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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20251023 NOI Package Burgess 235 & 237 Ocean View Ave (1)LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN 235 & 237 Ocean View Avenue Cotuit, MA September 18, 2025 2 INTRODUCTION & PROJECT GOALS The project site is located at the adjacent lots of 235 & 237 Ocean View Ave., MA. The property is bound by the inlet to Cotuit Bay to the east and adjacent residential lots to the north, south, and west. This Land Management Plan (LMP) accompanies a Notice of Intent (NOI) ling for the removal and reconstruction of an existing deck and stairs, and outlines the vegetation management activities that will occur within the resource areas. The project area is located on the Coastal Bank, Coastal Beach, and upland area which fall within the regulatory jurisdiction of the Town of Barnstable Wetlands By-Law and the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. The goal of this project is to restore and enhance the existing native maritime shrubland and upland plant communities within the project area. Work activities outlined in this LMP include the removal of invasive and non-native plants, restoration of native plants, and selective management of existing native trees and shrubs to facilitate the restoration of the maritime shrubland. By following this strategy of restoration to revitalize and enhance existing plant communities, we can improve the functional capacity of the resource areas to provide wildlife habitat and increase biological diversity. Existing dock proposed for replacement Upland area consisting of arborvitae hedge and conventional lawn EXISTING CONDITIONS The property consists of an existing deck and stairway down the Coastal Bank. Proposed plans include the construction of a new deck. The proposed deck lies within the 50 buffer to the Coastal Bank. The project area consists of the entire Coastal Bank within the two parcels. Generally, vegetation within the project area is composed of a matrix of native, invasive, and non-native woody and herbaceous species, with a conventional lawn covering most of the upland area. Mature eastern red cedars grow across the Coastal Bank, with three dead cedar snags towards the bottom of the bank. Other native species observed include high tide bush, swamp azalea, oak, beach plum, bayberry, black cherry, and milkweed. A hedge of eastern white cedar (arborvitae) grows along the northern property line on the neighbors property, but extend into the #235 parcel signicantly. The Coastal Bank is moderately invaded with invasive, non-native, and aggressive species including garlic mustard, vine and shrub honeysuckle, English ivy, privet, and rugosa rose. Sparse native herbaceous species, including common milkweed, were observed. The Coastal Beach is comprised of a robust community of invasive scotch broom and rugosa rose. 1 2 3 Existing Conditions Project Area Diagram Bottom of ba nk con sis ts of h ea lthy maritime s hrubland speciesView of th e heavily invaded b ank 3 4 1 2 3 4 #237#235 Top of Coastal Bank Existing Deck Project Area Ocean View Ave. Existing Stairway Flood Zone VE (El 16) 100 Buffer to Coastal Beach N N.T.S. 4 PROPOSED PROJECT ACTIVITIES Proposed activities include: Removal of invasive, non-native, and aggressive species Restoration and rejuvenation of existing native maritime shrubland plant community Management of arborvitae extending from neighbors property into project area. WED believes that invasive plant management and supplemental planting of appropriate native plants will restore native plant communities, improving the functional capacity of the resource areas to provide wildlife habitat and increase biological diversity. Vegetation Management Vegetation management will take place across approximately 2,200 square feet of moderately to heavily invaded Coastal Bank and upland and will include the treatment and removal of all invasive and non-native species including garlic mustard, vine and shrub honeysuckle, English ivy, privet, rugosa rose, and other species approved for removal. Aggressive native species like high tide bush will be pruned for health. Invasive plant management methods will include hand removal and/or selective herbicide application using the method most effective for the species being treated. Aggressive vines will be cut and treated to facilitate the establishment of lower growing restoration plantings and existing native grasses. Three small dead cedars on the Coastal Bank are proposed to be trimmed and left as snags. The snags will be left in place and dead wood will be left on the ground to provide habitat for wildlife. The arborvitae hedge along the #235 property line will be trimmed in areas where signicant vegetation encroaches upon the property and path. Following treatment, target plant species will be removed by machine