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A Planning Tool for Maine Communities G-*@'A a ura esources IL-,S.LAL2- INFORMATION C A WWI, 1,0 jilrO I R HANDBOOK 936 .N37 1979 ops it-TMRI "I Natural Resources A Planning Tool for Maine Communities NOIS318VHD 41)N3AV N',),SgOH HIpOS VCEe 8 -3 1 1@ g,., .@ 3JIA@3s IVISVOO '1()N JO itIMAYdM Property of CSC Library Prepared By The Maine Association of Conservation Commissions July 1987 @NDBOO 5L C" V) C= Dedication This handbook is dedicated to Sterling "Tad" Dow, III, the first Executive Director of the Maine Association of Conservation Commissions. Tad was one of the founders of MACC and the first president. During the nine years he served as Executive Director, Tad helped to establish over 200 conservation commissions in communities from Kittery to Caribou. Acknowledgements Preface- This handbook was written by the consulting In 1975, the Maine Association of Conservation firm of Maine Tomorrow under contract with the Commissions (MACC) and the University of Maine at Maine Association of Conservation Commissions. Portland-Gorham prepared a manual entitied "Now to The author was Gwendolyn R. Hilton, who served as Make a Natural Resources Inventory". Following Staff Director for MACC. publication of this manual, MACC conducted a series of training sessions around the state. The The author gratefully acknowledges the sessions provided the opportunity to distribute assistance of Brian Kent for his editorial the manuals and to instruct conservation comments and advice on layout and design; Jean commissions, local officials and interested Oplinger for doing the layout and map work, and citizens on how to prepare the inventories. The the support staff of Maine Tomorrow for their manual and training sessions were well received patience in typing the handbook drafts. The and more than fifty commissions prepared natural author would also like to thank: Josie Quintrell resource inventories. and Hal Kimball of the State Planning Office, the New Hampshire Office of Comprehensive Planning for This handbook is'a follow-up to the first their permission to use maps and graphics from handbook. It has been updated and revised to their publication "The Land Book", Jim Connors and reflect the availability of new sources of everyone else who gave advice on the production of information and current planning needs. this handbook. Financial assistance for the preparation of this document was provided by a grant from Maine's Coastal Program, through funding provided by U.S. Department of Conmerce, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended. Cover Photograph by Hal Kimball a eo ontents TABLE OF CONTENTS III. NAPPING 9 What Is Mapping? 9 I. INTRODUCTION 1 Why Is It Important? 9 Map Measurements 9 What Are Natural Resources? 1 Types of Maps 10 Why Are They Important? 1 Mapping Natural Resources 14 What Is a Natural Resources Inventory? 1 Using Aerial Photography 18 What Is the Purpose of a Natural Computer Mapping 21 Resource Inventory? 3 Sources of Information 22 Using This Handbook 3 How This Handbook Is Organized 3 Examples of Natural Resources IV. THE NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY 23 Inventories 4 Introduction 23 Topography 23 II. CONDUCTING THE INVENTORY: THE PROCESS 6 Soils 29 Water Resources 38 Determine What You Wish to Accomplish 6 Vegetation 48 Who Is Going to Conduct the Inventory? 6 Special Natural Features 53 Find Out What Help is Available? 7 Develop a Work Plan 7 Gather All Existing Information 7 V. SUMMARIZING THE INVENTORY: THE nT- 58 Inform and Educate the Public 8 URAL RESOURCES SUN MAR Y ANALYSIS MAP What Is a Summary Analysis Map? 58 Why Is It Important? 58 T bl fC What Information Should Be Mapped? 58 TABLE Or CONTENTS (Continued) How Should the Information Be Mapped? 59 VIII. USING THE INVENTORY RESULTS' 70 Narrative 60 Comprehensive Planning 70 Regulatory Approaches to Planning 73 VI. LAND USE INVENTORY 62 Non-regulatory-Approaches to Planning 75 Sources of Information 76 What Is a Land Use Inventory? 62 Why Is It Important? 62 Inventorying Land Use 62 APPENDIX 1 Sources of Information 65 Public and Private Agencies 78 V11. EVALUATING THE INVENTORY RESULTS: 66 APPENDIX 2 LAND USE REVIEW NAP Annotated Bibliography 83 What Is a Land Use Review Map? 66 Existing Problem Areas 67 APPENDIX 3 Areas That Should Be Preserved in 67 Municipal Ordinances with Natural 86 Natural State Resource Provisions Areas That Require Special Treatment 67 Combining the Maps to Make a Land Use 67 Review Map APPENDIX 4 Narrative 68 Legal Brief on Application Fees 88 Introducti*on Every community needs to know and understand grow food and fiber. Wildlife is also a natural its assets; to protect, conserve and/or capitalize resource. Conservation of these resources is on them. This handbook explains how a community necessary to assure our continued well-being. can do this by inventorying their natural re- sources. Once a natural resources inventory is completed, it can be used to better understand Why Are They natural systems and their limitations and oppor- tunities for human use. t? The natural resources inventory is only one Importan part of a community's effort to plan and manage growth. Comprehensive community planning must It is important to understand the environment consider such things as local politics, land use, so as to adequately and appropriate manage the population characteristics and municipal services. earth's resources. The natural resources inven- tory is a tool that can be used to better under- stand the environment and to make more enlightened decisions on how best to manage natural resources What Are Natural for the long term. Resources? What Is a Natural Air, land, water and vegetation are natural resources. These resources are an essential part Resources Inventory? of the earth's natural system. All living things depend on these resources. Without these The Product - The natural resources inventory resources, life would not exist. is a compilation in map and written form, of the The quality of the natural resources is impor- natural resource characteristics of an area. The tant to the maintenance of a healthy environment. maps visually display the location and extent of Clean water and air are essential to the well each natural resource. These maps show the gen- being of man and wildlife. Deep, fertile soils, eral characteristics of each resource and are unexposed to excessive erosion, are necessary to suitable for community-wide planning. However, they are not accurate enough for site analysis. In many cases the information has already been The written narrative accompanying each map collected and it is just a matter of updating it further describes the characteristics of the re- and/or putting it into a useable form. Sometimes source. Figures, tables and graphs may be used to the information is generalized and must be refined more clearly and concisely describe these charac- by on-site investigations. In other cases it may teristics. be necessary to gather first-hand information through field surveys within the community. In Another product of the inventory can be a sin- some instances, however, the information must be gle natural resource summary analysis map which gathered and analyzed by a professional. A good displays only the most pertinent natural resource example of this is the hydrologic investigations information on a single map. This map can then be that may be necessary to complete an adequate used in conjunction with an existing land use map ground water inventory. for future land use planning purposes. Inventorying natural resource as a part of The Process - The process-of inventorying community planning, is a continuous process. New natural resources involves the accumulation of needs, new problems, new opportunities and new data available about the resource and the display information are constantly arising. The natural of that data in as useful a form as possible. resources inventory should be updated periodically to reflect these changes. What Is the Purpose of an Inventory .9 The Watural Resources Inventory has many recognized benefits: 1. It provides a sound basis for town planning and the establishment of ordinances and other land use management techniques. Using This Handbook 2. It will identify areas sensitive to some This Handbook is designed to help anyone in- types of development as well as identify terested in gathering information on natural re- areas best suited for various land uses. sources in their community. The Handbook provides a step-by-step procedure for completing a natural 3. It shows where problems and opportunities resources inventory, a land use inventory, and are, and permits alternatives to be sug- then explains how to use this information. While gested which will result in better land the Handbook provides information on the complete use. process, it may also be used for special projects where only one or several resources must be inven- 4. It can be used to educate landowners and toried. the general public, thereby resulting in improved land use. How This Handbook 5. It involves local people in a common cause Is Organized which increases commitment for a better community environment. Chapter I consists of the Introduction. Chap- ter II provides information on how to organize an 6. It is an educational tool; it permits young inventory project, where to go for help, and how people, new residents, and old timers to to develop a workplan. Maps and mapping are ex- learn more about their community and its plained in Chapter III. Chapter IV describes each surroundings. natural resource and explains how to collect available data, prepare maps and write an accom- 7. It helps to build appreciation of the Town. panying narrative. 3 Examples of Natural .Resource@. Inventories Chapter V explains how to analyze the inven- 0 tory information by preparing a natural resources summary analysis map, a map which displays the most pertinent information that has been col- lected. Chapter VI discusses how to make a land use inventory -- an inventory of man's development activities. This chapter is not really a part of a natural resources inventory, per se, but is included to show how the natural resources inven- tory can be used in land use planning. Chapter VII explains how to combine the land use inventory map with the natural resources summary analysis map for planning purposes. Chapter VIII, Using The Inventory Results, N discusses briefly how the natural resources inventory and land use information is used for comprehensive planning and the administration of land use ordinances. CCWER TYPES The Appendices list sources of info.rmation and technical assistance, an annotated bibliog- El raphy, listing of municipal ordinances with resource protection provisions and a legal brief on ordinance application fees. map No. 28 ISLE AU HAUT Haskell Associates ft-l" Ill LUqjD ." . C_. @__Interim Comprehensive Plan WATER WEST BATH RESOURCES ..... . . 11AT. GENERAL SOILS C - ALLUVIAL SOILS G -II T-1 LACUSTRINE SOILS op ... TO. -1, -"- GLACIAL TILLS SB SB2 LEGEND Surface Water Bo d Watershed I"ou Direction of Fl, Wetlands State Wate Classification Treated Waste Discharges SBI Cape Elizabeth 11. Conducti*ng The Invento The Process The Natural Resources Inventory process is Depending on the focus of the effort, the designed to provide a systematic procedure for community may want to emphasize certain components collecting and interpreting the best available of the inventory. For example, if there is inter- natural resource and land use information. This est in preserving farmland the emphasis should be procedure involves planning: establishing goals on the inventory of soils; if there is concern and objectives, setting priorities, organizing about water supply the focus should be on surface V -_ V @ - - pr i n_ gV . people to do the work, etting assistance, -A m"^und water map developing a feasible workplan and following through. Who Is Going Determine What You to Conduct the Wish to Accomplish Inventory? Ideally, a governmental entity should be Prior to conducting the inventory, determine involved in conducting the inventory, particularly what is to be accomplished. If the community is if it is to be a part of the community's planning in the process of drafting a comprehensive plan efforts. The municipal officers (selectmen or for the first time, a town-wide inventory of all council), and planning board should be key natural resources may be appropriate. If the town participants if the information is to be used for is updating a comprehensive plan or working on a community planning. The planning board, since it specific project, an inventory of only certain is charged with developing comprehensive plans and resources may be necessary. reviewing development proposals might conduct the inventory. Some towns have town planners who might be assigned the task of inventorying natural resources. 6 Town conservation commissions have tradition- ally undertaken such efforts, and are often able Develop a Work Plan to do so where planning boards are very busy. Some communities might choose to appoint a special committee to conduct the inventory. Still other Once you have determined what you wish to communities might opt to hire a consultant. accomplish and who is going to be involved, As with any planning effort it is very import- develop a schedule for completing each element of ant that community decision-makers (selectmen, @hc `nventory and decide who is going to do what. council, planning board, conservation commission, Take advantage of any special abilities or exper- etc.) are aware of the inventory effort and given tise of those people involved. Retired profes- an opportunity to provide input. sionals are often a very valuable source of exper- tise. Begin, by inventorying the natural resources Find Out What that are most important. Don't try to tackle too much at one time. Conducting an entire natural Help Is Available resources inventory is a time-consuming and lengthy process, particularly for volunteer boards There are many sources of information and and citizens. Good organization sets a reasonable technical assistance available to help a community work plan and time frame that doesn't overtax and in performing a natural resources inventory. As a discourage participants. Spread out the work first step the town should contact its regional between a reasonable number of volunteers and set planning commission, council of governments or the target dates for completion. Maine Association of Conservation Commissions (these organizations provide assistance to member communities and, in some cases, to non-member com- Gather All Existing munities on a fee basis). These organizations may be able to provide some of the resource materials listed in this handbook, give assistance in com- Information pleting the inventory, and provide the names of contact persons to obtain other information. This handbook lists information sources in Chapter IV, the Natural Resources Inventory and in the Appendix. Since, at the very least, there should be a It might also be possible to obtain help in file of all the information and maps presently available, this should be done first. This is conducting the inventory through a nearby college just in case it is not possible to complete the or university (i.e. classroom projects, independ- inventory or the information is needed before the ent studies, student interns, or work study pro- inventory is completed. grams). The County Cooperative Extension Service and county offices of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service may also be able to provide assistance. 7 SAMPLE WORKPLAN Inform and Educate COMPLETION INVMITORT KWOMMT (s) VORK TASK ASSIGNMENTS DATE the Public All Elements (Gather data from (names of Jan. 31 Topography secondary sources) individuals watir Resources conducting Soi a inventory) Vegetation Natural Features Land Use Informing and educating the public about your Topography Gather any field Feb. 28 project is very important for several reasons. If data; draft map; the public understands the purpose of the project write narrative and what is involved they are more,likely to Water Resources Gather any field Mar. 31 approve it if it is to be voted upon at town data; draft map; meeting. Thismould be the case if the natural write narrative resources inventory was to be part of a compre- Soils Gather any field Apr. 30 data; draft map; hensive plan which must be voted upon by the write narrative legislative.body (i.e. town meeting or council). Vegetation Gather any field May 31 data; draf@ map; Publicity will serve to increase community write narrative appreciation, pride and knowledge on environmental Natural Features Gather any field, Jun. 30 issues. Knowledge and understanding about natural data; draft map; write narrative resources should encourage more responsible use of Summary Analysis Determine what to Aug. 31 natural resources. Publicity may also help to map; draft map; gather volunteers! write narrative Land Use Draft map; write Oct. 31 Publicity can consist of newspaper articles, narrative letters to the editor, television and radio Land Use Review Determine what to map; Dec. 31 coverage, speaking engagements, special mailin s draft map; write narrative sending notes home with school kids, or any other way of telling people about the project. 111. Mapping The accuracy of the map as a representation What Is Mapping? of, the earth's surface depends on its scale and the degree of detail to be shown.At any given scale, only a certain amount of detail can be Why Is It Important? accurately shown. In addition, the scale limits the amount of area that can be represented. Mapping is a method of displaying informa- tion. Maps represent on a flat surface, as accurately as possible, physical features on or below the curved surface of the earth. Maps are the best way to display the location and the real extent of natural resources. This chapter ex- plains the different types of maps available for natural resource inventorying in Maine and how to use maps. The key then is to match the amount of detail to be shown, with a suitable map scale. General- ly, towns map natural resources at a scale of be- Map Measurements tween 1 inch = 1000 feet to 1 inch = 2000 feet. The scale of the map is the ruler by which distances are measured. The map scale is of ten expressed as a representative fraction such as 1/62,500. This fraction or ratio means that one inch on the map is equal to 62,500 inches on the ground. Thus, 1:62,500 means one inch equals 5,208 feet or nearly one mile. Scale is also expressed in graphical form as a bar graph. If the map size changes the bar graph size must change. 9 Area is usually measured in square feet or 34 acres using a planimeter or a dot grid. These 7 1,00--- tools may be available through the U.S. Soil Con- servation Service County Office or the regional on uns t planning commission or council of governments. 29 1-340 ag Types of Maps IS19n-d@, 3 -01 0 Topographical Maps The most common and widely used maps are the topographical maps produced by the U.S. Geological 0 0 Survey (U.S.G.S.). These topographical sheets 10 L U L@f The depict jr nv%A 1_9 minute quadrangles. U.S.G.S. topographical sheets show terrain, water features, man-made structures and cultural features using symbols. r 300 B on The difference between a 15 minute and a 7.5 minute topographical map is scale. The numbers 15 and 7.5 relate to the amount of latitude and longitude covered by each map. Thus, the 15 minute maps show 15 minutes of latitude and 15 minutes of longitude. The same applies to a 7.5 00 minute map. The 7.5 minute maps show one-quarter 0 of the area that a 15 minute map depicts. It requires four sheets of 7.5 minute maps to depict the same area covered by one 15 minute sheet. Qn Thus, information can be shown on the 7.5 minute map with more detail and accuracy. 300@ All new topographical maps for Maine are being completed on the 7.5 minute sheets by the U.S.G.S. Index maps that show the location and type of topographic maps are available from local map distributors. 