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











                                     Tidal  Rivers Land  Protection Study

                                                     of the
                              -   Lamprey,  Oyster,  and Salmon Falls Rivers


                         Presented to the New Hampshire Office of State Planning
                                        New Hampshire Coastal Program

                               by the Strafford County Conservation District
                                            with the assistance of
                          The Strafford Rivers Conservancy, Inc. of Dover, N.H.

                                                 March 30, 1990





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                 U. S.  DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOA-A
                 COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
                 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
                 CHARLESTON, SC  29405-2413




             The New Hampshire Coastal Program provided a grant for the preparation of this report which was financed in
          part by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, administered by the office of Ocean and Coastal
           2 ~ ~ ~    ~ s->     Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
     L
          The Strafford County Conservation District's programs are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard
_-  to race, color, national origin, religion, age, marital status, or handicapp.

IQ












                                         Acknowledgements

          The Strafford County Conservation District thanks the many individuals who
          contributed to this study.

          Deborah Burrington, environmental consultant, was principal researcher for the
          project. The project was initiated because of her appreciation of the
          potential within the natural resource community to develop a plan to protect
*         ~~~lands within the coastal zone.

          Valuable field assistance was provided by wildlife biologist Kitty Eileen
          Miller, a board member of the Conservancy, and board member of the Strafford
          County Conservation District.

          Extensive soils analysis was provided by S. Don Bailey, soil scientist and
          chairman of the Conservancy'ms Lands Commit-tee.

          Walter Franklin deserves special recognition for his donation to the
          Conservancy of an easement an his property in the study area on the Salmon
I       ~ ~Falls River in Dover and Rollinsford.  The easement is given in memory of Mr.
          Franklin's wife, Mabel Franklin. The easement becomes the first easement held
          by the Conservancy.

I         ~~While many other individuals contributed professional assistance to this
          project, the following people deserve special thanks for their work. Kevin
          McEneaney, of McEneaney Survey Associates and a technical advisor to the
I       ~ ~Conservancy, donated the survey of the Franklin property.  Mary Ellen
          Boelhower, technical advisor to the Conservancy and land protection specialist
          for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, completed probate
          research and wrote the conservation easement document. Michael Casino,
U         ~~Conservancy board member and a planner for RKG Assoc. of Durham, performed
          considerable field work during easement negotiations.

I         ~~The maps included in this report were prepared using computer time provided by
          the Strafford Regional Planning Commission of Dover. Senior planner Robert
          Houseman donated considerable time in their preparation.


          And finally, District Conservationist Michael Lynch of the U.S.D.A. Soil
I        ~ ~~Conservation Service and technical advisor to the Conservancy, provided
          constant support and guidance as the study progressed.















                      Tidal Rivers Land Protection Study
                              Table of Contents




Introduction ......................... I
Description of Criteria ................
Narrative Description and Land Use of the Rivers .... 4
  Lamprey ...........................w.a............. 4
  Oyster .................in.......................... 7
  Salmon Falls ......................... a.............12
Tidal  Wetland  Loss   ...... ............... .    ........ ....14
Summary of Field Research ..... ...... ............ .15
Protection Strategies and Prioritization
  of Parcels .............................. .23
Appendix A  Land Use and Zoning .....................at
Appendix B  Soils Analysis ......................... .34
Appendix C  Eelgrass on the Great Bay ...............40
Appendix D  Great SayFish Notes ....................41
Appendix E  Bird Perch Sites ........................42












                             TIDAL RIVERS LAND PROTECTION STUDY
                         LAMPREYN OYSTER, AND SALMON FALLS RI VERS



                                           INTRODUCTION

          In keeping with the goals of the Strafford County Conservation District and
          the Strafford Rivers Conservancy, this study will locate and prioritize
I       ~ ~parcels of land for acquisition and protection in order to increase
          conservation, public access, open space, and recreation opportunities along
          the tidal rivers.

I         ~~The New Hampshire Coastal Program focuses on three areas: the Atlantic
          Seacoast, the Portsmouth Harbor and the Piscataqua River, and the tidal rivers
          and estuaries. The focus of this study is on three estuarine rivers in the
I         ~~second tier of the Coastal Program.  This area includes the wetlands and banks
          of these estuarine rivers, to the limit of tidal action and adjacent areas
          inland to the limits of the Wetlands Board jurisdiction--which extends to 100
I       ~ ~feet above the highest observable tide.

I       ~ ~New Hampshire has about 16 miles of coast line and about 27 square miles of
          estuaries, harbors, and bays. The Great Bay estuary derives its freshwater
          inflow from rivers that drain approximately 930 square miles.   The study
          rivers drain about 449 square miles--the Lamprey drains 210, the Oyster 87,
          an the Salmon Falls 152 square miles.

          The water quality of the three rivers is Class B, defined by the Water Supply
          and Pollution Control Division as acceptable for swimming and other
          recreation, fish habitat, but not recommended for drinking. However, large
          portions of the Lamprey, Oyster, and Salmon Falls Rivers are only partially
          supporting designated uses. All tidal areas are additionally designated as
          shellfish waters and must meet a more restrictive bacterial criterion of less
          than 70 coliform bacteria per 100 ml (vs. 240 for Class B-fresh waters.) The
          tidal portions of nearly all of the inflowing rivers to the bays are violating
          shellfish criteria and not supporting designated uses.
          Every estuary is the product of ocean water meeting and mixing with the fresh
          water of rivers and their tributaries. The estuary extends upriver until the
          salinity of the water drops below 0.5 percent (at .2 to .3 percent, freshwater
          vegetation dominates.) The tidal limit of the three rivers is delineated by
          upriver dams. The Lamprey River is tidal to the limit of the McCallen Dam in
            Newmrketat Route 108 for a stretch of approximately 2.0 miles.  The tidal
I~~rece of the Oyster River extend about 2.5 miles to the tidehead dam above
          Shipyard Landing in Durham at Route lOB. The Salmon Falls River is tidal for a
          stretch of 3.7 miles to the dam below Route 4 in Rollinsford.

          Tidal creeks make up an important area of the Coastal Program, and the
          environmental significance increases as recreational use and river traffic
I        ~ ~increases.  The buffering capacity, nursery, and sanctuary quality are
          essential in the tidal marsh and creek and must be protected.












      N                              ~~~~~~~~~Description of Criteria

          The policies and criteria for this project are interwoven to form the whole
I       ~ ~picture of open space study.  The priority  Coastal Program policies that are
          key to the scope of this tidal rivers study are: fish and wildlife habitat,
          Coastal resource protection. recreation, water quality, research and
          educational opportunities, rural quality, rare and endangered species,
          .historical/cultural significance, natural areas and floodplains.

          The tidal rivers and tributaries are essential wildlife corridors and habitat
          for flora and fauna. The coastal resources cited of particular significance
          along the estuarine rivers are salt marsh, tidal wetlands, tidal creeks, rocky
          shores, oyster beds and clam flats. Recreation and public access must be
          balanced with protecting natural communities. Education and enlightened public
          policy are essential to protect these resources.

3         ~~The rural quality so characteristic of the Great Bay estuary derives from the
          peripheral salt marsh, tidal creeks, islands, open fields, woodlands and
          agricultural uses. The open space and scenic vistas at the mouths of the
          estuarine rivers are key resources to be preserved.
          In keeping with the educational component of the Coastal Program, the
*         ~~consultants have met with the public frequently during the course of the
          project. On June 7, the consultants toured the Lamprey River with a group of
          Oyster River High School Students. The consultants discussed the problems,
          issues, and assets of the tidal river with the students. At consultant
I       ~ ~presented the river study and discussed Coastal Program goals at a meeting of
          the state staff of the Sail Conservation Service. In addition, the
          individuals involved with the project have attended land use ordinance
          hearings and other public meetings to provide information developed during the
          project.

*         ~~The identified parcels of priority are arranged by geographic area or area of
          particular concern, focusing an water and land resources. Prioritization is
          justified by scenic vistas, coastal-dependent species and habitat, abundance
          of coastal resources, potential for recreation, water resources, large size of
          holding or contiguity to protected area, rural quality, rare
          species/communities and public policy feasibility. The priorities also vary
          with intensity of use, threat of development and the need to conserve these
I         ~~~critical resources.

          The project began with a review of property information and tax maps. Data
I       ~ ~~was also gathered by contact with local officials, commissions and important
          landowners. Goals for open space planning vary with each community, however
          protection of the riverine environment was a top priority in the three towns
          of Durham, Newmarket and Rollinsford. The progress on shoreline conservation
          zoning in each community is of particular interest in this study.

          Data on species and natural communities are being compiled from reports and
          field observations. Information has been provided by the Natural Heritage
          Inventory under the Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED)
          and the New Hampshire Audubon Society. The information is sensitive and will






                                                                                            3.




3         ~~be handled accordingly.  More work remains to be done in this area to
          determine critical habitat.

          Accurate mapping of the study areas are a high priority of the study. Sources
I       ~ ~for slides, maps, and photos have been the Strafford Regional Planning
          Commission, the U.S.D.A. Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service,
          the Soil Conservation Service, and the aerial photos taken in April, 1989 by
I       ~ ~the Sverdrup        C     oprto' environmental impact study for the east-West
          highway. The field researchers have developed an extensive slide inventory of
3         ~~coastal resources.

          The water frontage (Wf) figures are approximations derived from tax map
          information, aerial photos, and landowner records.

I         ~~Competition for finite coastal resources and waterfront property in the
          coastal zone of New Hampshire is intense. The three municipalities in the
          study area are reacting to development pressure and need to devote more time
           for the task of open space planning. It it the expectation of the Strafford
          Rivers Conservancy and the Strafford County Conservation District that
          progress in open space preservation can be made in the communities within the
I       ~ ~study area along the Lamprey, Oyster and the Salmon Falls Rivers with the help
          of this study.







                                                                                4






                     Narrative Descriptions of the Rivers

LAMPREY RIVER

Mouth of the Lamprey

The tidal marsh in the study area is 5 acres, most of which is at the mouth of
the river. The mouth of the river is defined by Moody and Shackford points.
The mouth of the Lamprey has scenic vistas that are key to the rural quality
and integrity of the Great Bay shoreline. Moody Point has protective covenants
on the shoreline. There is rare species habitat in and along the Lubberland
Creek marsh. Other coastal resources include a major oyster bed and rare plant
site.

The opposite shore of the mouth is named Shackford Point--a tract of 89 acres
of undeveloped shoreline extending upstream almost a mile. This property
fronts extensive saltmarsh on Great Bay and around the point to forested cover
inland and along the tidal Lamprey. The expanse of saltmarsh on the bay
adjoins neighboring stretches which are contiguous to the Squamscott saltmarsh
complex. The significance of this agricultural holding and abundance of
coastal resources at this site rate primary importance in this study. The
site contains rare plants and is used by threatened and endangered wildlife
species. A potential access area to the tidal river is sited about .8 mile
upriver near the storage area for the ice fishing shacks.

A vantage point across the river from the old brickyard marsh area (R2-48)
could be held under easement to save what is left of the easterly shore. There
is an abandoned cellarhole and three tiny lots that back onto the waterfront
stretch. Those lots, if developed, must be handled in the most
environmentally sensitive manner.

Recommended Land Use for Mouth ofLamprey

The agricultural tract of 89 acres (R3-36) on Shackford Point is the key to
preserving the rural quality of Great Bay. The best use of the well-drained
Chatfield-Hollis-Canton soils is woodlands. The Eldridge soils have medium
potential for development but are not well suited to septic systems. The
optimal use is farmland and the existing hayed meadow provides an agricultural
vista. Eldridge soils are rated high for woodland and the forested cover
provides habitat for wildlife species.

The potential for total development is low on this property--a portion of this
land is in the floodzone. The potential for a town forest and protected farm
is high. The very poorly drained soils of the marsh are in best use as tidal
wetlands. The Hanrahan property west on the Squamscott marsh complex has been
put on the market for about $1.5 million for 84 acres. Immediate action is
required to plan to retain the adjacent open space.  The Trust for New
Hampshire Lands has approached the landowner to discuss land protection
alternatives. A consultant for this project has also met with the Trust's
land agent to discuss protection options.  This property (the estate of
Watson) rates very high in the list of priority policies of the N.H. Coastal
Program.





                    I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





          UPPER NARROWS TO YOUNG'S COVE

          Upper Narrows provides important public access at the town land and riverfront
          park. Trails extend inland along the historic Pindar Lane, along the shoreline
          of the Wastewater Treatment Facility and pump station, and beyond to the Fish
          and Game parcel. This adjoins the town plot of four acres in Young's Cove. The
          abundance of bird species in this area is a reflection of the underwater
           resources.

          Newmarket once held about 50 acres on the river before the area was zoned
           industrial, put to use to treat sewage and generally cut up into lots. Land
          owned by the Essex Group Inc. needs to be sensitively developed and U3-49 is a
          tract of almost five acres that could add to a town recreational network,
          easily accessible by the residents. The existing park and landing is well used
          but it is only a pocket park of less than a half acre with limited parking for
          a launch site. The importance of Young's Cove and the town parcel (U3-50)
           increases with current competition for the waterfront on the Lamprey.

          Recommended Land Use for Upper Narrows to Young-'s Cove

          The need for clear goals in river corridor protection is evident here. The
          Town of Newmarket's goal of preserving the viewscape opposite the landing (U3-
          5) apparently lost priority in the planning state for the Waida property/Heron
          Point (R2-B6). On March 5, 1987 natural resource specialists were invited by
I        ~ ~~the Cheney Corporation to review the site design fo'r this project.  The
          project as planned and allowed by town zoning clustered the living units in
           the eastern portion of the 47 acres. The resource specialists--including
I        ~ ~~conservationists from the Soil Conservation Service, the Cooperative Extension
          Service, the Office of State Planning, and the New Hampshire Coastal Program---
          agreed that the plan as designed would preserve the existing expanse of forest
           land, minimize impact an the shoreline, and maintain the aesthetics of the
          forested view from the town landing.
            Aplan submitted in May, 1987 by the Cheney Corporation clustering 33
          condominiums (with almost 28 acres of forested open space fronting the river)
           was not accepted by the planning board. The Medium Density Residential (MDR)
          zone was changed at town meeting to allow only single family units. This
I        ~ ~~zoning change was partially a reaction to what town planners considered
          unsatisfactory cluster developments in progress in the MDR zone elsewhere in
           town.

           In May, 1989 subdivision approval of about 30 single family units was granted;
           open space totals about 13 acres located at the rear and side of the property
           near the existing mobile home park. The water frontage is divided between 20
           lot with setbacks of 100 feet from mean high water. Docks were constructed
           in late summer with walkways and 30 boat slips. Clearing in the forest is
           evident.

U          ~~~This is a brief account of the Heron Point project and is by no means intended
           to be an exhaustive analysis of the planning process. It is our opinion than
           an alternative design subdivision clustered on the Boxford sails (3-8 percent
          slopes) of the eastern portion would have protected the critical natural
          resources. This would keep the western-bend of the Chatfield-Hollis-Canton
*          ~~~soils in optimal use as forested open space and vegetated slopes to the river.






