Identification, documentation and mapping of prime tidal wetlands in the town of Hampton, New Hampshire

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

QH
541.5
m3
R5
1982

IDENTIFICATION, DOCUMENTATION AND MAPPING OF PRIME TIDAL

WETLANDS IN THE TOWN OF HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Submitted to: The Hampton Conservation Commission
Hampton, New Hampshire
and
The Office of State Planning
State of New Hampshire

By: Frank D. Richardson
Department of Botany and Plant Pathology
University of New Hampshire
Durham, New Hampshire

U - S - DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOA,
COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
30 December, 198@234 SOUTH HOBO-ON AVENUE
CHARLESTON , SC 29405-24 1

This study was fihanced in part by the Coastal Zone Manaqement
Act of 1972 as amended, administered by the Office of Coastal
Zone.Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
and New Hampshire Office of State Planning with matching funds
provided by the Hampton Conservation Commission.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

METHODOLOGY 4

DEFINITIONS 7
1. Prime Tidal Wetlands 7
2. Border Zones 7
3. Impacted Areas 7

CRITERIA 9
1. Soils 9
2. Flora 11
Indicator Vascular Plant Species
for Tidal Wetlands and Border Zones 14
3. Fauna 18
4. Food Chain Production 20
5. Hydrology 21
6. Historical, Archeological,
and/or Scientific Importance 22
7. Outstanding or Uncommon
Geomorphological Features 23
8. Aesthetics 24
9. Size 24
10. Other Considerations 25

LITERATURE CITED 27

INDEX MAP TO TAX MAPS WITH PRIME TIDAL
WETLANDS DELINEATIONS 28

KEY TO TAX MAPS WITH PRIME TIDAL WETLANDS DELINEATIONS,
SOIL TYPES and DESCRIPTIONS 29

APPENDIX I New Hampshire Code of Administrative
Rules - Prime Wetlands Chap. Wt.700 33

APPENDIX I-a - Appendix to Chap. Wt. 700 39

INTRODUCTION:

Tidal wetlands in the town of Hampton, N.H. total approxi-

mately 1,720 acres comprising intertidal marsh inundated by daily

high tides, high marsh or salt meadow flooded during bi-monthly

spring tides, tidal flats, rivers and creeks. This represents

about one-half the total acreage of the Hampton - Hampton Falls

Seabrook tidal wetlands system. Land above the normal range of

high tide such as outcroppings in the tidal wetlands referred to

as marsh islands and upland borders of the tidal marsh are also

considered respectively as features of the marsh topography and

areas of major importance to maintaining the integrity of the

tidal wetlands ecosystem. Consistent with the criteria set forth

by the Wetlands Board, State of New Hampshire, documentation is

provided for each category specifically related to tidal wetlands.

The status of a tidal wetland as prime means that this land

is worth more to the natural resource inventory of the town and

state when left in it's natural, unaltered condition. This status

precludes any alternative land use except as a wetland - wildlife

habitat and for the aesthetic and recreational enjoyment of the

people. The prime status specifically prohibits filling or other

alteration of the wetlands for development, commercial enterprise

or any other purpose which would cause degradation of the present

condition of the land. Maintenance of naviqable waterways and

established marina basins through limited, closely supervised

dredging is acceptable provided the dredge spoils are not dumped

on the marsh surface or placed in non-navigable waterways. Areas

of tidal wetlands previously impacted and/or degraded by any means

so as not to achieve the prime status may be considered as to their

feasibility for reclamation or development potential, provided en-

gineering requirements for construction within a flood hazard zone

are met with and approved by state and local officials.

A tidal wetland may be assessed relative to the prime status by

a qualitative evaluation of how it conforms to the criteria. Designa-

tion of the prime tidal wetlands status for a specific area can be

effectively quantified by rating it in terms of how many and to what

level the criteria categories are represented. A strictly quantitative

procedure for determining prime tidal wetlands status for all criteria

categories is not possible. Some technical expertise is necessary to

assure the precise.delineation of prime tidal wetlands, border zones and
impacted areas. This adds to the'credibility of the study and may be

required for legally defensible prime wetlands designation.

In Hampton, the prime tidal wetlands status is realized for all

but a few small areas designated on the accompanying tax maps. Although

some areas may rank higher than others within the prime status because

of their pristine condition, exceptional wildlife habitat or especially

high aesthetic or historical importance, areas in proximity to develop-

ment or otherwise impacted may also fall within the prime status and are,

for the most part, contiguo-us with those ranked higher as well as with

those tidal wetlands outside town boundaries. This study is concerned

only with tidal wetlands within the town of Hampton. However, the major

salt marsh system of Hampton - Hampton Falls - Seabrook must, from an

ecological perspective, be considered a whole.

A brief description of the tidal wetlands for each of the thirty-

six maps is provided herein. An index map is provided herein with a

numerical designation corresponding to each area represented by a tax

map bearing the same number.

METHODOLOGY:

The establishment of criteria used to designate prime tidal

wetlands was developed for each category as listed by the Wetlands

Board (Chap. Wt 700, Prime Wetlands; N. H. Code of Administrative

Rules Source #1825, eff 10-5-81. Appendix 1). Within each category,

specific criteria are set forth and references for more detailed in-

formation embodied in scientific literature are given. These criteria

are intended to be guidelines which can be supplemented by more tech-

nical information, but are sufficient to allow an individual not

having an extensive scientific background to make an accurate assess-

ment on the status of a particular wetland. A tidal wetland can be

ranked according to how well it is described, either positively or

negatively, by the criteria categories. In the case of actual land

use planning or in contest of permit applications, especially those

regarding potentially non-prime (determined not feasible for reclama-

tion) and border zone areas, technical expertise is desirable. Non-

prime wetlands frequently border prime tidal wetlands and may there-

fore be of considerable importance to the conservation of the prime

areas and require careful study if filling or development is to take

place.

A survey of the tidal wetlands in Hampton was conducted,by

walking nearly the entire perimeter and surface of these areas

while recording information pertinent to the criteria categories.

Special attention was paid to those areas most susceptible to

development pressure which are primarily located west of Hampton

Beach and Ocean Boulevard to Winnacunnet Road. Repeat visits were

made to many areas during periods of spring tides to note the ex-

tent of tidal flooding.

Soundings for depth were made with a sectional steel rod

pushed down into the peat to the marsh basement - the interface

between the organic peat deposits and the underlying mineral

soil. A rough estimate of the age of the peat deposit and other

features such as submerged tree stumps contribute to an under-

standing of the development of the marsh. For more detailed infor-

mation on soil profiles a McCauley peat sampler was used to collect

a core from deeper peat deposits. This device was used extensively

in the Soil Survey of New Hampshire Tidal Marshes (Breeding, Rich-

ardson and Pilgrim, 1974) and might well be utilized for on site

evaluations of the marsh substrata at locations for which a highly

technical assessment is required. Soil types noted in these descrip-
tions are in accordance with data presented in the aforementioned

soil survey.

