HORELINE
SHORELINE
URVEY
SURVEY
EPORT
REPORT
&
CTION
ACTION
LAN
PLAN
Housatonic River
Sheffield Stream Team
September 2003
Housatonic Valley Association
Massachusetts Riverways
Adopt-A-Stream Program
This project and report was made possible by grants from:
z
z
z
z
z
z
The Massachusetts Executive Office
of Environmental Affairs
Berkshire Environmental Fund
EnTrust Fund
Patagonia, Inc.
Sweet Water Trust
William P. Wharton Trust
and from membership contributions
HOUSATONIC VALLEY ASSOCIATION
Berkshire Office
1383 Route 102, P.O. Box 251
South Lee, MA 01260
Phone: 413-394-9796
Fax: 413-394-9818
E-mail: [email protected]
Connecticut Office
150 Kent Road, P.O. Box 28
Cornwall Bridge, CT 06754
Phone: 860-672-6678
Fax: 860-672-0162
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.hvatoday.org
HVA
SHEFFIELD
STREAM TEAM REPORT
I. Introduction: The Sheffield Stream Team
II. Descriptions and Summary of Findings
for Stream Sections
Section
Section
Section
Section
maps 1 and 2
maps 3 and 4
maps 5 and 6
map 7
2
3
7
8
13
14
III. Feature Data Sheet
17
IV. Proposed Action Plan
19
V. Data Collection Survey Form
21
Team Members
Kathy Orlando, Priscilla Coté, Terry Walsh, Bill Connell, Anna James, John
Wightman, John Campbell, Sarah Robotham, Kirk Sinclair, Elizabeth Marks, Rene
Wendell, and Wilson Kaplan.
Sponsoring Organization
The Housatonic Valley Association, P.O. Box 251, South Lee, MA 01260. Dennis Regan,
Regional Director; Carolyn W. Sibner, Water Quality Coordinator; Charles Smith, Project
Coordinator.
Advisors
Mass. Riverways Program; Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game; Joan
Channing Kimball, Riverways Program Director; Rachel Calabro, Adopt-A-Stream
Program Coordinator.
Cover photos (from top), cows on the riverbank (Section 6), Terry Walsh and Priscilla Coté survey Section 6, the Appalachian Trail
along the river (Section 1), the historic covered bridge (Section 2), andCarolyn Sibner paddles by an eroded bank (Section 1).
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
1
I. Introduction: The Sheffield Stream Team
A
fter 25 years of federal, state & local action under the Clean Water Act of 1973, most of the
obvious discharges directly into our waterways from industry have been brought under control, and the
long process of removing PCB contaminated soils from the banks and bottoms of our rivers is
underway. However, more than half of the rivers and streams tested by the State of Massachusetts are
still not safe for swimming, and their fish are not safe to eat.
After years of public education and research of water quality issues, it is clear that clean
water depends not only on the proper conduct of industry but, just as importantly, on our own
daily actions. In the Housatonic watershed, most water pollution problems do not arise from
easily traceable “point sources” such as the end of a pipe on the riverbank. Today pollution more
commonly comes from “non-point sources”, such as stormwater runoff from streets and parking
lots, fertilizer and pesticide impacts, failed septic systems, soil erosion from construction sites
and seepage from abandoned dumps and landfills.
These are difficult problems that need creative solutions. Government agencies and regional
environmental groups are striving to help communities find common sense practical answers.
Community leaders and concerned citizens are now being asked to play a larger role in
identifying problems and shaping solutions. But to solve these problems, we need accurate local
information on the quantity and quality of water flowing through our neighborhoods. We need to
know the condition of the river and surrounding environment, and need to understand all aspects
of the pollution that comes from our everyday decisions and actions.
The Sheffield Stream Team is the sixth team formed by the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) in the Housatonic watershed in Massachusetts. These teams, comprised of local
community volunteers, are the eyes and ears of the community in identifying and recording the
present condition and character of the river in their towns. This project builds upon the ability and
capacity of volunteers to reclaim the Housatonic from past abuses and preserve it and its bordering
lands for future generations to understand and enjoy. The Massachusetts Executive Office of
Environmental Affairs, various private foundations, and HVA members fund this project.
The Sheffield Stream Team has inventoried the shoreline of the main stem of the Housatonic
River from Rob’s Landing at the Great Barrington/Sheffield town line to the Massachusetts/
Connecticut state line. Several areas have been identified as scenic attributes, and
other areas have problems that need remedial action. Team members have
prioritized the importance of these projects, and will become involved in
implementing their suggestions. Some volunteers may also choose to be trained as
water quality monitors. The water quality monitoring program will use the information
collected by the stream team to collect specific water quality data at selected areas.