                    I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





I         ~~The view of forested frontage opposite the landing area and the sensitive
          areas, including rare plant sites, are not protected by the current plan. The
           walkways now invite fact traffic on the mudf lats and marsh. Clearing in the
            uplndsmay increase erosion and the need for possible dredging at the town
          land ing.

          Siltation must be kept to an absolute minimum because this is a critical area
I       ~ ~for fish.  The deep pools in the river provide important habitat during the
          spawning season for shad, herring, and salmon. It is important to keep the
3         ~ ~~iver free of silt which can smother fish eggs by burying them.  Silt in the
          water also decreases the light which decreases the vegetation on which some
          fish eggs attach. More information about about the fish found in this area is
          included in Appendix B.

          The town once owned 5O acres of open space abutting the river. This is a
          critical area for wildlife, especially since open space and forested cover are
          disappearing across the river (R2-86). Selling public land for development
          does not lower taxes. Future industrial development is best sited away from
          the tidal Lamprey River and away from finite coastal resources.

I         ~~~LOWER NARROWS.

          Lower Narrows is a rocky gorge-like pass that provides habitat for several
I        ~ ~~rare plants and has the potential to be preserved as a scenic vista by
          restrictions on building on the open lots. This focal point on the western
          shoreline of the tidal Lamprey provides relief from the cliff-hanging
I        ~ ~dwellings and intensive development pattern along the river. The rights-of-
          way, building locations, ownership and deeded lots in this area are a tangled
          web that neither the tax assessor's office nor regional planning's vivid
          aerials (scale l"=l0O') serve to unravel.

          The activity of clearing and building without permits on the point should
          cease until a comprehensive plan of protection is adopted. This would enable a
          study of the feasibility of a continuous path from the town landing to
          Shackford Point. The conservation commission needs the tools and resource
          information to promote the value of conservation.


          Recommended Land Use for Lower Narrows

3         ~~~Woodland suitability ratings are high for all sails in this area.  The
          riparian banks slope up to 35 percent under the forested cover. The
          conservation commission needs to monitor the clearing evident along the river
          and prohibit setback violations. Any development should be sited well inland
          on the Boxford soils. The best use of the Chatfield-Hollis-Canton sails an
          the river banks is woodland, ideally with a 250-400-foot buffer from the
3         ~~~river.





                    I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




I         ~~The town's conservation commission is accumulating an open space fund from its
          share of the land use change or transfer tax. This -fund will be used to pay
          for a land use inventory and for land acquisition. The 1988 Master Plan of
I       ~ ~Newmarket recommends that the best use of the land with slopes greater than 25
          percent is open space and wildlife habitat. The town could increase holdings
          in the Young's Cove and Lower Narrows area to supplement existing parcels and
*         ~~~keep the view open on the point of the south bank.


                                            OYSTER RIVER

          JACKSON LANDING

          The Jackson Landing area is one of the best boat ramp areas in the estuary.
          Coupled with Shipyard Landing below the dam, Jackson Landing provides key
          access to the tidal Oyster and the potential for expanded recreational area.
          The town of Durham holds a 5.5 acre parcel across Old Piscataqua Road, across
          from the rink, that could add to the recreational or buffer area of the
          waterfront holdings of 11-3 and 11-4.

*         ~~~From the public lands across the river there are scenic views of the
          Shankhassick Trust and adjoining Sawyer waterfront. Expansion of the
          protected area, including several rare plants, is of the highest priority in
           the landing area and environs. Education of the public to the sensitivity of
          this area can be blended with increased recreational opportunity.
3          ~~~Recommended Land Use for the Jackson Landing__jArea


          Protection work must focus on the estimated 1524 acres of tidal marsh of the
I        ~ ~~Oyster River, most of which is along the tidal creeks and landing area.  To
          protect the coastal resources at Jackson Landing, the town should acquire the
          adjoining property (11-2) for habitat protection and passive recreational use.
          The variety of habitat--low and high marsh, disturbed lowland of tall, reedy
I        ~ ~~invader plants, mature Eastern hardwood forest, upland of young poplar, birch,
          shrubs, tidal creeks and leveed banks along the river provide an excellent
          opportunity for environmental education.

          Developing education programs about tidal wetlands would increase public
          awareness of the need to protect sensitive areas. The town's proposed
          downzoning to a Limited Business District with -10,000 square-foot lots (a more
           intensive use) will have a negative impact on the coastal protection area.

          An issue raised by this study is restoration of the tidal flow under Rt. 108
          in Durham. The tidal flow was cut off when the road was built, and the
          extensive wetlands are now freshwater wetlands.

          ,The Shankhassick Trust and Sawyer property across the river can be best
          protected by keeping the zoning Residential Coastal (RC = 120,000-square-foot
           lots) instead of the proposed downzoning to triple the potential units. The
           Buxton sails are bo-th prime farmland and farmland of statewide importance.
          Both Buxton and Hollis-Charlton soils are rated low for septic systems. The
           total development potential of this area ranges from moderate to low to very
*          ~~~low near the river.













           The increase in the tax base would not compensate for the cost of potential
           development and the loss of amenities such as open space and important scenic
             views.Public policy should encourage large tidal front properties to remain
           intact.

           SMITH CREEK

           Smith Creek to the mouth of the Oyster River into Little Bay and Durham Point
           on the opposite shore define the visual access to the tidal Oyster. The
           unspoiled scenic vistas and large agricultural holdings are important to
           Durham's heritage and worthy of preservation. These open fields and farms are
           cited as prime open space to be preserved in the drafted 1989 Durham Master
           Pln The town voted this summer to spend $3.1 million to buy the Wagon Hill
           Farm in order to preserve important open space in Durham.

           The adjoining Emery Farm waterfront and the Durham Point shoreline and cove
           become increasingly rocky and steep upriver, lending a diversity of habitat to
           the area. The rocky substrate and fringe saltmarsh plus the sanctuary of the
           tidal creeks and wetlands provide the foundation for unusual plant


           Signs of intensive usage by wildlife are evident throughout the area. Of
I        ~ ~~particular importance are the islands near the mouth of the river and Smith
           Creek. Without the duck blind, the little island off the pitch pine point on
           the Tirrell property could be built up to be a suitable tern nesting area.
           Terns nest on Tern Island near Langley and Henning Islands.

           Recommended Land Use for Smith Creek and Durham Point

           SMITH CREEK

           The Town of Durham should build on its acquisition of the Wagon Hill Farm by
I        ~ ~~working toward other easements along the river.  The adjoining Emery Farm
           should be an important element in this strategy.

3          ~~~The sails suitability rating is woodland for this area.  The potential for
           total development is medium but low for septic systems an the less steep
           soils. The soils of 8 to 15 percent slope at the edge of the tidal marsh have
           statewide agricultural importance. The source of freshwater springs can be
               trcdin these sails.

           All active recreation and other development of the waterfront should maintain
           the integrity of the tidal marsh and sandy shore of the Wagon Hill Farm, and
           the adjoining meadows of the property. The town's new shoreland protection
           zone will help protect the forested frontage and vegetative buffer along the
           river and tidal creeks.

           DURHAM POINT

3          ~~~The Langley Farm is cited by the 1989 Durham Master Plan as prime open space
           land--one of thirteen farms proposed by the conservation commission for
           protection. The sails potential index (SPI) rating of 75 percent, qualifying
3          ~~~the 51 acres of permanent pasture for a reduced tax rate, was evaluated by the












U         ~~Strafford County Conservation District.  The result was a further tax
          incentive to maintain the property in its current agricultural use. Use of
           incentives and possible conservation easements will help protect this farm
          from development. The bluffs and slopes also provide a unique natural area


          The adjoining Sandberg property does not qualify for a reduction in town taxes
          based an the soils potential index, due to the non-agricultural current use of
          the property. However, the SPI ratings would have qualified the property for
           a reduction in current use assessment if the field were used for permanent
          pasture. The best use of the the 3 to 5 percent sloped Hollis-Charlton soils
           is pasture. The accompanying sailing school is a coastal dependant use. The
           soils with slopes greater than 25 percent are best suited to ledge-hanging
             hemlckswhich shade the tidal flats.
          A recent tax increase in Durham put pressure on all large land holdings.. The
I        ~ ~~town might consider means to relieve tax burdens to keep the farms in
          agriculture. The alternative of public acquisition of all thirteen farms
           (Wagon Hill Farm alone cost $3.1 million) is too costly.

U         ~~~~DEER PIOI NT

          The Deer Point area encompasses the most extensive saltmarsh on the river. The
           two largest holdings (38-1, 38-2) are in the same family and front the river's
          major oyster bed. On the shoreline there is evidence of an historical
           brickyard. The lowlying areas of artificially induced saltmarsh expands the
          area of marsh in the cove. The adjoining open space (13.5 acres including
U         ~~~freshwater pond) on the marsh is held in common by the Deer Point Landowners
          Association as part of the 33 lot subdivisioni. The progress of development on
           the point has underlined the need for shoreline conservation, increased
          setbacks, erosion control, and undisturbed vegetative buffers.
           Recommended Land Use for Deer Point

          The goal must be to prevent degradation of the largest expanse of saltmarsh on
           the Oyster River. Building around the periphery has been subject to only 75-
           foot setbacks. The strong odor of sulfur dioxide in the Drew Creek marsh and
          the erosion due to clearing along the river (23-10) emphasizes the need for
           increased setbacks and vegetative buffers. Trampling and increased runnoff
           from cleared land may be the death of the salt marsh vegetation. The tidal
I        ~ ~~areas must be safeguarded as more houses are built an Deer point.
          Environmental education may lessen the impact of development. The new 150
           shoreland protection zone promotes tidal riverine protection and has been
          supported by this study in public hearings on zoning changes.
           The large holdings on Drew Creek and farther upriver are important resource
          areas with the tree farm and upland meadow. The McNitts and Richmonds show
           active concern for the health of the Oyster River and adjoining tidal marsh.
          Any future development should be sited well inland due to the restrictions of
           tidal marsh and poorly drained soils curving in about 500 feet above the high
I        ~ ~~tide line.  The extremely rocky Hollis-Charlton soils with slopes of a to 25
           percent are best suited to the forested boulder covered farm in current use
           now. The more gently sloping Hollis-Charlton and Buxton soils are well suited
           to pasture and the rural view open to neighbors.














          HORSEHIDE BROCK

          The Horsehide Brook area extends the undeveloped shoreline upriver of the
          McNitt tree farm. Over the years the Durham Conservation Commission has been
          working on acquiring a walking trail and wildlife corridor extending from the
          river through the interior of the Durham Point area to Adams Point. The
          interior Durham Point area is a rich wildlife area, as are the Lockhardt
*         ~~~holdings.

