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







      METHOD FOR THE EVALUATION AND INVENTORY
                  OF VEGETATED TIDAL MARSHES
                         IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

                              (Coastal Method)



                                  Written by:

                                Richard A. Cook
                         Audubon Society of New Hampshire

                             Amanda J. Lindley Stone
                         Audubon Society of New Hampshire

                              Alan P. Ammann, Ph.D.   U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
                         U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Serv{~ASI AL SERVICES CENTER
                                                 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
                                                 CHARLESTON, SC 29405-2413




         The preparation of this manual was supported in part by a grant from the
               New Hampshire Coastal Program, Office of State Planning
                                  pursuant to
       National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award No. NA270Z0286,
                     and in part by the Prospect Hill Foundation


          This manual is published by the Audubon Society of New Hampshire
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             IL~~~~~~~~ ~~~Property of CSC Library
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         IY>~~ %                       d~JUNE 1993
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         ITo purchase additional copies of the Coastal Method, fill out the information below,
   I  I                   ~~~~~~~cut out page, and return using this self addressed mailer.


I             ~~~~The authors would appreciate being notified of any organization using the Coastal
       I     ~~Method. This will allow us to supply you with any revisions that have been made to
              the Method and to maintain a database of towns in New Hampshire and other organi-
I          ~ ~~~zations both in state and out of state that are using the Coastal Method. Please fill out
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        I        ~~Please provide any comments you may have on the Coastal Method





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                                      TABLE OF CONTENTS

                     1                                                                                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Page

 I    Coastal Method Steering Committee ...............................................

     1. Introduction...............................................................2

U         ~~~~1.1 Intended Use of the Coastal Method.....................................3

         1.2  Definition of Tidal Marshes as Used in the Coastal Method....................4

         1.3 Value of Tidal Marshes                                                                       ..............................................4

 I 2. Using the Coastal Method                              ..................................................6

3         ~~~~2.1 How the Coastal Method Works.......................................7

         2.2 Steps in the Use of the Coastal Method..................................                      8

3         ~~~~2.3  Materials Needed to Complete the Coastal Method..........................9

 U    3. Preparation for Functional Assessment            .         ..........................................10

         3.1 Definitions of Marsh Systems ..........................................11

         3.2 Type of Tidal Marsh System ...........................................13

         3.3 Preparation of Base Maps ............................................16

 I 4. Functional Assessment                              ......................................................19

 3              ~~~~~~~Ecological Integrity..................................................22

                Shoreline Anchoring ................................................28

 I              ~~~~~~~Storm Surge Protection ..............................................30

 3              ~~~~~~~Wildlife, Finfish & Shellfish Habitat......................................32

