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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250714 Revised materials NOI Smith 0 & 87 Salten Point Road July 14th, 2025 Barnstable Conservation Commission Barnstable Town Hall 367 Main Street Hyannis, MA 02601 Re: Revised and supplemental materials for NOI filing Project Address: 0 & 87 Salten Point Road, Barnstable, MA Dear Barnstable Conservation Commissioners, Crawford Land Management (CLM) received several additional comments regarding the Notice of Intent filed for 0 & 87 Salten Point Road during and since the public hearing held on June 24th, 2025, which we hope to outline to you in this letter. There were several comments and questions from Commissioners raised during the public hearing held on 6/24/25: •One Commissioner asked about the amount of sediment that would be placed to raise the upper marsh to the desired elevations in order to support the growth of upper marsh species and prevent salt marsh dieback. CLM completed a site assessment on June 26th in order to gather spot elevations within the upper marsh. Based on sample elevations that were collected in areas of existing salt marsh dieback and areas of existing healthy marsh, approximately 1-3” of compatible silt/sand will need to be placed in order to restore the upper marsh to elevations which support the growth of high marsh species. 4” is the absolute maximum amount of sediment that would be necessary. •The board requested a representative specification sheet for the modular breakwater units. A set of informational slides from the manufacturer has been provided with these revised materials. •The board requested a construction and staging protocol for proposed work. Some elements regarding construction methodology and access had been provided within the Project Narrative, Timeline & Methodology document previously provided, but that document has since been updated to provide more detail related to staging, access, and equipment (see items in the Project Methodology section highlighted in red). Additionally, the Salt Marsh Restoration Plan has been updated to reflect a revised limit of work, designated staging areas, and updated notes related to Access and Equipment. •There was discussion regarding monitoring of the neighboring properties. During routine monitoring assessments at the subject property, CLM offers to collect several spot elevations and photos of the neighboring properties in order to document potential changes over time. The Salt Marsh Monitoring Plan has been updated to reflect the additional scope of monitoring activities. Similarly, the reference plan showing the location of any reference spot elevations or photos will include these reference stations. • The board requested more clarity on the foot path to the water. To clarify, the only people who traverse over 0 & 87 Salten Point Road to access the water are those with deeded rights to do so, which includes the property owners of 87, 89 and 91 Salten Point Road. The Salt Marsh Restoration Plan has been revised to include a designated foot path to the water, which is approximately 3’ wide and runs along the eastern property line. Signage may be installed on the western side of the footpath in front of the marsh to delineate the edges of the foot path and discourage foot traffic elsewhere on the marsh. While the public does have the right to shellfish and fish below the mean high water line (via other access points), the applicant has noted that the property (particularly the proposed project area itself which is further landward) is rarely, if ever, used for these activities. • Lastly, the Commission requested that CLM provide links to any information or projects that have used modular breakwaters (oyster castles or similar) in similar environments to aid in sediment accumulation and mitigate shoreline erosion. A separate document with links to resources has been provided. In response to the comments and questions raised during the public hearing on 6/24/25, the applicant has provided additional information to CLM via email. Some of the applicant’s comments have been summarized here: • The question of how long it takes to determine success came up. A salt marsh restoration project was undertaken on a neighboring property approximately 10-12 years ago under SE 3-5116, which helps exhibit the timescale necessary for determining success with a project such as this. According to the Applicant, “it's clear that early appearances can be misleading. After some tough storms the following winters, the project initially appeared to be a failure. Even within five years, it seemed like it hadn’t worked. But now, 10–11 years later, it’s a clear success—there’s substantial sand accumulation, the rocks they placed are nearly buried, and a gentle slope where there was once a sharp drop-off and exposed peat. This project should be used as a reference point when considering evaluation timelines. Without a doubt, everyone can agree that the (then Boyd, now Stockwell) plan was successful. Had we determined this five years out, we could have come up with the wrong (or an arguable) conclusion.” The applicant was able to speak directly with the former owner who estimated that their restoration and preservation project showed signs of success around year seven. With this in mind, we have updated our Salt Marsh Monitoring Plan. Unless an element of the installation is severely degraded or poses a risk of generating marine debris, we would like to be able to monitor the installation for up to 10 years to assess if it is able to endure and establish over time amidst annual weather variations. • The applicant wanted to clarify that there was no mat placed over the marsh that caused vegetation loss. The damage likely came from a neighbor’s sailboat, which was anchored directly on the marsh for many years until roughly two years ago when the applicant asked the neighbor to remove the boat. That being said, vegetation has since begun to regrow in the area where the sailboat had been anchored and there