10 Other types of topographic maps are produced What are contours? by the Federal government. These show similar data as the 15 minute sheets but at different Terrain is shown on maps by the use of con- scales. tours. Contours are lines connecting points of the same elevation above a given point or Datum, The Coast and Geodetic Survey produces maps which is usually mean sea level. It may be help- of coastal areas. These maps show land forms and ful to think of contours as similar to an island ocean areas, as well as man-made features and in a lake. When the lake is full a high water cultural features. line forms around the shore. If the water drops to a new level, a new high water line forms. As this process continues the result will be a series of high water lines, each lower than the other ringing the island. Now looking down from above, you will see a system of lines which reflect the shape of the island. Some will be close together, which indicates steep sloping sides. Some will be widely spaced, indicating lesser slopes. Hence, contour lines show the shape of the land. Other Types of Maps Many other types of maps are produced for special purposes. Some of these are included in Table III-1 and are available from the local town office or different state agencies. Some of these maps use a U.S.G.S. topographic map as a base, some produce their own base maps, and other use aerial photos. TABLE III-1 TYPES OF MAPS AND THEIR-USEFULNESS MAP TYPE USEFULNESS AVAILABILITY Natural Resource Maps soils Display extent and location of soils; good for determin- U.S. Soil Conservation ing land use suitability based on slope and soil type; Service County Office type; good for generalized planning (1) Hydrology Display extent and location of surface and ground Maine Geologic water resources; topographic maps good for identify- Survey ing surface water; ground water maps display aquifers aquifers and related information; good for generalized planning (1) Geology Display extent and location of surficial and bedrock Maine Geologic rock formations; good for generalized planning (1) Survey Wetlands Display extent and location of bogs; swamps; tidal marshes Maine Geologic and other wetlands; good for generalized planning, (1&2) Survey Forest Display extent and location of different forest types Major private landowners different forest types (1) or from aerial photos Shoreland Zoning Display extent and location of zoning districts within Town office state mandated shoreland zoning Floodplain Zoning Display extent and location of zoned flood hazard areas; Town office town floodplain zoning is required if a town wishes to participate in national flood insurance program 12 TABLE III-1 (Continued) TYPES OF MAPS AND THEIR USEFULNESS MAP TYPE USEFULNESS AVAILABILITY Other Types of Maps Tax Municipal maps display each land parcel; can be very large Town office scale (i.e. 1"=200, 1"=500); good for very detailed mapping Land use Display extent and location of different land uses; good Town office, regionl for land planning; many different scales and levels of planning commission, detail Maine State Planning Office Road Display location and names of roads, streets and highways Town office, Maine Dept. of Transportation Zoning Display extent and location of zoning districts within Town office town-wide zoning Minor Civil Display the extent and location of towns, cities planta- Maine Dept. of Divisions and tions and counties; very small scale maps showing large Transportation County Maps areas with little detail *NOTES: (1) The scale of these maps makes them useful for town-wide planning purposes, but not accurate enough for site planning or very detailed mapping. (2) Fresh-water wetlands maps have been completed by the State Geological Survey (MGS). The National Wetlands Inventory Maps display both freshwater and tidal wetlands. The maps are also available from MGS. 13 print copies, which are relatively inexpensive, or Mapping Natural PMT (positive mechanical transfer paper) copies which are of higher quality and more permanent. PMT copies are significantly more expensive and Resources therefore most useful for report size maps. Report size copies, which can be made to fold Selecting the Appropriate Base Map out, are convenient for wider distribution because they are cheaper to reproduce. Some printers, de- pending on the size of the original, can make re- A base map is the map that can be reproduced ductions from mylar as well as paper copies. and used to display the location and extent of natural resources within the town. What Should Be Used as a Base Map? Selecting a suitable base map is extremely important. The base map should be up-to-date (particularly on road names and locations), easy A single base map is most desirable. There to read, at the appropriate scale and reproduce- are several alternatives in selecting a base map. able. It is also important to consider what base First, determine what base map the Town is cur- map or maps are currently being used by the Town. ren" ---I U 4. . I Lly UbX11Y CLLLU w1lat. information has been gal%l-,'&,&- The natural resource inventory maps should be at ered using this map. Many towns have base maps the same scale, where possible, as existing maps. developed from the 15 minute or 7.5 minute U.S.G.S. Topographic Map series. The 7.5 minute Scale - A scale of 1 inch to 1000 feet is topographic map series shows more detail and is a probably the best for a community natural re- better choice. sources inventory. In some cases, geographically Before preparing a new base map, investigate large towns will fit more conveniently on a scale what types of base maps may be available through of 1 inch to 2000 feet. These scales are adequate the regional planning commission or council of to display the level of detail inventoried. When governments. Consulting firms that are involved selecting an appropriately scaled base map, it is in mapping may also be able to provide a suitable also important to consider what size the map will base map. be and whether it is a size that can be reproduced by area printers. The following procedure can be used if a new Reproduction - The base map should be easy to base map is to be prepared. reproduce and should be in the appropriate format. 1. Determine what 7.5 minute topographic sheets The original should be on mylar which is a trans- are needed to cover the entire town. parent plastic material. The mylar should be the type that will accept inked on changes. The orig- 2. Obtain black line prints (that show contours) inal can then be used to make paper,copies, addi- of these sheets from the U.S. Geological Sur- tional mylar copies, or sepia paper copies (sepia vey (1-800-USA-MAPS). At a minimum, the topo- is a transparent plastic material that is less ex- graphic maps should display basic information pensive than mylar). Paper copies can be blue such as contours, roads and waterbodies. 14 - ------ ------- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - r- - - - - - - - - ------/- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Y@ FOOLS POND u J 84 ER 0 10 ILLE A% BOG 0 q, 0 IV 0 UD. S I L V E R H I L L 0 A S ROUND e HILL T 0 0 u 7. 10 URK POND BA 01D A 0 A cross 0 00 S NN A 0 0 A\\ - - - - - - - - - - - - j - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - 15 A T=@Jj FOOLS mm I IV C) SCALE: V-2000' F I 560 6 2000 0 '000 TOPOGRAPHIC BASE MAP KEY: \e Fl F-1 "nool-) F-1 El IRK Y El u I F-1 El J-1 F F-1 16 3. Carefully combine the maps into a single map, The Paper Copy Approach - A number of paper if there is more than one for the Town. copies (black line or blue line prints) can be made from the base map mylar.** Each copy can be 4. Then, have a mapping specialist* enlarge the used to inventory a different natural resource map and reproduce it on matte mylar film, to 1 characteristic (i.e. soils, slope, water re- inch to 1000 feet or 1 inch to 2000 feet, sources, etc.) Paper copies are good for using (whichever scale has been selected to obtain a color and for display purposes. The major draw- map that is a workable size). back with colored maps however, is that they do not reproduce well in black and white when reduced 5. Once the map has been enlarged, highlight the to a size suitable for a report. Color reproduc- boundaries of the Town with a dark line and tions are very expensive. Paper copies can also leave space for a title block and legend. The be used as overlays providing a light table or title block should include space for a title other strong light source is used to produce a (each of the natural resource maps will have a composite map. title, map scale - bar scale and numerically stated scale, north arrow, name of the Town, and date). This information should be drafted at the full map size. You may wish to note that the map was produced from a 7.5 minute U.S.G.S. Topographical Map. There should be enough legend space provided for the natural resource information that will be added during the inventory. 6. The base map mylar is now ready. Paper, sepia or mylar copies can now be made and different C @6@ P051 T E MA P inventory information mapped thereon. @ISLOPE MAP- The company that produces your town's tax maps can advise you on where to have the base map made. 5611-s _-A11AP VEG' ETAT'IOWMAP Making Copies for the 51'rE FEATURE5 MAP- Natural Resources Inventory qLA 55 (7m-nsk,",-t) -56 VE 51 @F 55 q *Z-AC7 There are several alternative ways to make k. - inventory maps. Cost and convenience are the two SourrX k I ht major considerations. 17 The Sepia Copy Approach - Sepia copies can be produced from the mylar base map.** Black line or Using Aerial dot shading, patterns and symbols can be used on the sepia (be sure to specify a matte sepia that accepts ink). Color should not be used on sepia Photography copies. Paper prints suitable for coloring and display purposes can be produced inexpensively from sepia copies. Since sepia copies are trans- parent, they are excellent for making overlays. Aerial photography is taking photographs of the earth's surface at some height above the Both paper and sepia maps can be reduced in- ground. Aerial imagery is produced for a wide expensively, photographically, for use in a re- range of applications and at various scales. port, provided clear black lines and bold letter- ing is used throughout. Aerial photos can be used to produce and update base maps; to map the location of Note: It is often wise to have the base map structures and other land use activities; and to printed with a 60 percent to 75 percent inventory vegetation types, surface and ground screen (on either paper or sepia). This water resources and geologic features. Aerial method makes the base map lines appear photography is used extensively in computer-aided grey and allows the new data that's mapping and data management. superimposed to stand out. Plotting and Transferring Data Basic raw data on natural resources is col- lected either in map form, written form, or both. In map form this data exists at various scales and presentations. It must be converted to a stan- dardized scale and presented in a way which will make subsequent analysis easier. Conversion to the base map scale can be done photographically or by simply using a grid, scaled appropriately, on each map. This information can be placed on a work map, and then transferred to the final map or the information can be done in pencil on the final map and inked or colored in later. Once the informa- tion is collected and preliminarily mapped, it can then be finalized by outlining in ink, coloring or shading. 18 DRAFTING TECHNIOUES LINES AREA LOCATIONS Lines are used to denote bound- Whatever is not a ine location or aries (town limits), linear location a point location, is anlarea location; (roads), and as a frame for a finished for es ted land, wetland S, slopes, agricul- map (neat line). By varying the line tural land and built-up land are examples. width or thickness, differences of de- Generally, these will be the major part of gree can also be shown, for example, im- a mapping project. Shading film is used proved road, State route, or Interstate primarily to denote changes in intensity highway. Lines can also combine arrange- of degree, from lighter to darker, as in ments of dots and dashes to show differ- a slope map or,,densi ty maps. Available ent categories. Lines should always be on preprinted press-on" sheets at art drawn in black and there are now avail- supply stores, the selection ranges from able a wide variety of pens: technical 10% coverage (light) to 90% coverage drafting pens with interchangeable points (dark) and they are easy to use- cutting for work requiring high accuracy; felt out areas with an X-acto knife is recom- tip pens in various width (preferably mended. with permanent ink) as well as markers. To show differing categories, shad- Also available are pressure sensitive ing patterns are used and these can be tapes in varying degrees of width which representative such as is used for wet- are easy to use. All of these can be lands or forest, or abstract-- dot pat- terns, directional lines, cross-hatching, supplied by an art supply store, as well etc. Most any pattern, representative or as larger office and business suppliers. abstract, is available on press-on sheets; the patient person can do dot patterns (hand stipling), directional lines, or LETTERING cross hatching by hand. Select the pat terns carefully, so that each is clearly Letters are used for map titles, le- distinguishable from another. gends, and on any information on the map; EM for labelling on the map face itself, and also as a point labe i (A for auditorium, A T H for town hall, etc.). Lettering should POINT LOCATIONS be consistent throughout a map series, b0th in size and type. Hand lettering is very acceptable, provided it is neat and legible. Free hand lettering may be done, or a letter- These are separate and discrete ing guide, templa .te, or Leroy mechanical locations, such as the Town office, and lettering system can be used. These all historic site, or the Town cemetary (un- C T-1 require pen and ink and although perma- less it covers a large area). These cab I I nent India inkis preferred, felt-tip or AN D be easily represented by an abstract sym- L - J calligraphy felt-tip pens are also suit- k),ktzomn bol such as a filled circle, a box, triangle able. _J or a star. These can be drawn with a tem- As with shading film, patterns and plate, or preprinted sheets of "press-on" symbols, lettering is available on "press- symbols can be used. Representative sym- on" sheets. The variety in typeface is bols are frequently used and for the most part are hand drawn. These could be a almost unlimited, and after a little prac- Lc@ roj@ cross for a church or cemetary, a flag fo tice for spacing, a professional look- r ing product is easily achieved. The the town office, school, etc., or the more commonly used typefaces are avail- USGS symbol used for gravel pits. Some Elio able at art supply stores and some busines of the more commonly used symbols are avail- able on preprinted sheets. An art supply and office suppliers. The larger store will either have these on hand or art suppliers will usually be able ZONING (July 19871 can order them for you. Remember, no mat- r-,5-1 to order anythin which is shown in 9-1 General business ter what you choose for a symbol, it needs I em i the manufacturer@ scatalogue. 0-2 Highway business to be included in the key. S@, Sho"eland business R /2/3 Residential 19 MAP ESSENTIALS 4 FOOLS KEY POND 04 AL VAT. Ke 0 A it.. F Le BOG J 0 ILLE 0 F-1 sp CIL ma JP an SILVER 04, P H I L L ROUND Na HILL Al ar Ma no "D ------- Sc 0-. Us th ac if 0 so Tr F A@Jk ba ANYTOWN, MAINE TOWN ROADS 0 1000 3000 i s 1987 Road Commission, 1982 5;0 2dOO Town Name and/or Project Title / Nap Title Nap Source Be accurate and Be specific. You ite where the date your work. -may wish to add a information comes (Include town seal map number to cross from and include if appropriate.) reference to the text. a date. 20 Aerial photography is particularly useful for natural resource and land use information has been inventorying community natural resources if it entered into the computer, the cost of retrieving contains enough detail. The two best sources of or manipulating the information is reduced signi- detailed aerial photography are (1) the 9 inch by ficantly as compared to hand methods. Additional- 9 inch contact prints (and any enlargements) used ly, the ease of analyzing the land use and natural in producing municipal property tax maps and (2) resource information encourages more thorough in- the U.S. Agricultural Stabilization and Conserva- vestigations into land use and natural resource tion Service, and U.S. Soil Conservation Service alternatives. (county offices) photography taken for mapping soils or inventorying farmland. The local tax assessor or regional planning commission should be contacted to determine when and by whom the latest aerial photos were taken. CZ22.> Aerial photographs are also available from the U.S. Geological Survey as well as private companies. Some towns opt to have their own aerial photography flown. The cost is over $5,000. Computer Mapping -r"h The use of computer-aided mapping and data management is becoming increasingly widespread. I k"\ III There are several reasons for the growing popu- larity of computerized information systems. The quantity of natural resources information avail- @ble today and the increasing need to use this information makes computerization attractive. Additionally, land use and natural resource inter-relationships are becoming more complex in Computerized information systems have the cap- communities experiencing a lot of growth and ability to produce maps, graphs, charts, and tab- development. ular files. There are a number of different com- puter systems available. These range from smaller Computerized data management has many advant- setups using personal computers (like those found ages. Computerized systems are able to handle in many small offices) to larger more sophisti- large quantities of information efficiently and cated computer systems and programs used by some cost-effectively. The major expense is setting state and federal agencies, large consultants and the system up and entering the data. Once the some large municipalities. 21 Larger towns, in particular, should probably explore computerization alternatives prior to un- Sources of Information dertaking a natural resources inventory or comp- rehensive planning effort. The natural resource Maine Geological Survey (MGS) information and mapping, performed as is explained in this handbook, may not be detailed or accurate enough to be useful for computerization. Accuracy Topographic Maps and information on other is extremely important in computerizing data. types of maps (i.e. ground water maps, wetlands Aerial photography is usually used in this type of maps, etc.) are available from MGS. MGS also has mapping. Other information, such as what would be a number of brochures that explain the types of gathered through an inventory as is suggested information available through the National Carto- here, would probably be used to supplement the graphic Information Center of the U.S. Geological aerial photography. Survey. The "Coastal Mapping Handbook" (ed. Melvin Ellis, U.S. Government Printing Office 1978) is a good source of information on mapping. Aerial photographs can be ordered form: National cartographic Information Center U.S. Geological Survey 507 National Center Reston, Virginia 22092 Telephone: 703/860-6045 User Services Section EROS Data Center U.S. Geological Survey Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57198 County Offices of the U.S. Agricultural Stabilization and Soil Conservation Service These offices are good sources of aerial photography. Usually, the photography is fairly currrent and at a scale large enough to be useful. (see Appendix 1 for addresses) Private Consultatnts Private companies can be contracted to obtain aerial photography, computer-aided maps and mapp- ing information, and computer hardware and soft- ware for natural resources applications. 22 e atural Resources Inventory Introduction To o ra h The natural resources selected for inventory- What Is Topography? ing, and the categories used for presentation are chosen based on a well recognized need. This is Topography refers to the lay of the land or reflected in the need for problem-solving which the land forms as they exist. It is the slope of communities face today regarding proper use of the land, its ups and downs, hills, valleys and their natural resources. plains. The most important natural resource charac- teristics of the land are topography including slope and relief, soil and water resources, vege- tation and special features. The special fea- 41 - tures category is a "catch-all" category for im- portant characteristics, such as wildlife habitat and scenic areas, not covered in the other cate- Anj gories. HILL Each of these characteristics are examined separately in the following chapter. The result ing information can then be combined to show how OM IV Th N the characteristics interact and to reveal the , P6 limitations and opportunities for various land uses. 23 Why Is It Important? that hinder development or valley corridors that permit easy access. The height of the land and its relation to the sun affects the citing of 'houses, living conditions, the time when snow Topography is important because of its influ- melts, the readiness of soils to be worked, types ence on views, aesthetics and the suitability of of vegetation, snow run off patterns on the land, different slopes for development. Slopes, for etc. Relief, combined with vegetation, reveals example, affect the economy and functioning of arpaq of scenic quality both as viewed and as view septic systems and placement of roads and struc- points. Relief also determines drainage patterns. tures. Relief and land form affect climate, suc- cess of farming, and development (aesthetics, drainage, general characteristics). Combined with other data such as soil characteristics, and Inventorying Relief hydrology, the effects of slope and elevation on erosion potential become apparent. Soil erosion is detrimental because it creates surface water Mapping contamination, loss of topsoil, and sedimentation of surface waters. 1. Locate and note the elevation of the highest U.S.G.S. Topographic Maps are the primary tool and lowest points on the U.S.G.S. topographic for inventorying topographic conditions. A topo- base map. graphic map is the presentation of land form by symbols on a map. Topography can be depicted by 2. Intervals of elevation are found in even contours or shading. (Topographic Maps and con- hundreds of feet; i.e.,100, 200, 300, etc. tours have been discussed in Chapter III, Mapp- Determine the number of hundred foot intervals ing.) needed to include in the town's range of ele- vation. For example, if the lowest point is 250 feet, and the highest is 850 feet,'there are seven intervals, beginning with 200 feet What Is Relief? and going to 900 feet. Why Is It Important? 3. If the number of intervals is five or less, then the relief map should be done in 100 foot intervals. If the number of intervals is Relief is an expression of elevation or height six to ten, the map will be done in 200 foot above a given datum or plane. In most cases mean intervals. In the example in #2 above, sea level (average high water level) is the datum. the categories would be: Relief shows the height of land forms above sea level and the relativeheight of land forms to the 200 - 400 feet surroundings. 400 - 600 feet Relief identifies significant or dominant 600 - 800 feet physical features that may form natural barriers 800 - 1000 feet 2A Si "V/2 j _-@_ _-NNIC CiK tq x _3 A, q 7,7- N @jh Relief MAPPING COMMENTS: This is a color map that has been reproduced in black and white. A heavy was added to the map in order to more clearly delineate relief zones. 25 In some towns 300 foot or 400 foot inter- Slope can also be expressed in degrees. The vals will be required. number of degrees refers to the angle between the horizontal plane and the incline plane. A 45 de- 4. To delineate the categories draw a heavy gree slope would be a 100 percent slope. black line along the appropriate contour line. Do this for each interval as needed. Slope affects the suitability of land for many uses. As stated previously, it affects the 5. Shade or color each area starting with the economy and functioning of septic systems and darkest shade for the highest elevation. placement of roads and structures. 