                Water Quality Maintenance ...........................................35

 *              ~~~~~~~Recreation Potential.................................................37

                Aesthetic Quality...................................................41

                Education Potential .................................................44

 3              ~~~~~~~Noteworthiness....................................................46






5. Interpretation of Results ..............................................49

     5.1 Average Functional Indices ...                                                                       .         ..................................501

     5.2 Evaluation Unit Analysis ...                                                                         .         ....................................503

6. Description of Restoration Potential                    .......................................55

     6.1 Why Do Tidal Marshes Need Restoration? ...                                                           .         .......................561

     6.2 What Will This Narrative Accomplish2 ...                                                             .         ..........................563

     6.3  Use of the Information Collected in Section 6.........................56

     6.4  Restoration Potential of Evaluation Units ...                                                       .........................575

7. E UManagement Options                            .............................................5959

8. Marsh System Analysis ...............................................63

9. Glossary of Technical Terms             .          ............ ...                                        ............................66U

10. References.........................................................74

     1 0. 1 Principle References Used in the Development of the Manual..............75

     10.2 Recommended Reading/ Suggested Field Guides...                                                      ....................76U

     10.3 OSP Coastal Program Publications of Interest.........................77

Appendix A    Suggested Sources of Information for Completing the Coastal Method .                ...Al1

Appendix B Coastal Wetland Types...................................... Bi3

Appendix C  US Fish & Wildlife Service Wetland Classification System.............. CI

Appendix D  Data Sheets Required for the Coastal Method...................... DlI

Appendix E Boat Access Sites in the Coastal Zone...                                                           .........................El3

Appendix F Calculation of Evaluation Unit Size.............................. F1

Appendix G Marsh System Maps for Coastal Communities..                                .....................GiGI

Appendix H Tidal Marsh Plants of New Hampshire...                                                             .          ........................HI3

Appendix I  Examples of Coastal Method Data Sheets ...........................1

Appendix J  Photographic Examples of Some Tidal Marsh Features                                   ............... J1






A Note On This Manual:

The format of the Coastal Method is based on the Method for the Comparative Evaluation
of Nontidal Wetlands in New Hampshire (NH Method) (Ammann and Lindley Stone,
1991). The technical content of the Coastal Method is, however, different from that of the
NH Method due to the very different nature of the ecosystem being evaluated.

The development of the Coastal Method was overseen by a steering committee comprised of
the following individuals:


                        Coastal Method Steering Committee

Sarah Allen                         Normandeau Associates/NH Assoc. of Wetland Scientists
Janet Bourne                        Audubon Society of New Hampshire
Michele Dionne, Ph.D.               Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Maine
David Funk                          Durham Conservation Commission
Peter Helm                          NH Office of State Planning, Coastal Program
Frank D. Richardson, Ph.D.          NH Dept. of Environmental Services, Wetlands Bureau
Christine Rowinski                  NH Office of State Planning, Coastal Program
Larry Ward, Ph.D.                   Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, UNH
Peter Wellenberger                  Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Our thanks and appreciation go to these individuals for their valuable input and constructive
criticism throughout several drafts of this manual.

We would also like to thank those individuals who provided comments on the pre-publication
review draft of the Coastal Method:

Dave Burdick, Ph.D. Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, UNH
Steve Burns, Strafford Regional Planning Commission
Dave Cowan, Normandeau Associates
Sherry Godlewski, NH Office of State Planning, Coastal Program
Dave Hartman, NH Office of State Planning, Coastal Program
Anna Hicks, The Environmental Institute, UMass
Frank Mitchell, UNH Cooperative Extension
Sid Pilgrim
Ed Reiner, EPA
Marge Swope, NH Association of Conservation Commissions




The Coastal Method should be cited as follows:

Cook, R.A., A.J. Lindley Stone and A.P. Ammann, 1993. Method for the evaluation and
inventory of vegetated tidal marshes in New Hampshire. Published by the Audubon Society of
New Hampshire.



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1                 INTRODUCTION
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                                 1. INTRODUCTION

    The Method for the Comparative Evaluation of Nontidal Wetlands in New
Hampshire (known as the NH Method) published in 1991 provided communities with a
means to inventory and assess the value of the nontidal wetlands within their town. It soon
became apparent that a similar method was needed to afford coastal communities the same
opportunity. The Method for the Evaluation and Inventory of Tidal Marshes in New
Hampshire (the Coastal Method) was developed to provide coastal communities with a
method to inventory and evaluate the vegetated tidal marshes within their town.

   The tidal wetlands in New Hampshire include a number of different habitats, ranging from
submerged aquatic vegetation to rocky intertidal shores, and from mudflats to marshes. Each of
these systems is a unique environment with vastly different flora and fauna, fulfilling a variety
of functions within the coastal ecosystem.

   Developing a single method for evaluating the diverse functions of each of these differing
tidal wetland systems is beyond the scope of this manual. The Coastal Method focuses
specifically on the ecosystems most threatened by human development, the vegetated tidal
marshes. Situated between uplands and barrier beach formations (see glossary) and in the
Great Bay Estuary, tidal marshes have long been an obstacle to public accessing of tidal
waters. This, together with the fact that the marshes are tidally influenced rather than
continuously flooded, has increased their vulnerability to dredging, filling and development.
Numerous roads have been built across the marshes since the arrival of the first European
settlers, causing extensive fragmentation of many of the marsh systems along the Atlantic
Coast.

   Evaluation of tidal marshes using the Coastal Method will provide towns with information
that will allow them to better plan for the protection and management of this valuable wetland
resource.

1.1  Intended Use of the Coastal Method.

   This manual provides coastal communities with a method that can be used to inventory and
evaluate their vegetated tidal marshes. Although the format of this manual is similar to the NH
Method, the basic premise is quite different. Unlike the NH Method, the Coastal Method is
not comparative. Evaluating tidal marshes using this manual provides a site specific method
for assessing the importance of tidal marshes for a number of different functions. However, this
method is not designed for detailed impact assessment.

   The Coastal Method is designed to be scientifically defensible when used for its intended
purpose, as a tool for planning, educating, and inventorying (see discussion in Section 1.4). It
is intended to be used by those who have some knowledge of tidal marshes, but are not
necessarily wetland ecologists. The Coastal Method will provide communities with site specific
information and management options for tidal marshes that may be used in future land-use
planning decisions. It is not meant to be used as a definitive site evaluation. If a more detailed
evaluation is needed, a wetlands professional should be consulted.



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  The Coastal Method is designed to be used for the following purposes:

            I1. Educating members of conservation commissions, planning boards and others
               about tidal marsh functions.
            2. Inventorying and gathering site specific information about each of the tidal3
               marshes within the study area.
            3. Creating a database containing information about the present condition of
               each of the tidal marshes and land-use in a 500 foot Zone of InfluenceI
               surrounding the marsh.
            4. Supporting planning and decision-making processes within the town or
               region.I
            5. Offering management possibilities for each of the marshes in the study area.
            6. Collecting information about the causes of degradation in tidal marsh systems
               impacted by development that may benefit from restoration.
   While it is possible to evaluate a single wetland within a town, the recommended procedure,
is to inventory and evaluate all of the tidal marshes in a town or region. Gathering this
information in a single block of time gives the town the opportunity to look at the management
options for a number of their tidal marshes.3

1.2 Definition of Tidal Marshes as Used in the Coastal Method.

    Coastal wetlands can be divided into three categories. Marine wetlands are adjacent to or
in the open ocean. Estuarine wetlands includes those habitats partially enclosed by land but
having an opening to the ocean, where saltwater from the ocean and freshwater from upland3
rivers and surface runoff mix. Intertidal riverine wetlands are marshes within a river channel
that, while influenced by tides, are beyond the normal reach of saltwater; these are also known
as freshwater tidal marshes.3

   The Coastal Method has been developed to evaluate vegetated tidal marshes only. These
wetlands occur in estuarine and intertidal riverine coastal habitats, and include salt marshes,
brackish marshes and freshwater tidal marshes. The following definitions are taken from the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wetland Classification System (See Appendix C). Salt marshes
develop in a range of salinities from that of seawater, about 36 parts per thousand (ppt) of salt,I
to approximately 18 ppt. Brackish marshes are characterized by salinities ranging from 0.5 -
IS ppt. Freshwater tidal marshes are located where the salinities average less than 0.5 ppt yet
tides still affect the movement of water. The range of salinity influences the dominant plantI
community so that each of the marsh community types is easily identified by the plants present.

1.3 Value of Tidal Marshes.U

    According to the NH Office of State Planning, approximately 50% of the tidal marshes in
New Hampshire have been destroyed by human development in the coastal zone since colonial
times. The remaining 7,500 acres have all been impacted by this development to some degree.
These tidal marshes are important for the maintenance of a healthy coastal ecosystem. The
future integrity of these systems hinges largely on local land-use policy and state and federal
protection regulations.



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        Much of the development along the coast has been on barrier beach formations, such as
U   spits and islands. These areas include Hampton and Seabrook Beaches and the Rye Harbor
     area. Over the last 4,000 years, large areas of tidal marsh have evolved behind these
Iformations. These marshes provide the developed stretches of coast with a wide variety of
     valuable functions, including storm surge protection, shoreline anchoring, and recreation and
     aesthetic enjoyment.

U       ~~Since humans first arrived in New Hampshire, tidal marshes have been a source of food.
     Fish, shellfish, and coastal birds were routinely harvested from the marshes. High marsh
Igrasses have been used as livestock fodder since European settlement. However, the bounty
     that once was harvested is no longer available as the majority of the shellfish beds in the state
     are closed due to poor water quality. Road and dam construction along the coast and
I   overfishing in the near coastal waters have depleted stocks of fish. The tremendous flocks of
     migrating birds that once darkened the skies along the coast were hunted to near extinction
     during the middle of the 19th century. Protection of tidal marshes and other coastal resources
Imay improve the prospects for the survival and controlled harvest of these species for future
     generations.

        Presently, sea level is rising worldwide. This, coupled with residential and commercial
I   development extending to the intertidal zone, poses a threat to the future of tidal marshes. The
     cycle of alternate flooding and exposure is critical to maintaining a natural tidal marsh
Icommunity because the flooding tidal water brings sediments and the exposure allows marsh
     grasses to thrive. These processes have allowed marsh elevations to keep pace with rising sea
Ilevels. During the last 4,000 years the area of tidal marshes along the Atlantic Coast has
     developed. Even during past geological periods of worldwide sea level rise the marshes have
     kept pace with this rise by continuing to expand into adjacent low-lying areas. Today the
     extensive commercial and residential development along our coast makes the natural
Iexpansion of tidal marshes into these developed low-lying are as problematic. Decisions may
     have to be made that weigh the cost and benefits of the loss of tidal marshes against the loss of
 Ipersonal property. If sea level continues to rise, large areas of tidal marsh could be lost.
     Increased duration of flooding in the tidal marshes could result in the dieback of tidal marsh
     plants with these areas becoming mudflats.








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3     USING THE COASTAL METHOD
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                            2. USING THE COASTAL METHOD

     2.1 How the Coastal Method Works.

I       ~~The Coastal Method should be used to inventory all of the tidal marshes in a study area
     as well as wetlands that were formerly tidal but have become freshwater due to the effects of a
 Iman-made obstruction. Only the tidal marshes will be evaluated using the Coastal Method.
     Wetlands that were formerly tidal marshes will not be evaluated.

        An inventory of present and formerly tidal marshes should include a review of the National
 IWetlands Inventory maps, the town maps found in Appendix G, and field observation to
     identify all of the wetlands within a study area that are vegetated tidal marshes and those
 Iwetlands that were formerly tidal. This information should then be recorded on the National
     Wetlands Inventory map(s) for the town and their tidal status verified to determine which
     wetlands will be evaluated and which wetlands will be included in the inventory as formerly
 Itidal marshes.

         Wetland evaluation is the process of determining the value of a wetland, based on an
 3assessment of the functions that it performs. Functions represent the practical, measurable
     (either qualitatively or quantitatively) values of wetlands. While many functions of wetlands
 Ihave been identified, few wetlands perform all these functions, and not all functions are
     performed equally in each wetland. This manual provides a site specific methodology for
     evaluating nine functions: Ecological Integrity, Shoreline Anchoring, Storm Surge Protection,
 IWildlife Finfish & Shellfish Habitats, Water Quality Maintenance, Recreation Potential,
     Aesthetic Quality, Education Potential, and Noteworthiness. How a wetland functions will
     depend on the specific biological and physical features of each individual wetland.

3       ~~The Coastal Method evaluation should be applied to individual tidal marshes. The
     evaluation procedure for each of the functions in the Coastal Method is based on the answers
 Ito a series of "predictor questions." These questions are based on physical characteristics of
     wetlands that relate to the ecological and socio-economic functions that wetlands perform. The
     questions are answered using published data (such as aerial photographs and National
 IWetlands Inventory maps) and on-site field investigation. Upon completion of the evaluation of
     each function, a numerical score, the Average Functional Index, is assigned to each Evaluation
     Unit (defined in Section 3.3). The scores are used in Section 5 of the Manual, Interpretation of
 IResults, to help communities determine which management option is most appropriate for
     each marsh evaluated.

         Section 6 provides a method to collect data that can be used in the assessment of the
 Irestoration potential of a marsh system or a piece of it that has been negatively impacted by
     human development. The impact could be caused by the construction of roads or railroads
 Iacross the marsh, changes in hydrology, or development in the adjacent upland.

         Once a database of wetland functions and a description of the restoration potential has
 Ibeen established for the marshes in a particular town, it will be available to local planners and
     decision makers to review and implement appropriate management and protection strategies.
 UThe Coastal Method may also be used as an educational tool to further the understanding of
     tidal marshes.


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2.2 Steps in the Use of the Coastal Method.

                                       Determine Study Area
                    The recommended study area would be all of the tidal marshes in a town.

                                   Identify Tidal Marsh Systems
   21           Identify all the tidal marsh systems in the study area and assign each a name or number
                                                (Section 3. 1).

                                     Identify Marsh Category
   3          Using maps and legends found in Appendix G, inventory and identify the category (tidal or
           formerly tidal) of each part of all tidal marsh systems and verify its inclusion in the evaluation.
               Some marsh systems may include several different categories of marsh (Section 3.1).

                                      Determine Type of Marsh
             Determine the type of tidal marsh system being evaluated based on location and historic
                                     formation processes (Section 3.2).

                        Determine the Number of Evaluation Units                   (EUs)
   O   I         Determine the number            of Evaluation Units in each tidal marsh system (Section 3.3).

                                      Prepare Marsh Base Map
                Prepare a base map for each of the Evaluation Units in the study area (Section 3.3).
                           '- I~~~I
                                  Conduct Functional Assessment
   7            Complete Functional Assessment Data Sheets for all Evaluation Units (Section 4.1).

                           Interpret Results of Functional Assessment
                         Graphically interpret results of Section 4.1 (Section 5.2 & 5.3).

                                    Assess Restoration Potential
          9 Complete the Restoration Potential Narrative for all fragmented tidal marsh systems (Section 6).

                            Select Appropriate EU Management Option
 I10      Choose the management option most appropriate to the current condition of the Evaluation Unit
                                                (Section 7).

                             Develop Marsh System Management Plan
                     Develop an approach to the management of the marsh system (Section 8)

                                    Implement Management Plan
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2.3 Materials Needed to Complete the Coastal Method.

ï¿½  Blue line copy of NH Coastal Mapping Project aerial photos for each tidal marsh system in
   the study area (see Appendix A).

ï¿½   National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps for study area (see Appendix A).

ï¿½  Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph Tiner (see
   Section 9). This book should be used in conjunction with Appendix I which lists tidal marsh
   plant species found in New Hampshire.

ï¿½ Area calculation grid (see Appendix F).

ï¿½ Map measuring wheel to measure marsh perimeter; available from office supply store or
   forestry supply catalog.

ï¿½  Dividing compass to plot Zone of Influence; available from office supply store.

ï¿½ Calculator.

i  100-foot tape measure.

*  List of federal and state endangered or threatened species (see Appendix A).

I   List of NH Natural Heritage Inventory (NHNHI) exemplary communities (see Appendix A).

0  Information from the National Register of Historic Landmarks (see Appendix A).

: List of shellfish beds that are open to recreational harvest (see Appendix I).

ï¿½ List of public boat launches (see Appendix E).



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I         PREPARATION FOR
I      FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT
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                   3. PREPARATION FOR FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT

           Section 3 is comprised of three sub-sections. Each provides a method for developing
       information needed to complete the Functional Assessment in Section 4. Section 3.1 describes
       the method used to define marsh systems in each town. Section 3.2 helps the user determine
       what type of marsh is being evaluated based on location and formation processes. Section 3.3
       helps determine how these marsh systems will be divided into Evaluation Units and provides
       instructions for creating a base map for each Evaluation Unit.

       3.1  Definitions of Marsh Systems.

           This section should be used in conjunction with Appendix G to identify the
       marsh systems in each of the towns that border on tidal waters (Seabrook, Hampton
       Falls, Hampton, North Hampton, Rye, New Castle, Portsmouth, Newington, Greenland,
        Stratham, Exeter, Newfields, Newmarket, Durham, Madbury, Dover, Rollinsford). Appendix G
       contains maps for each of the coastal towns based on the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
        maps. These maps identify tidal marshes that should be included in the evaluation and other
       tidal wetlands that should be field checked to determine if they should be evaluated. The maps
        also divide the marshes in each community into systems to facilitate the use of the Coastal
       Method. Each marsh system is encircled by a solid line. These lines were positioned
        according to location of the marsh, freshwater drainage pattern, and continuity of marsh along
        a shoreline.

           A review of the US Fish and Wildlife Service wetlands classification system
        (Cowardin et al., 1979) found in Appendix C is suggested before proceeding with this
        section. This classification system is the basis of the wetland identification codes used on the
        maps in Appendix G.

           The maps in Appendix G divide marsh systems or portions of the marsh systems into two
        categories:
                 Intertidal Emergent Marshes
                    The areas shaded in diagonal lines include wetlands identified as intertidal
                    emergent marshes (or vegetated tidal marshes) based on the Cowardin Wetland
                    Classification System (see Figure 3-1).

                 Other Classifications
                    The areas shaded in solid black on the town maps include several different
                    wetland classifications that may or may not qualify as tidal marshes and will
                    require field checking to verify their inclusion in the inventory and evaluation.
                    These classifications include: (see Figure 3-1)
                            estuarine intertidal unconsolidated shore (E2US)
                            estuarine subtidal unconsolidated bottom (E1UB)
                            riverine intertidal unconsolidated shore (R1US)
                            riverine intertidal unconsolidated bottom (R1UB)
                            palustrine emergent persistent seasonally tidal (PEMR)
                            palustrine unconsolidated bottom permanently flooded diked/impounded
                            (PUBHh).



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      These classifications represent several types of tidal wetland that may or may not
      support persistent vegetation such as: tidal creeks; large pannes that are
      associated with vegetated tidal marshes; and shoreline along Great Bay, Little
      Bay and the major tidal rivers. If these areas do support persistent vegetation
      they should be included in the marsh systems to which they are assigned and
      evaluated. If they do not support persistent vegetation they should not be
      evaluated using the Coastal Method, unless these unvegetated wetland types
      are contained within a marsh system (see Figure 3-1). If so, they should be
      viewed as diverse habitat within the system and evaluated as such. Wetlands that
      may have become severely degraded tidal wetlands because the free flow of tidal
      waters has been restricted and invasive species now dominate should be included
      in the inventory and evaluation.


            3   \ sG R E A T.    B A Y X  X- *Ij- X 



  etts Pt            4a
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                   Ceek s  Pt                     .-      -                            ':...51



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                FIGURE 3-1 Sample Map from Appendix G 

F~ ~ Intertidal emergent marshes                     Wetlands that require
                                                  field checking

A ï¿½ (E2US3N) Estuarine Intertidal Unconsolidated Shore Mud Regularly Flooded: would only be
evaluated if it supported persistent vegetation such as saltwater cordgrass
B * (E2US4N) Estuarine Intertidal Unconsolidated Shore Organic Regularly Flooded: would be
included in the evaluation whether or not it supports persistent vegetation because it is
contained within the marsh.

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   The solid black areas also include wetlands that were once tidal marsh but have since
transformed to other types of wetlands (e.g. freshwater) because of the impact of development.
It may be that these wetlands have been isolated from tidal influence by the construction of a
tide gate, dam, inadequate culvert, or dike and are presently freshwater systems. These areas
that are found to be formerly tidal marshes will not be evaluated by the Coastal
Method. However, they should be included in the Interpretation of Results (Section 5) and the
Description of Restoration Potential (Section 6). Areas that are found to be freshwater wetlands
and are not formerly tidal should not be evaluated using the Coastal Method. These
wetlands should be evaluated using the NH Method. Finally, solid areas may represent
wetlands that have been mistakenly classified on the NWI maps.

   The user of this manual may add or subtract wetlands that appear on the marsh system
maps based on their own familiarity with the tidal marshes within the study area. Although the
maps may be quite recent, they do not always reflect the present condition of the tidal marsh.
If the user determines that an area of marsh included within a larger marsh system is
functioning as a separate system, that area should be inventoried and evaluated as a separate
system.

   The NWI map(s) for a town should be purchased (see Appendix A) and used to identify
which wetlands from the maps in Appendix G maps are to be included in the inventory and
evaluation. When a survey of the study area has been completed the NWI map should show
the current status of each of the wetlands included in the inventory. For example, tidal marsh
areas that are included in the inventory and evaluation could be shaded yellow, formerly tidal
marshes that are inventoried but not evaluated could be shaded green, and wetlands that were
field checked and found to be freshwater systems, that should neither be inventoried nor
evaluated using the Coastal Method, could be shaded red.

3.2 Type of Tidal Marsh System.

   To complete the evaluation for several of the functions, it will be necessary to determine
the type of tidal marsh system based on location and the historic processes that led to its
formation. The ability to recognize some of the most common tidal marsh plants will be helpful
in the identification of marsh types. Saltwater cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) is the dominant
plant of low marsh and salt hay grass (Spartina patens) will dominate high marsh.

    Geomorphological processes led to the formation of tidal marshes in low-lying coastal
areas that are protected from excessive winds, waves, and currents. Such low energy
environments allow for the deposition of sediments suspended in the tidal waters.
Subsequently, marsh plant communities develop on this sediment base. Each of these two
processes, the deposition of sediment material and the colonization by tidal marsh plants,
reinforce one another. The presence of the plants leads to the trapping of more suspended
sediments, and the presence of additional deposited sediments allows building of marsh
elevation and for the expansion of the tidal marsh. The combination of these processes leads to
the formation of a substrate made up of mineral sediments trapped from the water column and
organic matter derived from plant material.



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   One of the main factors determining the type of marsh system is the primary mode of
transport of the mineral sediments into the marsh substrate: a marsh can develop with
sediments delivered on the tides, or via river flow. These two different sources of sediments
form the basis for the first level of division in the system developed by Dr. Larry Ward of the
UNH Jackson Estuarine Laboratory.

   The divisions are:

Coastal/Back Barrier Marshes (See Figure 3-2A)
      ï¿½ marshes that derive most of their sediments from sea water
      ï¿½ no major tidal rivers flow into these marshes
      ï¿½ marshes located adjacent to Atlantic coast and have direct access to the ocean
       ï¿½ most notably Hampton/Seabrook Saltmarsh
       ï¿½ dominated by Spartina patens

Estuarine Marshes
      ï¿½ marshes derive the majority of sediment from freshwater input
      ï¿½ associated with major tidal rivers and bays (Piscataqua River, Salmon Falls River,
          Bellamy River, Cocheco River, Oyster River, Lamprey River, Squamscott River,
          Winnicut River, Great Bay, and Little Bay).

      The Estuarine Marshes are further subdivided into two classes based on location
      in the tidal river or bay ecosystem:

      Meadow Marshes  (See Figure 3-2B)
             develop in low energy areas
             form along small indentations in shoreline of rivers and bays, inside of meanders,
             and in floodplain areas associated with tidal rivers
          ï¿½ contain more than 50 percent high marsh
          : develop distinct bank between open water and marsh.
             dominated by Spartina patens

       Frinae Marshes (See Figure 3-2C )
          ï¿½  more exposed to wind and wave energy than other marsh types
          ï¿½ form along river and bay shorelines
          ï¿½ develop little high marsh
          ï¿½  gently grade from open water to upland
          ï¿½ relatively narrow marshes
          * dominated by Spartina alterniflora
          ï¿½ more susceptible to erosion by erosive forces.

    Using the descriptions above, the diagrams in Figure 3-2, and Appendix J determine the
type of each marsh system in the study area.






                                             14








                                  01            t Ocean                          Bay              l  g  III  0000h^0^1l Tal
                                                         Atlantc                                                   BTiidayida

                            I     TidalTil
I                                                                      FIGURE32Ma            MarshT





l

l

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                                   Coastal/BackOcea Bayre .as               .        urn  ....o  .....                              Estuarine Fringe.Marsh














I


                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I1
                                                                     i'iijiiiiiiiiiiil                            ::j:::::.. .. . ..........................


                                                          I~iiiiiiiiiiiiill"                                    :i~i:#:::i~i"............   ...
I                               - -    ; i:::::::~  i~i::.:;:.:;:i'i::.:jl::'l-:ll':j-I-i~ ~   ii  ~'"  R ~               y               '.iiiii~iliiilliil':-i-ll~illiiiiiillil ii~ii~lll~iliiiiiiiiliiiii~ii:.:: iililliiiill~illiililiiiii..............
                         Iliiiiiiiili-iii~i~  ii~iiiiiii~iililiiiiiii~i~iliiili:....




















I

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3.3 Preparation of Base Maps.

   A base map should be created for each marsh system evaluated using a blue line
reproduction of the 1:2400 (I inch = 200 feet) aerial photos available from the NH- Coastal
Program office in Concord (See Appendix A). Blue line reproductions of these photographsI
are available at a very reasonable cost. These maps will be used to divide up the marsh system
into the proper evaluation units and to plot information that will be needed for the evaluation.
These maps will be valuable for future reference, so as much data as possible should be plottedI


3.3.A Determination of Evaluation Units.I

   The fragmentation of marsh systems by the construction of roads and railroads, etc., or the5
deposition of fill on the surface of the marsh, can interrupt the flow of tidal waters. Waters that
once flowed freely through the marsh are frequently restricted to a passage through bridges
and culverts or are blocked by the presence of a dike. These changes can drastically limit the
amount of tidal water reaching parts of the marsh. The placement of fill on the surface of the
marsh can raise surface elevations so that the filled area is flooded by tidal waters only during
the highest tides. If elevations are raised sufficiently, tidal waters will not reach the surface of3
the fill. These changes in the natural hydrologic regime can have a serious negative impact on
the ecological integrity of the entire marsh system.

   In order to better understand the effects of fragmentation on the marsh system, each of the
fragmented units will be evaluated separately in Section 4. They will be analyzed graphically
by bringing the data from each of the fragmented Evaluation Units ( EUs ) together in SectionI
5, to illustrate the impact of fragmentation on the marsh system as a whole.

   The tidal marshes along the Atlantic Coast have been more fragmented by road
construction and other types of development than those located along Great Bay and the tidal
rivers. The 1986 Coastal Mapping Project aerial photos (available from the NH Coastal
Program) have broken the coastal marshes into units that can be used as Evaluation Units ifI
they meet the guidelines described in the following paragraph. These maps include all of the
marshes in the towns of New Castle, Rye, North Hampton, Hampton, Hampton Falls and
Seabrook. The report that accompanies these maps provides valuable information about theI
condition of the marsh and the causes of degradation in each of the EUs. For the other towns
in the coastal zone (Portsmouth, Newington, Greenland, Strathamn, Exeter, Newfields,
Newmarket, Durham, Madbury, Dover, and Rollinsford) the 199 1-1992 Coastal Mapping
Project aerial photos (also available from NH Coastal Program) will serve as the foundation for
the base maps. Unlike the 1986 maps, these maps do not separate the marsh into units that
may be used as EUs. Each town using the 1991-1992 maps will need to determine EUs using
the following guidelines and Figure 3-3.

   Starting at the edge of the marsh system closest to the source of tidal waters, follow eachI
tidal creek to its end or until the wetland is no longer identified on the photo as a tidal marsh
system. Each time a tidal creek is crossed by restriction to tidal flow (culvert, bridge, dike, tide
gate) a new EU is created. These restrictions are identified on the aerial photo by road or
railroad crossings. It is possible for an EU to contain several different tidal creeks and it is
possible for two restrictions to lead into a single EU (See C & D in Figure 3-3).3

                                             1 63










       iiiji~~~ij..~~i~i~i  .li             .                   :::::::::::ï¿½:::::: ::::: .... .....
                         ;   las~~~si>5iiiia:~~~iiiii  _Water












                                FIGURE 3-3 Determination of EUs
Iw   ~ In Figure 3-3, the open water could be either the Atlantic Ocean, Great Bay or one of
         the tidal rivers. Starting at the point closest to the source of tidal waters, a bridge is
|3       encountered at point A. There is no marsh on the ocean side of the bridge so point A
         marks the beginning of EU 1. After a short distance, the creek then splits into two.
         Each of these channels must be followed. Point B marks one edge of EU 1 and the
         begining of EU 2. Returning to the main creek and continuing to follow it inland, there
         is another split. Each of these channels leads to tidal restrictions at points C & D. This
         creates another edge of EU 1 and a new EU, #3. Neither one of the tidal creeks in EU 3
3|  ~    flow into any other tidal restriction, and because there is continuous marsh between the
         two tidal creeks, this area should be treated as a single EU.


  3.3.B Information to be Included on Base Map.

I|  ~    The blue line reproductions that were used to identify EUs will serve as the base maps.
     These maps can provide much of the information for the functional assessment that does not
     require field observation. Additional information, such as current zoning or number of occupied
     buildings, may also be available or more easily interpreted from some of the other existing
     maps (USGS topographic, NWI, or zoning maps) and aerial photos and should be included on
  the base map. A list of sources of additional information useful for completing the base map
     can be found in Appendix A.

         Each marsh system should have its own base map to make future reference to the collected
     information more easily accessible. If a system is divided into more than one EU, the
     information for each EU plotted on the base maps should be color coded so that the data
  pertaining to each EU is a different color. Some of the work on the base maps should be done
     before beginning the evaluation in Section 4. However, during the process of evaluating an
     EU, the user will be directed to plot additional information on the base map.

         An example of a base map is provided in Appendix I.
                                                  17






   An example of a base map is provided in Appendix I.

Base maps should include the following information:

*Size of the Evaluation Units in acres.3
   Appendix F provides a description of methods that may be used to determine the acreage
of the EU. The size of the EU is an important consideration in determining its value for several
functions. If an EU occurs on more than one map, all of the maps that cover that EU should beI
put together to create a single base map that will contain the complete Evaluation Unit. The
area of the EU should include any upland islands, pannes, creeks, and other types of habitat
that are within the EU on the blue line reproductions used as the base map.
- The 500 ft. Zone of Influence.
   Each base map should include the area within 500 feet (2.5 inches on 1:2400 base map) ofI
the marsh edge. Land-use in the Zone of Influence has a direct effect on the condition of the
marsh. Information about the Zone of Influence that should be recorded on the base maps
includes the current use of the land, the zoning classification of the area, occupied buildings,
type of septic system, and presence and type of freshwater wetlands.

- Location of each tidal restriction.3
   The location of the tidal restrictions and the cause of the restriction in the EU, such as
roads or railroads etc., should be identified on the base map. This information will be needed in3
the Functional Assessment in Section 4 as well as the Restoration Potential Narrative in
Section 5.

*Location of any fll placed on the marsh surface.
   If during the evaluation or the description of the restoration potential it becomes evident
that fill has been placed on the marsh, plot the size and location of the area of fill as accurately
as possible on the base map.

 *Location of education, aesthetic viewing sites and public boat launches.I
   Mark on the base map the location of each site that would be used for educational purposes
or for viewing the aesthetic quality of the marsh. Also indicate the location of public boat
launches in the marsh system, boardwalks, trails or visitors centers that enhance access to theI
marsh. This information should be filled in at the time of the field evaluation.



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3          FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT
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    I                  ~~~SECTION 4. FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT
        The Coastal Method addresses nine functions of tidal marshes. This does not represent a
 I   complete list of all the possible functions of tidal marshes. This functional assessment includes
     chemical, physical and biological processes that are important for the continued functioning of
     a marsh, as well as some functions that are important to society.

 I   The functions included are:

              1.  Ecological Integrity: The extent of human development affecting the marsh
  I            ~ ~~~and the surrounding upland.
             2.  Shoreline Anchoring: The effectiveness of the marsh in controlling and
                  preventing shoreline erosion.
             3.  Storm Surge Protection: The ability of the marsh to protect surrounding
                  upland from storm surges.
 1          ~~~4.  Wildlife, Finfish, and Shellfish Habitat: The suitability of the marsh as
                  habitat for those animals typically associated with tidal marshes and the upland
                  border. No single species is emphasized.
 3          ~~~5.  Water Quality Maintenance: The ability of the marsh to improve the quality of
                  the water passing through the marsh.
             6.  Recreation Potential: The potential of the marsh as a site for recreation.
  I              ~~~~Shellfishing, canoeing, hunting and wildlife observation are among the
                  recreational activities that may take place in tidal marshes.
             7.  Aesthetic Quality: The visual and aesthetic quality of the marsh.
 I         ~ ~~8.  Education Potential: The suitability of the marsh as an outdoor classroom.
             9.  Noteworthiness: Those attributes that are not identified in the previous
  g              ~~~~~functions, but that may be locally or regionally significant.

                               Instructions for comnletina Section 4

I      ~~The following pages provide the framework for evaluating each of the functions in the
     Coastal Method. Each function is prefaced by a short introduction describing its significance
 I   in tidal marshes. This is followed by a series of predictor questions. Each question has a set of
     Directions (instructions on how to answer the question); Evaluation Criteria (descriptive
     categories and scores ranging from 0.1I to 1.0); and a Rationale (reasons why the question is
 I   being asked). This structure assists the user in understanding the fundamental concepts
     underlying each question.

        The questions in each function are divided into those that require the user to be at the
 I   study site to answer the question, and those that may not require a site visit. It is important
     that the users of the Coastal Method spend time in the tidal marshes in their
 I   community learning about the plant and animal communities present. This
     personal knowledge will be helpful when trying to understand the present condition
     of the marshes and the effects of human disturbance on these systems.

1       ~~Data sheets found in Appendix D should be used when recording the results of the
 Ievaluation. At the top of each data sheet is a list of materials needed to complete the questions
     for each function. The sheets are divided into four columns:

          3                                      ~~~~~~~~~20






      Column A - Evaluation Questions: Repeats the question as stated in Section 4.

      Column B - Notes: Provides space for notes and should be used to include items of
      interest in the marsh as they apply to the question and any calculations that are needed
      to complete the question. This information can prove very valuable for future reference.
      Column C - Evaluation Criteria: Repeats the Criteria from Section 4.3

      Column D - Functional Index (Fl: Each criterion in Column C is assigned a F1 of 0. 1,
      0.5, or 1.0 to rate the criteria for each question. When none of the categories seems to
      clearly define the situation in the Evaluation Unit, the user may interpret the situationI
      and give a score of 0.25 or 0.75 if it seems that the correct answer is somewhere in
      between the described categories.5

   When all of the questions in a function have been completed, the scores received for each
question should be totaled, divided by the number of questions in the function and rounded off
to two decimal points. The resulting number is called the Avera(Fe Functional Index (ART
and should be recorded in the space provided at the bottom of the data sheet. The AFI will be
used in Section 5, Interpretation of Results.3