where feasible, or by hand where necessary to protect surrounding native vegetation. All herbicide application will be performed by Massachusetts licensed applicators. The Invasive Plant Management Protocols in the Appendix include species- specic information and management strategies. After initial vegetation management work is completed, regenerative pruning techniques will be used on remaining native shrubs, if needed, to restore a healthy biomass to the subject plant(s). Two cedars will also be assessed for selective pruning, in coordination with the conservation agent, to allow more sunlight into the restoration area. Bare soils will be seeded with a soil stabilizing native grass mix and covered with a biodegradable mulch product or erosion control blankets. Vista Corridor Management The proposed vista corridor depicted on the Restoration Plan will mainly be created through the removal of invasive and non-native plants. In addition to invasive plant removal, three eastern red cedar trees growing directly adjacent to the stairway on # 235, are proposed to be selectively pruned of lateral limbs according to Barnstables Vista Pruning Guidelines where not more than 20% of the trees limbs will be pruned. Proposed Vista Corridor Limited Lateral Pruning Proposed Vista Corridor 5 REGULATORY COMPLIANCE It is WEDs professional opinion that project activities described in this Land Management Plan serve the interests of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Barnstable Wetland By-law. Proposed activities will meet all applicable resource area performance standards, improve conditions for the benet of extant wildlife, diversify plant species, and promote natural communities. Restoration of Native Plant Communities To allow for the successful restoration of a maritime shrubland plant community, native shrubs will be planted after invasive plant management has reached approximately 85% eradication. The selection of plant species proposed to replace the non-native vegetation will restore and improve the functional capacity of the resource areas to provide wildlife habitat and increase biological diversity. Restoration of the native plant communities on this site is based on the existing soils, landform, position on the landscape, and observations of nearby plant associations. The project area will be planted with native shrubs such as bayberry, arrowwood, black chokeberry, sweetfern, and Carolina rose. For a complete listing of all proposed species, refer to the Restoration Plan. Planting to restore a maritime shrubland over a portion of the Coastal Bank offers an opportunity to restore a plant community that NHESP ranks as a priority for conservation protection (S2 raking*). Restoration of maritime shrublands can provide the thick vegetation and safe nesting sites required by many shrub nesting bird species like the common yellow- throat and northern mockingbird. Fruit-bearing native shrubs found in maritime shrublands such as bayberry and rose can also provide high-quality forage for songbirds during their migration. The availability of high-quality and abundant food resources, like wild fruits, in coastal regions of the eastern U.S. is critical for successful migration and long-term conservation of songbirds (Smith et al., 2013). Early successional plant communities, such as maritime shrublands, are dependent on a disturbance regime for their creation. An eighty year decline in anthropogenic and natural disturbance has led to historically low occurrences of these plant communities. Shrubland nesting bird species are reliant on these shrublands and have also been reported to be in precipitous decline throughout New England. Due to the declining populations of shrubland nesting birds, management to restore and conserve for shrublands is widely recognized as a high conservation priority (2012 NRCS). 6 THREE YEAR LAND MANAGEMENT TIMELINE 2025 2026 Winter/Spring After most other deciduous plants have gone dormant, conduct cut and wipe applications of herbicide to any persistent targeted species (only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities). Monitor plant response to earlier management treatments and calibrate follow-up treatments accordingly. Summer/Fall To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within the restoration area, selectively treat re-sprouting invasive and non-native plant species using low-volume foliar spot applications or cut and wipe applications (only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities). When invasive plants have been reduced by 85%, commence planting of the restoration areas according to the Restoration Plan. Install a temporary above ground automated irrigation system to help acclimate new planting to the growing conditions. Submit an annual Monitoring Report to the Barnstable Conservation Commission. Fall/Winter Pre-treat all English ivy, shrub & vine honeysuckle, multiora rose, Asiatic bittersweet, and other non-native species approved for removal with an herbicide appropriate to the plant species. Treatment methods, depending on species, size and environmental conditions, will consist of cut and wipe, injection, or selective foliar application of an approved herbicide at the approved rates. Where feasible, mechanically remove pre-treated vegetation using compact, low ground pressure equipment with care to remove only root material, leaving native soils in place. Hand removal is proposed in areas where high density of native vegetation exists. Mechanically condition soils where feasible. Following vegetation management, regeneratively prune native shrubs for health as necessary. Prune three dead cedars to be left as snags. Prune privet and cedar within vista corridor Immediately seed any exposed or conditioned soils with specied seed mix and cover area with a biodegradable mulch product, or install biodegradable erosion control blankets where necessary on sloping areas. As previously cut plants re-sprout and any remaining seed bank germinates, selectively treat all species approved for removal (as listed above), using low-volume foliar spot applications or cut and wipe applications. Hand weed any annual weed species, re-sprouting invasive, or aggressive plants where feasible. Submit an annual Monitoring Report to the Barnstable Conservation Commission. General Note: Herbicides used are to be applied by knowledgeable, Massachusetts licensed applicators. 7 Ongoing Maintenance If land management treatments have been successful, only monitoring and hand removal will be required to keep non-native, invasive, and aggressive species from being reintroduced. Invasive plants generally take a minimum of three to ve years of active management to reach a level of successful control. Invasive plant management is recommended to be an ongoing part of the life of the Order of Conditions in order to maintain the restored plant communities in the project area. Ongoing invasive plant management is typically carried out three to ve times per year depending on the site conditions and client preference. It is requested that selected black cherry coppicing, as described in this LMP, be on an ongoing part of the life of the Order of Conditions. We will request that these conditions also be incorporated into the Certicate of Compliance as an ongoing condition. If additional planting of native species is required in subsequent years, species will be selected from the plant specications on the Restoration Plan. 2027 ONGOING Winter/Spring After most other deciduous plants have gone dormant, conduct cut and wipe applications of herbicide to any persistent targeted species (only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities). Monitor plant response to earlier management treatments and calibrate follow-up treatments accordingly. Summer/Fall To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within restoration area, selectively treat re-sprouting invasives and non-native plant species using low-volume foliar spot applications or cut and wipe applications (only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities). Submit an annual Monitoring Report to the Barnstable Conservation Commission. 8 APPENDIX Invasive Plant Management Protocol Invasive Plant Management Protocols are designed to maximize the effectiveness of treatments and minimize disturbance to natural resources through mechanical removal, hand removal or selective herbicide application where necessary. Appropriately timed treatments are based on individual plant life cycles, growing seasons and levels of infestation. A program of selective herbicide application will be instituted during time periods when the plants will translocate the herbicide most efciently to destroy root materials. As the carbohydrate transfer is dictated primarily by weather, the management timeline is specied by season only, necessitating eld expertise to initiate timely management procedures. Please reference the Three Year Land Management Timeline for specic treatment times. All plant species listed in the protocol include the invasive status as dened by the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG). 