6. Attach a legend and title to the map. In devising a community land use plan, a slope map can be used to delineate areas of greater than Narrative 25 percent slope for designation as preferred for open space. The map can also be used to identify The narrative should explain the different gently (3-8 percent) to moderately (8-15 percent) categories used to map relief. It should describe sloping areas that may be well suited for devel- the general lay of the land including the highest opment. Flat areas (0-3 percent slopes) and areas and lowest points, and the names and locations of of 15-25 percent slopes should be evaluated more mountains, ridges, terr%acess, valleys and other carefully in terms of ponding or erosion poten- important land forms. tials. The slope map can also be very useful in laying out new roads or adjusting the alignments The narrative might also relate existing land of old ones; by avoiding the steeper areas, cuts use to relief. For example, it might explain how and fills can be reduced, and construction and certain mountains or ridges have served as barri- maintenance costs lowered. The map can be used in ers and how valleys have served as corridors. The reviewing site plans as an initial check for narrative might describe how the town center may potential drainage or erosion problems. be located along a river or bay where there is a good harbor and a wide floodplain. The relief map can also be used to show how relief will affect future land use. 6LOM What Is Slope? Why Is It Important? Slope is the amount of rise or fall in feet VeKTICAL P19TANCE- V_ for a given horizontal distance. It is expressed V(OKIZOWAL V1,5TANM 5LO PE M) in percent. An 8 percent slope means that for a H 100 foot horizontal distance, the rise (or fall) in height is 8 feet. 26 One good and valid reason for slope consider- ation is the limitation for septic system place- ment on steeper slopes. The Maine Plumbing Code does not permit septic systems on slopes greater than 25 percent. On slopes up to 15 percent, on-site septic systems often can be installed with a minimum of special engineering. More excessive slopes require special engineering on a case-by- case basis. Thus, the slope limitations for plumbing create real limitations on building. The angle of slope effects soil erodability. Basically, for an unvegetated site, as the slope increases, so does erodability. Other soil characteristics modify this effect, and will be covered in the soils section. The accuracy of the slope map is limited. At the project level on-site investigations of conditions should be made before reaching final decisions regarding specific land use proposals. Land that appears steep on a map may nevertheless be usable when,properly planned and engineered. Conversely, land that appears gently sloping may nevertheless have a potential erosion problem because of the underlying soil conditions. There is no substitute for on-site investigation of all factors. Inventorying Slope Mapping 1. Inspect the U.S.G.S. topographic base map to get a feel for the land forms. Are there hills and valleys, flat areas, cliffs, etc.? 2. Calculate various slopes on the topographic map using the following methodology. 27 77- MA`f"1111"' IR R III 'J 4 kkL- X4 5- 4@ A NAPPING COMMENTS: This is a color map that has been reproduced in black and white. No heavy lines were added to this map to delineate the differing slope zones. Lighter colors, and colors with relatively little black or red in the pigment fade whe photographed in black and white. The steeper slopes stand out primarily becau the closeness of contour lines to each other. 28 3. Roughly delineate the following categories of slope by marking off the slope boundaries in Soils pencil. 0 - 3% What Are Soils? 3 - 8% Why Are They Important? 8 - 15% 15 - 25% 25% and over Soil is a basic resource of major importance to land use activities. It is the underlying material upon which roads, buildings, sewage and 4. Refine the slope boundaries and draw a heavy waste disposal, and recreation occur. Because a solid line around each area of slope category. soil layer underlies most activities on the For a map with a scale of I inch to 1,000 earth's surface, it is important to understand its feet, the smallest area that can be conven- properties and limitations. iently and accurately shown is approximately 6 acres or 1/4 square inch, for example, areas Soil is the layer of the earth's surface that with the following dimensions, 1/2 x 1/2 in. has been modified by weathering processes. Five or 1/8 x 2 in. factors determine the kind of soil to be found in a given area. They are the parent material, the 5. Shade or color each slope category using the climate, the vegetation, the topography, and time. darkest shade for the steepest slope and the Thus, soil is formed through the action of climate lightest color for the least slope. and vegetation on parent material. This action is affected by local topography. In addition, time 6. Attach a legend and title to the map. determines how well "developed" a soil becomes. Parent materials are the unweathered deposits from which soil is formed. The source of most Narrative parent materials are surficial deposits. Glacial till is probably the most commonly occurring The narrative should describe the purpose of parent material in Maine. Some soils, however, the slope map and the categories of steepness. It are derived directly from the weathering of should also describe the major characteristics of bedrock. Organic deposits are the basis for peat the slope map. Areas with slopes over 25 percent and muck soil types. should be described as very steep and generally not suitable for development. Slopes of 15 Climate has the greatest influence on soil percent to 25 percent should be noted as having formation. The cool summers and long cold winters potential problems for certain types of develop- with annual precipitation of 40-45 inches evenly ment. The narrative might also point out the distributed through the year create Maine's soil location of flatter areas where drainage might be types. The rain-fall leaches through the parent a problem. material. Some minerals are dissolved and carried 29 deeper into the soil layer where they are Texture: Texture refers to the relative deposited. This leaching action creates the amounts of sand, silt and clay in a soil. layers found in a soil profile. This results in Textures range from coarse to fine or from light an infertile, acid layer near the surface. to heavy. Sand is the most coarse and feels gritty to the fingers when rubbed. Silt is finer Vegetation generally contributes organic and feels like flour or talcum, smooth but not matter to the soil. This material can interact to sticky when wet. Clay is the finest and is create acid conditions. It also can alter the microscopic. It feels smooth when dry and sticky texture and composition of the existing soil. For when wet. There are 20 classes of soil texture. example, soil conditions under softwood vegetation In Maine, four are commonly found. These are are more acidic than under hardwood vegetation. sand, loam, silt loam, and silty clay loam. Loam Accumulated organic material also releases acids, is a balanced mixture of sand, silt and clay and making the soil even more acidic. It is for these has average characteristics for drainage, as well reasons that Maine soils tend to be acidic. as moisture holding capacity. Topography determines the natural drainage of the soil material and, thus, influences soil type. Shallow, stony soils, occur on ridge tops and tend to be better drained. Deeper, heavier or wetter soils occur on lower slopes, valleys and stream bottoms. HORIZONS When climate and vegetation have acted for a long time on parent material, a strong soil 0 ORGANIC LAYER profile is developed. This is an indication of A ZONE of LEACHING the acids that are produced and the elements that . ......... are leached from the upper layers. Thus, a well ..... . .1311 developed soil has distinct layers or horizons. ZONES of DEPOSITION 132 Physical Properties of Soil A soil is described by its physical appearance D.-'Q) and properties. This characterization is the J:@) '@3. - I basis for establishing soil types. ' <@) '@@ C PARENT MATERIAL Color: Color indicates soil age, drainage, 0 amount of organic matter, and, most importantly,. the height of a seasonal water table. Mottling is a color characterization which identifies a fluc- tuating water table. BEDROCK 30 Structure: Structure is the arrangement of A fragipan is an impermeable layer in the particles in the soil. It is the way in which soil. This layer restricts water movement sand, silt and clay "fit" together. This fit is downward and causes an artificially high ground influenced by moisture and organic content. water table. Thus, a "pan" can cause soil to be Normally, particles tend to clump together. A wet and poorly drained although the soil below the soil with a crumbly structure is best for soil pan can be well drained. drainage, workability, etc. The addition of organic matter can improve the soil structure Occasionally a soil is influenced by a resulting in better plant growth. perched water table". This occurs when water movement is blocked by an underlying layer, 100 usually ledge. The result is again a wet soil. 40 so /80 Soil Names A. 70 clay The name of a soil is established at the time '? -at a new soil is identified. The name generally so silty, 1P, refers to the geographic area where the soil is and clay q? IrA 40 clay /4i ltyl@@,e first found. 30 san\dy' cla/Y 7, 7@ "A' IaO loam 20 There is a hierarchy in defining soils and 10 establishing names. The first and more general 10 sa /dy-loam silty-lo\arn an!ft -a ilt/ system of soils classification is the soil series. Each series includes soil types with similar 00 00 -10 00 00 10 00 00 - % SAND physical properties but different texture. Once the texture is named, the soil type is estab- lished. Thus, the Bangor series of soils', for Moisture: Moisture holding capacity is example, is further classed as a type, such as influenced by texture and structure of the soil. Bangor silt loam. Moisture classes are described in terms of drain- age. These are: excessively well drained, well In summary, the reasons for acquiring soils drained, moderately well drained, poorly drained data are: and very poorly drained. Depending on the propor- tions of soil, silt and clay and how they fit 1. To locate areas best suited to specific together, the ability of the soil to hold and activities; release water is determined. Finer textured or heavy soils are usually poorly drained and lighter 2. To identify areas where additional investment sandy soils are unusually well drained. in development will be necessary and/or where environmental hazard is the greatest; In addition to the above general soil conditions, several other factors about soils 3. To direct land management activities to the should be considered. most productive sites. 31 Sources of Information on Soils@ designated as the predominant soil type. Simi- larly, actual slopes may vary from the range of slopes indicated for the designated soil type of SCS County Soil Survey Reports an area. The narrative portion of the soil survey The Soil Conservation Service is the contains descriptions of the physical properties government agency in charge of undertaking surveys of each soil, such as its content of silt, clay, of the location and extent of soil types. s"nd and gravel and other conditions, such as the Presently, the State of Maine is partially presence of hardpan or a seasonal high water surveyed. Published Soil Survey reports have been table. The soil survey also contains information completed, for the following counties: Penobscot, and tables on the suitability of each soil for a Aroostook, Cumberland, Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, variety of uses. Soils are ranked according to Somerset (Southern Part), Kennebec, York, Waldo, their limitations for residential development, Lincoln and Knox. recreation, roads, septic systems and a number of other uses. During the process of the soil inventory, town reports are published as interim soil surveys. 11 11, 4 - Many towns are surveyed on this basis. TZI.L.@ information is often available for use where the HtC r B /W 7111 county report has not been completed. rB Hrb The Soil Survey Report is the primary tool for WrB RdA inventorying soils. The report contains soils WSB PdB maps and descriptions, and information on soil suitability for a wide range of different land 141kR HrC uses. HrC 'A Z HkC HrC The soil survey maps show the locations of different soil types in the community. The lines Sd on the map indicate the boundaries between one DeB .,WSB 8 soil type and another. The symbols are keyed to HkB HkB", written soil surveys that identify the type of HrB soil and the general slope condition within the HkB :' soil boundary. The soil boundaries are approxi- Ap mations where soils may blend together over a distance of 50 to 200 feet. H k B Sd The designation of soil types and slope GR@WEL PIT fW , conditions represents the dominant soils charac- HkB@ HkB teristics of an area. There may be pockets of other soil types within the boundaries of what is DeB 32 Suitability is expressed in terms of the maintenance. A severe rating does not mean that limitations that a soil poses for different uses. an intended use cannot occur, but that major The degree of limitation is rated as slight, measures must be taken to overcome the moderate or severe. According to the Soil limitations. Conservation Service, a "slight" rating means that Lastly, soil survey map analysis does not a soil has a slight limitation for the intended eliminate the need for on-site testing or exami- use. The degree of limitation is minor and can be nation to determine actual soils conditions. As easily overcome. stated previously, the soils maps are generalized and pockets of different types of soils with A "moderate" rating means that the soils have different characteristics may be present in area. properties favorable to the intended use. Limi- tations can be overcome or modified by special Contact the Soil Conservation Service County planning, design, construction or maintenance. A office for a copy of the County Soil Survey REport severe" rating means that the soil is least and/or any other information they may have suitable for a specific use. Use of these soils available. Additionally, the Country, SCS Soil generally requires extensive soil reclamation, Scientist may be available to assist in preparing special design and construction, or intensive maps. Inventorying Soils "neral Soils Inventory The Soil Survey can be used in a number of mapping ways to inventory soils. A basic inventory should definitely include a map and description of soils The soils map should be at the same scale as existing within the community. The inventory the base map being used to inventory other might also include a map and description of depth characteristics in the community. Since at least to bedrock, and a map and description of depth to three copies of the soils base map will be needed water table. The first map will be useful for a for this inventory, the base that is prepared variety of uses, as will be discussed below. The should be reproduceable. inventories of depth to bedrock and depth to high water table are important because of their rele- vance to many land use activities. 1. To prepare the soils map have the Soil There are several other inventories that can Conservation Service or a cartographer prepare be'performed using the Soil Survey information. a photo-mosaic mylar at the same scale as the For example, a maD and analysis can be done base map from the Soil Survey Maps. A photo- displaying prime agricultural soils or soil osaic is each of the separate aerial photos suitability for septic systems, residences or for the community pasted together, with soil other uses for which the Soil Survey rates soils. boundaries and symbols inked on them. This mylar can then be combined with the topo- graphic map mylar to make the final soils base map. SO I L. I I,-MQ-m ul MrTbf toi@s fop Absal:P@tA "Soils 6Z 2. One of the base maps should be titled Map". (The other two maps will be used to map depth to bedrock and depth to water table.) :+ Kr-,Y 3. The "Soils Map" should display soil symbols C3 -SU6 and boundaries. The legend should be,keyed to the e V r@, R r::: map and should contain the name of each of the soils. 34 M o", @3 O'N 4ZD 1P D jec g 45D 4ZD 43D 1,14@ 440 5 4z @42 45 D Z4 A 1*4 b IZA ft 2.C 61 3D 6zc Soil MAPPING COMUMTS: The letters used with the soil number, as an example, 12A, refer to the s of the terrain. A represents slopes of 0-3% D represents slopes of 15-25% B represents slopes of 3-8% E represents slopes of 25-35% C represents slopes of 8-15% 35 Narrative Shallow depth to bedrock is considered to be 0-20 inches and presents severe limitations for The accompanying narrative should include a foundations and septic system installation. description of the soils occurring within the Special or alternative ways of construction are community. This information can be summarized in usually more expensive and perhaps more damaging. a table similar to the one below. The Soil Survey Areas having moderately deep soils (20-40 inches) should contain information that can be used to are more suited to housing uses. These areas are write this narrative. The narrative might also su-table for septic disposal fields but may have include an explanation on why it is important to limitations for other types of land uses. Areas inventory soils. having deep soils (greater than 40 inches) are generally suitable for development, at least from a depth point of view. Inventorying Depth to Bedrock TABLE mapping Soil Symbol Soil Name Description* BUD BuC2 Buxton Deep, moderately well 1 . Determine the depth.to bedrock for each soil drained to somewhat by examining the table titled, "Estimated poorly drained, gently engineering properties of soils" within the sloping, medium- Soil Survey report for your County. When no textured soils. BuB bedrock information is given, contact the oils have 0-8 percent :lopes and BuC2 soils county office of the Soil Conservation Service have 8-15 percent for the information. slopes 2. Prepare a table listing all soil types having 0-24 inches depth to bedrock, 24-36 inches, What Is Depth to Bedrock? and greater than 36 inches. For example: Why Is It Important? DEPTH TO SOIL BEDROCK TYPE The depth of soil above bedrock is an important consideration for building and 0 - 24 inches Hollis development activities. Roads, utilities and cellar foundations, for example, are difficult and 24 - 36 inches expensive to install when bedrock is present. Septic systems are also difficult to place and may 36+ inches Sutton easily pollute ground water. Ridged 36 3. Using a soils base map showing soils Inventorying Depth to Water Table boundaries, shade or color each area with the darkest shade for the shallowest category and the lightest shade for soils in the deepest category. Mapping 4. Attach a legend and title to the map. 1. Determine the depth to water table for each soil by examining the table titled "Estimated What is Depth to Water Table? engineering properties of Soils" within the SCS Soil Survey report for your County. When Why Is It Important? no water table information is given, contact the county office of Soil Conservation Service The depth to the water table is extremely for the information. important because of the potential for ground water pollution from septic systems, salt piles, 2. Prepare a table listing all soil types having storage of oil and other toxic materials, and greater than 30 inches depth to water table, other land use activity. Ground water in the soil 18-30 inches,' 9-18 inches., less than 9 inches. fluctuates in height and drains through the For example: ground. Thus a source of pollution can be carried to other areas by the moving ground water. DEPTH TO SOIL Wet, very poorly drained soils where the water VATER TABLE TYPE table is at or within 9 inches of the surface for 0 - 9 inches Biddeford some part of the year are inherently unusable for Ridgebury septic system use and house building. 9 - 18 inches Poorly drained soils (9-18 inches depth to water table) also place severe limits on the use 18 - 30 inches Sutton of the land. Frequent fluctuations in water level as well as frost heaving can be damaging to 30+ inches Charlton buildings, roads and the proper functioning of septic systems. 3. Using a base map showing soils boundaries, shade or color each soils area with the Moderately well drained soils (18-30 inches to darkest shade for soils in the shallowest water table) have less severe limitations on land category and the lightest shade for the soils uses, and deep, well drained soils present few in the deepest category. problems. The latter have a depth greater than 30 inches to water table. 4. Attach a legend and title to the map. 37 ocean. During all these stages, water can be Water Resources evaporated into the atmosphere to return again as rain or snow. Water that soaks into the ground is stored for a temporary period as ground water; What Are Water Resources? then it seeps out and becomes surface water, or is used by plants or removed by well pumps. Why Are They Important? The purpose of this inventory is to locate important water resources and to determine their relationship to land use. A study of water Precipitation in Maine is approximately 45 resources is an integral part of land use plan- inches per year, with roughly half being rain and ning. With proper management, plentiful clean half being snow. Falling rain hits the earth's water will always be available for domestic and surface and then some of it penetrates into the commercial consumption, for wildlife habitat, and soil, and the rest collects in brooks and streams. for recreational and scenic enjoyment. With no This surface water or runoff is temporarily stored planning, precious water sources can become in lakes and ponds, and eventually reaches the polluted. f@Kl K@TION F-VAPOKATION C*4 V4 OU it VW_ KOUNI SE EF: Srog ........... . . ....... . ............ .. ................ . ..... ..... ................... ":j::, ..... ...... . . . ... .... ...... ... . . ..... 