain-
               fall and hurricanes.      The hurricanes of September, 1938 and
               October, 1955 caused heavy flooding along the entire north shore
               of Long Island Sound.     Lesser coastal storms, such as the one
               that occurred in October 1979, also cause a great deal of damage,
               and must be a major consideration in managing coastal areas.
               (See Section 5.2 for additional discussion.)

               3.10 Developed Shorefront
               "Developed Shorefront" means those harbor areas which have been
               highly engineered and developed, resulting in the functional
               impairment, or substantial alteration of, their natural physio-
               graphic features or systems. (P.A. 79-535, sec. 3(7)(1)).
               Under CAM, the stated policy is to promote, through State and
               local planning and development, the use of existing developed
               shorefront for marine related uses including, but not limited to,
               commercial and recreational fishing, boating, and other water-
               dependent commercial, industrial, and recreational uses.

               Darien has little or no developed shorefront as covered under
               this definition.     There are areas within the Town that have
               undergone extensive engineering but the residential nature and
               existing land use would more likely bring them under the term
               of "modified escarpment" than "developed shorefront.11

               Areas such as Weed Beach and Pear Tree Point Beach, the Noroton
               Yacht Club, the Darien Boat Club, the Tokeneke Club, and those
               locations offering good visual access can logically be deemed as
               developed shorefront in terms of water-dependent use, as well as
               being   covered   under   their   more  obvious   coastal    resource
               definitions.

               The issues of improved recreational boating, shellfishing, and
               other public access will be discussed later in this report
               (Section 5.0).

               An important aspect of this discussion on coastal management is
               the enhancement and proper maintenance of waterfront owned by the
               Town for use by its residents.     In addition to shoreline already
               in Town ownership, such as Pear Tree Point and Weed Beaches, the
               Town should be prepared to evaluate the purchase of waterfront
               property which would improve or expand such uses, if it were to
               become available.

               Darien does not really have, and does not need, "developed shore-
               front" along any part of its shoreline.     Therefore, Darien's CAM
               Program should be desiged to reflect this position.

               3.11 Islands

               An island is defined under CAM as land surrounded on all sides by
               water. The Town of Darien has numerous islands along its entire
               shoreline.    These islands range from small outcroppings, with

                                                -34-

               little or no vegetation other than algae, to large multiple-acre
               tracts that have long since been connected by causeways or fill
               to the mainland which, therefore, can no longer truly be consi-
               dered islands under this Act.     Examples of areas that were his-
               torically islands, but are no longer, include: Hay Island, Great
               Island, Contentment Island, and Butler's Island.
               The largest true islands currently existing in the Town of Darien
               are the Fish Islands; a series of five islands lying south of
               Contentment Island.    Unlike many of the islands in Long Island
               Sound which have come under increased development pressure as a
               result of their appeal for high-priced development, these islands
               are relatively small in size, and offer little or no development
               opportunity.

               Under CAM, the stated policy is to manage undeveloped islands in
               order to promote their use as critical habitat for the bird,
               plant, and animal species indigenous to such islands, and which
               are increasingly rare on the mainland.      In addition, the policy
               is to maintain the value of undeveloped islands as a major source.
               of recreational open space. The islands off Darien, ranging from
               small rock outcroppings to large islands with marsh and upland
               vegetation, are widely used as feeding and nesting sites for many
               bird species at various times of the year.

               Examples of these species include, but are not limited to: snowy
               egret, great blue heron, American egret, ruddy turnstone, black-
               bellied plover, double-crested cormorant, common tern, and two
               species of gulls. As development pressure increases on the main-
               land, these islands become increasingly important for nesting and
               feeding habitat. The majority of the islands off Darien's coast
               should be managed exclusively for wildlife habitat because their
               small  size makes other development impractical.       With the pos-
               sible  exception of the privately-owned Fish Islands, which in-
               clude  a sandy beach on the northern-most island, these islands
               offer  few recreational opportunities, although some are used dur-
               ing the hunting season for the placement of blinds, and jump-
               shooting for a variety of waterfowl species.

               In addition to offering valuable wildlife habitat, these islands
               afford the mainland immediately inshore of the island protection
               from wind and wave action.       In some instances, the shoreline
               opposite these islands consists of a sandy beach that offers an
               abrupt contrast to the adjacent shore. These important aesthetic
               components of the Darien shoreline are in places more evocative
               of coastal Maine, rather than an area some 50 miles east of New
               York City.

               3.12 Shorelands

               Shorelands may be defined as those land areas within the Coastal
               Boundary, exclusive of coastal hazard areas, that are not subject
               to dynamic coastal processes, and are composed of typical upland
               features such as bedrock, drumlin and hills.        For the Town of

                                                _35-

               Darien, shorelands would include all areas inland of the high
               tide mark, and south of the Coastal Boundary not covered else-
               where in a coastal resource definition. Under CAM, the policy is
               to regulate shoreland use and development in a manner which mini-
               mizes adverse impact on adjacent coastal systems and resources.
               The majority of shoreland located in the Town of Darien has
               little or no link to the coastal resources of the Town because of
               topography or other isolation from the actual coastline.

               Since the majority of the shorelands in the Town are reserved for
               residential use, shoreland policy should center on mitigation of
               impacts from erosion, new development, runoff into wetlands, and
               loss of open space which visually enhances the shoreland area,
               along with other concerns normally covered under the municipal
               planning, zoning, and subdivision permit processes.

               In the case of a proposed major development within the shoreland
               area, the potential impact on adjacent wetlands or other coastal
               resources would require consideration under the Coastal Site Plan
               Review process.   Where this was considered to be significant, an.
               application would have to be rejected or modified to protect the
               coastal resources.

               Excluded from the definition of shorelands are coastal hazard
               areas.   Those hazard areas of greater significance are covered
               under Section 3.9 of this chapter.

               3.13 Shellfish Concentration Areas

               "Shellfish concentration areas" are defined as actual, potential,
               or historical areas in coastal waters in which one or more spe-
               cies of shellfish can be found in significant quantities. Under
               this definition, most of the southwestern shoreline of the State
               of Connecticut may be considered a shellfish concentration area
               since one or more species of shellfish is likely to be found in
               significant concentrations, either currently or historically. The
               interface between freshwater and seawater which is typical of the
               estuarine environment, and found consistently from Westchester
               County through Fairfield County, is extremely conducive to the
               culture of shellfish. Species of commercial importance that are
               commonly found include the hard-shell clam (Mercenaria mer-
               cenaria) and the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica).            In
               addition to these species, the razor clam and soft-shell clam are
               found in the offshore waters of Darien but are not considered
               commercially important.

               The eastern oyster is largely a commercial shellfish species,
               while the hard-shell clam is both a commercial and recreational
               species.   The commercial oyster beds, commonly marked by bamboo
               stakes, are largely leased and cultivated by Tallmadge Brothers
               of Norwalk. These beds typically lie in deeper waters than those
               easily accessible to the recreational shellfishermen.      Such beds
               are found off Pratt Island, the western shore of Long Neck Point,

                                                -36-

               Great Island and the entrance to Scott's Cove, and the southern
               shore of Contentment Island.     These areas rely largely on the
               artificial "seeding" carried out by Tallmadge Brothers.

               Statistics on annual harvesting in the waters of Darien are not
               available, but the oyster industry in Connecticut is the largest
               fishery on Long Island Sound, and has grown greatly in the last
               several years due to improved water quality and long-term commit-
               ment by the industry.

               Some conflicts have occurred between the commercial oystermen and
               the Town of Darien. These conflicts have been largely restricted
               to noise complaints (when the oyster boats are operating during
               their early morning hours close to shore), and to concerns about
               potential impact resulting from a lack of knowledge of the oys-
               tering operation.    For example, some townspeople are concerned
               that the oyster boats are poaching on private land when in fact
               they are working land apparently franchised to them by the Town
               and the State years ago.

               The target of most recreational shellfishing is the hard-shell
               clam, also known as -- depending on size -- the "little neck",
               "cherry stone" and "quahaug" clam.      The hard-shell clam can be
               found along the Darien shoreline in various concentrations; how-
               ever, because of domestic sewage, the only area certified as
               11clean" in the Town is Scott's Cove.    As with the oyster, esti-
               mates of hard-clam harvest from a recreational standpoint are not
               available.   Discussions with shellfishermen have indicated that
               although their efforts are increasing, their take is decreasing.
               These are the classic symptoms of an overfished or poorly managed
               resource.   Still, this is only hearsay, and is not supported by
               any kind of research or data.      Discussions with the State of
               Connecticut's Acquacultural Division indicate a willingness to
               cooperate with the Town of Darien in establishing a shellfish
               management plan for the Scott's Cove area and expanding shell-
               fishing grounds in the Town.     This would involve a complicated
               process because of the need to certify the water quality of the
               water overlying any shellfish bed. Further investigations of the
               opportunities to open up the area off Weed     Beach should be ini-
               tiated by the Town because these areas lie     adjacent to the City
               of Stamford's shellfish beds.     Therefore,   the certification of
               water quality would not be as complex as it    would be in the case
               of the Darien or the Five mile Rivers. From a biological stand-
               point, shellfish concentration areas are also areas- of high pro-
               d'uctivity for a variety of marine life, including important
               finfish species such as flounder.      Clam habitats such as mud-
               flats, when exposed at low tide, are important feeding areas for
               a number of shorebirds and wading birds.

               Because shellfish are filter feeders, they are highly susceptible
               to environmental degradation, especially in the form of domestic
               sewage contamination.    Harmful organisms, such as the hepatitus

                                              -37-

              virus, or bacteria causing gastrointestinitus, are readily picked
              up by filter-feeding organisms. While no damage may occur to the
              shellfish, if they are harvested, the person eating the shellfish
              will very likely become ill. Public knowledge of health factors
              involved in consuming shellfish, as well as knowledge of areas
              where shellfish can safely be harvested, are important aspects of
              shellfish management.

              In the discussion of shellfish beds in Section 5.4, following,
              Darien should move toward the establishment of a shellfish com-
              mission or similar body that would deal with both commercial and
              recreational shellfish management, and would work closely with
              the newly-established State of Connecticut Shellfish Commission.

              It is interesting to note that there is a cooperative agreement
              between the City of Stamford and the Town of Darien concerning
              shellfish. Because the City of Stamford receives municipal sew-
              age from the Town, Darien is obligated to provide requesting
              Stamford residents with one half the number of permits allocated
              to Darien residents for shellfishing within Darien waters.

              3.14 Coastal Waters - Estuarine Embayments

              Coastal waters may be defined as those waters of Long Island
              Sound, and its harbors, embayments, streams and creeks which con-
              tain a salinity concentration of at least 500 parts per million
              under low flow*stream conditions.    In addition, coastal waters
              are divided into two definitions:     "near shore waters", which
              comprise those waters and their substrates lying between mean
              high waters to a depth approximated by the 10 meter contour, and
              "offshore waters"t comprising those waters and their substrate
              lying seaward of a depth approximated by the ten meter contour.
              An estuarine embayment may be defined as a protected coastal body
              of water with open connection to the sea, in which saline
              seawater is measurably diluted by freshwater, including tidal
              rivers, bays, lagoons and coves (P.A. 79-535, sec. 3 (7) (G)).

              The importance of these waters, and their environmental quality,
              is undeniable for the Town of Darien.       Recreational boating,
              swimming, and gathering of shellfish, as well as the aesthetic
              and visual quality of the coastline, are dependent on these
              waters. Connecticut CAM finds and declares the pollution of the
              waters of the State is inimical to the public health, safety, and
              welfare of the inhabitants of the State; is a public nuisance; is
              harmful to fish, wildlife and aquatic life; and impairs domestic,
              agricultural, recreational and other legitimate beneficial uses
              of the water.    CAM concluded that control and elimination of
              water pollution is in the public's best interest, and is declared
              a matter for legislative determination.

              The role of protecting estuarine waters falls largely on State
              and Federal agencies.    The certification of shellfish beds is
              carried out by the Connecticut Department of Health. The control

                                                 -38-

               of industrial pollution discharges is carried out by the Depart-
               ment of Environmental Protection's Water Compliance Unit, and is
               overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of
               pollution generally concentrates on two broad categories: "point
               pollution" sources, and "nonpoint pollution" sources. Point pol-
               lution sources may be defined as those activities such as the
               discharge of industrial wastewater, where the discharge is con-
               trolled and placed under permit.        Point pollution may also
               include discharges from boats, and disposal of dredged spoiled
               material. Darien lacks any known point pollution sources.

               Non-point pollution is much more difficult to identify and
               control.  This includes leaking septic fields, disposal of motor
               oil into local storm drains, illegal dumping, and other chronic
               discharges into coastal waters. As a result of'the largely resi-
               dential nature of Darien's coastline, the major non-point pollu-
               tion source would likely be leaking septic fields and municipal
               sewer tie-ins. Darien is also subject to pollution sources out-
               side its own Town waters because of the estuarine nature of Long
               Island Sound, and because it shares coastal waters with the.
               Cities of Stamford and Norwalk in the cases of the Noroton River
               and the Five Mile River respectively.

               Currently, Darien's coastal waters are among the cleanest in wes-
               tern Long Island Sound.     Certain areas of concern within these
               waters, however, have been identified. They include, but are not
               necessarily limited to:     the upper reaches of Holly Pond which
               shows degradation from historical pollution sources along the
               Noroton River, and contains a historical record of those sources
               in its sediments today; and areas such as Ziegler's Cove, which,
               because of high boating pressure during the summer, may become
               temporarily degraded as a result of sanitary waste discharge. As
               indicated in the previous chapter, particularly within the
               Scott's Cove area, any expansion of shellfishing opportunities
               would rely heavily on improvement and maintenance of clean
               estuarine waters.

               Darien's role in assuring clean coastal waters has two facets.
               The first is the awareness, monitoring, and enforcement of State
               and Federal water quality standards. The second is more local in
               nature. It involves local enforcement of existing water quality
               regulations, and a realization that Darien's water quality is
               closely linked to that of Stamford, Norwalk, and other adjacent
               estuarine communities.    The State does not have a comprehensive
               coastal water quality testing regimen at this time.

               This makes it difficult to assess the overall trend and condition
               of Darien's coastal waters.       Where appropriate, the Town of
               Darien and other coastal towns should recognize this deficiency,
               and move towards the establishment of a State-wide or Sound-wide
               coastal water-quality monitoring effort.

               Essentially, all tributaries flowing through Darien into Long
               Island Sound within the Coastal Boundary fall under the
               definition of coastal waters containing a salinity concentration

                                                  -39-

               of at least 500 parts per million during low flow stream con-
               ditions.    Continued enhancement and protection of these aquatic
               systems are also essential to continued vitality in the coastal
               zone.    Specific concerns about dredging, sedimentation, struc-
               tures, and filling are addressed separately in Sections 5.5, 5.10
               and 5.11 of this report.

               High water quality is necessary for full utilization and enjoy-
               ment of Darien's Long Island Sound waters. These waters provide
               a habitat for a variety of marine organisms:           both those with
               obvious commercial significance, and those that play a very
               important role in marine food chains and productivity.          In many
               cases, these same areas provide significant habitant as spawning
               and feeding grounds for shellfish and finfish.           From a social
               standpoint, Darien's location on Long Island Sound contributes
               directly to its high standard of living, which in turn is
               directly linked to the high aesthetic and recreational values of
               the Sound's waters. Their degradation would not only cause loss
               of recreational opportunities such as swimming, boating, water
               skiing and shellfishing, but would also likely lead to the loss,
               of coastal land values, and a subsequent lowering of Darien's
               quality of living.

               of all the coastal resources included in this section, the pro-
               tection and enhancement of coastal waters are the most difficult,
               both as a result of the size of the resource (extending from the
               Atlantic Ocean to the upper watershed of the Five Mile River) and
               the numerous overlapping political and governmental agencies that
               are involved in the maintenance of water quality. In addition to
               environmental concerns, economics plays a very important role in
               determining both water quality and the feasibility of imple-
               menting adequate water protection programs.

               3.15 Air Resources and Air Pollution

               Air pollution means the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one
               or more air pollutants, or any combination thereof, in such quan-
               tities, and of such characteristics and duration as to be, or be
               likely to be, injurious to public welfare, to the health of
               human, plant or animal life, to property, or as unreasonably to
               interfere with enjoyment of life and property.

               While it cannot be denied that air quality plays an important
               role in the quality of life in the Town of Darien, air resources
               and air pollution were not directly considered as part of this
               study.    The major origin of air pollution in the Town of Darien
               is derived from automotive sources, mainly commuting.

               The presence of water-dependent industry, coastal recreation, and
               other direct uses of the coastal area do not affect air quality
               in any major fashion and, therefore, are not chief concerns of
               this program.

                                                                    --40-

                                                                                       Piz

                                                                                             4

                                               Diamondback Terrapin

                                                                                                                 4.0--

                              DETAILED RESOURCE DATA FOR COASTAL SECTIONS

                     STUDY AREAS

                                                      cl
                                                                                        00

                                        so
                                             15
                                                                   J                   .. .........
                                                                   .44

                                                                                00
                                                 00              0:
                1. FIVE MILE RIVER
                2. CONTENTMENT ISLAND                                          00
                3. FISH ISLANDS
                                                                         10
                4.CONTENTMENT ISLAND COVE                                          12.DARIEN RIV
                5.TOKENEKE BROOK                                                   13.GORHAM'S
                6.TOKENEKE TRAIL COVE                                              14.NOROTON R
                7.DELAFIELD ISLAND COV*                                            15.HOLLY PON
                                       E
                8.SALEM STAITS COVE                                                16.NOROTON E
                9.SARGENT'S COVE
                                                          r        to
               10. LONG NECK POINT
               ll.PEAR TREE POINT

                                                    _42-

               For the purposes of this study, and in order to identify major
               natural systems, the Darien coastline has been divided into the
               following geographical areas:

                           4.1       - Five Mile River
                           4.2       - Contentment Island
                           4.3       - Fish Islands
                           4.4       - Scott's Cove
                           4.4  (a)  - Contentment Island Cove
                           4.4  (b)  - Tokeneke Brook
                           4.4  (c)  - Tokeneke Trail Cove
                           4.4  (d)  - Delafield Island Cove
                           4.4  (e)  - Salem Straits Cove
                           4.5       - Sargent's Cove
                           4.6       - Long Neck Point
                           4.7       - Pear Tree Point
                           4.8       - Darien River
                           4.9       - Gorham's Pond
                           4.10      - Noroton Bay
                           4.11      - Holly Pond
                           4.12      - Noroton River

               4.1 Five Mile River

               The tidal portion of    the Five Mile River lying within the Town of
               Darien's Coastal Boundary extends approximately one mile on a
               north-south axis, from just north of the White Bridge on Tokeneke
               Road, to the mouth of the River at the southwestern corner of
               Butler's Island.      The full shoreline involves more than 2 miles
               of land, and incorporates a variety of freshwater and estuarine
               habitat.    The watershed of the Five Mile River originates in
               Westchester County, New York and flows south through New Canaan,
               Norwalk and Darien.       The entire drainage basin is 12.3 square
               miles in area with flow levels ranging from a high of 265 cubic
               feet per second in the spring, to a range of 1.9-6.0 cubic feet
               per second during low flow periods.        The coastal portion of the
               River is heavily used as a marina and mooring basin. During the
               summer, some 500 boats, along with all services associated with
               boating (i.e., fuel, marine supplies, provisions), are located
               on the Rowayton shore.

               The mean tidal range for the Five Mile River estuary is 7.2 feet,
               with a mean spring tide of 8.3 feet. The flood encroachment area
               is calculated under the National Flood Insurance Program to be
               approximately 15 feet above mean sea level within this area.

               The coastal portion of the Five Mile River is estuarine.            Fresh
               waters from the upper reaches of the River mix with marine waters
               from Long Island Sound.      Changing values for fresh water input,
               tidal velocity, and on-shore wind lead to variations in salinity
               and sedimentation rates. These fluctuations lead to the develop-
               ment of the estuarine community. While the entire waters of Long
               Island Sound may be considered estuarine, it is the fresh water/
               marine water interfaces, such as the Five Mile River, where estu-
               arine habitats are most prevalent.

                                                -43-

               An ecological analysis of this area was     undertaken by Professor
               William Nearing and his associates in        1972.   Their findings
               showed that the tidal marshes associated   with the Five Mile River
               were highly productive, especially when compared to other marshes
               along the Atlantic seaboard.     The productivity of the Five Mile
               River marshes was found to equal or exceed other viable marsh
               sites.   Twenty different species of plants were found in the
               area, and the list of associated marsh fauna included more than
               thirty species of   mollusks, crustaceans and birds.      The report
               concluded that the  marshes and adjacent mudflats along the south
               of the River were  ecologically viable, and they contributed sig-
               nificantly to the   marine productivity of the adjacent estuarine
               and coastal waters  of Long Island Sound.

               Along another line, a Federal navigation project is maintained
               within the Five Mile River.    The existing channel, authorized in
               1888, provides for a depth of 8 feet extending 6,000 feet up-
               stream to the White Bridge.      However, the upper 700 feet was
               de-authorized in 1978, and the actual depth and width of this
               part of the channel varies.     Historically, maintenance dredging.
               of the Five Mile River has entailed the removal of 47,700 cubic
               yards of material. The project was last dredged in 1968, and is
               scheduled for its next maintenance in the near future. The Corps
               of Engineers, New England Division, projects the need for four
               projects during the period 1985 to 2035, with an average volume
               per project of 70,000 cubic yards.      Knowledgeable boaters esti-
               mate the depth and width of the existing channel to be 7 feet
               deep and 100 feet wide.

               The Five Mile River Commission exercises control over project
               applications for dredging, the number of vessels moored, and the
               number and placement of mooring buoys.      This Commission is com-
               posed of four individuals -- two from Darien, and two from the
               City of Norwalk -- and concerns itself with the pollution, con-
               servation, and navigation of the Five Mile River. As part of the
               process of preparing this report, a meeting was held with the
               Five Mile River Commission.    They concurred that it would not be
               desirable to dredge the Darien side of the River, due to the
               existing boat congestion and the need to maintain the natural
               condition of the marsh which offers the benefits of flood pro-
               tection and habitat value.

               The uppermost portion of the River, lying within the Coastal
               Boundary, is largely freshwater in nature and extends 500 yards
               south from the point where the Conrail railroad tracks cross the
               River to a riprap dam situated approximately 350 feet upstream
               from White Bridge.    This section consists of two branch streams
               of the Five Mile River that join just north of the dam to form a
               small pool.    The stream beds are largely gravel and cobble in
               nature, and the streams, especially the western branch, are dry
               during low-flow periods.       The surrounding upland areas are
               largely vegetated slopes backed by private residences.           Topo-
               graphy is such that most of this area has little flood potential
               except at the highest flows.

                                                -44-

               The *coastal nature of the Five Mile River begins downstream of
               the riprap dam.    While some tidal mixing of fresh and estuarine
               waters may occur in the pool behind the dam, it is south of the
               dam that true marine nature is evident.

               From the dam to the White Bridge (the southern-most of the two
               spans crossing the River at this point), the Five Mile River is
               characterized by sand/mud sediments with stony banks. The Darien
               side lacks any development on the shoreline, with shrubs and
               other vacant lot vegetation occupying the upper shoreline, and
               boulder/riprap occupying the tidal zone.       During the inspection,
               � good deal of green algae was present in the riverbed along with
               � few fiddler crab burrows.

               The River from the White Bridge south could be considered a true
               river from a navigation/marine perspective. As one stands on the
               White Bridge and looks south, one sees either an extensive area
               of tidal creek and mudflat, or a body of water from shore to
               shore, depending on the stage of the tide.            Nowhere else in
               Darien, with the possible exception of Scott's Cove, can such a.
               startling example of tidal influence be seen.

               This section of Five Mile River south of White Bridge may be
               divided into four sections; upper estuary, Five Mile River marsh,
               Tokeneke marsh and river mouth.

               The upper estuary is dominated by a residentially developed
               shorefront, typically including a lawn extending to some form of
               shoreline protection.     The protection structures range from con-
               crete or masonry sea walls to riprapped revetments. Seaward, the
               intertidal area is covered by alterniflora, or cordgrass, a marsh
               fringe which may vary from 1 to 10 feet in width. In the center
               of the River, a mudflat extends from just south of the White
               Bridge for a distance of approximately 400 yards.

               South of the White Bridge, the shoreline is dominated by a stone
               abutment for the bridge which extends 200 feet before turning
               westward along a small drainage creek.           A gas station lies
               immediately inland of this portion, and the riverbed contains
               numerous pieces of automotive debris and other litter.          This is
               one of the few areas along the entire Darien shoreline where com-
               mercial development is adjacent to the shoreline.            The stone
               abutment ends at the head of a small tidal creek and storm drain
               outlet. A fringe of alterniflora is backed by stone riprap. The
               lot immediately south of the first tidal creek was vacant at the
               time of inspection.

               Approximately 225 feet south of the first inlet is a second inlet
               which also terminates at a drainage ditch.       This second inlet is
               used during the boating season as a mooring area for boats which
               lie on the mud during low tide.      Along the southern shore of the
               inlet, heavy riprap is in place protecting the slope of a private
               home.   The inlet consists of a vegetated upland with cordgrass
               fringe, and muddy bottom sediments.       Along the southern edge, a

                                            -45-

              riprap revetment begins, and swings south at the base of a house
              built immediately adjacent to the tidal zone.        This revetment
              shows signs of erosion which the owner claims is due to tidal
              action and muskrat burrowing activity.     South of this location,
              the shore is dominated by a large stand of phragmites. One hun-
              dred and eighty feet further downstream is a third inlet which
              extends some 100 feet inland.

              At this location, Five Mile River swings eastward and narrows
              slightly. The shore downstream from the third inlet is lawn with
              a small dock and boat ramp. The remaining distance to the point
              is vegetated upland with sparse areas of cordgrass fringe.  .

              on the point, the shore is riprapped with a dock.      South of the
              point, the Darien side of the River opens up into a small cove.
              The northern edge is primarily cordgrass with scrub upland. The
              middle portion of the cove is a masonry or seawall fronted by
              cordgrass fringe and gravel sediments.     The southern portion is
              cordgrass with upland vegetation behind. The River swings to the
              south at this site.

              The next area of the Five Mile River marks the head of navi-
              gation:    i.e., the upper limit of the navigation channel and
              northern limit for most vessel traffic.      From this area south,
              the Darien shore is marked by docks of various sizes and
              construction.

              Six major docks are found along the next 300 yards of shoreline.
              The docks are well maintained and serve private residences. They
              reach out into or near the navigation channel edge.      The shore-
              line is characterized by a cordgrass fringe backed by seawall or
              revetment. Between the first and second dock, one property lacks
              structural shoreline protection.     The fifth and sixth docks are
              backed by large rock seawall, and the southern-most dock extends
              250 feet back into the northern corner of the Five Mile River
              marsh -- a major cordgrass marsh system on the Darien shore.
              This marsh is in sharp contrast to the Rowayton shore, which is
              heavily developed for commercial and boating uses. The marsh and
              associated mudflats extend north-south for approximately 530
              yards, and lie between the navigational channel and the Darien
              shoreline, a distance between 65 and 200 yards.      As the Nearing
              report stated, this marsh is an important part of the Five Mile
              River system. In addition to its biological importance, its role
              in reducing wake wash from boats and other wave action, along
              with its scenic value, cannot be underestimated.