The concept, initial training, and continued assistance for this program came from water quality
professionals at the Massachusetts Riverways Program. Through this project, Stream Team volunteers,
neighborhood and community leaders, environmental professionals, the Housatonic Valley Association
and its staff, and Massachusetts State regulatory agencies seek to learn together how, in the decades
ahead, we may work, build, farm and expand our communities without damaging the clean water and
other natural resources that keep our communities strong and healthy.
2
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
II. Summary of Findings
Sheffield Stream Sections
Section 1: Rob’s Landing (Great Barrington & Sheffield) to Kellogg Road (Sheffield)
Surveyors: Kathy Orlando, Dennis Regan and Carolyn Sibner
Distance: 1.33 miles
Elevation: 656 feet to 653 feet
Tributaries: None
Access Points: Rob’s Landing, Kellogg Rd., (informal)
Associated Ecologically Sensitive Areas: None recognized
Overview: This section runs from the Great Barrington and Sheffield town line south
to the Kellogg Road Bridge. There are few meanders with the river running nearly
straight along the west foot of June Mountain, buffered from the mountain by a
floodplain that runs from a few feet to about 0.25 miles long. Most of the section is
open space or lightly wooded. The stream bottom ranges from gravel and cobbles to
sand and silt with the river depth at normal flow from two to greater than three
feet. Color of the water is clear with a light cloudiness.
Description: From Robb’s Landing the river makes a short jog east to the edge of
June Mountain and East Sheffield Road. It then bends west before beginning a rather
straight run south. The riverbank is vegetated with a combination of grasses, shrubs,
and trees with a riparian buffer of trees common. At about 0.5 miles the Appalachian
Trail reaches the western bank
and begins to trace a path
downstream closely following
the river. The riverbank is high
on the west with some erosion
noted. Gravel bars are
encountered on the eastern side.
A very large concrete drainage
pipe is encountered (east) at
about 1.1 miles with some
erosion around it. Flow is slight.
Near the same spot on the west
bank is the end of the Kellogg
Road oxbow, a stagnant ribbon of
water that winds to the junction
Large pipe in river in Section 1 (A07).
of Route 7 and Kellogg Road.
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
3
Natural Resource
and Assets
z
z
Kellogg Road oxbow.
Appalachian Trail.
Problems
z
z
Areas of active erosion.
Areas of established
invasive plants including
Japanese knotweed.
Priority Actions
z
Assess feasibility of
stabilizing eroded banks.
z Investigate extent and
impacts of invasive plants
and possible controls.
z Investigate possibility of
developing access at
Kellogg Road.
Section 2: Kellogg Road to Covered Bridge
Surveyors: Priscilla Coté, Terry Walsh
Distance: 1.8 miles
Elevation: 653 feet to 652 feet
Tributaries: None
Access Points: Covered Bridge
Associated Ecologically Sensitive Areas: None recognized
Storm drain erosion in Section 2 (B05).
4
Overview: For much of this run,
Route 7 hugs the western bank while
the eastern shore is mostly active
agricultural fields with narrow riparian
buffers. Approximately 0.5 miles of
this section (38 percent) is forested
with 1.3 miles (62 percent) open space.
The banks showed signs of recent
erosion with numerous fallen trees on
both sides that were collecting debris.
The stream bottom over this nearly
two-mile long section is mostly silt and
mud with some areas of gravel. The
streambed itself is light colored, often
sandy. The water depth is consistent in
the center averaging three- to four-feet
deep with occasional five-foot holes.
Flow varies according to precipitation
and time of year.
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
Description: From the Kellogg Road bridge the river flows past an often submerged
gravel island on the left before reaching Rt. 7 that runs along the right bank.
Shortly after Route 7 reaches the bank (0.25 miles) a large metal (storm drain?)
drainage pipe enters the river from a grassy area. There is obvious erosion around the
pipe. The course of the river from here to the highway rest area on Rt. 7 (about 0.8
miles) is nearly due south with no meanders. At about 0.6 miles an abandoned
highway rest area is on the right. Erosion has excavated the fence posts and parts of
the metal fence are falling into the river.
At one mile is a weedy island with
Japanese knotweed. The rest area on
Route 7 is reached at 1.1 miles. Here two,
large drainage pipes from the paved rest
area empty into the river. The bank area
around both pipes is significantly eroded.
From the rest area, the stream bends
southeast entering an area of meanders
before reaching the covered bridge. Active
bank erosion, strainers and jams are
present in spots over the last 0.25 miles
of section. Eroded banks are used by
bank swallows for nesting. No farm
fields are plowed to the edge of the river
bank and no lawns are evident.
Swallow nest holes built into
eroded bank in Section 2.
Natural Resource
and Assets
z
Beautiful views, clear
water, good habitat.
z East bank is undeveloped
agricultural land and
appears that it could be a
potential greenway trail
and link between the
Appalachian Trail at
Kellogg Road and the
Covered Bridge.