                                                        2 1~~~~~~






4.1  Functional Assessment.

                 Function 1 - Ecological Integrity

         Tidal marshes are among the most productive and most disturbed ecosystems
      in the state. It is estimated that 50% of the tidal marshes in New Hampshire have
      been destroyed. Of the remaining 50%, most of them have been negatively
      impacted by coastal development to some degree. These impacts include filling
      and dredging within the EU, construction of roads, railroads or other
      impounding structures across the surface of the marsh, and adverse land-use in
      the area surrounding the EU. These impacts can result in the trapping of
      freshwater from upland drainage, as well as restricting flow of tidal waters that
      flood the EU. Both of these changes can alter the water and soil chemistry,
      allowing the EU to be dominated by invasive plant species (e.g. common reed,
      purple loosestrife), which can lead to the loss of function.

         The Ecological Integrity of the marsh is a measure of the extent to which the
      natural ecosystem has been altered. EUs that have a high Average Functional
      Index (AFI) for Ecological Integrity have most likely undergone little alteration or
      degradation. A low AFI for Ecological Integrity indicates an EU that has suffered
      a high degree of degradation.

         This function is divided into two parts. Part A assesses the Ecological
      Integrity within the EU. Part B assesses the Ecological Integrity of the Zone of
      Influence by looking at the current condition of the area surrounding the EU. By
      assessing the two areas separately, the user can gain a better understanding of
      the factors that influence the integrity of the EU. For example, if the AFI for Part
      A is high and the AFI for Part B is low, then the EU is being more negatively
      impacted by what is happening in the Zone of Influence than by a disruption of
      tidal flushing or extensive damage to the EU itself.


PART A: ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF THE EU

Ouestions that may reauire field observation.

Question 1A. Percent of the marsh plant community dominated by
invasive plant species.

   Directions - Estimate the size of the area of the EU in which plants indicative of changes
in the marsh community occur. These species may include common reed (Phragmites
communis), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), or narrow leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia)
or other freshwater or upland species that do not naturally occur in tidal marsh communities
(see Appendix J).

             a. less than 5% of EU dominated by invasive species                1.0
             b. 5% - 20% of EU dominated by invasive species                    0.5
             c. more than 20% of EU dominated by invasive species               0.1

                                           22






   Rationale - Invasive plant species may occur in the transition zone of a tidal marsh and
not indicate disturbance. However, they can invade and eventually dominate disturbed tidal             I
marshes, causing the loss of the natural diversity in the plant and animal communities. The
disturbance can result from changes in drainage patterns caused by road construction,
excessive development in the upland, fragmentation of the marsh system, or restriction of tidal
flow.


Question 2A. Number of tidal restrictions.

   Directions -  Count the number of tidal restrictions from the EU to unrestricted tidal flow        I
by the shortest route (see Figure 4-1). Do not consider the bridges over the major tidal rivers as
a restriction. A list of the major tidal rivers can be found on page 12.                               I

            a. no tidal restrictions                                             1.0
            b. one tidal restriction between EU and free tidal flow              0.5
            c. more than one tidal restriction between the EU and free
                tidal flow                                                       0.1










                     From point A in EU 2 tidal w                       ater direction to 
                  .reach unrestricted t...idal f......... To place this EU in e proper
                     two man-made til _sRoadtrictions 












                       FIGURE 4-1 Counting Tidal Restrictions
     TheFrom preoisent coA in oEU 2 tidal waters may flowbe caused by eithe cumulative direction to or more
                     reach unrest.cted tidal flow. To place this EU in the proper
                    two man-made tidal restictions 

                     FIGURE 4-1 Counti              dal Restrictions tie Appen

   Rationale - 23The restriction of seawater to, and the detention of the freshwater in the
marsh can cause changes in the salinity which in turn may affect the natural plant and animal
communities of the marsh. The fragmentation of the system by the construction of roads or 3
other types of impoundments and restrictions may influence all of the functions of the marsh.
The present condition of the EU may be caused by the cumulative impact of two or more
sequential restrictions of tidal flow (see Appendix J).

                                           23 3






     Question 3A. Type of tidal restriction.
        Directions - Identify all the tidal restrictions between the EUi and unrestricted tidal
 Iwaters by the shortest route (See Figure 4-1). Determine which restriction is the most severe
    and apply the following criteria. Be sure to consider all tidal restrictions affecting flow into the
    EU (see Appendix J).

  I              ~~~~a. no restriction affecting flow                                        1.0
                  b. flow through bridge appears adequate                                    0.5
                  c. flow through bridge appears inadequate and/or flow
                      restricted by culvert(s)                                               0.1
           Rationale -The type of tidal restriction can be one of the main causes of degradation
    in an EU. A bridge that spans a tidal creek may allow adequate flow in the channel, but the
    approaches to the bridge are usually associated with the restriction of flow across the surface of
Ithe marsh. The presence and type of flow restriction may also cause freshwater flooding in the
    EU during springtime runoff or major rainstorms. In marsh systems such as the Little River in
    North Hampton, this flooding can damage surrounding roads and buildings.

I      ~~There are many types of structures that can influence the free flow of tides, ranging from
 Ijetties to culverts. Each type of restriction has different effects on the hydrology of the marsh.
    For example, jetties, such as those at the mouths of Rye and Hampton Harbors, affect the flow
     of tidal waters in and out of the marsh. The level of information that will be collected using the
 I   Coastal Method will not allow for the evaluation of the effects of these changes in hydrology.
    However, some of the restrictions are so severe that there is a direct effect on the biotic
    communities of the EU.

if     ~Bridges and culverts in the marsh can be of two different types. The restriction with the
     least effect on a marsh is a structure spanning a tidal creek from headland to headland such as
 I   the Rt. 1A bridge over Parsons Creek in Rye. The other type is a road across the surface of the
     marsh with bridges or culverts over tidal creeks. The construction of the road across the marsh
     fragments the marsh and creates impoundments which prevent the free flow of tidal waters
 I  across the surface of the marsh at the point of construction. Even if the bridge is properly sized
    for the creek it spans, the amount of tidal water reaching the far side of the road is limited by
    the presence of the road. Culverts are the most restrictive and are often associated with
 Idegraded EUs because of the limited amount of tidal flow that reaches the far side of the
     culvert.


 IQuestion 4A. Ditching an the surface of the EU.

        Directions - Determine from the base map or a site visit if man-made ditches are present
 I   in the EU and in what pattern.

  3              ~~~~~a. no ditching within the EU                                           1.0
                  b. ditches present in linear pattern                                       0.5
                  c. ditches present in grid pattern                                         0.1


          3                                      ~~~~~~~~~24






   Rationale - Many of the larger marshes in New Hampshire were ditched either for
agricultural purposes or in an attempt to help in the control of salt marsh mosquitoes. The
effects of the ditching on the integrity of a marsh are not fully understood, but there is little
doubt that the ditches do affect the functioning of the EU. Many times the spoils from the
ditching were left on the surface of the marsh next to the ditch, trapping water and leading to
the degradation of the marsh peat. A grid pattern of ditches and the associated spoils is more
likely to have a negative impact on the EU by trapping both tidal waters and freshwater
drainage from the surrounding upland on the marsh surface leading to the dieback of natural
tidal marsh plant communities, degradation of the marsh peat and changes in water and soil
chemistry.


PART B: ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF THE ZONE OF INFLUENCE

Ouestions that may reauire field observation.

Question lB. Dominant land-use in the 500 foot Zone of Influence
surrounding the EU.

   Directions - Using the base map, determine the dominant land-use based on the current
use of the land. The dominant land-use refers to the use which occupies the largest percentage
of the Zone of Influence.

             a. forested, fields, open water, or similar open space                      1.0
             b. agriculture or rural residential                                         0.5
             c. commercial, industrial, high density residential or
                heavily used highways                                                    0.1

   Rationale - The Coastal Method assumes that marshes in areas which have low
intensity use, such as forestry or open space, are least likely to have undergone past
disturbances. In addition, these areas are most likely to remain undisturbed in the future.


Question 2B. Ratio of the number of occupied buildings (including
seasonally occupied) within the EU or within the Zone of Influence to
the total area of EU.

   Directions - Count the number of occupied buildings in the EU and/or within 500 feet
of the EUs edge. Use the EU area as previously determined on the base map. Express the
number of occupied buildings as a ratio to the area of the EU. If an occupied structure falls half
in and half out of the Zone of Influence it should be counted as being in.

                          number of occupied dwellinos = buildings
                            total area of EU (acres)         acre

             a. less than 0.1 building/ac.                                               1.0
             b. from 0.1 to 0.5 building/ac.                                             0.5
             c. more than 0.5 building/ac.                                               0.1

                                            25






   Rationale - Occupied buildings are an indicator of the human impact on the EU. These
impacts can include increased runoff, nutrient loading from malfunctioning septic systems and
use of fertilizers and increased activity in and around the EU. This activity can be detrimental
to water quality and many plants and animals.


Question 3B. Percent of the EU/upland border which has a buffer of
woodland or idle land at least 500 feet in width.

   Directions - Using the base map, measure the total length of the EU/upland border.
Then measure the length of this border which has a 500 foot buffer zone of woodland or idle
land. The 500 foot buffer zone will coincide with the Zone of Influence as mapped. Do not
include those areas bordered by agricultural use. Express the length of the buffer as a
percentage of the total length of the EU/upland border.

                          lenath of 500 foot wide undeveloped buffer   X 100
                                    length EU/upland border

             a. more than 70%                                                            1.0
             b. from 30% to 70%                                                          0.5
             c. less than 30%                                                            0.1

   Rationale - A buffer zone (an uncut area of vegetation providing wildlife cover, and
helping to control erosion and maintain water quality) increases the ecological integrity of a EU
in several important ways. It provides habitat for upland animals, which may use a tidal marsh
during parts of their life cycle, and habitat for water dependent wildlife species that require
upland habitat for parts of their life cycle. The vegetation in an undisturbed buffer zone acts as
a filter to absorb some of the contaminates from residential, agricultural or commercial
development before they can enter the EU. During severe storm events the buffer zone can
provide refuge for marsh animals to escape high winds and flooding. These undisturbed areas
may also slowly evolve into tidal marsh as sea level rises. Agricultural land is not counted as a
buffer zone because the application of fertilizers and pesticides can be harmful to the marsh
ecosystem.


Question 4B. Square footage of roads, driveways and parking lots
within 150 feet of EU.

      Directions -  Determine the square footage of roads, driveways and other paved areas
such as parking lots within 150 feet of the EU and express it as a ratio to the area of the EU (in
acres).
                      souare footaoe of roads and other paved areas (in so. feet)
                                      area of EU (in acres)

             a. ratio less than 1500 sq. feet/acre                                       1.0
             b. ratio between 1500 - 6000 sq. feet/acre                                  0.5
             c. ratio greater than 6000 sq. feet/acre                                    0.1

                                             26



                                                                                                  I
   Rationale - Roads, driveways, parking lots, and other paved areas are the focus of
considerable disturbance including noise, air pollution and polluted runoff. All of these factors           I
can have an negative effect on populations of plant and animals within the EU.
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                     Function 2 - Shoreline Anchoring
             Marshes that border open water, such as those along Great Bay and the major
          tidal rivers, are exposed daily to the erosive forces of wind and waves. Fringing
          marshes do not have the extensive peat development that is present in the other
          types of marsh because they are more regularly exposed to wind and waves.
          Often they develop in front of eroding upland banks. The eroded material can
          provide some of the substrate for the initial colonization of saltwater cordgrass.
          The presence of this marsh vegetation helps to protect the eroding upland by
          dissipating wave energy. The estuarine meadow marshes develop in areas of
          lower energy and the vegetation and the root mat of these marshes can help to
          dissipate wave energy and protect the upland. The coastal/back-barrier marshes
I        ~~~along the Atlantic Coast protect the surrounding upland from contact with waves
          on a daily basis. These areas also serve to protect the upland from severe storm
          events. This will be dealt with in Function 3, Storm Surge Protection.

             In winter, ice is one of the main causes of erosion within New Hampshire tidal
          marshes. Moving ice, in combination with wind and tides, can do extensive
U       ~ ~damage. Marshes in areas where there is a significant amount of freshwater
          input, such as Great Bay and the tidal rivers, and waters salinities are lower are
          more susceptible to this damage than marshes located along the Atlantic coast.
I       ~ ~~Ice, frozen to the surface of the marsh, rises and falls with each tide. As the tide
          rises and lifts the ice, large pieces of marsh peat and vegetation can break loose
          and are deposited lower in the intertidal zone where they are not able to
I       ~ ~~withstand the more prolonged flooding. The upland is protected to a large extent
          from this ice damage by the presence of a tidal marsh between it and open water.


E  Ouestions that may not reuuire field observation.

    Question 1. Type of marsh system of which the EU is a part.

       Directions - Using Section 3.2, determine the type of marsh system the EU is a part of.

 3              ~~~~~a. estuarine fringing marsh                                          1.0
                 b. estuarine meadow marsh                                               0.5
                 c. coastal/back-barrier marsh                                           0.1

       Rationale - The type of marsh, based on its location and the processes involved in its
E  formation, will determine the amount of exposure that an EU has to the erosive forces of wind
    and waves. Fringing marshes develop on the shores of Great and Little Bay as well as along
    the tidal rivers. These areas are exposed to more daily wind and wave energy than the low
I  energy areas where meadow marshes form (protected coves, inside of river meanders, along
    small tributaries) as well as coastal/back-barrier marshes (behind barrier beaches and rocky
    headlands). The criteria are based on the exposure that a marsh has to erosive forces.


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Ouestions that mau reauire field observation.

Question 2. Wetland morphology.

   Directions -  Determine if there is a distinct bank between the EU and the upland or if
the marsh grades slowly into the adjacent upland on the majority of the upland border.

             a. no distinct bank evident between EU and upland or
                freshwater wetland                                                      1.0
             b. distinct bank evident but protected by vegetation                       0.5
             c. distinct bank evident and unprotected by vegetation                     0.1


       a. no distinct bank





                           Tidal Marsh
                                                                      .~~~~~~

       b. distinct bank evident, but protected by
          vegetation




                     Tidal Marsh                           k

               j..   , ,              ujLLLl.wJ.JL'LL'

       c. distinct bank evident and unprotected by
           vegetation
                                                                      ,~~~~~


                                                        BUank d
                      Tidal Marsh

             ,,.j.,Lj.jL.LL Cll  IIIIII IIII  LI II I tl 11 itilI  II
                            FIGURE 4-2 Wetland Morphology

Rationale - Those EUs that grade from the marsh edge to the upland without a distinct bank
are well protected from erosive forces. Steep banks that are protected by vegetation are better
protected from erosion than steep banks that are directly exposed to erosion.

                                              29






                   Function 3 - Storm Surge Protection

               Along the Atlantic Coast severe storms can cause serious coastal flooding and
           wind and wave damage to private property. Tidal marshes provide protection
            from the tremendous wave energy associated with these storms. The barrier
            beaches absorb the brunt of the winds and waves, but the coastal/back-barrier
            marshes also play an important role in the dissipation of this energy. The
           estuarine marshes, while not as exposed as coastal marshes to these storm
            events, do provide some protection to the surrounding uplands. Although a storm
            surge has an unlimited source of water in the ocean, tidal marshes are the first
            areas to flood providing the surrounding upland with a degree of protection.

               EUs that have restricted outlets may decrease the possibility of flooding from
            a storm surge by reducing the amount of water that is able to flow into the EU.
            At the same time they also increase the possibility of flooding from upland
            drainage especially during spring runoff. The storm surge protection provided by
            marshes with restricted outlets must be viewed within the context of all the
            functions of a tidal marsh. The greater the restriction, the higher the storm surge
 I        ~ ~protection.  However,  the restriction also negatively impacts the  marsh
            preventing the tidal marsh from functioning as a natural system.

  I            ~~~The foliowing questions attempt to assess the ability of the marsh
            to function as a natural tidal marsh during a storm and not assess the
            value of a restriction or impoundment that prevents the marsh from storing
            waters and dissipating the associated storm energy.


 IOuestions that may not reauire field observation.

 IQuestion 1. Acreage of the EU.

         Directions - Use the acreage of the EU as previously determined in Section 3.3.

                  a. greater than 50 acres                                                  1.0
                  b. between 10 and 50 acres                                                0.5
                  c. less than 10 acres                                                     0.1

         Rationale - During severe storm events when wind and wave damage is a threat, the size
      of the EU is a determining factor in its ability to dissipate the energy associated with a storm
      and to prevent damage to upland areas. Larger wetlands generally have a greater capacity to
 Ilessen the impact.


I ~Question 2. Type of marsh system of which the EU is a part.

         Directions - Using Section 3.2, determine the type of marsh system the EU is a part of.


          *                                       ~~~~~~~~~30






             a. coastal/back-barrier marsh                                             1.0
             b. estuarine meadow marsh                                                 0.5
             c. estuarine fringing marsh                                               0.1

   Rationale - The type of marsh system is a factor in the importance that the EU plays in
this function. Size and location of a marsh system will determine the amount of storm energy a
marsh is exposed to and how much protection it can provide to the surrounding upland.






    Function 4 - Wildlife, Finfish & Shellfish Habitat

         Tidal wetlands in New Hampshire are used by a variety of terrestrial and avian
      species for feeding, breeding, protection and resting on long migration flights.
      Many marine animals spend a portion of their lives in the marsh, or depend on
      resident species for food. Certain environments in the marsh rivers and creeks
      provide habitat for the numerous species of shellfish that can be found on the
      seacoast. The limited number of salt marshes and the high degree of disturbance
      to the coastal ecosystem make the remaining marshes critical to maintaining
      wildlife diversity on the coast.


Ouestions that mau not reauire field observation.

Question 1. Acreage of the EU.

   Directions - Record the FI from Function 3, question 1.

   Rationale -  The size of the EU is one of the most important factors in determining the
diversity and abundance of wildlife living in or using the EU. It is generally accepted that the
larger the marsh, the greater the species diversity and abundance.


Question 2.  Ecological Integrity of the EU.

   Directions - Record the Average Functional Index of the EU in Part A of Function 1.

   Rationale -  The ecological integrity of the EU will affect its use by all types of fauna.
Areas that have been heavily impacted by human activity are regarded as providing less
suitable habitat for wildlife.


Question 3.  Type of tidal restriction.

   Directions - Record the F1 from Function 1, Part A, question 3A.

   Rationale - Access to the EU may be impeded for many aquatic animals by the size of
tidal restrictions. Although the EU may have the potential to support aquatic life, if the access
to these habitats is limited, its use by aquatic species may also be limited.









                                            32






Ouestions that may reauire field observation.

Question 4. Diversity of habitat types.

   Directions -  Count the number of different types of marsh habitats, from those listed
below, that occur in the EU at 1ow tide (See the glossary and Appendix B for habitat type
definitions).
                                1.  high marshI
                                2.  low marsh
                                3.  open water
                                4.  tidal flats
                                5.  upland islands and peninsulas
                                6.  shallow pannes
                                7.  freshwater source
                                8.  tidal creek
                                9.  freshwater tidal marsh

            a. 7 - 9 types present                                                    1.0
            b. 4 - 6 types present                                                    0.5
            c. less than 4 types present                                              0.1

   Rationale - A higher diversity of the available habitats will increase both richness and
diversity of the wildlife population.


Question 5. Presence of submerged (aquatic bed) vegetation.

   Directions -  On the aerial photos available, locate up to three of the largest pannes or
ponds in the EU. Field check these sites in July or August at low tide to determine the
presence and extent of submerged vegetation such as widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima). If the
evaluation is conducted at a time that this question cannot be answered, eliminate it and only
use those question answered to determine the AFI.

             a. submerged vegetation abundant                                         1.0
             b. submerged vegetation present but not abundant                         0.5
             c. no submerged vegetation present                                       0.1

   Rationale - The presence of this vegetation adds to the diversity of the plant
communities and provides habitat and food for various animals such as black ducks.


Question 6.  Percent of the EU edge bordered by a buffer of woodland,
idle land or agricultural land at least 500 feet in width.

   Directions -  First measure the total length of the EU/upland border. Then measure the
length of this border which has a 500 foot buffer zone of woodland, agricultural land, and idle
land. Express the length of the buffer as a percentage of the total length of the EU/upland
border.
                                            33







Note: While this is very similar to question 3B in Function 1, it includes agricultural
land which can provide important foraging areas for wildlife.

                     lenoth of 500 ft. wide undeveloned/aaricultural buffer    X 100
                              total length of EU/upland border
             a. more than 70%                                                          1.0
             b. from 30% to 70%                                                        0.5
             c. less than 30%                                                          0.1

   Rationale -  A buffer zone (an uncut area of vegetation providing wildlife cover) increases
the wildlife habitat potential of a marsh in several important ways. As well as providing habitat
for upland animals which may use the marsh for feeding, a buffer zone provides habitat for
water dependant wildlife species that require upland habitat for parts of their life cycle.
Agricultural land is included in this question because these areas can provide foraging areas for
wildlife which might not use woodlands. A relatively undisturbed buffer zone decreases the
amount of human impact within the marsh, and during severe storm events it may act as a
refuge for marsh animals to escape high winds and flooding.


Question  7.  Proximity to freshwater wetlands.

   Directions - Determine from NWI maps and site visits if the marsh system of which the
EU is a part is connected to a perennial stream or if there are any freshwater wetlands within a
quarter mile.

             a. marsh system connected to a perennial stream or
                freshwater wetland                                                     1.0
             b. marsh system not connected to a perennial stream
                but within a quarter mile of a freshwater wetland                      0.5
             c. marsh system not connected to a perennial stream and
                not within a quarter mile of a freshwater wetland                      0.1

   Rationale -  EUs that are connected to other wetlands by a perennial water course allow
the free movement of aquatic species and may provide corridors for the movement of avian
and terrestrial species. Other freshwater wetlands that are in close proximity to the EU but not
hydrologically connected also offer a more diverse habitat for wildlife.












                                             1  34






          Function 5 - Water Quality Maintenance

        Tidal marshes play a critical role in the maintenance and improvement of
     water quality. The location of many of these marshes adjacent to the major tidal3
     rivers and the presence of dense stands of vegetation facilitate the uptake and
     transformation of many of the pollutants and excess nutrients that are present in
     the water column.

        Salt marshes are tremendously productive ecosystems. The enormous amount
     of primary production (plant growth) that takes place in marshes requires the
     uptake of large amounts of nutrients. The uptake of the nutrients also serves to
     improve the quality of the water going out with the tide. During the growing
     season more nutrients are entering the system than leaving it. However, as theI
     plants die back in the fall, much of the energy stored in low marsh vegetation is
     exported on the tide to the ocean where it serves as an important source of food
     for marine animals. A large percentage of the plant material decays and entersI
     the detrital food chain with only a small amount being used by primary
     consumers. Critical to this export is the capacity of tidal waters to reach the
     marsh surface. A system of creeks and channels is needed in the marsh toI
     facilitate this exchange, as well as a strong tidal regime supplying enough
     seawater to flush the marshes.

        The improvement of water quality is also closely associated with the marsh's
     ability to trap sediments. Tidal marshes remove sediments suspended in the tidal
     waters and in the freshwater from rivers and streams. As the tide rises its waters
     crest above the surface of the marsh and lose velocity, causing much of the solid
     material suspended in the water to be deposited. The removal of sediment
     reduces the turbidity and improves the quality of the water flowing out of the
     marsh. Deposition of sediments raises the surface of the marsh allowing it to keep
     pace with sea level rise. This accretion is part of the marsh's natural growth3
     expanding the vegetated portion of the intertidal zone.

         Many of the pollutants and excess nutrients in the water are attached to3
     sediment particles and are deposited on the surface of the marsh along with these
     sediments. The organic soils of the marsh (the high marsh in particular) may
     adsorb heavy metals that have accumulated in the water and incorporate them inI
     the marsh peat. This process removes them from the water cycle for extended
     periods of time. Waste water treatment plants, residential septic systems,
     agriculture and upland development all have had a negative effect on the qualityI
      of the waters along our coast.

Ouestions that may not reauire field observation.

Question 1. Acreage of the EU.I

   Directions -  Record the Fl from Function 3, question 1.3


                                         35I






   Rationale - The greater the acreage of the EU, the more sheet flow across the surface.
This provides the EU with a greater opportunity to trap sediments and uptake and transform
nutrients. The larger EUs will most likely contain a considerable area of high marsh where soil
conditions allow for more adsorption and retention of heavy metals.


Question 2.  Number of tidal restrictions.

   Directions - Record the FH from Function 1, Part A, question 2A.

   Rationale -  The majority of sediments accreted by the EU are suspended in the tidal
waters. The restriction of the flow of these waters can limit the amount of tidal waters and
suspended sediments flowing into the EU.


Question 3.  Type of tidal restriction.

   Directions - Record the FI from Function 1, Part A, question 3A.

   Rationale - The more the severe the restriction of flow into the EU, the less tidal water
the EU has the potential to improve.




























                                            3 6






               Function 6 - Recreation Potential

        Tidal marshes are important areas for recreation along the New Hampshire
     coastline. The extensive use of these marshes by nesting and migrating birds
     makes them popular sites for hunting and birdwatching. Some of the larger
     marshes have shellfish beds which attract the recreational harvester. Several
     marsh systems in the state are located in state or federal areas that are managed3
     for recreation and may have visitor centers, trails and boardwalks. The presence
     of these facilities enhance the recreation potential of a marsh and improve public
     access.3

         Boating takes place in some of the larger marshes along the Atlantic coast.
     While some of the larger rivers and creeks within or adjacent to these systems
     can handle power boats, the wakes, noise and water pollution from motorized
     watercraft can affect the wildlife and other qualities that enhance the recreation
     potential. Non-motorized boating is a less disturbing way to enjoy tidal marshesI
     and numerous public boat launches provide easy access to them. Questions four
     and five examine boating access. If it is not possible to use a boat in or adjacent
     to an EU and it receives a 0.1I for question 4, do not answer question 5
     concerning the proximity to a public boat launch.


Questions that mav reauire field observation.

Question 1.  Presence of shellfish beds.3

   Directions -  Determine from state and local officials if there are shellfish beds large3
enough to allow for recreational harvest in the EU and if these beds are presently closed due to
poor water quality.

Note: If there is no open water in the EU skip this question and base the AMI on the
remaining answered questions.

            a. shellfish beds present and open for harvest                           1.0
            b. shellfish beds present but currently closed for harvest               0.5
            c. no shellfish beds present                                             0.1
   Rationale - The harvesting of shellfish for personal consumption has long been a
recreational activity on the New Hampshire coast. Today most of the beds are closed becauseI
poor water quality contaminates the shellfish, thereby endangering the health of human
consumers.3


Question 2.  Waterfowl hunting.3

   Directions - Determine if the EU is accessible for hunting by land or boat, and whether it
is currently being used for that purpose. NH Fish & Game Dept. Conservation Officers andI

                                        3 7I






local hunters may know if an area is presently used for hunting. Hunting is not permitted
within 500 ft. of a dwelling so some EUs may not be used for hunting.

             a. EU accessible and currently used by hunters                           1.0
             b. EU accessible but not presently used                                 0.5
             c. EU not easily accessible or hunting not permitted                    0.1

   Rationale -  Hunting is a popular sport in New Hampshire and many of the tidal marshes
are used for waterfowl hunting. The presence of dwellings and the ease of access can influence
the use of the marsh for hunting.


Question 3.  Opportunities for wildlife observation.

   Directions -  Record the AM from Function 4.

   Rationale - Non-consumptive recreation which includes observation, photography, etc.
is the most popular form of wildlife related recreation. The marshes that rank higher for the
Wildlife Habitat Function are more likely to be potential sites for wildlife observation.


Question 4.  Canoe and boat passage in or adjacent to the EU.

   Directions - Determine the suitability of tidal rivers and creeks within the EU or water
adjacent to the EU for canoeing and non-powered boating. In some cases, water levels may
only be adequate during high tide.

             a. watercourses within EU at least 10 feet wide and one foot deep at
                high tide and free of obstructions to canoeing and non-powered
                boating, OR EU adjacent to a canoeable waterway                      1.0
             b. EUs watercourses contain some exposed obstructions and/or
                shallow areas which may hinder the use of canoes or non-powered
                boats, AND EU not adjacent to canoeable waterway                     0.5
             c. watercourses too small and shallow or non-existent, watercourses
                contain obstructions which prohibit the use of canoes and
                non-powered boats AND EU is not adjacent to canoeable waterway    0.1

   Rationale - Some EUs are large enough to have rivers or creeks within them which can
support use by canoes and non-powered boats. Some EUs are adjacent to open waters such as
the major tidal rivers or Great Bay. Both allow for the enjoyment of the aesthetic beauty and
the wildlife of the marsh.


Question 5.  Canoe and boat access.

Note: If the EU received a 0.1 in question 4, do not answer question 5 and divide
only by the number of questions answered when calculating the AFI.

                                            38






   Directions - Determine the distance from the closest public boat launch to the EU by
non-powered boat or canoe.
            a. access point within a half mile of Eli by non-powered boat            1.0
            b. access point between a half mile and a mile from EU byI
               non-powered boat                                                      0.5
            c. no access or access point more than one mile from EU                  0.1

   Rationale - The presence of a boat launch near the EU may determine the EUs
availability as a boating site. Appendix E contains a list of public boat launches along New
Hampshire's tidal waters. There may be other points from which a canoe could be launched.

Question 6. Off-road public parking at the potential recreation site.I

   Directions - Determine if there is a suitable parking area at the EU edge. Adequate
parking requires an open area with a firm soil or gravel base. For safety, the parking areaI
should be located on the same side of the road as the EU and should have an unobstructed
view of oncoming traffic at the point of entrance and exit.3

            a. EU is within 10 minutes or less walking distance of suitable parking    1.0
            b. available parking more than 10 minutes walk but less than3
               20 minutes away from the EU                                           0.5
            c. parking is not available within 20 minutes walk of EU                 0.1

   Rationale - Parking near the EUi is necessary to allow access for many types of
re-creation.3


Question  7.  Handicap accessibility.3

   Directions - Determine whether the edge of the EU is accessible to the handicapped,
e.g. trails designed for wheelchair accessibility, special handicapped parking areas, or access
via existing roads or trails.
            a. specially constructed handicap accessibility                          1.0
            b. access via existing roads and trails                                  0.5
            c. no handicap access                                                    0.1

   Rationale - The recreation potential of the marsh is increased if it is accessible to both
handicapped and non-handicapped persons alike.


Question S. Presence of visitors center, maintained trails or
boardwalks.I

   Directions - Determine if the EU is located within a marsh system that is associated with
a visitors center or has trails and/or boardwalks that provide easy access to the EU.I

                                         3 9U






             a. visitors center and maintained trails/boardwalks present               1.0
             b. maintained trails/boardwalks present but no visitors center            0.5
             c. neither a visitors center nor maintained trails/boardwalks present     0.1

   Rationale -  The presence of a visitors center or maintained trails and boardwalks can
enhance the recreation opportunity by providing activities and easy access to the EU.











































                                              40






                   Function 7 - Aesthetic Quality

         The open spaces of tidal marshes are highly valued for their aesthetic quality
      and contrast to the forests which dominate much of New Hampshire. Marshes
      that are surrounded by upland forests and freshwater wetlands appear more
      attractive than those systems which have urban development within the marsh
      or adjacent to the marsh edge. The fringing marshes along the Great Bay and
      the estuarine rivers add diversity to the transition of open waters and tidal flats to
      upland forests and fields, affording the viewer an opportunity to enjoy a vista
      that is rare within the state.

         Before answering the questions for this function, visit the EU and determine
      if there are one or more viewing sites. Most marshes are viewed from public
      roads, but other important viewing points might be located along rivers or bays,
      from a canoe, from a nature trail, or from an overlook. Because some EUs are
      large and can be viewed from several locations it is important to note on the
      base map which viewing locations are being evaluated. The Average Functional
      Index can be based on an average of several viewing locations or the EU can be
      rated on one outstanding location.


Ouestions that may not reauire field observation.

Question 1.  Ecological Integrity of the EU.

   Directions - Record the AFI of the EU from Function 1, Part A.

   Rationale - The ecological integrity of the EU will give some indication of the impacts
that transportation, residential, and commercial development have had on the marsh. These
types of development will affect the aesthetic quality of the EU.


Question 2.  Opportunities for wildlife observation.

   Directions -  Record the AFI of the EU from Function 4.

   Rationale - Vistas that include wildlife enhance the aesthetic quality of the EU. The
Average Functional Index received for Function 4 will indicate the potential for wildlife
observation.


Ouestions that may reauire field observation.

Question 3. Dominant visible land-use surroundina the EU from
primary viewing location(s).



                                           41






   Directions - Determine the dominant land-use visible from the primary viewing
location(s).

             a. woodland, agricultural land, or similar open space                      1.0
             b. rural residential use (such as 2 acre lots)                             0.5
             c. commercial, industrial, transportation use or high density residential
                use (such as quarter acre lots) dominates the visible area              0.1

   Rationale - The Coastal Method assumes that the most appealing views of tidal marshes
include other areas of natural beauty such as upland forests or other open space.


Question 4. General appearance of the EU from the primary viewing
location(s).

   Directions -  Judge the visual quality of the EU from the primary viewing location(s)
based on the criteria provided.

             a. undisturbed and natural with no visual detractors present such as
                litter, EU dominated by natural tidal marsh plant community             1.0
             b. limited disturbance in the EU, minor visual detractors present
                and/or invasive species present                                         0.5
             c. severe detractors present and/or EU dominated by invasive species    0.1

   Rationale -  The aesthetic quality of the EU lies in the natural beauty of its open space
and tidal marsh plant community. Trash and other signs of disturbance, including the presence
of invasive species, detract from this beauty. Even though some invasive species may be
attractive, their presence detracts from the beauty of the more diverse natural tidal marsh plant
community.


Question 5. Noise level at the primary viewing location(s).

   Directions -  In most cases, it will be sufficient to judge the sound level after a period of
careful listening at a time at which visitors would be present. It may be necessary to visit
several EUs in the study area to determine what constitutes low, medium, or high noise levels
in a town.

             a. low: birds, wildlife and other natural sounds predominate               1.0
             b. moderate: some traffic, airplane or other noise audible                 0.5
             c. loud: continuous traffic, industrial or other noise                     0.1

   Rationale - Subjective impressions of noise levels vary from person to person, but it is
assumed that continual noise such as that from a busy highway detracts significantly from the
aesthetic appreciation of marshes. Noise can be particularly distracting when listening for bird
songs and other wildlife sounds.



                                              42






Question 6. Odors present at the primary viewing location(s).

   Directions - Attempt to identify odors present at viewing locations. This may require
becoming familiar with the sometimes unpleasant natural odors of tidal marshes.

             a. natural odors only (some natural odors may be unpleasant)              1.0
             b. unnatural odors present at certain times such as auto
                exhaust or a sewage treatment plant                                   0.5