              Five Mile River Road parallels the shore for-most of the marsh's
              length. This offers one of the best scenic views in the Town of
              Darien. The shoreline is primarily seawall fronted by the cord-
              grass marsh. The marsh itself is marked by tidal creeks and mud-
              flats and a number of boats are haphazardly moored in it.         One
              vessel was found tethered to a telephone pole.

                                                -46-

               Although this marsh is one of the most extensive in the Town, it
               lacks the associated high marsh or patens marsh typical of many
               other systems.     This is most likely the result of historical
               grading and land extension resulting in the lack of high inter-
               tidal ground suitable for patens growth and associated plant
               life.   The southern border of the marsh swings eastward, and the
               shoreline returns to the seawall/private dock appearance.              In
               addition to seawalls, a number of rock outcroppings are found in
               this area. From the southern border of the Five Mile River marsh
               to the entrance of the Tokeneke marsh, there are five docks and
               two groins perpendicular to the shoreline.        The property on the
               upper portion of this shoreline segment has a cordgrass fringe
               backed by a low seawall, and a narrow segment of patens marsh
               which is backed in turn by a seawall.          The middle segment is
               rocky in appearance with natural rock formations linked together
               with seawalls.     As the shoreline approaches the Tokeneke Creek
               entrance, the foreshore becomes sandy, and a small sand beach is
               found at the northern entrance to Tokeneke marsh.

               Extending west from Five Mile River, the drainage creek for-
               Tokeneke marsh extends 275 yards before opening up into the marsh
               proper. The creek averages some 50-75 feet in width. Beginning
               on the sandy point, the northern shore is predominantly cordgrass
               with upland vegetation behind. Three docks in various stages of
               repair occupy the northern shore. As the creek opens up into the
               marsh, the cordgrass is bounded by a patens marsh.        Patens marsh
               is found inland of the cordgrass throughout the marsh, though not
               in a continuous band.

               Tokeneke marsh consists of approximately 6.23 acres of cordgrass
               marsh and some 2.66 acres of adjacent patens marsh.          No obvious
               freshwater drainage enters this marsh system, though a freshwater
               pond does lie a short distance to the northwest.               Both the
               patens and alterniflora marshes appear to be healthy and produc-
               tive, and a variety of marsh-related life was observed, including
               fiddler crab, mud snails, and the snowy egret. The patens marsh,
               however, has been ditched for mosquito control. Human impact on
               the area included two dock/float structures, some erosion on the
               south shore of the creek, several abandoned vessels in the creek,
               and the presence of composition.clay from tennis courts deposited
               in the southwestern corner of the marsh.         Discussions with two
               riparian land owners in the area indicated street flooding prob-
               lems due to the lack of drainage, especially during high tide
               coinciding with heavy rainfall. There was also interest shown in
               dredging the marsh creeks to allow access at other than high
               tide.     Presently, even shallow draft vessels are largely
               restricted to the main'stream of the creek and only at high tide.

               The southern shore of the inlet creek to Tokeneke ma      rsh is again
               predominantly cordgrass, backed by upland vegetation and private
               home development. Two docks reach out into the intertidal zone,
               and a "boathouse" also extends into the intertidal area.            Some
               erosion is present along the creek bank, and several abandoned
               boats are present eyesores.      At the junction of this creek and
               Five Mile River, a wooden bulkhead is in poor repair.

                                                              -47-

                                                                               J
                             FIVE MILE RIVER

                                         AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

                                         REVETMENTS AND GROINS
                                                                              ZZ

                                         SEAWALL

                                      0 BOAT RAMPS

                                         SHORELINE STRUCTURE
                                           (E) FLOATING
                                             SEMI-PERMANENT

                                             SET PILINGS

                                         COASTAL BOUNDARY

                                         MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

                                                                                                 (D
                                    LOW MARSH          ROCK
                                 Lj HIGH MARSH         VEGETATED ROCK

                                    SAND               PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS

                                    ojov%oO EXTENT OF MAFIHNE
                                                 INFLUENCE

                                                                                                       ROWAYTON

                                                w       s
                                                  +
                                                          IFIGURE     8-

                                              -48-

              The 'lower reaches of Five Mile River (eastern end of Butler's
              Island) are bordered by a mixture of sand beach, fronted by
              fringes of alterniflora, rock outcroppings, and shoreland pro-
              tection structures.    At the southern junction of Tokeneke Creek
              and the Five   Mile River, the coastal appearance is degraded by
              the presence  of bulkheads in disrepair, abandoned power boats,
              and shoreline erosion.     Just to the south, a massive riprapped
              and   filled   area   exists   which   is   inconsistent   with    the
              surroundings.

              Downstream of  this riprapped area, the shoreline largely consists
              of cordgrass  fringe backed by small bands of sand and some form
              of shoreline  protection.    In three places along this portion of
              the shoreline, stone or concrete groins have been placed out into
              the intertidal zone. One hundred yards north of the mouth of the
              Five Mile River, a gazebo is placed on top of a rock outcropping.
              A small sandy cove lies south of the structure just inside the
              river mouth. At several places along this portion of the shore,
              low seawalls have been breached by coastal storms with sand and
              shells evident inland of the structures.        While the River is
              largely a protected body of water, this lower western shore is
              its most exposed area.    At the confluence of Five Mile River and
              Long Island Sound, the western shore rises to approximately 35
              feet above mean sea,level.

              Summary and Conclusions - Five Mile River

              1.    Because of the hydrology and extent of the Five Mile River
                    watershed, water quality of the estuarine section of the
                    River is largely dependent on activities upstream. Protec-
                    tion of inland wetlands lying in the watershed, erosion
                    control, and other mitigation measures will be extremely
                    important to the future quality of the estuary.

              2.    Maintenance dredging of the harbor should be restricted to
                    the existing federal project.      Disturbance of any of the
                    existing marshes by dredging should be avoided.

              3.    Proposed legislation to end any further Federal funding for
                    this dredging project may have a significant impact on the
                    Five Mile River.     The recreational nature of this harbor
                    will make funding of 25%-50% of the dredging project a
                    major financial burden on the individuals involved.

               4.   Regardless of the status of the Federal Marine Sanitation
                    Device legislation, efforts should be undertaken and main-
                    tained to ensure that holding tanks aboard moored vessels
                    are not discharged into the River.       Because of the small
                    area, the large number of vessels involved, tidal regime
                    and poor circulation, even minute amounts of discharge
                    could have significant effects on ambient water quality.
                    Public education of the boaters involved should prove help-
                    ful in this effort.

                                                -49-

                5.    The Five Mile River marsh must be recognized as a major
                      component of the Five Mile River ecosystem.       Dredging and
                      other projects having a major impact should not be consi-
                      dered for this area.

                6.    The practice of hauling boats across marsh areas      ' and of
                      tying small boats to stakes and telephone poles, are not
                      deemed to be a major problem, but they do have adverse
                      effects   on   marsh   vegetation    and   general    shoreline
                      appearance.

                7.    An investigation of the extent and severity of existing
                      flooding along Butler's Island Road and Manor Drive should
                      be undertaken.

                8.    The Darien side of Five Mile River remains residential with
                      a shoreline that is largely stable.      Use of the shoreline
                      is limited to small boats and sailboats which gain access
                      via beach or dock structures.      The River is heavily con-
                      gested with boat traffic, with access and services mostly.
                      limited to the Rowayton (Norwalk) shore.

                9.    The Town of Darien has a major stake in the development of
                      the facing shoreline.       Because visual access, mooring
                      access, marine-related supply facilities, and other such
                      businesses are in Rowayton, the course of development there
                      will directly (e.g. lack of marinas or gas docks) or in-
                      directly (e.g. visual appearance) affect Darien.

               10.    The City of Norwalk is involved in the CAM process. One of
                      the developments advanced as part of this program involves
                      the creation of a Marine-Commercial zoning category which
                      would prohibit the development of non-water dependent uses
                      along the Rowayton shoreline.       This approach should be
                      actively supported by the Town of Darien.

               4.2    Contentment Island

               This   area extends from the entrance to the Five Mile River west-
               erly   to the tip of Contentment Island. With a shoreline of some
               1.1 miles, this coastal region is marked largely by the presence
               of rock bluff, rocky shorefront, and two sandy beach coves. This
               location's exposure to strong winds and storm waves precludes the
               location of private docking facilities except in the two coves
               that break the rock relief.      The area can be further subdivided
               into three distinct subsections:

                          - southern coast of Butler's Island
                          - Tokeneke Club cove
                          - southern coast of Contentment Island

               The southern shore of Butler's Island is marked by rock bluff and
               rocky shorefront. Running west from Five Mile River for approxi-
              -mately 200 yards, a rock bluff rises some 40 feet above mean sea
               level.   This bluff is modified in places by masonry work, which

                                               -50-

               part of a home development. It changes to rocky shorefront along
               the remainder of the 500 yards of exposed coast, Even here, the
               low points and various other places have been fortified and modi-
               fied by masonry work. Along most of this section a line of boul-
               ders and rock protect the toe of the bluff and rocky shorefront.
               At the western point, this intertidal protection is lacking, with
               a masonry seawall being the primary coastal structure.         A dere-
               lict concrete and steel dock is the only obvious structure, other
               than masonry work done as part of the landscaping. Potentially,
               the dock structure could prove to be a safety hazard, and it does
               degrade the coastal appearance of this area.

               Butler's Island and Contentment Island are now divided by a cove,
               lined with sandy beach.      The area is dominated by The Tokeneke
               Club, a private association of 305 member families.          This cove
               was once directly linked to the Tokeneke marsh behind it as a
               front beach and storm water spilling area. The Club has fortified
               the hind beach area, but it is still prone to flooding.

               At the southwestern tip of Butler's Island, the eastern shore of.
               the cove is marked with an alterniflora fringe. Rocky intertidal
               and seawall protection exist landward.       Approximately 100 yards
               to  the west, this habitat is altered, becoming sand beach.           At
               the head of the cove, the sand beach is up to 100 feet in width
               at low tide. Two groins have been erected in an apparent attempt
               to stabilize the beach.       Judging from evidence on the aerial
               photographs, no major along-shore transport of sand is obvious.
               The larger of the two structures mentioned projects into the
               Sound approximately 100 yards beyond midtide.       At its end, there
               is a swimming platform for use by Club members. The other struc-
               ture extends only to low water.        The existing sand beach con-
               tinues to the west approximately 500 feet, and connects to
               natural rock.     A cordgrass/rock fringe takes over again on the
               western shore,   with several bedrock outcroppings present along
               its length.    A secondary cove lies behind the western point of
               the larger one.     Protected by rock outcroppings and a man-made
               breakwater, this cove has a small sand beach at its apex.            The
               breakwater, designed to look like part of the rock point, demar-
               cates the western point of Tokeneke cove, and the beginning of
               Contentment Island's southern exposure.

               The cove is used for mooring of several small boats, largely
               restricted to outboards and small centerboard sailboats.              In
               addition, the offshore waters are regularly farmed for oysters by
               Tallmadge Brothers of Norwalk.

               Contentment Island's border is largely comprised of rocky shore-
               front.   A maximum elevation of approximately 25 feet is reached
               midpoint along this 800-yard coastline. The shorefront is broken
               in numerous places by tiny coves and beaches measuring only a few
               f eet across.    This area is largely in a natural state, with
               existing residential development allowing the bluff and the vege-
               tated berm to remain. However, one major case of erosion is pre-
               sent.    In this area there is no rocky shorefront, and storm

                                                                                   CONTENTMENTASLAND

                          Lj AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN
                                                                     ROCK
                          - REVETMENTS AND GROINS                    VEGETATED ROCK

                          - SEAWALL
                                                                     PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS

                            (D BOAT RAMPS

                          --4 SHORELINE STRUCTURE                                                                                                                    U TL
                                  (E) FLOATING                       LOW MARSH                                                                          . . ...
                                  @SEMI-PERMANENT                    HIGH MARSH                                                    .....
                                                                                                                                  ....... ...
                                    SET PILINGS
                              COASTAL BOUNDARY                       SAND

                              MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

             C:

                                                                                                                   so

                                                                                             z

                                                                                                                     -.0

                                                                                                30

                                                                                                                                                                Scale in Feet

                                                                                                                                                   200       0        200      400

                                               -52-

               action and existing land uses have established an exposure of
               unconsolidated material.     It is unclear from field investigation
               whether the existence of     rough cobble is natural, or has been
               dumped onto the site in an attempt at erosion control.

               The exposed bedrock and uneven bluff character changes some 200
               yards before the end of Contentment      Island.   At this point the
               topography flattens, and a cove with     associated sandy beach pre-
               vails.   The mouth of the cove is 150 yards wide, and protects a
               beach area of similar size. Currently, this beach is protected
               landward by low sea walls, and is used as part of a private resi-
               dence. During the summer months, this cove is cordoned off by a
               buoy area, apparently to prevent any encroachment by boats.

               The continued existence of this cove is, in part, due to the off-
               shore Fish Islands, which lie approximately 170 yards offshore,
               and offer protection to both the small cove and the entrance to
               Scott's Cove. The passage between the Fish Islands and Content-
               ment Island is posted with a six knot speed limit to prevent wake
               damage.

               Summary & Conclusions - Contentment Island

               1.     The fortified nature of    this atea restricts water access
                      uses to the coves along its shore, but allows excellent
                      visibility of the Sound and Long Island to land owners
                      because of its relatively   high elevation.

               2.     The majority of the area    is highly fortified and resistant
                      to erosion. However, in at least one segment, erosion is a
                      relatively severe problem, and flooding and associated
                      damage are of concern in the low-lying areas.

               3.     Tokeneke cove is heavily used for swimming by a private
                      association, and some small boat access and mooring is
                      present.

               4.     Tokeneke cove bottom lands are used for the commercial har-
                      vest of oysters, and the beds are marked by stakes.         Con-
                      cern has surfaced recently over the extent of Town-leased
                      grounds in the cove, noise from auxiliary pumps, and the
                      oyster boat's proximity to shoreline properties. These are
                      cited by residents as key problems.      The actual harvesting
                      of oysters has no apparent adverse impact on either the
                      cove's water quality or productivity.

               4.3    Fish Islands

               The Fish Islands are a group of privately-owned islands lying 170
               yards off the southwest corner of Contentment Island.          Seen at
               low tide, there appear to be two main islands surrounded by scat-
               tered rocks.    At high tide, however, the eastern island appears
               to be three separate islands. They are connected by sand shoal,
               but there is no continuation of vegetation among the three.

                                              -53-

               The largest of the Fish Islands is the one most inland.      A sand
               beach is situated on the northwest corner, and this area has long
               been a favorite picnic spot for boaters.     Some impact from the
               activities of visiting boaters is evident.      Litter, fire pits,
               and minor disturbances to the high marsh were visible.             A
               recently constructed, stone-encased "No Trespassing" sign is sit-
               uated on the Island.   The remainder of the island offers a com-
               plete variety of marine habitat. Beginning with low marsh mixed
               with rocky intertidal, the habitat moves to high marsh with open
               water "Ponds". A stand of phragmites claims the hind marsh, and
               an upland area complete with a few hardwood trees dominates the
               center of the island.

               The middle island in this archipelago is dominated by intertidal
               vegetation, which is visible on this stepping stone to the third
               island.

               Dominated by exposed rock with a cluster of hardwoods centered in
               its middle, the third island is -the outermost of all the Fish
               Islands. Both high and low tidal marsh are found there.

               To the west of these three islands lies the "second" island.
               Unlike the islands described above, this one lacks obvious upland
               habitat, and is instead dominated by marsh vegetation scattered
               amongst the rocks.

               Other multiple-rock outcroppings surround these Islands.         The
               main benefit from this group is for bird-roosting habitat, espe-
               cially at high tide when feeding activities of many species are
               restricted.  Birds likely to be found on these islands include
               two species of gull, four species of heron, the common tern,
               ruddy turnstone, and double-crested cormorant.

               Summary & Conclusions - Fish Islands

               1.    The main characteristic of the Fish Islands is intertidal
                     vegetation. On two of the islands, associated upland habi-
                     tat is present.

               2.    The major land use is recreational, with the existing sand
                     beach on the largest island attracting visitors via boats
                     for picnicking, swimming, and related activities. The land
                     is posted.

               3.    Both the Fish Islands and the smaller outlying rocks are
                     important habitat for numerous shore and coastal bird spe-
                     cies which utilize them heavily for feeding and roosting.

               4.    Structural development on any of these islands is imprac-
                     tical, and would require major engineering, fill, and
                     bulkheading.

                 FISH ISLANDS.

                                                          :7'
                             I-A
                            v 11
                                                                                                                                            . . . . ....
                                                                 'y     f-. - -C";

                                                           .7

                                                      4                  4.

                                                                                                                                   ..................... .
                                                                                                                                                                            '7 r

                                                               > A

                                                                                                                                                                    I r

                                                                                                                                                                             v T
                                                                                                                                                                  v          -7 v

                                                                                                                                   LOW MARSH

                                                                                                                                   HIGH MARSH

                                                                                                                                   SAND
                                                                                          SHORELINE STRUCTURE                                                               AREA
                                                                                              @ FLOATING
                               Scale in Feet
                                                                                              (D SEMI-PERMANENT                    ROCK                                    REVETA
                                                                                             (K) SET PILINGS
                                                                                                                                   VEGETATED ROCK                           SEAWA
                                                                                         COASTAL BOUNDARY
                                      0                 200                              MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS                     PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS                      BOAT R

                                                -55-

               4.4   Scott's Cove

               This area is the most irregular of any coastal segment along the
               Darien shoreline. A complex array of tidal marsh, mudflats, in-
               lets and open water lies behind the opening to Scott's Cove,
               which stretches a little over 400 yards from the tip of Content-
               ment Island to the eastern edge of Great Island. Several islands
               and exposed rocks narrow this opening further. Behind this stony
               entrance, 5-1/2 miles of protected cove unfold. This Cove can be
               further broken down   into five smaller segments.

                            4.4 (a)  - Contentment Island cove
                            4.4 (b)  - Tokeneke Brook
                            4.4 (d)  - Tokeneke Trail cove
                            4.4 (d)  - Delafield Island cove
                            4.4 (e)  - Salem Straits cove

                 4.4 (a) Contentment   Island Cove

               This section of the Town's shorefront includes 1.3 miles of the'
               northwestern shore of Contentment Island, and 0.45 miles of the
               Tokeneke shore.    At the head of the cove, a brackish water pond
               exists which receives salt water at high tide, and is fed by an
               upland watershed via a series of ponds and the Tokeneke Brook.

               Starting at the tip of Contentment Island, the coast is oriented
               on a north-northeast axis. The first 200 yards are characterized
               by low sloping bedrock and a cordgrass fringe, protected on the
               landward side by seawall.       The adjacent upland areas are just
               above mean high tide.     To the north, a point of exposed rock is
               connected by a sandbar to a long finger island which juts into
               the Cove.   The island is comprised mainly of rock and cordgrass,
               with some phragmites, alder, and upland vegetation at its cen-
               ter. From this point north, the coast is under the protection of
               the Cove, and the cordgrass fringe becomes wider with less
               exposed bedrock being visible. The shore redirects to the north-
               east and extends some 700 yards to terminate at the high marsh
               system.    The coastal resources involved along this section are
               largely mudflats and "hummocks" of alterniflora.            Along the
               shore, cordgrass forms an unbroken border, and in most cases,
               seawalls lie landward.     Contentment Island Road runs alongside a
               stretch of this shoreline, providing good visual access to
               Scott's Cove.

               As this inlet narrows, the cordgrass stands become more dominant
               and, at the apex of this inlet, an extensive high marsh system
               exists. Covering approximately 3.50 acres, this high marsh bears
               the parallel scars of mosquito ditching.       Likely once part of a
               larger'system that extended approximately 200 yards to the north,
               this patens marsh appears to be highly productive, and forms the
               most extensive patens marsh to be found anywhere in Scott's
               Cove.   A fringe of phragmites lines the upland borders of the
               marsh, and an access road forms its northern border.

                                                                                                                                           D

                                                                                                                                     Core

           cl

                                                                                                                                                  0
                                                                                                              fit,

                                                     GREAT         ISLAND

                                                                                                                              Long                     Islond                      Sound

                                                                   ... . .. .......

                                                                                               SCOTT'S COVE

                                                                        LOW MARSH             ROCK                               AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN            --4 SHORELINE STRUCTURE
                       a.". In rum                                r:    HIGH MARSH            VEGETATED ROCK                -    REVETMENTS AND GROINS                          FLOATING
                                                         E                                                                                                                   CS) SEMI-PERMANENT
                      0   800 400 000                                   SAND                  PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS           -     SEAWALL                                    CC) SET PRINGS
                                                                                                                                                                         COASTAL BOUNDARY

                                                 -57-

               Facing this apex, the opposite shore widens to a point 230 yards
               into the southwest.      This shore exhibits similar vegetation to
               the facing shoreline,    but inland of the cordgrass fringe, a band
               of high marsh extends to the point.        Inland areas are dominated
               by hardwood forest.

               The coast then orients again to the north.          The band of patens
               marsh tapers out, while the fringe of cordgrass continues.               A
               masonry stonewall protects a residence on this point.           A pocket
               patens marsh separates the distinct headlands on this spit of
               land.    The northern part of this land is exposed bedrock, sur-
               rounded on three sides by marsh, and on the fourth by water. In
               studying the aerial maps, it seems likely that this high point
               was once an island, with no upland connection to the mainland.
               Historically, a salt marsh system would likely have covered the
               entire hind-shore.

               The cove then narrows to its articulation with the Tokeneke Brook
               system.    Portions of the eastern shore of this cove have been
               modified quite heavily, and are among the most heavily impacted
               shorelines in Darien.

               The lower half of the eastern shore is dominated by.grey birch.
               This is the largest stand of birch found along the coastline of
               Darien.    Comparisons of field observations against various base
               maps suggest that this shoreline was straightened and back-
               filled.    The stand of birch is divided by a tidal inlet, with a
               small patch of patens and a bank of phragmites at its head.

               The upper half of the eastern shore is a mixture of cordgrass,
               phragmites, dock structures, seawalls, and some eroding banks.
               At the head of the cove, a dam maintains the water level of the
               pond upstream. The water of this pond is saline by virtue of the
               fact that marine water does flow into the pond at high tide. The
               pond is a popular place for fishing and crabbing.

               The western shore of this cove is largely comprised of alterni-
               flora fringe, with wooded upland        behind.    Two docks   are con-
               structed within this zone.      At the  point where the cove doglegs,
               the shore is walled, and a sizable      dock is maintained.     The cove
               then continues to widen into Scott's Cove. Most of the          coast in
               this area is uniform habitat with a cordgrass band stretching to
               the high tide mark, and upland vegetation continuing inland. Two
               small pocket marshes can be found along the lower edge which were
               likely to have once been directly linked to the Tokeneke Trail
               marsh.    Development upland of these two marshes has obstructed
               the freshwater inflow, but the tidal marshes continue to exist.
               In addition, a major mudflat extends seaward of this area by some
               270 yards.

               off this point to the west, a bar connects a small island.            The
               presence of peat suggests that this once supported alterniflora,
               but none is currently visible.

                       CONTENTMENT ]SLAND

                                                   COVE

                                                                       30

                                                                                                   A

                                                                                                                   171

                                                                                                              7

                                                                                                                             Lj AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN                         LOW MARSH
                                                                                                                                  REVETMENTS AND GROINS                    U HIGH MARSH

                                                                                                                             - SEAWALL                                          SAND

                                                                                                                               0 BOAT RAMPS

                                                                                                                                                        ROCK
                                                                                                         --I SHORELINE STRUCTURE
                                                                                                                  I& FLOATING                           VEGETATED ROCK
                                                                                                                  CA) SEMI-PERMANENT               . .....
                                                                                                                  Q SET FILINGS
                                                                                                                                                        PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS
                                                                                                              COASTAL BOUNDARY

                                                                                                              MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS
                                                                                                                                                                                         N

                                                                                                                                Scale in Feet
                                                                                                                                                                              w

                                                                                                                  209        0         200         400       600

                                                                                                                                                                                         S

                                                                                               IFIGURE 12-1

                                               -59-

               Summary & Conclusions - Contentment Island Cove
               1.    This area supports the largest patens marsh in Scott's
                     Cove. Extensive areas of mudflat and alterniflora hummocks
                     are situated to the south of this marsh.        on-site inspec-
                     tion and comparison with a 1953 topographic map of the area
                     suggest that the entire area once supported a much greater
                     area of alterniflora.     Reasons for the loss of cordgrass
                     standing stock are not obvious, because existing uses
                     present no obvious conflict.

               2.    An area in the upper portion of the cove shows signs of fill
                     and shoreline straightening. The filled area is low and any
                     development would require flood hazard protection, as well
                     as other extensive measures.

               3.    The predominant shorefront use of this area is for docking
                     and access to small power and sail vessels. Eight dock
                     structures exist in the area, with much of the shoreline
                     stabilized by revetment or seawall.

               4.    Three sizable islands are located in this cove.         They are
                     largely utilized for roosting and feeding by shorebirds.

               5.    The cove receives freshwater via a series of ponds and the
                     Tokeneke Brook.    The watercourse's water quality is an im-
                     portant contributor to the cove's health.

                 4.4 (b) Tokeneke Brook

               Tokeneke Brook is a fresh water tributary to Contentment Island
               cove and Long Island Sound. Smaller than the Noroton, Goodwives,
               and Five Mile Rivers, the Brook is nonetheless an important
               coastal and inland feature for the Town of Darien.

               Tokeneke Brook consists of a series of ponds connected by a small
               brook running north-south. While the watershed of Tokeneke Brook
               covers a sizable portion of eastern Darien, the major portion of
               the system can be seen south of the Conrail railroad tracks from
               which it flows through 8-10 different ponds before ending up in
               Contentment Island cove and Long Island Sound.         From a Coastal
               Boundary perspective, the portion of Tokeneke Brook lying within
               the primary coastal boundary is that section south of Tokeneke
               Road.   However, the portion of the Brook considered in this re-
               port is that section felt to be somewhat influenced by tidal
               cycles:    Tokeneke Brook just north of Old Farm Road south to
               Contentment Island cove.

               Lying just north of the point where Old Farm Road bisects
               Tokeneke Brook is a dam that impounds a small pond upstream.
               Upstream of this dam, the vegetation shows no relationship to
               coastal and marine habitat.

                                             -60-

              Moving south from the dam, the brook makes a short dogleg, and
              passes under Old Farm Road where it opens up into an irregularly
              shaped pond that stretches north-south with a short branch ex-
              tending to the east, and another extending west. For the sake of
              description, this pond is called "CrossRoad por&'.          The pond
              measures 430 yards north-south overal-L-w-ith'--the two branches ex-
              tending 70 yards east-west from the main axis.