Problems
z
Strainers (fallen trees) in
river. Solitary trees often
not a problem but some
areas where jams have
developed.
z Erosion around drainage
pipes at the rest area.
z Access at the Covered
Bridge could be improved.
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
Priority Actions
z
Monitor various strainers
and jams to assess degree
of hazard to navigability
and safety.
z Investigate repairing and
redesigning drainage pipes.
z Investigate the possibility
of developing a plan and
partnerships to establish
a greenway/trail from the
Covered Bridge to the
Appalachian Trail.
z Create a more userfriendly access site at
the Covered Bridge.
5
Section 3: Covered Bridge to Maple Avenue Bridge
Surveyors: Anna James, Bill Connell
Distance: 2.2 miles
Elevation: 652 feet to 650 feet
Tributaries: Schenob Brook
Eroded banks in section 3.
Access Points: Covered Bridge
Associated Ecologically Sensitive Areas: Schenob Brook confluence
Overview: This is a pristine section of the Housatonic River. The current is swift, the
water clear, the bottom sandy and free of aquatic plants. There is very little rubbish; an
empty beer keg and 3 plastic jugs were the only things seen. This is a flood plain area
and the river channel weaves through a plain approximately 2,000 feet wide. The
section is nearly evenly divided between open space and riparian forest and runs
through quiet, pastoral landscapes mostly away from roads. The streambed is
composed of many materials including sand, silt, gravel, organic matter, and cobbles
with the bottom a light, sandy color. For the majority of the section, the water
depth is between two and three feet at normal flow, and quick-moving.
Outstanding features include the confluence of the Schenob Brook and the long
dead end channel that parallels Maple Avenue just upstream of the bridge.
Description: From the Covered Bridge the river immediately begins a series of
meanders through active agricultural land bounded by thin riparian forest strips. The
outside sweeps of the meanders usually have active areas of erosion while the slow
inside portions of the bends host silt and gravel bars where sandpipers and plovers are
common. The floodplain on both sides is broad with little topographical relief. The
water near the bank is shaded by overhanging trees for about 25 percent of the
section’s length with the average width of existing riparian buffer areas being 50 feet.
Wildlife commonly seen include a large variety of waterfowl (mostly spring, fall and
winter), aquatic animals including otter, muskrat, and beaver, and other animals such
as deer. Strainers are common but are easily avoided.
At 1.6 miles the combined flows of the Schenob and Hubbard Brooks enter on the
right. The Hubbard Brook emanates from Mill Pond in Sheffield and joins the
Schenob about 0.7 miles west of the Housatonic. The Schenob Brook flows from
Twin Lakes in Lakeville, Connecticut, through many miles of fragile wetland
habitat on its way to the Housatonic. The confluence is forested and the stream
flow from the brook is fast and clear with the channel about 10 feet wide. At
about 1.8 miles and again at 2.1 miles are drainage ditches that enter from the
east bank. Stone rip-rap lines the channel upstream of the Maple Avenue bridge
for a hundred yards or so. The dead end channel, navigable when the flow is
slightly above normal, is quiet and choked in places with fallen logs and aquatic
plants. No houses can be seen from the river.
6
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
Section Maps 1 and 2
SECTION 1
SEE PAGE 3 AND 4
FOR DESCRIPTION &
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Map codes
explained
on pages
17 and 18.
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
SECTION 2
SEE PAGE 4 AND 5
FOR DESCRIPTION &
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
7
Section Maps 3 AND 4
SECTION 3
SEE PAGE 6 AND 9
FOR DESCRIPTION &
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
SECTION 4
SEE PAGE 9 AND 10
FOR DESCRIPTION &
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Map codes
explained
on pages
17 and 18.
8
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
Natural Resource
and Assets
z
Extensive wildlife habitat
present.
z Schenob Brook confluence.
z Pristine condition of
waterway and
surrounding area.
Problems
z
Minor amounts of floating
trash, easily cleaned up.
z Strainers in channel that
are easily avoided.
Priority Actions
z
Develop canoe access at
Covered Bridge.
z Investigate potential for
a walking trail on the
East Bank.
Section 4: Maple Avenue Bridge to Farm Road Power Lines
Surveyors: John Wightman, John Campbell
Distance: 2.3 miles
Elevation: 650 feet to 649 feet
Tributaries: None
Access Points: None
Associated Ecologically Sensitive Areas: None recognized
Drain pipe empties into
river in Section 4 (D03).
Overview: This 2.3 mile long stretch of river is undeveloped with about equal
amounts of riparian forest and open space. The wooded areas are composed of typical
riparian species including silver maple, ash, boxelder, cottonwood, aspen, and
basswood. There are many meanders and associated gravel and sand bars creating
habitat for bank swallows and sandpipers as well as aquatic mammals such as otter,
beaver, and muskrat. Raptors seen include bald eagles, northern harrier, red-tailed
hawks, and turkey vultures. Water birds include great blue heron, green-winged teal,
mallards, and Canada geese. The river depth is commonly over three-feet and the flow
is swift. The bottom varies from sand and gravel to cobbles with silt deposited atop
these at high flow.