1. Asiatic Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculata) poses a serious threat to native plant communities due to its high reproductive rate, long-range dispersal mechanisms, and ability to root-sucker. Its vines have the ability to aggressively wrap around and grow over other vegetation, strangling mature trees. Even entire plant communities can be over- topped and shaded out by the vines rapid growth. It is most effectively controlled using a cut-and-wipe method of herbicide application with an ultra-low volume Triclopyr-based herbicide. A low-volume foliar spray or a basal bark treatment is also very effective. When the vines of bittersweet are intertwined with native trees they should be treated and left in place until desiccated to avoid damaging the tree. (MIPAG Listed Invasive) 2. English Ivy (Hedera helix) is an aggressive evergreen vine often used as an ornamental groundcover. It has the potential to completely out- compete low-growing vegetation. It can also grow into trees and cover the trunk, branches, block sunlight, and eventually kill the tree. The tree eventually becomes susceptible to blow over due to its weakened state and the added weight of the vine. Mechanical uprooting followed by treatments of a Triclopyr-based herbicide is the preferred treatment method for this plant. (Not a State-Listed invasive). 3. Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a biennial that thrives in shady conditions and can rapidly invade a woodland understory through prolic seed dispersal. An effective control method, if undertaken consistently, is hand pulling of garlic mustard in early spring before the plant owers. Because garlic mustard remains green when most native plants are still dormant, targeted foliar herbicide application using a low-concentration Glyphosate-based herbicide in late fall through the early spring, are effective in controlling this plant while limiting potential damage to dormant native plants. (MIPAG Listed Invasive). 4. Multiora Rose (Rosa multiora) is a highly adaptable perennial vine or shrub that can grow in full sun or full shade and thrive in a wide variety of habitats, including upland, wetland, and coastal habitats. The plants aggressive growth habit forms impenetrable thickets, allowing it to crowd out native vegetation. Birds help disperse the prolic amount of seeds produced. Mechanical removal is recommended if conditions allow. If soil disturbance must be minimized, a cut and wipe or low-volume foliar treatment with a Triclopyr-based herbicide should be used. Regular hand pulling of juvenile plants and spot herbicide treatments are also recommended for persistent re-sprouts. (MIPAG Listed Invasive) 5. Privet (Ligustrum sp.) is a ubiquitous garden escapee that can be particularly aggressive in heavier soils and areas adjacent to wetlands. Mature plants annually produce hundreds of viable seedlings that spread the species rapidly through a variety of habitats. Plants up to 4-inch basal caliper can be mechanically uprooted. A cut-stump herbicide application is the most effective treatment method for these species when the basal diameter exceeds 4 inches. (MIPAG Listed Likely Invasive, Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List) 6. Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa) is regarded as a common feature of New Englands beaches, but people introduced this plant to the region in the 1770s from Asia. People commonly planted it for its showy owers, salt tolerance, drought resistance, and perception as an effective erosion control plant. In fact, it is less effective than native coastal plants at preventing erosion, as its prolic growth habit shades out more effective erosion control plants. The most effective management is mechanical removal. If soil disturbance must be minimized, use a cut and wipe or low-volume foliar treatment with a Triclopyr-based herbicide. To stop the reintroduction of rugosa, hand-pulling and targeted spot treatments can be used. (Not a State-Listed invasive) 7. Shrub Honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii & bella) poses a major threat to native plant communities. This species aggressively out-competes native shrubs in the edge habitat and woodland understory. Shrub honeysuckle can invade a wide variety of native habitats, with or with no previous disturbance. According to vegetation management guidelines published by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, shrub honeysuckle is suspected of producing allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants. If conditions allow, mechanical removal is the recommended management strategy because the plants relatively shallow root system. If soil disturbance must be minimized, use a cut and wipe or low-volume foliar treatment with a Triclopyr-based herbicide. To stop reintroduction, hand-pulling and targeted spot treatments can be used. (MIPAG Listed Invasive, Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List) 8. Vine Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is an aggressive perennial vine that thrives in a range of conditions, including full sun and full shade. This invasive species has several advantages over native plants species, including high seed production rates and persistent leaves that allow photosynthesis after surrounding deciduous vegetation becomes dormant. These advantages allow the vine to form dense mats that out-compete native vegetation. An herbicide treatment is the most effective method to control the vine. The persistent leaves can be used to an advantage, allowing for an application of Glyphosphate-based herbicide when other deciduous plants are dormant. (MIPAG Listed Invasive) 9. Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), although a nuisance to people, is a native plant with high wildlife value. The vines form berries in late summer that persist into the winter, providing many songbirds and other wildlife a food source when resources are scarce. Nonetheless poison ivy can be an aggressive plant of woodlands, wetlands, and disturbed landscapes. Selective management of this species within the areas of invasive plant removal is important so that the ivy does not overwhelm and impede other native plants from establishing. (Not a State-Listed invasive) 9 Plant Inventory Non-native & invasive species observed in project areas: Asiatic Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculata English Ivy Hedera helix Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata Multiora Rose Rosa multiora Privet Ligustrum sp. Rugosa Rose Rosa rugosa Shrub Honeysuckle Lonicera morrowii & bella Vine Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica Native species observed: Bayberry Myrica pensylvanica Beach Plum Prunus maritima Black Cherry Prunus serotina Black Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica Common Milkweed Asclepias syriaca Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana Goldenrod sp.Solidago sp. Hightide Bush Baccharis halimifolia Oak Quercus sp. Poison Ivy Toxicodendron radicans Swamp Azalea Rhododendron viscosum Denitions 1. Native Plants: A native (indigenous) species is one that occurs in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat without direct or indirect human actions. Native plants suited for our coastal areas bind sediments with their brous roots. Grasses and forbs create a groundcover that not only stabilize sediments, but improve the quality of wildlife habitat and slow water runoff. Many invasive plants lack brous root systems and often have allelopathic chemicals which inhibit the growth of surrounding vegetation, thus creating areas of bare earth which lead to faster rates of erosion, decreased wildlife habitat quality, and increased storm water runoff. The loss of native vegetation to invasive plant species degrades our wetlands and public interests and decreases the diversity of our biological community. 2. Invasive Plants: As dened by the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group, invasive plants are non-native species that have spread into native plant systems, causing economic or environmental harm by developing self-sustaining populations and dominating and/or disrupting those native systems. Invasive plants biology and physiology equip them with the means to out- compete native plants, disrupting native plant communities and compromising the integrity of that ecosystem. Invasive plant species can alter hydrological patterns, soil chemistry, moisture holding capacity, and can accelerate erosion. 3. Sapling (tree): The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Division (DEP), in their handbook entitled, Delineating Bordering Vegetate Wetlands Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act”, denes sapling as woody vegetation over 20 feet in height with a diameter at breast height (dbh) greater than or equal to 0.4 inches to less than 5 inches. 4. Tree: Massachusetts DEP denes ‘tree’ as woody plants with a dbh of 5 inches or greater and a height of 20 feet or more in their handbook entitled, Delineating Bordering Vegetate Wetlands: Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. 5. Coppicing: Coppicing involves an initial ush cutting of the tree in the rst year of management, where upon the deciduous tree re- sprouts vigorously producing multiple stems that develop into a shrub-like form. In subsequent years, the best sprouts are selected for health and vigor and remaining sprouts are pruned away. Following that treatment, the oldest and tallest sprouts are pruned away on a periodic basis which maintains the targeted height, as well as the trees vigor and habitat value. References Hutchinson, M. (1992). Vegetation Management Guideline:Round-leaved Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb.) Natural Areas Journal, 12(3)(161). Retrieved from http://www.naturalareas.org/docs/53NAJ1203_161.pdf Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG) (2005). Strategic Recommendations for Managing Invasive Plants in Massachusetts.Retrieved from https://www.massnrc.org/ mipag/docs/strategic_plan_nal_042005.pdf Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (2016). Natural Community Fact Sheet: Maritime Forest/Woodland. Classication of Natural Communities of Massachusetts Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council (2003). Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant Manual: Oriental Bittersweet. Retrieved from https://www.se-eppc.org/manual/bittersweet. html Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council (2003). Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant Manual: Multiora Rose. Retrieved from https://www.se-eppc.org/manual/multirose. 960.00 Conservation Notice of Intent (NOI) Abutter Map for Subject Parcel 033042 This map is for illustration purposes only. It is not adequate for legal boundary determination or regulatory interpretation. This map does not represent an on-the-ground survey. It may be generalized, may not reflect current conditions, and may contain cartographic errors or omissions. Legend Property owners within 100 feet of the perimeter of the subject parcel upon which work is proposed. Parcel lines shown on this map are only graphic representations of Assessors tax parcels. They are not true property boundaries and do not represent accurate relationships to physical objects on the map such as building locations. 40 Town of Barnstable GIS Unit 80 9/5/2025 gis@town.barnstable.ma.us Printed on: 0 ft.80 Subject Parcel Abutters 100 ft. Buffer ft. 1 inch = approx. Parcels Town Boundary Railroad Tracks Buildings Approx. Building Buildings Painted Lines Parking Lots Paved Unpaved Driveways Paved Unpaved Roads Paved Road Unpaved Road Bridge Paved Median Streams Marsh Water Bodies 960.00 Conservation Notice of Intent (NOI) Abutter Map for Subject Parcel 033043 This map is for illustration purposes only. It is not adequate for legal boundary determination or regulatory interpretation. This map does not represent an on-the-ground survey. It may be generalized, may not reflect current conditions, and may contain cartographic errors or omissions. Legend Property owners within 100 feet of the perimeter of the subject parcel upon which work is proposed. Parcel lines shown on this map are only graphic representations of Assessors tax parcels. They are not true property boundaries and do not represent accurate relationships to physical objects on the map such as building locations. 40 Town of Barnstable GIS Unit 80 9/5/2025 gis@town.barnstable.ma.us Printed on: 0 ft.80 Subject Parcel Abutters 100 ft. Buffer ft. 1 inch = approx. Parcels Town Boundary Railroad Tracks Buildings Approx. Building Buildings Painted Lines Parking Lots Paved Unpaved Driveways Paved Unpaved Roads Paved Road Unpaved Road Bridge Paved Median Streams Marsh Water Bodies 235 & 237 Ocean View Ave Printed Sep 17, 2025 Property Tax Parcels National Flood Hazard Layer FIRMette 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000250 Feet Ü SEE FIS REPORT FOR DETAILED LEGEND AND INDEX MAP FOR FIRM PANEL LAYOUT SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS Without Base Flood Elevation (BFE) Zone A, V, A99 With BFE or Depth Zone AE, AO, AH, VE, AR Regulatory Floodway 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, Areas of 1% annual chance flood with average depth less than one foot or with drainage areas of less than one square mile Zone X Future Conditions 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Zone X Area with Reduced Flood Risk due to Levee. See Notes.Zone X Area with Flood Risk due to Levee Zone D NO SCREEN Area of Minimal Flood Hazard Zone X Area of Undetermined Flood Hazard Zone D Channel, Culvert, or Storm Sewer Levee, Dike, or Floodwall Cross Sections with 1% Annual Chance 17.5 Water Surface Elevation Coastal Transect Coastal Transect Baseline Profile Baseline Hydrographic Feature Base Flood Elevation Line (BFE) Effective LOMRs Limit of Study Jurisdiction Boundary Digital Data Available No Digital Data Available Unmapped This map complies with FEMA's standards for the use of digital flood maps if it is not void as described below. The basemap shown complies with FEMA's basemap accuracy standards The flood hazard information is derived directly from the authoritative NFHL web services provided by FEMA. This map was exported on 5/7/2025 at 8:28 PM and does not reflect changes or amendments subsequent to this date and time. The NFHL and effective information may change or become superseded by new data over time. This map image is void if the one or more of the following map elements do not appear: basemap imagery, flood zone labels, legend, scale bar, map creation date, community identifiers, FIRM panel number, and FIRM effective date. Map images for unmapped and unmodernized areas cannot be used for regulatory purposes. Legend OTHER AREAS OF FLOOD HAZARD OTHER AREAS GENERAL STRUCTURES OTHER FEATURES MAP PANELS 8 B 20.2 The pin displayed on the map is an approximate point selected by the user and does not represent an authoritative property location. 1:6,000 70°26'33"W 41°36'40"N 70°25'56"W 41°36'13"N Basemap Imagery Source: USGS National Map 2023 Map data ©2025 Google 2 mi Drive 10.8 miles, 26 min230 South St, Hyannis, MA 02601 to 235 Oceanview Ave, Cotuit, MA 02635