          Land Use Recommendations for Horsehide Brook

          The Lockhardt Trust (formerly Jabre's Orchards) is the link to an extended
          wildlife corridor along the brook. The town's conservation commission holds
          at least 50 acres along the corridor, acquired over the years with donations
          and Bureau of Recreation funds and other public sources. This study
          recommends that the inactive orchard be rejuvenated to improve its usefulness
          to wildlife.

I         ~~The Elmwood soil along the river and the tidal creek is prime farmland and the
          adjacent Buxton soil is of statewide importance agricultural significance.
          The best use of the Elmwood soil in this case is the existing meadow and
I        ~ ~woodland.  The stony soil provides lots of wall-building rocks as seen in the
          5 foot walls at the edge of the woods. Lot 36-2, though small in size, has
          been donated to the commission and provides an important starting point for a
*         ~~~corridor protecting the wetlands.

          JOHNSON CREEK

          Johnson Creek is an unspoiled, priority wildlife habitat area. The Keefe
          property and the Butler Nature Sanctuary are reminders of what we need to
          protect from careless disregard of coastal resources and natural areas.
          Johnson Creek winds inland through a succession of lowmarsh, highmarsh, tidal
          and freshwater wetlands to the salthole at Gerrish Brook, below the historic
          path of the Dover-Durham turnpike. This comprises a notable reach inland and
*         ~~~much diversity of resources.

          Johnson Creek is largely undeveloped. However, two major subdivisions are
          approved: 1) the White property (map 11-27, 10 building lots downstream from
           the sewage treatment plant) and 2) Johnson Creek Development Limited, (map 11-
          16, 27 building lots above Route 4, with a common area of 22 acres open space
          along the creek). Construction has begun on Johnson Creek Development but all
I          1~~~ots are unsold on the White property.  The White property is located downwind
          of the sewage treatment plant.

          The Vittands property near the mouth of the creek is not in current use, but
          the owner has taken particular care to secure adjoining lots and marsh from
          development by buying land at premium prices. The property provides a
          significant vegetative buffer on the east side of the creek holding the
          predominance of salt marsh. A conservation easement should be pursued for the
          critical marsh area and adjacent buffer. The major oyster bed of the river is
          located between the mouth of Johnson Creek and Bunker Creek.












I         ~~Johnson Creek is also significant as a refuge for eelgrass, a plant that
          provides important habitat for fish and wildlife. Eelgrass has thrived in the
           creek historically, and preservation of the creek is essential for further
I         ~~study and survival of the plant.  See Appendix A for a discussion of eelgrass
          in Johnson Creek.

          RecommendedLand Use for Johnson Creek


          Salt marshes are very productive ecosystems, generating as much as five to ten
          tons of plant matter per acre each year. Because of the high productivity of
          this area, a large amount of nutrients is flushed from the marsh to nearby
          estuarine waters. Besides adding nutrients, the salt marsh acts as a filter
U        ~ ~~for surface runoff, trapping in the mud many agricultural pollutants and heavy
          metals in the surface waters. Many bird and wildlife species are dependent on
          the marsh for nesting, feeding, and roosting habitat.

I         ~~~The area may ra'pidly change due to the Town of Durham's proposed upzoning
           (intensifying the use) to Residence B (RB) or Office and Research (OR), both
           of which would triple the density of the present zoning Residence Coastal
              (C.We recommend that the zoning remain consistently RC throughout the


          The value of this coastal resource can not be figured an the town's tax rolls.
          Limited business development and further intensified residential development
          have no place here. The town master plan supports protection of the tidal
          reaches, therefore the zoning should support the intended protection. The
          town's proposal to upzone the area makes the potential cost of conserving the
          natural resources by public acquisition prohibitively expensive. 

I         ~~~If the public wants to protect the fragile and limited tidal wetlands, zoning
          changes which increase the potential development value beyond what the public
          can reasonably pay is counter-productive. Conservation zoning is essential to
          protect the natural resources of this area. Wetlands mapping in order to
          designate prime wetlands is recommended here.

          South of Route 4, Buxton silt loam (slope of 3-8%) dominates the upland
          portions of this area. A sewage line has been run to the property through the
          salt marsh. However, the findings of this report do not support the
          downzoning from RC to OR. If the zoning is changed, the lot size should remain
          80,000 square feet within the OR instead the proposed 40,000 square feet. If
          planned well, an OR zone at Lot 11-27 may have less visual impact than the
          approved single family subdivision an open field.

I         ~~~The wooded vegetative buffer along the river and creek should be extended
           inland for shoreland protection. The creek bed flowing to the river and
           adjacent to the treatment facility has predominantly Suffield soils.
I              ~ ~'Dvlpment activity should be setback at least 150, preferably 300 feet from
          the shorelines to allow for an adequate vegetative buffer recommended for
*         ~~~wildlife.







                    1                                                                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~12





U         ~~North of Route 4, the diversity of habitat and tidal marsh- increases with the
          inland flow of Johnson Creek. The holding agency of the 22 acres of open
          space in the Johnson Creek Development, Ltd. will be determined and an
           appropriate third party will hold executory interest. Conservation easements
          should be pursued all the way to the mouth of Gerrish 'Brook and beyond the
          beaver pond into Madbury.

U         ~~BUNKER CREEK

          Bunker Creek is a meandering tidal creek bordered by saltmarsh, a 100-acre
           tree farm, prime farmland, and the historic Bunker family graveyard. The town
          of Durham still holds its ancient thatch bed (map 11, lot 31-31), a rich high
          marsh near the mouth of Bunker Creek. Rare species have been mapped on nearly
          half the area of the tidal creek, occupying more of the site than the
          sensitive areas- located on-Johnson Creek. The scenic view upstream from Route
          4 is enhanced by the rustic barn and pasture. This area is extensively used
*         ~~~by herons and shorebirds.

          Recommended Land Use forBunker Creek

U         ~~The deepest channel in the river is at the mouth of Bunker Creek.  The depth
           is about 10 feet at the bridge at Rt. 4. The rustic barn, prime farmland and
          soils of statewide importance, graveyard, extensive tidal creek, and scenic
I        ~ ~~view down the Oyster River at the rise of the hill rank the Palmer property
           (11-21) high in development potential. The adjoining Emery tree farm of
          almost 100 acres straddles Bunker Creek to the north.

I         ~~~The rocky outcroppings of the Hollis-Chariton soils near the bridge are part
          of the Riverview development. Tree clearing is restricted within 100 feet of
           the creek. Past clearing needs to be monitored by the conservation commission
          to control further cutting. The town also holds open space on lot 23-4 which
           is north of Rt. 4 at the mouth of the creek. On the opposite bank (west of
          the creek) the soils are of statewide agricultural significance. The soils
          potential for total development is very low for the very rocky and poorly
          drained soils up the creek, but medium for land use recommendations of this
          study. The current uses of property are optimal on Bunker Creek.


                                         SALMON FALLS RIVER

3         ~~~Approximately 60 acres of tidal marsh is located on the New Hampshire side of
          the river, 15 acres from Cochecho Point to the Eliot Bridge and 44 acres above
          the bridge to the South Berwick dam.

I         ~~~The lower stretch of the river to the head of the tidewater was named
          Newichawannock by Native Americans (pronounced Ne-ge-won-nuck, which means my-
           wigwam-place). The Salmon Falls River extends above the Lower Mills dam with a
I         ~~~southerly  flow of 36.5 miles along the New Hampshire and Maine border. The
          river was so named for its abundant salmon before the dam and mills.

3         ~~~Preventing development along the banks of the Salmon Falls is stated as a high
          priority by the town of Rollinsford in its 1987 Master Plan. This scenic river
          corridor has the beginnings of protective easement and deed restrictions along
3         ~~~the shore, with the potential to extend the length of the tidal river. The






                                                                                            1 3




I         ~~Woodlands development has a 100' restriction an the shoreline.  This is a
          minimal protective measure and should be expanded in depth to 250-300' where
          possible. This goal is consistent with the town's natural resource objective
          to encourage the use of conservation easement and deed restrictions to
          preserve open space, agricultural, sensitive natural areas, and areas of
I         ~~~scenic beauty.

          Recommended Land Use for Salmon Falls River

3           ~~~Franklin Marsh

          A portion of the shoreline is now protected by conservation easement. The
          development rights to 47-acres of forested uplands with adjoining tidal marsh
I        ~ ~will be held in perpetuity by The Strafford Rivers Conservancy.  The property
          owner, Walter Franklin, signed the easement document at the Conservancy's
          annual meeting November 27, 1989. The easement is dedicated to the memory of
          Mabel Franklin, Mr. Franklin's wife.