Description: Downstream of the Maple Avenue bridge the river flows straight for 0.3
miles to the first pronounced bend. Agricultural fields line both banks except that a
thick riparian buffer of woods and shrubs covers both banks. Active farm fields
mingle with meadows and abandoned fields to create the open space. The river
now flows west before beginning a series of meanders through a largely flat floodplain
dotted with a few remnant pools and oxbows. The meanders often have banks where
active erosion is present and associated bars that shorebirds and aquatic mammals
frequent. The section ends at a steep bank (about 25 feet high) that is heavily eroded in
part from the river flow but also from seepage along a soil profile of significantly
different density then that of those above it.
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
9
Natural Resource
and Assets
z
Good Habitat.
z Very large area with no
visible development.
Problems
Priority Actions
z
Lack of public access.
z Strainers (downed trees)
interfere with navigation.
z Invasive vegetation.
z
Develop access site.
z Investigate Open Space/
Greenway protection.
z Clear navigation
channel.
Section 5: Farm Road Power Lines to In-stream Island
Surveyors: Kirk Sinclair, Charly Smith, Carolyn Sibner, Dennis Regan
Distance: 1.8 miles
Elevation: 649 feet to 648 feet
Tributaries: Ironwork Brook
Access Points: None
Associated Ecologically Sensitive Areas: None identified
Overview: This 1.8 mile long section of river is usually deep and moderately quick
with water depths commonly over three-feet deep. The stream bottom is silt and mud
with some sand and gravel. Water color depends on recent precipitation and runoff but
is generally faintly cloudy. The river begins by meandering gently east for slightly
more than 0.5 miles before the reaching the eastern end of the floodplain. It then turns
south and becomes much straighter as it runs roughly along the edge of a plateau
topped by nearby Alum Hill reaching an in-stream island at 1.8 miles.
Description: From the eroded
riverbank and power lines that mark the
beginning of this section the river flows
generally east along the high bank. At
0.5 miles the flow from the Ironwork
Brook enters from the left. Hewins
Street is visible on the hill to the east.
The river now flows through a mix of
hay fields and forest and swings south.
Soon it enters a thick riparian forest
dominated by silver maples. An instream island is reached at 1.8 miles
across from a small brook that enters
from the east.
10
Kirk Sinclair and Charly Smith
survey Section 5.
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
Natural Resource
and Assets
z
Excellent areas of habitat
for diverse numbers of
plant and animal species.
Problems
z
No public access to river
z Active and sometimes
severe erosion of river
bank in several locations.
Priority Actions
z
Develop access site
z Investigate usefulness of
vegetative buffers as
control measures.
z Investigate Open Space/
Greenway protection.
Section 6: In-stream Island to Route 7A Bridge (Ashley Falls)
Surveyors:
Terry Walsh, Priscilla Coté
Distance: 2.0 miles
Elevation: 648 feet to 646 feet
Tributaries: None
Access Points: Route 7A Bridge (informal)
Associated Ecologically Sensitive Areas: Extensive wetlands near Pine Island Farm
Overview: This two-mile long section is a pastoral mix of forest and pastureland. The
upper reach has little evidence of development while farms and roads are common at
the segment’s end. Dairy cows graze to the water’s edge with evidence of them
entering the river. The stream bottom is a mix of silt, sand, and gravel that gives
the streambed a pale color. The area just upstream of the Route 7A bridge has
boulders and cobbles in the streambed. The river flow is fairly swift and a fivefoot depth is consistent. There are strainers and jams
that are easily avoided but at present a jam could
develop that would block the channel. Some
wetlands are found along the section.
Description: From the island the river flows generally south
between high banks of alluvial soils. Slumping of the banks
has produced areas of active erosion with swallow-nesting
colonies and areas where erosion has been slow enough to
permit natural revegetation and some stabilization of banks.
The river breaks out of forest and into an open pasture
with dairy cows. The riverbanks here are high and eroded
(east bank) while the west banks are lower, and more
vegetated.
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
11
The river makes a wide sweep
just before passing beneath the
Route 7 bridge (no access). Long
runs of active erosion on eastern
bank. From the Route 7 bridge, the
river passes through a pastoral
mix of forest (eastern bank) and
farms (western bank). The river
now comes to a sharp bend west
with a boulder in midstream
followed by a line of rocks that
are submerged except when the
flow is below normal. More
rocks are peppered along the
streambed leading to the Route
7A bridge. A rugged informal
access, on private property, is
sometimes used here by parking
near the RR bridge off Route 7A
and launching along the
northwest bank of the river.
Route 7A bridge and railroad tressle.
Natural Resource
and Assets
z
Undeveloped river way
with abundant habitat for
many plants and animals.