             c. unnatural odors distinct, more or less continuous, and
                noticeably unpleasant                                                 0.1

   Rationale - Unnatural odors, such as auto exhaust and factory emissions, are assumed to
reduce aesthetic quality of tidal marshes.


































                                            43






                 Function 8 - Education Potential

         Tidal marshes can be important outdoor classrooms for teaching ecological
      principles. The severe impact of coastal development is easily illustrated by
      comparing a healthy tidal marsh community with an EU that has been degraded.
      The ease of access and the proximity of other tidal marshes influences the
      educational potential of the EU. Large groups are encouraged to restrict
      themselves to a small area of the marsh that is easily accessed to prevent damage
      to a more extensive area.

         Determine the location of sites which are appropriate for educational
      purposes and mark them on the base map. An EU may have one or more
      educational sites.


Ouestions that may not reauire field observation.

Question 1.  Opportunity for wildlife observation.

   Directions -  Record the All of the EU from Function 4.

   Rationale -  The educational potential of a site is enhanced by high value wildlife habitat.


Question 2.  Presence of visitors center, maintained trails or
boardwalks.

   Directions - Record the H1 from Function 6, question 8.

   Rationale -  Management for public use or wildlife can increase the educational
opportunities associated with an EU. Visitor centers, kiosks, and well marked trials provide
interpretation and access to tidal marsh communities.


Ouestions that mau reauire field observation.

Question 3. Proximity of potential educational site to other habitats.

   Directions -  Examine the area adjacent to the educational site for other habitats such as
tidal marshes (disturbed or undisturbed), freshwater wetlands, formerly tidal areas, mudflats,
rocky intertidal shores, rivers, bays, or upland forests.

             a. three or more habitat types within a short walk of potential
                education site                                                         1.0
             b. two habitat types within a short walk of potential education site      0.5
             c. potential educational site not within short walk to other habitat types 0.1


                                          44





  Rationale - The presence of other natural habitats increases the educational value of the
marsh by allowing students to compare and contrast different habitat types. The presence ofI
degraded systems or formerly tidal areas will provide the students with an opportunity to learn
about the effects of human disturbance.


Question 4. Off-road parking at potential educational site for school
buses or other vehicles (carpools, vans etc.).I
  Directions - Determine if there is an area large enough for parking and turning a school
bus or a small number of cars associated with a carpool.I

           a. EU within 10 minutes or less walking distance of suitable parking     1.03
           b. available parking more than 10 minutes walk but less than
              20 minutes away from the EU                                           0.5
           c. parking not available within 20 minutes walk of EU                    0.13
   Rationale - Parking within easy walking distance of the EU increases its value as an
education site.I

Question 5. Student safety.I
   Directions - Examine the potential education site for possible hazards, such as busy
roads, railroad trestles, etc.I
            a. no known safety hazards such as busy roads, steep embankments,
              railroad trestles, etc. within potential education site               1.03
            b. safety hazard present but easily avoidable                            0.5
            c. safety hazards present and not easily avoidable                       0.13
   Rationale - A safety hazard is an obvious drawback to an educational site.


Question 6. Handicap accessibility at potential education site.

Note: While handicapped access was assessed in Recreation Potential, the
education site may or may not have handicapped access.
   Directions -  Determine whether the education site is accessible to the handicapped, e.g.U
trails designed for wheelchair accessibility, special handicapped parking areas, or access via
existing roads or trails.3

            a. specially constructed handicap accessibility                          1.0
            b. access via existing roads and trails                                  0.5
            c. no handicap access                                                    0.1
   Rationale - The education potential of the marsh is increased if it is accessible to both
handicapped-and non-handicapped persons alike.
                                       453






     *                     ~~~Function 9 - Noteworthiness

               Noteworthiness refers to a particular physical, biological or social feature
            which may entitle the EU to be considered especially significant. This may
            include the presence of a rare or endangered plant or animal species, a site of
            historical significance, or the designation of the site as an exemplary community.
 I          ~~~If the AM  for this function is greater than 0.1 the EU should be considered
            significant. The higher the ARI the more significant features present.


 IOuestions that may not reuuire field observation.

  IQuestion 1.  EU  is habitat for a state or federally listed threatened or
      endangered species.

U       ~~Directions -  Determine if the EU is used by any threatened or endangered plant or
      animal species. This information may be obtained from the NH Natural Heritage Inventory
  E(NHNHI), the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the NH Fish & Game Dept. Non-game &
      Endangered Wildlife Program, the Coastal Zone Program of the Office of State Planning, and
      the Audubon Society of NH.

   I               ~~~~~a. EU is currently used by threatened or endangered species             1.0
                  b. EU is not currently used by threatened or endangered species             0.1

         Rationale - EUs used by threatened or endangered species may be necessary for the
      survival of those species. EUs that are currently used by these species should be considered for
  Iprotection to help ensure their survival.


I     ~Question 2.  EU  has significance because it has biological, geological,
      or other features which are locally rare or unique OR~ EU is listed as
I~an exemplary community by NHNHI.

         Directions - Determine if the EU contains biological or geological features of significance
  Uor is listed as an exemplary community by NHNHI. This could be a freshwater tidal community,
      the presence of plant and animal species of concern that are not on the threatened or
      endangered species list, or noteworthy geological features such as remnants of maritime forests
  Uindicating the effects of sea level rise over the last 4,000 years.

                   a. EU contains feature(s) of significance                                   1.0
   3               ~~~~~b. EU does not contain feature of significance                          0.1

         Rationale - It is possible that the EU has an attribute which in itself makes the marsh
  Ivaluable, but was not identified by the functional assessment. These locally rare or unique
      factors can be highlighted in this question.



          3                                        ~~~~~~~~~46






Question 3. EU is known to contain an important historical or
archaeological site.
   Directions - Consult state and local historic resources or enquire through the state
archaeological office to determine if the EU has any sites of significance. Photographs or visitsI
to the EU may re-veal evidence of historical use.

             a. EU is a known site of historical or archaeological significance         1.01
             b. no historical or archaeological significance                            0.1

   Rationale -  Coastal marshes have been used by humans as a source of food forI
consumption and fodder for livestock for a very long time. Some marshes still have remnants
of the staddles used to store salt hay until such time as the marsh was flooded to the point that
barges could float to the site to haul the hay off. Shellfishing has been an important source of
food for centuries (in particular by Native Americans) and evidence of the historical harvest is
still visible in certain marshes as shell middens.3


Ouestions that may reauire field observation.3

Question 4. Tidal marshes in an urban setting.

   Directions - Determine the dominant land-use within a 1/4 mile of the marsh during a
site visit or from aerial photos. The dominant land-use is defined in this question as the land-
use which occupies 50% or more of the area within a 1/4 mile of the marsh.
             a. commercial, industrial, or transportation use or high density
                residential use (such as quarter acre lots) occupies more thanI
                50% of the area within one quarter mile of the marsh                    1.0
             b. rural residential use (such as 2 acre lots), agricultural, forestry
                or similar open space                                                   0.1
   Rationale - Tidal marshes have the potential to enhance the quality of life in an urban
environment. Historically, many marshes in urbanized areas were left undeveloped because of
severe site limitations. As a result, those marshes remaining in urban areas may be among the
last refuges for wildlife as well as some of the few remaining natural landscapes.3

   Because of the impact of intense human activity, urban marshes may not perform certain
functions as well as marshes in undeveloped areas. For this reason, they tend to rank low in3
 the Coastal Method for several functions including Ecological Integrity, Wildlife Habitat, and
Aesthetic Potential. This should not be interpreted to mean that urban marshes have no value
for these functions. These marshes may have considerable value when considered in the3
context of the surrounding urban land.

   Tidal marshes in an urban environment are often marred by dumping of trash and litter.3
However, when evaluating an urban marsh, take into account how easily the visual detractors
can be removed. A somewhat degraded marsh can be the target of a neighborhood cleanup
campaign, for instance.

                                           4 7 






Question 5.  EU  used as long term research site.

   Directions - Check with local colleges, universities and research labs to determine if the
EU is used as a site for long term research.

             a. EU a site for long term research                                         1.0
             b. EU not a site for long term research                                     0.1

   Rationale - Data that has been collected over a number of years at a single site provides
scientists with valuable information about changes in our environment.




































                                             4 8



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 1  ~INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
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                           5. INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

       The information that has been gathered up to this point in the Coastal Method provides a
I   basis for land-use planning decisions to ensure the protection and management of tidal wetland
    resources. These decisions may be based on the current condition of the marsh, the present
    land-use in the Zone of Influence, or the town's policy on future growth in the Zone of
I   Influence.

       The evaluation of a marsh system may reveal that some of the EUs are highly functioning
I   and healthy while others are degraded to some degree and candidates for restoration. In either
    case, EUs may benefit from changes in local land-use policies which will protect them from
    future impacts and further degradation. While these recommendations will focus on a single
I   Evaluation Unit, a management plan should be developed for the entire marsh system
    whenever possible (See Section 8).

INOTE: Section 5 cannot be completed before the functions in Section 4 of the
    Method are fully evaluated.

I   5.1  Average Functional Indices.

       To determine the Average Functional Index for each EU, total the Functional Indices
    received for all the questions answered for a function. Then divide this total by the number of
    questions answered in that function. This is the Averaae Functional Index (ARI). The AFR
    should be rounded off to two decimal place and will fall within a range from 0.10 and 1.00.
       The score received for the ARI is an indication of the present condition of the EU. The site
I   specific approach to the functional assessment compares the EU to a imaginary marsh which
    would receive an AFT of 1.0 for each function. This is not always possible because some
    questions in the assessment are based on the type of marsh system of which the EU is a part
I   and different functions are better performed by different types of marsh.

    5.2 Evaluation Unit Analysis.

I         ~~~For each EU, complete a copy of the Summary Data Sheet and the EU Analysis Graphs
    contained in Appendix D (see Appendix I for examples of completed forms). The Summary
IData Sheet provides space for recording information on the size of the EU, the AR for each of
    the functions, and a summary of the reasons for the AFIs received in the evaluation.

       The EU Analysis Graphs allow for the evaluation of the EUs in a marsh system in the
I   context of the entire system. To complete the graphs, calculate the percentage of the system
    each EU occupies. For example, the marsh may be divided into four EL~s which represent 12%,
I50%, 23%, and 15% of the system. Once the percentages have been determined, they will
    remain the same for each of the nine functions. If a portion of the marsh has been isolated from
    tidal flow and is presently a freshwater system (formerly tidal marsh), it should be included as a
Uunit but will be represented differently in this analysis. These formerly tidal marshes will not be
    evaluated in the Coastal Method and will not have any data to be analyzed. However,
U   including the presence of the formerly tidal areas on each graph gives some indication about
    the overall loss of functional capacity of the tidal marsh system.

         1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 50





   For each marsh system a series of ten graphs, representing each function, must be
completed. The graphs are composed of two axes, the vertical representing the AMT for theI
specific function, and the horizontal representing the percentage of area of the marsh system
each EU occupies. Starting with the smallest tidally influenced EU draw and fill in a bar whose
height represents the AFT and whose width represents the percentage of the marsh system theI
EU occupies. This should be done for each tidally influenced EU from the smallest to the
largest, starting each bar on the horizontal axis where the previous bar ended (see example in
Appendix I).
   If there are any formerly tidal wetlands included in the marsh system, the bar for these
should be drawn last (after the largest tidal marsh EU) and they should be drawn below the  
horizontal axis to illustrate the loss of function.

   When the graph is complete, 100% of the horizontal axis should be filled.I
   The graphs provide an opportunity to see how the EU functions in response to the impacts
of coastal development. The graphs also facilitate an overview of how the different sizes of theI
EUs relate to the functioning and fragmentation of the entire marsh system.

   The information contained on the Summary Data Sheets and the graphs will provide some
of the information needed to assess the current condition of the EU and choose the appropriate
management option.3












                                                         5 1~~~~~~






                        SUMMARY DATA SHEET

                  MARSH SYSTEM

        EVALUATION UNIT #                           OF

                   SIZE OF EU                         acres

PERCENTAGE OF SYSTEM THAT EU REPRESENTS

 STATUS OF EU (check one)    TIDAL                      FORMERLY TIDAL__



   Function                                                   Averaae Functional Index
                                                               (AFI)

1A. Ecological Integrity of EU
1lB. Ecological Integrity of Zone of Influence
2. Shoreline Anchoring
3.  Storm Surge Protection
4.  Wildlife, Finfish & Shellfish Habitat
5. Water Quality Maintenance
6. Recreation Potential
7.  Aesthetic Quality
8. Education Potential
9. Noteworthiness



                               SUMMARY


















                                    52







                               EU ANALYSIS GRAPHS

MARSH SYSTEM                           TOTAL AREA

NUMBER OF EUs                                                                                      |


             ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY                      ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
                      OF EU                            OF ZONE OF INFLUENCE
       1.0                                        1.0

     A 0.8                                     A 0.8
     F--6F 0.6                                 F  0.6


       0.2                                        0.2
            0.21111 I111111111111                      1111111111111111111  I
                    AREA OF EU*                                AREA OF EU*
             (as percentage of marsh system)             (as percentage of marsh system)


             SHORELINE ANCHORING                      STORM SURGE PROTECTION


       1.0                                       1.0
       A                                         0.8

     F 0.6                                      F 0.6
     I 0.4                                      I  .4

        0.2                                       0.2
                     AREA OF EU*                                AREA OF EU*
              (as percentage of marsh system)            (as percentage of marsh system)



                WILDULIFE, FINFISH                        GRAPH LEGEND 
                 AND SHELLFISH
                     HABITAT
       1.0

     A0.8
     F 0.6
       0.4


                     AREA OF EU*
              (as percentage of marsh system)
                                              *NOTE: Each dash on the horizontal axis
                                              represents 5% of the marsh system



                                           53






                               EU ANALYSIS GRAPHS cont.

MARSH SYSTEM                              TOTAL AREA

NUMBER OF EUs


          WATER QUALITY MAINTAINANCE                        RECREATION POTENTIAL

       1.0                                            1.0

      A0.8                                         A  0.8
     F 0.6                                         F  0.6
     I 0.4                                         I  0.4
       0.2                                            0.2
            1111111111111111  11                            111111111 1111111I  I I!
                      AREA OF EU *                                    AREA OF EU*
               (as percentage of marsh system)                 (as percentage of marsh system)


               AESTHETIC QUALITY                            EDUCATION POTENTIAL


       1.0                                            1.0

     A 0.8                                          A 0.8
     F 0.6                                            0.6


       0    11111111111111111111                      0.2  1111111  111  111111111i  I I
                     AREA OF EU *                                    AREA OF EU*
             (as percentage of marsh system)                 (as percentage of marsh system)


                 NOTEWORTHINESS                                 GRAPH LEGEND

        1.0

     A 0.8
     F 0.6
     I 0.4
        0.2
                      AREA OF EU*
               (as percentage of marsh system)

                                                    *NOTE: Each dash on the horizontal
                                                    axis represents 5% of the marsh system





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1         DESCRIPTION OF
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  a               ~~6. ]DESCRIPTION OF RESTORATION POTENTIAL
     6.1 Why Do Tidal Marshes Need Restoration?

I       ~~Many of the tidal marshes in New Hampshire have been impacted by coastal development
     including fragmentation caused by the construction of roads and railroads and deposition of fill
 Ion the surface of the marsh. In many marshes, the free flow of tidal waters across the surface of
     the marsh at high tide has been either eliminated, or restricted to passage through bridges or
     culverts. With less salt water inflow into these fragmented portions of the marsh, changes in
 Ithe water and soil chemistry, such as reduced salinities, can lead to the introduction and
     possible domination of the marsh system by invasive plant species. These plant species, such
     as common reed, purple loosestrife, and narrow-leaved cattails can rapidly colonize, out-
 Icompeting the natural tidal marsh plants and lowering the value of the marsh for many of its
     tidal marsh functions.

        Much of the impact caused by the fragmentation of the marsh system can be lessened or
 I   eliminated. Often the tidal restrictions can be corrected. For example, increasing the diameter
 Rof a culvert or installing additional culverts allows for better flow of tidal waters onto the
     fragmented portions of the marsh, and helps to mitigate the impacts of the impoundment. Fill
     on the marsh can be removed returning the marsh elevation back to a natural level to allow for
     adequate tidal flushing.

        These restorations can have a positive impact on the coastal ecosystem and increase the
 I   functional capabilities of marshes, enhancing these areas for the plants and animals that use
     them.

 I   6.2  What Will This Section Accomplish?

        The selection of a restoration site involves many complex issues beyond the scope of this
 Imanual. The data collected in this part of the Coastal Method will be used to identify, on a
     preliminary level, potential restoration sites within the study area. Some of the information
     needed to complete the questions in this section will come from data collected for Section 4.1
 Iof the Coastal Method. At times more details will be required to provide the information
     needed to describe the impacts of development on the marsh.

 I   6.3 Use of Information Collected in Section 6.

        The information gathered in this section can provide a preliminary analysis for prioritizing
 I   restoration efforts. Other factors that may require more expertise to assess (e.g. site elevations,
     flow capacity of restriction, and cumulative effect of other associated restrictions) must be
     taken into consideration. The data collected will form the basis of analysis to determine what
 Imarshes or EUs within in a town might be the best candidates for restoration. If a town is
     interested in pursuing the restoration of a particular EU, or prioritizing the EUs inventoried in
     Section 4, expert advice should be sought. Depending on the type of impact affecting the EU,
 Idifferent state and federal agencies could be contacted for further information. For example, if
     dredge spoils have been placed on the surface of the marsh, the NH Coastal Program or the
 I   Army Corps of Engineers may be able to provide further assistance. If the impact to the EU is
     caused by the crossings of roads and railroads, the NH Coastal Program, NH Department of


          1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 56






Transportation, or the town road agent should be contacted to assess the possibility of
restoration.I
6.4 Restoration Potential of Evaluation Units.

   A description should be compiled for each EU that has been negatively impacted by
human development. Be as specific as possible. Each EU will have a different restoration
potential based on the several factors such as type of restriction and distance to free tidal flow.I
The information concerning the restoration potential will be compiled but not analyzed
because much of the data needed to make decisions concerning restoration requires specialized
training and equipment. However, the collected data will help identify those areas that deserveI


   Answer only the following questions that are appropriate for the EU. 

Question 1. Number and type of restrictions between the EU and free
tidal flow.

   Directions - Describe the type, size, location, and impacts of all the tidal restrictions
between the seaward edge of the EU and free tidal flow using the shortest route possible (see
Figure 4-1). Make a note of any rocks, trees, or other debris that may be blocking tidal creeks.
Plot the location of the restrictions on the base map.3

   Rationale - The EU may be influenced by restrictions of tidal flow that are located in
other portions of the marsh. The cumulative effects of these restrictions may have an influence
on the present condition of the EU. The number of restrictions will also influence the economic
feasibility of restoration. By comparing the size of the creek or channel with the size of the
structure restricting tidal flow, valuable information can be provided about the effects of theI
restriction, and the economic feasibility of altering such a restriction to improve or restore tidal
flow.3


Question 2.  Percent of the EU dominated by invasive species.5

   Directions - Determine if common reed, purple loosestrife, narrow-leaved cattail or other
nontidal marsh plants are present and to what extent they dominate the EU. Estimate the
percentage of the EU that is dominated by these invasive species and describe the location of
major areas where invasive species dominate.

   Rationale - The plant species identified above as invasive species will often occur
naturally as indicators of the transition from salt to freshwater or from tidal marsh to upland.
However, the domination of an EU by common reed, purple loosestrife, or narrow-leaved3
cattail may indicate that changes in hydrology have led to the loss of natural tidal marsh plant
communities. The identification of areas where these invasive plant species dominate can help
determine the effect the flow restriction is having on the EU. The restriction of tidal flow3
and/or the trapping of freshwater from upland drainage in the marsh can lead to the
dominance of the EU by any one or more of these species and will adversely affect the

functioning of the EU.
                                           573








      Question 3a. Acreage of fill deposited on the marsh surface.

3       ~~Directions -  Determine if any fill has been placed on the surface of the marsh and
      estimate the total acreage in the EU. Information about fill in the marsh may be obtained from
  Ilong time residents, early aerial photos, and from field visits.

         Rationale - The acreage of fill placed in the EU will affect the economic feasibility of
 Iremoving it as part of a restoration project.


  IQuestion 36. Existing plant community located on the fill.

         Directions - Describe the plant community found on the fill. Does it presently support a
      natural tidal marsh community, or does it now support invasive species or upland vegetation?

         Rationale - The plant community located on the fill will indicate the present effects of the
  Ichange in elevation associated with the deposition of fill on the surface of the marsh. Tidal
      flushing may be limited to only the highest tides or eliminated from these areas entirely and
  Iprecipitation may be trapped on the surface of the fill. Each of these changes in hydrology can
      reduce the soil and water salinity. If the fill is sufficiently elevated, this area may support upland
      vegetation. Some areas of fill, still affected by the tides, may be dominated by invasive species.


I ~Question 3c. Presence of structures on the fill.

3       ~~Directions -  Describe any development such as roads or buildings that have occurred on
      the fill.

I       ~~Rationale - The presence of roads and buildings on the fill will affect the economic
      feasibility of restoration.


      Question 4. Other causes of degradation.

I       ~~Directions -  List and describe any disturbances not yet described that may be causing
  Idegradation in the EU.

         Rationale - At times there may be degradation of an EU caused by an impact not covered
  Iin the previous questions. These could include adverse land-use in the Zone of Influence,
      changes in upland drainage patterns which divert additional freshwater onto the marsh, or
      impacts associated with changes in the marsh and/or adjacent freshwater wetlands. Any of
  Ithese factors could influence the hydrology of the marsh or disrupt the nutrient balance of the
      marsh.




          g~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 58



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|        EU MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
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      1                         ~~~~7. EU MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

          Since every EU will be different in terms of the functions it performs, and the degree to
      which it may be degraded, it is impossible to provide management options for all possible
I     ~scenarios. Rather, a general framework is provided in which appropriate management and
      planning decisions can be made. These options do not attempt to preclude communities from
I     ~developing site specific plans that are more appropriate for the EU and the marsh system. The
      details of these plans should be made at the local level, using the information gathered for the
      Coastal Method and any other available resources or data. A familiarity with state and federal
I     ~regulations pertaining to tidal marshes will be helpful in developing the management plan.

          The Summary Data Sheet and EU Analysis Graphs completed in Section 5, as well as the
I     ~Description of Restoration Potential (Section 6) will be used as the basis for choosing the best
      management options. Some of the functions evaluated are based on the size and type of marsh
I     ~system of which the EU is part. The size and type of the marsh are fixed characteristics of the
      EU. Consequently, the scores received for functions such as Storm Surge Protection and
      Shoreline Anchoring cannot be improved by management of the marsh, but the marshes
I     ~ability to continue providing these functions is important for the protection of the surrounding
      upland. However, the AFIs for functions such as Ecological Integrity, Parts A & B, do indicate
      the effects of human influence on the EU and implementation of a management plan can
      improve the functional capacity for these and other functions.
          The first step in choosing a management plan is the interpretation of the scores received
I     ~for Ecological Integrity. If the marsh scored high for Part A of Ecological Integrity, it can be
      assumed that the EU is receiving adequate tidal flushing and supporting a natural tidal marsh
      community; a low score indicates some problem with tidal flow which in turn may lead to the
      degradation of the EU. A high score for Part B of Ecological Integrity indicates the Zone of
I     ~Influence of the EU is relatively undisturbed and provides the marsh with some protection from
      the impacts of human development; a low score indicates extensive development around the
I ~EU which can lower the value of the marsh for several other functions. A review of the
      Description of the Restoration Potential section should indicate the exact problems causing the
      degradation of the marsh.

 I       ~~Following the initial interpretation of the results for Ecological Integrity, the interpretation
       of the AFIs received for Wildlife Habitat, Water Quality Maintenance, and Aesthetic Potential
I ~will lead to the choice of a management option. A review of the questions in each of these
      functions will help to understand what might be done to improve the functioning of the EU.

          The remaining functions; Recreation Potential, Education Potential, and Noteworthiness
I    ~should be analyzed differently. The first two functions can be used in the context of the marsh
       system or the study area to choose the best location s for recreation and education. If an EU is
I ~found to be Noteworthy, it should be given special consideration. The protection of the
       noteworthy feature must be a priority when developing a management plan based on the
       results of the evaluation of the other functions. No changes should be made in the EU that will
I     ~threaten the noteworthiness value.

          What can be done to improve or restore an EU can be divided into improvements within
       the marsh, such as reducing or eliminating the effects of restriction to tidal flow, or

           *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 60






improvements in the Zone of Influence, such as changes in land-use. These changes could
include new land-use planning regulations or changes in current usage that may presently beI
having a detrimental effect on the EU.

   The following table provides a matrix to help choose the most appropriate management5
option for the EU. When using the following table, high will be interpreted as an AFI greater
than 0.60 and low will be 0.60 or lower. Most of the EUs will not match any one of the
options exactly, choose the one that best describes the results of the evaluation.

                         EU MANAGEMENT OPTION MATRIXI

       OPTION A          OPTION B      I OPTION C            OPTION D          OPTION E 
      High Ecological    High Ecological  Low Ecological    Low Ecological    Low Ecological
      Integrity Part A    Integrity Part A    Integrity Part A   Integrity Part A    Integrity Part A
      High Ecological    Low Ecological   High Ecological    Low Ecological    Low Ecological 
      Integrity Part B    Integrity Part B    Integrity Part B   Integrity Part B   Integrity Part B
    High Water Quality High Water Quality Low Water Quality Low Water Quality Low Water Quality
       Maintainence     Maintainence       Maintainence     Maintainence      MaintainenceI
      High Aesthetic    Low Aesthetic     High Aesthetic    Low Aesthetic    Low Aesthetic
         Potential         Potential         Potential         Potential        PotentialI
       High Wildlife                                         Low Wildlife     High Wildlife
         Habitat                                               Habitat          Habitat3

The following five options provide some suggestions for possible management plans for the
EUs. Conservation Commissions may use available expertise to develop management optionsI
that are site specific to the EUs in their town.

OPTION A: A plan should be developed to ensure future protection of this EU. The town3
should investigate the possibility of purchasing or obtaining conservation easements on land in
the Zone of Influence. A review of the current zoning and other land-use regulations covering
the Zone of Influence should be done and any changes that ensure the continued protection be 
made. Consideration of a tidal marsh buffer zone will help to maintain a high Ecological
Integrity and Aesthetic Potential for the EU. The Conservation Commissions should carefully
review any plan that might affect the flow of fresh or salt water into and out of the EU. ThisI
includes road construction or improvement and development in the watershed of the EU.

OPTION B: Continued protection of the tidal flow to the EU is critical to maintaining it'sI
integrity. A review of those functions that consider the Zone of Influence, Ecological Integrity
Part B, Wildlife Habitat, and Aesthetic Quality, and question 6 of the Description of the
Restoration Potential should help to identify those upland influences that are affecting the EU.
A careful survey of the current use and land-use regulations in the Zone of Influence may
reveal a problem which is negatively impacting the EU. If a current activity in the area is
leading to the degradation of the EU and the Zone of Influence, a plan to mitigate the effects
should be developed. Any changes in land-use regulations that can prevent further use of the
Zone of Influence in ways that lead to damage of the EU should be explored.3

                                             6 13






IOPTION C: A further assessment of the possibility of restoring tidal flow should be done
    including the economic and engineering feasibility of improving or removing the structure
    restricting the flow. More specific information about the causes of the low Ecological Integrity
Iof the EU should be collected, this may require expertise in wetland science and hydrology. A
    review of the current land-use regulations covering the Zone of Influence should be done and
    changes made that ensure the continued protection of this area.

IOPTION D: The management plan for this EU should carefully analyze what steps can be
    taken that will most directly influence the marsh. If changes in the current use of the Zone of
IInfluence are unrealistic, it may be most effective to try to improve the flow of tidal waters to
    the EU. This action may have the greatest impact on the most functions. The control or
    elimination of invasive species present in the marsh will improve the Wildlife Habitat, Aesthetic
IPotential and Ecological Integrity of the EU. Activities in the Zone of Influence that can be
    easily changed to lessen the impact on the EU should be considered.

IOPTION E: Although this EU has received low scores for several functions it has a high
    score for wildlife habitat. When developing a plan for EUs such as this one, consideration
    should be given to the effect changes will have on the wildlife potential. Implementation of
ifchanges that will improve the Ecological Integrity of the EU while maintaining or improving
    the Wildlife Habitat should be considered. However, changes that may negatively impact the
    current use of the EU by wildlife must be balanced against the improvement in other functions.














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     1                        8~~~~. MARSH SYSTEM ANALYSIS
        Once management options have been chosen for each EU in a marsh system, a review of
 I   the system as a whole will help to set priorities for an overall management approach. It is up to
     the community to determine the management priorities for their town. Consideration should be
     given to the possible effects that changes in any one EU might have on the marsh system. The
 I   cumulative and secondary impacts of all the management plans should be investigated so that
     the appropriate system plans can be developed. When developing a marsh system
 I   management plan it is important to consider the following factors:

       Size of each EU
       The acreage of the EU should be considered when setting priorities for the marsh system
 I   plan. For example, when looking at developing a plan for a marsh system that has a small
     degraded EU and a relatively large healthy unit, it is important to weigh the benefits of
 I   restoration of the small unit and the benefits of land protection or acquisition of land in and
     around the larger unit. On the other hand, where several large EUs are degraded in the marsh
     system, consideration should be given to a marsh system restoration plan.

if     ~Current condition of marsh system
       Based on the EU Analysis Graphs, assess the overall condition of the marsh system.
 I   Determine what problems, if any, are influencing the functioning of the system.

      *Noteworthy features
I      ~~Protection of EUs that are determined to be noteworthy should be prioritized in the
     formation of the marsh system management plan.

      *Local management priorities (restoration/protection)
I     ~ ~Towns must decide what is most important to their community ( e.g. restoration of degraded
     marsh systems, protection of systems that are presently in good condition).

I. ~Local land-use regulations
        A review of all of the land-use regulations that affect the marsh system should help to
 I   identify those regulations that are responsible for negative impacts on the EU. Planners and
     other town decision makers should work on developing proposals, such as tidal marsh buffer
     zones, that will provide the best protection and enhancement to the marsh system.

I. ~State and federal protection policies
        Towns should have a good working knowledge of state and federal policies that affect the
 I   tidal marshes in New Hampshire. This information is available from the NH Coastal Program at
     the Office of State Planning.

        A Marsh System Data Sheet should be filled out for each marsh system with more than one
     EU. A blank copy of the sheet is contained in Appendix D. If a formerly tidal marsh was
 Iidentified as one of the EUs in a system, its tidal status should be identified in the column for
     Management Options.




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                          MARSH SYSTEM DATA SHEET

 It is not necessary to complete the marsh system data sheet for those systems
                               that have a single EU


MARSH SYSTEM                                     NUMBER OF EUs


                                                           Management Option
          EU Number               Size in acres              Chosen                  i
                                                                 Chosen






















Best Education Site(s) in Marsh System

Best Recreation Site(s) in Marsh System

Public Access Points In or Adjacent to the Marsh System



Noteworthy Feature(s)






                                         6I5



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 1   GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS
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                         9. GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS

       This glossary provides non-technical definitions of technical terms, some of which are used
I   in this manual. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the terminology pertaining to tidal
    marshes. For more detailed reference to tidal marsh terminology, see the references listed in
    Section 9.2 of this manual.

Iaccretion                the gradual build up of surface elevations due to the deposition of
                          suspended sediments on the marsh surface

Iadsorb                   the chemical adhesion of one substance to the surface of another
                          e.g. nutrients and pollutants may be adsorbed to the surface of sediment
   5                     ~~~~~~~particles

    aquatic              in or near water in such habitats as ponds, lakes, rivers and oceans

Iavian                    relating to birds

Iback-barrier             a marsh that forms in the low-lying area behind a barrier beach
    marsh                formation
ft  barrier beach         an elongated landform created by the deposition of sedimentary
                          materials by wind and wave currents, usually parallel to the
                          shoreline, with water on at least two sides, and composed of sand,
   3                     ~~~~~~~gravel, or cobblestones

t   benthic               relating to or occurring on the bottom of a body of water

    biota                the flora and fauna of an area

Ibrackish                 tidal marshes where the average water salinity is less than 18 parts per
    marshes              thousand (ppt) but greater than 0.5 ppt which is the upper limit of
   g                     ~~~~~~~salinity in a freshwater tidal wetland

    buffer zone          a naturally occurring undeveloped area of unspecified width, bordering
                          on a wetland, that serves to lessen the impact of disturbance, (e.g. urban
                          development)
Icarrying                 the population of a species that an area can support without
    capacity              deterioration

    cobble               a naturally rounded stone larger than a pebble but smaller than a
   I                   ~ ~~~~~boulder

Ideepwater                permanently flooded areas deeper than 6.6 feet, e.g. lakes
    habitats



                                                  6 7






degraded             characterized by loss of natural ecological structure or
                    function
detrital food        food chain dependent upon decomposed plant and animal material as
chain                the source of energy
detritus             particles that result from the disintegration of organic materialg

diurnal flooding     flooding that occurs on a daily basis

dominant plant       a single species or association of plants that are indicative of the3
community             ecology of an area, e.g. in a cattail marsh the dominant plant
                    community is cattails

drainage pattern     the paths followed by surface runoff from precipitation within a
                    watershed 

ecology              the study of interactions between living things and their environment

ecological           the natural (undisturbed) quality of an environmentI
integrity

ecosystem            a community of plants and animals and the physical environment they
                    inhabit (such as estuaries and tidal wetlands) which results from the
                    interactions among soil, climate, vegetation, and animal life

emergent plant       erect, rooted, herbaceous plants that can tolerate flooded soil conditions,
                    but not prolonged periods of being completely submerged, these include3
                    grasses, sedges, rushes, and rooted aquatic plants; there are two types of
                    emergent plants:

                    persistent - emergent plants whose stems remain standing through the
                    winter until the beginning of the next growing season (i.e. they persist)
                    e.g. cattails or bulrushes
                    non-oersistent - emergent plants whose stems and leaves break down at
                    the end of the growing season; from late fall to early spring there are noI
                    visible traces of these plants above the surface of the water (i.e. they do
                    not persist)3

estuary              environments where tidal waters mix with freshwater: estuaries exist