An inventory of plant and animal species encountered was made

at the various sites with attention to density, cover and species

diversity, the latter being particularly significant in the border

zones.

Drainage patterns for tidal waters through rivers, creeks and

ditches were noted, particularly with respect to areas which do not

receive adequate flushing and exchange due to impoundments or other

interruption of tidal ebb and flood. Wetlands which are being de-

graded because of improper drainage are, for the most part, small

areas with the exception of five acres north of Huckleberry Lane and

west of Ocean Boulevard in the Little River drainage. Other water

bodies on the marsh which may be permanently or seasonally wet-pond-holes

and pannes respectively - were examined and their importance to the

salt marsh ecosystem is discussed.

Field studies usually had to be planned according to the tide

schedule, otherwise areas would become inacessible or if it was necessary

to cross an expanse of marsh on a rising tide, the return trip might be

rather hazardous. When walkinq on salt marshes in New Hampshire one must

keep a watchful eye for the many drainage ditches, some of which are quite

narrow and overgrown with marsh grasses; they are true pitfalls.

Personal communications with residents and transients, both long

term and newcomers, gave some interesting perspectives on attitudes con-

cerning conservation and development as well as the cultural and natural

history of the marshes such as their historical importance to food

gathering and farming.

Thirty-six tax maps on which tidal wetlands appear were used to indi-

cate the prime tidal wetlands, border zones and impacted (non-prime) areas.

These maps were obtained at the Rockingham County Registry of Deeds and

correspond to number designations on an index map. Because the indivi-

dual maps are drawn to different scales, an index map with each area

corresponding to a tax map could not be accurately delineated.

The problem of prec ise delineation of prime tidal wetlands on tax

maps is further compounded by the fact that the planimetric maps show

only general marsh boundaries and water courses without topographic

features. Another feature of the Hampton tax maps is that subdivisions

and roadways are shown which were planned but never developed. Conse-

quently, it is necessary to delineate wetland boundaries over subdivision

lines on the maps as accurately as possible.

DEFINITIONS:

1. PRIME TIDAL WETLANDS: Any areas falling within the jurisdictional

definitions of RSA 483-A:1 and 1-a, and that possess one or more

of the values set forth in RSA 483-A:l-b, and that, because of their

size, unspoiled character, fragile conditions or other relevant fac-

tors, make them of substantial significance. Criteria have been

established to designate wetlands so defined (see Appendix I).

2. BORDER ZONES: The border zone or ecotone is a transition zone

between two adjacent communities; the tidal marsh and the upland

or fresh water marsh in the upper reaches of estuaries. The border

zone contains species characteristic of both communities as well

as other species occuring only within the zone. It is for this

reason that the border zone has a high species diversity not only

in vegetation but of animal populations as well.

It is imperative that these areas be as vigorously conserved

or protected as the tidal wetlands proper and should be considered

an integral part of the whole ecosystem. The border zone, aside

from its biological richness, provides a buffer zone to maintain

the integrity of the tidal marsh. A minimum of fifty feet along

the perimeter of tidal wetlands should be maintained with a one

hundred foot border most desirable especially at previously un-

disturbed sites.

3. IMPACTED AREAS: Some areas of tidal wetlands (salt marsh) and

border zones have experienced biological degradation to the extent

that there has been a loss in viability. This condition may be the

result of a principle factor or the combined effect of a number of

influences among which are: 1) improper drainage due to road-

building without adequate culverts to allow sufficient ebb and

flow of sea water; 2) areas isolated or impounded by adjacent

fill, dikes or other structures; 3) die-back of natural vege-

tation due to either of the above or because of waste, waste

water or other material being placed on the marsh.

Impacted areas may be assessed in terms of feasibility for

reclamation or development. If proper drainage is restored and

surface contamination removed, a tidal wetland has the capacity

to gradually recover to a viable, productive state. In very

severly impacted areas such as those surrounded by past develop-

ment, the remaining marsh may still serve as flood water storage

areas. Development of severely impacted areas should proceed only

after careful consideration of other alternatives and a detailed

site evaluation. One criteria for consideration of placing fill

in a severely impacted area would be depth of organic material.

It is suggested that only in areas where shallow peat deposits

(less than 16 inches) overlie sand or coarser materials should

development by filling be considered a feasible option.

CRITERIA:

1. SOILS: Tidal wetlands soils are organic peat deposits con-

sisting of plant remains in various states of decomposition and

sand, silt and clay mineral fractions. The intertidal marsh soil

contains mostly rhizomes of the smooth cordgrass (Spartina alter-

niflora) and coarse mineral particles. The percent of organic

matter in the intertidal marsh soil is not as high as the high

marsh or salt meadow due to the scouring action of ice flows in the

intertidal zone which carry away the aerial plant parts. On the

high marsh, another species of Spartina with much finer stems,

'salt hay' (S. patens) grows in dense mats often having a 'cow-

licked' appearance. The high marsh does not receive the extent

an d duration of tidal flooding the intertidal marsh does and much

less if any scouring action of ice flows. The high marsh peat

then has a considerably higher organic matter content and contains

the finer mineral fractions (silts and clays) which are held in,

suspension longer as the flood tides cover the marshes. The pre-

sence of sulfidic materials is perhaps the most important property

of tidal wetland soils. These materials accumulate in both organic

and mineral soil materials under permanently saturated conditions.

They can easily be detected by the presence of hydrogen sulfide
(H2S). When a clod of soil is dug up, a characteristic 'rotten
egg' smell is often quite noticeable. If these soils are drained

or excavated and exposed to the air, the sulfides oxidize..and form

sulfuric acid and the soil will no longer support plant growth.

Three additional properties are useful in the classification of

tidal marsh soils. These include:

1. Kinds and thickness of organic soil materials.

2. Texture of underlying mineral soil materials ( the marsh

basement).

3. Total salts of surface soil materials.

Please consult the Soil Survey of New Hampshire Tidal Marshes

(Breeding et al., 1974) for detailed information regarding appro-

priate soil classifications, interpretations of physical and chem-

ical properties for engineering and suitability or degree of limit-

ation as a resource material, for engineering uses, for town and

country planning, recreation development and farm use.

Although the deeper soils indicate earlier development and well

established tidal-wetlands, depth alone cannot be a criterion for

prime status. Shallow more recently formed marsh may be in a superb

state of preservation in an important wetland - wildlife habitat

while an older deeper marsh may have had its' drainage pattern dis-

rupted by natural or artificial causes and become impounded, hold

fresh water runoff and literally start to rot and become invaded with

freshwater marsh plants as happened off Huckleberry Lane.