Problems
z
Areas of established
invasive plants (esp.
Japanese knotweed) noted
at various locations.
z Strainers and jams.
z Active erosion, some
along steep, high
riverbanks.
z Lack of formal access to
the river.
Priority Actions
z
z
z
z
z
12
Investigate Open Space/
Greenway protection.
Survey extent and species
type of invasives along
section as well as control
options.
Monitor channel for
navigation hazards and
problems.
Investigate possibilities
for stabilizing banks.
Investigate development
of permanent access
point at Route 7A.
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
Section Maps 5 and 6
SECTION 5
SEE PAGE 10 AND 11
FOR DESCRIPTION &
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
SECTION 6
SEE PAGE 11 AND 12
FOR DESCRIPTION &
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Map codes
explained
on pages
17 and 18.
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
13
Section Map 7
SECTION 7
SEE PAGE 15 AND 16
FOR DESCRIPTION &
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Map codes
explained
on pages
17 and 18.
14
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
Section 7: Route 7A Bridge (Ashley Falls) to Connecticut State Line (Ashley Falls)
Surveyors: Sarah Robotham, Rene Wendell, and Wilson Kaplan
Distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation: 646 feet to 645 feet
Tributaries: Konkapot River
Access Points: Rannapo Road
Associated Ecologically Sensitive Areas: Bartholomew’s Cobble (The Trustees
of Reservations), Konkapot River confluence
Overview: The river section runs from the Route 7A bridge to a point just south of
the Konkapot River confluence where the Housatonic River passes into Connecticut.
The river is deep throughout with depths well in excess of four feet. The current in the
section upstream of Rannapo Road is slow while downstream it quickens noticeably.
The riverbank is forested for much of its length though significant sections are open
space and used as pasture for dairy cows. Varied and abundant habitat is all along the
river offering shelter for myriad bird, mammal, insect, and plant species.
Bartholomew’s Cobble (National Natural Landmark) occupies the western bank south
of Rannapo Road.
Description: Beneath the Route 7A bridge is a riffle (best passage during normal or
low normal flow, river right). Boulders are in stream, river left, open space with long
views, river right. Very little current from here to Rannapo bridge. At 0.2 miles a
shallow bar extends through half the channel from the left while an area of rubble and
small strainers are on the right side of the channel.
Rannapo Road in Section 7.
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
15
The river then makes a straight run through forest that shades the edges of the
shoreline. The woods yield to pasture on left and low shrubby wetlands on right.
Eagles and harriers have been sighted here. The river bends left passing a shallow and
shrubby wetland on right. Carp in here during spring. Erosion noticeable in pasture to
the left. Cows frequently in the river. After a wide bend, the Rannapo Road access
area and bridge is on river right.
Downstream of the bridge is a short stretch of
rocky limestone before the river makes a
wide meander around Corbin’s Neck.
Active erosion (bank swallows) on right
bank and pasture on both sides. On south side
of meander erosion on left bank with sand bars
and shallows on right. After passing Corbin’s Neck
a large limestone outcrop is passed right as riverbank
becomes forested. Wide farm fields cover right bank
buffered by very narrow vegetative strip. Hiking trails weave
along riverbank on right passing frequently flooded section and
grassy field with areas of phragmites along shore. Konkapot River
(strainers nearby) enters left and grassy field on right. State boundary
reached just downstream of confluence.
Natural Resource
and Assets
z
z
z
z
z
16
Bartholomew’s Cobble
(277 acres) with more
than 240 species of birds
and 800 species of
vascular plants.
River access at Rannapo
Road.
Potential access downstream of Rannapo
Road Bridge where the
road follows the river.
Konkapot River
confluence.
Good wildlife habitat
bordering conservation
land and wetlands.
Problems
z
Livestock in river and
unmanaged livestock
waste entering river
directly and via runoff.
z Areas of established
invasive plants including
Japanese knotweed and
Phragmites, yellow iris,
multiflora rose, Eurasian
milfoil.
z Six areas where drainage
ditches have been dug
through stream bank to
drain fields.
Priority Actions
z
Improve access area at
Rannapo Road.
z Investigate extent and
impacts of invasive
vegetation and possible
controls
z Investigate possibility of
creating vegetative buffer
strips throughout area.