38 What Are Surface Water Resources? Each brook has a watershed area, no matter how small it is. As each brook becomes a tributary to Why Are They Important? a larger stream, the watershed enlarges. Because of these downstream connections, a chain of effect or impact is created. For example, a change in An inventory of surface water resources must water quality in the brook will affect the water include a study of watersheds; rivers, streams, quality in the stream and, potentially, all the ponds, lakes and tidal waters; wetlands; and -ert af the way down the stream. This is why it floodplains and shorelines. is important to identify and map watersheds. Watersheds Flood Plains The runoff from rain water is directed by Surface water runoff is often stored for some slopes and water channels. When all the runoff time in lakes and ponds. The levels of flowing from an area drains to one point, the area above surface waters fluctuate with each rain storm or that point is known as a watershed. Watersheds snow melt. When streams fill and overflow their are bounded by ridge lines or divides. Examples banks the condition is known as a flood and the of watersheds include the drainboard which carries area flooded is the floodplain. dishwater back into the sink, or the area within ridge lines of a roof where all run-off has a A floodplain is an area that is inundated common drainpipe. periodically, usually during spring runoff. Many areas are flooded occasionally and are called The surface of the land is, in fact, a series flood prone or flood hazard areas. In either of watersheds which adjoin one another. All land case, the damage to life and property is equally is a part of a-watershed. Smaller watersheds severe. Floods are a natural and normal accumulate or add up to larger watersheds. Thus, phenomenon; they become a problem to man only when the Penobscot River Watershed is comprised of competing with streams and rivers for the use of smaller watersheds, including the Piscataquis and floodplains. Mattawamkeag; these, in turn, are comprised of yet smaller watersheds. FLOOD 44A2AFD AREA FLOODW FLOODWAY FLOODWAY .. FV,1 GE t2_1WE_ J@'l Awa CHANNEL AY NIL, 1-_@ 39 To summarize, the location and extent of place. Development on shorelines often increases floodplains is important because of potential the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering the damage to buildings, roads and equipment; the waters and can lead to algae bloom. effect on further development; water pollution and downstream damage; and flood damage insurance. Therefore, it is important to protect flowing and standing waters by maintaining "buffer zones" Wetlands which are undisturbed areas along shorelines. buffer zones serve to protect water quality Generally, wetlands are land areas where from run-off and sedimentation from adjacent ground water is at or near the surface of the activities. ground for enough of every year to produce wetland vegetation. There are salt water and Shorelines also serve as important wildlife fresh water wetlands. Common names for wetlands habitat. Undisturbed shorelines are vital to a include swamps, marshes, bogs, tidal flats and great number of wildlife species. For this rocky shores. Wetlands are important in the reason, shorelines often have a greater diversity hydrologic cycle because they slow down and store of wildlife than most other areas. Some studies runoff, which is then released slowly to feed have recommended that relatively undisturbed brooks and other surface waters. shoreline corridors for freshwater streams be an average of 330 feet wide to protect important Wetlands are vital natural resources which wildlife habitat. Within this area the first 100 have both ecological and economical importance. feet should remain undisturbed and the remaining They provide a unique habitat for a broad spectrum 250 feet can receive very limited cutting. The of plants, animals and fish, including waterfowl, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shellfish, fish, insects, reptiles, amphibians and has recommendations on the type of cutting that many mammals. Wetlands also serve as water would be permissible. purifiers and storage areas that reduce flooding by absorbing and dispersing excess rainfall. Some commercial and many recreational uses The sensitive ecological balance of a wetland depend on direct access to the water. Such development can be accomplished in an environ- can be easily and disastrously disrupted by many mentally sound manner, if the activities are human activities. Therefore, wetlands should be governed by criteria which ensure water quality. maintained as open space. Shorelines Inventorying Surface Water Resources The shorelines of flowing and standing waters Mapping are also environmentally fragile areas that require special consideration. Many shorelines, 1. Inspect the U.S.G.S. topographic map and and particularly those with steep slopes and/or locate lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, brooks highly erodable soils, should be maintained as and tidal water. Enhance these surface water open space. Natural vegetation on shorelines features by outlining them with a fine tip maintains water quality by holding the soil in black marker. Lakes and ponds as well as wide 40 places in rivers may be shaded. In most cases Surface water mapping may require professional base maps will depict these surface waters. assistance. Regional planning commissions, the Soil Conservation Service, Resource Conservation 2. Use the topographic map to identify the and Development Districts, private consultants and boundaries of watersheds. Do this by marking universities are possible sources of this type of the highest ridges between watersheds and then assistance. extending these lines down slopes to tributary confluences. Mark these divisions with dashed lines. Indicate primary watersheds of major rivers as well as secondary watersheds of tributaries to those rivers. Narrative 3. Wetlands can be identified using the Maine The narrative should describe the Department of Environmental Protection Fresh characteristics of the surface wate 'rs displayed on Water Wetlands Maps, Maine Inland Fisheries the map. Describe the networks of flowing and and Wildlife Wetlands maps, the U.S. Fish and standing water within watersheds. In addition to .Wildlife Service Maps and the Soil describing those characteristics displayed on the Conservation Service County Soil Survey map discuss any available information on water Reports. U.S.G.S. topographic maps and aerial quality and water classification that can be photos can also be used to identify wetlands. obtained from the Department of Environmental Field check the wetlands that you have Protection (DEP) Lake Quality Program, DEP Water identified to assure accuracy. Transfer this Classification Program, Soil Conservation Service, information onto the base map. special independent studies done by universities or private consultants, or other sources. 4. Use the National Flood Insurance Program Flood Hazard Area Maps for the town to identify The narrative should describe any existing or floodplains. Transfer this information onto anticipated sources of public surface water your base map by using cross hatching or supply. Areas with public water supply potential shading to identify the floodplains. should be noted. Contact the local water district to obtain information on water quality and supply,z. 5. Map all shorelines by shading an at least 250 watershed management, and any other information foot band along all major flowing and standing pertaining to the quality and quantity of the waterways. Further refinement in the desig- resource. The Drinking Water Program of the Maine nation of shoreline areas should provide the Department of Human Services may also have in- basis for the town's shoreland zoning. The formation. state has established three designations for shorelands of streams with watersheds greater Other characteristics that should be noted in than 25 acres: general development, limited the narrative might include; the location of residential and resource protection. The scenic or unusual surface water resources (these natural resources inventory should provide the will be mapped in the section on Special Natural supporting data for the designation of these Features), and areas with recreation and or public districts. access potential. 41 What Are Ground Water Resources? Why Are They Important? fvv- Soil Moisture As water enters the soil it either evaporates, is used by plants, adheres to soil particles, or percolates downward to the upper boundary of the saturated zone which is known as the water table. In this zone all free spaces or pores are filled The water in the saturated zone is with water. Zone of termed ground water. The lower boundary of ground Aeration 0. water is formed by an impermeable layer of rock which water cannot enter. Areas of the earth's surface where water enters the soil and, in turn, enters the zone of saturation are known as areas of recharge. Saturated geologic formations are termed "aquifers" when they yield adequate quantities of Water Table water. Aquifers are very important because they store water, allow for the movement of water, and under natural conditions, yield high quality ground water. A satisfactory supply may, in large part, depend on the demands placed on the aquifer. In other words there are high and low yield 0::. aquifers. 190K@@: Saturated Zone Both bedrock and sand and gravel aquifers are known in Maine. Sand and gravel aquifers tend to yield greater quantities of water to individual wells than do bedrock aquifers. In cases where Jr Water-bearing aquifers are of the bedrock variety, the rock is All fractured or cracked. Normally bedrock aquifers Fractures yield only limited quantities of water. Such aquifers are nearly always satisfactory for home water supplies. only in certain areas are they Impermeable suitable for large municipal or industrial water Layers supplies which need 200-500 gallons per minute. 42 Land use activities that discharge pollutants 3. An inventory of ground water resources can into an aquifer recharge area may affect the also include the mapping of drilled wells. quality of drinking water. The impact of a This information can be used by a professional pollutant on an aquifer depends on the size and hydrogeologist to conduct more detailed characteristics of the aquifer and on the nature mapping of ground water. Plot the locations and amount of pollutant. Sources of pollution are of drilled wells on the base map. You may often located on the ground surface directly above also want to gather information on the depth or contiguous to the aquifer. Septic tank of the well, the depth to the water table, the effluent, landfill refuse, salt from salt/sand depth to bedrock and the well yield or flow stockpiles, leakage from ruptured fuel tanks, rate. This information can be obtained from agricultural fertilizer and wastes are possible Maine Geological Survey, well drillers, and sources of ground water pollution. The locations well owners. of aquifers and their depths are important to know so that measures can be taken to prevent degra- The depth to the water table can be measured dation of water resources. by sticking a tape measure down.the well to measure the distance from the ground surface to the water.. The depth to bedrock can be measured by measuring the length of the well inventorying Ground Water Resources casing. This is a measure of the "loose" materials that protect the ground water. Be sure to get the well owner's permission before Mapping attempting to examine the well. 1. Inspect the Maine Geological Survey's (MGS) Sand and Gravel Aquifer Maps and carefully transfer the location of sand and gravel aquifers onto the base map. Ground water OVERBURDEN resources can be mapped on the same map with STATIC surface water resources or they can be mapped WATER LEVEL separately. Two maps should be used if there is a lot of information to be mapped. Sand and gravel aquifers can be identified by shading. 2. Identify any existing or potential sources of BEDR public water supply on the base map. This information can be obtained from the local WA TER-BEARING water district/company or town officials. FRACTURES These sites may also be identified on the A Maine Geological Survey's Sand and Gravel Aquifer Maps. Use a star or an asterisk to identify these sites. 43 Map and display well data by locating the well Professional Evaluation of Inventory is Necessary with a dot on the map, assigning the well a number and keying it to accompanying survey Professional evaluation of the ground water sheets that contain other information. (see inventory results is recommended. Assistance is sample survey sheet) available from the State Groundwater Coordinator the Maine Department of Environmental Protection Water Bureau hydrogeologist, and the Maine Pqp:@rf-.ent of Human Services Health Engineering SAULE WELL SURVEY SHEET hydrologist. The review should consider the adequacy of the data base, the projected future Tax Lot/Identification demand for water supplies, and the potential for Town: contamination of water supplies. Owner: Narrative Location: Type of Well: bedrock The accompanying narrative should describe the sand & gravel dug ground water resources located within the other (spring, etc.) community. This should include a general Is well cap exposed _, or buried _? If buried, is location known or description of any sand and gravel aquifers, unknown -? sources of public water supply, and a summary of Depth of water table: _feet, Spring _ Summer -Fall - Winter information obtained through the well survey. Unknown - I Depths to water producing veins (from well log): Inventorying Threats to Casing length: _ feet Depth to bedrock: _ feet. overlying material: clay _ till _ sand _ gravel _ other Water Resources Yield: gallons per minute, according to well driller An inventory of threats to water resou Irces Sever: septic system - distance from well _ ft. should be conducted in conjunction with the Additional material from well log if available. natural resources inventory. Locating potential threats to water resources is the first step in protecting water supplies. Once these potential threats have been identified, they can be evaluated by a professional and steps can be taken 4. Attach legend and title to the map. to eliminate or reduce the threat of water contamination. "Ground Water Quality: A Handbook for Community Action", available from the Maine Association of Conservation Commissions, contains an extensive listing of potential ground water threats and provides a step-by-step procedure for conducting an inventory. An ToZn M A I N E r - SCALE@ i j"," V@2000' 4k, J00--5 IN WATER RESOURCES KIA KEY: 5UP AMR FAa W E r-=p WMAD WEAS l !@TUAM MM V-@ AMR" AMMON CIF J 5. 45 Sources of Information contamination to communities. Assistance can include review of inventory information and review of development proposals with regard to their impacts on ground water. (See Appendix 1 for Addresses) The Bureau's of Oil and Hazardous Materials Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Control and Land Quality Control, Technical DEP wetlands maps display the location of Services Division have information on known wetlands that are larger than ten acres in size contamination. and that have all of the following character- Maine Department of Human Services, Division of istics: a) wetland soils defined by the USDA Soil Health Knoineerina Conservation Service (see County Soil Survey) as very poorly drained; b) wetland vegetation, but The Division maintains records from its well not forested, and; c) water-logged or water- testing program that contain information on water covered areas. These maps were completed in 1984 quality, well type and depth. This information by the Maine Geological Survey (MGS) and the Maine includes the name of the well owner but not the DEP. Copies of the maps are available from MGS. location of the well. The Department also has The maps identify wetlands that are regulated by information on public water supply systems and is the DEP under the Act to Protect Freshwater able to provide limited technical assistance on Wetlands. Contact the Bureau of Water Quality protecting water supplies. Control of DEP for a copy of the regulations. Maine Geolooical Survey (MGS) The Bureau of Water Quality Control maintains information on water quality and water classifi- Sand and Gravel Aquifer Maps - Two levels of cation for all rivers and most streams. The water mapping have been done for sand and gravel aqui- classification system is goal oriented and fers. A reconnaissance level of mapping has been pertains to water quality (i.e. Is the river completed for most of the state. These maps swimmable and fishable?). identify sand and gravel aquifers that in all The Division of Environmental Evaluation and probability can supply useful volumes of ground Lake Studies (Water Bureau) has information on the water. Other information pertaining to wells,. classification and water quality of lakes. The springs, test borings and test pits is also Division also manages a volunteer monitoring displayed on the maps, and additional geologic program designed to assist communities in information is included in a text that accompanies monitoring degradation of water quality of lakes. each map. Aquifer yield designations and bound- The Division is designing a manual on reviewing aries are generalized from available information subdivisions in lake watersheds. and, as such are subject to modifications based on on-site hydrogeologic investigations. It is esti- The Bureau of Water Quality Control's mated that aquifer boundary lines may be inac- hydrogeologist is available to provide planning curate up to 250 feet of either side of the line assistance and information on ground water shown on the maps. 46 The second level of mapping is more detailed resources and potential threats to those and has been completed for parts of southern and resources, the vulnerability of ground water, and South central Maine. These maps more accurately appropriate ground water protection measures. characterize sand and gravel aquifers by: describing the depth and three dimensional shape Maine Coastal Zone Water Supply and Demand of the aquifer; defining the boundaries; Maps - Maine Coastal Zone Water Supply and Demand distinguishing between the aquifers and the maps are available to coastal communities. These recharge areas; and assessing ground-water flow maps detail the water supply sources, delivery directions and regional water quality. Several systems, a few known contamination sites, and some reports have been prepared to accompany these projected future water supply sources and likely maps. These reports include information on areas of community expansion as of 1977. Your regional geology, hydrogeology, aquifer local town office or water utility may have a copy properties, water quality, seismic surveys, and of your community's map or copies may be obtained monitor well logs. by contacting the State Groundwater Coordinator. Ground Water Resource Maps - The only Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife published information available on bedrock (IFQW) aquifers are the Ground Water Resource Maps. IF&W Wetlands Inventory - In the late 1960s These maps represent a preliminary investigation IF&W mapped and assessed wetlands based on their of bedrock aquifer characteristics for coastal suitability for wildlife habitat. This infor- counties, including portions of Androscoggin, mation is probably the most geographically Kennebec and Penobscot Counties. These maps complete assessment of wetlands in the State. It display well yields, depth, thickness of over- can be obtained from the IF&W Regional Office or burden bedrock surface topography and other information. While the individual well infor- the head office in Augusta. mation is relatively accurate the interpretations National Flood Insurance Program are not bas,ed on enough data to be statistically adequate. Therefore, the best use of this infor- National Flood Insurance Program maps display mation is to use it to supplement the well inven- the location of floodplains or flood hazard areas. tory described in the previous section. Towns are required to have Floodplain Management Ordinances to participate in the Federal Flood` The Maine Geological Survey has other Insurance Program through which residents are published reports and unpublished data that might eligible for flood insurance. A copy of your be valuable in conducting a ground water inven- town's floodplain maps and ordinance should be tory. It would be wise to contact them to find available through the town office. out what other information is available. A community may want to improve the accuracy State Planning Office Groundwater Coordinator of these maps, particularly where inaccuracies are clearly evident, as a part of the natural The State Groundwater Coordinator can provide resources inventory. Contact the Floodplain protection planning assistance to communities. Management Coordinator, Maine State Planning This includes information on mapping ground water Office, for more information. 