In some areas, sounding the marsh will reveal peat development

over bedrock or the presence of tree stumps indicating the encroach-

ment of the tidal ma rsh over the upland. This occurs with the verti-

cal accretion of peat resulting from a gradual increase in sea level

relative to the land over the past 3,500 years in New England. A

very rough estimate of this rate is 3.5 - 4 inches per 100 years.

2. FLORA: Tidal wetlands vegetation is distributed in relation

to the range of the tides, elevational differences in the marsh

surfaces, soil salinity and to some extent soil types. Vegeta-

tional zonation is especially apparent in tidal wetlands, the most

obvious distinction being between the intertidal (Spartina alter-

niflora) marsh and the high (S. patens) marsh. In some areas

monospecific stands of one of these perennial grasses will occur.

With a gradual rise in elevation from intertidal to high marsh, a

mixed association may be present. In other areas the marsh vege-

tation may be quite heterogeneous with scattered broad leaved

..-annuals, some having showy flowers, appearing in among the grasses

or colonizing areas where grasses do not grow or have not been suc-

cessful due to an increase in soil salinity or damage to rootstocks

and meristems such as by trampling. Prime tidal wetlands are

characterized by healthy, vigorous vegetation whether it be mono-

specific or in mixed stands.

There are no registered rare or endangered plant species found

on the Hampton tidal marshes although the Dwarf Glasswort (Salicor-

nia bigelovii) was seldom encountered. The Marsh Elder or Highwater

Shrub (Iva frutescens var. oraria) which is only known from sites

around Great Bay and in Portsmouth, was not found although much suit-

able habitat on strands along the edge of the marsh exist.

The border zones or ecotones of vegetation surrounding the marsh

have the highest species diversity. It is in these areas that one

would most likely find rare native plants, but none were located dur-

ing this study. The high species diversity is in itself a criteria

for prime status. This can be determined by makinq a species list

and determining percent cover, frequency and abundance by standard

methods (see Odum, 1971; Whittaker, 1971). The border zone or eco-

tone is a transition zone between two adjacent communities; the tid-

al marsh and the Upland or fresh water marsh in the upper reaches of

estuaries. The border zone contains species characteristic of both

communities as well as other species occuring only within the zone.

It is for this reason that the border zone has a high species diver-

sity not only in vegetation but of animal populations as well. Many

birds and mammals which feed on the marsh seek refuge in the border

zone. The abundance of seed and fruit bearing plants is high, there-

by offering a valuable food supply. Larqer predators, both bird and

mammal, find this an ideal hunting ground. The Harrier or Marsh Hawk

is a frequent visitor to these areas in search of small mammals.

White-tailed deer brouse and may find cover in the border zone. Deer

sign was encountered along the Drakes River Marsh and Taylor River

Marsh off Drakeside Road. The border zone also provides nesting

habitat for many bird species, both migratory and permanent inhabitants.

It is imperative that these areas be as vigorously conserved or

protected as the tidal wetlands proper and should be considered an

integral part of the whole ecosystem. The border zone aside from it's

biological richness, provides a buffer zone to maintain the integrity

of the tidal marsh. A minimum of fifty feet along the perimeter of

tidal wetlands should be maintained with a one hundred foot border

most desirable especially at previously undisturbed sites.

Brackish - fresh water wetlands such as cattail swamps or sedge

meadows should be considered part of the wetland/marsh system with

a border zone being the first fifty to one hundred feet inland on

upland mineral soil.

The areas of highest impact to the border zone are found west

of Hampton Beach and Ocean Blvd. north to High St. In many of

these areas the natural border zone community has been impacted to

the point of complete destruction with fill being placed on or ad-

jacent to the organic tidal marsh soil. With the exception of very

limited areas of tidal wetland on the northern side of Island Path

...in which the shallow peat deposits have been severely impacted, no

further encroachment should occur. The areas on the north side of

Island Path between Brown Ave. and the old town incinerator site

(see maps 98, 99 & 115) owing to their present degraded condition,

brought about by improper drainage due to previous filling in the

immediate area, warrent further study to determine feasibility for

reclamation or development potential.

Vascular plant species which are indicative of tidal wetlands

are listed here along with some characteristic border zone flora.

This list compares with those included in RSA 483-A: la, and the

annotated plant species list in the Soil Survey of New Hampshire

Tidal Marshes (appendix A).

Indicator Vascular Plant Species for Tidal Wetlands and Border Zones:

Scientific Name Common Name Habitat

Aster subulatus Annual Salt Marsh Upland border of
Michx. Aster high marsh.

Aster tenuifolius Perennial Salt Marsh Same as A. subula-
L. Aster tus, uncommon.

Atriplex qlabriutdUla Orach Common along
Edmond. creeks and drain-
age ditches.

Atriplex p'atula Orach Very common on
L.7vars.) high marsh, along
creeks, ditches &
in strand line.
Distichlis spic6ta Spike-grass Abundant on high
(L.) Green@ mars h, often in
association with
Spartina R@tens.
Eleocharis halophila Salt Marsh Spike- Occasional in wet
Fern. & Brack. Rush depressions on
high marsh.

Gerardia maritima Salt Marsh Gerardia Edges of pannes
Raf. and scattered on
Spartina patens
marsF__
Glaux maritima Sea Milkwort Border of high
L. var. marsh growing in
obtusifolia Spartina patens.
Fern.

Juncus gerardii Black Grass Very abundant
Loisel. along the upland
border of high
marsh either asso-
ciated with Spar-
tina patens or
forming pure stands.
Limonium nashii Sea Lavender or Scattered on high
Small Marsh Rosemary marsh, forb pannes
and along edges of
high marsh.
Myrica pensylvanica Bayberry Shrub of the border
Loisel. zone.

Panicum virgatum Switchgrass Common grass in
L. tufts along border
var. spissum zone.
Linder

Phragmites australis Tall Reed Very tall grass
forming dense stands
along marsh border
and in disturbed or
filled areas.
Plantago oliqanthos Seaside Plantain Scattered on high
R. & S. marsh and in forb
pannes.

Potentilla anserina Silverweed Common especially
L. along edges of high
marsh.

Puccinellia maritima Alkali Grass Scattered in clumps
(Huds.) Fa0_. along ditches and
on the high marsh.

Rosa rugosa Salt Spray Rose Clumps or thickets
Thunb. in the border zone.

Rosa virginiana Virginia Rose Border zone and
Mill upland.

Ruppia maritima Ditch Grass Submersed aquatic
L. (vars.) of pond holes and
ditches in the
high marsh.
Sanguisorba canadensis Canadian Burnet Occasional in the
border zone.

