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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-3-31 NOI Bluff Point 1999 Trust No. 2 - 124 Bluff Point DriveEngineers and Land Surveyors March 2026 Barnstable Conservation Commission Notice of Intent Bluff Point 1999 Trust No. 2 – 124 Bluff Point Drive Table of Contents NOTICE OF INTENT 124 Bluff Point Drive Barnstable, MA 1. Barnstable NOI Submission Requirements 2. Notice of Intent Application a. WPA Form 3A b. Wetland Fee Transmittal Form c. Proof of eDEP Payment d. Wetland Fee Category Summary e. Barnstable Bylaw Fee Schedule 3. Project Narrative a. Land Management Plan – Wilkinson Ecological Design 4. Wetlands Delineation Memo – ECR 5. Figures a. USGS MAP b. FEMA MAP c. Wetland & NHESP MAP d. Aerial Map 6. Site Photographs 7. Permission to Access Form 8. Abutters Information a. Certified Abutters List b. Notification to Abutters 9. Directions to Property Barnstable NOI Checklist Notice of Intent Application 1 Irene Coleman From:customerservice@nCourt.com Sent:Thursday, March 12, 2026 1:08 PM To:Irene Coleman Subject:Receipt from nCourt WARNING: This email originated outside of the organization. USE CAUTION and confirm you recognize the sender before clicking on links or opening attachments. YOUR RECEIPT >> Paid To Name: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Address 1: 100 Cambridge St, Suite 900 City: Boston State: Massachusetts Zip: 02114 Payment On Behalf Of First Name: IRENE Last Name: COLEMAN Address 1: 26 UNION STREET City: PLYMOUTH State/Territory: MA Zip: 02360 Description Attendee Amount DEP Tracking ID: 1995291 - eDEP Online Filling System $237.50 Receipt Date: 3/12/2026 1:08:08 PM ET Invoice Number: 739be493-168d-43ae-9ee4-cf6954806c04 Convenience Fee: $6.15 Total Amount Paid: $243.65 Billing Information First Name IRENE Last Name COLEMAN Address 1 427 Columbia Road City Hanover State/Territory MA Zip 02339 Phone Number (781) 887-3225 Email icoleman@merrillinc.com Credit / Debit Card Information Card Type Visa Card Number ************8594 Wetland Fee Category Summary CATEGORY 1 : [ $110 ] a) Work on Single Family Lot: addition, pool, etc. b) Site work w/o house c) Control vegetation single-family house (SFH): removal, herbicide, etc. d) Resource improvement e) Work on septic system separate from house f) Monitoring well activities minus roadway CATEGORY 2 : [ $500 ] a) Construction of single family house (SFH) b) Parking lot c) Beach nourishment d) Electric Generating Facility activities e) Inland Limited Projects minus road crossings f) New agricultural or aquacultural projects g) Each crossing for driveway to SFH h) Any point source discharge CATEGORY 3 : [ $1050 ] a) Site preparation (for development) beyond NOI scope b) Each building (for development) including site c) Road construction not crossing or driveway d) Hazardous clean up CATEGORY 4 : [ $1450 ] a) Each crossing for development or commercial road b) Dam, sluiceway, tide-gate work c) Landfill d) Sand & gravel operation e) Railroad line construction f) Control vegetation in development (SFH) g) Bridge (SFH) h) Water level variation i) Hazardous waste alterations to resource area j) Dredging k) Package treatment plant & discharge CATEGORY 5 : [ $4/LINEAR FOOT ] [min $50, max $1,000] a)Docks, piers, revetments, dikes, etc. (coastal or inland) CATEGORY 6 : [ $2/LINEAR FOOT] [max $200 for SFH, max $2,000 for any other] a) Delineation of wetland resources Project Narrative #124 Bluff Point Drive in Barnstable is a private residential property located along Cotuit Bay to the north, originally constructed in 1970’s according to Town of Barnstable Assessor’s records. Consisting of 19,170 SF of upland, the lot contains a single-family home with a pervious parking area, retaining wall, walking paths, access steps/decks, outdoor spa area, utility shed, coastal beach access steps, residential dock, maintained lawn and landscaped areas. The property is located within Flood Zone VE (El. 14) and Zone X as indicated on the effective Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (Firm). The wetland resource areas concerning the proposed project are a Coastal Bank/Beach, Coastal Dune, Salt Marsh and Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage; ho wever, as discussed in greater detail below, the only resource areas that are implicated by the project are the Coastal Bank and Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage. The proposed work is not located within Priority and Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife, as indicated on the accompanying map published by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program and on the Existing Conditions Plan. Therefore, the proposed project is not subject to NHESP or MESA Project Review as part of the Notice of Intent Application. The site is not located in an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and does not contain a Certified Vernal Pool or USGS mapped stream. The proposed