The Shoreline Survey & Results
Joan Kimball of the Riverways/Adopt-A-Stream Program led a volunteer
training session on April 22, 1998. Protocols for the Shoreline Survey
and the Action Planning process are contained in the Shoreline Survey Leaders'
Guide, MA Adopt-A-Stream Program (Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and
Environmental Law Enforcement, May 1996).
Between April 22 and May 7, 1998, more than 120 Acton volunteer members
of the Fort Pond Brook and the Nashoba Brook Stream Teams conducted the
Spring 1998 Acton Shoreline Survey of thirty-six stream sections, covering
approximately 25 miles. Stream sections were visually surveyed and data
sheets were completed. Stream conditions and field observations of vegetation
types, wildlife sighted, and other note worthy observations were recorded.
Pipe, bridge, and wetland surveys were also completed, as appropriate.
Photographs were taken and time, date, location and photo descriptions
were recorded in photo logs. Locations of relevant observations were noted
on the survey maps. Volunteers also wrote narrative descriptions of their
stream sections.
|
Assets:
Assets identified by the two Stream Teams included:
- Stream habitat supporting abundant, diverse wildlife
- Historic sites
- Recreational opportunities including:
a. hiking
b. canoeing
c. fishing
d. scenic views
|
Potential Problems:
Potential problems identified by the Stream Teams included:
- trash
- pipes and culverts needing cleaning/followup
- areas with a "sheen" on the stream surface
- buffer/yard waste concerns
- concerns about the impact of future developments on the streams
- plant species that may indicate excessive nutrient loading
- dams, both human and beaver-made.
|