47 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service MWS) Vegetation F&WS Wetlands Maps - The U.S. F&WS mapped wetlands in all of coastal Maine and the entire Saco River watershed in the 1970s. These maps display freshwater and tidal wetlands. What Is Vegetation? U.S. Geolooical Survey (USGS) Why Is It Important? The USGS located in Augusta has some Vegetation is the plant life that covers the hydrological information available and can provide surface of the land. In Maine the land area is 89 limited assistance in interpreting the data. percent forested with natural and plantation U.S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS) forest stands. Agricultural land accounts for less than 5 percent and urban or built-up areas SCS Soil Survey Maps - The Soil Survey maps account for the remainder. A great deal of vege- tation is used to provide food and fiber products. can also be used to identify the location of The type of veget Iative ground cover is an wetlands and floodplains. Wetland soils include expression of climate, soil, and past history. muck and peat, marsh, and mineral soils that are poorly or very poorly drained, as defined by the The forests of Maine are of two general types. SCS. The Survey can be used to preliminarily These are boreal or northern forests of conifers identify flood hazard areas which are "alluvial" (evergreens) in the north and east, and northern soils as defined by the SCS. Since this soils hardwood forests in the south and west. These information does not indicate the frequency of generalized forest types have been modified by floods or the depth of flooding it should only be past cutting history and fires, resulting in a used for general planning purposes and not where a complex mix of forest stands. great degree of accuracy is needed. The Soil Survey can be obtained from the The existing forests of Maine are third and County Soil Conservation Service. SCS staff may fourth generation stands that resulted from cutting "virgin forests." The forest lands supply also be able to assist in the delineation of fiber, building materials and recreation wetlands and floodplains. opportunity. Forest land is also the habitat for many wildlife species which are valued for food, beauty, and sport. Many forested areas are crucial links in the survival of important wildlife species. Forest trees help maintain water quality by regulating run-off and by preventing undue warming. These cooler waters provide suitable habitat for fish and other aquatic life. 48 The science and art of forestry is the body of Erosion preventive measures are well knowledge that guides the management of a forest. documented by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS). The principal management technique used in the The SCS can recommend the right ground cover for past has been the cutting and harvesting of an area based on the soil type and the expected standing trees. The proper removal of mature and uses of the area. useful trees provides room for a new, more vigorous growth. Vegetative ground cover can provide screening for homes and other developed sites. Vegetative Agricultural activity involves planting, buffer zones reduce noise as well as blot out tending, and harvesting of many vegetables and unwanted scenes. Trees and other vegetation use up grains. Row crops and grains are good examples of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and generate plants established and harvested on a yearly oxygen. This action results in a purification of cycle. Other areas such as hay fields, pastures, the atmosphere. In Maine, it is the vegetation and orchards are created and managed to provide that determines the natural beauty of an area. food over a longer period. For example, large tall trees along.a lake shore, or hardwood vegetation in fall coloration along a Agricultural activity usually requires ridge, or hillside orchards in bloom, add periodic disturbances of the land surface by character to a region, and provide pleasing visual plowing or some other means. During these periods experiences. the soil is exposed to the weather and the poten- tial for erosion is greatly increased. Classification of Ground Cover Likewise, the harvest of forest trees usually There are a variety of ways to classify involves the disturbance of the soil. Road build- vegetative characteristics. For example, ing and machinery operations are major causes of foresters interested in locating areas to be soil exposure. Again, exposure of the soil harvested break forest land down according to creates a potential for erosion. type, height, and density. Thus, forest type maps will show: Maintaining a continuous ground cover is essential to protect the soil from erosion and the resulting degrading of surface water by sedimen- Softwood (SW) tation. Erosion and sedimentation often occur as Hardwood (HW) the result of the misuse of forest and agricul- Mixed wood (M) tural lands. Alders (A) Although agriculture and forestry activities Cedar Swamp (CS) can cause erosion, it is the wholesale bulldozing Other of areas for development that results in the most serious erosion problems in Maine. When ground cover is removed, the site is exposed and unless plus a number and letter code as to height and precautions are taken, a very severe case of crown closure (density). For example, M2B means erosion and sedimentation may occur. mixed wood of medium height and medium density. 49 For planning purposes a more general To complete the classification of ground descriptive system is desirable. For example: cover, several additional cover types must be identified. These are: Mature forest -large harvestable, but Wetlands - including swamps, bogs, scenic trees and marshes Young forest -smaller, non-harvest,--lb' Urban or Built-up - houses, buildings, roads, trees etc.; as well as open Cut-over forest -recently_cut-over wl,@.-re space, cemeteries, there is evidence of tree junkyards, etc. removal (roads and exposed Barren Land -such as rock outcrops, areas). gravel pits, and sandy areas Surface Water -lakes, ponds, rivers, This classification can be expanded to include streams, brooks and tidal the types of trees such as hardwood, softwood or areas mixed wood. Another classification system developed Agricultural land can also be classified through the Maine Natural Heritage Program of the according to its condition. The classes of Nature Conservancy focuses on vegetative ground agricultural land are: cover as wildlife habitat. The Natural Community Classification is fairly detailed and goes beyond naming broad categories. It may be used to make Tilled - flat, uniform surface important distinctions between two habitats that capable of being tilled may superficially appear similar, yet are Pasture - sloping, uneven land not ecologically quite different. For example, a pitch capable of being tilled pine barren is a softwood forest, but is certainly Abandoned - land in the early stages of much more rare and threatened than second growth returning to forest cover spruce and fir. Orchard - land used for the cultivation of fruit The classification can also give a town some idea as to the relative rarity, and thus With this system, land used or available for importance of a particular habitat under agriculture is identified. These classes give consideration. Nature Conservancy staff are some indication of the extent that the earth's available to help interpret the classification, surface will be disturbed, hence, the potential especially since it will be continually updated as for erosion hazard is indicated. new date become available. 50 Inventorying Vegetation Narrative The narrative should explain how vegetation or Mapping ground cover has been classified on the map. It should note the predominant types of ground cover and their locations within the community. Any 1. Transfer and plot cover types from sources past and future trends in land cover change should onto a topographic base map. be enrlained. For example, the narrative might note whether there is more abandoned farmland 2. Outline with a heavy black line the cover today than in the past, or whether wetlands types on the base map and label according to a decreased in size due to filling for development. legend. (see suggested legend, below) The narrative should also identify and describe 3. Prepare a legend and title, and attach to the any areas of town-owned forest, farmland or map. wetlands. Sources of Information Suggested Vegetation Map Legends (See Appendix 1 for addresses) F - Forest land In many cases ground cover information will A - Agricultural Land not be available. The following sources, however, U - Urban and built-up may be of help: W - Wetland 0 - Other Major landowners may have forest type maps OR that classify mixed woods, softwoods and hardwoods FOREST LAND AGRICULTURAL LAND Municipal Tax records may identify forest types, wetlands, agricultural land, urban and Softwood Tilled built-up areas Hardwood Pasture Mixed wood Orchard Recent (within 10 yrs) USGS topographic sheets Abandoned show forest and agricultural land, and wetlands. URBAN & BUILT-UP WETLAND U.S. Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service/U. S. Soil Conservation Bog Service have aerial photographs with farmland Swamp designations. Aerial photographs flown in the Marsh fall and winter can also be used to determine Mudflat hardwoods, mixed wood and softwoods. 51 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --- - -- - - - - - - FOOLS POND 10 f Ai Of BA - - - - - - - - - - - 3 52 Special Natural Features What Are Special Natural Features? Geologic features are those relating to rock formations. Areas with concentrations of fossil Why Are They Important? deposits, large boulders or rock outcrops, jagged coastal areas, unusual rock deposits, or pebble Most town's possess natural features that beaches are good examples of notable geologic features. contribute to the community's unique character. These areas may be outstanding scenic open space Botanical features are those relating to plant areas, excellent wildlife habitat, a sandy beach, life. Old growth forests, rhododendron stands, an unusual rock formation or some other feature "sugar bush" or sugar maple stands,,or endangered that has special value to the community. plant species are special botanic features that These areas are important because they are a might be included. part of the community's natural heritage. Unusual Zoologic features are those wildlife areas natural features can be used for educational relating to animal life. Deer yards, waterfowl purposes for students, organizations and profes- habitat, salmon runs, clam flats are good examples sional researchers. Some areas may be suitable of important zoologic features. for recreational uses such as hiking, canoeing, picnicking, swimming, sightseeing, photography and art. There is no set list of all the special features that should be included in an inventory; it will vary from community to community. How- Inventorying Special Natural Features ever, areas that have been identified as being of statewide significance should definitely be mapped. (See the section on "Sources of Informa- tion on Special Natural Features.) Mapping Special natural features can be categorized as Special Natural Features should be mapped on a scenic, geologic, botanic or zoologic. Scenic single base map. Various types of shading and features might include overlooks, coastal areas, cross hatching can be used to identify areas of country roads with expanses of farmland or open special features and symbols can be used to locate space, gorges and waterfalls. Since the specific sites. These areas and sites can then be designation of scenic areas is very subjective, it numbered and keyed to a listing or table that may be helpful to survey community residents to contains more detailed information. Be sure to identify these areas. put a title and legend on the map. 53 --------------------- --- ------- 7 7 7 ------ 0 jo ER 4 SILVER HILL Me T 0 t1b 4r OW km 7 4-*,,,,ir, OW %WMILL z 17 4:1 Fp, - - - - - - - - - - - - .............. .. . ...................... Special Features MAPPING COMMMS: This is a color map that has been reproduced in black and white. Shading f and shading patterns were added in order to show areas which would fade out wit black and white camera. A light shading film was used on "active farms" and diagonal hatching used for "historic village center". 54 Narrative The Program has produced over 200 reports, brochures, and fact sheets. These reports contain The narrative should describe each of the a substantial amount of scientific information on natural features displayed on the map. It should rare features in Maine. Copies of all the explain the importance of the features and their program's publications are available in 18 sensitivity to land use activity. The sources of libraries, and are available to the public to all information should be noted. borrow. The Maine State Planning Office will -rcv4A-_ copies of the program's reports. There is a charge for the larger reports. Sources of Information The three types of reports available are: Planning reports provide technical scientific (See Appendix for addresses) background on particular species or.land features. They are primarily designed for scientists and researchers. There are several sources of information on special natural features of statewide signifi- Botanical Fact sheets are two page summaries cance. There may also be other features not of the biology of particular species of rare listed that are of local significance and there- plants in Maine that provide a description of the fore deserve special treatment. In some cases, plant, its distribution in Maine and assessment of the community may identify a natural feature'that its rarity and significance. should be brought to the attention of the state- wide groups. Educational brochures are designed to provide general information about some of Maine's plants, wildlife and natural features, both rare and The Critical Areas Proaram, State Plannina office familiar, to meet the interests of the general public. Critical areas are officially recognized and The program also publishes an Index of registered areas which contain natural features of Critical Areas by town and county. state significance - either highly unusual natural features, or outstanding examples of more common Maine Natural Heritace Proaram, the Nature features. Critical areas, on both public and Conservancy private land, may include exceptional plant or animal habitat, areas of great geological or The Maine Heritage Program inventories the historical interest, and outstanding scenic areas. status and locations of rare animals, plants and They may or may not be well-known to the public. natural communities. The major objectives of the Some examples of critical areas include colonial program are to gather information about the bird nesting sites, naturally occurring occurrence of rare species and to make the infor- rhododendron stands, significant fossil deposits, mation available for conservation and land use and scenic gorges and waterfalls. purposes. 55 The Heritage Program data base can provide IF&W is conducting a study of marine wildlife locational and life history information on - shorebirds, seabirds and seals, for some coastal endangered and threatened other species and areas. The study identifies habitat areas and significant ecosystems for a town. The program ranks them according to importance and recommends can also provide comprehensive lists of all management. The study will be an excellent source Maine's plants, birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and of information on Marine species. amphibians, and selected invertebrates, as well as a detailed classification of Maine's terrestrial T:.e Endangered and Non-game Wildlife Program and wetland community types. These lists can be is also administered by the IF&W. Non-game useful in inventory planning and analysis. wildlife includes all terrestrial, freshwater, and salt water species which are not captured or To request information from the Heritage killed for sport or profit. This program has Program, call or write the Program and include: mapped sites that are critical to species contin- uation and sites that are highly valued as wild- �Name and address of user or organization life habitat. The program is also developing �Special features or types of information for management guidelines for these sites. Contact which data are needed the nearest Regional IF&W office for all �Geographic area of concern including a map information from IF&W.. of the area and a precise description �Brief explanation of how the data will be Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) used Area biologists for DMR are a source of The Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife information on marine fisheries including (IF&W) commercial shellfish beds, marine worms, smelt, shad, alewives, salmon and other fish species. The regional offices of IF&W have information The report, "An Ecological Characterization of on fisheries and wildlife habitat. IF&W also Coastal Maine," by the Fish & Wildlife Service, maintains the Maine Wetlands Inventory, a contin- U.S. Department of Interior, 1980, is also a good uous study identifying and rating wetlands for source of information on marine species. However, their value to waterfowl. area biologists should be asked to update this information. This publication is available IF&W conducts annual wintering waterfowl through the State Library System or can be surveys, and fisheries surveys. Statistics are reviewed at the Maine Association of Conservation kept on deer and furbearing harvest and fish Commissions' office. stocking. The Department is also conducting an inventory of terrestrial habitat. Based on these Town Clam Flat Inventories - Coastal towns studies, IF&W biologists are often able to make that are regulating clam flats are required to wildlife projections for various amounts of have completed clam flat inventories. These available wildlife habitat within the community. inventories should be available from the town office or from DMR. 56 River Fisheries Management Plans - River fisheries management plans have been prepared for most major rivers in the state. These plans contain extensive inventories of river ecosystems. These plans are available through the State Library System. Maine State Plannina Office (SPO) Two reports produced for the SPO might be helpful to towns inventorying scenic and wildlife resources. While the studies were done for specific areas in Southern Maine, they still provide methodologies and/or recommendations that might be useful. The reports are: "The Cumulative Impacts of Development: A Scenic Landscape Assessment on Mousam River Watershed," Mary F. Droege, 1987 "The Cumulative Impacts of Development: Important Wildlife Areas in Southern Maine," Jody Jones, 1986 57 ,,Putti'*ng It All gether.le The 11mmary Analysi*s Map What Is a Summary Analysis Map? What Information Why Is It Important? Should Be Mapped? At a minimum the Natural Resources Summary The Natural Resources Summary Analysis Map Analysis Map should include: graphically displays the physical features and 1. Slopes greater than 25 percent characteristics that have the greatest relevance to land use in the community. It should summarize 2. Flood hazard areas the most significant aspects of the topography, 3. Major wetlands soils, hydrology, vegetation and special natural 4. Large volume aquifers features by highlighting (in map form) where the 5. Shorelines land is most sensitive to development pressure and 6. Special natural areas where there are impediments to new construction. All these areas should be considered for open The preparation of the Natural Resources space because of their critical function within Summary Analysis Map is an important part of the the ecosystem and sensitivity to land use land use planning process. Summarizing all the activity. Special natural areas should be TO information on one map makes it easier to analyze included if the intention is to preserve or the information. protect them. 58 Other characteristics that should be 1. Transfer those areas with slopes greater than considered for inclusion on the summary map 25 percent and slopes of 15-25 percent from include: the Slope Map onto the Natural Resources Summary Analysis Base Map (a topographic base 1. Slopes of 15% or greater map). These areas can be outlined in black 2. Soils with certain severe limitations and shaded, with darker shading for the (i.e., high water table, shallow depth to greater than 25 percent slopes and lighter bedrock) shading for the 15-25 percent slopes. 3. Other aquifers and wetlands 2. Transfer the information on flood hazard These latter areas may be problematic and potential, major wetlands and shorelines from should be approached with caution. They will the Water Resources Map onto the Natural probably warrant further investigation to Resources Summary Analysis Map. These areas determine if site conditions may limit development can be identified by crosshatching and or other certain land uses. shading. Other wetlands may also be identified. Communities may want to seek the assistance of their regional planning commission, council of 3. Transfer those areas with large volume governments or Soil Conservation Service county aquifers from the Water Resources Map onto the office in preparing this map. These agencies may Natural Resources Summary Analysis Map. These be able to assist in selecting the information to areas can be identified by a thick black be mapped that is appropriate for the area. dotted line. Other aquifers can also be identified. How Should the 4. Transfer those areas with soils with high water tables and soils with shallow depth to bedrock from the Soils Maps onto the Natural Information Be Resources Summary Analysis Map. Those areas can be identified by hatching or shading. 5. Transfer those areas designated as special Mapped? natural areas from the Special Natural Features Map onto the Natural Resources Summary Analysis Map. These can be identified The Natural Resources Summary Analysis Map is using symbols such as circles and stars or prepared by transferring the above information with suitable cross hatching. from each of the resource maps onto a single new 6. Attach a legend and title to the map. base map which will be the summary map. The following is a step by step description of the procedure. 59 Narrative A narrative should accompany the map and explain its purpose. It should also explain what information was and was not included and the reasoning behind these decisions. 60 . . . . ........ ......... 7"17 "1 7,4 61 V1. Land Use Inventory When existing land use is inventoried and What Is a Land Use superimposed on other maps, such as the Natural Resource Summary Analysis Map, it is easy to identify where conflicts may have occurred or Inventory? where growth may be at odds with other natural values. (see Section VII). Land use refers to human activity on the land. A Land Use Map records those areas where the land is used to produce goods and services and support buildings and other human activities. Inventorying The Land Use Inventory is the identification, location and mapping of land uses in a community. Land Use The inventory is based on a standard classifi- cation system that groups uses with similar characteristics into several basic categories. Mapping 1. Gather and transfer available land use Why Is It Important? information onto a base map. 2. Up-date and correct this land use map by driving or walking around the community. The Land Use Inventory is important for three major reasons: 1) it records existing conditions 3. Based on information gathered, place land uses making it easier to upgrade certain areas due to on the base map according to a legend. The the problems and opportunities that may arise; legend can be based on Figure VI-1, and can (2) it makes it possible to anticipate where utilize symbols, numbers, colors or shading. future growth may occur; and (3) it helps assess In areas of dense land use, each site cannot how new proposals will fit into the natural and be plotted. Thus, a generalized area should man-made community. be outlined. Examples are residential areas, 62 FIGURE VI-I SUGGESTED LEGEND CATEGORIES FOR A LAND USE MAP CATEGORY EXAMPLE COLOR SYMBOL RESIDENTIAL single family year round Yellow R multi-family year round seasonal residential MANUFACTURING industrial-activity Purple M warehouses sawmills TRANSPORTATION, highways and roads Black lines UTILITIES pipelines (solid,dotted powerlines & dashed to sewer lines designate railroads different uses) TRADE retail stores Dark Red T department stores gasoline stations restaurants SERVICES doctors Pink S lawyers hospitals CULTURAL, parks ENTERTAINMENT, ball fields RECREATIONAL open space for public Light Green CER ski areas cemeteries RESOURCE farms Dark Green RPE PRODUCTION & tree farms EXTRACTION gravel pits quarries UNDEVELOPED LAND historic sites No Color ULWA AND WATER AREAS natural areas water supplies game preserves SOURCE: Based on "Standard Classification System for Land Use Coding in Maine," Maine State Planning Office. 