                    wherever rivers meet the seaI

exemplary            an area selected by NH-NHI as representative of the natural plant and
community            animals found in a particular ecosystem3

fill                 material, usually associated with the dredging of a harbor or inlet, placed
                    on the surface of the marsh; the change in elevation caused by the3

                                           6 83






                     disposal of this material in the marsh can lead to the loss of the area as a
                     functioning tidal marsh

food chain           an arrangement of organisms of an ecological community according to
                     the order of predation; at the bottom of the food chain are animals that
                     eat plants while the animals at the top eat other animals

formerly tidal       coastal wetlands that were once connected to tidal flow but have since
marshes              been isolated from tidal waters by the construction of a man-made
                     obstruction

freshwater           emergent wetlands that are usually seasonally or permanently flooded,
marshes              and support a growth of emergent plants (e.g. cattails, pickerel weed)
                     floating leaved plants (waterlilies, pondweed), and submergents (e.g.
                     coontail)

freshwater           the point of origin of nontidal waters including rivers, streams and
source               surface runoff

freshwater tidal     marshes that are tidally influenced, but where the average water salinity
marshes is less than 0.5 parts per thousand (ppt)

geomorphology        the study of the natural processes involved in the creation of landforms
                     such as tidal marshes and barrier beaches

habitat              the environment in which the requirements of a specific plant or animal
                     are met

heavy metal          a group of dense metals, including mercury, lead, cadmium, and others,
                     that share the characteristic of being accumulated in organisms and tend
                     to become increasingly concentrated in organisms higher up on the food
                     chain

herbaceous           a non-woody plant with a soft stem, e.g. bulrushes and cattails
plant

high marsh           areas of tidal marshes that are irregularly flooded (frequently beyond the
                     reach of daily flooding) and are dominated by salt hay grass (Spartina
                     patens)

hydric soil          a soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the
                     growing season to develop anaerobic (oxygen deficient) conditions in the
                     upper part of the soil. Hydric soils are generally poorly drained or very
                     poorly drained

                     Doorlv drained - water is removed from the soil so slowly that the soil is
                     saturated periodically during the growing season or remains wet for long
                     periods

                                              69






                     very noorlu drained - water is removed from the soil so slowly that water
                     remains at or near the surface during most of the growing season; this is
                     the most dominant soil drainage class of tidal marshes

hydrology            the scientific study of the properties, circulation, and distribution of water
                     as it occurs in the atmosphere and at the earth's surface as streamflow,
                     precipitation, soil moisture, and ground water

hydrologic           the dominant process by which water enters and leaves an ecosystem
regime

hydroperiod          the time period during which the surface water remains on the wetland
                     (marsh) surface; in tidal marshes, the hydroperiod can range from daily
                     flooding to irregular flooding (e.g. every few days, weeks, or months)

hydrophyte           a plant that is adapted for life in water or in periodically flooded and/or
                     saturated anaerobic (oxygen poor) soils e.g. cattails, saltwater cordgrass

intertidal           an erect rooted herbaceous plant growing in the intertidal zone
emergent

intertidal           wetlands that have at least 25% cover of particles smaller than stones,
unconsolidated       less than 30% vegetative coverage, and are only intermittently
bottom               exposed, such as pannes and tidal creeks

intertidal           wetlands which have at least 75% coverage of stones, boulders or rocks,
unconsolidated       less than 30% vegetative coverage, and are alternately flooded and
shore                exposed by the tides

intertidal           areas that are alternately exposed and flooded by tides
zone

invasive species     plant species that, when introduced to an ecosystem, can disturb the
                     natural balance and habitat diversity by invading and dominating the
                     natural tidal marsh plant community and establishing dense monotypical
                     stands of vegetation

low marsh            areas of marsh that are flooded twice a day and are dominated by
                     saltwater cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)

marine               relating to ocean environments

marsh hydrology    this term describes (1) the hydrologic pathways such as precipitation,
                      surface runoff, ground water, tidal fluctuations and flooding rivers which
                     transport nutrients to and from wetlands; (2) the water depth; (3)
                     frequency and duration of flooding in tidal marshes



                                              70






      marsh peat           the organic soil formed by the accumulation of dead marsh plant material
                            and trapped sediments from tidal waters
      marsh                improvement of existing marsh condition by reversing some of the
      restoration          adverse impacts caused by coastal development
      marsh system         an area of marsh associated with a single opening to the ocean, a single
                            freshwater input, or adjacent to and contiguously along the shore of a
                            tidal river or bay

I     ~mitigation           the restoration or creation of a wetland to replace the loss of a wetland
                            due to development or construction.

I    ~open water            are-as within a marsh that may be only intermittently flooded and are not
                            supporting persistent emergent vegetation

I     ~organic matter       a combination of decayed and decaying plant and animal residue

I    ~organic soil          soil consisting of at least 18% organic material

      overland flow        a term to describe the sheet-like flow of water over a land surface, not
     I                     ~~~~~~~concentrated in individual channels; usually associated with areas of low
                            infiltration such as paved surfaces or surfaces lacking vegetation (see also
                            surface runoiff)

       pannes               shallow ponds that form on the surface of the marsh and hold salt water
                            between tides

       primary              animals that eat plant material as their main source of energy
I     ~consumer

      primary              the generation of plant material by photosynthesis
I    ~production

      riverine             within the channel of a river

I     ~intertidal            wetlands in a river channel that are influenced by the tides and
      emergent             are dominated by erect rooted herbaceous hydrophytes
I     ~scrub-shrub          woody vegetation less than 20 feet in height including true shrubs,
                            saplings and trees and shrubs stunted by environmental conditions
       sea level            the level of the surface of the ocean at its mean (average) position
                            between high and low tide
I     ~sheet flow           unchannelized flow of water across the surface of a marsh or upland




           1                                       ~~~~~~~~~~71






shell middens        a pile of shells remaining from the harvesting of shellfish by
                   Native Americans and early settlers; shell middens are historic relics
site specific        an evaluation method which examines only the subject area without
method               comparison to any other area
spit                 a small point of land, especially sand or gravel, formed by the deposition
                   of material by wind and water currents that runs into a body of water

spoils               dredged or excavated soil                                                      3

spring high tide     tides higher and lower than the average tide associated with the full and
                   new moon5

staddle              a structure consisting of numerous pilings driven into the marsh on
                   which to stack salt hay to keep it above the tidewaters until it could be
                   hauled off
substrate            the type of bottom sediments such as sand, gravel, peat3

surface runoff       the movement of water over the land surface (usually in defined
                   channels), resulting from rainfall or snowmelt; percentage of precipitationI
                   that becomes runoff varies depending on the slope of the area, the
                    degree of soil saturation, amount of vegetated coverage, or type of
                   surface e.g. paved areas3

tidal amplitude      the variations in the height of tides caused by the lunar cycle, elevation
                    above sea level, the barometric pressure, tidal restrictons and the seasons
tidal creeks         small streams in the tidal marsh whose main source of water is dominated
                    by tidal actionï¿½

tidal flats          areas that are irregularly exposed and are devoid of vascular plant
                    species, also called mud flats or unconsolidated bottom 
transition zone      area surrounding a wetland where conditions gradually change from
                    wetland biota to upland biotaI

turbidity            the clarity of the water column as determined by the presence of
                    suspended particles making the water cloudyI

upland islands       areas of upland soils and vegetation located within a tidal marsh              f

upland peninsula    areas of upland soils and vegetation that extend into the tidal marsh, and
                    are surrounded on three sides by the tidal marsh3

vegetated            marshes dominated by emergent vegetation and influenced by the
tidal marsh          tides3

                                          723





    water column          the habitat that exists in standing or flowing water extending in a column
                          from the surface of the water to the surface of the substrate
    watershed             the area from which all water including precipitation, streams and rivers
   1                    ~ ~~~~~~drain to a single point
    wetlands              those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water,
                          support a prevalence of vegetation adapted to life in saturated conditions
   I                    ~ ~~~~~~(i.e. hydrophytes), and are characterized by hydric soils; these include
                          bogs, marshes, swamps, wet meadows, and similar areas
IZone of Influence    area surrounding a wetland in which the activities that take place have
                          an impact on the wetland; in the Coastal Method the Zone of Influence
   3                     ~~~~~~~is defined as 500 feet
















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



I
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I
I
I                  Section 10
1                 REFERENCES
I
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1                       74






                                10. REFERENCES

10.1 Principal References Used in the Development of the Manual

Adamus, P.R. and L.T. Stockwell. 1983.
     A Method of Wetland Functional Assessment: Volumes I & II Report No. FHWA
      -1P-82-23 and FHWA-1P-82-24. Office of Research and Development, Federal
      Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C.

Adamus, P.R. et al. 1987.
      Wetlands Evaluation Technique. (WET): Volume II: Methodology, Operational Draft
      Technical Report Y-87-_, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station,
      Vicksburg, Miss.

Ammann, A.P. and A. Lindley Stone. 1991.
      Method for the Comparitive Evaluation of Nontidal Wetlands in New Hampshire.
      NH Department of Environmental Services, Concord, NH NHDES-WRD-1991-3

Cowardin, A.P. et al. 1979.
      Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States.
      U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. FWS/OBS-79/31

Montgomery, C.W. 1989
      Environmental Geology.
      Win. C. Brown Publishers, Dubuque, Iowa

Short, F.T. 1992. ed.
      The Ecology of the Great Bay Estuary, New Hampshire and Maine: An Estuarine
      Profile and Bibliography.
      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Washington, D.C.
      Coastal Ocean Program Publication

Tiner, R.W.  1987.
      Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States.
      The University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst, Mass.














                                         75






10.2 Recommended Reading/Suggested Field Guides

Bertness, M.D. 1992
      The Ecology of a New England Salt Marsh
      American Scientist Vol. 80 pp. 260-268

Breeding, C.H., F.D. Richardson, S.A.L. Pilgrim. 1974.
      Soils Survey of New Hampshire Tidal Marshes.
      NH Agricultural Experimental Station
      UNH Durham, N.H.

Cowardin, A.P. et al. 1979.
      Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States.
      U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. FWS/OBS-79/31

Mitsch W.J., J.G. Gosselink 1986
      Wetlands.
      Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, N.Y.

Niering, W.A.  1988.
      Wetlands: The Audubon Society Nature Guide.
      Alfred A. Knopf Inc., New York, N.Y.

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

Odum W.E. et al. 1984.
      The ecology of tidal freshwater marshes of the United States east coast:
      a community profile.
      US Fish & Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services
      Washington, D.C. FWS/OBS-83/17

Short, F.T. 1992. ed.
      The Ecology of the Great Bay Estuary, New Hampshire and Maine: An Estuarine
      Profile and Bibliography.
      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Washington, D.C.
      Coastal Ocean Program Publication

Teal, J., M. Teal. 1969.
      Life and Death of the Salt Marsh.
      Ballantine Books, New York, N.Y.






                                          76






10.2 Recommended Reading/Suggested Field Guides cont.

Tiner, R.W. 1987.
      Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States.
      The University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst, Mass.

10.3 OSP Coastal Program Publications of Interest

   The NH Office of State Planning Coastal Program has numerous publications that may be
helpful when using the Coastal Method. A list of these publications is available from the
Coastal Progam Concord Office.






































                                          77



I
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I

a

I           APPENDIX A
I
  I ~SUGGESTED SOURCES OF
     INFORMATION FOR COMPLETING
I      THE COASTAL METHOD
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I

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  SUGGESTED SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR COMPLETING
                            THE COASTAL METHOD

ASCS - Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service
NHF&G - NH Fish & Game Department
OSP - Office of State Planning
DOT - NH Department of Transportation
ASNH - Audubon Society of New Hampshire
NHNHI - New Hampshire Natural Heritage Inventory
GBNERR- Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
ACOE - US Army Corps of Engineers

  Information:                                               Available From:

Aerial Photographs                                         OSP Coastal Program, DOT,
                                                      County ASCS, Municipal Offices

Archaeological Information                                 NH Division of Historical Resources

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife                         NHF&G Non-Game Wildlife Program,
                                                      ASNH

Endangered and Threatened Plants                           NHNHI

Exemplary Natural Community Listings                       NHNHI

Historic Preservation Information                          NH Division of Historical Resources
                                                      Local Historical Societies

Municipal Tax and Zoning Maps                              Municipal Offices

National Wetlands Inventory Maps                           OSP, or by calling 1-800-USAMAPS

National Register of Historic Landmarks                    NH Department of Historic Resources,

Protected Lands                                            NHF&G, ASNH, Municipal Offices,
                                                      GBNERR, Local Land Trusts

Public Boat Launches                                       NHF&G, OSP, Appendix I

Restoration                                                ACOE, OSP Coastal Program

Shellfishing Information                                   NHF&G

USGS Topographic Maps                                      Local bookstores, sporting goods stores
                                                      National Survey, Chester, Vt. (802) 875-
                                                      2121 or by calling 1-800-USAMAPS


                                            A - I






                                      CONTACT ADDRESSES

  Office of State Planning                             Office of State Planning
   Coastal Program                                    Coastal Program, Portsmouth Office
  2 1/2 Beacon Street                                  152 Court StI
  Concord, NH 03301                                    Portsmouth, NH 03801
  271-2155                                             431-93665

  NH Fish & Game Dept. Region 3                        Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
  225 Main Street                                      NH Fish & Game Region 3
  Durham, NH 03824                                     225 Main Street
  868-1095                                             Durham, NH  03824

                                                      868-1095
  NH Division Of Historical Resources                  NH Natural Heritage Inventory
  P.O. Box 2042                                         NH Dept. of Resources and
  16 North Fruit Street                                 Economic Development
  Concord, NH 03302                                    P.O. Box 586
  271-3623                                             172 Pembroke Road
                                                      Concord, NH 03302-0856

  NH Department of Transportation                      Rockingham/Strafford County Agricultural
  PO Box 483, John F. Morten Bldg.                      Stabilization and Conservation Service
  Hazen Drive                                          P.O. Annex, P.O. Box 96
  Concord, NH 03302                                    Front Street, Room 102
  271-3731                                             Exeter, NH 038333
                                                      772-4384

  Rockingham Planning Commission                       Rockingham County Conservation District
121 Water Street                                       32 Front Street
  Exeter, NH 03833                                     Exeter, NH 03833
  778-0885                                             772-4385
  Strafford Regional Planning Commission               Strafford County Conservation District5
  County Farm Road                                     County Farm Road
  Dover, NH 03820                                      Dover, NH 03820
  742-2523                                             742-74303

  Audubon Society of New Hampshire                     US Army Corps of Engineers
  3 Silk Farm Road                                     424 Trapelo Road
  Concord, NH 03301                                    Waltham, MA 02254-9 149
  224-9909                                             800-343-4789                                3




                                           A-2







     3                           ~~~~~~OTHER ADRESSES OF INTEREST

    Great Bay Estuarine System Conservation Trust    The Strafford Rivers Conservancy
IPO Box 34                                           PO Box 623
    Durham, NH 03824                                 Dover, NH 03820
          5                                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~742-4730

    Sea Grant College Program                        NH Assoc. of Conservation Commissions
I   Kngman Farm - UNH                                54 Portsmouth Street
    Durham, NH 03824                                 Concord, NH 03301
    749-1565                                         224-7867

IJackson Estuarine Laboratory - UNH                  NH Port Authority
    Adams Point Road                                 55 Market Street
UDurham, NH 03824                                    PO Box 506
    862-2175                                         Portsmouth, NH 03801
          3                                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~436-8500

















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



lI
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I
I
I               Appendix B
I
         COASTAL WETLAND TYPES

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                            COASTAL WETLAND TYPES


   Rocky Shores: This type of coastal wetland is very common in northern New England. It
can be found in areas where bedrock is exposed by nearly continuous wind and water driven
energy. These wetlands can be divided into three zones: the salt spray zone - rarely flooded but
influenced by waves; the intertidal zone - regularly flooded and exposed by the tides; and the
sub-tidal zone - rarely exposed and underwater most of the time. Plants and animals such as
seaweeds, barnacles, and periwinkles can be easily found.

   Cobble, Gravel, and Sand Beaches: These are high energy coastal wetlands formed by
the sorting of sediment material moved by wind and wave energy. The intertidal zone of these
wetlands is nearly devoid of visible biota. The higher reaches of these wetlands, where the wave
energy only reaches during storm events,' may form sand dunes. New Hampshire has few re-
maining dune fields, but all of these areas are presently protected by law. Dunes support a spe-
cialized plant community that is very susceptible to damage during the dune overwash that ac-
companies large storms.

   Tidal or Mud Flats: These wetlands are unvegetated, low relief environments particularly
common in Great Bay. They are of critical importance for the production of numerous inverte-
brate species which are a food source for many bird and fish species. When flooded, the mud
flats are scoured by fish feeding on the worm and mollusk population found in the muddy sub-
strate. As the tide recedes, wading birds feed on the same food source. Mud flats can also be
found in the larger tidal marshes providing diverse habitat within the marsh.

   Aquatic Beds: These wetlands form in sub-tidal areas of both marine and estuarine waters.
Along the coast, aquatic beds are areas of seaweed that grow below the low tide level. In the
estuarine waters of the state the most important aquatic beds are the Zostera marina (eelgrass)
beds found in Great and Little Bays and the major tidal rivers. Eelgrass beds are important as
nursery and feeding areas for fish, feeding areas for geese, ducks and wading birds, and for
trapping and accreting suspended sediments in the water column. Within some of the larger tidal
marshes along the NH coast aquatic bed habitats of Ruppia maritima (widgeon grass) can add to
the diversity of the tidal marshes.

   Salt Marshes: These vegetated tidal wetlands, where salinities range from 18 ppt. to 36
ppt. (the latter is equal to that of seawater), are dominated by Spartina grasses. In low marsh
areas that are flooded twice daily, Spartina alterniflora (saltwater cordgrass) forms nearly mono-
specific stands that vary in height from a few inches to five feet in height. On the high marsh
Spartina patens (salt meadow grass) is the dominant plant but usually found in association with
numerous other plants that can tolerate high salinity levels (halophytes).



                                              B-1






   Brackish Marshes: In areas where average salinities range from 0.5 ppt. to 18 ppt., a wide
variety of plant communities can grow which represent the transition from salt marsh to freshwa-
ter marsh. These marshes can be found along the major tidal rivers and bays and along the
smaller freshwater tributaries flowing into salt marshes. Plants that can be found in brackish areas
include Juncus gerardii (black grass), Typha angustifolia (narrow-leaved cattail), and Scirpus
robustus (salt marsh bulrush).

   Freshwater Tidal Marshes: In areas where the tides still affect the flow of waters but
where the average salinity is below 0.5 ppt. freshwater tidal marshes can form. Vegetation in
these marshes is extremely diverse. In the regularly flooded areas one may find Pontederia
cordata (pickerelweed) and Zizania aquatica (wild rice). In areas that are irregularly flooded
Acorus calamus (sweet flag) and Scirpus fhuiatilis (river bulrush) are common. Freshwater tidal
areas are rare in New Hampshire and those that exist are usually quite small.


































                                               B-2



I
I
I
I
I
I
I             Appendix C
I
       US FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE
    WETLAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
I
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                 US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE WETLAND
                             CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

   In 1979 the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a classification of wetlands and
deepwater habitats (Cowardin et al, 1979). In this classification scheme, wetlands are defined by
hydrology, soils, and vegetation. The USFWS classification scheme serves as the national stan-
dard for wetland classification, and has been used to classify wetlands appearing in National
Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps which are used to define marsh systems in the Coastal Method.

   The wetland and deepwater habitats of the coastal zone are defined in the USFWS classifica-
tion as follows:

   Wetlands: Wetlands are lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the
water table is usually at or near the surface, or the land is covered by shallow water. For the
purposes of the classification, wetlands must have one or more of these three attributes: (1) at
least periodically, the land must support predominantly hydrophytes (wetland plants); (2) the
substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil; and (3) rocky, gravelly, or sandy areas that are
saturated with or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season.

   Deepwater Habitats:  Deepwater habitats include permanently flooded areas deeper than
6.6 feet. Shallower permanently flooded areas are often vegetated with emergent plants and are
considered wetlands rather than deepwater habitats.

   The structure of the classification scheme is hierarchical, with systems forming the highest
level of the classification hierarchy. Of the five major systems, three are of interest with regard to
the tidal waters.

   1. Marine System - Open ocean overlying the continental shelf including high energy shore-
      line such as beaches and rocky headlands.

   2. Estuarine System - Deepwater and wetland areas that are usually semi-enclosed with an
      opening to the ocean and in which there is some mixing of fresh and sea water.

   3. Riverine System - Freshwater rivers and their tributaries along with most associated wet-
      lands.

Marine and Estuarine systems are divided into two sub-systems:

   1. Sub-tidal - Areas that are continuously submerged.

   2. Intertidal - Areas that are alternately flooded and exposed.


                                              - 






Riverine Systems are divided into four sub-systems, only one of which is relevant to the Coastal
Method;

   1. Tidal - The movement of the water is influenced by the tides but water salinity is less
      than 0.5 ppt.

The next step in the hierarchical system is class. These classification terms describe the general
appearance of the habitat in terms of the type of substrate or the dominant plant community
type.

   1. Aquatic Bed - Wetlands that are dominated by plants that grow principally on or below
      the surface of the water.

   2. Rocky Shore - Wetlands that are characterized by bedrock, boulders or stones which
       cover more than 75% of the area.

   3. Unconsolidated Shore - Wetland habitats having three characteristics. (1) less than 75%
       coverage by bedrock, boulders, or stones; (2) less than 30% coverage by persistent vegeta-
       tion; (3) alternately exposed and flooded.

   4. Unconsolidated Bottom - Wetland habitats having at least 25% cover of particles smaller
       than stones, and a vegetation cover of less than 30%.

   5. Emergent Wetland - Wetlands dominated by erect, rooted herbaceous hydrophytes.

   These wetland classifications should cover any tidal wetland that will be evaluated using the
Coastal Method. Formerly tidal areas that will be included in the inventory may have
changed to any one of a variety of freshwater systems. A brief description of some of these
systems may help in the identification of these formerly tidal wetlands.

   1. Palustrine System - All non-tidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, and persistent
       emergent vegetation.

   2. Lacustrine System -Open water wetlands situated in topographic depressions with less
       than 30% vegetative cover and greater than 20 acres in size.

Some of the classes that may apply to these formerly tidal areas are:

    1. Scrub-shrub - Wetlands dominated by shrubs and tree saplings less than twenty feet in
       height, e.g. buttonbush, alders and red maple saplings.

   2. Forested Wetland - Wetlands dominated by trees greater than twenty feet in height, e.g.
       red maple, ash, spruce.
                                              C-2








   3. Emergent Wetland - Wetlands dominated by erect, rooted herbaceous hydrophytes.

   Also included in the classification scheme are a number of modifiers that are added to the end
of the classification abbreviation. One of these is important in the recognition of formerly tidal
areas. A small "h" signifies that a wetland has been impounded by the purposeful obstruction of
flow.

The USFWS wetlands classification system is used as the basis for the wetland identification
codes used on the National Wetland Inventory maps. On the bottom of each NWI map is a key
to the complete codes. The examples below and the chart on the following page provide ex-
amples of some of the wetland classes that will be encountered when using the maps in Appen-
dix G.

   E2EM1P -  E = Estuarine                      E2US4M - E = Estuarine
                 2 = Intertidal                             2 = Intertidal
                EM = Emergent                              US = Unconsolidated Shore
                 1 = Persistent                             4 = Organic
                P = Irregularly Flooded                    M = Irregularly Exposed

   E2US3N -   E = Estuarine                     PUBHh -   P = Palustrine
                 2 = Intertidal                             UB = Unconslidated Bottom
                 US = Unconsolidated Shore                  H = Permanently Flooded
                 3 = Mud                                    h = Diked/Impounded
                 N = Regularly Flooded

   E1UB4 -       E = Estuarine                  R1UBH -   R = Riverine
                 1 = Subtidal                               1 = Subtidal
                 UB = Unconsolidated Bottom                 UB = Unconsolidated Bottom
                 4 = Organic                                H = Permanently Flooded


   For a more complete explanation of the classification scheme, the reader may obtain copies
of the Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States from the US
Fish & Wildlife Service depending on availability. Reprints of the publication may be purchased
from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, Virginia
22161, (703) 487-4780.





                                            C-3












                         I-                                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~E - ESTUARINE2-IERDA


                                I  SUBTIDAL                                                                             2-ITRIA
          ii       I                         I                          I             I                          I                          I              I                      I~~~~~~~~~~~~
R FB - ROCK       UB - UNCONSOLIDATED  AB - AQUATIC BED                 RF -REEF  OW -OPEN WATER/                AR3 - AQUATIC BED         HF - REEF       SB3  STREAMBED    RS - ROCKY                 US - UNCONSOLIDATED  FM - EMERGENT   SS - SCRUB-SHRUB                     FO - FORESTED
       BOTTOM            BOTTOM                                                       Unknown Bottom                                                                                    SHORE                 SHORE
I Bedrock    I     Cobble-Gravell     I        Algal                   2 Mollusc                I                 Algal                    2 Mollusm,     I Cobble-Gravel        I Bedrock              1 Cobble-Grav..l    I        Perslstent   I    Broad-Leaved            I Broad.Leaved
2 Rubble          2 Sand                    3 Rooted Vascular          3 Worm                                    3 Rooted Vascular         3 Worm         2 Send                 2 Rubble               2 Send                    2 Nonpersislient    Deciduous                  Deciduous
                 3 Mud                     4 Floating Vascular                                                 4 Floating Vascular                       3 Mud                                        3 Mud                                        2 Needle-Leaved            2 Needle-Leaved
                 4 Orgaic~l                5 Unknown subsergant                                                5 Unknown Subnmergent                     4 Organic                                    4 Organic                                      Deciduous                  Deciduous
                                           6 Unknownl Surface                                                  6 Unknown Surface                                                                                                                   3 Broad-Leaved            3 Broad-Leaved
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Evergreen                 Evergreen
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4 Needle-Leaved           4 Needle-Leaved
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Evergreen                 Evergreen
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              S Dead                    6 Dead
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6 Oeciduous                6 Decidurous
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7 Evergreen        7         Evergreen     .




                                                                                                                              R - RIVERINE


                                     I -TIDAL                                         2 -LOWER PERENNIAL    3 - UPPER PERENNIAL   4 -INTERMITTENT    5 -UNKNOWN PERENNIAL
                                    RB1 - ROCK       VD   - UNCONSOLIDATED    'SO - STREAMBED                       AS - AQUATIC BED           RS - ROCKY SHORE          US - UNCONSOLID3ATED             "EM - EMERGENT                 OW - OPEN WA IER/l
                                                                BOTTOM                                                                                                         SHORE                                                      Unknown Bottom
                                     1Bedrock      I        Cobble-Gravel        I          Bedrock        I          Algal          I           Bedrock         I          Cobble-Gravel                 2 Nonpersistenr
                                    2 Rubble              2 Sand                         2 Rubble                   2 Aquatic Moss             2 Rubble                  2 Sand
                                                          3 Mud                          3 Cobble-Gravell          3 Rooted Vascular                                     3 Mud
                                                          4 OrganIc                      4 Sand                    4 Floating Vascular                                   4 Organic
                                                                                        5 Mud                     B Unknown                                             S Vegelated
                                                                                        8 OrganIc                   Sulenergenl
                                                                                        7 Vegetated       6       OUnknownSurface



                                                                                                                         P -PALUSTRINE


                                   RBD  ROCK BOTTOM          UB - UNCONSOLIDATED  AD - AQUATIC BED                 US'-  UNCONSOLIDATED  ML - MOSS-LICHEN  EM - EMERGENT                    SS - SCRUB-SHRUB3 FO - FORESTED              OW - OPEN WA TERI
                                                                   BOTTOM                                                 SHORE                                                                                                            Unknown Bottomr

                                     "aBdrock                  I Cobble-Graval            1Algal                    ICobble-Gravel        I        Myo        s I         Persistent    I       Brood-Leaved        I Broad-Leevedl Deciduous
                                   2 Rubble                   2 Sand                    2 Aquatic Moss            2 Sand                      2 Lichen               2 Nonporistuenl         Deciduous            2 Needle-Leaved Deciduous
                                                              3 Mud                      3 Rooted Vascular         3 Mud                                                                     2 Needle-Leaved       3 Broad-Leaved Evergreen
                                                                    4 Organic 4 Floating Vascular                 4                                      OgncDeciduous                                            4 Needle-Leaved Evergreen
                                                                      Organic ~  ~      5U~nw  Sbriran  V e            geated                                                               3 Broad-Leaved        S Dead
                                                                                        6 Unknown Surface                                                                                    Evergreen            6 Deciduous 
                                                                                                                                                                                         4 Needle-Leaved       7 Evergreen
                                                                                                                                                                                           Evergreen
                                                                                                                                                                                         S Dead
                                                                                                                                                                                         6 Deciduous
                                                                                                                                                                                         7 Evergreen





                                                                                                                                    MODIFIERS

                                                                               In order to more aderquately describe wetland and deepwater habitats one or more of the water-e~gime, water chemistry.
                                                                 soil, or special Modifiers May be applied at the class or lower level in thle hierarchy. The farmed modifier may also be applied to the ecological system.


                                                     WATER REGIME                                                                                   WATER CHEMISTRY                                             SOIL                      SPECIAL MODIFIERS

                           -    Non-Tidal                                                     Tidal                             Coastal  Halinity   Inland Salinity   pH  Modifiers for

        A  Temporarily Flooded         H Permanently Flooedd               K  Artlficially Flooded   * S Temprorry-Ticlol        1 Hyperliallne           7 Hypersatine          all Fresh Water               g  Qigenic          b agave,      -                hDilred/lmpounded
         B  Saturated                   J Intermittently Flooded            L Subtidal       ' A R Seasonal-Tidal                 2 Euhalive               8 Eusaline             a Acid                        n Mineral           d Partialiy OrainredlOilc'hed   rIAritiicial Substrate
         C  Seasonally Flooded          K Artificially Flooded              M Irregularly Exposed    * T  Semipermanent-Tidal    3 miuvbalir  (Bra ckishl  9 Mixosatine       I     Circumn~eutrel                                 I  Farmed                         Spirol
         0  Seaosnally Flooded/         W  Intermittently                   N Regularly Flooded      * V  Pfemnenet-Tidel         4 Polybaline             0 Fresh                i Alkaline                                   it Excavated
            Wall Drained                   Flooded/temporary               P Irregularly Flooded      U Unknown                  S Mesoholine
         Et Seasonally Flooded/         Y Saturaled/Semnipermanenl/                                                               6 Oligohlmeln
            Saturated                      Seasonal                                                                              0 Fresh
         F  Semnipermanently Flooded   2  Intermiltently
         G  Itsermittently Exposed         Exposed/Permanent                           'These water regimes are only used in
                                       U  Unknown                                     tidally influenced, freshwater systems.



I
I
I
I
I
I
I      'Appendix D
I
 I DATA SHEETS REQUIRED FOR THE
           COASTAL METHOD
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I






           Checklist of Materials Needed to Complete the Coastal Method.


3 D ~Blue line copy of NH Coastal Mapping Project aerial photos for each tidal marsh system in the
         study area (see Appendix A).

3 D ~National Wetlands Inventory (NMI maps for study area (see Appendix A).

* D ~Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States by Ralph Tiner (see
U       ~~Section 9). This book should be used in conjunction with Appendix I which lists tidal marsh plant
         species found in NH.

I D ~Area calculation grid (see Appendix F).

I D ~Map measuring wheel to measure marsh perimeter; available from office supply store or forestry
*       ~~supply catalog.

3 LII Dividing compass to plot Zone of Influence; available from office supply store.

I D ~Calculator.

      D100-foot tape measure.

3D ~~List of federal and state endangered or threatened species (see Appendix A).

      IlList of NH Natural Heritage Inventory (NHNHI) exemplary communities (see Appendix A).

      D  Information from the National Register of Historic Landmarks (see Appendix A).

I [Ii ~List of shellfish beds that are open to recreational harvest (see Appendix I).

I D ~List of public boat launches (see Appendix E).















                                               D-1




EU #           of Marsh System I
NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                       Function I

ï¿½ Base map                                                        ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITYu
* Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern US
                                                          Part A


             A                                     B                                   C                   D
         Evaluation                               Notes                            Evaluation          Functional 
         Questions                                                                  Criteria           Index (Il)

Part A:  Ecological Integrity of the Evaluation Unit 
Questions that may require field observation
1A. Percent of the marsh plant                                               a. < 5% dominated by            1.0 
   community dominated by                                                      invasive species
   invasive plant species.                                                  b. 5% - 20% dominated           0.5
                                                                    c. > 20% dominated              0.1 
2A. Number of tidal restrictions.                                            a. no tidal restrictions        1.0
                                                                    b. one tidal restriction        0.5
                                                                    c. more than one tidal          0.1
                                                                      restriction
3A. Type of tidal restriction.                                               a. no restriction               1.0 
                                                                    b. flow through bridge          0.5
                                                                      appears adequate