are clear signs of new growth and recovery. • A Commissioner had raised concerns about boat launching and foot traffic. The applicant suggested that the project site may have been confused with Scudder’s Lane Town Landing located to the west which has both boat launching and foot traffic. To clarify, the project site is not publicly accessible, and there is no boat launch or outside/neighborhood access- it is used only by the property owners of 87 & 89 Salten Point Road. The shoreline in this area is private, except for public rights below the mean high water line for shellfishing and fishing. There is no boat launching. Ocean access is limited to the applicant’s properties at 87 & 91 Salten Point Road and their immediate neighbor at 89 Salten Point Road. We hope that you find the revisions to our project materials, as well as the additional information that’s been provided, helpful as you review and assess the proposed project. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at jen@crawfordlm.com or (508) 477-1346. Respectfully, Jen Crawford, PLA, ASLA PRESIDENT, CRAWFORD LAND MANAGEMENT cc: Ed Hoopes, Town of Barnstable Interim Conservation Administrator Shannon Smith, Property Owner June 16th, 2025 REVISED July 14th, 2025 Salt Marsh Monitoring Plan for 0 & 87 Salten Point Road The following will serve as a monitoring plan to regularly assess the condition of the salt marsh restoration project at 0 & 87 Salten Point Road and determine if intervention or a change in restoration practices is necessary. This monitoring plan provides a schedule for regular monitoring activities, a list of conditions to be assessed, a protocol for what actions will be taken if the project is deemed unsuccessful, a list of best management practices to limit the potential of generating marine debris, and a template for the monitoring reports that would be completed according to the monitoring schedule. Monitoring schedule Three types of assessments and reports will be completed throughout the life of the project: an initial site assessment, seasonal updates, and storm checks. An initial site assessment will be completed immediately upon completion of the installation so that reference photos and spot elevations may be gathered for use in comparing future site conditions with conditions at the time of installation. A plan will be prepared showing “elevation stations” where original spot elevations were taken for future comparison. This report will also detail all work completed to-date and any minor adjustments made in the field based on actual site conditions. Additionally, seasonal updates will be provided every 3 months to regularly track the condition and progress of the installation. Updates will include photographs and a short narrative detailing what work, if any, has occurred since the last report as well as an assessment of current site conditions (see the section on conditions to be assessed, below). These reports will be submitted annually on November 30th (early in winter storm season), February 28th (late in winter storm season), May 31st (early in growing season), and August 31st (late in growing season) until the site is considered restored. One of these seasonal updates may be bypassed if the initial site assessment was completed within 1 month of the report being due. Additionally, storm checks will be completed after any major weather event, such as nor’easters, hurricanes/tropical storms, or wind events over 50 mph to assess if there is any damage to the installation which needs to be addressed immediately. Initial Report due within 1 month of completion of installation Seasonal updates Report due November 30th annually Report due February 28th annually Report due May 31st annually Report due August 31st annually Storm checks Report due within 2 weeks of any major weather event Conditions to be assessed Crawford Land Management will be responsible for the completion of the monitoring plans, and assessments will be completed and/or overseen by a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP). During each assessment, the site will be evaluated for the condition of the coir logs and matting, the condition of the supplemental cobble/sand sediment mixture, the condition/establishment of native plantings, and the condition of the modular breakwaters and shell bags. The coir logs and matting will be assessed for any signs of rips or tears in the material, evidence of UV degradation, evidence of loss of material, or loosening of anchors, as any of these factors may compromise the longevity of the installation. The installation will also be assessed for evidence of coir logs shifting or becoming displaced. The supplemental cobble/sand sediment will be assessed by taking spot elevations using a zip level to determine elevation changes in comparison to the original installation conditions. This will show the ability of the installation to retain or accumulate sediment and restore the upper marsh. Spot elevations will be taken from a known reference point, such as a concrete bound, and elevations will be gathered in the upper marsh outside the limit of work, the upper marsh within the limit of work, the face of the array, the lower marsh at the base of the array, and behind the modular breakwaters/shell bags. The native plantings will be assessed to determine the survival rate of planted plugs as well as their ability to establish, grow and spread. The planted area will be assessed for percent cover, stem height, stem density, any areas of dead or missing plugs, or signs of herbivory, trampling, or other types of damage. The area will also be assessed to determine if planted grasses are spreading within the project area to form a complete vegetative ground layer. Additionally, the area will be assessed to determine how individual species are performing in different locations, and if supplemental plantings of different species of plugs in different areas might be helpful. The modular breakwaters and shell bags will be assessed to determine their ability to withstand high