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
III. Sheffield Stream Team Feature Data
(USE WITH STREAM TEAM MAPS)
CODE
FEATURES
ATTRIBUTES
NOTES
A01
Stream Impact
vegetation
A02
Access
A04
Impediment
tree
A03
Land Impact
erosion
A05
Land Impact
erosion
A06
Wetland Impact
prime habitat
A07
Pipe
A08
Access
B01
Pipe
B02
Stream Impact
vegetation
Floating mat
B03
Impediment
large object
DOT fence fallen in river
B04
Land Impact
erosion
New island created
B05
Pipe
B06
Land Impact
erosion
B07
Impediment
snag
C01
Access
official
C02
Runoff
agriculture
C03
Runoff
agriculture
D01
Access
potential
D02
Pipe
Four inch, blue plastic, no flow
D03
Pipe
Twelve inch, metal, flow evident
D04
Impediment
tree
D05
Land Impact
erosion
D06
Pipe
D07
Impediment
tree
Island not on map
D08
Trash
bulky
Old car on shoreline
Rob’s Landing, Land Trusts
Down, along riverbank
Inlet to oxbow pond
Four foot diameter, concrete
unofficial
Kellogg Rd., AT crossing
Metal, flow, Route 7
Metal, no flow, concrete facing
Covered Bridge, Town Park/Historic Site
Maple Ave
Eroding bank
Scum, metal, light flow evident
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
17
CODE
FEATURES
ATTRIBUTES
E01
Land Impact
erosion
E02
Runoff
other
E03
Impediment
tree
E04
Impediment
tree
E05
Wetland Impact
habitat
E06
Land Impact
other
F01
Pipe
F02
Runoff
manure
Cow pasture
F03
Access
unofficial
Route 7a, private property
G01
Impediment
tree
G02
Impediment
snag
G03
Vegetation Impact
milfoil
G04
Wetland Impact
loosestrife
G05
Impediment
dock
Private, illegal?
G06
Access
Established
Rannapo Rd., TTOR
G07
Trash
dumpsite
G08
Access
potential
Downstream of Rannapo Bridge
G09
Land Impact
erosion
Farmer cut banks
G10
Vegetation Impact
hemlock
Wooly adelgid
G11
Impediment
snag
G12
Land Impact
erosion
G13
Impediment
beaver lodge
G14
Wetland Impact
phragmites
G15
Impediment
tree
G16
Land Impact
erosion
18
NOTES
Eroding bank
Abutment
Submerged
Cut bank
Cut bank
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
IV. Proposed Action Plan
A. Reporting
Because these problems directly threaten the stream, reporting to appropriate parties is the first step in
the action plan. From our priority items, we determined that the following should be reported:
To the Property Owners:
1) Discuss with riparian land owners, especially the farmers, the possibility of planting a riparian
erosion control buffer. Investigate federal farm aid resources.
2) Discuss with farmer and County Conservation Agent the possibilities of restricting cattle
access to river.
3) Investigate possibility of planting of vegetative buffer strips to filter runoff.
4) Work with municipalities and land trusts to investigate possible additional river access, to
and along the river.
To Commonwealth Public Access Board (PAB):
1) Work with the PAB to investigate possibilities of developing additional permanent access
B. Short Term/High Priority Projects
We recommend the following short-term projects because they can be completed in a few months, or
because we feel they are of high priority. Because there are many suggestions, the stream team will
select some for 2004 and others as time permits.
1) Discuss possibility of landowners participating in a riparian buffer
vegetative program.
2) Work with landowner to restrict cattle access to river and riverbank.
3) Investigate Clean River Program to assist with clearing logjams.
4) Contact state Department of Transportation regarding the drainage pipes along Route 7.
5) Sponsor an invasive species awareness program that will educate the public on the
impacts and identification of invasive species of plants. Survey extent of problem.
C. Long-Term/Ongoing Projects
These activities serve as the glue that holds the stream team together. They are our long-term action
issues
1) Develop discussion with landowners about the possibility of long-term protection of riparian
lands. Work with local land trust.
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
19
2) Investigate the possibility of the development of a trail along the river,
3) Work with the Public Access Board, municipalities and land trusts to investigate possible
additional river access.
4) Assist local land trusts and state efforts in obtaining protected open space land along
river.
5) Investigate additional potential river access along Rannapo Rd.
6) Develop a volunteer water quality monitoring program to assess the impacts of regional
land use.
V. Data Collection Examples
The following multi-page Shoreline Survey form and Summary Sheet are illustrative of the way
stream team members record their observations along the river. These notations, along with
locations identified on large-scale field reference maps, and photographs taken by stream team
members, form the permanent record of each shoreline survey and are on file at the Berkshire
office of the Housatonic Valley Association. The majority of the shoreline survey data has been
converted into data layers by HVA Staff and will be widely available through the Massachusetts
Georgraphic Information System (GIS).
20
HVA Sheffield Shoreline Survey Report, November 2003
SHORELINE SURVEYS
A Stream Team Monitoring Project and Action Tool
Data Sheets
Riverways/Adopt-A-Stream Program Staff
Joan Channing Kimball, Program Coordinator
Amy Singler, Stream Team Organizer
Rachel Calabro, Technical Assistant
Massachusetts Riverways Programs, Adopt-A-Stream Program
Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Environmental Law Enforcement
Adopt-A-Stream Program: 617-626-1544
FAX: 617-626-1505
Adapted from Shoreline Surveys Leaders’ Manual, Publication No.1779-94-5OO-2.O8 CIR
Approved by Philmore Anderson III, State Purchasing Agent
Prepared by
Joan Channing Kimball, Adopt-A-Stream Program Coordinator
Assisted by
Maria Van Dusen, Riverways Program Coordinator
Karen I. Pelto, Stream Ecologist
Tips for Shoreline Surveyors
Safety and Legalities
• Always walk with someone.