Salicornia bigelovii Dwarf Glasswort Occasional in
Torr. highly saline pannes
on high marsh.

Salicornia europaea Glasswort or Samphire Common in pannes and
scattered on high
marsh especially
where soil salinity
is high.
Salicornia virginica Perennial or Woody Forms mats in some
L. Glasswort areas of high marsh.

Scirpus americanus Three-square Wet borders of high
Pers. sedge marsh.

Scirpus maritimus Salt Marsh Bulrush Extensive stands
L. along wet borders
var. fernaldii of high marsh.
(Bickn.j Beetle

cirpus paludosus Bayonet-Grass Sedge of very wet
Nels. pannes and "rotten
spots" on high marsh.

Smilax rotundifolia Greenbriar Thorny, trailing
L. vine of the border
zone and on 'marsh
islands'.
Solidago sempervirens Seaside Goldenrod Common in the
L. border zone.

Spartina alterniflora Salt Water Cord Grass Dominant species
Loisel. of the intertidal
marsh. Dwarfed
form in low lying
poorly drained areas.
Spartina patens Salt Meadow Grass Dominant species of
(Ait.) Muhl. high marsh.

Spartinapectinata Fresh Water Cord Grass Border zones and
Link near fresh water.

Spergularia canadensis Sand Spurrey Sandy strands along
(Pers.) Don edge of marsh.

Spergularia marina Spurrey Common on edges of
(L.) Griseb. high marsh and rim
of creek and ditch
banks.
Suaeda Sea blite Common along strand
TS-P-P-7 line, borders of
high and intertidal
marsh and around
pannes.
Triglochin maritima Seaside Arrow Grass Scattered on high
L. marsh and forb
pannes.

Typha angustifolia Narrow-Leaved Cattail Extensive colonies
L. in brackish areas
along border of
marsh.

3. FAUNA: Prime tidal wetlands and adjacent border zone commun-

ities provide critical wetland - wildlife habitat for a number of

indigenous birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, finfish, shellfish

and invertebrates as well as feeding and resting areas for a var-

iety of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Of special concern is

the latter capacity of providing suitable feeding and resting habi-

tat for the migratory birds of the atlantic flyway which are depend-

ent on these areas for survival during their long seasonal journeys.

A number of species of waterfowl and shorebirds regularly spend a

period of time on the marshes, some for considerable periods, while

others are transitory and a few rare occurances are usually sighted

each year.

The prime status is appropriate for all areas of tidal wetlands

containing pond-holes and pannes. The former being small, vertically-

sided, permanent water bodies ranging from 30-100 cm. in depth; the

latter are shallow (10-30 cm. depth), but often more extensive water

bodies which may dry up due to evaporation in late summer or period-

ically dry and then refill on flood tides or with sufficient rain fall.

These features of the marsh topography form in a variety of ways

(see Redfield, 1972; Richardson, 1980), and provide abundant food for

waterfowl and shore birds. *Ruppia maritima, a submersed aquatic plant,

grows in these areas and is a source of leaves, shoots and seeds to

foraging waterfowl. This plant also serves as an attachment substrate

and shelter for invertebrates and small fish which are preyed upon by

wading and diving birds such as egrets, herons and terns. As the

shallow pannes begin to evaporate in mid-late summer, which coin-

cides with the arrival of many shorebirds, the worms, crustacea and

other invertebrates are voraciously fed upon by these seasonal

visitors.

Among the most commonly encountered waterfowl are Black Ducks,

Mallards, American Goldeneyes, Mergansers, Buffle-head, Blue-winged

Teal and Canada Geese. Shorebirds include Semipalmated Plover, Kill-

deer, Black-bellied Plover, Golden Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Dowitcher,

Knot, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Sanderling, Semipalmated

Sandpiper and other sandpipers. The Common Tern is present and there

is some evidence of a small nesting population but no nest sites or

fledglings were observed. Marsh Hawks or Harriers frequent the border

zone. Red-winged black birds and other song birds are found in the

border zone. The Red-winged black birds, highly visible in their

territorial behavior, are easily observed in cattail swamps such as

along Drakes River,the Taylor River and Meadow Pond.

Most of the mammals which live and/or feed along the border of

the marsh and in the border zones are quite secretive and nocturnal,

but evidence was found indicating the presence of cotton-tail rabbits,

muskrats, raccoon, fox and white-tailed deer. -

In the larger creeks and rivers winding through the marsh, a

variety of finfish including flounder and mackerel provide food and

recreation. Crabs and eels may be trapped and soft-shelled clams

collected on the tidal flats. The tidal mud flats south of Island

Path and west of Ashworth Ave. contain good populations of softshelled

clams. Blue mussels and the somewhat less desirable Blue-ribbed

mussel may also be collected here. A few American Oysters were seen

along the Taylor River near Hampton Landing. Small fish such as

Tom-cod and Killifish inhabit small creeks and ditches where they

provide food for wading and diving birds and are also collected for

bait. Seaworms and bloodworms may also be collected for bait on the

tidal flats.

4. FOOD CHAIN PRObUCTION: The primary production of tidal wetlands

equals or exceeds nearly every other type of natural ecosystem or

agricultural crop on earth. The value of tidal wetlands and estuarine

systems as nursery grounds for finfish and shell fish cannot be over-

estimated. Maintaining the integrity of the natural tidal wetlands

ecosystem is essential to the perpetuation of the delicate balance of

myriad interrelationships at all levels of the food chain. Sophisti-

cated data collection and experimental work are often necessary to

obtain an accurate determination of energy flow and production in

terrestrial and aquatic food chains and are beyond the scope of this

study. However, information from the literature such as Odum (1971),

contributes substantially to our understanding of the dynamics of the

tidal wetlands/estuarine ecosystem and provides further references for
in-depth analysis (see also Nixon and Oviatt, 1973; Nixon, 1982).

5. HYDROLOGY: Tidal wetlands are extremely important as buffer

areas to absorb energy and flood waters during coastal storms.

Extensive flood damage and situations perilous to the well-being

of people in the coastal area are mitigated by the flood control

capacity of tidal wetlands. Filling marsh land or impeding the flow

of waters over and through the marsh, such as by installing culverts

of insufficient diameter under roadbeds, greatly increases the flood

hazard potential in a given area.

The tidal wetlands of Hampton function in this capacity in their

present condition. There are, however, areas where natural drainage

has been impeded thereby increasing the flood hazard potential while
llessening the long term viability of the tidal wetland. The five

acres of marsh off Huckleberry Lane is an area where near total block-

age of tidal ebb and flood has caused degradation of the system to the

extent that over the past few years it has increasingly taken on

characteristics of a brackish - fresh water swamp. This five acre

salt marsh, which was given to the Society for the Protection of New

Hampshire Forests in memory of Thomas Ira Batchelder, now has very

low salinity and fresh water plants like the aggressive colonizer

Lythrum salicaria (Spiked or Purple Loosestrife), which threaten to

choke out the native salt marsh vegetation. Local flooding occurs

in the environs of this marsh due to lack of drainage for upland

runoff.