levels of wave energy as well as their ability to accumulate sediment in the lee. The area for the breakwaters/shell bags will be checked to determine if any of the modular units or bags have been dislodged, displaced, or damaged, or if there are signs of slumping or sinking. Spot elevations will also be taken behind the modular breakwaters to assess if sediment has been able to accumulate. Protocol if the project is unsuccessful If, during the course of completing regular site assessments and reports, it is determined that the installation is unable to sustain (e.g. materials are rapidly degrading, materials require frequent repair or replacement, materials are becoming dislodged or displaced, sediment is not being retained or accumulating, etc.), CLM will meet with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) and the Barnstable Conservation Agent (the Agent) to discuss responsive measures. The success of the installation will likely need to be assessed over the course of multiple years. Years one and two will be especially informative in identifying any elements that are clearly incompatible with the site’s conditions (e.g., whether the modular breakwater units or shell bags can withstand tidal fluctuations and wave energy). If a component is underperforming early on, CLM may explore adjustments to improve its function—for example, adding more coir matting over fiber rolls, adjusting the sand-to-cobble ratio, repositioning plant species, or further anchoring modular units. If an element continues to show minimal or no improvement despite adaptive measures, it may eventually be considered for redesign or removal. However, if there is evidence of even modest progress, that component will remain under observation for up to ten years, consistent with the long-term nature of restoration success in dynamic coastal environments. This extended timeline allows the project to be evaluated across multiple storm and growing seasons, providing a realistic view of long-term resilience. Numerous case studies and research articles emphasize that 5–10+ years of monitoring is often essential to fully assess outcomes such as sediment accretion and salt marsh vegetation establishment. If a portion of the installation is not sustaining but the other elements of the installation exhibit success, that element alone may be removed. Consideration should be given to whether removal of one element would adversely affect the performance of the other elements. Special attention will be given to the system of modular breakwaters and shell bags, as this system is located in an area that receives high levels of wave energy, which creates a risk for material to be dislodged/displaced. The top stacked row of modular units is most likely to be dislodged, as it does not have as much weight or as many adjoining units holding it in place. If a couple of units within the top stacked row are dislodged or displaced, they may be replaced atop the breakwater array and any debris will be removed and disposed of off-site at an appropriate facility. However, if more than 50% of the top stacked row is dislodged or displaced, CLM should have a conversation with MA DMF and the Agent to discuss whether the top stacked row should be removed or if other responsive measures should be considered. If multiple units within the middle and/or bottom stacked rows are also displaced, indicating that wave energy is consistently too extreme for the breakwater to sustain, CLM should have a conversation with MA DMF and the Agent about removing one or more of the three sets of breakwater arrays. An exception may be made if damage results from an exceptionally severe storm, which is not expected to occur frequently and for which preparation measures could be taken to limit damage in future storms. Because CLM has not utilized a system such as this before, and adequate case studies within a project area of similar conditions was not able to be identified as a reference, it’s likely that this protocol will need to be adapted after the installation is able to be assessed for one year. Best management practices to limit the potential of generating marine debris • Fiber rolls will be assessed during regular site assessments and their status reported in subsequent reports. These assessments/reports will help determine if and when there is a need for intervention in order to prevent marine debris from becoming disbursed. • Fiber rolls will be of a high-density type in order to mitigate their degradation. • Fiber rolls will be wrapped with 900 g coir matting to help prevent UV degradation. • Fiber rolls will be anchored into existing sediment using D-88 Duckbill anchors and galvanized steel, which is a robust material that is highly unlikely to degrade or become dislodged in the lifetime of the fiber rolls. • Fiber rolls will be fronted with 4”x4”x6’ untreated posts along the length of the array in order to help hold rolls in place and prevent slumping or slouching. • The voids within/between modular breakwater units will be filled with supplemental sediment and planted with low marsh grass species to help hold structures in place. • Shell bags/tubes behind the modular breakwater(s) will be secured by staking and tying the bags in place with sisal/coir rope and 1” stakes. • Regular assessments and monitoring will ensure that responsive measures are taken in a timely manner if the installation is not performing as intended and/or poses a risk of generating marine debris. MONITORING REPORT – TEMPLATE PROJECT DESCRIPTION: xxx. ACTIVITIES COMPLETED: • ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES: • PROJECT CONDITIONS: Coir logs/matting Conditions to be assessed • Evidence of coir logs shifting or becoming displaced • Rips or tears in the material • Evidence of UV degradation • Evidence of loss of material • Loosened or broken anchors Current conditions xxx. Recommended actions xxx. Supplemental sediment Conditions to be assessed • Spot elevations from established elevation stations • Locations of sediment accumulation