                                                                    c. flow through bridge          0.1
                                                                      appears inadequate, or
                                                                      flow restricted by culvert
4A. Ditching on surface of the                                               a. no ditching                  1.0 
   EU.                                                                      b. ditches present in linear    0.5
                                                                      pattern
                                                                    c. ditches present in grid 
                                                                      pattern                      0.1











                       DEXI:RP  f  JJO I  Ave 0  0  ur  rm-
                                                                                                        l



                                                                                                        l







  AVEGE  F        TOAL   DEXFOR PartAofUN ON  1  A                    ge of Col    D    I


                                                 D -2




     EU #_    of Marsh System
     NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                        Function 1
     * Base map                                                         ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
     ï¿½ Map wheel/measurer
     ï¿½ 100 foot tape measure                                            Part B
     ï¿½ Calculator

                    A                                      B                                    C                    D
               Evaluation                                Notes                             Evaluation           Functional
                Questions                                                                    Criteria            Index (F)

     Part B:  Ecological Integrity.of the Zone of Influence
     Questions that may require field observation
     1B. Dominant land-use in the                                                  a. forested, fields, open water    1.0
         500 foot Zone of Influence                                                   or similar open space
         surrounding the EU.                                                       b. agricultural or rural residen-    0.5
                                                                                      tial
                                                                                   c. commercial, industrial, high    0.1
                                                                                      density residential, or
                                                                                      heavily used highways
     2B. Ratio of the number of                                                    a. < 0.1 bldg./acre               1.0
         occupied buildings (including                                             b. from 0.1 - 0.5 bldg./acre     0.5
         seasonal) within the EU and/                                              c. > 0.5 bldg./acre              0.1
         or Zone of Influence to total
         area of EU.
     3B. Percent of EU/upland border                                               a. more than 70%                 1.0
         which has a buffer of wood-                                               b. from 30% - 70%                0.5
         land or idle land 500 feet in                                             c. less than 30%                 0.1
         width.
     4B. Square footage of roads,                                                  a. < 1500 sq. feet/acre           1.0
          driveways, and parking lots                                               b. from 1500 - 6000 sq.          0.5
         within 150 feet of EU.                                                       feet/acre
                                                                                    c. > 6000 sq. feet/acre          0.1



I


I


I



      :--:|. .A'VE ..it000- ......... ..-XiC .i .. .i.;4 .....                                    ... .  .. .. . ...::-: iE:::tiE  .....E-
      U  AVERAGE -FUNCTIONALINDEX FDOR Part B of FlUNCTO             : I  Average of Column D 


              U                                             ~~~~~~~~D-3




EU #_    of Marsh System
NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                          Function 2
 Base map                                                           SHORELINE ANCHORINGI




               A                                        B                                     C                     D
          Evaluation                                  Notes                              Evaluation            Functional
           Questions                                                                        Criteria            Index (FI)

Questions that may not require field observation
1. Type of marsh system of which                                                 a. estuarine fringe marsh         1.0
   the EU is a part.                                                             b. estuarine meadow marsh         0.5
                                                                            c. coastal/back-barrier marsh    0.1

Questions that may require field observation

2. Wetland morphology.                                                            a. no distinct bank evident      1.0
                                                                               between EU and upland or
                                                                               freshwater wetland
                                                                            b. distinct bank evident but     0.5
                                                                               protected by vegetation
                                                                            c. distinct bank evident and     0.1 
                                                                               unprotected by vegetation


























                                                                                                                     I
   iAVERA4GEfuNONAINDEX FORluD:M                                              A f l      ;D-4                          I




  EU #__  of Marsh System

  NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                          Function 3

   * Acreage grid                                      STORM SURGE PROTECTION
  ï¿½ Base map



                A                                    B                                  C                   D
            Evaluation                              Notes                           Evaluation          Functional
            Questions                                                                Criteria           Index (Fl)

  Questions that may not require field observation

   1. Acreage of the EU.                                                      a. > 50 acres                  1.0
                                                                        b. between 10 - 50 acres      0.5
                                                                        c. < 10 acres                  0.1

  2. Type of marsh system of                                                a. coastal/back barrier marsh    1.0
     which the EU is a part.                                                 b. estuarine meadow marsh      0.5
                                                                        c. estuarine fringe marsh     0.1

































U       AVERAEFUCIONL                 FR FUCTION 3 1Average of-Clum D = _


                        E:  N   10.0   -iMON AD-5




EU #_     of Marsh System
NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                                 Function 4
ï¿½ Acreage grid
 BAcreage mapd                                                              WILDLIFE, FINFISH &I
* Map wheel                                                                 SHELLFISH HABITAT
* Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern US
* NWI map(s)
              A                                        B                                    C                    D
          Evaluation                                 Notes                              Evaluation           Functional
          Questions                                                                      Criteria            Index (FI)

Questions that may not require field observation
1. Acreage of the EU.                                                            Record the Fl from Function
                                                                           3, question 1 (page D-5)


2. Ecological Integrity of the EU.                                               Record the AFI for Part A of
                                                                           Function 1 (page D-2)

3. Type of tidal restriction.                                                    Record the Fl from Function
                                                                           1, Part A, question 3A
Questions that may require field observation                                     (page D-2)

4. Diversity of habitat types.                                                   a. 7 - 9 types present            1.0
                                                                           b. 4 - 6 types present           0.5
                                                                           c. < 4 types present             0.1


5. Presence of submerged                                                         a. submergent vegetation          1.0
  (aquatic bed) vegetation.                                                        abundant
                                                                           b. submergent vegetation         0.5
                                                                              present, but not abundant
                                                                           c. no submergent vegetation      0.1
                                                                              present

6. Percent of EU edge bordered                                                   a. > 70%                          1.0
  by a buffer of woodland, idle                                                 b. from 30% - 70%                 0.5
  land, or agricultural land at                                                 c. < 30%                          0.1
  least 500 feet in width.

7. Proximity to freshwater                                                       a. marsh system connected to   1.0
  wetlands.                                                                        a perennial stream or
                                                                              freshwater wetland
                                                                           b. marsh not connected to a    0.5
                                                                              perennial stream, but
                                                                              within 1/4 mile of fresh
                                                                              water wetland
                                                                           c. marsh not connected to       0.1
                                                                              stream, and not within 1/4
                                                                              mile of freshwater wetland




   AVERAGEFUNCTIONALINDEX FOR FUNCTION40= Averageof Column D - _ l



                                                      D-6 



   EU #-  of Marsh System
    NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:   Function 5
   * Base map                                         WATER QUALITY MAINTENANCE
     * Acreage grid
I
                  A                                     B                                   C                   D
             Evaluation                               Notes                            Evaluation          Functional
              Questions                                                                  Criteria           Index (FI)
   Questions that may not require field observation
     1. Acreage of the EU.                                                       Record the Fl from Function 3,
                  |5~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~question 1 (page D-5)
     2. Number of tidal restrictions.                                            Record the F! from Function 1,
                                                                         Part A, question 2A (page D-2)
     3. Type of tidal restriction.                                               Record the H from Function 1,
                                                                         Part A, question 3A (page D-2)


I

I

I

I

I

I







I       hiAEAGE FUNCTIONALINDEX F OR  FUNCTION S  Averagebof'Column D                f = __r                      i

                        I.~~~~~~~~~~D - 7




EU #          of Marsh System 

NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                        Function 6

* NH Fish & Game shellfishing information                          RECREATION POTENTIAL 
* Base map
* State listing of public access points 


             A                                        B                                     C                     D 
         Evaluation                                  Notes                              Evaluation            Functional 
          Questions                                                                        Criteria            Index (Fl)

Questions that may require field observation 

1. Presence of shellfish beds.                                                    a. shellfish beds present and      1.0
                                                                         open for harvest 
                                                                      b. shellfish beds present but      0.5
                                                                         currently closed for harvest
                                                                      c. no shellfish beds present       0.1

2. Waterfowl hunting.                                                             a. EU accessible and currently     1.0
                                                                         used by hunters
                                                                      b. EU accessible, but no           0.5
                                                                         evidence of use
                                                                      c. EU not easily accessible, or    0.1
                                                                         hunting not permitted 

3. Opportunities for wildlife                                                     Record the AFI for Function 4
  observation.                                                                   (page D-6) 

4. Canoe and boat passage in or                                                   a. watercourses within EU at        1.0
  adjacent to the EU.                                                               least 10 feet wide and 1
                                                                         foot deep at high tide and 
                                                                         free of obstructions, or EU
                                                                         adjacent to canoeable
                                                                         waterway 
                                                                      b. watercourses within EU          0.5
                                                                         contain some exposed
                                                                         obstructions and/or shallow
                                                                         areas, and EU not adjacent
                                                                         to canoeable waterway
                                                                      c. watercourses too small,         0.1
                                                                         shallow, has obstructions,
                                                                         or non-existent, and EU 
                                                                         not adjacent to canoeable
                                                                         waterway 

5. Canoe and boat access.                                                         a. access point within 1/2          1.0
                                                                         mile of EU by non-powered
                                                                         boat
                                                                      b. access point between 1/2 -      0.5
                                                                         1 mile of EU by non-
                                                                         powered boat 
                                                                      c. no access, or access point      0.1
                                                                         more than 1 mile




Continued on next page... 
                                                  D-8




     EU #           of Marsh System

                                                                 Function 6
                 I*~~~ ~RECREATION POTENTIAL
                                                                 (continued)


                   A                                        B                                      C                     D
 I              Evaluation                                   Notes                               Evaluation            Functional
               Questions                                                                         Criteria            Index (FI)


     6. Off-road public parking.                                                       a. EU within 10 minutes of         1.0
                                                                                 suitable parking area
                                                                              b. suitable parking more than      0.5
                                                                                 10 minutes but less than 20
                                                                                 minutes
                                                                              c. parking not available within    0.1
                                                                                 20 minute walk of EU

    7. Handicap accessibility,                                                          a. specially constructed           1.0
 *                                                                                         7. handicap accessibility
                                                                              b. access via existing roads and   0.5
                                                                                 trails
                                                                              c. no handicap access              0.1
      8. Presence of visitors center,                                                   a. visitors center and main-       1.0
 3|      maintained trails, or board                                                        taied trails, and/or board-
        walks.                                   walks present
                                                                               b. maintained trails and/or        0.5
                                                                                 boardwalks present, but no
                     |I~                                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~visitors center
                                                                               c. neither a visitors center nor   0.1
                                                                                 trails or boardwalks present



I


I

I







    AVERAGE :UIONAL INDEX FOR  FCION 6 Average of ColumnD  _    


                   N j~~~~i Ia:~~~~~~D - 9





EU #           - of Marsh System                                                                                                 3

NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                                  Function 7

  Field visit                                                               AESTHETIC QUALITY





               A                                         B                                       C                     D
          Evaluation                                   Notes                                Evaluation            Functional
           Questions                                                                          Criteria             Index (Fl)

Questions that may not require field observation                                                                                 3

1. Ecological Integrity of the EU.                                                Record the AF  for Part A of
                                                                             Function 1 (page D-2) 


2. Opportunities for wildlife                                                     Record the AFI for Function 4
   observation.                                                                   (page D-6)


Questions that may require field observation

3. Dominant visible land-use                                                      a. woodland, agricultural land, or    1.0
   surrounding the EU from                                                           similar open space
   primary viewing location(s).                                                   b. rural residential                 0.5
                                                                             c. commercial, industrial, trans-    0.1
                                                                                portation use, or high density
                                                                                residential dominates the
                                                                                visible area

4. General appearance of the EU                                                   a. undisturbed and natural with       1.0 
   from primary viewing                                                              no visual detractors, natural
   location(s).                                                                      plant communities
                                                                              b. limited disturbance, minor        0.5
                                                                                visual detractors, and/or 
                                                                                 invasive species present
                                                                              c. severe detractors and/or          0.1
                                                                                dominated by invasive species

5. Noise level at primary viewing                                                 a. low: natural sounds predomi-       1.0
   location(s).                                                                      nate
                                                                              b. moderate: some traffic or         0.5
                                                                                 other noise audible
                                                                              c. loud: continuous traffic or       0.1
                                                                                 other noise

6. Odors present at primary                                                       a. natural odors only                 1.0
   viewing location(s).                                                           b. unnatural odors present at         0.5
                                                                                 certain times
                                                                              c. unnatural, unpleasant odors       0.1
                                                                                 distinct and fairly continuous 



   AVERAGE FUNCTIONAL INDEXFOR FUNCTION7 = Average of Column D =                                 )     - -



                                                         D- 10




   EU #           of Marsh System

    NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                               Function 8
    * List of estuarine research reserves, nature                             EDUCATION POTENTIAL
      preserves, and wildlife management areas from
      local agencies
    ï¿½ Basemap
    ï¿½ NWI map(s)

                   A                                         B                                       C                     D
              Evaluation                                   Notes                               Evaluation             Functional
               Questions                                                                          Criteria             Index (Fl)

   Questions that may not require field observation

    1. Opportunity for wildlife                                                        AR for Function 4 (page D-6)
      observation.

    2. Presence of visitors center,                                                    Record the R from Function 6,
      maintained trails, or board                                                     question 8 (page D-9)
      walks.

   Questions that may require field observation
    3. Proximity of potential educa-                                                   a. 3 or more habitat types           1.0
      tional site to other habitats.                                                     within a short walk of poten-
                                                                                      tial education site
                                                                                   b. 2 habitat types within a short    0.5
                                                                                      walk of education site
                                                                                   c. education site not within         1.0
                     |*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~short walk to other habitat
                                                                                      types

   4. Off-road parking at educa-                                                       a. EU < 10 minute walk from          1.0
       tional site for school buses or                                                    suitable parking
       other vehicles. (carpools, vans                                                 b. EU within 20 minute walk          0.5
       etc.)                                                                              from suitable parking
                                                                                   c. parking not available within      0.1
                                                                                      20 minute walk of EU

 5. Studentsafet.                                                                      a. no known safety hazards            1.0
                                                                                   b. safety hazards present but        0.5
                                                                                      easily avoidable
                                                                                   c. safety hazards present and        0.1
                                                                                      not easily avoidable

   6. Handicap accessibility at                                                        a. specially constructed handi-      1.0
       potential educational site.                                                        cap access
                                                                                   b. access via existing roads and     0.5
                                                                                      trails
                    |3~~~~~~~~ ~~~c. no handicap access                                                                   0.1






       ?  AVERAGE FUNCTONAL    iD FO   FU TON        Ave rage of Col:umn D                                                i



                                                             D- 11




EU # _  of Marsh System

NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                                       Function 9
ï¿½ List of federal and state endangered and threatened species                     NOTEIORTHINESS
ï¿½  List of NHNHI exemplary communities
ï¿½ Natural Register of Historic Places



               A                                         B                                      C                    D
          Evaluation                                  Notes                               Evaluation            Functional
           Questions  '                                                                      Criteria            Index (FI)

Questions that may not require field observation
1. EU is habitat for a state or                                                   a. EU is currently habitat for a    1.0
   federally listed threatened or                                                     threatened or endangered
   endangered species.                                                                species
                                                                               b. EU is not currently habitat     0.1
                                                                                   for threatened or endan-
                                                                                   gered species

2. EU has significance because it                                                  a. EU contains feature(s) of       1.0
   has biological, geological or                                                      significance
   other features which are                                                        b. EU does not contain feature    0.1
   locally rare or unique, or is                                                      of significance
   listed as an exemplary
   community by NHNHI.

3. EU is known to contain an                                                       a. EU is known site of histori-     1.0
   important historical or                                                            cal or archaeological
   archaeological site.                                                               significance
                                                                                b. no evidence of historical or    0.1
                                                                                   archaeological use

4. Tidal marshes in an urban                                                       a. commercial, industrial,          1.0
   setting.                                                                           transportation use or high
                                                                                   density residential use
                                                                                   occupies >50% of area
                                                                                   within 1/4 mile of the
                                                                                   marsh
                                                                                b. rural residential (>1 acre      0.1
                                                                                   lots), agricultural, forestry or
                                                                                   similar open space

5. EU used as long term research                                                   a. EU a site for long term         1.0
   site.                                                                              research
                                                                                b. EU not a site for long term     0.1
                                                                                   research






               :-AV E RAGE :   .-. .U :                             IND-EX-    : F. UN..N 9 Aveg .. I

   |AVERAGElUNCTIONAL IND  FORFUNCTION9 = AveragedmRD-                  Col                                                    I



                                                         D-12





     Section 6 - Description of Restoration Potential
                           DATA SHEETS

Question 1. Number and type of restrictions between EU and free tidal flow.















Question 2. Percent of the EU dominated by invasive species.












Question 3a. Acreage of fill deposited on the marsh surface.










                                  D- 13





Description of Restoration Potential Data Sheets (continued)                             I


Question 3b. Existing plant community located on fill.3















Question 3c. Presence of structures on the fill.













Question 4. Other causes of degradation.


















                                D - 14I





                  MARSH SYSTEM

        EVALUATION UNIT #                           OF

                   SIZE OF EU                         acres

 PERCENTAGE OF SYSTEM THAT EU REPRESENTS

 STATUS OF EU (check one)             TIDAL             FORMERLY TIDAL



   Function                                                   Averacae Functional Index
                                                                (AFI)

1A. Ecological Integrity of EU
lB. Ecological Integrity of Zone of Influence
2.  Shoreline Anchoring
3. Storm Surge Protection
4. Wildlife, Finfish & Shellfish Habitat
5. Water Quality Maintenance
6. Recreation Potential
7. Aesthetic Quality
8. Education Potential
9. Noteworthiness



                                SUMMARY





















                                   D- 15





                                    EU ANALYSIS GRAPHS

MARSH SYSTEM                                TOTAL AREA

NUMBER OF EUs


               ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY                           ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
                         OF EU                                 OF ZONE OF INFLUENCE
        1.0                                              1.0
      A0.8                                            A 0.8
      F0.6                                            F 0.6
        I  -                                          I F0.4
        0.2                                                 llllll  Illll10.2llllll
           0.     1 11 11 11 1 11 11 1 1 111 1I          0.211111111111111111
                       AREA OF EU*                                      AREA OF EU*
               (as percentage of marsh system)                   (as percentage of marsh system)


               SHORELINE ANCHORING                            STORM SURGE PROTECTION


        1.0                                              1.0
                    0.8                                ~~~~~~~~~~0.8
      Aï¿½8                                              A_
      F O.6                                            F 0.6
       0.4                                             I 04

        0.2  I IIIIl 111111111 1                         0.2   111111111 1  1            111                   3
                        AREA OF EU*                                      AREA OF EU*
                (as percentage of marsh system)                  (as percentage of marsh system)



                   WILDLIFE, FINFISH                               GRAPH LEGEND
                    AND SHELLFISH
                        HABITAT
        1.0

      A 0.s"
      A08
      F 0.6
       I 0.4

        0.2  1I   I    II  I  I  1111 1111111
                        AREA OF EU*
                (as percentage of marsh system)
                                                     NOTE: Each dash on the horizontal axis
                                                     represents 5% of the marsh system





                                                D- 16





                           EU ANALYSIS GRAPHS cont.

MARSH SYSTEM                           TOTAL AREA

NUMBER OF EUs


         WATER QUALITY MAINTAINANCE                    RECREATION POTENTIAL

      101.0 1.0
    A 0.8                                         0.8
    F                      0.6                F  06
    I 0.4                                     I  0.4
      0.2                                        0.2

                    AREA OF EU*                                 AREA OF EU*
             (as percentage of marsh system)             (as percentage of marsh system)


              AESTHETIC QUALITY                         EDUCATION POTENTIAL


      1.0                                        1.0
    A0.8                                       A 0.8
    F 0.6                                      F 0.6
    I 0.4                                      I 0.4
      0.2          0.2          
           1111111111111111 I 11111111111I   II
                   AREA OF EU*                                 AREA OF EU*
            (as percentage of marsh system)             (as percentage of marsh system)


               NOTEWORTHINESS                             GRAPH LEGEND

       1.0

     A 0.8
     F 0.6
     I 0.4
       0.2

                    AREA OF EU*
             (as percentage of marsh system)

                                                *NOTE: Each dash on the horizontal
                                               axis represents 5% of the marsh system






                                         D- 17





                         MARSH SYSTEM DATA SHEET

  It is not necessary to complete the marsh system data sheet for those systems
                               that have a single EU

MARSH SYSTEM                                          NUMBER OF EUs

                                                          Management Option
          EU Number                  Size in acres                Chosen







                                                                                  I~













Best Education Site(s) in Marsh System

Best Recreation Site(s) in Marsh System

Public Access Points In or Adjacent to the Marsh System



Noteworthy Feature(s)







                                        D- 18



I
I
I
I
I
I
I            Appendix E

I BOAT ACCESS SITES IN THE
   I       ~~COASTAL ZONE
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I







               BOAT ACCESS SITES IN THE COASTAL ZONE

   To assess portions of the Recreation Potential Function it will be necessary to determine their
proximity to a public boat launch. The map and list on the following pages was provided by the
NH Coastal Program.

   For more information on public access to tidal waters contact the NH Fish & Game Depart-
ment or the NH Coastal Program at the addresses found in Appendix A.


    Pierce Island, Portsmouth
    Odiorne State Park, Rye
    Rye Harbor State Marina, Rye
    Hampton Harbor State Marina, Hampton
    Seabrook Boat Launch, Seabrook
    Farm Lane Dock, Seabrook
    Exeter Town Landing, Exeter
    Stratham Town Landing, Stratham
    Newfields Town Landing, Newfields
    Chapman's Landing, Stratham
    Depot Road Boat Launch, Greenland
    Greenland Town Landing, Greenland
    Newmarket Town Landing, Newmarket
    Adams Point Boat Launch, Durham
    Great Bay Marina, Newington
    Hilton State Park, Dover
    Little Bay Marina, Dover
    Newington Town Landing, Newington
    Jackson's Landing, Durham
    Durham Town Landing, Durham
    George's Marina, Dover









                                          E I




                                                        NEW HAMPSHIRE 
                                                        COASTAL PROGRAM
                                                        BOAT ACCESS -SITES

                                                                    Coastal Zone
                                              DOVER~~~~~~~
                                                         Map produced at NH Office of State Planning,
                             MA ~~~~June 1993.1


    Durham To n Land'ing                            kMAESceinlfs3
                                              A,  Liittle Bay Marina          0   1    2  3                  6
                                           /         ~~~Hilton State Park3


   Newmar ketigto Town Londn          n
                            dm onGeatBc                                                                            I


                                                    /                            ~~~~~~~~Odiorne State Park3
Newfic s Town Landing           .  napmants            Greeni nd Town La


                                            d~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ingso





                                          STIRATHAM   G ~ ~  ~     ~    ~    ~ ~ ~ HMPHREELN
                                           Stratharn                                                        .0.~~~~~
                              TownE2 



I
I
I
I
I
I
I             Appendix F
I
 I ~CALCULATION OF EVALUATION
                UNIT SIZE
I
I
Is
I
I
I
I
I
I
I






                  CALCULATION OF EVALUATION UNIT SIZE

   There are two widely available methods for measuring the area of a wetland from a base
map: the grid method and a planimeter.

   The grid method is a simple inexpensive technique that is quite accurate. A measuring grid
is provided in this appendix. It is made up of individual 1/4 inch blocks. For every 16 blocks (one
square inch), the lines are bolded to make it simpler to count large areas.

       1. Make a transparent copy of the grid.

      2. Place the transparent grid over the area to be measured. If the area to be measured is
          larger than the grid, mark the location of the grid corners on the map so that it can be
          moved around in order that the whole area can be determined.

      3. Count all of the squares that are completely within the tidal marsh.

      4. Count all of the squares which are partially within the tidal marsh and divide this num-
          ber by two.

       5. Add the totals from steps 3 & 4.

      6. To determine acreage, multiply the total from step 5 by the conversion factor at the
          bottom of the grid (acres/square) that matches the map scale.

      For example,        56 whole blocks and 34 partial blocks equals
                                  56 + (34 - 2) = 73
                                  73 x conversion factor for appropriate scale -
                                  area of marsh in acres

   A planimeter is a small device with a hinged mechanical arm. One end of the arm is fixed to
a weighted base while the other end has an attached magnifying lens with a cross hair or other
pointer. The user spreads the map with the wetland area on a flat surface. After placing the base
of the planimeter in a convenient location the user traces the perimeter of the wetland area to be
measured. A dial or other readout registers the area being measured.

   Planimeters can cost up to a thousand dollars or more depending on the degree of sophistica-
tion. For the purpose of the Coastal Method, a basic model would be sufficient. Planimeters are
available from engineering and forestry supply companies. Some towns may currently own a
planimeter or regional planning commissions may have one that towns could use.



                                             F-I







      Some regional planning commissions may have a Geographic Imformation System (GIS)
that is capable of producing computer generated maps and other information that could be used
in the Coastal Method such as wetland size and perimeter. Check with your regional planning
commission to see if GIS maps are available for the tidal marshes in your town.













































                                             F-2






                          ACREAGE GRID


















































         Scale:                    Miles/inch                    Acres/square
1:2,400   or 1" =200'              0.038                            0.057
1:12,000  or 1" =1000'             0.189                            1.438
1:2,000   or 1" =1667'             0.316                            3.987
1:24,000  or 1" =2000'             0.379                            5.739
1:31,680  or 1" =2640'             0.5                             10.0
1:63,360  or 1" =5280'              1.0                            40.0


                                F-3




I
I

I

I

I           Appendix G
I
          MARSH SYSTEM MAPS
       FOR COASTAL COMMUNITIES
I
I
a
I
I
I
I
I
I
I






                    MARSH SYSTEM MAPS FOR COASTAL TOWNS

         This appendix contains a tidal marsh system map for all of the towns that border on tidal
     waters. These maps are based on the National Wetlands Inventory maps that are explained in
     Section 3.1 and Appendix C. Each map defines the marsh systems within each town and identi-
 Ifies areas that are to be included in the inventory and evaluation as well as areas that must be
     field checked to verify their inclusion. The areas encircled by the bold lines represent the marsh
 Esystems in the town. There may be areas in a system that are not identified on the map as tidal
     marsh but do support tidal marsh community. If so, these areas should be included in the inven-
     tory and evaluation as a part of the system within which they are contained.

I       ~~If a marsh system is located in two or more towns, the conservation commissions from each
 Iof the towns should attempt to coordinate efforts to ensure that the whole system is evaluated.
     The Hampton-Seabrook Estuary is a good example of the need for cooperation among towns in
     using the Coastal Method. The evaluation of this tidal marsh should be done through the coop-
 Ieration between the three towns involved. If this is not possible, any one town could choose to
     do the whole marsh, or alternatively, that portion of the system that falls within its boundaries.

3          ~~~The maps that follow are:

                   Dover
                   Durham, Madbury
                   Exeter, Stratham, Newfields
  3               ~~~~Greenland
                   Hampton
                   Hampton Falls, Seabrook
  I             ~~~~Newington
                   Newmarket
  3               ~~~~North Hampton
                   Portsmouth, New Castle
                   Rollinsford

                   Rye






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