At another site,Drakes River at Dra keside Road, there has recently

(1976-77) been a tide dam (tide gates) installed. This system of flap-

covers on the culvert allows for fresh water drainage from Batch-

elder Pond and Drakes River but impedes or effectively stops the

flow of tidal waters upstream into the tidal wetlands between Drake-

side Road and the Hampton Expressway. This will no doubt result in

an eventual change in the vegetation in this area as is already

apparent with the encroachment of cattails on marsh peat on either

side of the expressway. The tide dam was installed at the request

of the landowner (Woodman) who apparently thought tidal waters were

flooding his "freshwater marsh", adversely affecting his property

and that the town of Hampton was responsible to alter this situation.

The tide dam was installed by the Hampton Department of Public Works

by order of the Board of Selectmen.

6. HISTORICAL, ARCHEOLOGICAL, AND/OR SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCE:

The tidal wetlands were formerly utilized extensively for a number of

enterprises directly connected with the livelihoods of our ancestors.-

Such activities include salt haying, finfish and shellfish collecting,

and market gunning for wild fowl and shore birds. The circular arrange-

ments of wooden stakes known as 'staddles' which can be seen scattered

on the high marsh were used to stack the salt hay (primarily composed
of.Spartina patens and Juncus Rtnardii) before it was taken off the

marsh by the shallow draft barges known as 'gundalows'. Areas of salt

marsh containing staddles should be designated prime tidal wetlands

for their historic and aesthetic importance in addition to other criteria

they may satisfy.

There has been evidence of Indian settlements near local marshes

e.g. Seabrook) and their use of the marsh for food gathering.

Tidal wetlands are of exceptional value as resources for scienti-

fic inquiry. Research in both the natural and physical sciences is

carried out in tidal wetlands. Extensive literature exists on various

subjects of tidal marsh/estuarine dynamics and yet many aspects still

warrent investigation. The tidal wetlands, estuaries and border zones

offer ideal teaching/learning opportunities at all levels of education.

The appreciation gained in learning about the natural history, cultural

history, geography, and other aspects of tidal wetlands provides people

of all ages and backgrounds with a voice in local and state decision

making regarding conservation policies and land use planning and

management.

7. OUTSTANDING OR UNCOMMON GEOMORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES:

The total acreage of tidal wetlands in New Hampshire (ca. 7,500

acres including coastal and estuarine marshes) represents only a small

fraction of the wetlands in the state. This is attributed to our very

limited coastline especially when compared to acreage of Maine and

Massachusetts tidal wetlands. This aspect alone - limited overall size

makes the tidal wetlands of New Hampshire a limited and valuable part of

our natural resource inventory. Tidal wetlands in New Hampshire are

prime examples of geological processes at work on a glaciated coast line.

The ontogeny or development of our tidal wetlands represents 3000 - 3500

years of coastal processes. The tidal wetlands of Hampton are mostly in

excellent condition and with proper conservation practices should

continue their unadulterated productive existence.

Redfield (1972), in a twelve year study of the development of

the Barnstable, Mass.salt marsh, has contributed substantially to

our understanding of geomorphological and biological phenomena

regarding New England salt marshes. Many of the concepts discussed

in Dr. Redfield's paper elucidate processes apparent in the Hampton

tidal marshes. Hampton's tidal marshes are worthy of preservation

as limited regional examples of geological history.

8. AESTHETICS: To evaluate and designate tidal wetlands as prime
on' a'esthetic values is highly subjective and difficult if not imprac-

tical to quantify. Personal interests and incentives may play a

large part in one's assessment of a landscape. The artist, the scien-

tist, the developer and real estate agent will most likely have dif-

ferent levels of appreciation for unaltered natural wetlands, creative

land use management, or exploitation of resources for monetary gain.

The approach concerning "positive" and "negative" aspects of the

landscape features and their aesthetic implications when alternative

functions and values are evaluated as set forth under this criteria

category by the Wetlands Board seems a workable solution.

9. SIZE: The coastal tidal wetlands of the Hampton - Hampton Falls

Seabrook marsh system are for the most part contiguous although isolated

areas do exist. Size does not correlate with quality. A small

estuarine marsh may satisfy the criteria for prime status as well
as an expansive salt meadow or intertidal marsh. Tidal wetlands

of limited acreage (i.e. five acres or less) may still qualify

for prime status. There is no reason to believe that these smaller

marshes such as the borders of Meadow Pond, the marsh between

Drakeside Road and the Hampton Expressway and the 'Little River

Swamp' off Huckleberry Lane, need be any less viable, short lived

or of limited capacity to support significant flora and fauna

provided natural drainage is allowed and other impacts are mini-

mized or prevented. However, all three of these areas are present-

ly subject to environmental impacts which could ultimately cause

severe biological degradation of otherwise viable prime tidal wetlands.

10. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

a. It is suggested that to foster recreational use of the

Taylor River estuary by and for the people, that limited, closely

supervised dredging of navigable waterways and extant marinas is

feasible provided dredge spoils are not placed on the marsh, border

-zone or in non-navigable waterways. It is further recommended that

when any such activity takes place that the water quality is moni-

tored over a period of time and any adverse effects on the environ-

ment noted. The feasibility for future dredging can be assessed

through these studies.

b. There are areas west of Ashworth Ave. where considerable

trampling has occured on the marsh surfac e by people going to and

from the tidal flats for clamming. It seems feasible that wooden

catwalks and foot bridges could be constructed to allow access to

these areas provided they do not interfere with navigable waterways,

are "so constructed as to permit the unobstructed flow of the tide

and preserve the natural contour of the marshes and vegetation"

(draft, proposed wetlands conservation district for the town of

Hampton, N.H.). These structures would preserve the surface of the

marsh and vegetation from trampling while providing easier and

safer access for people to the tidal flats.

c. The small pockets of tidal wetlands with creeks or drain-

age ditches in the area west of Hampton Beach, where extensive

filling of the wetlands has occurred, should be conser Ived as areas

needed to buffer the impact of tidal flooding. For example, the

area south of the Island Path parking lot.

LITERATURE CITED:

Breeding, C.H.J., F.D. Richardson and S..A.L. Pilgrim. 1974.
Soil survey of New Hampshire tidal 'Marshes. N.H. Agr. Exp.
Sta. Res. Rept. No. 40. 94 p. and maps.