vs. erosion Current conditions xxx. Recommended actions xxx. Plantings Conditions to be assessed • Percent cover • Stem height • Stem density • Yellowing or browning leaves • Areas of dead or missing plugs • Signs of herbivory, trampling, or other types of damage • Evidence of spreading/colonization • Success of particular species at certain locations/elevations Current conditions xxx. Recommended actions xxx. Modular breakwaters/shell bags Conditions to be assessed • Spot elevations from established elevation stations • Damage or displacement of modular units or shell bags • Evidence of slumping or sinking Current conditions xxx. Recommended actions xxx. Adjacent properties Conditions to be assessed • Spot elevations from established elevation stations • Photo documentation from established reference points *An assessment of current conditions and recommendations for future actions will not be provided for adjacent properties; only data will be gathered in order to document and track potential changes. PHOTO DOCUMENTATION: *Include photos w/ captions and dates* Project Narrative, Timeline & Methodology 88 Route 6A, Suite 2B Sandwich MA 508.477.1346 info@crawfordlm.com WWW.CRAWFORDLM.COM PREPARED FOR 0 & 87 Salten Point Road Barnstable, MA 02630 DATE March 12th, 2025 REVISED June 18th, 2025 REVISED July 14th, 2025 2 PROJECT INTRODUCTION This project is located at 0 & 87 Salten Point Road abutting Barnstable Harbor to the north; both properties are owned by the applicant. Essentially, this project proposes several land management measures aimed at preserving and restoring salt marsh which has been noticeably diminishing and/or degrading in recent years. This project was designed with a 3-part approach: (1) protect and stabilize the leading edge of the salt marsh; (2) preserve existing salt marsh which is deteriorating; and (3) re-create salt marsh which has been lost. The applicant has observed the loss and deterioration of the salt marsh fronting their properties for several years, and is searching for methods of maintaining the integrity of the marsh. AERIAL PHOTO COURTESY OF MASSMAPPER. 3 EXISTING CONDITIONS The subject properties are located in the Town of Barnstable and are adjacent to Barnstable Harbor to the north. The applicant has observed noticeable loss and deterioration of the salt marsh fronting their property, which has been worsening in recent years. This loss is evident in aerial photographs, which show a gradual but consistent loss of salt marsh over the last couple decades. CLM conducted several site visits at the properties starting in early spring 2024 and continuing throughout the growing season to assess the condition of the salt marsh. CLM also sought the professional opinions of the Town of Barnstable shellfish constable as well as a senior restoration ecologist from Mass Audubon in order to obtain first-hand knowledge of the site, it’s history/conditions, and potential contributing factors to its current condition. Our observations and interpretations are a result of what we directly observed on site, as well as the expertise of the professionals with which we consulted. The continual loss of salt marsh is perhaps most evident at the leading edge which continues to erode, as evidenced by large chunks of peat which have been cleaving off. The leading edge drops off abruptly as a shelf rather than as a natural, gradual slope, causing waves to hit the edge directly rather than run up and dissipate. The abrupt, steep edge of the marsh is poorly vegetated with salt marsh grasses, and existing root systems are shallow, undeveloped and weak. The result is that chunks of poorly vegetated peat continue to cleave off and erode on the mud flats below (see photos on page 5). Behind the marsh edge, much of the upper marsh exhibits signs of dieback, as evident by saturated soils and standing water (see photos on page 5). Salt marsh grasses require a balance of anoxic and oxic conditions, brought on by saturated soils during high tide and unsaturated soils during low tide. If the marsh isn’t able to drain properly due to low spots in the upper marsh where water ponds, salt marsh grasses will not receive the proper balance of oxic and anoxic conditions. This results in poorly developed root systems, unvegetated areas of peat, and ultimately an inability for the marsh to stay intact. Current conditions suggest that crab burrowing may also be contributing to the poor integrity of the peat, as evidenced by small holes in the peat surface and clipped grasses (see photo on page 5). Several crab species burrow into peat to both escape predators and browse on belowground root material. This burrowing creates a series of holes that compromise the structure of the peat and reduce belowground biomass. Several herbivorous species also clip the aboveground portion of salt marsh grasses at the base using their claw to bend grass tips down to feed on, causing the loss of aboveground biomass. This could be a contributing factor to the loss of salt marsh, but is ultimately not likely a major factor. Another potential factor influencing the health of the salt marsh is excess nutrients from the upland. Excess nutrients, especially nitrogen, cause salt marsh grasses to grow quickly and produce a lot of aboveground biomass without investing resources in developing a strong root system belowground. This causes shallow, weak root systems which aren’t able to hold peat together effectively (see photos on page 5). Again, this could be a contributing factor but is likely not the main driver of salt marsh loss. It is also much more difficult to address this issue, as excess nitrogen/nutrients comes from multiple non-point sources. Overall, several factors, including the form of the marsh edge, overly saturated soils/poor drainage, burrowing/grazing by species of crabs, and excess nutrients from the upland may all be contributing to the loss and degradation of salt marsh, thus reducing the marsh’s ability to buffer storm waters and impairing its ability to perform other essential ecosystem services. 