 -              ~~~~~~~~MAP LEGEND                                                                                                          ..CTYFDOE
                g~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -    -
                 Estuarine and Riverine
                 Intertidal Emergent


                 Wetlands which             CD~ 
                 require field checking                                                                                                                    co'coe VEIILMS 5 I67 i W3)ES ARN   6.7 I
                 to verify inclusion in
                 the Coastal Method
       Bold lines indicate marsh systems   / 

 ::f-7.77.   ~Scale 1:24,000

  Ik~~'    ~~                        ..yA
                   'C  - 







                                                                                IV~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~p~~~~~~~~~~~~~~               ~      ~     I







    0.~~~~~~~~~~i







~~~~~~FIT



                                                  -' ~~  -..7'  -~~ ri'  ~  CL                                              TOWNS OF DURHAM

                                                                                                                  1W~~~                         & MADBURY

1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~2         6 
                                                                                                 ~~~~~~~~~z
                               R~~~~~~I





               3                                                            C                                           I F~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~10C





                                                                          n"V
                                             05,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-                                                          'A 


                                                        rn                                &F N                            -,







                         I                                                                                    ï¿½~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~4 


         I                                                                                                    -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~U-




       I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~L                                              2 T1~

                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Inm
                     to verifyinclusionin        '.~ . 
            14~th Coata Metho    *.'            U               -Tl\Z~:  ,
                                   Bold lines indicate marsh systems    _          .,                        -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                                                 if:~~~~~~j-.                                                    ~  .  
                               I                         _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~k
                             Scale~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1 1:400O~i                           




H'> . )~~<...  )-..L~~                                                                                                                            TOWNS OF EXETER,

                                                                                                                                                       STRATHAM & NEWFIELDS






                                               U  A-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 2-


                                               -o rn~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-










                  -~~~~~~~~~~~( T71-  - -rm 



       o                                                                                                                                                                               N
                                                               1  -ii          fll   ~    ~                                                                                                   LI)
                                                       S A-Co-



                                                    M-1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~C-



                                                             J.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~                                                                         f


                              -'E 1, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~      ~I                                                     - 
                            7(I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




                    reqtuaire aned chvekinge                                                                                .-

                    ItherotialEmergen                                                                                                                          .rQ, 
                                                                                                                                                                 -  .'                      A~~~~~~~~~~
                                                         Bold lines indicate marsh systems  Cf'~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~7-~~~~~~  ..~~~~af
                              Scale~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1:4,0                                                                           4'~'' _Ilz                   M




                                                                                                     YU N
                                                                        ~~~~                        - ~~~~~~~TOWN  OFGRELN




                                                   40~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~4
                             I  U'                                                                                                    -'Ill             >. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-'~~~~~~~~~--oi~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CNJ    


                             ~~ (2  i7('   \~~~~~~~~~~J   6O-4~~~~~~~ ~~~    ~~~eSS~~~~E ~~~. -                                                              .'      ,- apu      
                                                                                                                       -7~~~~- 


   us... ....                                                                                                     \ 


          Front~~~~<    -~A~                                                                                    . .     .     .. . ...

                                   A~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Al

                                                                                                                            IN


                                 N ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~                                  N 


                                                                 -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A

               o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"

                                     '1=~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~8





                                                           /~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pt
         'AW ~      -:1
                                                                                                                     L)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ah  - -~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1
                            ,v~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~c.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~U                                   UF
                t~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I'  .-                          PA
                                                                     Estuarine and Riverine  N                                                     '~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  '~~~~~~~'0;~.



                                  f~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~N                                                                                                           U4
:-~~                        ~                                                              I~~ c~                                    _ _ _ _ _ri_






            Bold l~~~~~staines andict   as  systriem     V,                                                                                              %!

                     Scaleria Eme4rg0ent 

                                Wetlands~~~~ which






  z
  0


                      National Wetlands Inventory Map 





                 LL~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~L
                   ___  4  .1  ~~~~~~~              (~~~I..  44         .0~~~'U






                                                                          4                                                                    NW
                                                        1~~~                  ~~' 4' ~~~~~.  -A.

                      ____  Ir         re~~:~~         .'   ~     .   ;ii~~ a                                  /               ~                  ice.
                                                                             :~~ :"*~~~'  ;:&~ 4







                                                             Aj                                                                                       Vi~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



                                                        rrbjE~ ~ ~~~~V9 ..                                                                     - U


                       ~~~~~~~~~~'  r~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Q

"'o
                                          0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




           Ir
                                                              0  .  .  '~~~~~~~~~PF~~~tG  '.4  )~~~~~~~~~'  ~~~~                                      ~~~  4J
                                                    4                                                                                                   04~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1














                                            54~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~  tar  Aon~ B 'aFcat





                                                                                                                                                                         6,3






                                                                  4~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~F



                                               L)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0
                                                                    t~~~~~deir'd      IC                                                                  q
                                           require field checking~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                   to eriyicuioUn- 




      Bold lEtuaines andict   as  systemsn                                                                                                        O 
                  SceralEmren 1ro 2400                                                     .ea .chX




      -~~Wtad whi--chm --     --    - 



                         -~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~                             ~     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ fr>A  --.  -. i-iz
                                   Ohio,~~~~~~~           ';i-    '
                      Iz-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~. ~


 f~~  -.  M~~AlfiNE  -











                      :1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:/



in
                '~~~~'~~~  ~~~  Fw-



          I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
                             Intertidal~~~~~~~ Emrgn

          I       require field checking~~~~~~~~~2
                                     I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~TWSO  APO



              1--T   T"A                              /
                                                                                                                                                             TOWN OF NEWINGTON



I~~~~ rcp                                   J
,nx I2 ~
                                N~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ r
                                            Y~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PTK

  -. D/                                                                                                                                         C
       41-*p-'m  -cm




                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-2'    (1 






                                                ~~~~~~~~~~~;jfl            _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~C


                              marsh                         ;~.C

                                                                                                                         _  ~ ~      ~     ~    ~     ~    ~     -6 ~~~~~~~~~\~L




                                                                                     S\E\~~LfCS~~d )> TOWVN OF NEWVMARKET

                      (A~~i/lE                     P~SS!E- PF~IE   ;rFinnish  FSSIE                          ISSIF


                                                   ~~~ ,~~~~~~90B~~~~~~9%   l
                                                                     49~~~~~~~~E;   ii  aPF~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~r  r~~~~~~~~~~i~~~~~~ca/l; ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"~r
                      PL~~~~PL~~~PL~~~PL~~~PU~~~ r                                             :~~~~ 4~~~ TP~~~~fL:08                        PF~~~~sun C
                                                                       c~~ ip~~~plE                ~~UBFL                            ~~~3x~S
                                             P PR% ~~~~~~~                            ~     ~      ~     ~     E S\                     Ci~
                               P S S I E .   ~~~~  c ~~~:  ~ "  r    P s g \ E  \ t ~~~~~u ~ g ~~j  . P F O E: [~~~~ L ! ' l g~~;L x f i l . C~~~ UF E M I
                         /II                                .;                                                                                                                ï¿½I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~7 t

 ï¿½ Z:               ~PE E --s~-;E~~)9`
                                                                                             N~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                                                                                                                        .r  ;j   ,PSSI~~~~~~~~a   r~~~f~~ft~~~E   ~ ~ L~~BU~~~rP~~~Pf E~A   Fats
                                                                                L~~T~~S~~i~~f~C~~~jCO'  ~~~~Fg~~c:  3u~~~/
                              Si~~~~~~~ '                                                                        F\

                                                                 ~~EM~~ ï¿½ ~PEW- POI
                                        46~~~~~~8:~a 
                                                                       ~~ï¿½~~X~~u EM~~~t~~--F-~~~~ :~~~)Pt~~~C~~                                                             Gfi4~~~~'  7
              phn,~                ~:):I._._ï¿½~~cl r-rrr~u~.....-;.~:;~ZU                    EZ6 
                                                           4          ' ~     t                                                                                               ~ ï¿½ C 7
                                                      ;        a                                                                      ï¿½9ua~~~~~~i~~i~~ /r;n
                                            OA-1  1rf~iil-ï¿½'''/
                                      rr                                                                                                                                          3~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~       
    ï¿½T~3~r.           ~              --.          . YFO~-~
                                           t  ,-p~~o~-~T ~   jliyrvmarkz:  ;  :/   ~ ~ ~-                                                                    Jidsl:  ï¿½F~~sts     0:  6
                                                F-01PS\

                                                                                r~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~r
                 ?FOIE.                                                                                                                                                      ' 
                                            i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~fl4 L A N. EL ELl ~f

                                       r                                             :iE'S               -OSS\E~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
               eS51E                                            -~~~~~~~~Alc  z                            "7s                                          L~~~~~-e V
                                                            -Pick;                                                                                                                   \

                                                                                    9                   ?FOXE--(FE-IP~ EMF

                                                            PFO~~~~~~Eï¿½'  j ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~,~~~OX
                             ~PS"E    ag~a~4    ~//V   PFOIC~s~SI                                                               sp:::E6

                       MA~c.~~OtP                  LEGEND                 A~        /'
                 , B t i~~~~~ \    ï¿½ P F O \ E  p E ~~~~~~~~~~e ~ ~~.   -                                                    E Z~?O V



                               rF04/1E  q C   Rlb~~+mill,   4oiE  F05E                                                                                          fo
                                                                                                                           A~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~EA~:.:
             X~~z                                                          75                                                                       PU
                                          Wetlands whic :9S~                                                  : OBh 0      EZEWS~qI.
J require field checking FIA                                                       IM                                                    41                  ?FOIE 2 : `1

                                                                                                                                                 -------------.Pu~h 
     ~~5~E                                     L~PUBY . to  verifyinclusion inG ----------
          ~~Ct~theCoat al                                                                         ethd L4V i '  FI         \ ~       ~ ~ I-~~~    ï¿½'pli
                                       6;. ;-"~~~~~J&. 1
                                                                                                           ?E~~~~~~    '

                          MAP LEGEND  ~~~~; DS'
                           /4F_                          Sca"TS                                                                                  2 mle 1:2,00





                                                                             CD ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~    ~    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~- Ib-
                                                                                       "~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ca (P~  r2Nr             (5 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       C~~~~~~~~~~~~C

                        7~~~ -.. *L,                                                                                                                                                                                 1                                                     ON  FNRH  APO
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            -                       ~ 










U~~~~~~W                                                                                  -1


                                                                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~6- -KaKllC
                                                                                    -,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~c
                                                                                                   -  -Cr~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~C



                                                                                                                                         -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~sQ


                                                                                                           CC~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~C

                                                                                                                                -  . ~   ~      ~      ~     ~      ~      ~     ~      ~     ~      ~     ~      ~     ~      ~     ~     ~      ~     ~     ~      ~     ~     ~     ~     ~     ~     ~    ~     ~     ~    -




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    L~~~~~~~~~~~~~n~~~.C

                                                                                                      MAP  LEGEND~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~C

                                                                                            Estuarine and Riverine~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~K
 I~~~~~~ItetdlEegn

                                                                                                              Wetlands which~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~C
                                                                                                              require field checking~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




                    E l lsuaines indRiaemrshinsem
                                     ScerialEergn 1:24. 0                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  00



      (~ ~  ~      IN             - . '\\ *4. Nj                                           .~,*. ~UH ~"'  St   CITY OF PORTSMOUTH,
                                             ~~~~~~~~~......   ...
                                      1~~~ /  -  2U ~~~~~TON OF NEW  CASTLE

                         FoL~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~F2J





                                              A~~~~~~~.              em                              t 2        







, S.














                                            bury'-,
                                                                                                                     ~~v1ZU~~~~W







                                                                                                                             -                ~ROLLINSFORD



  9k~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~T -                                                                                                          - I T

                                                                                                                  o-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o


                                                                                                                                                                ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~O-A





                                    7~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ H.
                                                                   rn~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'


                                                                                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1                                          A "E ,-
rn ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ fr~~?
                       In~/-                          (~- 
                                               K ï¿½~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~  -        oe~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~01
                                                                                II~~~~                                        ~      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~  /  T..  I

                                                          M  K4~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~T















              Scale 1:24,000  / ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~                                        -~~~~I




                                                                                                                           -4               -            -V             ~~~~TOWN OF RYE






                                                                                                                          ta- ~ ~     ~     -'


                                                                                        0~~~~~~~~                              Z:

                                                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~5
-~  ~              ..                                  ...   ,-o                                                                  0     -0-




                                                                                                                 M M~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I-





                                                                                                                                                                          -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ei




                                  I.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~                                               M


                                                                                               51~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-                                   r

                                                                                          5                                                  Va                   Un~~~~~~~~~~~~



                                                                                                                                               4A~~~~01          d    i                  ;

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









                                     I                                                                                                         i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-3





                 Bold ltuaines andict  as systemsine
                                 Intertidal~          Emegen

                        Wetle   :400C----and which- -



I
I
I
I
I
I
I             Appendix H
I
  I ~TIDAL MARSH PLANTS
  U      ~~OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I






                TIDAL MARSH PLANTS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

   The following list of plants contains those species found in NH tidal marshes. This list should
be used in conjunction with COASTAL WETLAND PLANTS OF NORTHEASTERN UNITED
STATES by Ralph Tiner to help in the identification of plant species needed to complete the
Coastal Method.

   This list is based on the list found in the SOIL SURVEY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE TIDAL
MARSHES (see Section 9 for reference).


I  Amaranthus cannabinus                        Water Hemp
Ammonhila brevilioulata                         Marram or Beachgrass
Arenaria De)loides                              Seabeach Sandwort
Artemisia stelleriana                           Dusty Miller
Artemisia caudata                               Tall Wormwood
Aster subulatus                                 Annual Salt Marsh Aster
Aster tenuifolius                               Perennial Salt Marsh Aster
Atrinlex alabriuscula                           Orach
Atriolex )atula                                 Orach
Bassia hirsuta                                  Hairy Smotherweed
Cakile edentual                                 Sea-Rocket
Carex sconaria                                  Pointed Broom Sedge
Carex hormathodes                               Marsh Sraw Sedge
Cladium mariscoides                             Twig-Rush
Distichlis soicata                              Spike Grass
Eleocharis halo)hila                            Salt Marsh Spike-Rush
Eleocharis tarvula                              Dwarf Spike-Rush
Eleocharis smallii                              Small's Spike Rush
Elvmus virainicus                               Virginia Rye Grass
Eunhorbia nolvoonifolia                         Seaside Spurge
Aaoalinis maritima                              Seaside Gerardia
Glaux maritima                                  Sea Milkwort
Hordeum iubatum                                 Squirrel-Tail Grass
Hudsonia tomentosa                              Beach Heather
Iva frutescens                                  Marsh Elder of High-tide Bush
Juncus balticus                                 Baltic Rush
Juncus canadensis                               Canada Rush
Juncus aerardii                                 Black Grass
Juncus areenei                                  Green's Rush
Lathvrus iaoonicus                              Beach Pea
Lechea maritima                                 Pinweed
Limonium nashii                                 Sea Lavender or Marsh Rosemary
Lvthrum salicaria                               Purple Loosestrife
Mvrica nensvlvanica                             Northern Bayberry
Panicum vircatum                                Switchgrass
Phraamites australis                            Common Reed
                                           H-1






Pinus rigida                                   Pitch Pine
Plantaao maritima                              Seaside Plantain
Polvaonella articulata                         Sand Jointweed
Polvaonum aviculare                            Common Knotgrass
Polvaonum ramosissium                          Bushy Knotweed
Potamoaeton Dectinatus                         Sago Pondweed
Potentilla anserina                            Silverweed
Prunus maritima                                Beach Plum
Puccinellia maritima                           Seaside Alkali Gras
Ouercus alba                                   White Oak
Ouercus bicolor                                Swamp White Oak
Ranunculus cvmbalaria                          Seaside Crowfoot
Rosa nalustris                                 Swamp Rose
Rosa ruaosa                                    Salt Spray Rose or Rugosa Rose
Rosa virainiana                                Virginia Rose
RuDDia maritima                                Ditch or Widgeon Grass
Salicornia biaelovii                           Bigelow's Glasswort
Salicornia euroDaea                            Common Glasswort or Samphire
Salicornia virainica                           Perennial or Woody Glasswort
Sanauisorba canadensis                         Canadian Burnet
ScirDus acutus                                 Hard-stemmed Bulrush
ScirDus americanus                             Three-Square
ScirDus atrovirens                             Green Bulrush
ScirDus cvoerinus                              Wool Grass
Scirous maritimus                              Salt Marsh Bulrush
Scirous oaludosus                              Bayonet-Grass
Scirous robustus                               Salt Marsh Bulrush
Scirous validus                                Great or Soft-stemmed Bulrush
Smilax rotundifolia                            Common Greenbriar
Solidaao semoervirens                          Seaside Goldenrod
SDartina alterniflora                          Salt Water Cord Grass or Thatch
Soartina oatens                                Salt Hay Grass
Soartina pectinata                             Fresh Water Cord Grass or Slough Grass
SDeraularia canadensis                         Canada Sand Spurrey
SDeraularia marina                             Salt Marsh Sand Spurrey
Suaeda linearis                                Sea Blite
Suaeda maritima                                Sea Blite
Suaeda richii                                  Sea Blite
Toxicodendron radicans                         Poison Ivy
Trialochin maritima                            Seaside Arrow Grass
Tvuha anaustifolia                             Narrow-leaved Cattail
Tvuha latifolia                                Broad-Leaved or Common Cattail
Zannichellia nalustris                         Horned Pondweed
Zostera marina                                 Eelgrass




                                           H-2



I
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I           Appendix I

I   EXAMPLES OF COASTAL METHOD
I          DATA SHEETS
I
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I






                    EXAMPLE OF COASTAL METHOD DATA SHEETS

  UTwo examples are provided on the pages that follow:

      EXAMPLE #1: Little River Marsh

         The Little River Marsh (approximately 209 acres) is located in the towns of Hampton and
      North Hampton along Route IA. It is divided into three EUs by Appledore Road and Huckle-
  Iberry Lane. The original outlet of the Little River no longer exists and a culvert under Route IA
      is presently the only connection to tidal flow. This marsh has been degraded as a result of the
      severely restricted tidal flow.


      EXAMPLE #2: Sandy Point Marsh
I       ~~The Sandy Point marsh (approximately 32 acres) is located on Depot Road in the towns of
      Greenland and Stratham on the southeastern corner of Great Bay. This marsh system comprises
I    ~a single EU. The Sandy Point marsh drains into Great Bay and has no tidal restrictions. This
      marsh system is relatively healthy. However, there is a stand of Common Reed (Phragmites
      australis), an invasive species that is of current concern.

      EXAMPLE #3 Hampton-Seabrook Marsh

          Hampton-Seabrook marsh (approximately 7 500 acres) comprises about half of the tidal
      marsh in the state. It is divided into multiple EUs, some of which are in relatively good condition
      and some of which are no longer connected to tidal flow. The EU, used in this example, is a very
      small portion of the marsh. It is surrounded by dense residential development and the only con-
      nection to tidal waters is a long culvert that runs under a parking lot and a town road.

 I       ~~The intention of these examples is to provide samples of completed data sheets and a base
I ~map. Example I (Little River) includes the data sheets from Sections 4 and 6 for EU #1 and the
      Summary Data sheets and EU analysis Graphs for all three EUs that make up the Little River
      marsh system. Example 2 (Sandy Point) only includes the Summary Data Sheet and the EU
      analysis Graphs to show how these data sheets are filled out for a single EU. The remaining data
      sheets will completed in the same way as for Example 1. Example 3 (Hampton-Seabrook)
      includes a base map showing some of the information that should be plotted on all base maps.
      Users of the Coastal Method may decide to plot additional information on the base maps for
      their towns.
E ~NOTE: The remaining pages in this Appendix are numbered as the Data Sheets
      appear in Appendix D.



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I
I LITTLE RIVER MARSH

I DATA SHEETS
            SUMMARY DATA SHEETS
I EU ANALYSIS GRAHS
I
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I




   EU #   I   ofMarsh System  LIï¿½ T*L-E  R  IVE 
     NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                   Function I

  a Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern US                  ECOLOGICAL INTEGRIY
                                                                  Part A


                   A                                   B                                  C                  D
               Evaluation                             Notes                           Evaluation         Functional
               Questions                                                               Criteria          Index (Fl)

   Part A:  Ecological Integrity of the Evaluation Unit
     Questions that may require field observation
     1A. Percent of the marsh plant       PHFA    ITES n  A0)                 a. < 5% dominated by           1.0
         community dominated by           %PCQ       LOOKS5- f                   invasive species
         invasive plant species.                                              b. 5% - 20% dominated          0 5
                                                                           ) > 20% dominated             (
     2A. Number of tidal restrictions.                                        a. no tidal restrictions       1.0
                                                                           3  one tidal restriction      (
                                                                            c. more than one tidal        0.1
                                                                               restriction
  3A. Type of tidal restriction.         3"        L cOLv.r.    UMDIE         a. no restriction              1.0
                                         PR.ow-rE  tA   I (074fi             b. flow through bridge         0.5
                                                                           ,,  appears adequate
          I|~ (~~~ AS7TF                               COAL- RJ               Q flow through bridge
                                         o f  ;                                 appears inadequate, or
                                                                               flow restricted by culvert
     4A. Ditching on surface of the      SonX   ;1CH I  4a. no ditching                                      1.0
         EU.                                                                 (  ditches present in linear 
                                        Z  Pe   g blU                           pattern
                   I|~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~c. ditches present in grid
                                                                               pattern                    0.1

I

I

I

I




        AVERA.GE: FUNCTIONALINDEX FOR  atAof FUNCONu m1 Average0of Column D   V -


                                                        D-2




EU #  Iof Marsh system L IT TLE ki VE                                                                            3  

NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                    Function 1
* Base map                                                     ECOLOGICAL INTEGRI1hI
* Map wheel/measurer
* 100 foot tape measure                                        Part.B
* Calculator3

             A                                    B                                 CD
         Evaluation                             Notes                           Evaluation          Functional 
         Questions                                                                Criteria          Index (l

Part B: Ecological Integrity of the Zone of Influence3
Questions that may require field observation

IlB. Dominant land-use in the  -RP.VkAL  U5ESI16WNIAL                    a. forested, fields, open water    1.0 5
    500 foot Zone of Influence   -  O~ky~kGJAL                              or similar open space
    surrounding the EU.        - .OT                                      agricultural or rural residen-   0.
                                        9-0 07~~~~~~~~ 1 A ~~~~~tial                                  D~
                                                                     Ocommercial, industrial, high   0.1
                                                                       density residential, or
                                                                       heavily used highways3

2B. Ratio of the number of            q3 6~.yN6a. < 0.l1bldg./acre                                       1.0
    occupied buildings (including                                         b. from 0. 1- 0.5 bldg./acre   0.5
    seasonal) within the EU and/      Qj >L~                             Q0. 5bldg./acre   CD
    or Zone of Influence to totalc           CEE
    area of EU.

3B. Percent of EU/upland border                                          a. more than 70%                1.0     3
    which has a buffer of wood-                                           b. from 30% -70%               0.5
    land or idle land 500 feet in                                        Qless than 30%Q                         *
    width.

4B. Square footage of roads,            13  '0 ,C  < 15(                                  600   sq.fetar .
    driveways, and parking lots                                           b.from 10-600 sq.    3
    Within 150 feet of EU.            IS I     LE6                          feet/acre-
                                                       CT A CA141Ec. > 6000 sq. feet/acre           0.1
















  AVERAGE FUNCTIONAL INDEX FOR Part B of FUNCTO  16  vrg  fCounD-0Z  36


                                                               D -  3~~~~~




3  EU #     of MarshSystem LlftL6   I VE2P
     NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                    Function 2
3 *Base map                                                          SHORELINE ANCHORING

I
                  A                                    B                                  C                   D
              Evaluation                              Notes                           Evaluation          Functional
               Questions                                                                 Criteria          Index (Fl)
   Questions that may not require field observation
     1. Type of marsh system of which                                         (  estuarine fringe marsh       1.)
       the EU is a part.                                                          estuarine meadow marsh      0.5
                                                                           c. coastal/back-barrier marsh    0.1

   Questions that may require field observation
     2. Wetland morphology.     No         SI4MS  O       e 6wOSIOu            a. no distinct bank evident    1.0
                                                                             between EU and upland or
                                                                             freshwater wetland
                                                                            distinct bank evident but 
                                                                              protected by vegetation
                  Ig~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~c. distinct bank evident and                                           0.1
                                                                              unprotected by vegetation

I






I




I






  AVERAE'         : Ft NCTON. AL IND  FR! FUN2-     O  2Average  o f olu mn iD i= 0


                                                       D-4



EU #  I ofMarshSystem LITTLE  RAV-i                                                                             5
NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                         Function 3a
 *Acreage grid                                     STORM SURGE PROTECTIONI
 *Base map


            A                                    B                                 C                  D
        Evaluation                             Notes                           Evaluation         Functional 
         Questions                                                               Criteria          Index (Fl)
Questions that may not require field observationI
1. Acreage of the EU.             IS't  ACW-E                ~>50 acres 
                                                                 c. <l10acres                  0.1
2. Type of marsh system of                                               a. coastal/back barrier marsh    1.0
  which the EU is a part.                                               b. estuarine meadow marsh     0.5      I
                                                                 Oestuarine fringe marsh(E












                                                                             SS~~~~
                           AVERGE.FUNMGNA  INDK  FR M MON:3-    f Clurn:I

                                                            D - 5~~~~~




I  EU# I of Marsh System L1Tb6 l VEa
    NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                                  Function 4
    ï¿½ Acreage grid
    ï¿½ Base map                                                                   WILDLIFE, FINFISH &
    o Map wheel                                                                  SHELLFISH HABITAT
    Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern US
    ï¿½ NWI map(s)
                   A                                        B                                     C                     D
              Evaluation                                 Notes                               Evaluation            Functional
               Questions                                                                        Criteria            Index (FI)

    Questions that may not require field observation
    1. Acreage of the EU.                                                             Record the Fl from Function  ,       O
                                                                                 3, question 1 (page D-5)


    2. Ecological Integrity of the EU.                                                Record the AF  for Part A of      0 .3 3
                                                                                 Function 1 (page D-2)

    3. Type of tidal restriction.                                                     Record the Fl from Function    Oï¿½ 
                                                                                 1, Part A, question 3A
    Questions that may require field observation                                      (page D-2)

    4. Diversity of habitat types.      OPENI 0AEe,  I41  ,MAP4N a. 7 - 9 types present                                  1.0
                                                 |AX  16LAN    UAILLO             (a. 4 - 6 types present             1.0
                                      g  U9'LAtF1b I6Lki~iDS1 ~tALL6L)             ï¿½4-6typespresent0