          The list of Conservancy board members, technical advisors, and local business
           people who donated their professional services to this study and work an the
          easement are noted in the financial summary that is part of the permanent file
          at the offices of the N.H. Coastal Program and the Strafford County
          Conservation Office, and not otherwise part of this report. The land survey
I        ~ ~~was donated by Kevin McEneaney.
          Significant features of the easement include a 150-foot setback restriction on
          timber harvesting along the river to protect the scenic vista and more than
          3,000 feet of shoreland. The erodible soils with slopes of up to 60 percent
          are protected from disturbance. The two treed points are intensively used
           perching, nesting, and feeding sites for many species including snowy egrets
            adeagles.  The duck blind will be removed by the Conservancy.
          The contiguous marsh and forested upland provide a richly diverse habitat in
I        ~ ~~the easement area.  The Conservancy will endeavor to extend the easement
          corridor up and down the river. A horse and foot trail along the right bank
          exists from the Eliot bridge to the northerly edge of the Franklin property.
*         ~~~A complex of woods roads provides inland trails.

          Final easement documentation is on file at the Dover, N.H. law office of
3         ~~~Stephen J. Dibble, secretary of The Strafford Rivers Conservancy.


            Madame's Cove

          The findings of this study will be provided to the Nature Conservancy to
          assist establish protection boundaries for the rare plant communities of this
          intertidal and brackish flat. The landowner of the easement area both on the
I        ~ ~~New Hampshire side and at Leigh's  Mill Pond in Maine is an the board of The
          Strafford Rivers Conservancy. This individual holds more than 400 acres of
          upland agricultural fields already protected from development. The active
I        ~ ~~farm and pastures add to the rural integrity so valued by Rollinsford in its
          future land use goals described in the town's master plan. The Strafford
          County Conservation District holds a conservation easement on riverfront land
          and meadow land.







                                                                                 14






                                  WETLAND LOSS


There is no detailed inventory of wetland loss in this state. However, the
Office of State Planning estimates in its draft "Wetland Priority Conservation
Plan" that 7,500 acres of a total of 15,000 acres of tidal marsh has been
lost. The majority of this loss is due to a change to freshwater wetland due
to altered drainage patterns.

Wetland acreage was estimated at 95,440 acres in 1973.  Using estimates
provided by the state of a statewide loss of only 25 to 50 acres a year, there
are approximately 95,000 acres of wetland remaining in New Hampshire since
that date.

In the tidal study area wetlands by our estimates total:
Lamprey--5 ac
Oyster--1524 ac
Salmon Falls--44 ac

A specific analysis of wetland loss is not available but only a negligible
loss is due to agricultural activity. The majority of acreage loss is due to
residential and commercial development and road construction.

The state's wetland regulatory programs are extensive, requiring permitting
and compliance with RSA 483:A and 149:8-A. Enforcement of Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act is the responsibility of the EPA, FERC, and the Army Corps of
Engineers. Hiring more inspectors under the NH Coastal Program is necessary to
increase the effectiveness of the regulatory arm of the Wetlands Board.

Tidal wetlands total 8 percent of the wetlands in the state.  State law
encourages communities to adopt prime wetlands maps based on an inventory of
wetlands. Each coastal community should begin wetlands mapping of the tidal
areas in order to designate prime areas.   The proposed state shoreland
protection law, local ordinances, management practices to control storm water,
agricultural waste, pesticide and herbicide runoff, and enforcement of
existing law are necessary measures protecting water quality of these
wetlands.


In order to protect its remaining wetlands, the state must carefully evaluate
and adopt the new federal policy of no overall net loss of wetlands. This
general policy is not a license for draining or filling existing wetlands
standing in the way of economic development, even when a developer becomes
obligated to replace the wetland by creating another. In tidal wetlands,
there is no way to replace a wetland lost to construction activities.
Therefore only careful mitigation should be permitted and closely monitored,
and only when there is no alternative construction site.







                                                                                 15





                          SUMMARY OF FIELD RESEARCH


Highlights of data collection and field observations for each river are
summarized in geographical units, river by river. Each geographical unit is
defined by an outstanding feature, for instance a tidal creek. The bounds of
each geographical unit are graphically defined on the maps accompanying this
text. Additional field data is available in the office of the Strafford
County Conservation District.


                                     KEY


         Tax Man #  Property Owner  Acreaq. (Ac)  Water Frontage (Wf)
                           Description of Resources



                            Lamprey River  2 miles

  Mouth of the Lamprey

      R3-36 Estate of Watson  89 Ac         6000' Wf
Largest tract of open land.  Scenic vistas in a naturalistic area.  Deer cross
river here.  Expansive high saltmarsh on bay contiguous to Squamscott.
Vegetative buffer with a stand of hemlocks and in June no cover apparent but
these is abundant salt water cordgrass in September.  There are also wide
hedgerows and a treed, shrubbed, forbed area.  Potential access point .8 mile
upstream.  Ice fishing with shack storage at site.  Current use--hay pasture,
wildflower meadow, and unbroken forested cover upstream.  Birdlife:  perching
sites for endangered and threatened species on the mature trees; roosting
sites for black-crowned night heron, green-back heron, kingfishers,
sandpipers; hunting area for marsh hawk.


      R2-48     Beauchesne             3 Ac        700  Wf
      49,50,51     same                each approx. 1 Ac
Vacant land with cellarhole. Well-used habitat for mammals and a variety of
birdlife including songbirds and merlins. Area next to cove opposite upper
R3-36 is called Doe's Neck.

      R2-44A      Beauchesne           approx. .1 Ac
Rocky fill, pipe into cove.

     R2-44  Raymond, Pernaa    1 Ac
Tidal inlet on cove with drainage pipe, fill. Property for sale. Lot size
would require ZBA variance because zoning is 2-acre low density residential.







                                                                                 16





  Upper Narrows to Young's Cove

      R2-86 Wajda-Heron Point 47 Ac         3270' Wf
Viewscape across river from landing. 100-150' setback in shoreline
conservation zone. Subdivision with 30 lots all 1/2-acre and less. 30 boat
slips (4-to 7-foot deep channel) and 17 automobile parking spaces proposed.
Back cove area has deep water fish spawning capability. Boat access with
walking trail. Recommendation--close off trail to protect plants. State
threatened species here--false water pimpernel. Sample was collected and
donated to U.N.H. Hodgdon Herbarium. Birds: Plucking posts and lookouts for
goshawks; mature pines serve as perching sites for great blue herons; in-river
hunting sites for green-back herons; other in-river habitat for diving ducks.

      U3-5,13     Town of Newmarket approx. .40 Ac   300' Wf
Landing and park providing public access. Moonlight Brook.

      U3-50 Town of Newmarket  4 Ac          800' Wf
One of two places with undisturbed shoreline vegetation. Important night
roosting for osprey. Important area for birds that need upland areas. Open
space with boat access potential. In Young's Cove, spotted sandpipers.
Hemlocks provide cover for mammals. At wastewater treatment plant (U3-47),
water quality issues apparent. Riprap used for bank stabilization at
facility. The tidal mud flats below riprap at Youngs Cove is a historic site
for rare plants.

    U3-5,13  Town of Newmarket  approx. .40 Ac        300'Wf
Landing and park providing public access. Moonlight Brook.

    U3-51    Fish and Game       approx. .75 Ac        300" Wf
    There is access for ice-fishing. There is a boat ramp.

  Lower Narrows

There is evidence that the tidal inlet is silting in because of nearby housing
constriction activity, disturbed soils, and loss of vegetative buffer. Early
invasive plants are growing in disturbed soil. However, three species of
Spartina grass grow at mouth of inlets. Early algal bloom nutrified from
wastewater treatment facility as well as fertilizer runoff from riverfront
lawns upstream. The depth of the channel is 4-to 6-feet.

      U3-54 Beauchesne          2.5 Ac             530' Wf
Rocky face, gorge-like and a rare plant site. An unusual natural area and
prominent point of open space.

      U3-77 Felder                    3 Ac         470' Wf
Wooded clearing, rocky and forested habitat for osprey, kingfishers. Clearing
on banks, but behind surveyor's stakes. Soil is not badly disturbed, however,
the shoreline is exposed within the shoreline conservation district.

     U3-76  Jackson                   1 Ac         160' Wf
Great Cove.  Open lot showing development activity.  Deck has been built on
slope down to water.  Erosion problem and limbing trees activity.







                                                                                 17




                           OYSTER RIVER     DURHAM.


Jackson Landing/ Beards Creek

Jackson Landing is currently being studied by the Nature Conservancy with N.H.
Coastal Program funding. The landing area has wildlife, fish and shellfish.
The fish provide good hunting for osprey, cormorants, herons. Ringbilled
gulls and shorebirds use the area.)

      11-4        Jackson Landing    approx 1.5 Ac       Boo' Wf
UNH boat house on Town of Durham property. Increased sculling on river with
attendant increase in parking in what was to be a passive recreation area.

      11-3        Town of Durham            3.5 Ac            1100' Wf
Recreation area includes ice skating rink. Town proposes increasing active
recreation here.

      11-2        Jacques                   5 Ac          900' Wf
Beards Creek is separated from the upland by high leveed banks. The banks has
dens and burrows.  A walking trail exists above the bank. Beards Creek area
includes prime farmland soils and low, forested wetlands. There are extensive
tidal wetlands with abundant ribbed mussel shells in intensive bird feeding
area.  Mature spruce, white pine (used as perching site) and oaks dominate the
forested wetlands. The eastern slope has a young stand of poplar, birch, and
understorey growth. The N.H. Natural Heritage Inventory lists this as a rare
plant site for many species including the stout bulrush, and the exserted
knotweed. Birds sighted include green-backed heron, great blue heron, mallard
families. Natural buffer for Jackson Landing. Keep passive recreation uses.

      11-9-4    Jackson               5 Ac          800' Wf
Saltmarsh with prime farmland. Cove adjoining town point.

      11-35-1     Shankhassick Trust  44 Ac             1950' Wf
The owner of the property reports that its name is the Native American word
for for the river--Shankhassick means "wild geese". This undeveloped property
is opposite the mouth of Beards Creek and Jackson Landing. The open space is
visually important, and is heavily used by wildlife.  A rustic cabin at the
site was built in 1923. Tidal marsh fringes the creek. There is an unusual
dry creek bed at the property. The inland hickory trees indicated good soil
to colonial settlers.  Large old black oaks grow along the river.  A large
drainage area with ferns is below the path into the woods. Valuable view.
River channel is 4' deep.

no tax map number             Shipyard Landing  Durham   3 Ac
N.H. Coastal Program has funded a project to rebuild tidal walls in the
landing area. Provides access to boats moored in river. Erosion and
siltation is a major problem. Channel at low tide is 6 inches deep. Lots of
dead oysters in the narrow, disturbed channel. Area used for active
recreational boating. Channel 6 inches to 2 feet deep.














      11-34-1     Sawyer                    59 Ac               1000' Wf
(includes 6-11-3) The treed point is a perching area for great blue herons,
green-back herons, cormorants, kingfishers.  It is a large tract, with
pastures inland and saltmarsh surrounding the tidal inlet.


  Smith Creek

      12-8-2      Tirrell, Wagon Hill       99 Ac               6800' Wf
The Town of Durham voted 7/19/89 to appropriate $3.1 million dollars to buy
this property. The town decided that the property was worth preserving for
its open space and conservation values.

Scenic vista at mouth of Oyster River.  Three tidal creeks           with extensive
marsh. Fresh spring in the extensive upland meadow. Offshore island is
possible tern habitat. Pitch pine point offers mature perching area. Diverse
frontage    sandy beach, rocky shore.  Passive recreation and public access.
Chesley's Grove is a picnic area. Agricultural land has a Christmas tree
plantation. There is an old field with fruit trees. Channel is 14 to 21 feet