4 GOOGLE EARTH AERIAL PHOTO - JULY 2007 GOOGLE EARTH AERIAL PHOTO - OCTOBER 2021 5 SIZEABLE CHUNKS OF PEAT ARE SEEN CLEAVING OFF AREAS OF MARSH ARE CONSISTENTLY SATURATED, RESULTING IN DIEBACK PORTIONS OF THE UPPER MARSH SHOW EARLY SIGNS OF SATURATION AND POTENTIAL FUTURE DIEBACK SALT MARSH GRASS ROOT MATERIAL IS SHALLOW, UNDEVELOPED AND WEAK AREAS WHICH ONCE HAD SALT MARSH ARE NOW BARE, EXPOSED MUD FLATS HOLES IN PEAT AND CLIPPED GRASSES ARE EVIDENCE OF GRAZING/BURROWING BY CRABS 6 PROPOSED PROJECT ACTIVITIES This project was designed with a 3-part approach: (1) protect and stabilize the leading edge of the salt marsh; (2) preserve existing salt marsh which is deteriorating; and (3) re-create salt marsh which has been lost. In order to protect and preserve the remaining salt marsh, we believe the most immediate priority is to protect the leading edge and help prevent further erosion and cleaving of the peat shelf. Currently, the edge of the marsh drops off abruptly, leaving a steep, exposed edge which experiences scouring and subsequent cleaving of large pieces of peat. This project proposes to protect the leading edge by installing biodegradable and/or natural shoreline stabilization materials such as coir logs, coir matting, a compatible cobble/ sediment mixture, and native plantings. 3 rows of 20” diameter high-density coir logs would be anchored into underlying sediment using D-88 Duckbill anchors, and these logs would hold the existing profile in place and create a more natural slope transitioning from the top of the marsh to the mud flats below. In areas where coir logs cannot be manipulated to conform to the existing edge of the shoreline, a compatible cobble/ sediment mixture wrapped in 900 g coir matting will be placed in the void between the edge of the peat and the coir logs to provide a substrate to support the logs and also provide a medium in which plantings can establish. The coir logs and cobble/sediment mixture would be covered with a compatible mixture of sand/ silt to raise the elevation and planted with a mixture of native low and high marsh grass species whose root systems will help hold sediment in place long-term. The Salt Marsh Restoration Plan provides section details of what this installation would look like. The next priority would be restoring the existing salt marsh in areas where it is deteriorating. Currently, much of the marsh experiences poor drainage, meaning that marsh grasses don’t receive the proper balance of oxic and anoxic conditions needed for growth. As a result, these portions of the marsh experience dieback, where grasses die and leave exposed areas of peat which erode quickly. In order to restore these areas of dieback, this project proposes to raise the elevation of the marsh to a height which is supportive of salt marsh grass growth. There are portions of the marsh which are healthy, from which we could infer a reference elevation; existing marsh appears to be healthy around elevation 4.5. To restore elevations, a compatible mixture of silt/ sand would be placed on top of the cobble/sediment mixture and the coir logs until the desired elevation (el. 4.5) is achieved. A zip level will be used in the field to ensure the correct spot grades are achieved. An added benefit of the placement of supplemental sediment is that it may keep crab populations in check. Other local reference projects have shown that crabs aren’t as likely to burrow into a sandy substrate as a mucky substrate, since sand doesn’t hold its form as well and will continue to fill in holes. Once the desired elevation is achieved, the area would then be covered with coir matting and staked and tied in place using wooden stakes and jute twine to help hold the installation in place. Then, the area would be planted into with native marsh grass and herbaceous species in order to get native vegetation re-established. A mix of low and high marsh species would be planted on the face of the slope, and high marsh species would be planted at the top of the slope. A plug planting detail has been included which calls for plugs to be secured using (2) wooden skewers inserted diagonally into the root mass to reduce the likelihood that the plugs will be dislodged due to tidal or wave action. The detail also calls for jute twine to be woven around wooden stakes 18” above the soil surface in order to limit the potential for herbivory by birds. The final goal of this project is to re-create salt marsh in areas where it has already been lost. The strategy for re-creating salt marsh lies in the concept that salt marsh is generated when enough compatible sediment accumulates to support the growth of salt marsh species. One method of accumulating sediment involves knocking sediment out of the water column when it is brought near shore during regular tidal action. To do this, we propose the use of living shoreline materials, such as modular breakwaters and shell bags. Shell bags would be created by filling biopolymer mesh bags or tubes with locally-sourced shell and stacking the bags or tubes atop one another. The applicant has observed success with the use of shell bags in other areas for recruiting sediment and is excited to apply them to this project. Modular breakwaters, also referred to as oyster castles, are made of concrete or another hard substrate, and are constructed as modular, stackable units which can be assembled multiple rows high. These systems are able to withstand more wave energy 7 than oyster bags alone due to their material and the way they’re interlocked, and as such, the shell bags would be situated behind the modular breakwaters as an added layer to help naturally recruit sediment. In addition to this 3-part approach, a designated foot path may be maintained to limit foot traffic to one area, and informational signage may be posted to encourage pedestrians to stay on the designated foot path. 8 PROJECT TIMELINE *This project is intended to be adaptable to being completed in phases. Completing proposed work in phases gives the applicant financial