63 77 7' N 10, U .-H ... . . .. .. . ... ... ... ... 7A P. I . . . . . . ........ kv, .. . . .. ........ @4 BOG .. . ..... ... @@g p A- @jg @ALL,VU f tll - I I-= H I,L@ 01; .. ..... . . ... ....... @E A -Li 7@ X RIM A,r ft@ ITAf- t T Ww. V . ..... "W" F 'Ail NAPPIM COMMITS: This is a color map that has been reproduced in black and white. Pattern shading have been added, for purposes of photographic reproduction. Patterns used on land use categories, "institutional and government", "industrial", H commercial", and "parks and recreation". A light shading film was used on agricultural" and the "residential" use was hand stippled. 64 downtown (central business district), indus- trial, etc. When an area of land use is Sources of identified, outline it with a dark solid line. Label, color or shade the area according to a legend. Information 4. Attach legend and title to the map. (See Appendix I for addresses) The Narrative In many cases land uses may have already been The accompanying narrative should describe the inventoried by the town planning board, regional overall existing land use within the community. planning commission or as a part of a special It should describe the general location of built- study. The planning board probably inventoried up areas including the town center and any clus- land uses in preparing a comprehensive plan for ters of development at crossroads, rural areas and the town. In some cases comprehensive plans are areas where development appears to be spreading prepared for the town by the regional planning into undeveloped areas. The narrative section commission or by a private consultant. might also include a table that shows the number of uses and/or number of areas of different land uses; such as the example below: State Plannina Office Land use inventories have been completed for coastal communities through the Coastal Zone Management Program administered by the State Planning Office. A useful guide to land use classification is TABLE the "Standard Classification System for Land Use Coding in Maine", also available from the State No. of No. of % of Land Planning Office. Land Use of Uses Acres Area U. S. Acricultural Stabilization and Conservation Residential Service/U. S. Soil Conservation Service Services Agricultural land use information can often be Manufacturing obtained from the County Soil Conservation Service Resource Production and the County Agricultural Stabilization and Con- servation Service. These federal agencies main- etc.... tain records on the number of acres in agricul- tural production and the type of livestock produced. They may also have aerial photography that can be helpful in locating various land uses. 65 V11. Evaluati*ng The Inventor Results* The Land Use Revi*ew Map To some extent subjective decisions will need What Is a Land Use to be made on how an area should be classified. Some areas such as wetlands, should obviously Review Map? remain in their natural state. Other areas might be suitable for certain types of uses or providing special precautions are taken to eliminate or reduce environmental degradation. For example, a The Land Use Review Map is a combination of steep slope might be suitable for pastureland or a the Natural Resources Summary Analysis Map and the moderately steep slope might be suitable for resi- Land Use Map. By combining the information on dential use if soil erosion control measures are these maps it is possible to identify the oppor- taken and adequate sewage disposal is available. tunities and limitations (constraints) for land The town may want to contact their regional use activity within the community. The Land Use planning commission or council of governments for Map displays existing land use and the Natural assistance in determining how different areas Resources Summary Analysis Map displays areas should be treated. where there may be limitations on land use activities. By combining this information it is It is important to re-emphasize that these possible to identify: maps and this analysis has been designed for general planning purposes. The maps will display 1. Existing Problem Areas areas where a major portion of an area has certain characteristics. This information is not a 2. Areas That Should Be Preserved in Their substitute for on-site inspections and, in some Natural State cases field testing, to determine the on-site capacity of an area to be used or treated in a 3. Areas That Need Special Treatment certain way. 66 Existing Problem Areas That Require Areas Special Treatment These are areas where there already is, or Some of the areas identified on the Natural potentially is, a conflict between the existing Resources Summary Analysis Map may be suitable for land use activity and the natural environment. certain land use activities if they are compatible For example, existing problem areas might be where with the natural environment or if precautions are a home is built on a fragile shoreline where taken to prevent environmental harm. For example, erosion of the shore threatens to undermine the crop farming on a floodplain is a suitable acti- structural integrity of the home, or where an old vity as long as the shoreline remains well vege- underground storage tank located over an aquifer tated and undisturbed. Residential uses would be that serves as the community's water supply. inappropriate on a floodplain but low density residential uses may be appropriate for an area of moderately sloping forestland. Slopes of 15 percent to 25 percent, areas with high water tables, or shallow depth and bedrock and smaller aquifers and wetlands might be included in this Areas That Should category. Be Preserved in Their Natural State Combining the Maps These areas have been identified on the The Land Use Review Map can be made by Natural Resources Summary Analysis Map and are Combining the information from Natural Resources those areas that have not already been altered Summary Analysis Map and the Land Use Map. The from their natural state. Areas such as wetlands, information can either be transferred from both slopes greater than 25 percent, and certain areas maps onto one map or they can be overlaid if the identified through the State's Critical Areas maps have been prepared on transparent materials. Program should be left largely undisturbed in The result of combining the maps is a visual their natural state. statement of the options. 67 Prepare a legend and title for this map. You may want to use various degrees of shading or different colors for each of the four categories. For example: (Color red) = Existing Problem Areas (Color green) = Areas That Should Be Preserved in a Natural State (Color yellow) = Areas That Require Special Treatment (Color white) = Other Areas Narrative The accompanying narrative should describe the Land Use Review Map and explain its purpose. The Narrative should also include definitions for each of the categories as well as descriptions of all of the major areas included in each category. 68 M A I N E CAL 1"22000' 0 "00 . 3090 560 6 20100 LAND USE REVIEW KEY: Areas That Should Be Preserved in Their Natural State Areas Thai Require C Special Treatment Existing Problem Areas 69 V111. Usi*ng The Inventory Results The Natural Resources Inventory is a vital should reflect the changing desires of the public, component of community planning. It is an and a process that's capable of assimilating more important part of the comprehensive plan and and new data as that data becomes available. provides a foundation for regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to planning. The comprehensive plan is a document that is the product of comprehensive planning. The plan helps a community guide growth in an orderly, constructive manner. It offers guidelines for community decision-makers that present coordinated Comprehensive policies for development, transportation, environmental protection, community facilities, and fiscal management. The plan document must Planning constantly undergo change and refinement to reflect the comprehensive planning process and changing community demands. What is Comprehensive Planning? Maine Law (Title 30 K.R.S.A. (4961) defines Comprehensive planning includes all aspects of the comprehensive plan as follows: community growth and development, including land 4961. Comprehensive plan use, population characteristics, municipal services and education. It involves conducting 1. Definitions. As used in this subchapter, research on the characteristics of the community unless the context otherwise indicates, the (community profile, natural resources inventory, following terms have the following meanings. and municipal facilities and services), evaluating A. "Comprehensive plan" means a compilation the data, establishing future goals and policies, of policy statements, goals, standards, maps and implementing measures designed to achieve and pertinent data relative to the past, those goals. present and future trends of the municipality with respect to its population, housing, economics, social patterns, land use, water Comprehensive planning is a process, a process resources and their use, transportation which must be continued over time, a process that facilities and public facilities prepared by 70 The comprehensive plan isn't an ordinance and the municipal planning board, agency or can,t be used to regulate land use by itself. It office. The plan, being as much a process as only has regulatory bearing to the extent that it a document capable of distribution, may at has information tied to a review standard in some successive stages consist of data collected, ordinance or statute. preliminary plans, alternative action proposals and, finally, a comprehensive plan to be adopted. In its final stages, it may consist of a series of subsidiary but interrelated plans such as, but not limited to, a water and sewage system plan, a land use plan, a shoreland management plan that Why is Comprehensive Planning Important? considers functionally water-dependent uses and public access to and use of the shoreline, The comprehensive planning process enables a community facilities plan, a transportation plan, an urban renewal or rehabilitation plan, citizens to collectively take charge of the an air or water pollution control plan and a destiny of their community. A well conceived park and open space plan. The comprehensive comprehensive plan that's been developed with the plan shall include recommendations for plan involvement of the municipal officers, citizens, execution and implementation such as, but not limited to, planned unit development, site the planning board, and the conservation commis- plan approval, transfer of development rights, sion will help to insure a healthy community with open space zoning, clustered development, a high quality of life. conditional zoning, contract zoning and zoning to protect access to direct sunlight for solar energy use. Another significant reason for comprehensive B. "Functionally water-dependent uses" means those uses that require, for their primary planning is a statutory one. Maine law requires purpose, location on submerged lands or that that a municipality's governing body adopt a require direct access to, or location in, comprehensive plan prior to the adoption of town- coastal waters and which therefore cannot be located away from these waters. These uses wide zoning. Maine law also requires that a include but are not limited to, commercial and comprehensive plan be prepared and adopted by the recreational fishing and boating facilities, planning board prior to the adoption of shoreland finfish and shellfish processing, storage and zoning and subdivision controls in shoreland retail and wholesale marketing facilities, dock and part facilities, shipyards and boat areas. building facilities, marinas, navigation aides, basins and channels, industrial uses dependent upon water-borne transportation or requiring large volumes of cooling or Such ordinances must be Dursuant to and processing water that cannot reasonably be consistent with the comprehensive plan. The plan located or operated at an inland site and uses which primarily provide general public access should show a general development scheme for the to marine or tidal waters. town; that the town has thought about a particular control; that it is fitted into some larger frame of reference; that it is not arbitrary or capric- 2. public participation. In the preparation of a ious; and that it has some legitimate purpose in comprehensive plan, the public shall be given an achieving the public's health, safety and general adequate opportunity to be heard. welfare. 71 Comprehensive planning al has educational The process of inventorying natural resources benefits. The preparation of a comprehensive plan and then analyzing the information, as has been helps people become more aware of the community explained in this handbook, invoolves deciding what and its assets and liabilities. Moreover,-if natural resource characteristics are relevant to planning is to have any real impact, the public land use planning, examining these characteristics must have an understanding of the dynamics of with regard to existing land use and then making their community. recommendations on the best futu use for the land. The analysis makes it possible to identify How Does a Natural Resources Inventory Fit Into areas requiring protection or special treatment the Comprehensive Planning Process? as well as existing problem areas. A natural resources inventory is a key As can be seen from Figure VIII-1 the natural component of comprehensive planning. In some resources inventory is but one portion of the communities the preparation of a natural resources comprehensive planning process.The community inventory may be the first step in the planning profile must be completed and municipal services process. and facilities must be inventoried and analyzed before an overall plan with recommended policies and goals can be made. Regulatory quality of life by maintaining the health, safety and welfare of its citizens. Approaches What a person does with his/her property can affect neighbors and the community as a whole. For example, salt piles, underground fuel or to Planning chemical storage tanks, or landfills should not be placed over a vulnerable aquifer or a community's water supply, because of the threat to ground What are Municipal Ordinances? water. A community can maintain its character and protect its natural resources through municipal Municipal ordinances or regulations are laws ordinances. enacted by the legislative body (i.e. town meeting or council) of a municipality. Municipal How Does the Natural Resources Inventory Relate to ordinances and regulations are tools for Municipal ordinances? implementing the comprehensive plan. The purpose of the shoreland zoning and Two state laws, the Mandatory Shoreland Zoning subdivision laws is to control development Act and the State Subdivision Law require that all occurring in shoreland areas and to eliminate or municipalities administer and enforce shoreland minimize the adverse environmental impacts of zoning ordinances and subdivision ordinances that subdivision development. The effectiveness of meet the state's mandated minimum requirements. these laws depends in large part on whether the These ordinances provide the sole basis for review municipality's decision-making board has of development proposals in many of the smaller sufficient natural resources information available Maine communities. when reviewing development applications. There are other types of ordinances which are The Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act requires 11local option" land use controls such as town-wide that municipal shoreland zoning ordinances must be zoning, floodplain management ordinances, site 11pursuant to and consistent with a comprehensive plan review ordinances, and wetlands and aquifer plan". While most towns and cities have shoreland protection ordinances. All of these ordinances zoning ordinances, some either have not prepared a deal with the protection of natural resources. comprehensive plan to support their ordinance or Appendix 3 contains a listing of municipal have prepared a plan that does not conform to the ordinances that contain provisions to protect statutory definition of a comprehensive plan. natural resources. Consequently, if a developer or landowner violates the provisions of a shoreland zoning ordinance and Why Are Municipal Ordinances Important? the municipality initiates legal action seeking a court order to stop the violation, it is possible Municipal ordinances enable citizens to that the municipality's lawsuit would not be collectively control the future of their successful. If the ordinance is held to be community. By devising rules and regulations unenforceable because it did not conform to a governing land use the community can control the comprehensive plan as defined in the statutes, the 73 proposed use could occur without local review town-wide zoning and site plan review ordinances, under the shoreland zoning ordinance. enable towns to review projects which do not fall within the scope of the Subdivision Law or The lack of a comprehensive plan also hampers Shoreland Zoning Act. a municipality's ability to evaluate subdivision applications effectively. The Municipal Towns that adopt these types of local option Subdivision Law requires review of proposed ordinances, in many cases, must have comprehensive subdivisions by all municipalities and speci- plans. A comprehensive plan is legally necessary fically authorizes planning boards, in reviewing a for town-wide zoning and some courts have held proposed subdivision, to determine that the that other land use ordinances, such as minimum subdivision "Ws in conformance with a duly lot size and site plan review ordinances, fall adopted subdivision regulation or ordinance (or) within the definition of zoning and, therefore, comprehensive plan, ...if any..." require a comprehensive plan. Zoning is defined as "...the division of a municipality into The board is also required to make findings districts and the prescription and reasonable about the environmental impact of a subdivision application of different regulations in each which are related to the natural resources data district, (30 M.R.S.A. 4962)." generally included in a comprehensive plan. If the municipality has prepared and adopted a The natural resources inventory, as a part of comprehensive plan which has catalogued such the comprehensive plan should provide the information as the nature and extent of its information necessary to support the designation community and natural resources, the planning of districts and prescription of regulation for board is better equipped to conduct a meaningful those districts. For example, the boundaries of review of the project using all of the statutory wetlands and aquifers identified through the subdivision guidelines because data is available natural resources inventory should correspond with to help the board interpret those guidelines. The the appropriate district within the zoning board is also in a better position to know what ordinance. conditions it should impose in approving a project in order to protect the environment. Those Additionally the natural resources inventory conditions are more likely to be sustained by a also helps ensure that decisions made by a local court, if challenged, if they can be supported by planning board, under these ordinances, are data or natural resources in the comprehensive legally sound and that decisions to deny an plan. application or to approve it with conditions can "Local Option" Land Use Ordinances be justified. A natural resources inventory provides valuable environmental information to support additional local land use ordinances that communities may wish to adopt. Local,regulations governing the use of prime agricultural lands, fresh water wetlands, aquifer recharge areas, floodplains, and other ordinances, such as 74 include conservation easements and deed Non-regulatory restrictions, which are restrictions attached to a property, mutual covenants, which are agreements between neighboring land owners, and outright Approaches donation to a conservation organization, the municipality or some other appropriate group. to Planning Citizens in some communities have banded together to establish land trusts. Land trusts are nonprofit organizations devoted to protecting and preserving land. Land trusts usually hold land or easements for a variety of conservation What Are Non-regulatory approaches to Planning? purposes. Ordinances are not the only method of Why Are Non-regulatory Approaches Important? influencing land use. There are a number of non-regulatory approaches such as municipal Generally, a combination of carefully policies and expenditures (i.e. land acquisition, conceived land use management techniques, both capital improvements program) and landowner regulatory and non-regulatory, is most effective options (i.e. conservation easements, deed for controlling and guiding land use. The use of restrictions, etc.) many different techniques allows more flexibility Municipalities can control land use by and creativity and therefore assures greater outright purchase of land, or less than fee simple success in achieving the desired results. purchase, such as the purchase of a conservation easement. Land banking is a form of public How Does the Natural Resources Inventory acquisition where a town purchases property Relate to Non-regulatory Approaches? outright and then inserts deed restrictions limiting future uses prior to reselling the The natural resources inventory can be used to property, or leases the land to a user, such as a identify areas of importance to the community. farmer. The locations of natural resources and environ- mental constraints are major considerations in Municipalities can guide future land use planning capital improvements. For example, through their capital improvements program. roads, sewer and water lines should be placed in Roads, sewers and waterlines can be improved and areas with soils, drainage and slopes suitable for extended in areas where a town wishes to encourage development. development. Additionally, a municipality can use the Communities can also work to influence land natural resources inventory to identify areas to use by encouraging private landowners to protect be acquired for recreation, conservation and their property. Landowners have numerous options educational purposes. The natural resources to legally control what happens to their land when inventory can also be used to identify landowners they no longer own it. The various approaches that should be encouraged to protect their land. 75 Limitations of the Natural R.