deep beyond mud flats on eastern shore.

      11-22-4   Hill, Emery Farm    43 Ac          3500' Wf
Expansive meadow along creek.  Rocky shore with steep shoreline.  Seaweed
stronghold in cove. Rural quality with productive farmland. Bird habitat for
red-tailed hawk and herons. Freshwater spring at the head of a tidal creek in
the middle of the property.

  Durham Point

      11-12 Langley              23 Ac             2100' Wf
      11-13-1,4 Langley               64 Ac         1200' Wf
                  (includes 11-14) 30 Ac
Scenic vistas      at the mouth of river.  At Langley Island, reported bird
perching sites; at Tern Island, nesting habitat. Birdlife: islands to
shoreline provide loafing, hunting, and perching areas.         Tidal inlet is a
protected cove. Rocky bluffs fringe the saltmarsh. Distinct rural quality
with agricultural preservation and a buffalo herd. 51 acres of permanent
pasture. 25 foot channel north of Langley Island.

      11-11     Sandberg              38 Ac         2200' Wf
Poynter Trust land. Rocky shore has dark gray slate substrate--Phyllite.
Protected cove is an unusual natural area. Tidal clam flats. Orchards on
unique farmland.   Agricultural holding, including pastures.  The sailing
school is a coastal-dependent use. Channel is 4-6 feet deep beyond the mud
flats.

  Deer  Point

      11-38-1   Richmond                    53 Ac        1700' Wf
      11-38-2     McNitt                    57 Ac        1600' Wf
Drew's Creek branches to a tidal wetlands.  There is an extensive high
saltmarsh and a protected cove with floodplain. A major oyster bed exists on
the tidal flats where the river forms two channels.   Rural quality is
      I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  ----












preserved with pasture down to the river.  The existing tree farm has 42
acres. Historic site with brickyard, burial site. This is the site of a rare
species of algae, and habitat for osprey, egrets, ducks.  The owner reports
red-breasted mergansers, buffleheads, and goldeneyes. Channel is 4-6 feet
deep.

      23-1-34   Deer Point           147 Ac           2800' Wf
Open space at Drew's Creek is part of the Deer Point subdivision (11-23-33).
The development has a 75-foot setback from the river. This open space is part
of the largest tract of salt marsh on the river. There is a fresh water pond
on the property, and there is community (not public) access to the river along
a narrow path. Degradation of tidal area due to development at lot 23-10.


  Horsehide Brook

     11-37-4      Lockhardt          54 Ac         2300' Wf
     11-37-1   Family Trust         38.5 Ac         1000' Wf
Tidal creeks with tidal wetlands.  Bird habitat.  Meadowlarks, kingfishers,
herons follow the brook inland.  Mowed open land through old orchard.
Cemetery on site--Pickering and Burnham.  A 5-foot high stone wall marks the
edge of a well picked (rocks) pasture bordering the brook. Salt pannes--open
depressions only flooded at extreme high tide. Pannes provide habitat for
glasswort and algae. Salt meadow grass and beach heather and sea lavender
grow in the area.  Other flora include a bank of coltsfoot (indicating
calcareous ledge) growing in the bank under the white pines and black oaks of
the north-facing slope. UNH has done studies of algae at the rocky
outcroppings.  Channel is 4-6 feet deep.

     11-36-2      Town of Durham       2.5 Ac           300' Wf
Public open space with a potential terminus for a trail corridor. Historic
graveyard with flatstones c.1750. Tidal wetland. Easement held by Durham
Conservation Commission.


  Johnson Creek

      11-15-2     Butler             20 Ac
Mud flats near rip rap. In mud flats, heron, otter, muskrat tracks. This
nature sanctuary is an unusual natural area. The tidal high marsh is buffered
by oak and pine trees. The town needs to define the easement status. This
property abuts a 22-acre parcel of open space (11-16-28) that is part of the
Johnson Creek, Ltd. development.

      11-13 Keefe              123 Ac
Open space with adjacent prime farmland soils. Prime habitat for rare
species. See discussion of importance of area as refuge for eelgrass in
Appendix C. The land is a pristine natural area, untouched for 200 years.
Extensive salt meadows at beginning of property. Eel grass grows among stones
in rapids. Clear but shallow water. Three to 4 stream beds before-mouth of
Gerrish Brook. Gerrish Brook joins the tidal creek at the salthole. It is
also the historic site of the Dover-Durham turnpike.  Birdlife: habitat for
waders; perching site for great blue herons and red-tailed hawk; sandpipers
feeding at freshwater pond.  Dead elm provides perching for osprey to use






                                                                                 20





while cleaning fish.   Intensive use by wildlife: habitat for deer, otter,
mink, muskrat, raccoon. A series of three otter runs. Old fields and red
spruce provide habitat for deer.

      11-29 Vittands             13 Ac
                                (+31-15,16 2.5, 1 Ac)
Fresh water cordgrass growing in area. Tidal creek has a vegetative buffer.
Saltmarsh predominates on the east side.

      11-27     White                24 Ac 1800' Wf
Important buffer of mature oaks along bank. Dens in trees and banks. Fawn
tracks, otter and beaver activity. Aspen growing at site. Perching snags for
birds and shaded flats on north bank.

  Bunker Creek

Deep water channel at mouth. Easement of 100-foot setback to protect creek
banks from development north to Rt 4.


      11-31-31  Durham Thatch Bed      2.5 Ac
Low marsh, used historically by town for roof thatching, animal bedding, and
banking for houses. Grass used is salt water cordgrass.

      11-22-1     Emery Farm          98 Ac
Rocky ledges on east side, extensive low saltmarsh in tidal creek. Rural
quality is preserved by the tree farm.  Rare plant site.

      11-21 Palmer                    18 Ac
High marsh with remnants of old orchard. Classic meandering tidal creek.
Rare plant site. Scenic view with trails, prime farmland, family graveyard
and barn. Habitat for deer.






                                                                                 21




           SALMON FALLS RIVER   2.8 miles miles above Eliot bridge

  Franklin Marsh

      4-4         Franklin                  47 Ac 3000' Wf
A conservation easement on this property has been donated to the The Strafford
Rivers Conservancy by the owner, Walter Franklin. Easement includes land in
Rollinsford and in Dover (tax map N, lot 10). The 150 foot setback restriction
on timber harvesting along the river protects the scenic vista and almost
3000' of shoreland. The two treed points are intensively used perching,
nesting and feeding sites for birds. The contiguous marsh and forested upland
lend a rich diversity of habitat to the easement area.

Extensive tidal wetlands connecting to Garvin Brook. Channel 6-B feet deep at
low tide.   Extensive salt marsh.  Bird activity with snowy egrets,
cormorants, heron, shorebirds, waders, and ducks. Good perching on snags,
fallen trees, good hunting site for birds. Well-marked walking and riding
path up to Woodlands.

4-37-1 to 35      Woodlands      89 Ac           1400"Wf
Human activity impacts bird use of shore.  Steep grassed banks but no serious
erosion.  However, path leading from Franklin property has been torn up by
construction.  There are 33 buildable lots of approximately 2 acres each with
an average of 180 feet of frontage.  A 4-acre strip including a buildable lot
will be deeded to the town to prevent further development along the right-of-
way off Sligo Road.  13 acres are built up as roadway.  Drainage pipe outfall
below drainage swales, freshwater inflow from culverts run directly into tidal
marsh.  Failed (blocked) drainage system.  Maintenance is responsibility of
homeowners association and town should require'action. Evidence of stump
dump--iron and manganese leachate. Monitoring is recommended.

  Sligo Brook Marsh

      4-37        Whalen                    24.5 Ac     1400' Wf
Bank less steep than downriver. Tidal marsh fronts shore. Old floats on
river at end of woods road. Good hunting and perching sites for birds--
greater and lesser yellowlegs, least and semi palmated sandpipers and killdeer
(all shorebirds), great blue heron, and osprey. Pasture with forested
frontage. 400-to 600-foot buffer along river.

     4-37-36      Hare                13 Ac       1100' Wf
Extensive salt marsh, rushes.  The well at the site may be foul.  House
visible from river. Proliferation of cattails along river 200-foot forested
buffer.

      4-35,36    Aikman   29  Ac           2200' Wf
Much of Aikman property is protected by a conservation easement held by the
Strafford County Conservation District.  On remaining property, conservation
of natural resources is practiced.

Extensive salt marsh, same land and river qualities as above.  No agriculture
use, however.  Marsh is characterized by mixed vegetation-and tall saltwater













cordgrass reaching well out into the marsh which is broken by intermittent mud
flats. This provides excellent feeding and cover for birds. Black ducks
observed, otherwise same birds as in Madame's Cove.


  Madame's Cove

4-34,33-30               Aikman                39 Ac  3200" Wf

Rocky outcroppings. Abrupt change to fresh and brackish water intertidal
flats. Frequent use by osprey. Mixed vegetation. Turbidity near outlet of
Leigh's Mill Pond. N.H. shore, across from Leigh's Mill Pond outlet, Nature
Conservancy rare plant study site--six rare species listed in U.N.H. Herbarium
records.

Tree species changing from downstream pine and hemlock to hardwoods. Osprey
hunting site.  Rocky outcrops in river.  Some upstream animal waste where
river channel narrows, but bank is stable. Rural quality and prime farmland
protected by conservation easement along river. Rare species use of shore.






                                                                                            23




  I                ~~~~PROTECTION STRATEGIES AND PRIORITIZATION OF PARCELS



U         ~~Growing public awareness of the long-term value of environmental conservation
                      andthepreentlac ofdevlopentpresur inthe study region gives the
          communities surrounding the tidal rivers an opportunity to develop
          comprehensive land conservation plans that protect the estuarine environment.

          It is too simplistic to say that the study rivers are each unique systems and
I        ~ ~~that they need to be protected separately on a town-by-town basis, through
          zoning or through public acquisition of separate parcels. However, since
          communities are responsible for most land use decisions in this state (within
I         ~ ~~he federal and state permitting structure) we have based many of our
          recommendations on the similarities of the rivers in the coastal zone in order
          to provide regional guidelines for the coastal communities to employ in their
3         ~~~land use decisions.

          In addition, we have developed a list of properties which if conserved through
           acquisition can maintain and even improve the quality of the riverine system
          fo the public benefit.

          Coastal communities are encouraged to develop and improve existing open space
          and recreation plans to encourage non-intrusive public use that does not
          degrade these rivers. Shoreland conservation zones can be developed in
          addition to existing river setback requirements. Rather than adding to a
           strict minimum setback, towns may want to consider a conservation zone based
            anvalues the community wants to preserve. If the town wants to conserve land
          for wildlife habitat purposes to the exclusion of development, a minimum
          setback of 300 feet (as recommended by the Audubon Society for wildlife
3         ~~corridors) might be appropriate.  However, if the town wants to provide the
          opportunity for landowners to develop closer to the river, a conservation zone
          based on a development-limiting factor such as soil types could be adopted.
          The best approach to preserving the riverine system while accommodating
I        ~ ~landowner use of property may be a combination of the two.  A setback
          requirement by itself may be easier to administer than an ordinance combining
          both methods, but it alone may not represent a community's conservation
I        ~ ~~intent.

          The step-by-step program of acquisition of parcels described in this report
          begins the identification of parcels located an the attached maps and
          described in detail in these pages. The specific strategy is different for
          each parcel, and the time frame for protective action is different as well.
           Benerally, the sensitive parcels in the coastal zone are best protected by
          eihe town zoning or easement, and fee simple acquisition is not as likely as
          the others to bring results within the time frame of the program. The
          protection schedule is five years, with land use regulations being the most
          immediately attainable method of protection, followed by easements, followed
          by outright land acquisition which would generally take the entire time frame.

          The conservation district is ready to assist the coastal communities improve
I        ~ ~~their land use and natural resource protection strategies.  For instance,
          specific details about stretches of the rivers that in our opinion need
*         ~~~particular protection in order to preserve critical bird habitat are available