flexibility in terms of completing individual components of work, allows the project team to assess project progress before initiating a new component of work, and gives greater flexibility while working within restrictive conditions based on tides or time of year. The timeline below provides general guidance on the preferred time of year to complete proposed work, but may be adjusted as necessary. GENERAL TIMEFRAME • Proposed work is anticipated to be completed after no more than a total of 10 working days. • Work will likely be completed during times that are furthest away from a new moon or full moon in order to work within more minimal tidal ranges. LATE FALL/EARLY WINTER • Installation of coir fiber log array to protect leading marsh edge. Complete work once plants have entered dormancy to minimize disturbance/stress. Ideally, work will be completed prior to winter storm season to help protect against further damage/loss from excessive wind or wave energy. LATE WINTER/EARLY SPRING • Placement of compatible sediment mixture(s) atop the coir log array and existing marsh to restore profiles and provide growing substrate. Place sediment after storm season has passed to prevent erosion from excessive wave energy. • Placement of coir matting atop sediment mixture(s) and staking/trenching in place to retain sediment. • Installation of modular breakwaters and shell bags to capture and accumulate sediment knocked out of the water column. EARLY SPRING/SUMMER • Plant native low and high marsh grass species atop coir fiber log array and in areas of salt marsh dieback. Planting in May or early June is ideal, as temperatures are sufficiently warm and there is a longer growing period remaining. TIME OF YEAR RESTRICTIONS • Per comment received from the Division of Marine Fisheries, no sediment deposition or bank stabilization activities other than planting should take place May 1 - July 31 of any year to protect sensitive life stages of horseshoe crabs. 9 PROJECT METHODOLOGY STAGING & ACCESS • Construction access will occur via Salten Point Road, using the existing driveway easement over 93/97 Salten Point Road, leading to the gravel drive located on 87 Salten Point Road. • Staging of machinery, equipment, and materials will be limited to the existing lawn and gravel driveway on 87 Salten Point Road. Materials and equipment will be staged within the existing lawn area and trucks will be parked either in the applicant’s designated parking areas on the property or within the applicant’s parking easement rights. The applicant’s property at 91 Salten Point Road may also be used for storing materials, if needed. • No equipment or materials will be staged on any neighboring properties. • A portion of the existing stone wall on the applicant’s property may need to be temporarily removed to allow equipment access. If removal is necessary, the stone wall will be restored to its original condition upon project completion. CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT • All construction activity will be confined to the limit of work as shown on the plan. The limit of work will be demarcated in the field using marked wooden stakes. Orange construction fencing may also be used, if helpful to demarcate edges. • All installation work will be completed by hand. Small machinery/equipment, such as a mini tracked skid steer (Dingo), tracked wheelbarrow (Mud Buggy) or manual wheelbarrow, may be used to move materials such as fiber rolls, supplemental sediment, shell bags, or modular breakwater units. Shell bags and modular breakwater units may need to be placed on wooden palettes before being loaded onto the mini tracked skid steer for transport. • The existing lawn and resource areas will be protected in areas where machinery or equipment must be used. AlturnaMats would be placed in areas where the mini tracked skid steer (Dingo) or tracked wheelbarrow (Mud Buggy) would be used, and 2” x 12” wooden boards would be placed in areas where a manual wheelbarrow would be used. • Two paths will likely be established using AlturnaMats for use in transporting materials for installation. One path will likely be used from the gravel drive along the more easterly property line in the area where the peat shelf is shorter in order to stage the shell bags and modular breakwater units prior to installation by hand. A separate path will likely be used from the western end of the gravel drive directly north toward the middle of the installation in order to transport supplemental sediment. • Sediment for placement will not be stockpiled on site. Sediment will be moved directly from the truck into a mini tracked skid steer or wheelbarrow by hand for placement. • Equipment will be re-fueled off-site. If equipment must be re-fueled on-site, adequate containment and cleanup material will be available to minimize impacts. COIR FIBER LOG INSTALLATION • Coir logs will be installed by hand. Transport of fiber rolls to the area for installation may be aided using a mini tracked skid steer (Dingo). • Coir logs will be 20” diameter high-density logs made of biodegradable, natural coir husk material. Coir logs will be anchored in place using D-88 duckbill anchors made of galvanized cable, anchors, and copper crimps. Anchors will be placed every 2.5’ on center along the installation. SUPPLEMENTAL COBBLE/SAND/SILT SEDIMENT MIXTURES • Sieve samples will be collected from the proposed work areas and compared with the sediment proposed to be used to restore elevations/provide growing substrate. Existing sieve analysis sample sites will be representative of the average conditions. Sediment will be approved by the Agent prior to placement. 