              The character of the pond's shoreline is largely lawn extending
              down to the shore with little or no shoreline protection evi-
              dent. The areas immediately south of old Farm Road bridge and a
              residence on the western shore are the only areas where seawall
              or revetment is present. In several areas along the pond's bor-
              der, stands of phragmites are found.       A few isolated areas of
              erosion were evident. This erosion was most likely caused by the
              feeding of waterfowl, and use of haul out areas.        According to
              the National Flood Insurance maps, this pond is not in a high---"
              flood hazard area, though some flooding would occur along the
              pond's border.     Tidal flux and estuarine mixing in this pond
              appear to be minimal.

              At the bottom of the Cross Road pond, as the Tokeneke Brook
              passes under Cross Road, there is a causeway and culvert system.
              South of the causeway, the brook again opens up into          a pond
              system.

              The pond is apparently nameless, but as a result of the number
              of children who crab there, the pond was termed "Crab           Pond."
              Crab pond is narrowest at its northern apex from which it       widens
              into a boot-like southern portion.       It extends 300 yards in a
              north-south direction and expands from 9 to 130 yards at its
              southern end.

              Unlike Cross Road pond, the entire margin of Crab pond is sea-
              walled. At high tide, Crab pond and Contentment Island cove are
              linked with the pond receiving a regular flushing of marine
              waters. The dike at the tail of the pond does maintain the water
              level, however, and while the tidal flux in the Contentment
              Island cove will measure an average of 7.2 feet, the Crab pond
              will rise and fall inches instead of feet. The salinity of the
              pond is also lower than that found in the cove. The pond is sur-
              rounded by private residential homes on all sides except on the
              southeast corner, where a causeway for Contentment Island Road
              crosses between Crab pond and another pond.     There is no obvious
              link between the two ponds, and the smaller pond has a lower
              salinity.   As indicated in Crab pond's name, the pond is inha-
              bited by a population of blue crab. These crabs are not abundant
              in the western Long Island Sound areas, and are largely re-
              stricted to ponds such as this because of the crab's ability to
              survive cold winters in the fresher waters.      In addition to the
              blue crab, the pond has a number of small fish like the chub. A
              filamentous algae abounds, especially towards the end of summer.

                                                                                    6 1 -

                                                                               cr
                                                                                                      TOKENEKE BROOK

                                                                                              1p.

                                                                                    50-

                                                                                                  .10

                                                                                                     -'T

                                                                                            z

                                                                                                                       AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

                                                                                                                 - REVETMENTS AND GROINS

                                                                                                                 - SEAWALL

                                                                                                                    (D BOAT RAMPS

                                                                                                                 kwoftmo EXTENT OF MARINE
                                                                                                                                  INFLUENCE

                                                                    ss                                                 SHORELINE STRUCTURE

                                                                                                                               FLOATING

                                                                                                                               SEMI-PERMANENT

                                                                                                                               SET PILINGS

                                                                                                                       COASTAL BOUNDARY

                                                                                                                       MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

                                                                                                                                      ROCK
                                                                                                              LOW MARSH
                       W*

                                                                          P
                                 Scale in Feet                                                           U    HIGH MARSH               VEGETATED ROCK
                                                                           G)
                       200     0    200    400    600                                                         SAND                     PHRAGMITES COMMUNi

                                                                                    FI -GU E     -1 -3@

                                              -62-

               South of Cross Road, the flood hazard area increases with a 100
               year flood hazard extending through the area between Five Mile
               River and Tokeneke Brook, except for the highest elevations.

                 4.4 (c) Tokeneke Trail cove

               The Tokeneke Trail cove covers an area from the point of land
               south of Tokeneke Trail, moving west to the southwest tip of
               Delafield Island.    This area includes one small inlet, Tokeneke
               Trail cove itself, and a phragmites marsh which lies north of the
               cove.

               Tokeneke Trail point is actually two separate points, split by an
               inlet which once served as a drainage outlet for the Tokeneke
               Trail marsh. The eastern point of land is protected by a revet-
               ment.   This shoreline protection extends into the inlet which
               serves as a mooring place for a private residence.        At the head
               of the  inlet, the land elevation rises to about 25       feet on the
               eastern shore. The western point is exposed rock with sand beach
               behind.   A seawall is maintained landward of the beach, and a
               mudflat extends south.     From this point, the shoreline extends
               north into the cove.     The eastern head of the cove is bedrock,
               while the remainder of the 334 yard shoreline is seawall.             A
               small patch of cordgrass grows seaward of a portion of seawall,
               and two docks provide water access for residences.        At the head
               of the cove is the Tokeneke Trail causeway and its restricted
               flow sea gates.       A floating dock is also tethered to the
               causeway.

               Behind this causeway is a phragmites marsh of some 7.3 acres.
               Displaying vegetation typical of tidal marsh with restricted
               tidal range, this marsh has a center of open water, a fringe of
               cordgrass, and a dominant stand of phragmites.           In scattered
               areas throughout the phragmites, remnant areas of patens can be
               found.   The reed, however, has displaced the patens, associated
               marsh flora, and cattail, on the freshwater fringe.

               The tidal range within the marsh is approximately 3.5 feet, while
               the Cove experiences a tidal range of 7.2 feet. The restriction
               of tidal flow has not affected the cordgrass (though its position
               has moved down towards the mouth of the marsh), but it has
               altered the vegetation type in the upper tidal range. The phrag-
               mites growth has several problems associated with it:           (1) in
               late summer and fall it stands 8 to 10 feet tall, blocking       visual
               access to the open marsh and Scott's Cove;        (2) when mature and
               dry, reed grass is flammable and will burn readily; and, (3)
               phragmites does not offer the quality nesting and feeding habitat
               for the variety of wildlife that a natural salt marsh does.

               Investigation into the possibility of increasing tidal flow and
               restoring this marsh has been initiated.      Conversations with Mr.
               Thomas Steinke, Conservation Director of the Town of Fairfield,
               reveal that measures can be taken (and have been taken in
               Fairfield) which will rehabilitate. the marsh into its natural

                                             -63-

                state, and still afford a similar degree of storm surge
                protection as is offered now.

                This marsh drains two watersheds; one which runs roughly parallel
                to Arrowhead Way for approximately a mile upstream, and another
                small creek which drains a small pond some 250 yards upstream.
                Major drainage to the east of the marsh is achieved through the
                sea gates under the causeway, but another small creek drains the
                high tide water off to the southeast, and into Contentment Island
                cove.

                An osprey nesting platform is located in the eastern portion of
                this marsh.    Given the extent of phragmites invasion, and the
                lack of visual access to major feeding grounds, it is unlikely
                that a pair of fish hawks would nest on the platform. Currently,
                no ospreys are known to nest in Fairfield County.     However, in-
                creased nesting success in the Connecticut River area, and numer-
                ous local sightings of pairs in the spring and fall, make future
                nesting in the area highly possible.

                Moving back into Tokeneke Trail cove, the western border is
                largely in a natural state, although two docking platforms are
                maintained for private access. A fringe of cordgrass runs nearly
                continuously along the coast, and two patens marshes lie behind
                the cordgrass fringe. One is a small pocket marsh approximately
                70 yards downstream from the causeway, while the other is larger
                high marsh occupying some two-thirds of an acre in the center of
                the cove. A boat launching ramp was once built through the mid-
                dle of this marsh, and the remnants of gravel roadtop and wooden
                bulkhead are still visible.      No recent use of the ramp was
                obvious, and access to the road has become overgrown.     South of
                the ramp, a rock upland interrupts the marsh, which curves around
                it, to rejoin the cove some 100 feet downstream.     At the mouth,
                the marsh is again lost as the topography rises.         Rock out-
                croppings and upland vegetation dominate the southeastern portion
                of Delafield Island.

                At low tide, the cove is exposed mudflat, except for a small ser-
                pentine channel that drains the Tokeneke Trail marsh.     The mud-
                flats off the Delafield Island patens marsh show signs of marsh
                peat, suggesting that the growth of cordgrass was once more ex-
                tensive. Existing marsh appears to be healthy and productive.

                Exposed to Scott's Cove,   the southern edge of Delafield Island
                runs some 300 yards in an east-west orientation. This portion of
                the coast is predominantly comprised of bedrock outcropping, sea-
                walls and broken fringe cordgrass.       Seawalls run the entire
                length of the Island, and   three docks are maintained.     Centered
                along this exposure is a small sand beach.     At the tip of Dela-
                field Island, a small island lies 80 yards to the south. At low
                tide, a subsurface stonewall connecting the Island to the main-
                land becomes apparent.    The purpose of this wall is not clear,
                but it is a hazard to boaters not familiar with the area.

                                                                                 -64-

                     TOKENEKE TRAIL COVE

                                 AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN                                                                                C Oss

                            - REVETMENTS AND GROINS

                           - SEAWALL

                              0 BOAT RAMPS

                                 SHORELINE STRUCTURE
                                     (D FLOATING
                                     @) SEMI-PERMANENT
                                     @ SET PILINGS
                                 COASTAL BOUNDARY

                                 MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

                                 ROCK

                                 VEGETATED ROCK

                                 PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS

                                 LOW MARSH
                            U    HIGH MARSH                                       8

                                 SAND

                                                                        �R

                                                                                                         C
                                                                                    C",

                                                            10

                                                                                           Scale in Feet

                                                                           200          0         200        400         600
                                                                               IFIGURE 1_4@                                                           S

                                               -65-

              Summary & Conclusions - Tokeneke Trail cove

              1.   The feasibility of restoring the Tokeneke Trail marsh should
                   be studied further.     The dominance of phragmites obstructs
                   visibility, presents a fire hazard, and degrades the
                   quality of wildlife habitat.

              2.   The marsh is being used occasionally for educational purposes
                   by invitation.    Restoration would significantly improve its
                   educational value.

              3.   Restoration of marsh through increased tidal flow may cause
                   the loss of some "usable" property.      Such loss will have to
                   be mitigated.

                4.4 (d) Delafield Island cove

              Delafield Island cove is roughly semi-circular, with approxi-
              mately 0.75 miles of shoreline, 16.2 acres of mudflat and alter-
              niflora marsh, multiple pocket patens marshes, and one sizable
              island.   The defined boundaries of the cove begin at the end of
              Delafield Island, and move in a half circle to a spit of land
              jutting out towards an island.

              The dominant characteristic of this cove is the cordgrass marsh.
              An estimated 71-80% of the cove's area is alterniflora, while the
              remainder is mudflat and tidal creek. The transformation of this
              cove from low tide to high tide is striking. At low tide, it is
              exposed mudflat and cordgrass with most of the creeks clear of
              water. However, at high tide, the cove is transformed into open
              water with just the tops of the cordgrass breaking the surface.
              This low marsh is the largest in volume and standing stock of any
              alterniflora marsh to be found in Darien.

              The shoreline is quite varied.        Behind the foot of Delafield
              Island, the cordgrass marsh grows to the edge, and seawalls pro-
              tect the upland. Approximately 270 yards from the point, a pock-
              et patens marsh claims a small point of land.           Some 33 yards
              east, the access road to Delafield Island is located adjacent to
              the cove.    Riprap has been placed on the edge of the road, and
              runs 280 yards in an arch to the north.        In between the riprap,
              where available soil and correct tidal elevation are found, small
              patches of marsh glasswort and sea lavender are found growing.

              At the point where the road leaves the coast, another patens
              marsh is found.     Stretching some 100 yards, this high marsh is
              the largest inside Delafield Island cove. This stretch of patens
              is broken twice by small tidal inlets.       Behind the patens, sev-
              eral stands of phragmites mark the higher ground. A large rock
              rises 35 feet above the cove.       Here, the patens narrows into a
              thin, at times broken, border. On the northern side of the rock
              outcrop, the cove drops into another small inlet.         The band of
              high marsh widens at the apex and again narrows at the next
              point.    Situated just behind the point, what is apparently a
              wooden sun deck has been placed in amongst the alterniflora.

                                                -66-

               The rock point marks the start of another inlet at the head of
               the Delafield Island cove.      The eastern shore of this inlet is
               marked by a cordgrass-upland interface. At the top of the inlet,
               a small dock is maintained.       West of this dock, a high masonry
               stonewall rises to the elevation of a residence. In front of the
               home, small patches of phragmites are found. South of the wall,
               the slope lessens and another patens marsh occupies a small isth-
               mus of land. Running the length of shore to the next promontory,
               a field stone wall is situated at the high tide line.            Another
               very narrow band of high marsh exists precariously where eleva-
               tion and suitable soil coincide. Typical of most points of land
               in this cove, the topography rises to 25 feet above mean sea
               level, as solid bedrock lies exposed. A residence has been con-
               structed atop this rock and on the western shore of this head-
               land, a dock serves the residence. Further along the property, a
               boat ramp bordered by seawall is also to be found.

               From this point on the character of the shoreline changes. Run-
               ning east-west, a seawall approximately 80 feet long has been
               subjected to erosion from behind, likely the result of storm.
               waves breaching the wall and carrying off the smaller backfill.
               The stonewall terminates to allow a small stream to drain, and
               then continues to the south.       A large stand of phragmites runs
               approximately 270 yards on a north-south axis behind the sea-
               wall.   Inland of the reed-grass, the elevation rises to 50 feet
               above mean sea level.     The area between the toe of the slope and
               the seawall has been filled and four dock structures are keyed
               off of it.    Historically, the channel east of this wall has been
               maintained by dredging.      Currently, this area is the deepest in
               the cove, but remains navigable by most vessels only at high
               tide.   Approximately 200 yards down this segment of coastline, a
               major "landscaping" project has been undertaken on the slope.
               The natural groundcover has been stripped off, leaving the soil
               and rock fully exposed.       No apparent attempt to stabilize the
               slope was made during the 1981 growing season.          Aside from the
               erosion of the thin topsoil, and the striking contrast with the
               surrounding slope, the likely use of fertilizers to landscape
               this slope may adversely impact the marsh further.           Denuding a
               slope of this type would not appear to give the landowner any
               clear benefit, since the face of the slope is not visible from
               the house, so the reason for doing this is unclear. However, the
               residents of the remainder of the cove do have a direct view of
               this slope, and a lot of money and effort will have to be spent
               before the slope is properly stabilized and "landscaped".

               The western border of the cove is a narrow rocky isthmus which
               stretches toward an island. A dock is located on the tip of the
               point.   The island has upland vegetation, and a small pocket of
               patens marsh is located on its northern exposure.              Cordgrass
               marsh extends west and north from     the island.

               Delafield Island cove is heavily     used by waterfowl as     a feeding
               station and roosting area. Large numbers of black ducks rely on
               the cove for food and open water protection.          Canada geese and
               mallards move into the marsh in        large numbers for the night.

                                                                                 --67-

               DELAFIELD ISLAND COVE

                                                                                                     30

                                                                                                 10

                                                                                                                 mV @Ip,,

                                                       A

                                                    A

                                            QE

               AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

               REVETMENTS AND GROINS

                                                        ROCK
               SEAWALL

                                                        VEGETATED ROCK
            (D BOAT RAMPS
               SHORELINE STRUCTURE                      PHRAGMiTES COMMUNIS
                      FLOATING                          LOW MARSH

                      SEMI-PERMANENT
                   Q SET PILINGS                   Lj   HIGH MARSH
         oco                                                                                 Scale in Feet
                  ASTAL BOUNDARY                        SAND
               MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS
                                                                             200          0         200         400         600

                                                                                     FF-IGURE 15 1.

                                              -68-

              During the winter, waterfowl numbers increase, with the above
              species being joined by buffleheads, American widgeon, and other
              winter migrants. The island and much of the cordgrass marsh are
              under the protection of the Nature Conservancy. Their protection
              and limited access restrict hunting pressure to the open water
              fringe.

              Potentials for increasing boating access were discussed with area
              experts.   It was generally felt that providing deep water (for
              sailboats) access for private docking facilities would be ex-
              tremely expensive, impact a large area of marsh and mudflat, and
              provide limited benefit (i.e hundreds of cubic yards of dredging
              for a few riparian landowners' boats).

              Summary & Conclusions - Delafield Island cove

              1.    This area supports the largest cordgrass marsh in Darien,
                    and every attempt should be made to preserve the integrity
                    of the marsh system.

              2.    The cove represents important waterfowl habitat.

              3.    Private landowner practices, such as installing sun decks in
                    the intertidal zone and denuding upland areas for no appa-
                    rent reason, should be controlled through regulation,
                    enforcement and public education.

              4.    Several proposals have been advanced for dredging this area
                    to permit improved navigation, and to help control "silting
                    of the marsh."   However, dredging would bring limited bene-
                    fits; it would in fact have adverse effects on the marsh--
                    such as erosion-and would increase boat traffic within the
                    area.

                4.4 (e) Salem Straits cove

              The Salem Straits cove is located in the western quarter of
              Scott's Cove. Its 1.9 mile long coastline incorporates one major
              tidal inlet, and a tidal pond.       The southern boundary of this
              cove is the northern shore of Great Island.

              As found in the rest of Scott's Cove, the dominant shoreline
              characteristic of Salem Straits cove is a cordgrass fringe with
              upland vegetation behind.    Interspersed along this shoreline are
              seven distinct patens     marshes.   In addition, several islands,
              rock bluff, and an artificial dike are found within this area.

              The first 300 yards of Salem Straits cove are composed primarily
              of cordgrass fringe, backed by upland vegetation. At the notch of
              this circular portion of shoreline is a stand of phragmites.
              Several rock outcroppings occur and one small sand beach is
              found. Two docks serve private residences.

                                               -69-

               From this point, the coast has been modified to form a tidal pond
               regulated by a concrete weir structure.      While the structure is
               not well maintained, it does serve to restrict the tidal range
               inside the pond. The extent of the range rise and fall was not
               ascertained, nor is the date of construction and prior use of
               this site known.    The perimeter of the pond is cordgrass.          No
               docking structures were observed during the field examination,
               but the aerial photographs show some form of float structure
               existed as of April 1980, when the flight was made.         One small
               patens pocket does exist near the northern apex of the pond, and
               the rear backs two stretches of patens marsh to the west, con-
               nected with the Salem Straits elbow marsh system.          During the
               field examinations, numbers of kingfishers and     snowy egrets were
               observed diving and stalking the edges of the pond, suggesting
               that it is inhabited by small fry, minnows, and     chubs.

               From the tidal pond's entrance to the south, the coast turns
               rocky, and at the point rises to rocky bluff.         From here, the
               cove turns west to form a tidal inlet which         reaches some 575
               yards to the west, where it angles to the north another 265
               yards.

               The first 170 yards of this "elbow" marsh's northern coast is
               rocky shorefront.    Two docks are maintained from this shore.        A
               narrow, broken fringe of cordgrass inhabits the toe of this rock
               slope.

               The next 350 yards of shore are patens marsh, broken by rocky
               vegetated points.    Along the entire coast, cordgrass lines the
               intertidal zone. Three separate patens marshes are found, each
               occupying the head of three distinct coves found in this section
               of the inlet.    The majority of this coast is not bordered by
               development. This undisturbed nature might well account for the
               frequent sightings of ospreys roosting in a patch of dead trees
               on one of the rocky vegetated points. This area has good poten-
               tial for siting of a platform to induce osprey nesting. A dock/
               boardwalk structure has been constructed over the largest high
               marsh. The patens on either side of the boardwalk appears to be
               healthy and stable.

               The final 300 yards of the northern shore of this coast, leading
               to the "elbow", is predominately cordgrass fringe, with the adja-
               cent upland consisting of a small embankment vegetated by planted
               grasses and/or hardwoods.       Two docks provide access to the
               water.    As the point is rounded to the north the shoreline
               remains similar for the first 100 yards.

               From this point north to the apex of the elbow marsh, and south
               along the first 150 yards of opposite shoreline, the major
               coastal habitat is cordgrass fringe, backed by a strip of patens
               marsh.   At the head of the marsh inlet, the patens is f urther
               backed by a stand of phragmites.      Other small stands of phrag-
               mites are also scattered along the remainder of this coastal
               section.   Three docks obtain access across the line of marsh.

                                               -70-

               Midway down the western shore, a large area of marsh has been
               denuded by frequent feeding of waterfowl. This practice has com-
               pletely exposed the sediment, and has caused concern among neigh-
               boring residents. Attempts have been made to get the landowners
               to restrict or cease feeding, but the activity continues.

               Below the patens marsh, the shoreline returns to cordgrass fringe
               backed by vegetated upland, until the watercourse angles east
               back towards Scott's Cove. At this point, the coastal character
               changes.

               Running some 450 yards along the shore of the elbow marsh inlet
               is an artificial dike berm      some 5 feet above mean high tide.
               This berm is broken in two places by culverts.             Erosion has
               occurred around these pipes,    and water floods behind the berm at
               mean high tide or higher.       Covering several acres     behind this
               berm is a patens marsh, fringed by meadow. grasses typical of a
               freshwater or brackish water wetland; phragmites are also found.
               Preliminary studies would suggest that the patens' existence is
               borderline due to low salinity.          Numerous signs of muskrat
               feeding in this area suggest a sizable population of the
               rodents.   In the eastern portion of     this meadow, a platform has
               been erected apparently for ospreys, but the platform has become
               overgrown, and is now useless for nesting fish hawks.

               At the eastern border of this meadow, the coastline becomes
               rocky, consistent with the opposite shoreline. Here are numerous
               rock outcroppings, cordgrass fringe, rocky islands, and two
               patens marshes. This section of coast is not developed for water
               access or residential purposes.      It stretches roughly 460 yards
               east-west, and the eastern edge marks the northeastern corner of
               Great Island.     In the middle of this segment, an island lies
               north-south and is some 100 yards long.        Adjacent to this is a
               large mudflat system, curving away to each side toward the hind
               shore.   Behind this island, on the mainland, are two marsh sys-
               tems.   Both are protected by the island and shallow mudflats.
               Several other small rock islands lie off the northern shore of
               Great Island.    This northern portion of the Island is heavily
               used by several species of water birds including the snowy egret,
               common egret, and great blue heron.        They roost in trees along
               the coast during the hightide periods, when feeding activity is
               low.

               Summary & Conclusions - Salem Straits cove

               1.   Because of the low density of development along a large por-
                    tion of this shore, numerous patens marshes are found, along
                    with a diversity of other habitat.

               2.   The area forms important roosting and feeding habitat for
                    water-dependent birds, including herons and egrets.             The
                     requent sightings of ospreys in this area suggest that the
                    area is attractive to their needs as well.          The potential
                    ffor erecting a nesting platform should be considered.

                       SALEM'STRAITS COVE

                                                                                                     g",
                       AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN                                                                          4

                  - REVETMENTS AND GROINS

                 - SEAWALL

                    (D BOAT RAMPS

          Q"
                       SHORELINE STRUCTURE
                           @ FLOATING
                             SEMI-PERMANENT                         S"
                             SET PILINGS

                       COASTAL BOUNDARY

                       MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

                       ROCK

                       VEGETATED ROCK

                       PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS                                                     I

                       LOW MARSH
                 L]    HIGH MARSH

                       SAND

                                                                                                                                                                        20

                                              -72-

              3.    Erosion, due to feeding activities of waterfowl, should be
                    examined, and the effects on the adjacent marsh mitigated.

              4.    Marsh area on the northern edge of Great Island should be
                    stabilized, with marine water inflow maximized, and the in-
                    let points stabilized against erosion.

              4.5   Sargent's Cove

              This  section of the Darien coastline runs from the northeastern
              tip   of Great Island to the southwestern edge of Hay Island.
              Viewed from the east, Sargent's Cove extends only 0.8 linear
              miles on a north-south axis, but the actual coastline covers a
              distance of approximately 2.7 miles.        This portion includes a
              deepwater harbor, a large mudflat/cordgrass marsh, one brackish
              pond, and a large section of rocky shorefront.

              The eastern end of Great Island runs 360 yards in a north-south
              direction.    The majority of it is rocky shorefront, with small
              pockets of cordgrass found where protection from direct easterly
              exposure is offered by offshore rocks.          The rocky shorefront
              rises some 5-10 feet above mean high tide and is topped by
              hardwoods.

              The exception to this rocky nature occurs approximately one-third
              down along this coast. Here, an offshore island gives protection
              from the east and a small cove is situated behind with a cord-
              grass fringe backed by a horseshoe patch of patens.       In addition
              to the patens, salt marsh bulrush was found growing in the Cove.
              While this bulrush likely grows elsewhere in the Darien coastal
              zone, this was the only location discovered during the survey.

              From the southeastern tip of Great Island, the shore opens up in-
              to Sargent's Cove.     Directly inside the northern shore, a small
              cove occurs which has been utilized as a salt water swimming pool
              and bathing beach.     A rock dike has been constructed in the in-
              tertidal zone.    This maintains the water level behind, with the
              basin being inundated at high tide.       Behind the pool is a sand
              beach.    At the eastern end of the dike, concrete steps and a
              11sunning area" have been constructed.      when this area was sur-
              veyed, the pool held a small school of menhaden, several window-
              pane flounder, oysters, red-beard sponge and several other spe-
              cies of marine life.      It could not be determined whether this
              life occurred naturally, or was placed in this "aquarium".

              The southern flank of Great Island is predominantly rock bluff,
              ranging from 10-25 feet in height above mean sea level.         At one
              point, a masonry wall has been placed atop the rock bluff just
              south of the main house, otherwise the bluff and other shorefront
              are unbroken.    Small patches of cordgrass exist in areas where
              some protection is offered.

              Toward the back of the Cove, the coastline has been modified into
              a major docking area, together with associated off-loading area

                                               -73-

              and access causeway.     Riprap has been placed at the toe of the
              causeway, and continues along the facing shore of the docking
              cove, terminating as a groin on the opposite point.        on the far
              side of this point, a marine railway is in place.

              Upland of the railway is a storage building for boats.        A small
              patch of cordgrass occupies the intertidal.          This leads into
              another small cove which terminates at a dike.       Behind the dike,
              a pond is maintained. The waters of this pond are brackish, sug-
              gesting that some limited tidal flow exists between the pond and
              the Cove.    No obvious tidal line was observed.       A look at the
              1835 topographic charts for this area suggests that Great Island
              was once a true island, connected to the mainland via a marsh
              system.   On-site observations indicate that this portion of the
              island was likely once connected with the wetland system to the
              north (Salem Straits cove).

              The southwestern shore of this small cove is riprapped at the
              high tide line, and a small patens marsh with cordgrass fringe
              can be found.    The riprapped shoreline continues for another 100
              yards.    South of this shore, a slight depression has allowed a
              sand beach to form at the back of Sargent's Cove. The remaining
              130 yards to the entrance to Coon's Point marsh is cordgrass
              fringe with cobble and numerous rock outcroppings.

              Between Long Neck Point and Hay Island is another marsh/mudflat
              system.     At the center of this marsh is an island with access
              provided by a wooden causeway.      The northern shore of the marsh
              is cordgrass fringe, with upland vegetation immediately inland.
              The western shore of the marsh is divided at regular intervals by
              seven docks, four of which are quite long (about 200 feet) in
              attempting to reach the main channel of the marsh.          While the
              docks are generally well-maintained, they provide access only to
              small shallow-draft vessels as the majority of the marsh is
              exposed mudflat during the ebb tide.

              The southern edge of the marsh, running along the northern shore
              of Hay Island, is characterized by cordgrass fringe. The south-
              western portion of this fringe fronts        on artificial fill, an
              access causeway, and phragmites, while the northeastern fringe
              is backed by hardwood vegetation.