                     I                                                                        2~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~4




I        ~~in the office.  The district's technical resources include not only the staff
          of the Soil Conservation Service but the members of the board of directors of
          the district.

          The district plans to present within each community a slide program of
          riverfront conservation that it has developed during this project. The basic
          presentation will be tailored for each coastal community by showing slides
          taken throughout the last nine months of the rivers and coastal properties.













                                        Salmon Falls River


U         ~~A project representative met with the Rollinsford Conservation Commission in
          February to review the preliminary report recommendations. Based an
I         ~ ~~iscussion with the commission and the inventory of land use patterns and
          natural resources, the study concludes that the town has been fortunate to
          have as little degradation of the coastal zone as there is. The town has been
          able to rely on the conservative agricultural use of the coastal zone as well
I         ~~as aon private ownership that has not sought to develop the shoreland.  The
          town is small, town government is accessible to all residents, and private
          ownership has generally conserved the share. This is a case where
I       ~ ~conservative people have Managed to develop ways of community interaction and
          land use that have not encroached upon their neighbors. However, such a town
          needs to secure its public policy in a community master plan before growth
*         ~~occurs which makes change unmanageable.

          The land ownership pattern and the physical characteristics of the tidal
          portion of this river have meant a largely undisturbed riverine system. There
          are excellent recreational opportunities for people as well as opportunity for
          wildlife to thrive in undisturbed habitat. The town needs to continue to
*         ~~encourage these conditions.


          flap reference numbers for this river are I through 4. A map of the Salmon
          Falls River is in the back of this report.

          Property 1--Land owned by Marion Aikman, of Rollinsford totals about 400 acres
          in that town. The land within the coastal zone is either under easement
I       ~ ~protection now or is in agricultural use.  A potential easement on land on the
          other side of the Salmon Falls River in Maine, some of which is owned by Mrs.
          Aikman, and all of which is undeveloped all the way down to the Eliot Bridge
          is part of the long-range protection plan of the adjacent Great Works Land
          Trust.
          Timeframe for easement       .     .     .     .     .     .    l995

          The schedule is flexible because there is no immediate threat.

          Properties in section 4--Land owned by Whalen and Hare, totaling approximately
          38 acres. Easement protection is advisable with a buffer along the river.
          The bank is less steep than property 3, and a conservation easement along the
          shore could be negotiated by the town after further an site evaluation of the
          exact appropriate width of the easement. This report recommends between 400-


          Timeframe for easement .....................1992


          Property number 3 Rollinsford is the site of The Strafford Rivers
I       ~ ~Conservancy's first conservation easement.  The easement is along the tidal
          river, and represents a significant link in the chain of protection begun an
          the Aikman lands upriver, described in this report.






                    I                                                                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~26.






U         ~~Under easement already.


I         ~~Property number 72Between the conserved properties (I and 3) lies the one
          development an either side of the tidal Salmon Falls River--Woodlands, a
          development completed according to town regulation within the last two years.

          Because the development is somewhat anomalous along this part of the river the
          successes and failures of construction activity punctuate the need to monitor
          future development. Development runnoff is changing the tidal marsh, and this
          can still be corrected. The conservation district is willing to advise the
          town about specific corrections. Further, clearing along the riverbank by
          private landowners seeking a river view should be monitored to protect the
          conservation values of the buffer between the development and the river as
          well as the Franklin property. The town may want to invite the residents of
*         ~~Woodlands to the in-town presentation of this study.

          Timeframe for protection .................1991






                    I                                                                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~27




                                            Oyster River


          Conservation and land protection along this tidal river present a more complex
          situation than along the Salmon Falls. The community is larger, the property
          ownership pattern in the coastal zone is more diverse, and the town zoning is
          detailed and responsive to economic as well as environmental conservation
          needs.
          The public policy boards in this town represent a broad range of community
          i nterests and values. As a result, the overlay of land use regulations is
          complex and needs subtle management within the community in order to protect
          the coast.

I~~  ~Upzoning --the concept of al lowing a more intensively developed use of property
          than previously permitted in town regulation--is a technique which when it is
          applied to environmentally sensitive areas must be carefully applied. The
I        ~ ~~coastal zone in the opinion of this study is no place for more intensive
          development. In itself more intensive use is not undesirable. However, what
          is required is serious commitment from the town to assure that what is
I        ~ ~developed in no way harmfully impacts the coast.  Slippage that frequently
          occurs in development includes construction plans that are not always fully
          executed; planning board site plan requirements that are not always faithfully
           executed; planning board and conservation commission decisions that are not
I         ~~always based on the most precise environmental information available to those
          boards; after construction, maintenance and follow-through can not always be a
          high priority in the large scheme of managing the growth of a town. Upzoning
I        ~ ~~requires a focused public commitment to preserving the integrity of the
          coastal zone.

          flap reference numbers for this river are I through 10. A map of the Oyster
I        ~ ~~River is included in this report.


I         ~~Property number I  Wagon Hill Farm protection strategy being determined
          presently.

          Property number 2 Smith Creek Not only is it important to preserve Wagon
I        ~ ~~Hill Farm (Property Map # I), but preservation of the open space across the
          creek would help keep Smith Creek in its present healthy condition. An
          easement on this land buffering the creek (part of Emery Farm) is strongly


          Timeframe for protection............by easement,  1992


          Property Area # 3,4 Bunker Creek The Palmer and Emery (map reference 3 and
          4) properties are important elements in the protection of the area. Easements
          to protect low marsh areas and the scenic beauty of these properties are
          important. Whereas Johnson Creek is notable for its animal life, this creek
            isequally notable for the habitat it provides for endangered and threatened
I         ~~~speciesofbrs

          Timeframe for protection                by easement,            1995














          Property Area   5   Johnson Creek  The pristine tidal creek, expansive marsh,
          rick and diverse wildlife habitat, and open space make this area outstanding
          in the estuarine system. Not to be overlooked is the importance of the
          eelgrass growing in this creek. Eelgrass is critically necessary for some
          needs of fish and wildlife (see appendix material for discussion of eelgrass.)

          Timeframe for protection               by easement,            1995


1         ~~Property number 6  Jackson Landing area.  The 5-acre Jacques property can be
          an important addition to the public space in Durham. Its uses can be passive,
          and an important use can be environmental education because of the diverse
          wildlife habitat and rare plant species.
          Timeframe for protection            by fee simple acquisition, 1993


          Property number 7 The Shankhassick Trust is important not only for its many
I       ~ ~~conservation values but for the scenic views of it available to people using
          the town lands across the river at Jackson Landing.

          Timetable for protection                       by easement,    1993


          Property area 41 8 Horsehide Brook This area offers good wildlife habitat.
          We recommend a wide buffer along the brook--both sides could be protected by
          conservation easement which is the most likely conservation strategy based on
          our findings.

I         ~~~Timeframe  for protection                     by easement,   1995


I         ~~Property reference *9  Drew's Creek area.  As in the preceding properties, a
          similar situation exists with the Richmond and McNitt tree farm. The town
          must explore ways to encourage preservation of this land. Tax abatements are
I        ~ ~always a means at the town's disposal.  In addition, the tidal marsh and open
          space at Drews Creek is important to protect. The conservation district's
          slide program of this tidal rivers land protection study will be available to
           the town to assist in public education of ways to protect the marsh. The
          marsh ecosystem is fragile and must be protected.
          Timeframe for protection of Drew's Creek lands
                                                          by easement,  1993
          Possible tax reduction to encourage open space use              1992
              (Timefraine would be similar if this means were used in the Durham Point
          area.)


I         ~~Properties 41 10,11 at Durham Point  The Langley (reference 11) and Sandberg
          (reference 10) properties are so outstanding in terms of maintaining open
          space and preserving the rural character and scenic beauty of this area that













          the town should consider all the options available to it to encourage the
          landowners to maintain their present uses of the properties. The landowners
          themselves have been creative in their search for ways to maintain their
          present uses of the land--for instance, they have explored reduction in
          current use taxes based on the quality of soils an their properties for those
          areas actively used for agriculture. Considering how important these
          properties are to the general quality of life in Durham, and absolutely to the
          quality of the estuarine system, the properties need protection.

I         ~~~Timeframe for protection ......by easement along coast, 1992












        I                                 ~~~~~~~~~~~Lamprey River


I        ~~~The town of Newmarket is developing a comprehensive conservation mana gement
           plan with the guidance of the conservation commission. This plan will be a
          significant step forward in management of the town's natural resources
I       ~~including the resources of the coastal zone.  Areas the town should seriously
          consider (and in fact has been made aware of by the researchers for this
           study) follow.

I        ~~The map reference numbers are I through 5. A map of the Lamprey River is
           included in the back of this report.

I        ~~Property map # I Mouth of the Lamprey  Critical property is land owned by
           James Sawyer, nearly 90 acres of undeveloped land an Great Bay. Among the
          many values of this property is its usefulness to birdlife.  (Note-During this study
I       ~~~~the researchers came upon a wounded young osprey that over a three-day period was able to recover, and
          presumably fly away, It found refuge in the hemlock stands and perches of increasing height as it recovered.
           If the osprey had fallen an any other stretch of the river it would very likely not have found a safe place
          from predators.)

          Timetable for protection, easement corridor of 300-500 feet along riverbank
           1993


          Property Map Area 3,4 Lower Narrows The Great Cove area can be protected by
           a shoreland conservation zone with increased setbacks and carefully permitted
          uses. Setbacks in area 4, carefully permitted uses in area 3.
           Timeframe for protection             through zoning        1992


          Property Map Area 2,5  Upper Narrows to Young's Cove   Town-owned properties
I       ~~need to be protected because they are important sites for birdlife as well as
          public recreation. However, the town must make public use compatible with the
           needs of wildlife in addition to setting strict river setback requirements in
           these areas.

          Timeframe for protection              through easement      1992













U        ~~APPENDIX A

                                       LAND USE AND ZONING

          The 1989 population estimates from the Strafford Regional Planning Commission
          are that Durham, with a population of 12,511 is growing at a rate of 1 1/2
          percent a year; Newmarket, with a population of 6,848 is growing at 8 percent;
          Rollinsford, with a population of 2,847 is growing at 4 percent a year.

          Current and proposed land use ordinances are reviewed in relation to the need
          to protect coastal resources.

          DURHAM

          Many recommendations for future land use are based an the priorities decided
          by town residents during a survey which helped form the town master plan. The
I       ~ ~community wants to protect (in descending priority order) wilderness areas and
          land along waterways; areas that are water sources; active farm land and
          scenic vistas.

          The 1989 master plan summarizes existing land use, noting that of the total
          16,450 acres in town, 1,450 acres are covered by water bodies. That leaves
          15,000 acres of land of which 11,500 acres are not developed. About half of
I       ~ ~that land (6,400 acres) is unsuitable for development because it is
          floodplain, or has unsuitable sail, or has other environmental limits to
          development. Approximately 5,100 acres remain available for development.

          One way the town has limited development has been with large lot zoning an the
          tidal frontage of the Oyster River. The town's Residential Coastal (RC) lot
          size of 120,000 square feet covers all coastal land as of October, 1988.

          A zone of 20,000-foot lot minimum exists on the north side of the Oyster River
          east to Johnson Creek north of U.S. 4. South of the creek is a zone with a
          4000 square foot lot size.  Beards Creek is encompassed by a proposed
          limited business district with a 10,000 foot minimum lot size. South of the
          Oyster River, downzoning of 40,000 square feet, which would triple the
          development potential for each lot is proposed up to the Shankhassick Trust
          land. With one third of the coastal land considered suitable for development,
          downzoning becomes a dangerous trend if the town intends to protect its coast.

U         ~~The conservation commission proposes to protect thirteen farms, using wildlife
          corridors as one means of protection. Wildlife corridors are being studied by
           atown ad hoc committee an conservation lands, the Lamprey Watershed
          Asca  t      in and the UNH Natural Areas Committee.

          The first of these farms, Wagon Hill Farm, has been purchased by the town for
          $3.1 million dollars. The town voted to acquire the land and buildings in
          order to preserve the scenic views, provide for future municipal purposes, and
          preserve open space. A restriction an future use of the property is that none
          of the property south of Rt. 4 shall be sold without a vote of the town in
          order to secure voter approval of land use along Smith Creek and the Oyster
          River.











I         ~~The shoreland protection zone encompasses all the land within 150 feet of the
          high water level of Great and Little Bays, including tidal portions of
          tributaries, and the Oyster River up to the dam. However, since July the town
I       ~ ~council revised the setbacks to 100 feet along fresh water portions of the
          waterways.


I         ~~NEWMARKET

          Current zoning is low density residential with two-acre lots below the Lower
I        ~ ~Narrows on both banks of the Lamprey River.  To the north, including Heron
          Point, the land is zoned medium density (one-acre lots) residential. The town
          center to the south is zoned for 1/2-acre lots in a high density zone.