10 • Material will be moved either by hand or using a mini tracked skid steer or tracked wheelbarrow. • Placement of supplemental sediment may be necessary on an ongoing basis to achieve the desired elevations until vegetation becomes established. PLANTING OF NATIVE MARSH GRASSES • Native salt marsh grasses should be sourced from a local nursery where plants are adapted to local growing conditions. • Plugs will be secured with (2) wooden skewers inserted diagonally through the plug root mass to help hold plugs in place and prevent displacement due to wave energy. • String will be attached to wooden stakes approximately 18” above the soil surface to discourage herbivory or damage from birds and other wildlife while young plantings are being established. String will be removed after 2-3 growing seasons once it’s evident that grass plugs are established and growing. SHELL BAGS • Shell bags will be made of plant-based biopolymer mesh bags or tubes (or an approved equivalent). • Shell bags will be filled with locally-sourced shell which has been appropriately aged or obtained from an approved source. • Shell bags/tubes will be secured by weaving coir or sisal rope around 1” wooden stakes and driving the stakes into the ground to hold the bags to the surface. MODULAR BREAKWATERS • Modular breakwaters will be made of concrete or another acceptable hard substrate, and are constructed as modular, stackable units which can be assembled multiple rows high. • Modular breakwater units will likely be sourced from Allied Concrete Company, but an approved equivalent manufacturer may be considered as well. • Modular breakwater units will be stacked either in a castle stacking arrangement or staggered stacking arrangement according to the plan. July 14th, 2025 Case studies for the use of modular breakwaters/oyster castles and shell bags The following list provides several case studies documenting the use of modular breakwaters/oyster castles and some help demonstrate their effect on wave attenuation and sediment accumulation: • Clemson University living shorelines case studies https://www.clemson.edu/extension/living-shorelines/case-studies.html • Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center (SC) https://portroyalsoundfoundation.org/research-projects/ • Mordecai Land Trust https://mordecailandtrust.org/critical-habitats/oyster-castles-marsh-sills/#section2 • The Nature Conservancy Virginia eastern shore barrier islands (VA) https://virginiawatertrails.org/building-oyster-reefs-on-the-eastern-shore/ • The Partnership of the Delaware Estuary DuPont Nature Center (DE) https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2014/08/06/shoreline- oysters/13705317/ https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c7b77d6ea8e449db8e2604a75cd98e4d While not a formal case study, the following video helps explain how shell bags are used to slow and capture sediment carried by the ocean, supporting both the preservation and restoration of the shoreline: • PBS NewsHour https://youtu.be/DwSrTICsG2I OHWOHWSECTION A-A'SECTION B-B'PROPOSED FIBERROLL ARRAYAPPROX. LOCATION OF SHELLBAGS/TUBES FRONTED BY MODULARBREAKWATERS; MODULARBREAKWATERS ARE INTENDED TO HELPREDUCE SHORELINE EROSION ANDINCREASE SEDIMENTATION BYKNOCKING SEDIMENT OUT OF THEWATER COLUMN; MODULARBREAKWATERS ARE NOT INTENDED TOCREATE OR MODIFY SHELLFISH HABITATNOTE: CONFIGURATION AND LOCATIONMAY CHANGE BASED ON ACTUAL FIELDCONDITIONS AND AFTER OBSERVINGHOW ORIGINAL PLACEMENT PERFORMSAPPROX. AREA FOR COMPATIBLECOBBLE/SEDIMENT MIX TO FILLVOIDS BETWEEN PROPOSED FIBERROLL ARRAY & EXISTING MARSHOPTIONAL: INSTALL SIGNAGETO DELINEATE FOOT PATH &DISCOURAGE FOOT TRAFFICOVER THE MARSHSALT MARSH(NO FLAGS)LIMIT OF PRIORITY HABITAT(PH 892)EDGE OF WATERM.L.W.LIMIT OF SALT MARSH/FIELD LOCATION OFDISTINCT SHELF (NO FLAGS)M.H.W. (EL. 4.24)CB/DHSTONE RETAINING WALLSTONERETAINING WALLEX. WALKEX. GRAVELDRIVE /STAGINGAREA#87EXISTINGDWELLINGWALKPOST & RAILPOST & RAILCB/DHCB/DHSALTMARSHSALTMARSHCOASTALDUNECB/DHWETLANDSALTMARSHUPLANDWETLANDUPLANDRINSESTATIONBENCHMARK:TOP OF CONC. BOUNDEL. 6.74 (NAVD88)BARNSTABLEHARBORHVAC50' BUFFERAPPROX. AREA FORCOMPATIBLE SILT/SANDSEDIMENT MIX TO RESTOREELEVATION TO APPROX. EL. 4.5& COVER FACE OF ARRAYLIMIT OF WORKLI M I T O F W O R K LIMIT OF SALT MARSH/FIELD LOCATION OFDISTINCT SHELF (NO FLAGS)LIMIT OF WORKDESIGNATED FOOT PATH FORTHOSE W/ DEEDED RIGHTS TOACCESS THE WATERFOOT PATHFOOT PATHEX. LAWN /STAGING AREA543210MEAN HIGH WATERCOMPATIBLE SEDIMENT MIX (SILT/SAND)TO RAISE SURFACE TO APPROX. EL. 4.5;EXACT CONTENT & RATIOS TBDLAYER OF 900 G COIR MATTING OVERSEDIMENT FILL; TRENCH IN EDGESHIGH MARSH SPECIES @ 12" O.C.OVER TOP OF ARRAY(3) ROWS OF 20" DIAM. HIGH-DENSITYFIBER ROLLS WRAPPED IN 900 G COIRMATTING & ANCHORED IN PLACE W/D-88 DUCKBILL ANCHORSMIX OF LOW MARSH ANDHIGH MARSH SPECIES @ 8"O.C. OVER TOP OF ARRAYFIBER ROLL ARRAY TO BEFRONTED WITH 4"x4"X6' POSTS;SET POSTS 3' ALONG THELENGTH OF THE ARRAYSTAKE & TIE OVER SEDIMENT/COIRMATTING BEFORE PLANTING USING2"x2"x5' STAKES AND JUTE TWINECOMPATIBLE COBBLE/SEDIMENT MIXTO FILL VOID BETWEEN PROPOSEDFIBER ROLL ARRAY & EXISTING MARSH;EXACT CONTENT & RATIOS TBD 5 0-5MEAN HIGH WATER MEAN HIGH WATER 1 2 3 4-4-3-2-16COMPATIBLE SEDIMENT MIX (SILT/SAND)TO RAISE SURFACE TO APPROX. EL. 4.5;EXACT CONTENT & RATIOS TBDLAYER OF 900 G COIRMATTING OVER SEDIMENTFILL; TRENCH IN EDGESHIGH MARSH SPECIES @ 12" O.C.OVER TOP OF ARRAY(3) ROWS OF 20" DIAM. HIGH-DENSITYFIBER ROLLS WRAPPED IN 900 G COIRMATTING & ANCHORED IN PLACE W/D-88 DUCKBILL ANCHORSMIX OF LOW MARSH ANDHIGH MARSH SPECIES @ 8"O.C. OVER TOP OF ARRAYEXISTING HIGH MARSH; FILL IN LOW SPOTS(PONDING AREAS) W/ 6"-12" COMPATIBLESEDIMENT IN EARLY SPRING TO MAINTAINEX. ELEVATION, AS NECESSARYMODULAR BREAKWATER;STAGGERED STACKINGARRANGEMENT;3 HIGH (20")MODULAR BREAKWATER;STAGGERED STACKINGARRANGEMENT;2 HIGH (14")MODULAR BREAKWATER;STACKING ARRANGEMENT;2 HIGH (14")PLACE SUPPLEMENTAL SEDIMENTIN VOIDS (MIX & QUANTITY TBD);PLANT W/ LOW MARSH GRASSSPECIES @ APPROX. 