--sources Inventory provides technical assistance on land use planning including growth management and floodplain manage- The natural resources inventory, as described ment. in this handbook, has its limitations. For example, while the inventory maps are at a scale The Critical Areas Program identifies areas of that is useful for community planning, they are special significance to Maine's natural heritage. not accurate enough to show site-specific charac- Designation as a Critical Area is non-regulatory teristics. Government generated maps, such as the and advisory. The Program does not own land, but soils maps and sand and gravel aquifer maps, are it cooperates with other organizations in efforts examples of generalized maps. to protect the unique natural heritage of Maine. Its professional staff can provide assistance to Furthermore, it is often too expensive for landowners interested in assessing the ecological towns to perform mapping that would be accurate significance of their properties. enough for site-planning. State imposed ordinan- ces and regulations and some towns' ordinances ReCrional Plannina Commissions or Councils of clearly place the burden of proof on the devel- Government oper. Thus, if there is any question as to the suitability of a site for a use, the developer is Regional Planning Commissions and Councils of responsible for hiring experts to do site investi- Government provide technical planning assistance gations to prove that a site is suitable for the to member communities. Assistance can include proposed use. other towns have enacted ordinances help in drafting and revising ordinances, and in that allow the town to charge a fee to pay for any reviewing development proposals. necessary site-investigations. Appendix 4 contains a "legal brief" that explains the ability Maine Municipal Association of towns to charge application fees to cover the cost of experts and includes two sample ordinance The Maine Municipal Association provides provisions. limited legal assistance to member communities. Assistance can include (1) providing sample ordinances and comprehensive plans and (2) reviewing and commenting on ordinances and Sources of comprehensive plans drafted by towns. Information Department of Conservation The Bureau of Parks and Recreation acquires (See appendix 1 for addresses) land for public parks and memorials. In some instances it will consider accepting donations of State Plannina office land and conservation easements if the means to manage the land or oversee the easements are The State Planning Office distributes a wide available and if the public benefit of such gifts variety of planning and land use publications and is clear. 76 The Bureau of Public Lands manages public rare species data and technical assistance in lands owned by the State of Maine and not natural resources inventory planning and administered by other state agencies. These lands interpretation. primarily include multiple-use forest lands-in western and northern Maine. Along the coast, the Maine Coast Heritaue Trust Bureau manages a number of small islands and ledges. In general, it is interested in acquiring The Maine Coast Heritage Trust promotes land that has minimal management costs. conservation of the islands and coastline of Maine by holding interest in land and by negotiating Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) gifts of land and easements to other conservation organizations. The Department acquires land for inclusion in its statewide system of wildlife management areas The Trust offers professional advice and and other lands that protect important wildlife assistance, generally free of charge, to habitat. It has accepted conservation easements landowners, land trusts, municipalities, and other on undeveloped shorelands, wetlands used by wild- agencies interested in protecting Maine's coastal life, large upland areas, and other parcels that landscape. are of particular value to wildlife or for hunting and fishing. The Nature Conservancy Maine Chapter The Nature Conservancy acquires land and easements in order to protect rare or threatened species and to preserve natural diversity. It also acquires property for transfer to other conservation agencies or to sell with appropriate restrictions. Conservancy staff is available to consult with landowners regarding the preservation of natural areas. The Conservancy's Maine Natural Heritage Program maintains a comprehensive data base of the locations of rare species and exemplary natureal communities is Maine. The data base is both mapped and computerized for quick and accurate analysis. In addition to rare species and communities, the Heritage Program data base contains locations and information on natural areas managed by public and private organizations. Heritage Program staff can provide site-specific 77 Appendix 1 Public and Private Agencies Regional Agencies Androscoggin/Sagadahoc - 277 Minot Ave., Lewiston, Me. 04210 Tel. 786-0376 kroo took - 23 Pleasant St., Fort Kent - 04743 (Northern) Tel. 834-3905 Regional agencies include regional planning commissions or councils of Aroo:took State Farm, Presque Isle - 04769 (Central) Tel. 764-3361 government, soil and water conservation districts, the soil conservation service, Central Building, P.O. Box 8, Houlton - 04830 (Southern) Tel. 532-6548 and the Cooperative Extension Service of the University of Maine. Cumberland - 96 Falmouth St., Portland - 04103 Tel. 780-4205 1. Regional Planning Commission(RPC) /Council of Governments (COG) . These regional agencies are designed to serve in an advisory capacity to local planning boards, Franklin - 78 Main Street, Farmington - 04938 Tel. 778-4650 and in some cases, conservation commissions. Napping facilities, project review, shoreland zoning procedures, planning assistance, comprehensive plan and natural Hancock - RFD 15, Boggy Brook Road, Ellsworth - 04605 Tel. 667-8212 re:ource inventory assistance, flood-plain information, open space and recreation Kennebec - 125 State St., Augusta - 04330 Tel. 622-7546 pl aning, and subdivision regulations are only a few of the many services available to member municipalities. (Non-member communities may be able to obtain assistance Knox-Lincoln - 375 Main St., Rockland - 04841 Tel. 594-2104 for a fee.) Androscoggin Valley COG, 70 Court Street, Auburn, ME 04210 Tel: 793-9186 Oxford - RFD 12, Box 1735, South Paris - 04281 Tel. 743-6329 Greater Portland COG, 233 Oxford Street, Portland, ME 04101 Tel: 774-9891 Penobscot - Court House Annex, Bangor - 04401 Tel. 942-7396 Hancock County RPC, 69 Main Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605 Tel: 667-7131 Piscataquis - Court House Complex, Dover-Foxcroft 04426 Tel. 564-3301 Eastern Mid Coast RPC, 9 Water Street, Rockland, ME 04841 Tel: 594-2299 Somerset - P. 0. Box 98, Skowhegan - 04976 Tel. 474-9622 North Kennebec RPC, 7 Denton Avenue, Winslow, ME 04902 Tel: $73-0711 Waldo - RFD #1, Box 83, Belfast - 04915 Tel. 338-1651 Northern Maine RPC, P. 0. Box 779, Caribou, ME 04736 Tel: 498-9736 Washington - 5 Cooper St., Machias - 04654 Tel. 255-3345 Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Penobscot Valley RPC Tel: 942-6389 York - Court House Annex, Alfred - 04002 Tel. 324-2814 10 Franklin Street, Bangor, RE 04401 3. See later subsections for discussions of Soil Conservation Service and Soil and Southern Kennebec Valley Planning & Development Council, Tel: 622-7146 Water Conservation District. 125 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04330 State Agencies Southern Maine RPC, Box Q, 2 School Street, Sanford, ME 04073 Tel: 324-2952 At the State level there are many agencies concerned with different aspects of Washington County RPC, 63 Main Street, Machias, ME 04654 Tel: 255-8686 the environment and natural resources. (Please note - There to not a regional agency for the southern aid-coast 1. Department of Conservation. State House Station 22, Augusta, Maine 04333 region: however, efforts are under way to establish one by 1988. In the (Parks and Recreation is Station 19). meantime, local officials in the area should feel free to contact the Com- The following Bureaus are incorporated in this Department: munitY Assist4oce Division of the office of Community and Economic Develop- ment (289-3154) Bureau of Parks and Recreation (289-3821) ureau of Forestry (289-2791 2. Cooperative Extension Service. The Cooperative Extension Service is a part of :ureau of Public Lands (289-3061) the University of Maine at Orono. Its function is to help Maine People improve Bureau of Geology (289-2801) their economic and social conditions through its informal educational programs. Land Use Regulation Commission (289-2631) This is done through techalcal field assistance and publishing a wide variety of educational materials. A) Bureau of Parks and Recreation. The Bureau administers monies under the Land and Water Conservation Fund and can supply information on this 50% There are offices of Cooperative Extension serving every county in Maine, reimbursement program, as well as copies of guidelines for the program. The Bureau with specialized staff based primarily at the University of Maine at Orono. also has information on State Parks and Recreation Areas. 78 B) Bureau of Forestry. The Bureau can suppl- information on woodlot This Department has a network of wardens throughout the state who help enforce analement, tree farming, town forests, and shaa. ree insect and disease problems. fish and game laws and water safety laws. A list of wardens is available from the Department. The Department's regional fish and wildlife biologists are extremely The Bureau has also developed a "Forest Harvest Model Ordinance" for knowledgeable and generally are willing to provide natural resource information to municipalities. towns. The addresses and phone numbers of the regional offices are available at C) Bureau of Public Lands. The Bureau has charge of managing the State's the Department. public lots and the Coastal Islands Registry, among other things. 4. Department of Marine Resources. Address: State House Station 21, Augusta, D) Bureau of Geology. The Bureau, through the Maine Geological Survey, does Maine 04333 (Tel. 289-2291). topographical maps and maps related to surlicial and bedrock geolo , acquifers and wetlands. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wetlands Maps are also available through This Department enforces laws governing the coastal waters and the tidal gy this Bureau. wetlands of the state. There are wardens all along the coast who have power to summons violators of marine and marine fishing laws, as well as the Coastal E) Land Use Regulation Commission. The Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) Wetlands Law. A list of wardens is available from the Department. The Department has responsibility for planning and zoning the unorganized.territories of the also has area biologists who can provide information on marine resources. In State. addition, the Department oversees local shellfish conservation programs and is F) Special Programs. The Maine Conservation Corps is available to provide empowered to lease underwater areas for aquaculture. assistance on projects to improve public property (i.e. hiking trail construction, S. Department of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Resources. Address: State House timber stand management, erosion control, park improvements, etc.) The Maine Station 28, Augusta, Maine 04333 (Tel. 289-3803). !ivers Fund Program provides grants to communities for river management and improvement projects. The Serve Maine Volunteers Program places volunteers and A. Farmland Preservation. The Department has information about farmland interns in public conservation projects throughout the State. These programs are preservation and soils best suited to agricultural use. managed through the Commissioner's Office of the Department (289-2211). B. Soil and Water Conservation Commission. (Tel. 289-2666). The Soil and 2. Department of Environmental Protection. Addressi State House Station 11, Water Conservation Commission (SWCC) and its executive director are under the Department of Agriculture. The SWCC is advisor to the County Soil and Water Augusta, Maine 04333 (Tel. 1-800-452-1942). Conservation Districts (SVCD). The SWCC helps SWCDs with their programs, reviews Bureau of Air Quality Control (Tel. 289-2437) and testifies on development plans, has information on flood plains, flood control practices, soils, erosion and sediment control. The SWCD is a regional unit of Bureau of Land Quality Control (Tel. 289-2111) s Bureau of Water Quality Control (Tel. 289-3355) :ate government which establishes priorities for the County Soil Conservation Bureau of Oil and Hazardous Materials Control (Tel. 289-2651) rvice (SCS) staff, located in the same office as the SWCD. These Bureaus are responsible for administration and enforcement of the Coastal . County Soil Survey Reports and other basic information regarding soil Wetlands Act; Site Location Act; Great Ponds Act; Hazardous Waste, Septage, and Suitability and limitations can be obtained from the nearest SCS office, including Solid Waste Management Act; Protection of Waters Act; Protection of Air Act; technical plans, soils maps, standards information, and field assistance regarding Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act; Stream Alteration Act; Sand Dunes Act; Great Ponds soil, water and related natural resources management. Act; and Oil Discharge Prevention and Pollution Control Act. Information explaining each of these laws are available from DEP's Augusta office. SCS and SWCD Offices The Lakes Division of the Water Quality Bureau has organized a program for monitoring the water quality of many lakes around the State through its Volunteer Monitoring Program. Androscoggin Valley SVCD Cumberland County SWCD 1 Great Falls Plaza 587 Spring Street The Water Bureau's geologists are available to assist towns in assessing the Auburn, Maine 04210 Westbrook, Maine 04092 impacts of development on ground water resources. Tel. 783-9196 (Includes Andro- Tel. 856-6108 scoggin and Sagadahoc Counties) The,DEP also has a monthly periodical, ENVIRON-NEWS, which can be received at Central Aroostook SWCD Franklin County SWCD no cost on request. Aroostook AV Center Building 2 Park Street 3. Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Address: State House Station 41, 744 Main Street Farmington, Maine 04938 Augusta, Maine 04131 (Tel. 289-2171) Presque Isle, Maine 04769 Tel. 778-4767 Tel. 764-4153 79 Hancock County SWCD St. John Valley SWCD The Department's Special Services Division publishes minor civil division maps 41 Main Street )6 Market Street and county general highway maps. Ellsworth, Maine 04605 Fort Kent, Maine 04743 Tel. 667-8663 Tel. 834-3311 9. Bureau of Taxation, Department of Finance and Administration. Address: State House Station 78, Augusta, Maine 04333 (Tel. 289-2011). Kennebec County SWCD Somerset County SWCD Federal Building, Room 408-C 7 High Street The Bureau provides bulletins explaining many property tax laws, including the Augusta, Maine 04330 Skowhegan, Maine 04976 Farm and Open Space Tax Law and Tree Growth Tax Law. Tel. 622-8250 Tel. 474-8324 10. Maine Historic Preservation Commission. Address: State House Station 65, Knox-Lincoln SWCD Southern Aroostook SWCD Augusta, Maine 04333 (Tel. 289-2139). RR I Box 15 RR #3 Box 45 Waldoboro, Maine 04572 Houlton, Maine 04730 The Commission assists groups to preserve the architectural, historic and Tel. 832-4292 Tel. 532-2087 environmental heritage of the people of Maine, and to promote the cultural, educational and economic, benefits of these historic resources. Among other Oxford County SWCD Waldo County SWCD responsibilities, the Commission assists local groups with conducting surveys of 1 Main Street 66 Anderson Street community historic resources. South Paris, Maine 04281 Belfast, Maine 04915 Tel. 743-7019 Tel. 338-2320 11. Land and Water Resources Institute, University of Maine at Orono. Address: University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04473. Tel. 581-1490 Penobscot County SWCD Washington County SWCD 89 Hillside Avenue Federal Building A wide range of environmental information is available from this office. Bangor, Maine 04401 Machias, Maine 04654 Tel. 97-6622 Tel. 255-3995 Federal Agencies Piscataquis County SWCD York County SWCD 1. Environmental Protection Agency (Region I Office). Address: John F. Kennedy 58 Union Square P.O. Box 392 Federal Building, Boston, Massachusetts 02203. Dover Foxcroft, ME 04426 Sanford, ME 04073 Tel. 564-2321 Tel. 324-7015 This regional office of the federal agency covers the six New England states. It has responsibility for administering federal air and water pollution control 6. State Planning office. Address: State House Station 38, Augusta, Maine 04333 laws, and is also involved in a number of other environmental areas such as (Tel. 289-3154 or 289-3261) hazardous waste and hazardous materials. In addition to distributing a wide variety of planning and land use Towns can receive the monthly periodical of the Region 1 office at no cost. publications, the Office provides technical assistance relating to comprehensive Write to Director, Public Affairs office, US EPA Region 1, JFK Federal Building, planning, growth management, ground water, and flood hazard maps and ordinances. Boston, KA 02203. It also oversees the State Coastal Program and administers the State's Critical Areas Program. 2. Resource Conservation and Development Projects. These federally funded regional projects offer low cost loans, technical assistance and, in certain instances, 7. Department of lu"n Services. Address: State House Station 11, Augusta, Maine outright funding for local or regional projects. 04333 (Tel. 239-3826) Any community in York, Cumberland or Oxford counties can get more information The Division of Health Engineering in the Department's Bureau of Health is by contacting "Threshold to Maine", RC&D Project, 587 Spring Street, Westbrook, responsible for all aspects of the State Plumbing Code as well an health and safety Maine 04092 Tel. 856-6109 programs, water programs, drinking water, and waste water. Its staff provides technical assistance by telephone and letter. In the mid-coast area, including parts of Waldo, Knox, Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties contact the "Time and Tide" RC&D Project, Route 11, valdoboro, Maine 04572 S. Department of Transportation. Address: State House Station 16, Augusta, Maine Tel. 832-5348 04333 (Tel. 289-2551). In Washington and Hancock counties, contact the "Downeast" RC&D Project, Tenaco The Department oversees the State "Billboard Law- and works with towns and Building, Route 182, Cherryfield, Maine 04622 Tel. 546-2368 cities in the development of sign ordinances. it promulgates regulations regarding screening for junkyards. It also has information on its roadside spraying program. 80 In Northern Maine, contact the St. Jobn-Aroostook RC&D Project, Ballard This is the primary organization dealing with the conservation easement as a Building, Presque Isle, Maine 04769 Tel. 764-4126 tool for the protection of land. It also assists in the creation of local land 3. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Address: One trusts. Gateway Center, Suite 700, Newton Corner, Massachusetts 02158. 3. Congress of Lake Association. Address: 15 High Street, Winthrop, Maine 04364. The Service acquires land for wildlife habitat to be included in National (Tel. 377-2234) Wildlife Refuges. The Agency's refuges include: Petit Nanan N.W.R.; Rachel Carson N.W.R.; Moosehorn N.W.R.; Pond Island N.W.R.; Franklin Island N.W.R.; Seal Island COLA is principally concerned with the protection of Maine's lakes and ponds N.W.R.; and Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area. through lake associations, legislative action and agency cooperation. 4. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Water Resources. Address: 26 4. Natural Resources Council of Maine. Address: 271 State Street, Augusta, Maine Ganneston Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330. Tel. 622-8201. 04330 (Tel. 622-3101). The Survey collects surface water resources data on water quality and stream NRCM is a statewide membership organization which deals in major statewide and flows. They also conduct water quality investigations and modeling studies on sand regional issues through legislative activity, testimony at State agency and general aquifers. proceedings, public education, and lawsuits. 5. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Address: Office of Federal Insurance and 5. Maine Audubon Society. Address: Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, Maine 04105 Hazard Mitigation, Boston, Massachusetts (Tel. 1-617-223-2617) or Washington, D.C. (Tel. 781-2330). (Tel. 1-800-424-8872). Audubon is the oldest statewide environmental organization with interests in T@is Agency administers the federal flood insurance program. It assists local wildlife, wetlands, and energy conservation, among others. fficials with the interpretation of local flood hazard ordinances, with the amendment of those ordinances, and with interpreting and changing boundaries on 6. The Nature Conservancy, Maine Chapter. Address: 20 Federal Street, Brunswick, local flood hazard maps. Maine 04011 (Tel. 729-5181) 6. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Address: Regulatory Branch, New England Di- This is a state chapter of a national organization dedicated to the vision, 424 Trapelo Road, Waltham, Massachusetts 02154 (Tel. 1-800-343-4789). preservation of land for future generations. The Corps administers the Clean Water Act of 1977, Section 404 (33 USC section 7. Maine Nunicipal Association. Address: Community Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330. 