• Watch out for irate dogs. Walk cautiously and practice good dog etiquette.
• Do not drink the river water.
• Lifejackets ar e required by law for each person in the canoe.
• From September 15 to May 15 all canoe or kayak occupants must wear a U.S. Coast Guard
Approved Personal Flotation Device.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against, ticks, mosquitoes, poison ivy and nettles.
• Wear insect repellent if necessary.
• Consider landowner rights. Ask permission to cross private land, posted or note.
• Do not enter posted areas without permission. Take advantage of any public access points.
Environment:
• Don’t walk on unstable banks; your footsteps could speed erosion.
• Be aware of wildlife and animal homes, for both of your sakes.
NEVER PUT YOURSELF IN DANGER TO GATHER SURVEY INFORMATION
If at anytime you feel uncomfortable about the stream conditions or surroundings, please STOP
your Shoreline Survey.
You and your safety are much more valuable than any of the objectives of the Shoreline Survey.
Checklist: What to take on your Survey:
Optional:
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__
__
__
__
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__
__
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A buddy
Data sheets and map
Clipboard or other surface for writing
Two pens/pencils – color is good to mark on maps
Long-sleeved, snag-free clothing / pants
(for bugs and thorns)
Sunblock
Sunglasses (polarized to see into the water better)
Lifejackets & paddles if canoeing
Camera and film
Gloves
Copy of letter sent out to landowners
Rubber boots or waders
Yardstick or measuring tape (useful for pipes)
Compass
Field guides (in ziplock bags)
Food, for energy!
What you need to do:
Tonight:
Coordinate with your segment team. Arrange canoes, meeting place, etc.
This weekend: Conduct the survey! Fill out the data sheets while you’re on the river. With
your team, fill out the Summary Sheets-the segment description and the
priority Sheet – after you are finished surveying your segment.
Return all Data and Summary Sheets (one set per team) to:
____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________Return by: ___________
This month:
Attend action planning meeting, which will be held: __________________
Massachusetts Riverways Programs/DFWELE
SHORELINE SURVEY FIELD DATA SHEET
Segment begins:______________
Segment ends:________________
Date: _____________________________________________________________________________
Observers: __________________________________________________________________________
Today’s weather: ____________________________________________________________________
Weather over past 24-48 hours: _________________________________________________________
If you take photographs, mark the location on the map, and write it on the backs of the photos, along with date. Be
specific (reference nearby road or house), so that people can compare later photos.
INSTREAM CONDITIONS
Stream bottom
1. What is stream bottom made of? (mark from 1 = most typical to 6 = least typical)
_____ Organic debris (leaves, twigs)
_____ Gravel (1/4.2")
_____ Silt (mud)
_____ Cobbles (2-10')
_____ Sand (1/16 to 1/4")
_____ Boulders (> 10")
2. What color is the stream bottom? (circle one)
Black
Brown
Orange/Red
Yellow
Water
l. What color is the water? (circle) Cloudy Tea
Sandy
Milky
Gray
Other ____________
Muddy Other ________________
2. What is the water odor? (circle) None Rotten eggs Musky Fishy Oily Ammonia Other ________
3. Problem areas. (checkmark, describe location and cause, if apparent *Locate on map)
_____ Oily sheen or smell _________________________________________________________________________
_____ Sewage: smell, milky color, toilet paper______________________________________________________________
_____ Foam or scum (describe. Does a stick break it up?) _____________________________________________________
_____ Fishy odor or fish kill ____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____ Floating garbage ________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. How deep is the water? (circle) Less than 1 ft. More than 1 ft. More than 2 feet More than 3 feet
5. How does the water level compare to normal for this time of year? (circle)
Normal Higher Lower Don’t know If very high or low, can you tell why?
6. Is the water flowing
7. Number of pools
(circle) Quickly
Slightly
Number of riffles
Almost still
Don’t know
8. Is stream flow blocked by... (circle and *locate on map.)
Trees
Trash
Large objects
Vegetation
1. Are there areas of extremely dense or clogging aquatic vegetation in any section? (circle) Yes No
*If yes, locate on map and describe cause, if obvious. _________________________________
Species, if known (circle)
Duckweed
Water chestnut
Other ______________________
2. Are there areas covered with algae? (Circle)
If algae seems abnormally heavy, *locate on map.
streambed
around
pipes
3. Are there wetlands? (Circle. *locate on map.) Yes No If yes, are they degraded by … (circle)
Phragmites
Purple Loosestrife
Fill
Blockages
Ditches
Sediment
Disturbed banks
Pipes Trash
Other __________________
Massachusetts Riverways Programs/DFWELE
1
STREAM CORRIDOR CONDITIONS
Stream Bank and Land Use
1. Do trees and shrubs overhang the stream and provide shade? (circle) Yes
If yes, estimate what percentage of the bank is shaded.