I         ~~The major change in land use in the coastal area has been from forests to
          residential. From 1952 to 1982 the forested class of land has dropped from 60
          percent to 39 percent of town area. Developed land is now 38 percent of
          town, and the amount of development has jumped 4 to 5 times since 1952.
          There are 8,640 acres in town, of which 930 are covered by water bodies. The
          remaining 7,710 acres are in the following uses: 25 percent residential, 17
          percent commercial and public development (such as roadways), 16 percent
          agricultural land, and 39 percent forested land.

I         ~~The Shoreline Conservation Zone includes all land within 100 feet of the
          shores of Great Bay, the Lamprey River, the Piscassic River, Follett's Brook
          and within 100 feet of areas identified as tidal marsh. This ordinance needs
3         ~~greater land use restrictions to protect the vegetative buffer along
          waterways.


          ROLLINSFORD

I        ~ ~As in most New Hampshire mill towns, the village center developed at the power
          source--the middle falls of the Salmon Falls River. The village center has
          remained relatively unchanged. There is classic large lot zoning (2-acre
          lots) south of Rt 4 along the tidal river. While the intent of the ordinance
          is to preserve rural character, a full build-out of the zone would result in a
          checkerboard of new houses with all sense of the rural character lost in two-
          acre landscaped yards.

I         ~~Using an alternative design subdivision, large uninterrupted parcels could
          remain undeveloped while allowing the same overall density of development.
          The town cluster ordinance now requires open space of at least 25 percent
I        ~ ~~after wetland, ledge, and slope restrictions are s~ubtracted.    Since the
          1950s the greatest shift in land use has been from agricultural to
*         ~~~residential.

          The total area of the town is 4,585 acres of which 110 acres are water
          bodies. Agricultural land totals 1,330 acres, developed land (including
          residential and public use land) covers another 1,775 acres, and forests cover
          another 1,480 acres. There are only 5 acres of wetlands in town by the
          estimates of a University of New Hampshire land use study.













Setbacks of 100 feet are zoned along the tidal reach of river.  North of the
railroad tracks above Rt. 4 the shore is protected by a 250-foot restriction
an development adjacent to zoned conservation land along the fresh water
Salmon Falls River.  There is a 50-foot setback from running streams. A
shoreline protection ordinance further protecting waterways should be adopted.

The Strafford Rivers Conservancy easement on the Walter Franklin property in
Rollinsford has conditions more restrictive than the town's zoning. The SRC
required a 150-foot setback on clearing activities with cutting to be approved
by a wildlife expert in order to preserve wildlife habitat in the forested
upland. Within the riparian buffer, the intent is to leave standing all snag
and den trees and all nest and roost trees for heron and raptors.

The development rights on the Franklin easement (47 acres) will be held in
perpetuity by the Strafford Rivers Conservancy with executive interest held by
the Strafford County Conservation District.







                                                                                 34





Appendix B

                 Soil Suitabilities for Selected Areas in'the
              Lamprey, Oyster, and Salmon Falls Rivers Corridors


The soil suitabilities for selected land uses for the 11 areas listed below
have been developed from the following sources: (1) the Soil Surveyeof
Strafford County 1973; (2) Soil Potential Ratings (Strafford County) 1987; (3)
the digitized soil map of the Newmarket area (from the Soil Surveyof
Rockingham County, in press).  Where suitability ratings differed between
sources (1) and (2), the ratings in source (2) were considered definitive.


LAMPREY RIVER

Upper Narrows

The dominant soils present in this highly urbanized area are identified as the
Chatfield-Hollis-Canton conassociation on slopes of 8 tO 15 percent; these
well-drained soils are rocky and vary greatly in their depth to bedrock, and
because of this limitation their suitability ratings for homesites and septic
systems are low. Boxford silt loam on slopes of 3 to B percent, a statewide
important farmland soil, is found on the north bank of the river and on
adjacent uplands. The suitability ratings for Boxford soils is high for
homesites, and moderate for septic systems due to a seasonal high water table.
The Scitico soils, located in depressions and along drainageways, are rated
very low for homesites and septic systems because of a seasonal high water
table. Eldridge soils on slopes of 3 to 8 percent, moderately well drained
soils located in small areas on the upland, are rated high for homesites and
moderate for septic systems due to slowly permeable subsoils. Urban areas,
singly and in combination with Canton soils, are not rated. The suitability
rating for woodland is high for the entire area, except for the area ranges
from medium on the Boxford and Eldridge soils, to very low on the Scitico
soils.

Lower Narrows

This area, adjacent to the Upper Narrows area, is less urbanized, and is
dominated by the Chatfield-Hollis-Canton soils on slopes of 3 to 35 percent;
most of the steeper slopes are along the river. These well-drained soils vary
greatly in their depth to bedrock, and because of this and their steepness,
their suitability ratings for homesites and septic systems is low to very low.
Boxford silt loam on slopes of 3 to 8 percent is present on the uplands on
both sides of the river; it has a high suitability rating for homesites, but
is rated low for septic systems due to a seasonal high water table. Woodland
suitability ratings is high for all soils in the area. In total, the
potential for development of the area ranges from medium on the Boxford soils
to low and very low on the remaining soils.












Mouth of the Lamprey-Shackfard Point Area

The well-drained Chatfield-Hollis-Canton conassociation dominates the soil
cover, especially in the western half. Slopes are steep on these soils,
ranging from 8 to 35 percent.  The suitability ratings for homesites and
septic systems are low to very low on these soils, due to variable depth to
bedrock.

Squamscott soils on slopes of 0 to 3 percent, with a high perennial water
table, are adjacent to the tidal marsh on Shackford Point; the former soil is
rated very low for homesites and septic systems, and the latter is unsuited
for development. Between the variable-depth soils to the west and the poorly
drained Squamscott soils noted above are Eldridge soils on 0 to 8 percent
slopes. The Eldridge soils have a slowly permeable subsoil, and while this
permits a high suitability rating for homesites, it results in a moderate
rating for septic systems. A small area of Boxford silt loam on slopes of 3
to 8 percent is adjacent to the Eldridge soils, and this soil is rated high
for homesites and low for septic systems sue to a seasonal high water table.
Tidal marsh (Westbrook soils) contiguous to Shackford Point, is unsuited for
development due to diurnal flooding. All of the soils except for the total
development for this area is low to very low for the eastern and western
sections, and low to medium for the central section.



OYSTER RIVER

Durham Point

Hollis-Charlton soil associations on slopes of 3 to 25 percent are dominant in
this area.  These well-drained soils vary greatly in their depths to bedrock,
and some are very rocky. For these reasons these soils have suitability
ratings of low to very low for homesites and septic systems. Buxton silt
loam, a moderately well-drained soil on slopes of 3 to 8 percent is next in
significance in the area, and it is a soil of statewide agricultural
importance. Buxton soils have a high suitability rating for homesites, but
because of a seasonal high water table they have a low rating for septic
systems. Scantic silt loam with slopes ranging from 0 to 8 percent is found
 at the heads of the drainageways, merging with tidal marsh downstream. The
Scantic soils suitability ratings for homesites and septic systems are both
 very low due to a perennial high water table, and tidal marsh is unsuited for
all development due to diurnal flooding.  The suitability rating for woodland
 is high for all soils except tidal marsh. The potential for total development
for the area ranges from medium on the Buxton soils to very low on the poorly
drained soils.

Deer Point (Drew Creek)

Tidal marsh is dominant in this area, centered on Drew Creek.  Soils of this
 landform are unsuited for development. Adjacent to the marsh and the river
are areas of Scantic silt loam with slopes of 3 to 8 percent; slow subsoil
 permeability and seasonal high water tables cause this soil to be rated very
 low for homesites and septic systems. At higher elevations are Hollis-
 Charlton soils with slopes of 8 to 25 percent, Hinckley loamy sand with slopes











          of 8 to 15 percent, and Buxton silt loam with slopes of 3 to 8 percent. The
          Hollis-Chariton soils, which dominate the upland areas, have low to very low
          suitability ratings for homesites and medium to low ratings for septic systems
I        ~ ~due to variable depths to bedrock, rockiness, and steep slopes.  Hinckley
          loamy sand with slopes of 8 to 15 percent is an excessively drained soil, and
          it is rated moderate for both homesites and septic systems. Buxton silt loam
           is rated high for homesites but because of the presence of a seasonal high
I       ~ ~water table is rated low for septic systems.  Woodland suitability ratings for
          the area are high for all soils except those of tidal marsh. The potential
          for total development for the area is medium for the Buxton and Hinckley

          toils, and very low for the remaining soils.

          Horsehide Brook

          This area possesses a variety of soils with no one series dominant. Scantic
          silt loam is found in the upper sections of the drainageways, andi these soils
I        ~ ~grade into the tidal marsh near the river.  These soils are poorly drained,
          and are rated very low for homesites and septic systems sue to a high seasonal
          water table. Tidal marsh is unsuited for all development. The uplands are
I        ~ ~dominated by the well-drained Hollis-Charlton soil conassociations with slopes
          of 3 to 15 percent, and the moderately well-drained Buxton silt loam and
          Elmwood fine sandy loam, both with slopes of 3 to 8 percent. The Elmwood soil
          is a prime farmland soil, and the Buxton is of statewide importance. The
          Hollis-Charlton soils vary greatly in depth to bedrock, and most are very
          rocky with steep slopes; the these reasons their suitability ratings for
           homesites and septic systems are low to very low.  The Buxton soils havehg  watrabeanwhlteyreaedigfohmstshy
          seasonalhihwtrtbeanwhlthyaertdhgfohmeiehy
          are rated low for septic systems. The Elmwood soils possess low subsoil
          permeability, and they are rated high for homesites and moderate for septic
          systems. Small areas of Deerfield loamy sand with slopes of 3 to 8 percent
          are located on the upland, and these soils have the same ratings for homesites
          and septic systems as the Elmwood soils. One small area of Windsor loamy sand
*        ~     ~~n slopes of 3 to 8 percent is located adjacent to tidal marsh, and this soil
          is rated very high for homesites and high for septic systems. However, this
          soil filters sewage effluent poorly, and its use for septic systems may
           pollute surface or ground water resources. Except for tidal marsh, all soils
3         ~~are rated high in woodland suitability.  Excluding the small area of Windsor
          soils, which has a high potential for total development, the potential for the
          remainder of the area ranges from medium for the Buxton, Deerfield, and
          Elmwood soils to very low for the Scantic and Hollis-Charlton soils.

          Jackson Landing

          Tidal marsh dominates in the lower-lying sections of this area, and it is
          unsuited for development due to diurnal flooding. The upland features Hollis-
          Charlton soils conassociations, most of which are very rocky, on slopes of 8
I        ~ ~~to 25 percent, along with Buxton silt loam on slopes of 0 to 8 percent, and
          Charlton-very stony sandy loam with slopes of 6 to 15 percent. The Hollis-
          Charlton soils possess variable depths to bedrock. Because of this
          characteristic, their rockiness, and their occurrence in steep slopes, they
          are rated low to very low for homesites and septic systems. The Buxton soils,
          which are soils of statewide agricultural importance, possess slowly permeable
          subsoils and seasonal high water tables; their suitability ratings are high











          for homesites, and low for septic systems. Windsor loamy fine sand (c'lay
          subsoil variant) with slopes of 0 to 8 percent, a prime agriculture sail, is
          located adjacent to tidal marsh on Beard's Creek and on the north bank of the
          river; this soil is rated high for homesites, but low for septic systems, due
          to slowly permeable subsoils. A small area of Buxton silt loam with slopes of
          0 to 3 percent, also recognized as prime agricultural soil, is present in the
           south half of the area. Buxton silt loam with slopes of 3 to 8 percent is of
I        ~ ~statewide agricultural importance.  The Charlton soils, also of statewide
          agricultural importance, occur only an steep slopes, and for this reason they
          are rated moderate for homesites and septic systems. Woodland ratings for the
I        ~ ~~area range from high for the Charlton and Buxton soils, and low to very low
          for the remaining soils.

          Smith Creek

          This area is characterized by moderately well-drained soils on rolling
           terraces with occasional steep knolls covered with well-drained rocky soils of
          variable depth. Buxton silt loam, the most common terrace sail is rated high
          for homesites, but due to a seasonal high water table it is rated low for
          septic systems. This soil is of statewide agricultural importance. Hollis-
I        ~ ~~Charlton fine sandy loam with slopes of 3 to 8 percent occupy part of the
          terrace adjacent to the Durham-Madbury town line, and rocky to extremely rocky
          Hollis-Charlton and Hollis-Glouster soils are variable in depth to bedrock;
I         ~ ~~ecause of this feature and their steep slopes, these soils have suitability
          ratings of low to very low for homesites and septic systems. Tidal marsh
          occupies the lower parts of drainageways adjacent to the river, and their
          diurnal flooding precludes development. Sufield silt loam on slopes of 8 to
I        ~ ~~15 percent, another sail of statewide agricultural importance, is adjacent to
          the tidal marsh, this soil possesses slowly permeable subsoils, and it is
          rated moderate for homesites and septic systems. The upper drainageways are
          occupied by Scantic silt loam with slopes of 0 to 3 percent, which is rated
          very low for both homesites and septic systems because of a seasonal high
          water table. A small gravel pit is present not far from the river, but it is
I         ~ ~~elieved to be inoperative.  Except for the extremely rocky Hollis-Charlton
          soils and tidal marsh, the woodland rating for the area is high. The
          potential for total development is medium for the less steep Hollis-Charlton,
          Buxton, and Suffield soils, but it low to very low for the remainder.

          Bunker Creek

          This area is dominated by Hollis-Charlton soils an slopes of 3 to 15 percent.
*1       ~ ~These soils are highly variable in depth to bedrock, and except for one locale
          on the eastern edge of the area, all are very rocky. The less rocky site is
           rated moderate for homesites, but the rocky Hollis-Charlton soils are rated
          low for homesites and these soils are rated low to very low for septic
          systems. The moderately well-drained Buxton silt loam with slopes of 0 to 8
          percent is found in several locations on both sides of Bunker Creek. This
I        ~ ~~soil is of statewide agricultural importance, and one section with slopes of 0
          to 3 percent straddling Route 4 is recognized as a prime agricultural soil.
          While the Buxton soils have suitability ratings high for homesites, they are
          rated low for septic systems due to the presence of a seasonal high water
          table. Small areas of Suffield silt loam with slopes of 8 to 35 percent are
          present along the western edge of the area and adjacent to the river.
          Suffield soils an slopes of 8 to 15 percent are rated moderate for homesites













          and septic systems, and an steeper slopes are rated very low for both uses.
          Suffield soils an slopes of 8 to 15 percent are soils of statewide
          agricultural importance. Scantic silt loam, present in the upper
          drainageways, possess very low ratings for both homesites and septic systems
          due to a seasonal high water table. The woodland potential is high for the
          entire area, except for the tidal marsh. The potential for total development
I         ~~~is very low for the very rocky and poorly drained soils, and medium for the
          remainder.

          Johnson Creek

          Buxton silt loam with slopes of 3 to B percent dominates the upland portions
          of this area. This soil, one of statewide agricultural importance, possesses
           aseasonal high water table; because of this feature it is rated high for
          homesites and low for septic systems. Small areas of Hollis-Charlton soils
           with slopes of 3 to 15 percent are located on the uplands; these soils vary in
             dphto bedrock, and some sites are steep- or very rocky.  Suitability ratings
          for homesites on these less rocky Hollis-Charlton soils is moderate, and for
          the rocky soil is low. Ratings for septic systems for all these soils is low.
          A large area of Windsor loamy fine sand (clay subsoil variant) on slopes of 0
          to B percent is present east of Johnson Creek. This Windsor soil is rated
          high for homesites and very low for septic systems sue to the slowly permeable
           subsoil. This soil filters sewage effluent poorly and its use for septic
          systems may pollute the creek. Tidal marsh which precludes all development
          due to diurnal flooding is dominant along the east bank of Johnson Greek, and
          is present in a small area along the river. Small areas of Scantic silt loam
          and one area of Swanton fine sandy loam, both with slopes of 0 to B percent,
          are present on the upland. Both of these soils are rated very low for
          homesites and septic systems due to seasonal high water tables. One small
          occurrence of Leicester-Ridgebury very fine sandy loam with slopes of 0 to 3
          percent lies west of Johnson Creek; these soils are also rated very low for
          homesites and septic systems due to seasonal-high water tables. Steeply
           sloping Suffield silt loam is located in a small area in the northeast corner
I        ~ ~and along the western limits of the area.  Due to slow subsoil permeability,
          these soils are rated moderate for both homesites and septic systems.
          Suffield soils are also rated of statewide agricultural importance. The
I        ~ ~~woodlands potential rating is moderate to high for all soils in the area
          except for Swanton soils (rated low) and tidal marsh. The potential for total
          development is medium for all soils except Swanton, Scantic, and Leicester-
          Ridgebury, which are rated low to very low.



I   -     ~~SALMON FALLS RIVER













          Eliot Br-idge area

I         ~~Windsor loamy sands are the dominant sails in this area.  Soils w ith slopes of
          0 to 8 percent are located on the terrace surface, and those with slopes of 0
          to 83 percent are located on the terraced surface, and those with slopes of 15
          to 60 percent are found on the adjacent steep banks above the tidal marsh and
          river banks. For homesites, the less-steep Windsor soil is rated high, and
          the steeper Windsor is rated very low because of the slopes. However, all the
          Windsor soils are poor filters for sewage effluent, and their use for septic
          systems may cause local pollution of the tidal marsh or the river. The tidal
          marsh is unsuited for development due to diurnal flooding. Woodland
          suitability for both Windsor soils is moderate. The potential development
I         ~~rating is very high for the less steep portions of the area, and very low for
          the steeper portions.












H         ~~APPENDIX C

      3                              ~~~~~~~~~EELSRASS ON THE SREAT DAY

          Eelgrass filters estuarine waters, stabilizes sediments, and provides habitat
          for marine organisms and wildlife. Its condition concerns researchers working
I       ~ ~~to restore the health of tidal rivers and estuaries. A catastrophic decline in
          the 1930s, which was caused by a wasting disease, killed more than 90% of the
          North Atlantic eelgrass population. Eelgrass was able to survive in the less
I       ~ ~saline environment of the upper estuarine rivers and tidal creeks, eventually
          repopulating Great Bay estuary.

          The wasting disease is currently causing losses of eelgrass and survival in
          the upper tidal reaches is rnot likely if water quality continues to decline.
          Poor water clarity and shading greatly increase the decline of eelgrass.
          Other negative impacts include nutrient loading, smothering by sedimentation,
          mechanical disruption, and the combined effects of pollution and disease.
          Recent recommendations from the research at Jackson Estuarine Laboratory
3         ~~~(Short et al, 1989) are listed in order of their value for rapid water quality
          improvement.

             1) Improve wastewater treatment, including tertiary treatment to eliminate
I       ~ ~discharge of nutrients into estuarine watersheds.

             2) Control surface run-off through improved erosion and sedimentation
I       ~ ~~control anid drainage practice.
             3) Regulate beat traffic, with clearly marked channels, lowered speed and
          regulation to eliminate overboard discharge of waste.

             4) Restore eelgrass beds by transplants to maintain habitat essential to
*         ~~~sustaining resource populations.