              The majority of the marsh is mudflat.         The standing stock of
              alterniflora is restricted to shoreline fringe and the coast of
              the center island. The island also has a patens which runs along
              the eastern edge. While no obvious explanation was apparent, the
              low ratio of standing cordgrass to mudflat suggested that some
              form of impact such as ice action, poor flushing, or boating and
              related activities may have been responsible for reduced produc-
              tivity of the marsh.

              The southern shore of Sargent's Cove proper is dominated by cord-
              grass fringe, accompanied by rock outcroppings and upland
              vegetation.

                                              -74-

               Hay Island is occupied by a single residence.       As a result, the
               northern shoreline is relatively undisturbed.      However, there is
               one major stand of phragmites some 30 yards east of the Coon
               Point marsh entrance. In addition, the cordgrass fringe and rock
               outcrop character is broken by one cove, where a small beach
               exists. Directly offshore, a small vegetated island offers pro-
               tection to the cove.

               Sargent's Cove, also known as Ziegler's Cove, and marked as such
               on nautical charts, is a popular mooring and rafting-up area for
               boats, especially on the weekends.      This results in several im-
               pacts:  overcrowding of boats with the resultant litter and low-
               ered water quality; disturbance of riparian owners in the area;
               and, as a general result, adverse impact on the marine life.
               Preliminary results from ongoing Coastal Energy Impact Studies
               being conducted by the Oceanic Society suggest that some form of
               stress exists during the summer period.        Samples taken during
               this period exhibit pioneering organisms, while samples taken
               during the fall and early winter show a more stable marine com-
               munity.    While boating cannot be directly indicted for this
               impact, it is likely to be at least partially responsible.
               Sargent's Cove is one of the few natural deep water harbors in
               the area, and as the popularity of sailing    increases, pressure on
               this Cove will also be likely to increase.

               The eastern edge of Hay Island is largely     rocky shorefront, with
               small coves formed behind the protection      of bare rock outcrop-
               pings.   Unlike Great Island, Hay Island       lacks the high rock
               bluffs. Instead, the island is an average of 10 feet above mean
               sea level with the highest elevation found    along the southwestern
               shore.

               A sand beach occurs on the lower third of     the eastern shore. As
               is typical, an offshore island guards its entrance.           Directly
               south of the beach, a large rock outcropping juts into the
               Sound.   To the southwest of this point, another cove forms.          A
               patens marsh has developed with cordgrass seaward, and with an
               inland border formed by riprap.       The cove is approximately 75
               yards across, and the shore reaches out to another rocky point.
               Again, the coast falls away from this point, and another small
               patens marsh is found.      Cordgrass seaward and riprap landward
               mark its boundaries.

               Some 150 yards in from the southeastern tip of Hay Island, a sea-
               wall has been constructed to protect an access road.        From this
               point, the next 230 yards of coastline is rocky shorefront. The
               southwestern extent of this shorefront is marked by a patch of
               cordgrass.

               At this location, the natural features of Hay Island cease and
               man-made features dominate. A breakwater 130 yards long has been
               @onstructed to protect the causeway leading to the Island.           An
               irregular system of open water, cordgrass, patens, and phragmites
               has formed between the breakwater and the stone causeway.

                                                                                                                         -75-

                                                                                   SARGENT'S COVE

                                                                                                      GREAT                        ISLAND

                                                                                                      30

                                                                                       10
                                                             'o

                                                                                                          C
                                                                                                                                                                                                           AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

                                                                                                                                                                                                           REVETMENTS AND GROINS

                                                                                                                                                                                                           SEAWALL

                                                                                                                                                                                                       C BOAT RAMPS

                                                                                                                                                                                                     --4 SHORELINE STRUCTURE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  FLOATING
                                                                                                                                                                                                               (j8 SEMI-PERMANENT
                                                                                                                                                                                                              (g) SET PILINGS
                                                                                                                                                                                                           COASTAL BOUNDARY

                                                                                                                                                                                                           MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

                                                                                                                                                                                                           ROCK
                                    Q
                                                                                                                                                                                                           VEGETATED ROCK

                                                                                                                                                                                                           PHRAGkVTES COMMUNIS
                                                                                                HAY                    ISLAND
                                                                                                                                                                                                           LOW MARSH

                                                                                                                                                                                                           HIGH MARSH

                                                                                                                                                                                                           SAND

                                           C

                                                C

                                            C
                                                                                                                                                                                            N

                                                                                                                       Scale in Feet

                                                                                                      200          0          200          400          600

                                                                                                                                                                                            S

                                                                                                                              FIGUIRT-177

                                              -76-

               An additional 100 yards of rip rap has been placed at the toe of
               the causeway, south of the breakwater.       The narrow gap between
               the riprap and the masonry work of the causeway is occupied by
               gravel and some high marsh vegetation. A cordgrass fringe exists
               seaward of the riprap.      At the point where the causeway turns
               west, the shoreline drops to the south, and the coastline of Long
               Neck Point begins. At the articulation of the two, a sand beach
               has been formed with a stand of phragmites landward.

               Summary & Conclusions - Sargent's Cove

               1.   Impact of boating on the natural systems of the Cove, and
                    the adjacent landowners, should be investigated further.
                    Possible mitigation measures to be pursued include designa-
                    tion of the area as a special anchorage, with enforcement by
                    the Town Harbor Master.

               2.   Coon Point marsh shows a low ratio of standing growth to
                    mudflat.    Further study should be made into the historical
                    density and distribution, along with identification of.
                    possible causes.

               4.6  Long Neck Point

               This point of land represents the Town of Darien's deepest pene-
               tration into Long Island Sound.        From its junction with Hay
               Island along its eastern shore to the point itself, it stretches
               north-south for 900 yards.        Long Neck Point's western shore
               covers a slightly longer distance to the mouth of the Darien
               River. As Darien's southernmost portion of land, it is also the
               most exposed to the wind and wave action of the Sound.           Unlike
               the bedrock fortification protecting Great Island, Butler's
               Island and Contentment Island, Long Neck Point is largely made up
               of glacial till; a non-stratified mixture of boulders, gravel,
               sand and clay. As a result of this geological composition, sea-
               walls, riprap and other shoreline protection structures are obvi-
               ous coastal features along the Point. The elevation of Long Neck
               Point is variable, ranging from approximately 10 feet above mean
               sea level at the tip to about 50 feet at the north-central
               portion. The Point's shoreline totals some 1.4 miles.

               Beginning at the juncture where the Hay Island causeway passes
               inland, the coast swings into the south. The entire eastern ex-
               posure is bordered by some form of seawall or revetment. The up-
               land portion is cultivated lawn and landscaping.

               The coast redirects slightly to the west and is straight for the
               next 400 yards. Here, a seawall marks the approximate high tide
               mark and a sand beach forms an intertidal margin some 25 yards
               wide.  Two docks are found in this area.       One of them, approxi-
               mately 20 feet long, is marked on nautical     charts as maintaining
               a private navigation marker. The final 300 yards to the point is
               again a combination revetment and seawall.        A narrow cordgrass
               fringe lies seaward of the riprap.      Approximately three-quarters

                                                     -77-

                                     LONG NECK POINT

                 APEA TREE
                  911YT BEACH

                                     OINT      oAD

                                                     0

                         Y.4

                                                     w
                                                     z
                                                        .0                 Q
                                  LONG      NECK      POINT

                                    C
                                                                      Q
               AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

             - REVETMENTS AND GROINS

                                                     z
             - SEAWALL                               0

               16 &OAT RAMPS

             --4 SHORELINE STRUCTURE

                  FIOATING
                  SEMI PERMANgNT                                                    N
                  u I pajr4GS
               COASTAL BOUNDARY

               MUCIFLATS AND CHANNELS

               ROCK
                                                                                    s

               VEGETATED ROCK

               PHRAGAAITES COMMUNIS
               LOW MARSH                                                      Scale in Feet
             U HIGH MARSH                                              209   0   200  400   600

               SAND
                                             -WO -AQ@

                                                     4L

                                                 IFIGUPX 18-1

                                                -78-

               of the way down the eastern shore of Long Neck Point, the coastal
               features turn from gentle slope to modified escarpment, and then
               moderate to flat ground at the end of the Point.

               The combination of revetment and seawall continues around the
               Point onto the western exposure.      Some 170 yards north, a short
               breakwater interrupts the revetment, and a small beach has formed
               behind the breakwater. Landward, a seawall marks the beach's up-
               land boundary, and to the north a massive dock has been con-
               structed.    The dock consists of a breakwater, topped by an
               accessway, and at the end is a concrete docking leg.         North of
               the dock a seawall continues and a large building has been built
               out over the water. Continuing up the western shore, the seawall
               is  reinforced    by   revetment   for   approximately    220    yards.
               offshore, a rock pile island exists which was likely formed by
               the dumping of extra rubble or similar action. one dock is main-
               tained from this coastal portion.         The type of seawall used
               changes at this point to concrete blocks. Cordgrass fringe grows
               in the intertidal area at the lower portion of this property, and
               a sand beach forms around the base of another substantial docking
               structure. Some erosion is evident in the block wall. The cord-
               grass fringe continues northward in front of the concrete block
               wall.   The northern end of this wall has collapsed and rock
               rubble has been placed in the breech.        A small drainage gully
               divides the property here.      The lot to the north utilizes the
               riprap/seawall combination and maintains a stairway for access to
               the narrow band of beach that fronts the property.

               Above this beach, a cordgrass fringe can be found.          The small
               beach band becomes wider behind the protection of cordgrass, and
               widens around the base of two docks.      The dock to the south has
               been removed recently, and only the rock stanchions are in
               evidence. The dock directly to the north has been maintained.

               Summary & Conclusions - Long Neck Point

               Because of Long Neck Point's exposure to Long Island Sound, the
               maintenance of revetments and seawalls, along with the control of
               erosion, are major concerns.     The shoreline survey revealed that
               shoreline protection structures were mostly in good condition;
               however, certain segments were in need of maintenance.          Failure
               to do so promptly, and properly, will likely lead to continued
               loss of seawall with erosion, and damage to inland areas likely.

               4.7 Pear Tree Point

               The beach at Pear Tree Point is one of two public beaches within
               the Town of Darien. The associated Darien Boat Club is the only
               "Town" boating facility.     It is a quasi-public organization and
               offers the largest number of slips of any boating facility within
               the community.

                                                               -79-
                                                                                                         J-A "
                                AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

                                REVETMENTS AND GROINS

                                SEAWALL

                             (D BOAT RAMPS

                                    SHORELINE STRUCTURE

                                            FLOATING
                                         (1) SEMI-PERMANENT
                                         (g) SET PILINGS
                                    COASTAL BOUNDARY
                                    MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

                                                                                                        TREE
                                                                                                        BEACH
                            LOW MARSH                   ROCK                                                            -A

                            'HIGH MARSH                 VEGETATED ROCK

                            SAND                        PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS
                                                                                        S

                   PEAR TREE POINT

                             Scale in Feet
                                                                                                                  E

          200             0           200           400           600

                                                        -@ 1      19

                                               -80-

               Pear Tree Point Beach consists of two stretches of sand, one that
               runs east-west some 100 yards, and the second that reaches north-
               south approximately 150 yards, representing a beach area of 2.75
               acres.  Between the beach fronts, two breakwaters have been con-
               structed to stabilize the sand.     A building providing restrooms
               and changing rooms is also located between the sand faces. Land-
               ward of these beaches is a parking lot with a capacity of 240
               spaces.  This parking lot is also used by the Darien Boat Club
               and the public boat launching ramp. At the height of the summer
               season, this beach is heavily used by townspeople, and is also
               open to the general public for a fee.        Residents displaying a
               beach sticker are allowed unlimited use of the park.

               The beach itself needs to be replenished on a regular basis. The
               last nourishment project was carried out in 1980 and entailed the
               placement of 900 yards of sand.

               Directly to the north of the beach area is the Darien Boat Club
               facility. This marina accommodates 244 boats, most of them power
               boats, with an average length of 20 feet.       The demand f or boat
               space at the Club far outstrips current supply, and expansion of
               these facilities ranks among the most important coastal concerns
               in Darien.

               A 1967 plan for expansion was designed to increase boat dockage
               by approximately one-third.    If such expansion were to be under-
               taken, it would likely involve the dredging of the marsh system
               directly to the northeast of the Boat Club.        This system cur-
               rently shows signs of stress as a result of its proximity to the
               adjacent marina.    Litter and other debris, along with signs of
               reduced productivity (possibly from   oil contamination) were visi-
               ble during the shoreline inventory. In addition to the required
               dredging, the shoreline along Pear    Tree Point Road would have to
               be stabilized against erosion from    increased wake wash and other
               wind/water action. Other concerns     from expansion of this facil-
               ity would include greater pressures on existing parking facili-
               ties; disposal of dredged material from the improvement project;
               future maintenance dredging; and control of sedimentation from
               upstream and from Darien Harbor.      This sedimentation occurs at
               two major areas; the docking basin, and the "gut" between the
               Darien Boat Club and the western shore of the Darien River.
               Preliminary investigations would suggest that the major source of
               sediment for the docking basin is upstream from the Darien River
               and Gorham's Pond, while the "gut" is likely to receive sediment
               largely from the along-shore movement of sand from the Pear Tree
               Point Beach and other areas within the Darien Harbor area.           A
               recent February 1982 permit request to the Corps of Engineers and
               the State DEP calls for the maintenance dredging of the berthing
               basin, approximately 65 yards by 315 yards, to the depth of minus
               six feet mean low water. The permit request calls for the remo-
               val by clamshell dredge of approximately 8,000 cubic yards of
               sand and silt for disposal at an open water site in Long Island
               Sound.

              In addition to the docking facilities of the Boat Club, there is
              also a Town-owned boat ramp located directly to the east of the
              Club. While exact figures on the number of boats using the ramp
              are not available, it receives heavy use during the boating sea-
              son and is the only public boat ramp in Town.         The parking of
              vehicles, along with their boat trailers, places an increased
              burden on the available parking at Pear Tree Point.

              Summary & Conclusions - Pear Tree Point

              1.    Parking facilities for the Beach and Boat Club are the sin-
                    gle major factor restricting increased use of the area.

              2.    As a result of the boat ramp, trailers are left in the park-
                    ing lot.   The combined length of tow vehicle and trailer
                    causes   additional   strain   on   those   already    overused
                    facilities.

              3.    As Darien's public beach facilities are placed under in-
                    creased demand, it is imperative that the Town continue to
                    assess this demand and take all feasible measures to meet
                    the requirements.

              4.    Expansion of the Darien Boat Club docking facilities should
                    be considered.

              5.    Further study should be undertaken of the hydrological
                    regime and sedimentation patterns in order to determine
                    appropriate actions for managing Pear Tree Beach, Darien
                    Boat Club's "gut", and the mooring basin directly inside the
                    Point.

              4.8 Darien River

              The Darien River is a portion of the watercourse between Gorham's
              Pond to the north, and Darien Harbor to the south.          Extending
              north-south some 1,140 yards, the Darien River drains into
              Gorham's Pond, along with the Goodwives River and Stony Brook,
              which also drain into Gorham's Pond.     The Darien River has three
              major marsh systems along its banks. It is navigable by shallow
              draft vessel to Ring's End Landing at its northern extreme, and
              exhibits a wide range of habitats and uses.

              Beginning at the southeastern shore of the River, just north of
              the Darien Boat Club, the eastern bank is dominated by a cord-
              grass patens marsh which extends 230 yards to the north.           The
              lower portion of this marsh is a cordgrass intertidal portion,
              connected to a patens marsh on the higher ground.       As mentioned
              in the previous section, this marsh shows some signs of stress
              from its proximity to the Darien Boat Club.       The upper portion
              is a cordgrass fringe and shoal which form a small haven. shore-
              ward of this system, the land rises to Pear Tree Point Road.

              North of the marsh, the coast narrows to a cordgrass fringe which
              borders a high stonewall that rises to the road. A landing juts

                                               -82-

               out into the River, protected by a seawall and riprap. From this
               point, the shore jogs to the east.       The coast comprises largely
               vegetated slope, broken in places by rock outcroppings and some
               riprap.

               The vegetated character of the slope is altered after some 150
               yards by a house that has been constructed within the intertidal
               zone. The remainder of the property is protected by revetment to
               the north.    Cordgrass fringe continues for 50 yards to the peak
               of a small cove. The coast swings to the west, as the land forms
               a peninsula.     The southern edge of this peninsula is cordgrass
               fringe, with a stonewall behind it. A single dock is constructed
               on the shore.     The western end of the peninsula is bulkheaded
               with a dock maintained in the middle of the seawall, and the
               northern shore returns to the cordgrass fringe backed by a short
               section of riprap in the middle.        At the northeastern edge, a
               small seawall has been constructed.

               The final 300 yards of the Darien River's eastern shore is cord-
               grass, backed by a short bank of upland bordering Pear Tree Point'
               Road.   At a point approximately two-thirds of the way north, a
               small parking area has been provided off the road. A scenic view
               of the River is offered, but some erosion does exist along the
               shoreline.

               The head of the River, known as Ring's End Landing, consists of a
               concrete and stone causeway/tidal gate and residential buildings
               which lie between the River and Ring's End Road. The tidal gates
               regulate the waters of Gorham's Pond, and water from the Darien
               River goes into the Pond only at high tide.              The buildings
               located at Ring's End Landing are situated behind a stone
               seawall.

               There is a great deal of concern over the silting of Gorham's
               Pond, especially at the articulation of the Pond with Stony
               Brook.   As a management measure, the tidal gates at Ring's End
               Landing are opened on occasion to aid tidal flush, and to help
               relieve silting. However, this action raises concern downstream,
               especially at the Darien Boat Club, over increased sedimentation
               from the flushing actions upstream.       The extent of sedimentation
               and siltation in the River is estimated by a former harbor master
               to be occurring at the rate of approximately 2 1/2 inches per
               year.

               The western shore of the Darien River features a more diversified
               range of habitat and shoreline features.        South from Ring's End
               Landing, the first 250 yards of shore is predominately cordgrass
               fringe, backed by vegetated slope and cultivated lawn.          A dere-
               lict dock, float, and maintained dock are located within this
               zone.   In several locations, the slope leading down to the River
               has been used for dumping of toppings and other rubbish,

               Directly downstream, a shoreline extension project has been con-
               structed. This project consists of a seawall projecting out into

                                             -83-

              the River, with a floating dock attached.      The area behind the
              seawall has been backfilled, brought up to grade, and made into
              lawn. The shoreline directly downstream of this site resumes the
              more natural vegetated slope character of the shore upstream. A
              single dock is found in the downstream area.

              Approximately 75 yards south of the extension, the shore is
              interrupted by a large stand of phragmites. A dock is maintained
              amongst the reed grass.

              From this point, south to the mouth of the Darien River marsh,
              the shoreline is cordgrass fringe with riprap directly behind. A
              short breakwater of sorts is constructed out into the cordgrass.
              Here, the shoreline opens out into a major marsh system.

              The Darien River marsh covers approximately 7.1 acres.       At the
              mouth, it is some 280 yards wide, and stretches approximately the
              same distance back into the marsh. Three distinct branches occur
              of f the main marsh.    The main marsh is predominantly mudflat,
              with the cordgrass largely restricted to the edges, and one berm
              which protects the marsh entrance.

              The northern shoreline is cordgrass fringe, with a band of high
              marsh behind it.    The width of this patens marsh varies.      At a
              point directly behind the protecting arm of cordgrass, a dock has
              been constructed across the patens and low marsh.     The materials
              appeared to be quite new at the time of the survey, and it is
              probable that the work was performed without proper permits. An
              area of marsh immediately to the west has also been disturbed,
              but the cause was not identified.

              The shore gently curves toward a minor inlet.       A small dock is
              located at the entrance, and an upland meadow is directly behind
              the coast.   The inlet contains cordgrass, patens band, and two
              small docks.   Several stands of phragmites are scattered here; a
              stonewall lies on a northern shore; and a tidal inlet also can be
              found. The entrance is quite narrow, spanning only a few yards.

              The western shore of the marsh continues to be occupied by cord-
              grass fringe and a narrow band of high marsh.       A dock has been
              constructed, along with a low stone wall.        The shoreline then
              curves into a second inlet.    The mouth to the inlet is cordgrass
              up to a stone dike. Behind this dike, patens marsh has developed
              over 0.68 acres. Inland from the marsh, a stand of phragmites is
              evident.   East of the entrance to the patens marsh is a low
              stonewall and an old dock.

              A third marsh is found on the southern shore of the Darien River
              marsh.   The marsh occupies one-half of the lower shoreline.       it
              is likely that this marsh once totally bisected the wooded penin-
              sula to its east.    However, a causeway to provide access to the
              wooded point now cuts the marsh in two.        This third marsh is
              approximately 1.36 acres in size and drains into the Darien River
              marsh through one tidal inlet vegetated by cordgrass.

                                                                                                                                                     *
                                                                                                             -84-

                                                                                                                                           C
                                DARIEN RIVER
                                                                                                                                         A

                                                                                                                             A                                 0

                                                                                                               A

                                                                                                                            A

                                                       20
                                                                                               C
                                                                                                      *%
                                                                                  ob

                                                                                OB

                                                                                 C

                                                                                                                                                                          AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

                                                                                                                                                                          REVETMENTS AND GROINS

                                                                                                                                                                          SEAWALL

                                                                                                                                                                       0 BOAT RAMPS
                                                                                           C

                                                                                                                                it                                        SHORELINE STRUCTURE
                                                                                                                               w                                                 FLOATING

                                                                                                                                                                                 SEMI-PERMANENT
                                                                                                                                                                              (9) SET PILINGS
                                                                                                                                                                          COASTAL BOUNDARY
                                                                                                                                                                          MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

                                                                                                                                                                          ROCK

                                                                                         C                                                                                VEGETATED ROCK

                                                                                                                                                                          PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS
                                            E

                                                                                                                                                                          LOW MARSH
                                                                                                                      (0)
                                                                                                                                                                          HIGH MARSH
                             Scale iii Feet                                                                                                                               SAND

             200          0         200          400         600

                                                                                                     ffIGURE 20

                                             -85-

              The remainder of the southern shoreline is characterized by cord-
              grass fringe and a band of high marsh backed by hardwood forest
              which continues out to a point which marks the southeastern
              boundary to the Darien River marsh.

              The next 250 yards of shoreline of the western coast of the
              Darien River is uniform, with a narrow cordgrass band backed by
              hardwood forest.   This forest serves as an important roosting
              area for wading birds, in particular, the black-crowned night
              heron. Dozens of these birds were sighted in the hardwoods dur-
              ing the high tide.    In addition, a pair of ospreys were seen
              utilizing a standing dead tree on several occasions during the
              shoreline survey. At  the lower end of this wooded shoreline, a
              landing has been constructed of stone and fill.      It does not
              appear to be used, as it is overgrown with weeds and other
              vegetation.

              From the landing, the shoreline opens up to form another major
              marsh system.   The cordgrass fringe widens and funnels into an
              inlet backed by patens.   The tidal inlet reaches north to the
              causeway that serves the wooded peninsula.     This marsh system
              backs directly on the marsh described on the southern shore of
              the Darien River marsh.   The patens marsh runs approximately 75
              yards south from the causeway, and is approximately 100 feet at
              its widest point.

              The cordgrass and adjacent mudflats reach from the tidal inlet,
              which bisects the patens marsh southeast some 110 yards, and
              widens to 180 yards at the mouth of the marsh. A single dock is
              found in this marsh inlet. The western shore of the lower marsh
              is marked by a narrow band of high marsh consisting largely of
              alder, and the southern entrance to the marsh is dominated by a
              large growth of phragmites.

              The remaining 220 yards,Ito the mouth of the Darien River is pre-
              dominantly cordgrass fringe, broken by four dock structures and
              backed by stands of phragmites, stone riprap,and open land.     On
              the point, a sand beach is backed by seawall. At this location,
              the River is barely 25 yards across at mean low tide and directly
              faces the Darien Boat Club.

              Summary & Conclusions -_Darien River

              1.   Siltation of the "gut" and the Boat Club mooring basin is a
                   major issue.   It is thought that the opening of the tidal
                   gates at Ring's End-Landing to alleviate. sedimentation in
                   Gorham's Pond leads to increased silting of the lower River.
                   Sources of siltation and sedimentation rates for the River
                   and Gorham's Pond will require further study.

              2.  The Darien River poses several examples of what shouldn't be
                  done within the coastal zone, such as: building directly in
                  the intertidal zone; allowing the collapse of seawalls
                  through lack of maintenance; construction of non-permitted

                                                _86-

                   work in tidal marsh; and so forth.         While these have not
                   overwhelmed the natural character of the River, they are
                   nonetheless illustrative of mistakes that mustn't be repeated
                   in the future.

               3.  The tidal marshes located mid-way along the western shoreline
                   of the Darien River are significant natural systems.          Signs
                   of impact, disturbed patens areas, and new docking structures
                   are present.    Any further infringements should be properly
                   controlled.

               4.9 Gorham's Pond

               From the Ring's End Road causeway and tidal gates to the dam just
               north of Goodwives River Road, Gorham's Pond extends north-south
               approximately 0.8 miles.     Gorham's Pond is the second largest
               tidal pond in the Town of Darien, behind Holly Pond.

               Gorham's is fed by the Goodwives River to the north and Stony
               Brook midway along its western shore.        The southern border of'
               the Pond is formed by a stone causeway and tidal gate which
               restricts the outflow and inflow.     This, in turn, restricts both
               the tidal range and the circulation.

               All of Gorham's Pond, a portion of the Goodwives River, and the
               lower segment of Stony Brook lie within the primary Coastal
               Boundary.   However, the "coastal" character of the area is fur-
               ther restricted.    For the purposes of this report, the coastal
               segment of the Goodwives River is a short section from the top of
               Gorham's Pond north 100 feet above the bridge on Goodwives River
               Road where the placement of a riprap dam prevents any tidal
               action or saline water intrusion upstream.       on Stony Brook, the
               "coastal" character extends westward from its confluence with
               Gorham's Pond to a point 50 feet upstream of the bridge on old
               King's Highway South, where a small rock dam marks the termina-
               tion of coastal influence.      It should be noted that the true
               coastal character from a sense- of marine vegetation, marine
               fauna, and other factors is even more       restricted to the lower
               portion of Gorham's Pond.

               Beginning at Ring's End Landing, on         the southern border of
               Gorham's Pond, a stone causeway extends 100 yards roughly east-
               west.   on the causeway's eastern end, a tidal gate and spillway
               control the water flow. These gates are     still operative, and are
               occasionally opened to reduce sedimentation in the Pond.

               The timing and extent of these openings are a disputed issue
               because residents along the Pond would like to see the tidal
               gates opened more often, while interests along the Darien River,
               including the Darien Boat Club, feel that opening the gates
               causes increased sedimentation downstream of the Pond. When the
               gates are not open, the water flow is regulated with marine
               waters entering the Pond only at high tide.

                                               -87-

               Moving north along Gorham's western shore, the land/water inter-
               face is characterized by private residences with lawns extending
               to the shore and some shoreline protection in place. These open
               lawn areas are separated by wooded areas with no man-made shore-
               line protection.