                                      IPAJ4N 65,   "I"HWATEI? SOuLFck    c. < 4 types present                         0.1

    5. Presence of submerged              QUS5T I O&I lOT   EVAWLUATE)  a. submergent vegetation                         1.0
       (aquatic bed) vegetation.          - WaZU4   flI               Of                 abundant
                                                                                 b. submergent vegetation          0.5
                                        VlEA Q. C$SP   IiC{i)                          present, but not abundant
                                                                                 c. no submergent vegetation       0.1
                                                                                    present

    6. Percent of EU edge bordered                                                    a. > 70%                           1.0
       by a buffer of woodland, idle                                                  b. from 30% - 70%                  0.5
       land, or agricultural land at                                                 0<  30%
       least 500 feet in width.

    7. Proximity to freshwater                                                           marsh system connected to
       wetlands.                                                                         a perennial stream or
                                                                                    freshwater wetland
                                                                                 b. marsh not connected to a    0.5
                                                                                    perennial stream, but
                                                                                    within 1/4 mile of fresh
                                                                                    water wetland
                                                                                 c. marsh not connected to       0.1
                                                                                    stream, and not within 1/4
                                                                                    mile of freshwater wetland




      -AVERAGE  UNCTIOAL INDE   OR FUNCTION il4= Averageof Column D= 0   50



                                                           D-6




EU # I  of Marsh System LI f fT L  IV 3R 
NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:   Function 5
* Base map                                       WATER QUALITY MAINTENANCE I
* Acreage grid

                                                                                                           I
             A                                     B                                  C                  D
         Evaluation                              Notes                           Evaluation          Functional
         Questions                                                                 Criteria          Index (Fl)

Questions that may not require field observation
1. Acreage of the EU.                                                      Record the FlIfrom Function 3,   ] 0
                                                                      question 1 (page D-5)
2. Number of tidal restrictions.                                           Record the FI from Function 1, 0, 5
                                                                      Part A, question 2A (page D-2)
3. Type of tidal restriction.                                              Record the FI from Function 1,   0. I
                                                                      Part A, question 3A (page D-2)







                                                                                                            I




                                                                                                            I











   AVERAGE FUNCTIONAL INDEX FORFUNCTI ON 5   Average of C                             0olumn D     .   .


                                                   D-7




I EU #  |  of Marsh System L1L6 ~-tVï¿½J

NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                           Function6

* NH Fish & Game shellfishing information                             RECREATION POTENTIAL
* Base map
* State listing of public access points


               AB                                                                                 C  D
          Evaluation                                    Notes                                Evaluation            Functional
           Questions                                                                           Criteria             Index (Fl)

Questions that may require field observation

1. Presence of shellfish beds.                                                       a. shellfish beds present and        1.0
                                                                                open for harvest
                                                                             b. shellfish beds present but        0.5
                                                                                currently closed for harvest
                                                                            3   no shellfish beds present 

2. Waterfowl hunting.        N-        O  -AV5    AC    S.-  5   -  FLIVAIl          a. EU accessible and currently       1.0
                                             ~~PUSof~~~r~~E5 RF QU  1used by hunters
                                                                             b. EU accessible, but no             0.5
                                 -[.~l'['flhIJ  SOO'   0[  V't..4')t                evidence of use
                                                                            (   EU not easily accessible, or    ()
                                                                                hunting not permitted

3. Opportunities for wildlife                                                        Record the AFll for Function 4      O.S,
  observation.                                                                      (page D-6)

4. Canoe and boat passage in or          l  1'TE R  V         .                      9  watercourses within EU at 
  adjacent to the EU.                                                                  least 10 feet wide and 1
                                                                                foot deep at high tide and
                                                                                free of obstructions, or EU
                                                                                adjacent to canoeable
                                                                                waterway
                                                                             b. watercourses within EU            0.5
                                                                                contain some exposed
                                                                                obstructions and/or shallow
                                                                                areas, and EU not adjacent
                                                                                to canoeable waterway
                                                                             c. watercourses too small,           0.1
                                                                                shallow, has obstructions,
                                                                                or non-existent, and EU
                                                                                not adjacent to canoeable
                                                                                waterway

5. Canoe and boat access.             AlCTE .5 A'  APME)O e                          a. access point within 1/2           1.0
                                              WAIffll)   BIT  NlO  pF4         ~ mile of EU by non-powered
                                                          PO),~[)Tt0[ 4.(Jkl4      boat
                                   C{,O (~  9) -"access point between 1/2- 00
                                                                                1 mile of EU by non-
                                                                                powered boat
                                                                             c. no access, or access point        0.1
                                                                                more than 1 mile




Continued on next page...
                                                       D-8




EU#  } of MarshSystem LIT'L'   IV6e                                                                                       I|

                                                             Function 6
                                                             RECREATION POTENTIAL
                                                             (continued)


              A                                       B                                     C                    D
         Evaluation                                 Notes                              Evaluation            Functional
          Questions                                                                      Criteria             Index (FI)


6. Off-road public parking.                                                     a. EU within 10 minutes of        1.0
                                                                             suitable parking area
                                                                          b. suitable parking more than     0.5
                                                                             10 minutes but less than 20
                                                                             minutes
                                                                         (Oparking not available within   Oï¿½ 
                                                                             20 minute walk of EU

7. Handicap accessibility.                                                      a. specially constructed          1.0
                                                                             handicap accessibility
                                                                          b. access via existing roads and   0.5
                                                                             trails
                                                                         .no handicap access

8. Presence of visitors center,                                                 a. visitors center and main-      1.0
   maintained trails, or board                                                     tained trails, and/or board-
   walks.                                                                          walks present
                                                                          b. maintained trails and/or       0.5
                                                                             boardwalks present, but no
                                                                             visitors center
                                                                         .Oneither a visitors center nor   (
                                                                             trails or boardwalks present



                                                                                                                  I














         AVERAGE FUtJNCTIONAL INDEX FR FUNCTION.6 =AverageofColumnn'D    0!



                                                      D-9




 I  EU#  I of MarshSystem LITr'LE6  IV E
     NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                                   Function 7
| * Field visit                                                                     AESTHETIC QUALITY











                                                                               Function 1 (page D-2)
I






     Eval2. Opport uni ties for wildlife                                                Record  theion                    Functional
            Quobs erva tions                                                                        Criteria             Index (Fl)D-6)

     Questions that may not require field observation





     3. Dominant visible land-use           - 1ROM1           IBX JfIALW               a. woodland, agricultural land, or    1.0
    I   surrounding the EU from                                                            similar open space
        primary viewing location(s).        - CO6MAr.IL  AL                              )rural residential                   0.5
                                         - C    U   O LT aF                       I A) commercial, industrial, trans-     0.1 
                                                   ~~-  >~.OLL~T6   I~ Aportation use, or high density
                                                                                  residential dominates the
                                                                                  visible area

    4. General appearance of the EU              INVA51VE  PLANT SPEOC ES    a. undisturbed and naturalwith                    1.0
        from primary viewing                                                               no visual detractors, natural
        location(s).                         -  IOUT   1 A                                plant communities
                                                                                  limited disturbance, minor
                     |3~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~visual detractors, and/or
                                                                                  invasive species present
                                                                               c. severe detractors and/or           0.1
                     |3~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~dominated by invasive species

      5. Noise level at primary viewing       T Af{'IC   O         L RCO(AT    IA    a. low: natural sounds predomi-           1.0
        locations).                                                                        nate
                                                                                  moderate: some traffic or         0
                                                                                  other noise audible
                                                                               c. loud: continuous traffic or        0.1
                     |U~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~other noise

      6. Odors present at primary                           anatural odors only 
    viewing location(s).                                                                 b. unnatural odors present at          0.5
                                                                                  certain times
                                                                               c. unnatural, unpleasant odors        0.1
                                                                                  distinct and fairly continuous



        AVERAG FUNM ONALINDEX ORFUNCTION 7  Aea -og :                         C: :D   0 - 



                                                           D- 10




EU#  I ofMarsh System LITTLE ROV                                                                                               I

NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                              Function 8
ï¿½ List of estuarine research reserves, nature
   preserves, and wildlife management areas from                         EDUCATION POTENTIALU
   local agencies
* Base map
* NWI map(s)

               A                                         B                                     C                     D
          Evaluation                                  Notes                               Evaluation            Functional
           Questions                                                                         Criteria            Index (Fl)

Questions that may not require field observation
1. Opportunity for wildlife                                                       AFI for Function 4 (page D-6)     O.S O
   observation.

2. Presence of visitors center,                                                   Record the Fl from Function 6,
   maintained trails, or board                                                    question 8 (page D9)
   walks.

Questions that may require field observation
3. Proximity of potential educa-       OPEN  W)A-ET        I  VIC1H               ) 3 or more habitat types
   tional site to other habitats.         'A     ,   D PLAh                          within a short walk of poten-
                                                                                   tial education site
                                      TSLABA5,   YA5LO M                        b. 2 habitat types within a short  0.5
                                       NANKIN51   I  EO.E 1$(3ATl'Z             c. walk of education site
                                                                                c. education site not within        1.0
                                       SOU, C-a      ([LIT-ET  e.VU)                short walk to other habitat
                                                                                   types

4. Off-road parking at educa-                                                     a. EU < 10 minute walk from         1.0
   tional site for school buses or                                                   suitable parking
   other vehicles. (carpools, vans                                                b. EU within 20 minute walk         0.5
   etc.)                                                                             from suitable parking
                                                                               c )parking not available within) 
                                                                                   20 minute walk of EU

5. Student safety.         IRO(A'    1 A                                             no known safety hazards          10       3
                                                                                   safety hazards present but
                                                                                   easily avoidable
                                                                                c. safety hazards present and       0.1
                                                                                    not easily avoidable

6. Handicap accessibility at                                                      a. specially constructed handi-     1.0
   potential educational site.                                                       cap access
                                                                               ) access via existing roads and
                                                                                    trails
                                                                                 c. no handicap access               0.1






   AVERAGEFUNCTIONAL INDEX FOR FUNClON8= Avera ge of ColumnD  iD                                    : 



                                                          D- 11





  EU#  I of MarshSystem LI LTT  ei VE k
  NEEDED FOR THIS EVALUATION:                                                       Function 9
  ï¿½ List of federal and state endangered and threatened species                     NOTEcrORTHINESS
  ï¿½ List of NHNHI exemplary communities
  ï¿½ Natural Register of Historic Places



                 A                                         B                                     C                     D
             Evaluation                                  Notes                               Evaluation            Functional
             Questions                                                                         Criteria            Index (FI)

  Questions that may not require field observation
  1. EU is habitat for a state or                                                   a. EU is currently habitat for a    1.0
     federally listed threatened or                                                     threatened or endangered
     endangered species.                                                                species
                                                                                  ()EU is not currently habitat
                                                                                    for threatened or endan-
                                                                                    gered species

  2. EU has significance because it                                                 a. EU contains feature(s) of        1.0
     has biological, geological or                                                      significance
     other features which are                                                      (D EU does not contain feature
     locally rare or unique, or is                                                      of significance
     listed as an exemplary
     community by NHNHI.

  3. EU is known to contain an                                                       a. EU is known site of histori-    1.0
     important historical or                                                            cal or archaeological
     archaeological site.                                                               significance
                                                                                Q(;no evidence of historical or     0
                                                                                    archaeological use

  4. Tidal marshes in an urban                                                       a. commercial, industrial,         1.0
     setting.                                                                           transportation use or high
                                                                                    density residential use
                                                                                    occupies >50% of area
                                                                                    within 1/4 mile of the
                                                                                    marsh
                                                                                 rural residential (>1 acre        ()
                                                                                    lots), agricultural, forestry or
                                                                                    similar open space

  5. EU used as long term research                                                  a. EU a site for long term          1.0
     site.                                                                              research
                                                                                (   EU not a site for long term
                                                                                    research







          .:D- ....... .... ..... ... . .   _.h.:
l    AVERAGE FNMIONAL INDEXFO R FUN'ON:9   SAverage-of Colum  D -  ï¿½



                                                          D- 12





     Section 6 - Description of Restoration Potential
                        DATA SHEETS

Question 1. Number and type of restrictions between EU and free tidal flow.5


E~k*    MA6 ONE LWTr-CITON  DED0)6CK~ IT ANbTh-  ATLANJTICI

OCC-AN  -  A  30(Lt"C-tV6e.T  UOCATWD  IN 1%IOM'A~' 
COMEN OF f TWC KAO~s UNDT,- P-( 1A. A b I'C-11 NA5 POEEN
IU 1-0 COKJ1~eCT late  CULJVEC TD 'ThE LITTLE I~ve 6p, 3W
OF,~I (l  AI OUrruET Of n   LIT)   UTW    RiVE4  NO  LDN46U, GY,1,615.3





Question 2. Percent of the EU dominated by invasive species.




1W61LAJ)   A600T  5oZ6 O~I CftEEk, ï¿½ItLL  W-PPZ~eT6  60uAC  -1IbAL
fWAPS14 PLANT6. I1I6 WAE ALWs COWJTrMN6 5-DA&6 FUSHopcr-95
Pumffj ft(,165 I1MJla7J)J LAIN)  ~PACTIK1A  FATEW(  AN)  115T1&HL16



Question 3a. Acreage of fill deposited on the marsh surface.


  IT A~kAf,5 THAI' APP66o02   IZDAb  QAA5 ~flIUT THUO~tfH 17l(C- 
  MfAAC7". TAJ5 P-0A1 Im30Cktb HAVE bGt-' WIL:1- ON PIUL ThAT
  CDMIU1Lreb  UP1AND 15LAw5 JIJ 'i-li  #mkp-i  to R..Our6 R#.I
  Tft6 Fbia  OLC..c095  Le-5  T~Akl )/ ACe-E OF V*1  EU..; HIOicE'A2,3
  IT UIA5 ~SV6WL. R-f-57-PCTEb TfML (1,0c.
                               D- 133




Description of Restoration Potential Data Sheets (continued)

Question 3b. Existing plant community located on fill.


 1TWE r116 15 A PAVED PDA) WITH A SIp44ue COLVEP-T CONJNECTIKI

  Iï¿½     T TD   GU  2.    - THEe   aS NO  PLAMN  COMMUNv IN    Pa h NM








 Question 3c. Presence of structures on the fill.


3  AO'PLEDo~-E ~A








 Question 4. Other causes of degradation.


  I TK2,e  15 C-TYMEMSIvE  ZJSI'BENTIAL, ;-@VELofVWEIKJT ANID  .OAb5

  6UkOLLt1NN4 1-t Gtk, 1MII6 MAY 36 APO(-T`1KI(4-rff- QOAUTh

   Of CUKIOF~   PO-CM TK'r-- ULAk~b  W11-b 'THE  etk









                                D D-14





                   MARSH SYSTEM  L ITTU   eIV El 

          EVALUATION UNIT #                   OF      3

                    SIZE OF EU      Isq          acres

   PERCENTAGE OF SYSTEM THAT EU REPRESENTS                16.2 2

   STATUS OF EU (check one)       TIDAL__        FORMERLY TIDAL



     Function                                         Averaqe Functional Index
                                                            (AFI)

   1A. Ecological Integrity of EU                              0.30
   lB. Ecological Integrity of Zone of Influence               0 .34
   2.  Shoreline Anchoring                                     0--15
   3.  Storm Surge Protection                                  0 .55
   4. Wildlife, Finfish & Shellfish Habitat                    0 .50
   5. Water Quality Maintenance                                 0.53                 I
   6. Recreation Potential                                      0. St
   7.  Aesthetic Quality                                        0. 5I
   8. Education Potential                                       0. US
   9. Noteworthiness                                            0. lo



                               SUMMARY
THIS  rEl  15 &kVUQ.EV h&PA-AE3.   TWK  0061JINAL OLATLET Of  ThE
LJTTkLE VJV      HA'b QSfEN BLOGY-4Lb, AKlb THE  0NLM  wNNECTIOV TO
T rr  OC(-AAJ 15 k 6 GVLNVEeT U MWE 0  "-OU T IA.  I116 WCia-TvE   D Oc5
JOf kL0iQ  ftp  AYCQUAï¿½E TJbAL F1Ut'1-fII(4.  RIi 'TlMk5 OC  CA'YQ3
twumo(f-  Pzorv  fU  UPLe Ab, TRI-S E(A  1$  ACA/  fiobi) 6Y
FW11oWAnEP.   MANN'  ~UA3W            f PLAKJT SPECOE5 AE4  FtaEK1ET
IM 1H165 C-t  AMJD klAO  ,, L4V.fLN  LWlLA- LPATlKUE lb 6PUEAI  U,4L6S 5
Do"      9 Q1AN(65 AlE  KAAiE IM T1fE  TIDAL  U-5-rf-ICTJON.











                                  D-15





                  MARSH SYSTEM  LIï¿½ï¿½LE  PO VE 

         EVALUATION UNIT #-                   OF      3

                   SIZE OF EU       38           acres

  PERCENTAGE OF SYSTEM THAT EU REPRESENTS    12.2?

  STATUS OF EU (check one)       TIDAL X        FORMERLY TIDAL



    Function                                         Averacie Functional Index
                                                          (AFI)

  1A. Ecological Integrity of EU                               0.20
  lB. Ecological Integrity of Zone of Influence                0.2-t
  2. Shoreline Anchoring                                       0.21
  3.  Storm Surge Protection                                   0. 35
  4. Wildlife, Finfish & Shellfish Habitat                     0.53
  5. Water Quality Maintenance                                 0.33
  6. Recreation Potential                                      0.41$
  7.  Aesthetic Quality                                        0. bo
  8. Education Potential                                       0. 42
  9. Noteworthiness                                             0.10



                              SUMMARY
TH15 C-V I DIM.IKJATED 6Y  PUQP-6  L00O3TE5790    AMJN jPKM.AtMITE5.
If 15  *VWe.E1LY  b'ECA-64   ),  AN)  fltf AMWOUNT 0   TI7~Ak  ()ATEkR
U.6AC(,Nfj4  lif  Ev  ft.AYT 95  IJCIetAcf1) o ï¿½0     JGfA-E 1-1'
BC  .AZATION-  'Tft  OPCI4I(AI           0VrLC-T  O~ TME LT1XTL  EW'ER
YMU051 HAVE  h-OWE-6Tb THe-OkkGjj -h15 Et.   Ptio-hM'iN,  IT'TLe TIDA-
WAATE(LK K6ACUIS 'TM   M.    .O VLwA.r        I IA5, tEN T~tE e    15 ftOORDO
8I B'   "  WAIet  klui1  5f'e-4NC4.   WH1DOT  OtEN:5 A  TE lbeA9-1
CRtAKINJL fb nt%  Oc~a,   (-1     o  1-K  660  C-Lk VEU  UNbKP- "UTL-r 1A
37ID AIM TK  Oj)tATA-S.

ITAI T   CLAL N0915  WK    1v~k M A"'A.     ATTENIDOW







                                 D- 15





                      MARSH SYSTEM LPf1 -. .IVER                                             I

            EVALUATION UNIT #            3          OF        3

                       SIZE OF EU        11 .3         acres

     PERCENTAGE OF SYSTEM THAT EU REPRESENTS 5.                                               I  ,

     STATUS OF EU (check one)         TIDAL_           FORMERLY TIDAL  X



       Function                                             Averaae Functional Index
                                                                    (AFI)

    1A. Ecological Integrity of EU                                   N A
    1B. Ecological Integrity of Zone of Influence
    2.  Shoreline Anchoring
    3. Storm Surge Protection
    4.  Wildlife, Finfish & Shellfish Habitat
    5.  Water Quality Maintenance
    6.  Recreation Potential
    7.  Aesthetic Quality
    8.  Education Potential                                                                   I
    9.  Noteworthiness                                                 V



                                    SUMMARY
AVTHOUMM  THtaE  A QW CML-VE6A5 COlMK!CTIl1  TI5  ,k lb E(kL2,
IT CAl  M0o LOI4EC-L  6e   CoN)MhE2.]) A  l1' )AL  VItA'"   - i.e.  If 135
,CMER0   TIDbAL.   It'   CULvGvT PROVlr'5  fPo- fi64VH4AIEC
)tLArnAeM  OUF  oT           a' GUL.

ThV  @A  15 'oVA&IATh e       ' 6N   f LOA1TEL SWtOAVWP 'WV(CA5,  W(ACA AS













                                        D- 15





                              EU ANALYSIS GRAPHS

MARSH SYSTEM LITTLE etVE.R TOTAL AREA   20q  AC.E5

NUMBER OF EUs 3


             ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY                     ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
                     OF EU                           OF ZONE OF INFLUENCE
      1.0                                       1.0
     AO.8                                     A 0.8
     F F06                                    F 0.6
     I                    I              0 .'
       II0 lllllllll   llllllla1  111111  asll 
                   AREA OF EU*                               AREA OF EU*
             (as percentage of marsh system)           (as percentage of marsh system)


            SHORELINE ANCHORING                     STORM SURGE PROTECTION


      1.0                                       1.0

       F0.                                                      li2llql 111111  ... .
     F 0...                                      0.62



                    AREA OF EU*                               AREA OF EU *
              (as percentage of marsh system)           (as percentage of marsh system)



                WILDLIFE, FINFISH                        GRAPH LEGEND
                 AND SHELLFISH
                    HABITAT
       1.0

     A0.8
     F 0.6
     I 04

       0.2
                    AREA OF EU *
             (as percentage of marsh system)
                                             *NOTE: Each dash on the horizontal axis
                                             represents 5% of the marsh system





                                        D- 16





                            EU  ANALYSIS GRAPHS cont.

MARSH SYSTEM LIflIL  IEVRï¿½ TOTALAREA 20q ACD5S

NUMBER OF EUs 3


         WATER QUALITY MAINTAINANCE                   RECREATION POTENTIAL

       1.0                                       1.0
    A 0.8                                    A  0.8





                     0                           0             AREA OF EU*
             (as percentage of marsh system)           (as percentage of marsh system)


              AESTHETIC QUALITY                       EDUCATION POTENTIAL


      1.0                                       1.0

    A 0.8                                     A 0.8
    F 0.6                                     F 0.6


       0.2                                       0.2
                    AREA OF EU*                                AREA OF EU 
            (as percentage of marsh system)           (as percentage of marsh system)


                NOTEWORTHINESS                            GRAPH LEGEND

       1.0
       A.'8
     A
     F 0.6
     I 0.4
       0.2
                    AREA OF EU *
              (as percentage of marsh system)

                                                *NOTE: Each dash on the horizontal
                                                axis represents 5% of the marsh system






                                          D- 17




                              MARSH SYSTEM DATA SHEET

        It is not necessary to complete the marsh system data sheet for those systems
                                   that have a single EU

      MARSHSYSTEM LIfThL    I VE .                        NUMBEROFEUs   3

                                                             Management Option
                EU Number                Size in acres               Chosen
                                                                   Chosen
I                    I                        ISI                        D
                   2                         3~                        l
                   3                          II.'7        -O ï¿½FLE(,L TIbAL















     BestEducation Site/sinMarsh System  NO  SU!fA6LE  GbOCATIO1   S1TES

     Best Recreation Site/s in Marsh System LI'ffLk  QIVlER (MauT  ,I41cULT ACCES$)
     Public AccessPoints In orAdjacenttotheMarsh System  CANO  0(f  A PPL -O- S
     Lonb,  W-1 vo  FA^Q jIkj   CuO      fl 6Y.

     Noteworthy Feature(s) NO Mr







                                          D- 18



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I
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a

I SANDY POINT MARSH

I SUMMARY DATA SHEET
I EU ANALYSIS GRAPHS

I
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I                            MARSH SYSTEM  6AMMbY POINT

                   EVALUATION UNIT #         I        OF

                             SIZE OF EU     32.4         acres

             PERCENTAGE OF SYSTEM THAT EU REPRESENTS   J00 ?1

             STATUS OF EU (check one)      TIDAL-X       FORMERLY TIDAL



               Function                                      AveraQe Functional Index
                                                                  (AF)

            lA. Ecological Integrity of EU                           0. 5
            lB. Ecological Integrity of Zone of Influence             I  0
            2. Shoreline Anchoring                                    0. b6
            3. Storm Surge Protection                                 0-bb
            4. Wildlife, Finfish & Shellfish Habitat                  0.bts
            5. Water Quality Maintenance                              0.53
            6. Recreation Potential                                   0.12
            7. Aesthetic Quality                                      0.lis
1            8S Education Potential                                     0.'9Li.
            9. Noteworthiness                                          0.10



                                       SUMMARY
          THS UoCATIOM  0& TH15 N'AMfAtf OK Tit6 SOUWTKM  END  Of C6UAT
          IAY EX)OSE5 THI5 r'AAA N 1b -r~ fr-E   CA1L,1N4' WI3D.  CON S-6iQUENï¿½LV
          A TrCEvWED"nS AYWcX'r OP TIBAUTreCA"  6E&06 UP IM ")MIS MA12"-A.
          EVEN 1HOU4[i OM M1AAMi  LECEIb A 1.0 1bf  ~MLJUIoN 1I, TM-6
          1rEVUL0P*,Jk   r O u N AN6M     OAKX-5 COWZ  tE AWCTEL-1J4 TKE
          QuAW14~ Of T)tl  Wk-tiWATEIL DCASINA46 )KII-D TW-- MA01i..
          THl1  AkAP-IrH  iS LoCATED ON 04t   SitE O  ï¿½VtE SAKIDY P01kIT
          V1b11TDet  CC-KTEP- AT -ThG  C16NECR AMIb 15 AN  ll'1t-AhjT
          3  tCATIoN AO      IEC"ACL71       TE  Tf11 -GEVTM W VAU Of  6vIC- o(
          -T"ClEï¿½IDAUL TEAWN WAO)t GNKHAKC; I )* irAt-5-rRTIC  )UALrPI Of








3                                           D-15





                                 EU ANALYSIS GRAPHS

MARSH SYSTEM 6AW[])  P01NT TOTAL AREA   32  ï¿½  AC/l4

NUMBER OF EUs I


              ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY                         ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
                       OF EU                               OF ZONE OF INFLUENCE
       1.0                                           1.0
     AO.8                                          A 0.8
     F 06                                          F 0.6
                 ~~I WiF_~.~~ I ~0.4
       0.2                                           0.2
                     AREA OF EU *                                   AREA OF EU*
              (as percentage of marsh system)                (as percentage of marsh system)


              SHORELINE ANCHORING                         STORM SURGE PROTECTION


       1.0                                           1.0
      A 08                                          A 0.8
     A0                                            A
     F 0.6                                         F 0.6
      01                      0.4                   I 0.4

        0.2                                           0.2
                      AREA OF EU *                                  AREA OF EU *
               (as percentage of marsh system)                (as percentage of marsh system)



                 WILDLIFE, FINFISH                             GRAPH LEGEND
                  AND SHELLFISH
                      HABITAT
       1.0
      A0.8
     Ao8 
     F 0.6
       I 0.4

        0.2
                      AREA OF EU*
               (as percentage of marsh system)
                                                 *NOTE: Each dash on the horizontal axis
                                                 represents 5% of the marsh system





                                            D- 16





                              EU ANALYSIS GRAPHS cont.

MARSH SYSTEM SANlIV PO kIT   TOTAL AREA   32. 4I ACIES

NUMBER OF EUs  I


          WATER QUALITY MAINTAINANCE                         RECREATION POTENTIAL

       1                                               1.0 1.0
     A o.8
     A_                                             A.
     F 0.6                                          F  0.6
     I 0.4                                          I  0.4
       0.2                                             0.2

                      AREA OF EU*                                      AREA OF EU*
              (as percentage of marsh system)                  (as percentage of marsh system)


               AESTHETIC QUALITY                             EDUCATION POTENTIAL


       1.0                                             1.0

     A0.8                                            A o.8
     F 0.6                                           F 0.6
     I 0.4                                           I 0.4
       0.2                                     .       0.2
                     AREA OF EU*                                      AREA OF EU*
             (as percentage of marsh system)                 (as percentage of marsh system)


                 NOTEWORTHINESS                                  GRAPH LEGEND

       1.0

     A 0.8
     F 0.6
     I 0.4
       0.2

                     AREA OF EU*
              (as percentage of marsh system)

                                                   *NOTE: Each dash on the horizontal
                                                   axis represents 5% of the marsh system






                                            D- 17



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   I ~~~~HAMPTON-SEABROOK MARSH

    I ~~~~~EU BASE MA
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     Do~ Io Scan






   RepreD-Insert Do Not'Scan
        Document Here

Document ID:9   ~A~~



Page #:



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I            Appendix J
I PHOTOGRAPHIC EXAMPLES OF SOME
I       TIDAL MARSH FEATURES
I
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                                Photol                                                                                                    PhOtO2
   This is the bridge under Rt. IA on the northern side of Rye Harbor. This bridge at the mouth of Berry Brook in Rye is similar to the bridge at
The restriction of flow associated with this bridge has not reduced the Rye Harbor. The pilings in the water under the bridge create turbulence that
flow in this channel enough to affect the tidal marsh plant community. affects the flow through the bridge, but the reduction of flow associated with
However, Rt. IA is built across the marsh and does have an effect on the this bridge has not had a significant effect on the integrity of the marsh.
amount of water reaching the marsh at high tide. This bridge should also receive a 0.5 for Function 1, Part A, question 3.
   This type of restriction should be considered " b. flow through bridge
adequate" and receive a 0.5 for Function 1, Part A, question 3.









                                                ,tied                              SW~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                             NOW,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~







                                     Pho~~~to   3 ht 
        Brde uhasti n ve asn reko alsRodi y er saohr xml fabrdeta s neszdfo h hne
              ca sveel afet hehelt o te arh ecus teyafec te t rose, reenin fowacos te urac o te arh t ig tde
                                 amuto   idlfo  hruhtechne swela rvetn h fo hsbrdei octdo t.I utsot fRe abr hi  soeo
         oftdl aes costh ufaeo hemrh thghtd.Th rdgasriso rsrciostataeafetn tesutenprto f h y
    an ebi oletd nte ae aon tebide avetrce f l o H abo m ase.

                             ifwtr  nt  ndotoftemrs  oscha xtn ht h utr xst hsbrdeshudasorciv  creo .I                           o   unto    , atA
                            ene  f  h tda arh stheaeed Avsi t ti mrs urngsrig uston3





 margssuh fro thisoe ovrParsons Creek onwallsRati  yere saohed becompe o    rdetas undrapped fon the up-ne
cnstvrelyamfc side helhof the maridehsh bcauses cheyangc  h                  irses, prvninglwars the sufceothe malrshptehghtides

amoun  opposite efecwthogte channbel asween atsprevning thiglo                hi  bridge whloaedn RtidalAjs southfReHabr.hsisoef
be idal waesarshel suback by thi ash thg  ie  h  bridge,                     d eisof netitontht areaffctin the suppern sections of theiRy
 Th dbis tyeofllesrctedion shewtraould the conidgeaerestitd flow    tharboug mbridges
iwappears intoandequate oftemrs  flow scanettththefureexstTibricted byhoulvet also receive a scor of0. forFucinPatA
Function the Pia  arsisthetnd Avstt  hsmrs uigsrn                           question 3.
                 runoff ill demnstrat  the prblem.  he freswater unning nto-th















      --~~~~~~~ ~ht --     Pht 6--                                                                        ----

                                   Cuvrs r salytemotrsritv f h ypso esrcin uvrs uha ti nelctd nMrh odi Rea henrh

fon.ntdlmrhs    Mn    ie    h    uvrsuha  hsoelctd r n fteProsCre.as.etitfowt uha xetta
   une    rvt  rvwy av  lwcpct uhls ta hto h h eln o h ontemsd a o ogrb osdrdtdl
                             stem  u n i g t rog                                 te.Cuvrt reas ascitdwihprbes raswthsc svrersriton n lwar sulydoiatdb
     described~ in                 Pht      n   a  eascae ihtesra fa naie ivsv pce. Whnivetrin elands  s u h a &hsoe aeu
      plant~ sp                                                  c e i t hmas. cosdrto hudb ie owehro o h rai tl ucin
                       Cuvrt hul e npctdtoseifaytyeofmcans hsig satia mrhan    ncue   i   h   eauainorwete hewt






   Culersren installed the controestridalv fow throg typeso rsictoCulverts such as athisdoe goate. land MashRould be looed at the anormrytidlmrh.


  Thstpeodestrictdion shotoulad cnbe consoidered withlo therspreadrofganIinvasive invasivesspecies.aWheninventoryingtwetlandsrschiasethisconeocarefu


 appears inadequate or flow restricted by culvert" and receive a 0.1I for        for Function 1, Part A, question 3.
 Function 1, Part A, question 3.







                                                                      J -3
























                     Photo 7 Photo 8
               Estuarine Fringe Marsh Estuarine Meadow Marsh
                Adams Point in Durham Johnsons Creek in Durham

ï¿½ linear in shape - located along tributary to Oyster River, protected somewhat from wind
ï¿½ provides protection to eroding upland bank and waves
ï¿½ dominated by low marsh, saltwater cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)   doiaebyhgmrsalhygas(Srtnptn)
            ï¿½    generally    no   high   marsh -~~~~~ some low marsh present along creek edge (may not always be present)
            ï¿½   located   along  shore  of  Great Bay -ï¿½ develops distinct bank between open water and the marsh
ï¿½ exposed to winds and waves in Furbet Strait
ï¿½ gently grades from open water to upland







                                                J3-4























                                Photo 9                                                                    Photo 10
                    Coastal/Back-barrierMarsh                                                          Com mon reed
                      Hampton-Seabrook Marsh                                                        Phragmites australis

* adjacent to Atlantic Ocean with direct access to seawater                * 6 - 14 feet high
ï¿½ dominated by high marsh, salt hay grass (Spartina patens)                * long, flat, tapering leaves
ï¿½ usually a system of tidal creeks and channels present         ï¿½            round, hollow erect stems
ï¿½ can be quite large                                                       * feathery flower head, purplish to brown in color










                                                                      ,1-5





































                    Photo 11 Photo 12
                Common cattail Narrow-leaved cattail
                  Typha latifolia Typha angustifolia

            5   -   9   f e e t              tall    -~~~~~~~~~~~~~ up to 6 feet tall
,simple, entire, elongate, linear, basal leaves up to I inch wide ï¿½ simple, entire, elongate, linear, basal leaves 1/5-1/2 inch wide
,no separation of male and female flower ï¿½ male flower separate and above female flower
                                                ï¿½ can be confused with common cattail (see photo I11)

























                               Photo 13
                         Purple loosestrife
                          Lythrum salicaria

ï¿½ 2 - 4 feet high
* stems angled and almost woody
* simple, entire, lance-shaped leaves
ï¿½ purple five-six petaled flower borne on spikelike inflorescences











                                                                      J -7