Nixon, S.W. 1982. The ecology of New England high salt marshes:
a community profile. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office'
of Biological Services, Washington, D.C. FWS/OBS - 81/55.
70 pp.

Nixon, S.W. and C.A. Oviatt. 1973. Ecology of a New England salt
marsh. Ecol. Monogr. 43: 463-498.

Odum, E.P. 1971. Fundamentals of Ecology, third ed. W.B. Saunders
Comp., Phila. 574 pp.

Redfield, A.C. 1972. Development of a New England salt marsh.
Ecol. Monogr. 42: 201-237.

Richardson, F.D. 1980. Ecology of Ruppia maritima L. in New Hampshire.
(U.S.A.) tidal marshes. Rhodora. 82: 403-439.

Whittaker, R.H. 1971. Communities and Ecosystems. The Macmillan
Comp. New York. 158 pp.

Proposed wetlands conservation district for the town of Hampton, N.H.
Draft document. 6 pp.

Prime wetlands. (criteria etc.) Draft document. Wetlands Board,
State of New Hampshire. 7 pp.

New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules. Chapter Wt 700
Prime Wetlands; Part Wt 701 - Wt 704. Source #1825,
eff 10-5-81.

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INDEX MAP TO TAX MAPS WITH PRIME TIDAL WETLANDS

DELINEATIONS. HAMPTON, N. H. (U.S.G.S. 1967;

photo revised 1973)

PRIME TIDAL WETLANDS MAPS:

Refer to index map for location of individual tax maps.

',Note: Symbols for soil type designations correspond to those used in
the Soil Survey of New Hampshire Tidal marshes. Consult that
publication for detailed descriptions of soil types and soils
maps on aerial photographs.

SOIL LEGEND:

Symbol Name

397 Typic Sulfihemists, organic materials thicker than
50 inches.

497 Terric Sulfihemists over sand, organic materials 16
to 50 inches thick overlying sandy materials.

597 Terric Sulfihemists over silt, organic materials 16
to 50 inches thick overlying silty materials.

997 Sulfihemists, surface soil materials with low salt,
organic materials thicker than 50 inches, or 16 to
50 inches thick overlying sandy or silty material.

Map No. Soil Type(s) Description

37 397, 497 Prime tidal wetland east of where
Landing Road dead ends at H-E
Expressway. Large shallow pannes
are excellent shorebird feedina areas
easily visible from road.

66 397, 497 Prime tidal wetland and border zone,
Tide Mill Creek, pond holes and pannes.
Well developed marsh with vigorous
growth of Spartina. Large pannes
of pond holes contain Ruppia. Cana-
dian Burnet'(S6houitorba c6nadensis)
in border zone.

67 397, 497 Prime tidal wetland and border zone,
Hampton River, pond holes and pannes.
Boardwalk across marsh to Nudd's Land-
ing affords excellent views of the marsh
and an opportunity to closely examine
panne s, ditches, etc. Good spot for
salt marsh field trip. Oysters near
mouth of creek just west of marina
on Hampton River. Old staddles scat-
tered on marsh.

30
Map No. Soil Type(s) Description
113 397 Highly impacted marsh south of
parking lot provides buffer in
flood hazard area.

115 397 See #98. Old staddles.

116 397 Prime tidal wetland, highly im-
pacted border zone along Eel Creek.
Tidal wetlands on map #s 116, 117,
118, 119, 120 are under very high
development pressure.

117 397 Same as #116.

118 397 Same as above. Undeveloped sub-
division adjacent to Ocean Blvd.
provides the only unobstructed view
of the marsh.

119 397 Same as #116. Extremely high devel-
opment pressure in this area.

120 397. Same as above.

121 997 Prime tidal wetland, impacted border
zone Eel Creek to Meadow Pond.

122 997 Same as #121. Map #s 122-127 represent
borders of Meadow Pond. Viable salt
marsh with border zones impacted and/or
under development pressure.

123- 997 Same as above.

124 997 Same as above.

125 997 Same as above

126 997 Same as above. Cranberry bushes in
very wet areas.

127 997 Same as above. Phragmites stand
borders High Street.

135 997 Prime tidal wetland being degraded
due to blockage of channel so there
is no tidal ebb and flood. Invasion
by freshwater vegetation (eg. Lythrum
salit6ria).

400 397, 997 A tide dam has been installed where
Drakes River flows under Drakeside
Road (1976-77). This prime tidal
wetland is gradually being degraded
due to lack of tidal waters to a
brackish - fresh water marsh.

Map No. Soil Type(s) DescriE@i@
68 397, 497 Prime tidal wetland and border zone.
Pond holes and pannes.
Fuller's Creek (Landing Brook) and
tributaries. Old staddles. Little
Green Herons frequently seen along
waterways.

89 397 Prime tidal wetland impacted border
zone, Eel Creek. Common Terns sighted
in this area. Vigorous S.alterniflora
growth along creek. Numerous pannes
and pond holes out on open marsh.

92 397, 497 Prime tidal wetland, impacted border
zone. Large, tidal ponds. Eel Ditch
flows under Winnacunnet Road to
Meadow Pond.

94 397 Prime tidal wetland, impacted border
zone, Tide Mill Creek. Elkins Street
subdivisions not developed. Scattered
old staddles between here and Brown Ave.
(Map #115)

9 5 397 Prime tidal wetland, impacted border
zone, Tide Mill Creek.

96 397 Prime tidal wetland, impacted border
zone, Tide Mill Creek, Brown's River.
Boat landing at end of Glade Path
good access for exploring marsh creeks.

98 397 and shallow Garland Street and Ridge Park sub-
peat along both divisions are not developed, but
sides of Island shallow marsh along north side of
Path. Island Path is highly impacted.
Other areas Prime.

99 397 Same as #98.

106 397, 497 Prime Tidal wetland, impacted border
zone, Hampton River. The areas shown
on this map and #s 107, 109 and Ill
are subject to considerable trampling
by persons going to and from clam flats.

107 397, 497 Same as #106

109 397, 497 Same as above

ill 397, 497 Same as above. Especially good clam
flats.west of here along Hampton
River to end of Island Path. (Not
shown on map)

Map No. Soil Type(s) Description
420 397, 497 Prime tidal wetland, border, zone,
Taylor River, Drakes River. Many
large pannes - excellent shorebird
feeding habitat. Numerous old
staddles.

430 397 Prime tidal wetland, cattail swamp,
border zone. Upper limit of tide.

441 397 Prime tidal wetlands and border
zone. Pristine remote areas of
marsh - with very large salt
ponds and extensive pannes. Ex-
cellent bird habitat.

442 397 Same as #441; Drakes River excellent
border zone. Very wet marsh. Slough
marsh with lush growth of Spartina.
Old staddles.