               The shoreline between Ring's End and the mouth of Stony Brook is
               primarily forested upland with small areas of marine vegetation
               found along the shore.     Only at the southern edge of this seg-
               ment, between the Ring's End causeway and the home located imme-
               diately north of Ring's End Road, does any substantial shoreline
               protection exist. The overall character of this part of Gorham's
               Pond is upland vegetation broken in two places by lawns of pri-
               vate homes.    Approximately 600 yards upstream of Ring's End is
               the mouth of Stony Brook.        Offshore of this area lies major
               shoaling caused by sediments from Stony Brook settling in the
               quieter waters of Gorham's Pond. In some places the shoal is ex-
               posed, while in others, the water is only inches deep.          Miscel-
               laneous debris is trapped there,     including tree limbs and metal
               objects of all sorts. The area is unsightly, but used by a vari-'
               ety of wading birds as a roosting area with some feeding likely.

               Moving westward into Stony Brook, the shore is bordered with
               large rocks along the    bank.   The bottom of Stony Brook here is
               sandy.   Some 65 yards upstream of the confluence, Stony Brook
               opens up into a meadow. The flora present here is largely fresh-
               water in nature, with    cattail and purple loosestrife among the
               dominant  vegetation.    Shortly after the meadow opens up, Stony
               Brook splits into two    branches which merge again some 50 yards
               upstream. Just north     of this merging point, Stony Brook passes
               under old King's Highway South. A short distance upstream of the
               bridge, Stony Brook passes through a series of riffles which mark
               the study's inland boundary.

               From the mouth of Stony Brook, Gorham's Pond narrows northward
               towards its confluence with Goodwives River.        Immediately north
               of the entrance to Stony Brook is a rocky point followed by a
               seawall, extending 120 yards, backed by lawn. North of the sea-
               wall, the shoreline returns to upland vegetation on a small
               point, followed by another home with a lawn and no seawall in
               front.  A fringe of patens and bulrush is found along the shore-
               'line border.  Upstream of this area, a stretch of upland habitat
               reaches some 125 yards before being broken by another small lawn
               area. At this point, the Pond narrows to a narrow neck of water
               measuring approximately 75 feet across. Along the western shore,
               upland forest dominates the shoreline for 275 yards.         In a few
               small areas some wetland vegetation is present, but the shore is
               primarily broken by rocks with vegetated slope.            After this
               wooded segment, the western bank opens up to another lawn.         Here
               the shoreline jogs and narrows, forming the mouth of the
               Goodwives River. A stand of phragmites is located on the western
               corner. From this point, the Goodwives River Road bridge is only
               100 yards northeast.

                                              -88-

              The extent of the coastal influence ends 100 feet further up-
              stream, as a result of a masonry stone dam.        The banks on both
              sides of the River between the dam and bridge are primarily up-
              land vegetation.

              Extending south from the Goodwives River Road bridge, the eastern
              bank of Gorham's Pond resembles the western bank with two major
              differences:     1) the upper portion of the eastern shore is
              steeper in slope and 2) the Goodwives River Road extends in close
              proximity along the entire length of the Pond's eastern bank.
              Subsequently, the character, along a major portion of the eastern
              bank, is dominated by the road.       Moving south from the bridge
              along the eastern bank, the shore consists of wooded bank for 350
              yards.   At regular intervals, private homes are located at the
              top of the bank. As a result of the steep embankment and narrow-
              ness of Gorham's Pond at this point, little visual access is
              main-tained, and formal physical access is provided at only one
              point along the southern portion of this stretch. At this point,
              a set of stairs leads down to the water. Some 350 yards south of
              the Goodwives River Road Bridge, the Pond opens up, and the slope'
              of the eastern bank moderates. Here a house is located close to
              the shoreline and a large stand of phragmites extends along the
              southern edge of the property.

              For the next 170 yards of Gorham's Pond's eastern         shore, the
              Goodwives River Road parallels the shore with the band     of vegeta-
              tion averaging 40-90 feet between the road and the        pond.    One
              residence is squeezed between the shore and the road.       The banks
              are relatively steep veget@kted slopes.     South of this section, a
              peninsula juts out opposite the mouth of Stony Brook. A seawall
              rings most of the peninsula, while a patens salt marsh dominates
              the southern edge. Three homes occupy this peninsula.

              The shore then returns to border the Goodwives River Road, and
              continues in this fashion to the Ring's End causeway. The shore-
              line is vegetated slope gradually moderating to the south. Some
              65 yards upstream of the causeway and tidal gates, a stone sea-
              wall begins which forms part of the causeway structure.

              The vegetated slopes which dominate the majority of the eastern
              shoreline are extremely prone to erosion as a result of their
              grade and proximity to Goodwives River Road. In several places,
              the slopes have been used for disposal of tree and other organic
              debris. While existing erosion is light, care should be taken to
              avoid stressing the slopes.

              Conclusions - Gorham's Pond

                    1.   Because of the tidal gates, Gorham's Pond has little
                        .tidal flux, resulting in relatively few shoreline pro-
                         tection structures, restricted circulation, and reduced
                         coastal habitats such as intertidal flats.

                                                                                                                            -89-
                                                                                                                                                                                         it

                                                                                                                                                                             ;?Oqo
                                                  ,GORHAM'S POND

                                                           AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN
                                                           REVETMENTS AND GROINS

                                                           SEAWALL

                                                         (D BOAT RAMPS

                                                         SHORELINE STRUCTURE
                                                                                                                                                         Q
                                                             (3) FLOATING
                                                             (1) SEMI-FERMANENT
                                                            (g) SET FILINGS
                                                         COASTAL BOUNDARY
                                                         MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

                                                         ROCK                                  LOW MARSH

                                                         VEGETATED ROCK
                                                                                         L    HIGH MARSH

                                                         PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS                  SAND

                                                 %-*4m,0EX'f EN'r OF AAAR IN E
                                                                            I N F L U,,@'N C E

                                                                                        N

                                                                                                  E

                                                                        SCale in Feet
                                                                           W+-

                                                                                                                                                  0
                                                      20MON         on@- - @-
                                                                               200          400          600                                         .40

                                                                                                           @U @PX2 @l

                                             _90-

                   2.    Sedimentation within the Pond, especially at the mouth
                         of Stony Brook, is extensive, causing many residents
                         concern. Means of correcting this situation should be
                         studied, keeping in mind possible adverse consequences
                         in the Darien River.

              4.10 Noroton Bay - Weed Beach

              Noroton Bay stretches generally from the mouth of the Darien
              River south to include Nash Island and Pratt Island. The western
              end of Noroton Bay extends to the entrance of Holly Pond.           The
              coastline is largely characterized by fortified shoreline, backed
              by private residences. A private yacht club and private residen-
              tial beach/recreation facility are found in this area. While the
              straightline distance barely measures-one-half mile east to west,
              the actual shoreline twists and turns to cover more than 1.8 sta-
              tute miles.

              To the west of the Darien River "gut", a sand beach has formed.
              This beach, 150 yards east-west, is a continuation of the beach
              formed in the "gut",    and is stabilized by three wooden groins
              which cut the beach      at right angles.      These, in turn, are
              anchored to a seawall   that runs the length of the beach. At the
              western end the shore   swings south, and at   the angle the seawall
              ends, leaving sand      beach backed by slightly higher ground
              inland.   South of this angle, the sandy character of the inter-
              tidal zone continues for the next 250 yards, but the coast is a
              myriad of seawall, boat railway, bulkheaded boat launch areas,
              and mooring areas. The first part of this shore is seawall, with
              two groins placed in the intertidal.      South of this area is the
              Noroton Yacht Club complex. Beginning at a groin, this area has
              a boat railway, boat ramp, small beach, revetment which turns
              into bulkhead, six    finger docks (during the boating season), a
              larger sand beach     (used for bathing), and a long pier (100+
              yards).    The Club   is private, with 200 member-families.       They
              maintain a fleet of 200+ boats averaging 22 feet in length, con-
              sisting largely of    sailboats.   The demand for dry storage area
              and mooring space out in the Harbor outstrips current supply.

              From the Yacht Club pier, the shoreline opens into a cove.         The
              northern shore of this cove is dominated by five docks, and two
              wooden groins. A small privately-owned sand beach exists to the
              west of the Noroton Yacht Club.       The next property is seawall
              fronted by riprap, and followed by a section of seawall and three
              permanent docks.    Towards the head of the cove    ' the intertidal
              area becomes a sand beach which continues into the northeast
              corner of the cove.      A small stand of phragmites occupies the
              corner. Two docks are constructed in this section.

              The inner, or western, shore of the cove is riprapped with three
              dock structures extending from the shore.        The lower third of
              this shore, and most of the southern section, is a cordgrass
              marsh. This marsh is backed by an access road to Nash Island on
              the western shore, and upland vegetation on the southern shore.

                                            _91-

              In addition to the marsh which extends approximately two-thirds
              of the way along the shoreline, a large dock has been built, and
              to the east cordgrass fringe is found.      The point is marked by
              two groins at right angles to each other. The remainder of Nash
              Island faces Noroton Bay and Long Island Sound.

              The eastern face of Nash Island is seawall fronted by sand beach,
              cordgrass fringe, and rock outcroppings from north to south
              respectively.   A house has been built out over the intertidal
              zone in this section.

              The southeastern corner of the Island is marked by a stonewall
              that extends into the intertidal zone and is topped by a wooden
              gazebo.

              The general nature of Nash Island, and its southern shore in par-
              ticular, is rocky.     Because of its exposure to the Sound, the
              southern shore is heavily fortified, utilizing natural bedrock
              features and masonry.    The entire shore is backed by a seawall.
              The foreshore character begins as cordgrass fringe, while the
              western end is fortified by both revetment and seawall.       Several
              rocky points have been incorporated into the defenses. Offshore,
              numerous rock outcroppings and small islands exist.

              The western face of Nash Island is also seawalled, but the inter-
              tidal area is sandy.    In the middle of this shore, a rocky spit
              reaches into the Sound, terminating as an island.     The residence
              on the southwestern tip maintains a stairway to the water.        The
              western shore continues around into a small cove.This cove and
              the cove behind the Noroton Yacht Club are separated only by the
              construction of a causeway.    The southern shore of this cove is
              marked by revetment and seawall, and at the head of the cove a
              sand beach has formed.     Landward of the beach, riprap has been
              placed. The northern shore of the cove is seawall, fronted by a
              narrow strip of fine sediment beach and a cordgrass fringe. This
              shore is tipped by a large section of exposed bedrock which forms
              the southeastern tip of Pratt Island.

              The northwestern shore of Pratt Island is seawall, fronted by a
              rocky intertidal zone and cordgrass fringe.      This continues to
              the point where the coast meets Nearwater Lane. Here, the shore
              has been riprapped for approximately 80 yards to protect the
              roadway. A long pier (120 +/- yards) is located here as part of
              the Noroton Bay Association beach facility.

              The shore between the Noroton Bay pier and t  he entrance to Holly
              Pond (1000 yards +/-) is sand beach.     A privately-owned stretch
              100 yards long occurs directly north of the pier.       A rock and
              wooden bulkhead breaks the continuity of the beach.     Behind this
              structure, a ramp has been constructed and two small patches of
              cordgrass grow seaward of this section.

              The beach, now Weed Beach, then continues uninterrupted for an-
              other 250 yards to where it is broken by a rocky point with up-
              land vegetation. A short breakwater has been constructed to its

                                                                                      NOROTON BAY

                                                                                                                              w

                                                                                                                     OR
                                                                                                                           LA,

                                                                                         WEED       BEACH

                                                                                                                                  4

                                   AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN       ROCK
          IQ
                                   REVEIMENTS AND GROINS         VEGETATED ROCK                                      (D
                                   SEAWALL
                                                             @!!Z PHRAGMITES COMMUNtS
                                 C, BOAT RAMPS

                               ---4 SHORELINE STRUCTURE          LOW MARSH
                                     (6) FJOAUNG
                                       Sem@,FERMANWI        r.   HIGH MARSH                                                         @j
                                       SET polmGs                SAND
                                  COASTAL BOUNDARY

                                  mUDFLATS ANDCHANNELS

                                                   Scale in Feet

                                        200      0      200      400     600

                                              -93-

              north and a cordgrass marsh lies in a low area off its end. The
              sand beach continues from this point and runs north.             A rock
              jetty is the o  *nly major obstruction breaking the next 70 yards.
              In addition to the recreational usage of this area, Weed Beach is
              used for field trips by the Darien Nature Center to teach Darien
              school students about coastal ecology and intertidal marine life.

              A final stretch of beach is located in the inlet to Holly Pond.
              Here, a sand shoal has built up on the Stamford shoreline (this
              area is part of Stamford's Cove Beach, and it is also used for
              recreational purposes). The Darien side is characterized by sea-
              wall fronted by sand beach, and further fronted by stands of
              cordgrass. A short rock jetty angles out from the eastern third
              of this shoreline.     This shore runs 250 yards to the east to the
              entrance of Holly Pond which is marked by a long tidal gate which
              regulates the water level in the Pond.

              Returning to the easterly end of this coastal section, the Darien
              Harbor lies south of the Darien River.         It is bordered by Long
              Neck Point on the east and Noroton Bay and Nash          Island on the
              west.    Though the Harbor is considered a rough water harbor
              because of its exposure, more than 140 boats are         moored within
              this special anchorage.      Currently, the harbor can   be considered
              full because any expansion would have to occur to the south,
              exposing the moored vessels to even greater wave and wind dis-
              turbances. Since more than 75% of Darien's boats are located in
              Darien Harbor, including the Darien Boat Club, there is a great
              deal of interest in exploring various means of expanding the
              mooring/slip capacity.      one such means, presented in the 1966
              Town Harbor Advisory report, proposed the construction of a
              breakwater off the tip of Long Neck Point to provide protection
              from the southeast.

              The area of Westcott Cove, off the western shore of Noroton Bay
              and Weed Beach, is utilized to a limited extent as a mooring
              area.    Because of its exposure and multiple rocks and shoals
              which are situated in the area, it is doubtful that this location
              could ever serve as a major boat basin.         However, consultation
              with area boating experts has disclosed that the construction of
              a boat ramp in the Weed Beach area would greatly assist the park-
              ing problem at Pear Tree Point.       Aides to navigation would have
              to be placed and maintained to guide boaters in and out of the
              offshore area opposite Weed Beach.

              Summary & Conclusions - Noroton Bay

              1.   Darien Harbor is extensively used as a special anchorage for
                   boats from the Town.     Means to expand the harbor should be
                   investigated further, including potential expansion of off-
                   shore mooring capacity and increased docking facilities.

              2.   The feasibility of constructing a boat ramp in the Weed Beach
                   area should be studied.

                                             -94-

              3.  The Weed Beach area is important not only for public recrea-
                  tional purposes but also to the Darien school system for
                  educational purposes.     Easy access combined with conditions
                  of this intertidal area, make it the best location in Darien
                  for this purpose.

              4.11 Holly Pond
              Holly Pond is a large bo@y of water whose tidal fluctuation is
              controlled by a set of tidal gates at its southern boundary. The
              gates have not been properly maintained, and have fallen into
              disrepair.   Freshwater flow into Holly Pond is derived from the
              Noroton River at the Pond's northern limit.        The Noroton River
              drains a watershed approximately 7360 acres in size, beginning in
              New Canaan and flowing south 4.7 miles into Holly Pond.

              Holly Pond assumed its current    character in 1960, following the
              construction of the tidal gates. As a result of the gates, water
              level has been stabilized with the tidal range, reduced to 2.5
              feet.   The reduced circulation    in the Pond, and the pollution'
              loading via the Noroton River,     often result in algae blooms in
              late summer.    According to local residents, the smell and poor
              appearance can become "unbearable" during these periods.          Cur-
              rently, the Pond is used for limited fishing, gathering of shell-
              fish for bait only, and small boat recreation.

              Access into the Pond from Westcott Cove is limited to shallow
              draft vessels during extreme high tide. Waterskiing is a popular
              sport in Holly Pond, though restricted to the southern end due to
              shallow conditions.

              In addition to the recreational use of the Pond, it is heavily
              used by waterfowl, domestic and wild, and especially mute swans
              whose numbers often reach several dozens during the winter.
              Mallard and black ducks inhabit the area during the summer, while
              shovelers, hooded mergansers, buffleheads, pintail, American wid-
              geon and several other species of waterfowl can be seen during
              the migratory periods and winter.     Holly Pond forms the southern
              border between Darien and Stamford.       on the Stamford side, the
              southern edge is largely recreational (Cove Park) along with pri-
              vate residences located on the water.       The majority of the mid
              and northern coastline is modified and bordered by a roadway with
              some private access to a few small docks.         A scenic overlook
              located halfway along the Pond's western border is extensively
              used by local residents to enjoy the view, and feed the pigeons
              and waterfowl.

              Beginning at the dam at the southern end of Holly Pond, the
              Darien coastline runs northeast for some 850 yards.       The shore-
              line is characterized by a narrow.sand beach backed by a seawall
              or revetment for the first 260 yards.         The latter section is
              backed by vegetated slope. The shoreline shifts to the east for
              170 yards and opens up to form a series of small coves.            The
              edges of the southernmost cove are cordgrass fringe with vege-
              tated upland.    A sizable and highly productive patens marsh is

                                              -95-

              found at the head of this cove.       It covers 1.77 acres, and is
              bordered to the south by Brush Island Road. The eastern and nor-
              thern edges of the marsh are marked by broken stands of phrag-
              mites. The eastern shore of the cove reverts to broken cordgrass
              fringe, with several stands of phragmites in evidence.

              Midway along the eastern shoreline between coves, a revetme     'nt is
              maintained with a small dock immediately to the north. North of
              the dock, another small cove is found.           Here, the dominant
              coastal feature is high marsh.     Larger than the marsh system to
              the south, this one also appears to be healthy and highly produc-
              tive. Bounded on the east by Nearwater Lane, this marsh is under
              the protection of the Land Trust of Darien.       It consists of two
              "horns"; the eastern horn is capped by a growth of phragmites,
              and is bisected by a tidal creek with cordgrass, while the
              western horn is shorter and served by a single narrow tidal
              ditch.   The spit of land that forms the western border of the
              cove is marked by cordgrass band, patens strip, and upland vege-
              tated by bentgrass and sumac.     The western shore of the spit is
              characterized by bayberry and alder, fronted by cordgrass.

              From the spit, the shoreline runs north marked by cordgrass
              bounded by upland.     On the next point of land, the cordgrass
              fringe is backed by seawall which continues around the point into
              another series of coves.     To the east of the seawall, a dock is
                nstructed, and approximately 100 feet further on, the cordgrass
              fringe fronts a patens marsh.       This marsh is approximately 75
              feet at its widest point, and it extends in an arch some 85
              co

              yards. The marsh is backed by phragmites, shrubs, and lawn. To
              the north of the marsh system, the cove is fed by a stream system
              under Nickerson Lane.    From the mouth of the stream the western
              shore is cordgrass fringe.     As the shoreline curves to form an-
              other cove, the point is fortified by revetment, and a dock is
              located off the point.

              The revetment continues around the point and, as has been found
              at the head of the previous three coves, there is a high marsh
              system located on the northeastern corner.       This system is the
              smallest of the four marshes, covering barely 150 feet of shore,
              with a maximum width of about 60 feet.      The northwestern corner
              of the cove is protected by a revetment, and the western shore is
              characterized by a cordgrass fringe and secondary growth upland.
              At the tip of Beach Drive, a sand beach has formed between the
              seawall and low water.       From this point, the shoreline runs
              approximately 250 yards north-northwest and is dominated by sea-
              wall with a single lot protected by riprap.      From the riprap to
              the apex of the inlet, a cordgrass fringe is found. The opposite
              shore is fortified by revetment and lacks cordgrass.        A gazebo
              has been constructed on the point off Lighthouse Way.

              Proceeding up the shoreline from the point, a small beach and
              dock lie immediately to the west, while the next two properties
              have a narrow beach in front of a- revetment.      To the northwest,
              the shoreline is also protected by a revetment," and within

                                              -96-

              approximately 70 yards a small cove is formed. The southwestern
              portion is protected by revetment, while the northwestern is
              wooden bulkhead. Three docks are located here. The wooden bulk-
              head continues around the Seagate Road point some 150 yards, and
              a dock is found just before the end. Scattered patches of cord-
              grass lie directly seaward of the bulkhead. Another inlet is
              found in this general location. The southeast shore of the inlet
              is marked by the wooden bulkhead, with a connected dock; the
              interior portion lacks shoreline protection and a large stand of
              phragmites is located there. The area in front of the phragmites
              is used to haul out small boats, and thus is devoid of vegeta-
              tion.    The head of the cove has a storm drain with associated
              seawall, and the opposite shore is marked by scattered cordgrass
              with phragmites lying directly inland.

              From this point, the next 300 yards is marked by riprap that has
              been placed along the shore.       The area in front of the Darien
              YMCA property has a narrow gravel beach seaward of minor riprap.
              A dock and concrete boat ramp are maintained in this section.
              Northwest of the YMCA, the Weed's Landing coastline is vegetated
              slope with remnants of a stonewall in front.        Since the conclu-
              sion of the shoreline survey in October 1981, the southeast expo-
              sure of this point has been regraded with the construction of a
              seawall and outfall.     Moving northwest off the point, the first
              100 yards is predominantly vegetated slope, with a narrow sandy
              intertidal area.    A small creek drains into Holly Pond, and the
              grade modifies to become a narrow intertidal beach which is
              backed by lawn for the next 100 yards, and an outfall is located
              in this section. To the northwest, a seawall and dock have been
              constructed.    A small pocket of patens marsh measuring some 75
              square feet is located between the seawall and water.

              Holly Pond narrows in this location to approximately 150 yards
              between the Stamford shore and Darien.         The Pond continues to
              narrow gradually to the mouth of the Noroton River, some 550
              yards upstream, where the Boston Post Road crosses the waterway.
              Holly Pond is extremely shallow within this area and even shallow
              draft vessels have problems navigating it.

              Moving west from the patens marsh, the shore consists of cord-
              grass fringe with some riprap in place, protecting the toe of
              vegetated slope for 70 yards. Further on, a seawall with a dock
              is in place. The wall extends some 85 yards, except where it is
              broken by Catalpa Street, and a short revetment guards the end of
              the street.    The northern end of the seawall turns inland, and
              the next property is sandy beach with a dock constructed in the
              middle.   Patches of cordgrass grow scattered through this area.
              The next property is protected by a long seawall (extending
              approximately 190 yards) which moves gradually inland, and the
              northern portion is fronted by a large stand of phragmites. The
              shoreline jogs here, and is dominated by a large parking lot and
              restaurant building which lie directly alongside the water-
              course. The final yards to the Boston Post Road bridge are con-
              crete seawall.

                                                                                                                  -97-

                                                                                         HOLLY POND
                                           40

                                                                                                                                                       ROAD

                                                                                                                                                         4

                                                                                                                                                            w
                                                                                                                                                            0
                      L AREA Of SFECIA( CONCERN

                          A(WMINTS AND GIOINS

                          SIAWAU
                          R, 6OAT RAMPS                                                                                                                                                   0             C)
                          SMORELINE STRUCTURE

                          COASTAL
                          MUDRAIS AND CHANNELS

                                                                                                                                                                                                             w K             ZWE
                          ROCX

                          VEGETATED *oCK

                          pN#AGMOJS COMMUNIS

                          tow MARS"

                          N$Gh MARS"

                          SAND

                                                                                                                                                                                                                     4r
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    164
                                                                                                                                             I- ---------                                                          9t

                      scaj. in Fleet

                    0      200     400     600

                                                                                                       IFIGURE 2T

                                           _98-

              Midstream in the upper stretch of Holly Pond is a mudflat which
              is exposed by the change of tide. It is one of the few areas so
              exposed in Holly Pond, due to the small tidal fluctuations.

              Summary & Conclusions - Holly Pond

                   1.   Holly Pond suffers significant sedimentation, and the
                        Pond's circulation is extremely limited by the inopera-
                        tive tidal gates.    In addition, the water quality of
                        the Noroton River, along with the warm water tempera-
                        tures due to the shallow and sluggish nature of the
                        Pond cause algae blooms in the summer. The Pond's pro-
                        ductivity, along with the development of future use
                        scenarios, will be a primary focus of this Coastal
                        Area Management Program.

                   2.   Due to the Pond's nature, boating is restricted to
                        shallow draft boats, and even these are largely limited
                        to the southern end of the pond.

                   3.   Holly Pond does have the potential for increased use as
                        a small boating area involving canoes and small sail-
                        boats. In fact, a sailing school on the Pond has opened
                        recently on the Stamford side, and the Darien YMCA
                        operates a similar program.       Serious consideration
                        should be given to restrict such use to sail and low-
                        power boats only.

                   4.   Holly Pond serves as a major resting area for migrating
                        and resident waterfowl. The large number of mute swans
                        presents a problem as a result of their aggressive
                        behavior towards other waterfowl and their sizable con-
                        tribution to the organic loading present in the Pond.

                   5.   The four tidal wetland systems found in the south-
                        eastern portion of Holly Pond are highly productive,
                        scenic, and should be considered important parts of the
                        natural resources in Darien.

                   6.   Darien should initiate planning with Stamford on the
                        future of Holly Pond. The direction taken by Stamford
                        in establishing its Coastal Area Management Plan is
                        particularly important within this area.

              4.12 Noroton River

              As mentioned under the Holly Pond section, the Noroton River is a
              relatively small river running south from New Canaan 4.7 miles to
              drain into Holly Pond and Long Island Sound.    The River drains a
              watershed of approximately 7,360 acres.     Recent flow data are
              lacking since the United States Geological Survey ceased its
              monitoring efforts.    Data collected by the U.S.G.S. for the
              period 1964-65 gave a peak flow of 160 cubic feet per second and
              a mean flow of 6.38-7.71 cubic feet per second.      Water quality
              for the Noroton River varies according to season and flow.

                                                                -99-

                                                             C1

                   NOROTON RIVER

                                                                                      41

                                       LOW MARSH

                                       H
                                        5H MARSH
                                        IG

                                       SAND                     q

                                       ROCK

                                       VEGETATED ROCK
                                       PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS                         t4
                                   --I SHORELINE STRUCTURE
                                         (8) fLOATtP4G
                                           SEMI-PERMANENT

                                           SET PluNGS
                                       COASTAL BOUNDARY
                                                                                                       31
                                       MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS
                                   rl AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

                                   - REVETMENTS AND GROINS

                                   - SEAWALL

                                    0 BOAT RAMPS

                                                                                        0

                                                   N

                                                         E

                                                   S
                                           W*

                                             Scale in Feet
                                                                                                            141,
                                     L-JEL--ANL -------m
                                   200     0      200     400    600

                                                          JFIGUiE-274

                                              _100-

               A study done for Holly Pond in 1973 stated that the two largest
               sources of pollution for the River were industrial discharges
               from companies bordering the Stamford shoreline, and seepage from
               septic fields and tanks on the Darien side. Moves toward control
               of industrial discharges along with proper sewering and mainten-
               ance of septic fields has improved the water quality, though
               problems still exist.

               The Noroton River forms the border between Stamford and Darien.
               The Coastal Boundary in Darien encompasses the lower 570 yards of
               the River.    Coastal character is lacking chiefly due to small
               tidal influence and the,principally freshwater outflow. Coastal
               influence is further restricted to the portion of the Noroton
               River between Holly Pond and the southern entrance to the bridge
               under Interstate 95 where the concrete foundation forms a low
               dam.