             5) Restrict fish and shellfish harvest by dragging which is mechanically
          damaging to eelgrass beds.






                    I                                                                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~41






                                BACKGROUND NOTES ON GREAT BAY FISH

          Estuary problems that effect Great Bay fish populations are the siltation and
          subsequent burial of eggs; siltation that reduces light that provides places
          for fish eggs to attach; and other matters that require further research.
I       ~ ~Some of those problems are the effect of silt an very young fish, and on the
          water temperature which effects the length of incubation. The fish that spawn
          in the tidal waters of the study area include the following.

          Alewife or freshwater herring spawns in 55-60 degree F. water. Eggs .05
          inches in diameter, stick to brush, stones, debris. Incubation is 6 days at
I        ~ ~60 degrees.  Young fish are 5 mm and grow to 15 mm in a month.  As early as
          June 15 they move downstream in successive companies and continue throughout
          summer.

I         ~~Summer herring  or blueback, run later in the season than the alewife.
          Doesn't run as far up above tidewater as alewife. Spawns when water is 70-75
          degrees and incubation is 50 hours at 72 degrees. Young are 30-50 mm, and
          soon find their way to the open sea. Spent fish return to sea shortly after


          C:h::nalon spawn in the fall peaking in October.
          Atlantic tomcod spawn during the winter.

I         ~~Shad spawn when the water is 50-55 degrees in late May and early June in sandy
          and pebbly shallows. Eggs are transparent, semi-buoyant and not sticky like
          other river herrings.. Eggs hatch in 12 to 15 days at 52 degrees or 6 to 8
I        ~ ~days at 63 degrees.  Larval development more successful in brackish than in
          pure fresh water. Young fish are 9-10 mm at hatching, remain in rivers until
          fall. They do not run up ladders like alewives and aren't common in these
*         ~~~tidal streams anymore.

          White perch prefer brackish waters and river mouths. Spawn in spring in fresh
            orslightly brackish water. The eggs sink and stick together in masses or to
            aydebris, or stones.

          Winter flounder spawn in shallow regions during late winter and spring. The
          eggs are demersal and adhesive.

          Smooth flounder are resident fish, and are found in inshore waters in softer
          substrate than winter flounder. They spawn in winter or early spring.

          Rainbow smelt are inshore fish spawning in fresh water as early in spring as
          ice-out. Spawns into May, but most spawning is in April. Doesn't run far
I        ~ ~upstream.  Eggs sink to bottom, stick in clusters to pebbles, debris, any
          water plant. Hatch in 8 to 27 days.

          Atlantic silversides spawn in May and June in shore zone grasses.

          Killifish spawn in summer in very shallow water. Eggs stick to the bottom.






                                                                                           42




3         ~~APPENDIX E

                           THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVIN6 BIRD PERCH SITES

I         ~~Perch sites are an important habitat feature along the rivers.  Herons such as
          great blue herons, black-crowned night-herons, green-backed herons and snowy
          egrets; raptors such as ospreys, eagles and red-tailed hawks; belted
          kingfishers are some notable examples. These birds need landing places which
          can be approached and left easily, and support their weight. Various sites
*         ~~are used for resting, warming in the morning sun, avoiding inclement weather,
          consuming food, night roosting, and observation in relation to hunting, social
          behavior, and detecting danger. Rocky points with large dead and live white
          and pitch pine With horizontal branches are'popular perching sites.

I         ~~These same kind of trees found in coves also play an important but different
          role. For example, eagles steal fish from osprey so an unobtrusive perch can
          be useful. Coves also appear to allow these birds to feel somewhat buffered
I       ~ ~from human activity such as river traffic.  Perches providing morning sun or
          shelter from wind, for example, are selected because of aspect in addition to
          structure,. Night roosts and some day roosts are generally under a dense tree
I       ~ ~canopy in coniferous or deciduous trees.  Kingfishers generally land on
          relatively low dead branches. Snowy egrets frequently choose downed or
          overhanging large trees along the river's edge.

I         ~~~Obviously, a variety of sites and trees are needed including fallen trees.
          Shoreline conservation zone regulations generally do not take care of these
           needs. Presently the Salmon Falls River perch sites appear to be better
            secredthan on the other two rivers.  Two roosting sites found during this
          study particularly need to be protected. In addition, a variety of other
          types of sites need to be maintained.









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