443 397 Prime tidal wetland, Taylor River,
Drakes River, border zone. Numerous
pannes, excellent shore bird feeding
areas. Many old staddles easily
seen from Lafayette Road.

APPENDIX I - PRIME WETLANDS

INTRODUCTION

Prime wetlands shall be of substantial significance because of their
size, unspoiled character, fragile condition, or other factors, as well
as providing one or more of the values listed below. After adoption by
a municipality under local option described in RSA 483-A:7; special con-
sideration will be taken by the board as described in RSA 483-A:4a IV
and RSA 483-A:4 IV and procedures contained in this chapter.

Submerged Lands and Wetlands Provide:

1. Sources of nutrients for finfish, crustacea, shellfish, and
wildlife;

2. Habitat and reproduction areas for plants, fish, and wildlife;

3. Commerce, recreation, aesthetic enjoyment, and other interests
to the general public;

4. Help maintain adequate ground water levels;

5. Capability to handle runoff of water and absorb flood waters
and silt thereby decreasing general flood damage and silting
of open water channels.

Of particular concern are saltma rshes and those wetlands associated
.with streams or open water such as setbacks, oxbows, and channels. These
wetlands are usually adjoining flood plains and generally rate highly in
every evaluation.

NEW HAMPSHIRE CODE OF ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

CHAPTER Wt 700 PRIME.WETLANDS

PART Wt 701 CRITERIA

Wt 701.01 Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to provide
criteria to municipalities for use in designating wetlands of significant
value that are worthy of extra protection because of their uniqueness,
fragility and/or unspoiled character. (RSA 483-A:7)

Source. #1825 , eff 10-5-81

WT 701.02 Evaluation. The f.ollowinq criteria shall be utilized in
a thoughtful eviTuation process to determine in each municipality those
wetlands that deserve special consideration, review, protection, and
designation as "prime".

Source. #1825, eff 10-5-81

NEW HAMPSHIRE.CODE OF ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

(a) SOILS
All wetlands to be designated as prime shall have the
wettest soils as identified under the National Cooperative Soil Survey
performed by the U. S. Soil Conservation Service. These soils in New
Hampshire which generally have a slope of 3% or less, are currently
categorized as the very poorly drained mineral soils, the very poorly
drained organic soils, and fresh or saltwater marsh, namely:

(1) Very poorly drained mineral soils: Example of soil
series are: Biddeford, Saco, Scarboro, Whately and Whitman.

(2) Very poorly-drained organic soils: Example soil
series are: Ossipee, Chocorua, and other muck and peat
soils.

(3) Marsh:

a. Borohemists (fresh water marsh)
(b) FLORA b. Sulfihemists (salt water marsh)
High value may be ascribed to a wetland that presents one
or more of the follMng characteristics:
(1) High diversity of species ranging from water dwelling
species to emergent species.

(2) Containing a native species at the extremity of its
range.

(3) Containing rare and/or endangered native plants.

(c) FAUNA
Prime wetlands may be wetlands that are used by a great
variety or large numbers of animals and/or birds for feeding, shelter,
and/or reproduction. Prime wetlands may also be frequented by rare
native species, species at the limit of their ranges, or endangered
species.

(d) FOOD CHAIN PRODUCTION
Consideration of food chain values is complex and involves
a large number of intricate biological and physical processes. Some
factors to be evaluated are:

(1) The relative productivity of different types of
wetlands.

(2) The amount of primary production available to
terrestrial and aquatic food chains.

(3) The amount of that food chain production which supports
specific animal species or groups, such groups may contain
species that are endangered or those that have commercial
value such as oysters, lobsters and other shellfish.

(4) Other factors controlling wetland productivity.

.35

NEW HAMPSHIRE CODE OF ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

(e) HYDROLOGY
To be classified as prime under this criteria, a wetland
must significantly benefit the watershed by at least one of the following
capacities:
(1) Store water and regulate flow in flashy watershed.
The wetland size shall be at least one percent of the
watershed.

(2) Filter out sediments and regulate flow of nutrients
to maintain water quality in adjacent lakes and streams.
The wetland size shall be at least one percent of the
watershed.

(3) May be indicative of a significant aquifer.

(f) HISTORICAL, ARCHEOLOGICAL and/or SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCE
Significant areas of wetlands which have historical or
archeological importance may be considered for designation as prime
wetlands. Wetlands which have an on-qoing research value may also
be designated.

(g) OUTSTANDING'OR UNCOMMON GEOMORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES
Unique or unusua hysical forms of wetlands which reflect
geologic processes are worthy of preservation such as unique or regional
examples or geological history. Such forms may occur in either estuarine
or fresh water environments.

(h) AESTHETICS
Prime wetlands, in addition to supporting diverse flora
and fauna, may also contain distinctive landscape features which can
gratify the aesthetic senses through intrinsic appreciation of natural
beauty.

(1) Evaluation, however, of aesthetic values is difficult
to quantify and, at best, is entirely subjective. Although
several scenarios can be developed to "positively" evaluate
aesthetic values of wetland landscapes, a basic approach
requiring much less knowledge in landscape principles is
to analyze the "negative" aspect of the landscape. This
approach is more appropriate since the positive features
and their aesthetic implications are taken into account
when the other functions and values of wetlands are
evaluated. The approach, therefore, is to assign penalties
to the negative elements or influences that already affect
the overall appreciation of the wetlands such as adverse
air quality, water quality, noise, non-conforming use, etc.
However, a wetland can be extensively used by man and re-
tain its aesthetic appeal. For example, there are many
recreational activities, such as hunting, fishing, de-
veloping nature trails, etc., which would not conflict
with the basic natural setting of an aesthetically prime
wetland.

NEW HAMPSHIRE CODE OF ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

(i) SIZE
Although the size of a wetland is important in terms of
its capacity to support significant and diverse types of flora and fauna,
it is difficult to categorically define the importance of wetland relative
to size alone. Wide diversity of wetland types requires that the im-
portance of size be related to the individual characteristics and/or
functions of the wetland in question. In general a wetland less than
5 acres, except when bordering open water, is expected to be short lived
and oflimited capacity to support significant flora and fauna, however,
smaller areas may be considered prime with other values.

(j) 'OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
her selected and identified issues that are unique and
important to the municipality may be evaluated.

Source. #1825, eff 10-5-81

PART Wt 702 SUBMISSION

Wt 702.01 Report. A report shall be submitted with maps. This
report shall identify each prime wetland by name or number correlated to
map or maps. The rationale presented shall clearly set forth the applic-
able and significant criteria along with specific data that support the
designation of each prime wetland.