               Moving upstream under the Post Road bridge, the Darien side
               (eastern bank) is    characterized primarily by rocky shore backed
               by wooded fringe.       The river bottom is sandy with numerous
               rocks. Some tidal    rise and flow is evident. Residential devel-
               opment is present,   but for the first 180 yards it does not extend
               to the river bank. Brookside Drive borders the lower 80 yards of
               the eastern shore   of the Noroton River, followed by a number of
               private homes.    Some 25 yards before the tunnel under Interstate
               95, a lawn extends to the shoreline, and a stonewall is
               maintained.

               At the southern entrance of the 1-95 tunnel, concrete and steel
               debris is found in the river bed. The tunnel itself consists of
               three massive concrete culverts extending the width of the high-
               way (some 100 yards). At the northern entrance to the culverts,
               a variety of litter and debris is present, including tree limbs
               and bed mattresses.

               Between the 1-95 culverts and the Coastal Boundary (approximately
               275 yards), the Noroton River is somewhat deeper and slower
               moving, due in part to the damming action of the 1-95 culverts.
               The banks consist primarily of shrubs, trees, and some vacant lot
               vegetation. No residential development exists along this segment
               of the Darien shore and a narrow shrub-covered band is backed by
               Brookside Drive. One area of fill is located just north of 1-95,
               and erosion from this site is evident.

                    Conclusions - Noroton River

               1.   The water quality of the Noroton River plays a critical role
                    in the environmental health of Holly Pond. Attempts to im-
                    prove Holly Pond must focus on maintenance and improvement
                    of this quality.

               2.   The Noroton River poses some flood hazard to the surrounding
                    area, especially as a result of rainfall and freshwater run-
                    off.   The culvert under 1-95 forms a potential bottleneck

                                            -101-

                   greater amounts of water behind the northern side of the
                   Interstate with subsequent flood damage.

              3.   The area of fill located north of 1-95 should be stabilized
                   to prevent further erosion and sedimentation of the Norton
                   River, and the area along the River in this section should
                   be restored.    Additional concerns such as protection of
                   existing aquifers, oil spill from parking areas, and related
                   matters also need to be addressed fully.

        IL

              wo,

                                             -103-

              5.0 Identification of Coastal Issues

              The following discussion attempts to focus potential policy
              actions on specific problems and issues deemed to be of greatest
              importance by the coastal management study team.

              The issues outlined in this chapter cover a broad range of
              coastal resource and land use conflicts.     Many of the individual
              issues identified will need additional study to be properly
              addressed.     Some require administrative change alone, while
              others will require capital expenditures, stronger enforcement
              actions and other financial considerations.

              The listing outlined here is not complete. It is understood that
              there are numerous other conflicts, potential problems, and paro-
              chial concerns that may be of interest to a single user group or
              coastal land owner.

              5.1 Improvement of Boating Opportunities

              That part of the CAM Program which explored options for expanding
              and improving boating opportunities within the Town of Darien,
              identified the following specific proposals as deserving of addi-
              tion planning and engineering study. These proposals include:

                   -  Providing an additional boat launching ramp to expand
                      boating access and opportunity for the townspeople. It is
                      essential that the provision of such a ramp be pursued,
                      especially since alternative opportunities are so limited.

                   -  Establishing a launching ramp for boats of 17 feet or less
                      at Weed Beach.   Trailer parking facilities could be pro-
                      vided in the vacinity of the paddle courts or on a longer
                      range basis near the sewage treatment plant.     In combina-
                      tion with the existing ramp at Pear Tree Point, this
                      second facility should satify even the long range need for
                      launching ramps.

              That part of the CAM Program which explored options for expanding
              and improving boating opportunities within the Town of Darien
              identified the following specific proposals as deserving of addi-
              tional  planning and engineering study. These proposals include:

                   -  Exploring further all proposals for expanding facilities
                      at the Darien Boat Club including the Club's recommenda-
                      tion for increasing docking facilities from 244 to approx-
                      imately 325 spaces.

                   -  Pursuing the following long range objectives and needs
                      with appropriate State and Federal agencies.            These
                      include:

                         Improving the capacity and safety of the Harbor.

                                           -104-

                        Establishing a special anchorage control system for the
                        section of shoreline within, and in proximity to,
                        Sargent's (Ziegler's) Cove to eliminate or at best
                        minimize overuse and abuse resulting from transient
                        mooring activities.

                        Improving the regulatory process governing the con-
                        struction of individual docks to assure that coastal
                        resources are being protected as fully as is practical.

              These conclusions and recommendations were based, in part, on of
              the following findings:

              Five Mile River Area

                   - Approximately 500 boats are currently docked or moored
                     within the area.

                   - The existing channel is 100 feet wide, and is under-
                     Federal maintenance.

                   - This anchorage is already severely congested, particularly
                     with regard to access in and out of the channel at the
                     mouth of the River.

                   - It would not be desirable to dredge the Darien side of the
                     River due to both the existing boating congestion, and the
                     fact that the existing marshes are more valuable as wild-
                     life habitat and flood protec'tion.

                   - Use and development of both sides of the River should be
                     better regulated to achieve the respective objectives of
                     each community, and the purposes of CAM.

              Tokeneke Club Shoreline Area

                   - Potential anchoraqe to the south of the Tokeneke Beach
                     Club is too exposed to offer any real value for safe boat
                     mooring facilities.

              Scott's Cove

                   - Providing boating facilities within Scott's Cove should be
                     prevented in order to protect and preserve this important
                     environmental area.    The risks involved in developing
                     boating facilities are far too great relative to possible
                     ecological damage.

                   - Public education, zoning enforcement, and necessary regu-
                     lations must,be strengthened in order to prevent construc-
                     tion of improper docks or other shore structures that
                     would damage the natural shoreline.

                                              -105-

              Ziegler's Cove

                    - The Cove is considered to be an exceptionally good harbor
                      but limitations are imposed by restricted or nonexistent
                      access to its shoreline.     No practical action is apparent
                      for modifying this situation in the near future.

                    - It may be desirable to establish a special anchorage area
                      within the Cove, under the jurisdiction of the Town Harbor
                      Master to control visiting boats.     Heavy use by transient
                      vessels during the boating season creates severe pollu-
                      tion, noise, and other problems.

              Noroton Bay/Weed Beach

                    - The Noroton Bay area has critical problems relative to
                      exposure, and poor protection (if boat mooring or dockage
                      areas.    This area has limited potential for improved
                      mooring facilities due to the extreme r@sk involved in
                      keeping a boat along the westerly shoreline of the Bay.

                    - As stated, a launching ramp could be provided at Weed
                      Beach to relieve some of the pressure for the launching of
                      boats of 17 feet or less.        The parking facilities are
                      larger than at Pear Tree Point Beach, and the access to
                      the shoreline is workable.       Some expansion of parking
                      facilities, particularly for the storage of boat trailers,
                      could be provided at this facility.      In addition, naviga-
                      tion channels ensuring safe water access to and from Weed
                      Beach need to be provided.

               Darien Harbor

                    - More than 75% of Darien's boats are moored within the
                      Darien Harbor and Boat Club areas.

                    - The Darien Harbor currently has 140 boats moored offshore,
                      starting in the "gut area" north of the Boat Club.

                    - The Harbor is considered to be full in terms of its cur-
                      rent mooring capacity.     The only additional mooring areas
                      that are available would be further offshore in the
                      rougher waters, which are subject to storms with three-
                      to-five-foot waves.

                    - The Darien Harbor is considered to be an exposed rough
                      water harbor.

                    - The Town has not experienced a serious hurricane in many
                      years (since 1955), so the potential damage from having
                      additional boats moored further offshore cannot be readily
                      assessed.

                                                -106-

                    - A February 1966 report, prepared by the Town Harbor Advi-
                      sory Commission, indicated that it would be desirable in
                      the future to create a barrier offshore to protect Darien
                      Harbor.

                    - The Town should consider seeking the assistance of the
                      Corps of Engineers in doing a feasibility study on
                      providing such a barrier.

               Darien River

                    - The Darien Boat Club currently accommodates 244 boats at
                      its docks.     The average length of a member's boat is 20
                      feet.

                    - The Club's 1967 expansion plan sought to increase the boat
                      boat dockage capacity by approximately one-third.

                    - A possibility would be to dredge the marsh northeast of
                      the Boat Club in order to increase the capacity of the
                      docks, and to improve access from the Town boat launching
                      ramp.    The following problems would have to be solved
                      before any action could be taken:

                          � Adverse effects from the loss of tidal marsh.

                          � Stabilization of the Pear Tree Point Road shoreline.

                          � Provision of permanent sedimentation and erosion con-
                            trols for protecting this area.

                          � Severely restricted off-street parking and vehicular
                            access conditions.

                          � Funding of dredging and spoil disposal, particularly
                            in view of the large amount involved.

                    - A study of the effects of sedimentation transport and the
                      continual filling in of the "gut area" below the Darien
                      Boat Club is needed.

                    - Siltation and sedimentation within the River is a severe
                      problem. This has been estimated by a former harbor mas-
                      ter to occur at the rate of approximately 2 1/2 inches per
                      year.

              Miscellaneous

                      A complete public education program, necessary regula-
                      tions, and other needed actions should be instituted in an
                      attempt to limit the number and type of scattered,"indivi-
                      dual docks. Concurrently, it will be essential to improve
                      other boating facilities needed to serve the townspeople.

                                           -107-

                     There is a strong need to publiicize and enforce zoning
                     requirements and other local regulations governing the
                     storage of boats on individual residential properties dur-
                     ing the off season.

              5.2 Coastal Hazard/ Flood Damage

              The storms of Autumn 1955 dramatically emphasized the need for
              requirements to protect Darien's flood prone properties from the
              effects of periodic inundation. Subsequent to that event, incre-
              mental improvements were made to the Town's planning and regula-
              tory programs, relative to flood hazard considerations. Data and
              specific conditions determined from the major storm of October
              1955 served as the basis of these measures. While these actions
              certainly improved flood protection, they could not adequately
              resolve the many problems centering on flooding potentials and
              flood damage prevention.    The data were still incomplete and
              quite often decisions had to be determined by local experience or
              on assumptions.    Darien's situation in this regard was not
              unique, but rather common to the experience of most communities.

              In recognition of  the harmful effects of flooding in terms of
              loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, and many
              other results, the Federal Government through the Department of
              Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and later, the Federal
              Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) , developed and implemented a
              comprehensive program to address these needs.     This effort to
              establish workable data and carry out comprehensive regulatory
              programs was directly part of the Federal Flood Insurance
              Program.

              on December 28, 1980, the Town of Darien adopted its first set of
              formal regulations governing land use and development in flood
              prone areas.  This action was taken by the Planning and Zoning
              Commission in direct response to the federal initiative, pursuant
              to Title 44, Chapter 1, sections 59-75 of the Federal Register.
              Essentially, the program designates regulated areas within Darien
              and specifies requirements for any activities to be undertaken
              within those areas.   Such regulated areas are set forth on the
              official Flood Insurance Rate Map and on the Flood Boundary and
              Floodway Map, both of which are on file with the Planning and
              Zoning Department.

              The cited maps also provide data on floodways, 100-year storm
              floodprone districts, 500-year storm floodprone districts, and
              other related factors including specific flood level elevations
              in critical areas.  This information is applied in the adminis-
              tration of the regulatory program. The application of particular
              standards is based on the relationship of proposed activity to
              the specific location and may include: required elevations to be
              adhered to; needs for precise engineering design; the incorpora-
              tion of special site development features; or other such
              measures.

                                                                                       --108-

                                                                FLOOD MAP
                                                                       (EXAMPLE)

                                                                                                                        ME,
                                                                                                  7

               M.c

                                                                                                             ME c

                                                                                                                                              ME C

                       ME

                                                            ME 9              271                                                             7'
                                                                                                                                     ME .

                                                                                                                                -10
                                                                                                           ME

                                                                       c

                                                                                             ME.
                                                                                                     AMPS

                                                                                                                         ME.                        ME c

                                                                                                                                 v
                                                                                                                                                    ME.

                                                                                                                                   Me c
                                                                                       Z=1 c               M.

                                                                                                                                    ME

                                                                                                                                   ME a

                                                                                                                                . -7@ t
                                                                                                      A@v                                                       A Unnu FLO" almuct

                                                                                                                                                                li FIRM
                                                                                                                                                                 FLOOD J=NCE 11T;

                                                                                                                                  ME                            'i D.A- @ I ": N.
                                                                                                                           -6                                1   CON NECTICL
                                                                                                                                               -G-               111IFFILD rOLIP

                                                                                                                                T-1

                                                                                                                                                                     090005 00
                                                                                                                                                                        W REV
                                                                                                                                                             raN, NOVEMBER 17

                                                                             FIGUREE-T-5]

                                             _109-

              of direct relevance to Coastal Area Management is that aspect of
              the FEMA program covering the Long Island Sound shoreline and re-
              lated areas within the Coastal Boundary.        Specific zones have
              been determined as "coastal high hazard areas" and criteria have
              been developed in full recognition of a flood prone area's expo-
              sure to high velocity waters, including but not limited to,
              hurricane wave wash.      Within Darien, the minimum base flood
              elevation along the shoreline is 12 feet above mean sea level.
              Incorporating wave velocity factors, this minimum elevation
              exceeds 17 feet above mean sea level in certain areas. Signifi-
              cant segments of the shoreline are subject to heavy flooding.

              Consideration of coastal hazards, as outlined on the Flood Insur-
              ance Rate Map, is pertinent not only to regulatory purposes but
              may also be applied directly to project and program planning.
              Examples would include proposals to expand boating opportunities;
              design and construction of shoreline structures; establishment of
              permanently protected areas under Conservation Easements; or the
              reclamation of a tidal marsh.

              Darien's flood damage prevention program is continually being
              improved and refined as flood prone areas are being reinven-
              toried.    Reinforced by other programs, such as Coastal Area
              Management, necessary land use controls are being strengthened,
              planning objectives clarified, and public education activities
              expanded.

              The policy set forth by CAM states that the planning process must
              consider the potential impact of coastal flooding and erosion
              patterns on coastal development in order to minimize damage to,
              and the destruction of, life and property and reduce the neces-
              sity of public expenditure to protect future development from
              such hazards.

              The regulations promulgated under Section 489. of the Darien's
              Zoning Regulations largely address these concerns of CAM.

              5.3 Preservation and Enhancement of Tidal Wetlands

              The Town of Darien has a richness of tidal wetlands, varying from
              narrow banks of alterniflora (cordgrass) lying between low tide
              and upland areas, to alterniflora/patens marshes covering several
              acres of shorefront. More than 76 acres of tidal wetlands exist
              within the Coastal Boundary of Darien.       This estimate does not
              include the cordgrass bands which are among the most common fea-
              tures of the coastline. While the Town has been able to preserve
              a greater portion of its tidal wetlands than other towns in
              Fairfield County, fill operations and other developments have
              claimed a sizable share over the past 150 years.      While accurate
              measurement is impossiblef it seems likely that only 30% of the
              historical wetlands exists today.

                                              _110-

              Recommendations to preserve and enhance Darien's tidal wetlands
              include the establishment of a firm policy to prevent any further
              loss- This can be implemented as follows.

              Education

                    � Educate coastal property owners on the intrinsic value of
                      wetlands, the legal framework protecting wetlands, and the
                      regulatory process with which people must comply in order
                      to alter or develop wetlands.

                    � It is contended that the majority of coastal property
                      owners do not fully understand the importance of wetlands
                      resulting in development without permits, and the allow-
                      ance of other changes which adversely impact wetlands.
                      Landowners must understand the regulatory system and its
                      benefits in order to comply properly.

              Regulation

              Included in the recommendations for preservation and enhancement
              of Darien's tidal wetlands are the enforcement of existing regu-
              lations, in cooperation with the State Department of Environ-
              mental Protection and the Corps of Engineers.          Work performed
              without a permit, or work completed beyond permit specifications,
              should be required to be removed entirely and its impacts miti-
              gated.    Althouth it is believed that existing regulations are
              sufficient to provide the needed protection, efforts should con-
              tinue at the municipal level so that Town officials will fully
              understand the existing regulatory framework, and can respond in
              an appropriate manner to landowners' inquiries and permit
              applications.

              When work is permitted on, above, or adjacent to regulated wet-
              lands, the design and placement of the work should reflect a
              state-of-the-art understanding of construction           within    such
              areas. For example, the proper placement of deck slats can per-
              mit sufficient light to reach wetlands vegetation, thus pre-
              venting loss of plantlife beneath docks and piers.

              Restoration

              The feasibility of restoring wetlands areas such as the Tokeneke
              Trail marsh must be determined.      Improving tidal range and natu-
              ral flushing action will result in the destruction of phragmites
              grasses, and the gradual return of patens grasses to the marsh.
              This restoration or rehabilitation would lead to a more valuable
              scenic and wildlife habitat; a decreased fire hazard and mosquito
              breeding environment; increased educational value; and ulti-
              mately, to higher land values for adjacent properties.

              in the future, as historical wetlands areas are being considered
              for redevelopment, their restoration to truly functioning tidal
              wetlands should be considered.

                                             _111-

              Identification and Preservation of Significant Tidal Wetlands

              While the value and benefit of tidal wetlands cannot be given a
              minimum size, several relatively large tracts of wetlands still
              exist within Darien.    These must be carefully and specifically
              defined, and precise procedures for their protection must be set
              forth in cooperation with the State Department of Environmental
              Protection. Available opportunities to permanently protect such
              areas under open space declarations, conservation easements, or
              similar means should be pursued in all cases.

              Wetlands systems considered suitable for special effort and per-
              manent protection include:

                   A.    Five Mile River marsh
                   B.    Tokeneke Beach Club marsh
                   C.    Tokeneke Trail marsh
                   D.    Contentment Island marsh
                   E.    Delafield Island marsh
                   F.    Darien River marsh
                   G.    Holly Pond marsh

              The interrelated nature of coastal resources must be recognized,
              and wetlands policies and actions must be coordinated with poli-
              cies on dredging, erosion control, water quality, and shellfish
              resources.

              5.4 Maintenance of Recreational Shellfish opportunities and
                   Establishment of Commercial Oyster ng Policy

              The Town of Darien currently permits recreational harvesting of
              shellfish in only one area:     Scott's Cove.   Management of this
              resource, by the Town, is limited to the issuance of shellfish
              permits.   The permits are available to residents of the Town of
              Darien and by special agreement to residents of Stamford.       This
              agreement, which is not widely recognized, limits the number of
              permits issued to Stamford residents to one-half of those issued
              in Darien.

              The nearshore waters of Darien are also utilized for commercial
              oyster growing.    The jurisdiction line for Darien extends in a
              straight line from Bell Island Point in Norwalk, west to Content-
              ment Island's extreme southern point, west to Long Neck Point,
              and then due west to Shippan Point in Stamford.       All shellfish
              found inshore (north) of this line are. under the jurisdiction of
              the Town of Darien; those found offshore to the State line are
              under management of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture,
              Aquaculture Division.

              Concern has recently surfaced on the use of Town waters by com-
              mercial oyster companies.    Excessive noise and exhaust pollution
              have been cited specifically as problems.     These complaints led
              to a search of records to determine the 'extent of all leased or
              franchised grounds within the Town's waters, but failed to turn
              up any information.

                                              -112-

               A meeting with Tallmadge Brothers of Norwalk, the leading oyster
               growing company in the area, clarified many of the questions con-
               cerning the commercial grounds.        The majority of Tallmadge's
               ground is franchised and maps are historically recorded with the
               Town.  Tallmadge stated its willingness to work with the Town in
               establishing the locations of existing grounds; working with a
               local shellfish commission, if organized; and preventing further
               coastal landowner conflict by keeping vessels well-muffled and
               out of inshore embayments in the early morning hours.

               Actions required by the Town to enhance shellfish resources in-
               clude the following:

                    - investigate potentials for expanding the number of areas
                      available for recreational Shellfishing.        Since Scott's
                      Cove has extremely limited access, locations such as Weed
                      Beach should be considered as possible alternative sites.
                      For example, the City of Stamford permits shellfishing off
                      Cove Beach on a conditional basis and something comparable
                      may be allowed in Darien.

                    - establish a management plan in consultation with the
                      Connnecticut    Department   of   Agriculture's     Aquaculture
                      Division. This would include an assessment of the current
                      resource, evaluation of proposed management techniques to
                      enhance and expand the resource, and determination of
                      regulatory    measures    required    to   ensure     continued
                      protection.

               5.5 Local Policies on Dredging of New and Existing Navigation
                    (f-hannels

               It is the declared policy of the Connecticut Coastal Area Manage-
               ment Act to: encourage the maintenance of existing federal navi-
               gation projects; discourage new federal improvement dredging
               projects; and disallow new dredging within tidal wetlands areas,
               except where no alternative exists.

               The Town of Darien must formulate a set of policies on dredging
               which clarify how and where existing channels will be maintained;
               which areas could be subjected to future improvement dredging,
               such as an expansion of the Darien Boat Club; and which areas
               should not be dredged, either publicly or privately, such as
               Scott's Cove.

               The Town of Darien plays only a marginal role in the actual issu-
               ance or denial of a dredging permit.       It is the Corps of Engi-
               neers, New England Division, and the Connecticut Department of
               Environmental Protection who issue or deny a permit to dredge and
               dispose of the material.      However, the Town does have a large
               stake in the outcome of dredging projects, especially when new
               work involves tidal wetlands, wildlife habitat, shellfish concen-
               trations or other valuable resource areas.          The Town should
               endorse the State CAM policies on dredging, and determine a

                                           -113-

              suitable balance between these policies and the need to provide
              for water dependent uses and recreational boating interests.

              Darien shares one federal maintenance project with the City of
              Norwalk' and that is the Five Mile River channel. No improvement
              of this channel is planned, and no other federal improvement/
              maintenance project is likely within the Town.      Much of this is
              attributed to the fact that, in the past, federal maintenance
              work was 100% federally funded.      Now new legislation is being
              advanced which would require state and local cost-sharing, and
              this will obviously alter the viability of any new improvement
              project.

              Five Mile River is a small recreational harbor.       The impact of
              cost-sharing on the harbor is not fully understood at this time,
              but there will most likely be an increased hardship on the users.
              The Five Mile River Commission and the two involved communities
              should begin to examine alternatives to 100% federal funding for
              continued maintenance of the harbor channel.        Because of the
              nature of the River, and the existing federal project, there is
              little need for additional dredging of private channels linking
              the federal channel with private docks and businesses.

              The other major area of dredging activity involves the lower por-
              tion of the Darien River.     Sedimentation from Gorham's Pond and
              upstream, together with littoral drift along Noroton Bay, cause
              the cut at Pear Tree Point to shoal regularly. The largest con-
              centration of boats in the area lies directly behind the Point,
              at the Darien Boat Club.    This area is the second largest main-
              tenance project in Town, being the major facility for small boats
              of 20 feet in length or less.

              Other dredging activity relates to private permits.      Many ripa-
              rian owners seek to dredge areas like the Tokeneke Cove marsh and
              Scott's Cove to enable them to bring larger craft into private
              docks.

              By way of illustration, an expansion of the Darien Boat Club may
              call for removal of some 45,000 cubic yards of material, with a
              loss of one to two acres of adjacent wetlands. As a result, the
              Club would then be able to accommodate an additional 60 to 80
              vessels.   In contrast, a Scott's Cove project of similar size
              could impact 5 to 10 acres of marsh through removal and/or ero-
              sion, while the benefit from the dredging project may be
              restricted to one or a few dock owners served by the channel.
              Another contrast is that, in the case of the Boat Club, the
              improvement project expands an existing marine use.      In Scott's
              Cove, the dredging project would create a new usage,     since only
              shallow draft vessels can navigate it currently, and even then
              only at high tide.

              Economic disposal of dredge material is critical to dredging
              operations.    In the Darien area, two methods are used;         open
              water disposal and upland disposal.           If the material is

                                             -114-

              relatively clean, and suitable as fill or beach nourishment, up-
              land disposal at   an appropriate site should be endorsed.        For
              other material,   especially sediment which has been enriched
              organically, open water disposal should be followed.       A recent
              designation of a   western Long Island Sound disposal site gives
              Darien a reasonable choice on the latter option.

              5.6 Protection and Enhancement of Wildlife Habitats

              other recommended policies set forth in this section call for the
              protection and enhancement of tidal wetlands, shellfish beds, and
              mudflats.   If these policies are implemented properly, they will
              also serve to protect wildlife habitat.      For example, mudflats
              managed as recreational shellfish-beds also serve to provide val-
              uable feeding grounds for shorebirds and wading birds.      Preserv-
              ing tidal wetlands for flood control values also assures habitat
              for a wide variety of marine life.

              In addition to these general areas, several locations within
              Darien's Coastal Boundary also serve as valuable wildlife habi-
              tat, especially for birds. The areas cited in this report repre-
              sent sites specifically noted during the survey as being
              important habitats for specific species. These are:

              The Fish Islands, other offshore islands and exposed rocks

                   - feeding and nesting areas for large numbers of shorebirds
                     and other coastal species

                   - valuable to migratory species during the spring and fall
                     migrations. Species include:      ruddy turnstone, double-
                     crested cormorant, black-bellied plover, common tern,
                     snowy egret, great blue heron and green heron.

              Great Island, north shore

                   - roosting area for snowy egret, great blue heron, great
                     egret, and other species of wading birds..

              Juniper Road peninsula, Darien River

                   - roosting area for black-crowned night heron.

              Salem Straits inlet

                   - excellent potential for osprey nesting area.      A pair of
                     fish hawks were seen frequently in the area during the
                     fall migration.

              Holly Pond

                   - valuable nesting area for large numbers of waterfowl,
                     especially during migration.       Species which have been
                     sighted include:      shoveler, American widgeon, hooded

                                                 -115-

                       merganserr pintail, and green-winged teal. The large num-
                       ber of mute swans on the Pond poses problems because of
                       their aggressiveness against other waterfowl, and because
                       they degrade water quality.       Some form of control should
                       be considered, but it may be met by a strong, negative
                       reaction from the public.

               Currently, the feeding of waterfowl poses a problem in at least
               one area.     Such feeding establishes an artificial relationship
               which should be discouraged.

               5.7 Project Analyses and Proposals for Specific Coastal Areas

               Certain potential projects have been identified and analyzed as
               being desirable for the improvement of Darien's coastal resource
               base.

               A specific program should be undertaken to reclaim the Tokeneke
               Trail marsh as a viable marshland area.           It would become more
               suitable as habitat, and consequently, more valuable for conser-
               vation and educational purposes.         Steps required in achieving
               this would include:

                     - determining the precise extent and amount of tidal
                       fl ushing action needed to enable the re-establishment of
                       the patens marsh in lieu of the extensive phragmites
                       growth currently within the project area.

                     - conducting necessary engineering analyses of the factors
                       applying to the control gates at the Tokenene Trail
                       causeway,    specifically 'with     regard    to   allowing    the
                       requisite flushing action to occur within the marsh.

                     - establishing the most suitable means of eradicating the
                       existing phragmites growth within the marsh.