1344) which requires a permit for most activities involving the discharge of dredge (Tel. 623-8428 or 1-800-452-8786). Or fill material into certain tidal and non-tidal wates and adjacent wetlands. Augusta office, Federal Building, 40 Western Avenue, Augusta, Maine 04330 (Tel. XXX is a service organization for the municipalities of Maine. It offers a 622-8246) wide variety of services, including legal assistance, budgetary advice, ordinance review, and a monthly magazine called "The Maine Townsman". It represents Private Environmental organizations municipalities during the legislative session and publishes a "Legislative Bulletin". Any town, city or plantation which pays membership dues can contact There are many private environmental organizations in the State. Some work at the KKA for advice and assistance. the state level, some at the regional level, and some at the local level. Certain statewide and regional organizations are listed below. In addition, the Land and 8. Watershed organizations. Watershed or river organizations have formed to Water Resources Institute at Orono (581-1490) publishes a "Directory of Natural protect most of the major rivers in Maine. There are active groups on the Salmon Resources Organizations". Falls, the Mousam, the Saco, the Kennebec, the Sheepscot, the Damariscotta, the Penobscot, and the Royal. 1. Maine Association of Conservation Commissions. 9- Land Trusts. Land conservation trusts are private, non-profit corporations formed at the local level. They can acquire and manage environmentally sensitive or unique parcels of land which otherwise might be developed. Maine Coast Heritage RACC is a non-profit corporation dedicated to helping municipalities establish Trust has alist of these trusts. trong, active conservation commissions and to providing a technical support system 10. Solid Waste. Maine Solid Waste Management and Recovery Association. Address: for commissions. Maine Municipal Association, Community Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330. (Tel. 623-8428 2. Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Address: Sox 120, U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, Maine or 1-810-412-17861, 04105 (Tel. 781-3157); Summit Road, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662. 81 This is a private organization formed as a means of sharing information on solid waste management and recovery techniques. 11. Miscellaneous. There are other statewide organizations, such as the Sierra Club (basically an outing group in Maine), the Maine Lung Association (air pollution - a specialty) , the Conservation Zducation Foundation (runs the conservation school at Bryant Pond) and Maine organic Farmers and Gardeners (promotes organic farming practices in Maine). Registry of Deeds Information on property ownership and boundaries of individual lots and information on land included on a subdivision plan should be available at the county Registry of Deeds, if the owner or developer has recorded that information. The staff at the Registry offices are usually very willing to answer questions. Maine Legislature and State House Law and Legislative Reference Library 289-2648 State Souse Station 43, Augusta, ME 04333 Legislative Assistants Office 289-2486 State House Station 13, Augusta, ME 04333 Legislative Finance office 289-2491 State House Station 5, Augusta, HE 04333 Legislative Research Office 289-2101 State House Station 7, Augusta, ME 04333 Legislative Information 289-3021 82 Appendix 2 Annotated Bibliography Ground Water Ouality: A Handbook for Community Action. Maine Association of NOTE: To obtain copies of most publications see Appendix 1 for Conservation Commissions; 1985 addresses and phone numbers. FARMLAND re Provides a methodology for inventorying potential threats to ground water uources. Includes an extensive listing of land uses that nay potentially Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment System. U.S. Soil Conservation t eaten ground water quality. Service; (no date). Play it Safe With Ground Water, Maine's Ground Water, Private Wells, and Radon in Water and Air. Land and Water Resources Center, University of Maine at Orono; A locally customized planning methodology that can be used to determine the 1986, 1985, 1985, 1983 respectively. quality of land for agriculture based on soils, surrounding land uses, and other characteristics. The Soil Conservation Service staff can assist in conducting the Informative 8 to 12 page booklets. Maine's Ground Water provides an overview evaluation and assessment. of the situation statewide. Private Wells, Play it Safe With Ground Water, and Radon in Water and Air provide morW detailed information. (The publications are FORESTS also available through County Extension Offices). A Kandbook for Town Forests. Maine Association of Conservation Commissions; 1983. The Planning Process for Local Ground Water Protection (draft). Maine State Planning office; 1986. An informative guide to the establishment and management of town forest Sets forth a methodology for inventorying ground water and ground water properties. threats, and outlines an approach for implementing ground water protection The Forests of Maine, The Land and Water Resources Center, U iversity of aine at measures. N I Orono, 1987. Model Aquifer Protection Ordinance. Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission; A 12-page informational brochure that provides an overview of the general 1987. characteristics of Maine's forests. Model ordinance that contains purpose, definitions, Permitted and Prohibited Uses, performance and dimensional standard and plan review submissions. This Model Timber Rarvesting ordinance. Maine Forest Service, Department of ordinance should be modified and adapted to fit circumstances in individual towns. Conservation; 1986. Suggested Amendments to Subdivision Review Standards to Protect Ground Water Model municipal regulations designed to manage and control timber harvesting. Resources. Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission; 1987. This ordinance should be modified and adapted to fit circumstances in individual towns. Contains specific amendments that can be inserted into the Commission's model subdivision review standards. GROUND WATER Model Ordinances for Ground Water Protection. Rural New England, Inc (P.O. Box Ground Water Handbook for the State of Maine. Maine Geological Survey; 1978. 786, Waldoboro, Maine 04572, tel: 207-832-6925); 1986. Provides an extensive amount of information on ground water and its Includes ground water protection strategy, hazardous material ordinance, zoning characteristics in Maine. amendments, subdivision amendments and other regulations. Underaround Petroleum Storage Tanks: Local Regulation of a Ground Water Hazard. Ground Water: Maine's Hidden Resource, Maine Association of Cons ervation Conservation Law Foundation of New England, Inc. (3 Joy Street, Boston, MA commissions; 1986. 021 -1497); 1 98 4. An easy to read primer about ground water and its importance. Includes 2 Provides information on the scope of the problem, managing the risks, and on "sample" ground water protection ordinance provisions. regulating underground petroleum storage tanks. 83 LAND USE PLANNING ation systems. By using common classification systems, groups and agencies can Comprehensive Planning Guide for Local Planning Boards. Penobscot Valley Regional share and apply information. Planning Commission; 1976. NATURAL RESOURCES Provides a step-by-step process for developing a comprehensive plan. It's a useful guide for lay planners. GENERAL Growth Manaaement Handbook. Greater Portland Council of Governments; 1987. All Land Is Not Created Equal, Handbook for the Protection of Environmentally Sensitive Lands. Greater Portland Council of Governments; 1976. Contains information on the basic tools for growth management, innovative zoning techniques, non-regulatory methods, historic preservation and design review Discusses the characteristics of sensitive lands and explains the various methods and moratoria. protection techniques. Maine's Coastal Program: Core Laws and Their Administration. Maine State Planning Design With Nature. Ian L. NcHarg; the American Museum of Natural History Press Office; 1986. (Garden City, New York); 1971 Explains the state laws that govern coastal areas. A thought provoking discussion on how man can live and prosper without destroying the natural environment. Maine Planning and Land Use Laws. Maine State Planning office; 1986. Performance Controls for Sensitive Lands. Thurow, Charles and Others; American Contains excerpts from Maine statutes that are of particular concern to Society of Planning Officials (1313 East Sixtieth Street, Chicago, IL 60637 Report municipal planners. All planning boards and conservation commissions should have Nos. 307, 308); 1977. copies. A practical guide for local administrators. Contains discussions on the Model Subdivision Regulations for Maine Planning Boards. Southern Maine Regional importance of sensitive areas as well as ordinance provisions. Planning Commission; 1986. Municipal Comprehensive Plan Document. Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments; NATURAL RESOURCE INVENTORIES 1986. An Ecolouical Characterization of Coastal Maine. U.S. Department of the Interior, outlines the comprehensive planning process; identifying goals, collecting and Fish and Wildlife Service; 1980. interpreting data, developing policy and adopting and implementing the plan. A coastai inventory of areas north and east of Cape Elizabeth. Includes: wetlands, land cover, geology, land use and fish and wildlife. The maps are at a scale of 1:24,000 or about 1 inch - 2 1/2 miles (available at Maine Association of MAPPING Conservation Commissions' library. Element of Cartography. A.B. Robinson, R. Sali, and J. Morrison; Wiley, 1978. The Land book. Office of Comprehensive Planning State of New Hampshire; (no date) - A standard text on map making and design used extensively by students and Provides a methodology for conducting a natural resources inventory and land teachers of cartography. use analysis. Planning Soft Ware Survey. Robert J. Lima; American Planning Association Planning Advisory Service; (Report Number 388, 1313 K. 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637); July OPEN SPACE 1995. Open Space: What It is, What It Can do, and How to Protect it. Strafford Regi onal This report provides detailed descriptions of microcomputer software designed Planning Commission, 1977. (Available at the libraries of the Southern Maine RPC specifically for inventory and planning purposes. and the Maine Association of Conservation Commissions.) Standard Classification System for Land Use Coding in Maine, and Standard Identifies areas that should be maintained as open space and explains the Classification System for Land Cover in Maine. Maine State Planning Office; 1978. various techniques for preserving them. These two publications present and explain land use and land cover classific- 84 Public and Private Options for Preserving Open Space." Maine Association of Protectina Your Coastal Wetlands: A Citizen's Guide to the Coastal Wetlands Act. Conservation Commissions; 1987. Maine Department of Environmental Protection, 1983. An informative brochure on the various municipal and landowner techniques for Explains the ipportance of coastal wetlands and contains the text of the preserving open spaces. Coastal Wetlands Act. Protectina Your Lakes, k Citizen's Guide to the Great Ponds Act. Maine Department of Environmental Protection; 1981. SOIL Explains the lake environment, lake sensitivity to various land uses, and the Environmental Quality Handbook: Erosion and Sedimentation Control. Soil and Water Great Ponds Act. Conservation Commission, Department of Agriculture; (no date) . (Also available from U.S. Soil and Water Conservation Service County Offices.) Wetland Plants of the State of Maine. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Interior; 1986. Provides methods and techniques to control non-agricultural erosion and sedimentation that will be helpful to town officials, planners and developers. A manual on identifying wetland plants that is helpful for delineating wetland areas. SC M C RESOURCES VOLUNTARY LAND PROTECTION Assessing the Impact of Development on Scenic Resources of the Hudson River. Carol The Landowner's Options., A Guide to the Voluntary Protection of Land in Maine. Sondbeimer and Paul Gobster; Scenic Hudson, Inc. (9 Vassar Street, Poughkeepsie, Milne, Janet Z., State Planning office, The Nature Conservancy, Maine Coast New York 12601, Tel; 914-473-4440); 1986. Heritage Trust; 1985. Provides helpful information on how to deal with problems and issues affecting An excellent booklet on the many methods that a land owner can use to protect visual and scenic resources in a community. his land. Also discusses land trusts. The Cumulative Impact of Development: A Scenic Landscape Assessment of the Mousam River Watershed. Mary F. Droege; Maine State Planning Office; 1987. WILDLIFE Sets forth a methodology for inventorying and analyzing scenic resources. The Cumulative Impacts of Development: Important Wildlife Areas in Southern Maine. Jody Jones; State Planning office; 1996 Scenic Lakes Maracter Evaluation in Maine's Unorganized Towns, Jody J. Jonas; Contains helpful information on protecting important wildlife habitat including State Planning Office; 1986. the identification of the sensitivity of critical wildlife to disturbance and recommended land use practices to protect habitats. Provides a methodology and standards for evaluating and preserving the scenic character of lake,. The Penobscot Bay Conser ation Plan. Susan Woodward, Alan Hutchinson and Mark McCullough, Endangered and Nongane Wildlife Project, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; December 1986 SURFACE WATER RESOURCES IdentifieB and maps 230 coastal wildlife concentration areaa within the Penobscot Day Area. The areas are classified into Class A, B and C habitats ad Freshwater Wetlands of Maine. Maine Audubon Society; 1979. include specific management guidelines. IF &W is continuing the work for other An educational primer on the characteristics and importance of wetlands. CO&Stal areas. Available through IT&V and SPO. Guide to the Designation of Prime Wetlands ig New Hampshire. Now Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions and others; June 1983. Provides a detailed methodology for mapping and regulating wetlands. 85 Appendix 3 Municipal Ordinances with Natural Resource Provisions This table lists municipal ordinances with provisions to protect natural Resource Municipality Ordinance Section Provisions resources - It is often helpful to review ordinances from other to:ns when drafting a new ordinance. Copies of thes e ordinances and others can be obt ined from regional planning commissions, councils of government, the Maine Municipal Farmland/ Gorham Zoning Building Permit Permitted Uses, Association, Maine State Planning Office or the towns, themselves. open Space System - Sec. III Special Exceptions, Rural District Space Standards, Rural Assistance in preparing ordinances can be obtained from all of the organiza- Sec. VIII and Land Management tions listed above as well as private consultants. System (based on land suitability for septic systems) Resource Municipality ordinance Section Provisions Open Space Cape Zoning Transferable Transfer Zone Maps, Aquifers Freeport Zoning Rural Residen- Permitted, Conditional Elizabeth Development Rights Easement Reservatio tial III and Prohibited Uses; Sec. 19-3-11, Provisions, Cluste Space Standards Cluster Sec. 19- Provisions, Subsidl:ed 3-12 and 19-3-13 Housing Density Bonus Aquifers Gray Zoning Aquifer Protec- Permitted and Condi- tion District tional Uses,Prohibited Open Space Hampden Zoning Cluster Housing Minimum Standard Activities and Space si.s Sec. 402.25 Sec. 4.6 Density Bonus, R. Standards Governing Home Owners Associations or Open Village Aquifer Space Trusts Protection District Open Space Kennebunk Zoning Cluster Zoning Definitions Amendments (include s wetland Aquifers Kennebunk Zoning Branch Brook Aqui- Definitions; Permit- (6/23/87 draft zones), Per formance fer Protection ted, Prohibited and Sec. 4.1, Secs Standards, Design District Permitted as Excep- 5.1,5.2,5.3,6.14 Standards, Approval Sec. 3.13 & 5.14 tion Uses; Performance Process Standards; Administra- tion and Enforcement; Open Space South Zoning Cluster Performance Submissions and Non- Berwick Article 4 Standards Based on conformities soils Aquifers Lisbon Zoning Ground Water Delineation of Zones; Open Space Wells Zoning Transferable Eligibility, Ease- Protection Permitted, Conditional Development ments, Dimensional Overlay Zone and Prohibited Uses; Rights Standards, Permitted Sec. 15-409 Dimensional Require- Chapter 138 Uses, Design Review ments (1987 Draft) and Maintenance Farmland/ Auburn Zoning Agriculture Permitted Uses, R:sourc! Brunswick Zoning Natural Resource Permitted and Special Open Space Resource Protec- Special Exceptions, P otection Protection Zone Exception Uses, tion District Dimensional Require- (Shoreland, Sec. 403 Performance Standards, Sec. 3.31 ments Wildlife, Special Shoreland Flood Hazard, Requirements Wetlands) Watershed China Zoning Control of Phosphorus Treatment, Phosphorus in Required Controls, Storawater Runoff Treatment System Guidelines and Guidelines Procedures Sec. ll.E 86 Resource Nunicipality Ordinance Section Provisions Watershed York Zoning Watershed Permitted and Prohi- Protection Over- bited Uses, Perfor- lay District mance Standards, Required Submissions Wetlands Cape zoning Regulation of Wetland Zones includ- Elizabeth Wetlands ing Buffer Zones; Alterations Interpretation of Boundaries, Permitted, Prohibited and Special Permit Uses: Submis- sions: Standards: Condition :ched to Special P:rAmtitt Wetlands Kennebunk Zoning Inland Wetland Permitted and Prohib- Resource Protect- ited Uses, Setback and ion District Dimensional Require- (overlay district) ments, Performance Sec.3.12 (district Standards, Vetland def.) Sec. 5.12 Permit Board Wetlands Lebanon Wetlands Not applicable Determination of Wet- Cons:rva- lands, Permitted and tion Prohibited Uses, Ordi ance Performance Standards, Permit Procedure and Review Standards Wildlife York Zoning Shoreland Zoning Extent of Zone (330 ft District - overlay corridor), Subdis- zone (1987 draft tricts - Permitted and revisions) Prohibited Uses, Land Use Standards, Conser- vation Commission Review 87 Appendix 4 Legal Brief on Application Fees Application Flees Question: Our Town only charges $2.00 for a permit fee under our zoning ordinance and $10 per lot for a Planain; Board in the course of its review shall be returned to the developer within thiM dMM after subdivision application under our subdivision ordinance. 7he planning board often feels the need for the Board renders its final decision on the application. clerical assistance and an opportunity to consult with experts, such as an engineer, bydrogeologist, or land use planner, in reviewing applications under these ordinances because of the paperwork involved and 2. MW 33&1 RegulatiorA the technical decisions that they must make. However, the town.does not appropriate money for the planning board to pay for these services. Can these costs be passed along to the applicant? 7.1 Procedure. Answer: Yes, within reason. The Maine supreme court has held that: "genn-ally the amount of a fee imposed B. All awlications for Preliminary Plan approved for a Yajor aibhvisica shall be aocampanied by an by a municipality in the exercise of its police powers for the purpose of regulation must be reasonably aWication fee of $15 per lot or dwelling unit, payable by check to the municipality. In related to the necessary or probable expenses of issuing a (permit) and of conducting such inspection, addition, the applicant shall pay a fee of $25 per lot or dwelling unit to be deposited in a regulation, and supervision as may be lawful and necessary. (emphasis added). State v. Brown, 135 Me. 36, special account designated for that subdivision application, to be used by the Planning Board for 198 A.713 (1937). Where the purpose of the fee is to regulate and control an activity rather than to raise hiring independent consulting services to review the application. if the bal in this special revenue, the amount exacted constitutes a fee rathex -than a tax, even though the fee is in excess of the a0aount shall be drawn down by 75%, the Board shall notify the applicant, and re*lire that an town's actual a&dnisirative costs. Vbwever, if the fee is greatly in excess of the probable amount of additional $10 Per lot cc dwelling mat be deposited as necessary whenever the balance of the administrative costs associated with the permit, the amount collected is deemed to be a tax. Corpus Juris account is drawn down bY 75% Of the original dePwit- Any balance in the account ranaming after a Secundum, "Li ses ", 3. Since a municipality may collect taxes only where specifically authorized by the final deasion an the subdivision awlication by the Board shall be returned to the applicant. If cau Legislature, such a tax would be improper. Cf, Opinion of the Justices, 141 Me. "2, 42 A.2d 47 (1945)." a public hearing is deemed necessary by the Board, an addit-1-1 fee shall be required to cam the costs of advertising and postal notification. Consequently, if the town needs to hire a secretary for the board or experts to assist the planning board with its review of zoning or subdivision application, the town may recover those costs from the (BY R.W.S.) Source: "Maine 71ownsman", Maim Municipal Association, applicant through a permit fee system established by local ordinance or regulation. Generally the fee is December 1986. adopted by the legislative body of the town (i.e. the town meeting, in the absence of a charter provision to the contrary) - However, fees in connection with subdivision review may be established t1rough a regulation adopted by the planning board pursuant to 30 M.R.S.A., subsection 4956(2) (B), provided the legislative body has not already adopted a subdivision ordinance. A number of communities are requiring applicants to pay both a basic application fee to cover administrative and clerical costs and an additional amount to hire expert assistance. The following are examples from the Town of Falmouth's Subdivision Ordinance and from the Model Subdivision Regulations Prepared by Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission: 1. Fhlmout]i Subdivision Ordinance =rICK 5. Application Fee The following fee(s) shall be paid prior to the sdizds ion of any preliminary plan: a) Publishing and notice fee, $25.00 b) Review fee, $20-00 Per lot, or living unit for multiplex development. c) Review escrow account, $100 Per lot (or living unit for multiplex developments) deposited in an escrow account established by the town, which monies may be used by the Board to pay for professional reviews and advice related to the developers application as it deems necessary. The Board W-11 provide the applicant with notice Of its intent to spend any portion of this account which notice shall specify the Purpose for the proposed expenditures. Those monies deposited by the developer and not spent by the 88 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I @ I @ 3 6668 00000 6827 1