Source. #1825, eff 10-5-81

Wt 702.02 Map Format. The designation shall carefully describe
each prime wetland with an exterior outline defined to nearest 50 feet
in location and shall be related to property boundaries. Scale shall
be the same as the municipal tax map. Map sheets submitted to the
wetlands board shall not exceed a size of 28 inches by 40 inches and
shall have a one-inch border and title block with scale and legend.
Such maps shall contain adequate identification of the prime wetlands.
Colors shall not be used to identify prime wetlands perimeters.

Source. #1825, eff 10-5-81

Wt 702.03 'Acceptance. A review of the submission from each
municipality shall be conducted by the board for compliance to the
requirements of report and format. The board reserves the right to
reject a submission for reasons of lack of completeness or non-
conformance to format.

Source. #1825, eff 10-5-81

NEW HAMPSHIRE CODE OF ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

PART Wt 703 PERMIT PROCESS

Wt 703.01 Determination. Applications filed for proposed projects
will be reviewed by the municipal conservation commission, if any, or
the municipal planning board, if any, or the municipal executive body
to determine if the proposed project is located in or'contiguous to
prime wetlands. It shall be the responsibility of the municipal board(s)
to noti'fy the wetlands board in writing that the proposed project in-
volves prime wetlands. If this notification is not received within
10 days from filing date with the town/city clerk the board will pro-
cess the application under its regular procedures.

Source. #1825, eff 10-5-81

Wt 703.02 Verification. Upon receipt of notification that a pro-
posed project involves work in or adjacent to prime wetland, the
application will be presented to the board for verification and a
public hearing ordered.

Source. #1825, eff 10-5-81

Wt 703.03 Incorrect Delineation. In the event that it is alleged
that the prime wetlands incorrectly defines the limits of the prime
wetland and evidence to that effect is presented to the wetlands board,
the wetlands board may determine the designation of the disputed area.

Source. #1825, eff 10-5-81

Wt 703.04 Public Hearings. Procedures are to be the same as under
section entitled "Conduct of Hearings" with the addition that board
members, staff, and state agencies will submit oral testimony during
the hearing and/or submit written reports as part of the record.

Source. #1825, eff 10-5-81

PART Wt 704 NOTIFICATION OF DECISION

Wt 704.01 Notification of Approval.
(a) Announcement. A decision to approve any of the proposed
projects involving prime wetlands shall have an effective date 28 cal-
endar days after the date of decision. The municipal conservation
commission, planning board, executive body, the applicant, and interested
parties shall be notified forthwith of the decision.

(b) Issuing permits. The permit shall be issued to the appli-
cant on the effective date unless a motion for rehearing has been filed
by either the municipal conservation commission or municipal executive
body. No rehearing shall be granted unless new and substantive infor-
mation is filed with the motion.

Source. #1825, eff 10-5-81

NEW HAMPSHIRE CODE OF ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

WT 704.02 Nbtifidation'6f Denial. Interested parties will be
informed in writing of a ecision to deny the proposed project in-
volving prime wetlands.

Source. #1825, eff 10-5-81

APPENDIX I-a

EVALUATION

Recognizing that many communities may not have available expertise
in research design and social measurement, there are basic approaches
that can be utilized by the "lay-person" to develop basic, quantitative,
measurable data to be used in the evaluation of wetlands.

It is generally recognized that the use of scales and indices in
the measurement of "social" attitudes are significant since they pro-
vide relatively quantitative measures that are amenable to greater preci-
sion, statistical manipulation, and explicit interpretation of the
values under study. However, Sicaling techniques for collecting standard-
ized, measurable data are relatively complex and require the services
of a person knowledgeable in research design and social measurement.
It is, recommended that, if such expertise is not available among the
members of the conservation commission itself, a survey of the community's
resource talent be undertaken to determine whether this type of talent
might be available and utilized. Such resource expertise is extremely
valuable to the conservation commission in the ascertainment and de-
lineation of prime wetlands and in the subsequent presentation of its
findings to the community.

One approach can be in the development of indices and scales which
are often used interchangeably to refer to all sorts of-measures; abso-
lute or relative, single, or composite. The indices developed can be
very simple and need not be complex. For example, one way to measure
aesthetics is to ask the direct questions; How would you rate the
aesthetic value of this wetland? Very good, good, fair, poor, very
poor. This, in addition, could be refined so that the responses are
placed on a numerical scale as shown below.

AESTHETIC VALUE

Very Good Good Fair Poor Very Poor

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

The use of this scale is based on logical inference and requires the
assumption that the respondents can realistically act in subjective evalu-
ation. Upon evaluation of all the designated criteria by each member of
the commission individually, a composite score can then be calculated for
each wetland studied. Subsequent ranking of the evaluated wetlands pro-
vides a basis for determining which ones should be designated as prime.

The above scale does not, however, truly take into account the nega-
tive aspects of a particular wetland in relationship to a given criteria.
Should one wish to do so, a more appropriate index hence might be in the

use of an attitude scale. In this instance, one simply makes the
positive statement that a given wetland is aesthetically valuable and
the respondents either strongly agree, agree, neither agree or disagree,
disagree, or strongly disagree. A new scale can be developed when nega-
tive values are assigned to the last two categories and would be reflected
in the composite score.

If a conservation commission wishes to assign a different weight to
a given criteria because of the unique value of that criteria to the
municipality one needs simply to subdivide the criteria into several
categories. For example, the hydrological aspects of a wetland could
be considered in terms of its water retention capability, ground water
recharge, siltation protection value, etc. The weighted criteria would
then be reflected in the composite score.

BUFFER ZONE

Adjacent means situated near or next to, adjoining, abutting, or
juxtaposed. This means that any activity proposed in an undeveloped area
in direct contact with a designated prime wetland will be considered to
be adjacent to that delineated area. Therefore, in the delineation of
a prime wetland, adequate buffer zones should be included to protect
the environmentally sensitive habitat. This is to assure that any de-
velopment activity will not significantly degrade the designated prime
'wetlands. Hence, careful and thoughtful analysis would have to be made
of the surrounding terrain in order to determine the extent of the buffer
zone. In dealing with already developed areas, additional factors that
should be considered would be the nature, location, and extent of ex-
isting development.

In event that the buffer zone required to protect the prime wetland
is in itself a wetland, then the Wetlands Board will exert its juris-
diction and consider the project as adjacent to prime wetlands. If the
buffer zone is uplands and dry ground, the Wetlands Board will have no
jurisdiction over the project, except that small portion touching wet-
lands. In this case, municipalities would have to assert jurisdiction
under its own authority for the regulation of projects located within
the buffer zone.

However, it must be recognized that in delineating a protective
buffer zone to a prime wetland, consideration must be given to the pri-
vate landowner that his rights are not unduly compromised and/or infringed
upon.

-
DATE DUE
I

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