                     - developing    preliminary     cost   estimates    of     necessary
                       actions.

               5.8 Protection and Preservation of the Shoreline, Particularly
                     Lands wiE@hin 100 Feet of Mean High TTd-eand Areas of
                     Special Concern.

               The Town of Darien has been establishing and implementing mea-
               sures to protect and preserve critical shoreline areas since
               1973.   Lands of special concern include marshes, beaches, wild-
               life habitats, and similar important resource areas.          These pro-
               grams have now been reinforced and expanded by the enactment of
               the State's Coastal Area Management Act.

               Basic policies being pursued center on permanently protecting as
               much of the Town's coastal resources as possible.           Methods used
               in the past, and required for future success in carrying out
               these policies, include:

                                             -116-

              Public ownership

              Public ownership of Darien's shoreline consists of two beach
              areas, and the strip of shoreline south of Ring's End Landing.
              The Town should be prepared to acquire important coastal resource
              areas through outright purchase whenever possible and appro-
              priate.   In turn, it is incumbent upon the community to practice
              conservation and protection in a manner consistent with the
              declared policies of the Coastal Area Management Program.

              Ownership by Non-Profit Organizations

              At the present time, two important marsh areas are owned by the
              Nature Conservancy.     Both of these properties were donated by
              ,private landowners, and such an arrangement provides a fully
              acceptable alternative to public ownership, particularly with
              regard to the permanent protection of vital resource areas. The
              Land Trust of Darien is also involved directly in ownership or
              control   of coastal     resource   areas, offering     yet   another
              alternative.

              Open Space Declarations

              Permanent protection of resource areas is also achieved through
              formal open space declarations. These offer a sound and workable
              alternative to public or quasi-public ownership since protection
              and preservation can be achieved while enabling actual ownership
              to be retained by private property owners. Specific arrangements
              are flexible, and may, for example, involve an abutting lot
              owner, or a neighborhood association. Very often, this system is
              more acceptable to private parties.      Such declarations are rou-
              tinely required as part of subdivision approvals.

              Conservation Easements or Restrictions

              Conservation easements offer yet another approach to permanently
              protecting valuable shoreline resources.      These essentially in-
              volve a deed, covenant or restriction covering a specific area of
              land, and can provide several advantages. They can:

                      be used in conjunction with a particular ownership
                      arrangement or open space declaration to better assure
                      that resource conservation and protection needs will be
                      met. Basically, this is achieved by virtue of the grantee
                      having a third party interest in the future of the area.
                      For example, the Town Conservation Commission, which is
                      the recipient of a large number of these easements, could
                      file a civil action if the terms of the easement were not
                      complied with. This offers an effective enforcement tool.

                      offer increased flexibility, since no conveyance of land,
                      or establishment of a separate parcel need be accom-
                      plished.   Accordingly, the entire lot or parcel can be
                      used, subject to the terms of the easement, e.g. the

                                             -117-

                     easement area may apply to the satisfaction of a rear yard
                     setback.

                     involve easements designed and implemented to achieve spe-
                     cific needs, or to allow certain exclusions.     Such ease-
                     ments  are   oftentimes easier    to   negotiate with     an
                     individual property owner.

              Further comments on this issue are as follows:

                   - Over the past decade, about two and one-half miles of
                     Darien's shoreline have been placed under the protection
                     of conservation easements, accounting for approximately
                     15% of the total shoreline.    These easements were accom-
                     plished through   individual efforts, as well as through
                     formal actions   on subdivisions, special permits, and
                     related types of matters.

                   - As opportunities become available, the resource analyses-
                     conducted as part of the Municipal Coastal Program will be
                     used to specifically identify and prioritize resource
                     areas which should be placed under permanent protection.

                   - With the identification of specific data and needs and a
                     program laid out in advance, it is anticipated that com-
                     parable success can be achieved over the next decade rela-
                     tive to improving the protection and preservation of
                     coastal resources.

              5.9 Improvement and Expansion of Physical and Visual Public
                   Access

              Physical Access

                   - In accordance with the adopted Plan of Development, the
                     former "Ross property", adjacent to Weed Beach, was
                     acquired by the Town in 1975.

                   - Also, in direct response to the recommendations set forth
                     within the Plan, the Town acquired the strip of land
                     between Pear Tree Point Road and the Darien River, immedi-
                     ately south the Ring's End Bridge.   Whereas the Ross pro-
                     perty was purchased, this strip was conveyed as part of a
                     subdivision approval process.   It provides limited access
                     for fishing and passive recreation, such as painting or
                     photography.

                   - A continuing policy should be maintained that, as sound
                     opportunities for expanding public ownership through pur-
                     chase or charitable donations occur, the Town should be
                     prepared to take positive action.

                                             -118-

              Visual Access

                   -  Visual access to Long Island Sound is an important amenity
                      which contributes strongly to the quality of life in
                      Darien.

                   -  Visual access across key segments of the shoreline,
                      available from public streets or public lands, is
                      restricted to seven locations, six of which are under some
                      form of permanent protection. These include:

                      . terminus of the public portion of Five Mile River Road
                        (public street)
                      . Long Neck Point Road across Sargent's Cove (existing
                        visual easement).
                      . Pear Tree Point Beach (public land).
                      . Pear tree Point Road at Ring's End Landing (public land)
                      . Goodwives River Road at Gorham's Pond (unprotected)
                      . Weed Beach (public land)
                      . Nearwater Lane across Holly Pond (conservation area).

                   -  A 700 foot plus strip of shoreline was conveyed to the
                      Town in 1981 as part of a subdivision approval, in accor-
                      dance with the recommendations of the Town Plan.        This
                      assures permanent protection of the views over the upper
                      reaches of the Darien River, together with the limited
                      public access to the shoreline area mentioned above.

                   -  The Town's first visual easement was secured in 1980, as
                      part of a subdivision review.    It permanently protects a
                      favorite view from Long Neck Point Road over Sargent's
                      Cove, and across the Sound.

                   -  As workable opportunities become available, the Town
                      establish permanent protection of the three public visual
                      access locations:

                      � Goodwives River Road overlooking Gorham's Pond and the
                        Ring's End Bridge
                      � Pear Tree Point Road overlooking the central portion of
                        the Darien River, generally opposite Juniper Road
                        Five Mile River Road

              5.10 Identification and Control of Erosion and Sedimentation

              The shoreline between Greenwich and Norwalk, including the coast-
              line of Darien, is considered to be the most irregular segment of
              Connecticut's coastline.   A good indication of this irregularity
              is given by a comparison of the shoreline length measured lin-
              early between the Byram River and the Norwalk Harbor. While the
              area stretches only 15 linear miles, there is a total of 68.9
              miles of shoreline.    This is also seen in Darien with approxi-
              mately 2 linear miles compared to 16 miles of actual coastline.

                                            _119-

              The nature of the coastline, sediment sources, littoral trans-
              port, and wave energy dissipation are all significant factors in
              determining the amount of erosion and sedimentation likely to
              occur.    Erosion and sedimentation are important for several
              reasons.    Highly erodible areas are not only prone to loss of
              property and potential loss of life, but they also act as sedi-
              ment sources for the coastal area which in turn may fill in wet-
              lands, alter littoral transport, and generally degrade the
              coastal appearance of the area. Sedimentation can have a direct
              impact on coastal bodies of water. In the Town, both Holly Pond
              and Gorham's Pond suffer serious sedimentation problems in
              certain areas.

              As mentioned in another section of this report, the geology of
              Darien is extremely varied. Viewed from offshore, the linear two
              miles of shoreline consist mainly of rocky shorefront and escarp-
              ment, with one major drumloid feature found in the form of Long
              Neck Point.     Behind rock "shields",     such as Butler's Island,
              Contentment Island, Great Island, and      the Pratt Island area are
              resources which are more sensitive to erosion such as beaches,
              salt marshes, and mudflats.

              The rocky headlands suffer the least pronounced erosion of any
              portion of the coastline of Connecticut. While the bluffs       on the
              north shore of eastern Long Island may suffer losses of up to
              four feet per year, the majority of shoreline along the         Darien
              coast suffers little or no noticeable erosion on an             annual
              basis.   Hence, significant shoreline alteration within a short
              period of time is rare for this area. On the other hand,        exten-
              sive changes arising from artificial filling of tidal areas are
              common.    In addition, the development of sensitive bluff and
              modified escarpment areas with poor shoreline protection and/or
              land development practices will account for isolated areas of
              erosion.

              The coastal resources in Darien most prone to erosion are the
              beach areas.     This erosion is chiefly a response to longshore
              currents, and exposure to wind and wave action.       A good example
              of this erosion can be seen at Pear Tree Point Beach which is
              continually being reduced in size because its sand is transported
              into the "gut" near the Darien Boat Club, or lost to the outer
              Noroton Bay area. This necessitates regular nourishment of this
              beach.   Conversely, the western side af the "gut" undergoes con-
              tinuing maintenance necessitating physical removal of the sand to
              facilitate navigation.

              Historically, as areas along the Darien coastline have been
              developed, a large number of shoreline structures have accom-
              panied that development.     As a result, structural stabilization
              plays a major role in the erosion and sedimentation process.
              Very often, the structures are beneficial, well designed, and
              facilitate shoreline usage.     However, in many cases, these same
              structures can be poorly designed, detrimental to existing natu-
              ral processes, and very often become a public safety hazard.

                                            -120-

              many of the structures that were built years ago failed to uti-
              lize good design and proper materials and, with the high cost of
              maintenance, have fallen into disrepair. These structures are no
              longer affording shoreline protection, but instead are both eye-
              sores and safety hazards.

              There are two basic techniques for controlling erosion. They may
              be separated into "structural" alternatives and "nonstructural"
              alternatives. Structural alternatives are often costly to build,
              expensive to maintain, and afford little long-term protection
              against shoreline processes. Nonstructual alternatives avoid the
              use of structures by looking toward placement of sand fill, con-
              trol of land use in the adjacent upland area, and the restoration
              of historical natural areas.

              The most important erosion and sedimentation control for the Town
              of Darien will likely come down to one item - education. Many of
              the erosion problems witnessed in Darien are small in scale and
              are the result of landowners practicing unwise disposal prac-
              tices, such as tossing topping and other yard debris over the
              head of a cliff or denuding an entire steep slope in order to
              landscape; and even feeding waterfowl extensively on sensitive
              wetland areas.    These practices are not done with the intent of
              creating erosion but rather, they are undertaken as a timesaving
              or "out of sight, out of mind" philosophy.      An educational pro-
              gram directed at the coastal landowner which emphasizes the
              importance of controlling sedimentation and erosion by wise use
              of construction and maintenance of shoreline structures will be
              the most important method of preserving Darien's coastline, and
              will avoid the piecemeal destruction of the shore.

              5.11 Establishment of a Policy for Coastal Structures and
                    1@@

              Under the Coastal Area Management Act, the policy for coastal
              structures and filling obliges municipal, state, and federal
              agencies to require that structures within tidal wetlands and
              coastal waters be designed, constructed, and maintained to mini-
              mize adverse impacts on coastal resources, circulation and sedi-
              mentation patterns, water quality, and flooding and erosion. it
              also requires the reduction of the use of fill to the maximum
              extent practicable, and the reduction of conflicts with the
              rights of adjacent landowners.

              This policy is of major concern to the Town of Darien because of
              the large number of private structures and fill activities that
              exist.   There are numerous examples throughout the Town where
              private landowners have constructed or maintained poorly designed
              structures, or have carried out fill operations that have
              adversely impacted the marine environment, while imposing a
              safety hazard to Town residents.

              There is a general misconception among private landowners that if
              the applicant were to go through the proper permitting processest

                                             -121-

              their dock or other coastal structure application would be
              denied.    This perception is erroneous because, ideally, the
              coastal permitting process is designed to take into account good
              design, and proper material use, maximum coastal resources pro-
              tection, and public safety.    Under optimum conditions, the above
              scenario would read that the landowner interested in building a
              structure should go to the local town hall to receive guidance on
              what permits and design were necessary.      After receiving neces-
              sary federal, state or local permits, he would then employ a
              marine contractor to do the design work and construction.         The
              facility would be built, taking into account such things as light
              penetration to the underlying vegetation, thereby causing minimal
              impact on the adjacent wetlands.     The structure would also with-
              stand coastal storms and winter ice, therefore greatly reducing
              its maintenance schedule-.   Darien's policy on coastal structures
              should emphasize that coastal construction embody the best avail-
              able design and material use, rather than emphasizing the rejec-
              tion of the right to Darien's landowners to have access to the
              waterfront.

              The actual permitting process in the State of Connecticut is com-
              plex, and poorly understood by most coastal landowners. In most
              cases, the Corps of Engineers is responsible for regulating
              structures in the navigable waters of the United States.            In
              addition to the Corps of Engineers, the Connecticut Department of
              Environmental Protection has control over Connecticut's water
              quality certification and tidal wetlands. The Town plays a local
              role through its planning and zoning regulations and Coastal Site
              Plan Review.    Although moves are being taken to streamline the
              permitting process, a potential applicant is often confused, and
              believes that even if the permit is accepted, it would take years
              for the request to receive approval.

              The Town of Darien, in an effort to simultaneouly alleviate this
              confusion and protect its coastal resources, should consider a
              two-stage program.    The first part would entail the education of
              coastal landowners on the specifications of Federal, State, and
              local regulations:      What activities do and do not require
              permits; what is the    definition of maintenance versus new con-
              struction and expansion; and finally, enable the landowners to
              recognize that it is in their best interest that this permit
              system be applied.

              The second stage of this program would be directed toward those
              individuals who, when given the above information, would rather
              work outside the permit process than be faced with the bureau-
              cracy and possible denial of their project.     This second program
              would call for the identification of all existing structures as
              of a certain time frame. Much of this work has already been com-
              pleted under this program.    once existing structures are identi-
              fied, riparian owners would be made aware that, on an annual
              basis, an inspection would be conducted of the coastline. Where
              structures were identified, and found to have been constructed
              without a permit, action would be taken against the owner.

                                              -122-

               Again, it should be emphasized that this action would not be
               undertaken for legal or regulatory satisfaction as much as for
               protection of the sizeable investment of riparian owners in their
               coastline.     Said annual inspections would involve a minimal
               expense since the ground work has already been laid, and would
               obly necessitate a single man-day or two to carry out. Only when
               those interested in breaking the law are fearful of enforcement
               of those same laws will coastal structures and filling be con-
               trolled and regulated in the Town of Darien.        Failure to control
               this aspect of the program would render ineffective the entire
               Municipal Coastal Program.       Lack of enforcement will manifest
               itself in the "nickel and diming" of Darien's valuable coastal
               resources, such as tidal wetlands, mudflats, and sand beach.

               The term "fill" is also important in the coastal zone. It encom-
               passes a range of activities from beach nourishment to "shoreline
               extension projects". Generally, beach nourishment is low in im-
               pact and high in public benefit.        Shoreline extension is often
               done for a single owner's benefit and the general public's loss.
               Much of Darien's historic wetlands have already been subject to
               fill.   A recent survey of the shoreline showed several cases of
               improper or illegal fill operations which resulted in erosion and
               sedimentation impacts; loss of wetland vegetation and its asso-
               ciated benefits; loss of mudflats and their associated benefits;
               and even obstruction of navigation.          Aspects such as coastal
               hazard zones, sedimentation and erosion impacts, impact to adja-
               cent wetlands and mudflats, and direct impact to water quality
               will all have to be considered in granting either the exemption
               or passage of a Coastal Site Plan Review.

               In addition to increasing the awareness of the riparian land
               owner of his or her rights and obligations in carrying out the
               construction of coastal structures and fill operations, it is
               paramount that Town officials charged with enforcing and managing
               these structures, along with the persons who will make up the
               coastal site plan review process, be fully aware of the regula-
               tions for determining which coastal structures and filling opera-
               tions are permissible, and which should be denied.

               5.12 Mitigation of Coastal Development Impacts

               The impacts associated with coastal development in the Town of
               Darien are difficult to clarify and quantify.          Under CAM, the
               policy is to insure that the development, preservation, or use of
               the land and water resources of the coastal area proceed in a
               manner consistent with the capacity of the land and water re-
               sources, without significantly disrupting either the natural
               environment or sound economic growth.        Obviously, one person's
               view of what is a manner "consistent with the capacity of the
               land" may be very different from another's.        In f act, the terms
               "development" and "preservation" can be totally contradictory.
               The goal of Darien's coastal plan will be to resolve conflicts
               between opposing uses of the shoreline adjacent to marine and
               tidal waters.    This will be done by giving preference to those

                                               -123-

               uses that minimize adverse impacts to natural coastal resources,
               while providing long term, stable economic benefits.

               Currently, the shoreline of Darien is typified by one acre resi-
               dential zoning with single-family homes, sizeable lawns, tracts
               of woodland and generally, a spacious uncluttered coastal shore-
               line appearance.

               In a few areas, however, buildings have been built out into the
               intertidal zone; areas have been sealed off from their neighbors;
               refuse has been tossed over cliffs; and seawalls have been
               allowed to collapse.      These are all forms of unwise coastal
               development, though they are quite different from coastal devel-
               opment impacts found in cities such as Norwalk and Stamford.

               Coastal appearance is perhaps the most difficult coastal para-
               meter to determine.     Typically, most people will agree that the
               type of building permitted on the coastline makes a definitive
               impact on the character of that coastline.       However, the problem
               begins when one tries to qualify exactly what is a good coastal
               appearance, and what is a bad one.

               For the Darien coastline, a two-story wood-frame building set
               back from the head of a bluff, with a mixture of native and orna-
               mental vegetation, might well be deemed attractive coastal
               appearance.   Conversely, a building made of steel and glass ris-
               ing three stories above that same bluff, with all the large trees
               removed to afford a 180-degree view, would likely be deemed
               detrimental to that same coastal appearance.           The individual
               landowner, however, may well prefer a glass and steel structure
               over a two story wooden frame home. The paradox of this argument
               is that few of the coastal landowners would argue that one of the
               most attractive features of the Darien coastline is a relatively
               sparsely developed shorefront which is elegantly maintained with
               residential homes blending with natural surroundings.

               In determining the general coastal development of the Town of
               Darien, and    minimizing coastal development impacts, the deci-
               sions of the Planning and Zoning Commission, along with the find-
               ings of the municipal Coastal Site Plan Reviews, will be the most
               important aspects of controlling and regulating coastal develop-
               ment in the future. To do their job effectively, the applicable
               Coastal Site Plan     Review agency must be fully aware of its
               responsibilies, and   have a solid comprehensive knowledge of the
               coastline in their    town.   A familiarity with the coastal zone
               management statutes   (what they say, and just as importantly, what
               they don't say) is equally important.        A full history of past
               decisions will    also be requisite in adding consistency to
               Darien's coastal  land use decisions.

               5.13 Management   Of Tidal Ponds

               Tidal ponds are   a common feature along the glaciated Northeast
               coastline.   They are typified by an open or regulated inlet to

                                              -124-

               seaward, and a freshwater inflow from the upland area.               In
               general, they are shallow embayments with relatively undisturbed
               circulation, allowing sunlight to penetrate the water to the
               bottom which supports dense beds of filamentous algae.        Left in
               their natural state, tidal    ponds are extremely productive areas
               for shellfish, algae, and a variety of wildlife that feeds
               directly on various food      sources.    However, in southwestern
               Connecticut, an undisturbed   salt pond virtually no longer exists.
               Instead we find salt ponds that are fortified by seawalls, and
               controlled by a series of dams and tidal gates. Darien has three
               salt pond systems:    the small Crab pond/Cross Road pond system,
               Gorham's Pond, and the largest, Holly Pond.

               The most stable of these salt ponds, and therefore, relative to
               the others the one of least concern is the smallest, "Crab pond/
               Cross Road pond." These ponds form a brackish water system with
               a resident population of blue crab, chub, filamentous algae, and
               so forth.   Sedimentation is not the major problem that it is in
               the other ponds.    This is largely due to stable shoreline, low'
               stream flow, and a series of pond/dams that divide the sediment
               basins.   It should be noted, however, that the tidal connection
               with Contentment Island cove is by a dam, and circulation is
               restricted to surface water exchange.       In addition, the culvert
               connecting Crab pond with Cross Road pond greatly restricts cir-
               culation.   Ideally, a system of tidal gates and wider culverts
               should be designed to increase circulation, control sedimenta-
               tion, and reduce eutrophication or filling in of this system.

               Gorham's Pond, as already mentioned in Section 4.9, shows
               advanced signs of sedimentation and shoaling at the confluence
               with Stony Brook.     Gorham's Pond is an artificially impounded
               pond.  U.S. Geological Survey maps of 1836 show the Darien River
               extending past Ring's End Landing into the Gorham's Pond area.
               Since its impoundment, and the subsequent development of Darien's
               downtown section, the rate of sedimentation into the upper region
               of Gorham's Pond has accelerated, leading to the advanced stage
               of sedimentation that now has occurred.       Because of the contro-
               versy over the opening of the Ring's End Landing tidal gate,
               along with the advanced stage of sedimentation, it        is unlikely
               that the shoaling condition in Gorham's Pond can be alleviated
               without drastic measures such as dredging.         Other measures of
               mitigation, such as increasing the schedule of tidal gate
               openings, would help to prevent further shoaling, but would also
               likely lead to direct conflict with the downstream users of the
               Darien River and the Darien Boat Club.      Dredging of the Gorham's
               Pond area would be expensive, and appropriate disposal of the
               dredged spoil material difficult.

               The largest of the tidal ponds, and a perfect case history of an
               urbanized salt pond, is Holly Pond. This Pond, originally a free
               flowing estuary of the Noroton River, was originally dammed in
               1796.  A mill was sited nearby which used a paddle wheel to draw
               energy from the waters.     This dam operated for 142 years before
               it was destroyed by the hurricane of 1938.      The original dam was

                                             -125-

              felt to have been too restrictive to tidal circulation and water-
     is       flow in the Pond.     It is estimated that, prior to the installa-
              tion of flap gates, sedimentation was advancing at an average
              rate of 1 inch per year over the entire surface of the pond.         To
              reduce this rate of sedimentation, the flap gates were installed.
              Unfortunately, these gates were cemented shut by the accumulation
              of debris, and before long they were washed out to sea. In their
              place, guillotine type gates were designed which had to be oper-
              ated manually. These were installed in 1966, and it is uncertain
              whether these gates have ever been operated since their
              installation.

              An engineering study undertaken in 1973 by Frederick B. Harris,
              Inc. gave the following recommendations for the Holly Pond site.
              First and foremost was the elimination, to the greatest extent
              possible, of all pollution sources from the Pond, the Noroton
              River, and its drainage basin. It specifically listed the elimi-
              nation of leaking septic tanks from the Darien shore, as well as
              the elimination of the industrial discharges located primarily on
              the Stamford shore.    Secondly, the report recommended increasing
              the flushing capacity of the Pond. This would necessitate making
              the tidal gates operational. Once the gates were operational, a
              monitoring system should be installed      in order to evaluate flow
              rates and water quality     levels.   The  study further recommended
              the lowering of the water level (i.e.,    increasing tidal range) by
              one foot below the level    of the dam in order to guarantee suffi-
              cient water circulation.     This action would expose a larger area
              of mudflats, but the Harris engineers felt that increased water
              quality would more than compensate for the greater exposure of
              mudflats. The study also stated that an increase in tidal flush-
              ing of the system would not halt overall sedimentation of the
              Pond. Evidence of this shoaling can readily be seen-at the upper
              reaches of Holly Pond just south of the Post Road bridge.           The
              upper third of Holly Pond is very shallow throughout its entire
              extent.

              In order for the sedimentation and erosion of Holly Pond to be
              managed and controlled, a joint effort of the City of Stamford
              and the Town of Darien will be necessary.         The first goal for
              Holly Pond's management should be the repair of the tidal gates
              at the Pond's dam. The second should be the undertaking of tidal
              studies., current measurements, temperature profiling, adjacent
              land use, and recreation opportunities on Holly Pond.           Studies
              recently undertaken by Oly-Pavia, Inc. for the Sherwood Island
              Pond in Westport, Connecticut have recommended extensive dredging
              of Sherwood Pond in order to restore the Pond's bottom to a gra-
              vel sand surface, and to remove much of the biological enrichment
              that exists in the muddy sediment.      Sherwood Pond exhibits many
              of the same conditions as Holly Pond, therefore similar action on
              this Pond may be necessary if it is to be returned to a more
              natural condition. Holly Pond is no longer exposed to extensive
              industrial facilities, nor is it used as a commercial waterway.
              It does, however, receive waters from the Noroton River which did
              receive wastes from industrial facilities in the past.

                                              -126-

              Recent studies instituted under the Coastal Energy Impact Program
              (conducted by the Oceanic Society in cooperation with the Univer-
              sity of Connecticut's Marine Sciences Institution) found the
              petroleum hydrocarbon distribution observed in August, 1982 sedi-
              ment samples to reflect a general absence of foreign sources and
              pollution sources in the Pond proper. It went further to suggest
              that the sediments at the head of the Pond were heavily contami-
              nated by commercial and industrial activity along the Noroton
              River.    In other words, there were hydrocarbon concentrations
              equaling  520 parts per million in sediments that were visibly
              oily and smelly.      Largely found in 1983 samples was decaying
              vegetation which was also relatively contaminated with hydro-
              carbon concentrations of 140 parts per million. These relatively
              high concentrations are the results of the historical industrial
              activity along the Noroton River, which passed the contaminated
              sediments into Holly Pond proper, which then acted as a sink for
              these substances.     In addition, present commercial activities,
              and improper disposal of oil, could also be posing additional.
              impacts to the Noroton River and Holly Pond. Because of its pro-
              tected waters, relatively large water mass, and shallow water
              environment,    Holly   Pond   offers   recreational     opportunities
              including, but not limited to, learning to sail, canoeing,
              fishing opportunities for youth, board sailing, and if the water
              quality improved, swimming.      in addition to its use for active
              recreation, opportunities for passive recreation such as bird
              watching, and simply enjoying the aesthetic views are important
              aspects of the public enjoyment afforded by Holly Pond.

              Currently, as a result of budget restraints, and lack of coordi-
              nation between Stamford and Darien, a likely route will be the
              11no action" scenario.   This would likely lead to increased sedi-
              mentation along the entire Holly Pond area, algae blooms that are
              both unsightly and odoriferous, and additional maintenance needs
              that would only increase the amount of capital necessary to reno-
              vate Holly Pond.     It is therefore recommended that the City of
              Stamford and the Town of Darien meet to coordinate and discuss
              their approach to Holly Pond.

              5.14 Preservation and Enhancement of Cultural Resources

              Due to the nature of development along the Darien shoreline, man-
              made cultural elements are relatively limited. Dominant features
              are single family dwellings of varied architectural styles.           A
              significant portion of these are situated on lots of one acre or
              more, enabling much of the natural shoreline to be maintained.
              This circumstance offers perhaps the greatest cultural oppor-
              tunity for this segment of the coast.