12" O.C.FIBER ROLL ARRAY TO BEFRONTED WITH 4"x4"X6' POSTS;SET POSTS EVERY 3' ALONGTHE LENGTH OF THE ARRAYSTAKE & TIE OVER SEDIMENT/COIRMATTING BEFORE PLANTING USING2"x2"x5' STAKES AND JUTE TWINEPLACE SHELL BAGS/TUBES BEHINDMODULAR BREAKWATERS TO HELPCAPTURE AND ACCUMULATESEDIMENT; SECURE SHELL BAGS/TUBESBY STAKING AND TYING IN PLACE W/SISAL OR COIR ROPE AND 1" STAKES1'-6"SECURE GRASS PLUGSW/ (2) WOODENSKEWERS INSERTEDDIAGONALLY THROUGHTHE PLUG ROOT MASSATTACH/WEAVE JUTE TWINEBETWEEN 2" WOODEN STAKES18" ABOVE THE SOIL SURFACEIN A GRID PATTERN TO LIMITDAMAGE FROM HERBIVORYSCALE:DATE:NO:DATE:REVISION:BY:All rights reserved. The drawings, designs, andideas embodied therein are property of CLMand shall not be copied, reproduced, ordisclosed in connection with any work otherthan the project for which they have beenprepared, in whole or part, without priorwritten authorization of CLM.88 Route 6A, Suite 2B | Sandwich, MA 02563www.crawfordlm.com | 508.477.1346BARNSTABLE, MA 02630 0 & 87 SALTEN POINT ROAD SMITH RESIDENCE 3/12/25*VARIES*1 OF 1SALT MARSHRESTORATION PLANMerrill Engineers andLand Surveyors40 Court Street, Ste 2APlymouth, MA 02360(508) 746-6060SURVEYOR/ENGINEER:CLM WILL NOT PROVIDEOVERSIGHT OR CERTIFICATIONFOR ANY WORK COMPLETEDBY OTHERS, NOR DOES CLMTAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FORWORK COMPLETED BY OTHERS.NOT FORCONSTRUCTION(ISSUED FORPERMITTING/APPROVAL)10 5 0 10 30NSECTION A-A' (14" = 1'-0")SECTION B-B' (14" = 1'-0")PLANT SCHEDULESCIENTIFIC NAMECOMMON NAMEQTYSIZENOTESHIGH & LOW MARSH GRASSES OVER FIBER ROLL ARRAY (700 PLUGS)Juncus gerardiiSaltmarsh rush50DP50Plant @ 8" on centerover fiber roll array onslope; Focus S.alterniflora towardbottom of array, focusall other species towardtop of arraySolidago sempervirensSeaside goldenrod50DP50Spartina alternifloraSaltmarsh cordgrass350DP50Spartina patensSaltmarsh hay250DP50HIGH MARSH GRASSES ON FLAT ABOVE FIBER ROLL ARRAY (600 PLUGS)Distichlis spicataSeashore saltgrass50DP50Plant @ 12" on center onflat area at top of fiberroll arrayJuncus gerardiiSaltmarsh rush50DP50Solidago sempervirensSeaside goldenrod150DP50Spartina patensSaltmarsh hay350DP50LOW MARSH GRASSES WITHIN VOIDS IN MODULAR BREAKWATERS (250 PLUGS)Spartina alternifloraSaltmarsh cordgrass250DP50Plant in voids within/between modularbreakwatersPLUG PLANTING DETAIL (1" = 1'-0")NOTES:TIME OF YEAR RESTRICTIONS:·No sediment deposition or bank stabilizationactivities other than planting should take placeMay 1 - July 31 of any year to protect sensitivelife stages of horseshoe crabs.CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS:·All machine work will be completed by a MAlicensed and insured machine operator withthe appropriate hoisting and hydraulicslicenses.·All restoration work will be overseen by aCertified Ecological Restoration Practitioner(CERP).·Contractor should specialize in ecologicalrestoration work in New England and be ableto provide a proven track record of successfulprojects.·The Barnstable Shellfish Constable and/orShellfish Biologist will be notified prior to workbeginning and will be included in thepre-construction meeting.MATERIALS:·Only natural and biodegradable materials,including coir fiber rolls, coir matting, woodenstakes, and jute twine/sisal rope will be used tostabilize the edge of the existing marsh.·Preference will be given to grass/herbaceousplugs that can be sourced from a local nursery,since locally grown plugs are likely betteradapted to the site conditions.·Sieve samples will be collected from the area(s)proposed for supplemental sedimentplacement and compared with the proposedsediment source to confirm compatibility.Sediment will be approved by the Agent priorto placement.·Shell bags will be made of plant-basedbiopolymer mesh bags or tubes (or approvedequivalent).·Shell must be appropriately aged or sourcedprior to deployment in shell bags.·Modular units for breakwaters will be sourcedfrom Allied Concrete Company or anapproved equivalent manufacturer.·If modular breakwaters are not robust enoughand/or do not prove successful in retainingshell bags and recruiting sediment they may bereplaced with natural tree logs (min. 6-8"diameter) anchored in place with duckbillanchors.ACCESS:·Access is to be from Salten Point Road downthe existing driveway easement area on 93/97Salten Point Road to the gravel drive on 87Salten Point Road.·Equipment and materials will be staged in theexisting lawn or gravel drive on 87 or 91 SaltenPoint Road. No equipment or materials will bestaged on neighboring properties.EQUIPMENT:·Work will be confined to the limit of work shownon the plan. Orange construction fencing maybe installed.·All installation work will be completed by hand.A mini tracked skid steer and tracked/manualwheelbarrow may be used to help movematerials.·Existing lawn and resource areas will beprotected with AlturnaMats or wooden boardsin areas where equipment must be used.·Sediment will not be stockpiled on site.Sediment will be moved directly from the truckinto a mini tracked skid steer or wheelbarrowby hand for placement.·Equipment will be re-fueled off-site. Ifequipment must be re-fueled on-site,adequate containment and cleanup materialwill be available to minimize impacts.PLANTING:·Plantings are only to be installed in the spring.Ideally, plants will be installed in May whentemperatures support enhanced plant growth,storms are no longer a major threat, and asignificant length of the growing season is stillavailable after planting.·Planting of salt marsh plugs should becompleted according to the Plug PlantingDetail on this sheet.ONGOING MAINTENANCE:·Any components of the installation that aredamaged, degraded or exposed will either berepaired, replaced or removed, as deemednecessary during regular assessments.·Place supplemental sediment, as necessary, tomaintain the design profile as shown on theplan. The volume and frequency ofnourishment may vary year to year.·Supplemental/replacement salt marsh plugsmay be planted, as necessary.ASSESSMENT & MONITORING:·See the Salt Marsh Monitoring Plan for 0 & 87Salten Point Road by Crawford LandManagement for details regarding themonitoring schedule/timeline, conditions forassessment, and best management practices.1 6/18/25 LT T.O.Y. restrictions; reference to monitoring plan; re-fueling requirements; re-naming oyster bags/castles; requirements for shell aging and notifying shellfish constable/biologist 2 7/14/25 LT Revised limit of work; created defined access path toward water; updated equipment/access notes 22222