No
2. What are the stream bank conditions? (circle. Put a star* next to the most common.)
Eroding
Buildings/pavement
Dense Forest
Wetlands I marsh
Beaches
Riprap/channelized
Shrubstbrambles
Lawns
3. Are there places that have fill or clear-cutting? (circle) Yes
No
If yes, mark locations on map as fill F1, F2, E3. etc.) or clear-cutting CCl CC2, CC3, etc).
4. What land uses are visible from the river?
(Checkmark all uses and circle the dominant land use type.)
___ Industrial
___ Parking lots
___ Golf courses
___ Commercial
___ Roads
___ Protected/conservation land
___ Agricultural
___ Landfills
___ Undeveloped/unprotected land
___ Residential
___ Railroads
___ Wastewater treatment plants
___ Park / ballfields
___ Junkyards
___ Other (describe)
5. Do you see runoff from any of the following? (Circle. *If runoff is significant locate on map.)
Manure
Pet / goose droppings Lawns
Sewage
Roads
Bridges
Construction
Plowed fields
Parking lots
Other ___________
Pipes:
Please fill out separate pipe survey and mark locations on map as P1, P2, P3, etc.
Trash:
Describe any potential cleanup areas. *Locate on map.
Recreation
6. Is there designated public access to the stream? Is it appropriate for... (circle and *locate on map.)
Canoeing
Fishing
Swimming
Walking
Bicycling
Other __________
If there are areas which are informal or potential access points, describe and *locate on map.
7. For what activities do people use the stream and its banks?
Fishing
Rowing
Sailing
Swimming
Motorboating
Bicycling
Rollerblading
Canoeing
Walking
Other _____________________
WILDLIFE
Aquatic Species
1. Fish or evidence of fish? (describe) __________________________________________________
Estimate number _______________. If possible, describe species & size. ___________________
2. Other forms of aquatic life? (circle, identify species if known)
Aquatic insects
Turtles
Salamanders Snails Mussels
Clams Other _________
Land Species
1. Animals or evidence of animals? (circle)
Beaver
2. Birds? (circle)
Wood ducks Canada geese
Herons Mallard ducks
Muskrat
Otter
Other ________
Other____________
3. Do you know if there are rare & endangered species of plants or animals in your segment?
If so, identify.
Massachusetts Riverways Programs/DFWELE
2
Shoreline Survey Summary Sheet
River: __________________________
Segment Begins: _________________ Segment Ends: ________________________
Date: ___________________________ Today’s Weather: ________________ Weather over past 48 Hours: ______________
Observers’ Names: __________________________________________________________________________________________
These sheets are designed to give the “big picture” of your segment. They provide the basis of the narrative description of segments in the Shoreline Survey report.
NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION
SAMPLE 1: The river flows slowly through this segment. The banks on one side are eroded, with
parkland behind it. On the other side of the river, the banks have cement walls, industrial buildings
and parking lots. There was a marsh at the lower end. A small stream came into the river, and the
water quality seemed worse after it entered. Bits of oil floated on the water and the stream smelled
like asphalt. There were a few gulls in the industrial section, and there were turtles, a muskrat hole (7)
and a great blue heron in the wetland/marsh.
SAMPLE 2: Segment 2 flows quickly through conservation land, with several small riffles. We
saw several anglers along the banks. There were many downed trees in the stream, which provide
good habitat for fish. Vegetation along the stream is thick, second-growth forest with an old dirt
road providing good access for walking or mountain biking. There are several old appliances in the
river near the Rt. 20 bridge.
Describe your segment in a paragraph:
Massachusetts Riverways Programs/DFWELE
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Shoreline Survey: Priorities for Action
2.
1.
Assets found in your segment, such as:
Good habitat, wildlife species, businesses or
landowners using the river (in a friendly way),
recreational access (canoe, trails, parks), potential
recreational access, potential park/conservation land
(describe, give location)
2.
1.
Priorities for action:
(List items from problems/assets columns that you
feel need more work.)
Look back at your Field Data sheet and include your observations. The information from these sheets will be used to develop the Action Plan.
Problems found in your segment, such as:
pipes discharging in dry weather erosion, runoff,
trash, dense algae, water quality problems (odor,
color, oil, foam, sewage), degraded wetlands
(phragmites, loosestrife), other problems (describe,
give location)
1.
2.
4
Massachusetts Riverways Programs/DFWELE
Massachusetts Riverways Programs/DFWELE
5