              Historically, the most dominant feature on Darien's shore was the
              former Convent of the Sacred Heart building, located at the ter-
              minus of Long Neck Point. This structure was constructed origin-
              ally as a private mansion in 1901, and then was converted into a
              religious school in 1924. It served as a well known landmark for
              boatsmen on the Sound. In 1972 its use as a religious school was

                                            -127-

              discontinued, and the property was subsequently subdivided for
              single family detached housing on one acre parcels.       An attempt
              was made to preserve the main building, but due to a combination
              of factors, the efforts were not successful, and the cultural
              value of this once prominent landmark has been lost.

              Another key landmark within the coastal area is the Ring's End
              Landing site, located at the point where the Darien River meets
              Gorham's Pond. This landing area was once the center of commerce
              in Darien. Its original character has been lost over the years,
              but it continues to serve as a reminder of the community's past.
              Additionally, this former landing site, together with the adja-
              cent bridge, continues to be picturesque, and is frequently
              photographed or painted. Efforts should be pursued in the future
              to retain as much of the existing character as possible, and thus
              assure that future generations of residents can enjoy this link
              with Darien's past.

              As alluded to earlier, the significant cultural value of Darien's
              shoreline may be the result of the restricted nature of it devel-
              opment.   Other sections of this report have described how major
              blocks of the coast continue to be relatively undisturbed, and
              consequently much of the natural state remains intact, thus
              affording considerable opportunity to study and appreciate the
              flora, fauna, and natural processes of these various habitats.

              Much of the work done as part of the Municipal Coastal Program
              can be applied to expand informational and educational oppor-
              tunities on Darien's shoreline.     More specifically, the resource
              mapping, analyses, and photographic inventory can be used
              directly to enable Darien's residents to become more familiar
              with the full values of the areas within the Coastal Boundary.
              It is an objective of this program to work toward this end.

                                                                                           -128-

                                                               0,@Nn*v" M",
                        45-                                                 _-_A2 Poll

                                           OPOSED               AMENDMENTS,TO PLAN OF DEVELOPMENt
                                   .-IPA
                                                                               min.    i

                                           -129

              The Coastal Area Management Program shall be consistent with the
              Town-wide planning program. Objectives considered under CAM will
              be included in the Town Plan of Development as it may be revised
              and offered for approval in the Spring of 1984. These objectives
              would include the following:

              6.1 - Improve Physical Access to Long Island Sound.

              6.2 - Preserve Visual Access to the Sound and its Related
                     Coastal Resources.

              6.3  - Expand Recreational Boating Opportunities.

              6.4  - Improve Recreational Shellfishing Opportunities.

              6.5  - Preserve and Protect Key Shoreline Resource Areas.

              6.6  - Restore Degraded Natural Systems.

              6.7  - Improve Educational Opportunities to Further the
                     Understanding of the Importance of the Coastal Area.

              6.1    Seek Improved Access to Long Island Sound and Associated
                     Embayments

              Inasmuch as the major segment of the shoreline lies within areas
              owned and controlled by private associations, whose roads are
              privately maintained and thus not available to other residents of
              Darien, it is obvious that any additional access to the Sound
              must be from Town roads through properties that may be purchased
              or received by the Town, or deeded to such non-profit organiza-
              tions as the Nature Conservatory or the Darien Land Trust.

                   - It should be the policy of the Town of Darien to encourage
                     access for its residents to the waters of Long Island
                     Sound. This may be accomplished by expansion, development
                     and effective utilization of Town-owned recreational
                     facilities or through facilities which may be granted by
                     gift, easement or otherwise within the coastal areas. Any
                     such acquisitions shall be consistent with sound resource
                     conservation procedures and constitutionally protected
                     rights of private property owners.     Nothing in this pro-
                     gram, nor in the Town of Darien planning and zoning regu-
                     lations, which may be adopted pursuant thereto, shall be
                     used to require the granting of any such facility by gift,
                     easement or otherwise.

              6.2 Protect, Preserve and Enhance Visual Access to Long Island
                   Sound, its Embayments and Coastal Resources in General

              Existing views of Long Island Sound and the Town's coastline
              which can be seen from Town roads and beaches ought to be
              preserved.    This will require proper maintenance of these

                                             -130-

              properties including, but not limited to, planting and care of
              trees and other vegetation.

              Land use regulations and Coastal Site Plan Review procedures
              shall  be used in ways that preserve or improve existing views
              should  opportunities arise. Such actions should:

                    - Protect existing property values in shoreline areas

                    - Resolve cooperation with private neighborhood associa-
                      tions, as appropriate, to assist in preserving key neigh-
                      borhood views and vistas for the general benefit of
                      affected private property owners.

              6.3 Expand Recreational Boating Opportunities for the Residents
                    of Darien

              In the achievement of this objective a range of individual
              actions within the community should be considered.         These may
              include:

                    - Improved protection of the Darien Harbor area, including
                      the outer harbor, the Noroton Yacht Club area, and the
                      Darien Boat Club.

                    - Expansion and improvement of the mooring and docking
                      facilities within the area of the Darien Boat Club.

                    - Provision of a boat launching ramp at the westerly end of
                      the Weed Beach public park area.

                    - Establishment of a special anchorage control system to
                      more fully regulate temporary and seasonal moorings within
                      Darien's waters.

                    - Assurance of the continuation of adequate boating facili-
                      ties by the routine identification of areas which require
                      maintenance dredging, and the provision of community
                      assistance in securing necessary approvals to accomplish
                      such work.

              6.4 Improve Recreational Shellfishing Opportunities Without
                    CaTs'ingAdverse Effects on Darien's Coastal Resources

              The achievement of this objective will require numerous actions.
              Two key steps which must be taken by the Town of Darien are to:

                    - Establish a Town Shellfish Commission.

                    - Develop and implement a management program for the shell-
                      fish resources within the Town.

              Following these actions, and based upon the experience gained,
              a more extensive program will have to be developed.

                                               -131-

              6.5  Preserve and Protect Key Shoreline Resource Areas Including:

                      Five Mile River marsh
                   -  Tokeneke Club marsh
                   -  Fish Islands
                   -  Scott's Cove/Delafield Island marsh
                   -  Great Island shoreline
                   -  Darien River marsh
                   -  Holly Pond/Brushy Island wetlands
                   -  Salt ponds: Gorham's and Holly

              These  areas have been preserved and protected to a large extent
              over the years by shoreline property owners, as well as by vari-
              ous actions of Town agencies and private organizations.         it is
              anticipated that additional protection can be achieved by:

                   -  More fully monitoring the activities undertaken by       indi-
                      vidual property owners within, or adjacent to, these des-
                      ignated areas.

                   -  Applying existing land use regulations more effectively
                      and amending them as necessary to meet current or future
                      requirements.

                   -  Conducting educational programs to advise individuals of
                      the importance to both the Town and the individual proper-
                      ty owner of protecting these critical shoreline resource
                      areas.

              6.6  Attempt to Improve or Restore the Natural Systems within the
                   Coastal Boundary through Improved Regulation, Public Educa-
                   tion, and other Appropriate Efforts. Natural Systems which
                   Might Mer-FiFt such Consideration Include:

                   - Holly Pond
                   - Gorham's Pond
                   - Tokeneke Trail marsh
                   - Tokeneke Brook
                   - Cross Road/Crab pond

              The enhancement of these systems might require one or more of
              several forms of action which could include:     the elimination of
              of pollution; improved control of erosion and sedimentation;
              improved flushing actions by tidal waters; and improved water
              circulation patterns.

              6.7 Improve Educational Opportunities to Further the Understand-
                   ing of the Importance ot the Coastal Area.

              Recognizing that the unique natural features of the coastal area
              of Darien are an essential element in the quality of life in the
              Town, additional efforts should be made to inform the citizens of
              the Town by the following means:

                                            -132-

                      Prepare and disseminate information to the residents on
                      all aspects of coastal area management

                      Undertake specific projects in the future to inform
                      coastal property owners, the general citizenry, and spe-
                      cial interests of various aspects of the shoreline use
                      and development.     These would include dissemination of
                      information on regulatory programs and their purposes;
                      general advice on cause and effect of certain actions
                      within coastal areas; and other related facts.

                      Design a marine science curriculum for the Darien school
                      system incorporating the history of the coastline, present
                      geological makeup of Darien's coast, and the importance of
                      wise management of coastal resources for future oppor-
                      tunities.   This program could be formed in cooperation
                      with local educational organizations, such as the Darien
                      Nature Center.

                                                                                                                                                                     m C'%. -

                                                                                                                                                                                      so

                                                         PROPOSALS FOR REVISING LOCAL REGULATIONS

                                             -134-

              7.0 Proposals for Revising Local Regulations

              Since the adoption of the Town's original Plan of Development in
              1967, the Town of Darien has taken extensive actions to amend its
              zoning and subdivision regulations, and create new ordinances
              necessary to achieve the objectives set forth in that Plan.            In
              addition, the Town has attempted to improve its regulatory pro-
              cesses, and to adopt necessary new measures as needs for addi-
              tional programs became apparent, or as Federal and State
              legislation expands local authority.

              An analysis of the Town's current land use regulations confirms
              that most of the necessary objectives for regulation have been
              achieved, and authority currently exists to carry out the pur-
              poses of the Coastal Area Management Program.         Various sections
              of the Zoning Regulations are entirely consistent with the pur-
              poses of CAM and any needed amendments will be made in the
              future, should inconsistencies become apparent.            Inasmuch as
              the Town's Zoning Regulations will be recodified during 1984, it
              is anticipated that any necessary modifications to specific lan-
              guage; correction of minor inconsistencies among specific sec-
              tions of the regulations; and insertion of appropriate references'
              to CAM, the Coastal Site Plan Review process, and other appli-
              cable programs will be accomplished.       Because of this recodifi-
              cation, it is not deemed necessary or desirable to make minor
              modifications to the Regulations at this time.

              The following regulations are in existence, and are directly re-
              lated to coastal resources and CAM.

              7.1 Zoning Regulations

              Subsection 431.11       EXCEPTION FOR PRESERVATION OF        SIGNIFICANT
              NATURAL, SPECIAL AND/OR MAN-MADE FEATURES AND RELATED OPEN SPACE
              AREAS, AND THE SUBDIVISION OR RESUBDIVISION OF LAND.

              This subsection of the Zoning Regulations (effective as of June
              5, 1977) enables the Planning and Zoning Commission to properly
              protect open space, cultural facilities, or related types of
              attributes from development under a cluster subdivision type of
              approach. The purpose, as stated in the Regulations, is as fol-
              lows:   "Where the Planning and Zoning Commission shall determine
              that significant natural, man-made, or special features exist on
              a site proposed for subdivision or resubdivision, the protection
              and preservation of which would promote the purposes of these
              regulations, the specific area, width, depth, frontage, yard and
              coverage requirements established by Sections 410 and 421 of the
              Zoning Regulations may be modified to achieve such protection or
              preservation. Such action may be taken provided that all plans,
              policies or other relevant regulations of the Town of Darien are
              adhered to and further, that the terms of this section are met in
              full. Applicable features shall include, but not be limited to,
              streams, water bodies, shorelands, wetlands, rock ledges, steep
              slopes, major trees, views, waterfalls, wildlife habitat, stone-
              walls, historic sites, landmarks, or unusual natural features."

                                            -135-

              As can be noted in this language, virtually any potential is
              covered under this subsection.   Accordingly, the approach should
              be completely consistent with the purposes of CAM, and the pro-
              tection of coastal resources should be achieved through the
              Commission's use of this subsection and the Coastal Site Plan
              Review process.

              Additionally, the purpose of this whole approach is to provide
              reasonable flexibility in the division of land and its subsequent
              development when, in the judgement of the Commission, such flexi-
              bility will insure the conservation or preservation of features
              or areas which contribute to, or provide for, the health, safety
              and general welfare of the Town.     Obviously, this would include
              the coastal resources of the community.

              Section 482. SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR PROTECTED TOWN LANDMARKS.

              The purpose of this special section of the Regulations (effective
              April 6, 1975) is to allow flexibility to preserve Darien's cul-
              tural heritage.    It is recognized that certain structures and
              land areas have value as Town landmarks.    Their value transcends
              the ordinary standards incorporated in the Zoning Regulations,
              and it is therefore required that each individual site be consi-
              dered a special case.    Such Protected Town Landmarks could in-
              clude any building, structure, group of structures or natural
              features, together with the parcel of land on which it is sited.
              In order to define such a landmark specifically, the Planning and
              Zoning Commission must determine, on the basis of factual data or
              expert opinion, that the landmark possesses a degree of historic
              significance, an architectural uniqueness, or cultural value
              which, if destroyed or altered, would represent a severe cultural
              loss to the community.

              As can be noted by the general purposes of this section, a
              certain degree of flexibility is permitted to enable unique
              landmarks and/or structures to receive protection.     Accordingly,
              it can be stated that this section of the regulations can be
              directly applied to achieving objectives set forth within the
              Coastal Area Management Program, e.g. enabling the preservation
              of Ring's End Landing.

              Section 486. SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION
              OF LAND, WETLANDS, WATERCOURSES, TIDELANDS, FLOODPLAINS, AND
              OTHER NATURAL AREAS.

              This Section of the Zoning Regulations (effective as of July 15,
              1973) is also directly applicable to the coastal program. Though
              the section was adopted several years before CAM, its essential
              purpose is very similar to the key aspects of the CAM program.
              While there is some duplication, and a certain degree of overlap
              with the Coastal Site Plan Review process, Section 486 and CAM
              appear to    be   totally  consistent,   and   any   administrative
              difficulties will be resolved as part of the recodification of
              the Zoning Regulations in 1984.

                                               -136-

              The essential purpose of this section of the zoning regulations
              is to preserve and protect the natural resources of the Town in-
              cluding land, soil, water, wetlands, streams and watercourses,
              shorefront and coastal lands, tidal estuaries, trees and vegeta-
              tion, aquifers and watertables, wildlife, areas of scenic beauty,
              and areas of ecological importance.      This regulation was estab-
              lished in recognition of the important inter-relationship among
              these resources; the need for a suitable environment for human
              habitation; and their importance to the health, safety and gene-
              ral welfare of Darien and the larger environment.

              Section 486. is a set of environmental protection regulations.
              The duplication between CAM and Section 486 pertains in parti-
              cular to the 100-feet-wide strip along the landward side of the
              mean high tide line.

              Subsection 486.2 specifically lists regulated activities within
              100 feet of mean high tide including filling, excavation, regrad-
              ing, and erection of any structures within this defined area. A
              Special Permit approval process is required, and, as part of the
              application review system, it is specified that necessary site
              development plans, environmental impact statements, specific
              analyses, and related materials be submitted as part of the
              application.    It is required that the Commission ascertain that
              the proposed regulated activities will not adversely affect the
              natural resources of the Town, or the environmental character of
              the surroundings of the site. This negative declaration must be
              made before granting any Special Permit. It is also important to
              note that in granting a Special Permit, the Commission may attach
              any necessary conditions and limitations which it deems necessary
              to conserve the soil, water, air, vegetation and other natural
              attributes of the site and its environs.

              The Section 486      regulations   are Darien's     "NEPA"    (National
              Environmental Policy Act).     They show considerable similarity to
              Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for watercourses and the
              marine environment.     As such they predate CAM both in enactment
              and philosophy.

              Section 488. COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT

              The specific purpose of this section of the Darien Zoning
              Regulations (effective March 10, 1980) is to achieve the goals,
              objectives    and  policies    of the Connecticut Coastal          Area
              Management Program as set forth in Section 22a-93-96 of the
              General Statutes as amended by Public Act No. 79-535, known as
              the Coastal Area Management Act. This section was established in
              direct response to the State's action to adopt a Coastal Area
              Management Program.      It incorporates the necessary provisions
              relative to designating a Coastal Boundary; providing opportuni-
              ties for administrative exemptions; the establishment of a filing
              fee for a Coastal Site Plan Review; and other related matters.
              This section is consistent with the purposes of CAM because it
              was specifically designed to respond to the enactment of
              Connecticut's program.

                                            -137-

             Section 489. FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION.

             This section (effective as of December 28, 1980) was adopted by
             the Town's Planning and zoning Commission in direct response to
             the federal initiative developed for the control of flood damage,
             and improvement of flood damage prevention.

             The specific purpose of this regulation is stated as follows:

             "It is the finding of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the
             Flood and Erosion Control Board of the Town of Darien that the
             flood hazard areas are subject to periodic inundation which may
             result, or might possibly result, in loss of life and property,
             health and safety hazards, destruction of commerce and govern-
             mental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood pro-
             tection and relief, and impairment of tax base, all of which
             adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare."

             Subsection 489.1 declares that the purpose of these regulations
             is to protect the citizens of Darien by making provisions for the
             preservation, protection, maintenance, or use of flood hazard
             and floodway areas.

             It is this section of the   Darien Zoning Regulations which per-
             tains directly to the need   to control use and activity within a
             flood prone area, including  coastal hazard areas. Necessary data
             on flood prone areas, wave velocity factors, and other related
             elements have recently been  assembled by the Federal Government.
             All such data are set forth  on the official Flood Insurance Rate
             map, and also on the Flood   Boundary and Floodway Map on file in
             the Darien Planning and Zoning Office.     As with the other sec-
             tions of the Darien Zoning Regulations, this section will be
             amended and updated to meet future needs.      In addition, flood
             prone areas will be reinventoried as necessary. The purposes and
             regulations of Section 489 are consistent with the purposes of
             CAM.

             7.2 Subdivision Regulations

             The general, declared policies and purposes of Darien's
             Subdivision Regulations are consistent with the purposes of CAM.
             For example, the declared policies are as follows:

                  1.   Land to be subdivided shall be of such character that
                       it can be used for building purposes without danger to
                       health or public safety;

                  2.   Proper provision shall be made for water supply, sew-
                       age disposal, storm drainage, and other required utili-
                       ties;

                  3.   In areas contiguous to brooks, rivers or other bodies
                       of water subject to flooding, including tidal areas,
                       proper provisions shall be made for flood protection,

                                             -138-

                        including effects on neighboring properties and down-
                        stream areas or properties;

                   4.   Proper measures shall be taken to prevent or minimize
                        erosion, sedimentation, or other adverse effects on the
                        natural environment;

                   5.   Proposed streets must be in harmony with existing or
                        proposed municipal thoroughfares shown on the Town's
                        Plan of Development as adopted by the Commission;

                   6.   Lots, streets, and related elements must be designed to
                        protect and preserve natural features, and avoid un-
                        necessary degradation of the natural environments;

                   7.   In areas deemed proper or necessary by the Commission,
                        permanent open space reserves shall be established;

                   8.   Energy efficient patterns of development, including the
                        use of solar or other renewable forms of energy and en-
                        ergy conservation, shall be encouraged.

              In addition, the Subdivision Regulations also specify certain
              requirements for the submission of a formal application relative
              to environmental analysis, erosion and sedimentation control
              plans, provisions for permanently declared open space areas,
              provisions for the establishment of conservation easements over
              key natural resource areas; and related types of development
              regulations.   As with the Zoning Regulations, the Subdivision
              Regulations have been continually amended and updated to reflect
              changing needs, new policies, and Federal and State initiatives.

              7.3 Inland Wetlands Regulations

              Since September 24, 1973, Darien has had in effect special regu-
              lations known as the "Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Regula-
              tions of the Town of Darien."    These were prepared by the Darien
              Inland Wetlands Commission in accordance with the provisions of
              "An Act Concerning Inland Wetlands and Water Courses", Section
              22A-36 to 45 inclusive of the General Statutes as amended, and
              pursuant to a Town ordinance passed by the Representative Town
              Meeting.

              The administration of this program has been carried out quite
              successfully since that time and it is anticipated that require-
              ments for full regulation of freshwater wetlands within the
              Coastal Boundary can continue to be met under the existing
              arrangement.

              7.4 Coastal Site Plan Review

              In response to the State initiative, Darien was among the first
              communities in Connecticut to adopt its own Coastal Boundary map,
              and incorporate necessary new language within the Town's zoning
              regulations (Section 488).

                                             -139-

              Since the adoption of the enabling legislation, the Planning and
              Zoning Commission has been improving its regulatory and admini-
              strative processes for Coastal Site Plan Reviews. It is antici-
              pated that this learning process, together with the incorporation
              of coastal site plan review procedures and other aspects of the
              Commission's program, will continue in the foreseeable future.
              No particular difficulties have been encountered in the past, nor
              are any foreseeable in the near future.

              If there is one major shortcoming in the regulatory process in
              Darien, relative to coastal area management, it is the degree of
              overlapping jurisdiction and administrative confusion resulting
              from the patchwork manner in which the various sections and sub-
              sections of regulations were established and set forth.               As
              stated in the initial part of this discussion, however, it is
              anticipated that all or most of this duplication and related
              administrative difficulty will be resolved as part of the Town
              Plan of Development update, and the recodification of the Zoning
              Regulations. All of this work will be concluded by the Autumn of
              1984.   Accordingly, it would be a waste of effort and expense to
              attempt to address these concerns at this point in time.

              A very important aspect of the Town of Darien's ability to better
              control the use and development of its shoreline areas is the
              work conducted as part of the Municipal Coastal Program.        One of
              the major difficulties that the Planning and Zoning Commission
              encountered in attempting to enforce various regulations on
              coastal areas was the lack of any in-depth inventory and analysis
              of existing man-made and natural features and areas along the
              shoreline.     Consequently, whenever an enforcement action was
              necessary, three key problems became apparent:

              1.    No specific inventory was available to prove beyond a rea-
                    sonable doubt that a structure or man-made improvement did,
                    in fact, exist prior to the time that the notice of viola-
                    tion was filed with the property owner.

              2.    Administrative and formal reviews were conducted without the
                    benefit of having any advance analyses of coastal resources
                    and values. Accordingly, most decisions were made on an ad
                    hoc basis rather than being established in advance.

              3.    Extensive difficulties often developed between Commission
                    representatives and individual property owners because of
                    the lack of adequate data.      The professional staff of the
                    Commission was unable to advise an applicant in advance as
                    to the key elements of the zoning or site plan reviews, and
                    how the Commission would evaluate the proposal in relation
                    to the coastal resources.       The work completed under this
                    Municipal Coastal Program will hopefully alleviate some of
                    these problems.

              Since the entire shoreline has been inventoried, and judgments
              have  been made as to the value of these various resources, the

                                             -140-

              above administrative difficulties can be addressed directly.        In
              addition, as noted in the issue statements and objective state-
              ments contained in this report, certain areas have been desig-
              nated for particular concern; or for specific project activities.

              Accordingly, it will now be possible to advise an applicant in
              advance of the concerns or objectives for a particular shoreline
              segment.   This ability should significantly improve the regula-
              tory process within the Town of Darien, as it pertains to coastal
              areas and coastal resources, in particular.

              With regard to specific enforcement actions, the Coastal
              Resources Maps, in combination with the photographic inventory,
              should assist in pursuing any necessary legal action. Specific-
              ally, the coastal inventory will enable the Town to establish
              beyond a reasonable doubt that a certain situation did or did not
              exist at a given point in time (i.e. the Summer of 1982).          The
              resource inventory should facilitate and improve this aspect of
              the regulatory process in many respects as well.

                                                                                                                                                                                          4CI      vl

                                         'i0o

                                                             Ippl,

                                                  Vll-)k@  i0l'l.

                                or

                                                                                                                                                                                              800
     J9                                                                                                               SUM         IMARY AND' CONCLUSIONS

                                              -142-

              8.0 Summary and Conclusion

              During the course of the establishment of the municipal Coastal
              Program for the Town of Darien, one theme has been continually
              apparent:   the coastline of Darien is of extremely high visual,
              aesthetic,  and ecological value.     When this shoreline is con-
              sidered in  relationship to the remainder of the Fairfield County
              coast, it is found to maintain a natural, relatively undisturbed
              appearance, while providing high quality residential oppor-
              tunities.   The residential zoning, past regulatory performance,
              and the concern of riparian landowners have combined to protect
              the 16-mile coastline of Darien as a shoreline that is a care-
              fully balanced mix of residential development and coastal
              characteristics.

              While the cities of Norwalk and Stamford face impacts from com-
              mercial and industrial redevelopment, the potential impact upon
              the coastline of Darien is much more subtle.      Piecemeal destruc-
              tion of natural habitats because of unwise shoreline structure
              placement; the placement of poorly designed coastal structures
              that do not fit into the nature of the shoreline, and new areas
              of erosion caused by poor management practices are among the
              greatest threats at this time to Darien's coastal heritage.         As
              such, these impacts are not so obvious that they cry out to be
              addressed; rather, they are more subtle, and are therefore more
              difficult to identify and control.

              The design and implementation of this Program should signifi-
              cantly assist in achieving these most fundamental objectives for
              the Town of Darien's coastal area, namely, the protection, pre-
              servation and wise management of the existing shoreline and
              coastal resources.    The main application of this report, and the
              various materials prepared as part of this study, will be its use
              by the staffs of the Town of Darien and various State and Federal
              agencies. This Municipal Coastal Program will assist appropriate
              regulatory agencies in carrying out their respective programs.

              It is anticipated that specific efforts will be required in the
              near future to disseminate more generalized information to
              coastal property owners and general residents of the Town.         For
              example, the various permitting processes involved in shoreline
              activities need to be set forth clearly and succinctly so that
              individual persons can better understand who and what is
              involved, and why these controls are important.

              While Darien is a coastal community and maintains a shoreline of
              high quality, the majority of the Town's residents have little or
              no direct access to or involvement with the shoreline. In order
              to achieve both a greater enjoyment of the shore, and allow its
              wise management and protection, a variety of educational programs
              need to be developed.     These programs would be aimed at:        in-
              creasing knowledge of the coastline and the importance of coastal
              resources; increasing potential recreational opportunities such
              as boating, shellfishing and swimming which are available within

                                           -143-

              the waters of Darien and Long Island Sound; and explaining the
              application and benefits of regulatory programs, wise shoreline
              development, and flood hazard prevention.   As stated in previous
              chapters in this report, a vigorous pursuit of the expansion of
              visual and physical access to the shoreline for the residents of
              Darien is the paramount objective for increasing the enjoyment of
              the coastline, and the recreational opportunities which it
              affords.

              In addition to this report and its value as a background and
              planning document for persons charged with coastal regulation,
              additional elements of the completed Municipal Coastal Program
              include:

                   - Base maps of the areas in the Town of Darien within the
                     Coastal Boundary at a scale of 1" = 2001.

                   - Resource Inventory Maps (also at the scale of 1" = 2001)
                     detailing coastal resources such as tidal wetlands, mud-
                     flats, coastal structures, and other significant natural
                     and man-made features along Darien's shoreline.

                   - A slide presentation on the coastline of Darien to be used
                     for educational purposes by the public school   system and
                     other interested groups and organizations.     This slide
                     program is intended to increase the townspeople's know-
                     ledge of Darien's shoreline and coastal resources.

                   - A set of index maps, keyed to the 35 MM slide inventory,
                     to aid in identifying the precise shoreline location of
                     individual slides.

                   - Photographic inventory of the entire shoreline of Darien
                     using 35 mm color slides.

                                                                                                                                                            N@j                   Vf@j@,[@N@jj@
                                                                                                                                                           @ @ll@ @@ @ 11         11        1@           'Ill
                                                                                                                                                                      @Jlj@j
                                                                                                                                                                          I
                                                                                                                                                                                                 I lj@f
                                                                                                                                                                                                      @ 1
                                                                                                                                                              3 6668 14109 2504 _