project is the demolition of an existing home and construction of a new single-family home and a new septic system with denitrification tank along with a retaining wall, screened porch, rear deck with patio area below, outdoor rinse station, invasive plant removal/native restoration plantings and associated site work. The proposed work will not have any adverse impacts or adverse consequential impacts on the following resource areas as described below: Coastal Bank/Beach The northern portion of the site is a Coastal Bank and Beach. The proposed work represents a 370 SF decrease in alteration within the 0 to 50’ buffer zone and a 719 SF increase in alteration within the 50’ to 100’ buffer zone. As such, the total proposed alteration is 349 SF for the proposed project. The proposed project represents a decrease in upland lot coverage of 252 SF. (see Site Plan provided for details) The only work proposed within the Coastal Bank is the removal of the existing outdoor spa area and invasive plant removal and native restoration plantings which will represent a substantial improvement over the existing conditions and will stabilize and revegetate the coastal bank. (Refer to plans by LeBlanc Jones Landscape Architects, Inc. & Wilkinson Ecological Design) The proposed project takes place outside of the coastal beach and no work is proposed within this resource area. The proposed new septic system with denitrification tank represents a substantial improvement over the existing sewage disposal system. All roof run off will be directed to drywells. The proposed work will not have an adverse effect and there will be no loss of the resource areas. Mitigation measures in the form of a silt fence and straw wattle along the Limit of Work (LOW) will be installed to protect the resource areas in the unlikely event of erosion. These measures will be installed prior to work taking place. Access to the demolition and construction of the proposed single-family home will take place from Bluff Point Drive and remain within the LOW. All debris will be removed from the site and disposed of lawfully. A preconstruction meeting will take place with the Conservation Agent prior to any site work commencing. Coastal Dune and Saltmarsh The southern portion of the property contains a Coastal Dune and Saltmarsh. No work is proposed in either of these resource areas. The Limit of Work (LOW) is located over 40’ from the edge of Coastal Dune and over 100’ from the edge of the Saltmarsh and will be staked with silt fence and straw wattle to prevent any erosion towards the resource area. Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage The subject property is located within Flood Zone VE (El. 14) and Zone X, as indicated on the FEMA Flood Map Panel number 25001C0756J, which bears an effective date of July 16, 2014. As such, a portion of the lot is located within Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage. The only work proposed within this area is the removal of the existing outdoor spa area, invasive plant removal and native restoration plantings which will represent a substantial improvement over the existing conditions. The proposed project will not have an adverse effect on the landform’s ability to provide storm damage prevention and flood control. There will be no adverse impacts to adjacent properties because of redirected surface runoff, and the interests of storm damage prevention and flood control will be protected. Mitigation Planting Requirements - 704-3(D) The resource area buffer setback on this property from the Coastal Bank includes a 50’ and 100’ setback. The proposed redevelopment work within the 0 to 50’ buffer is a reduction of 370 SF and pulls the house back further away from the top of bank. The proposed redevelopment work within the 50 to 100’ buffer is an increase of 719 SF. In order to satisfy the mitigation planting requirements, the applicant is required to plant 2,157 SF of mitigation plantings. The applicant is proposing to plant 2,800 SF of mitigation plantings and perform 3,900 SF of invasive plant removal and native restoration plantings along the Coastal Bank. (Refer to plans by LeBlanc Jones Landscape Architects, Inc. & Wilkinson Ecological Design) The proposed project will result in a substantial improvement to the resource areas and the buffers Waiver Request - 704-4 (A &B) On behalf of the applicant, we submit a waiver request from the performance standards found in Section 704-3 for proposed activities within the 50’ buffer zone. The reconstructed house and deck will reduce the square footage development within this buffer, the invasive plant removal and native restoration plantings are proposed as mitigation measures in accordance with Section 704-4(B) and all represent a substantial improvement over the current existing conditions. Conclusion The proposed project will have no adverse effects on the resource areas and will provide the same level of protection as the existing conditions in the interests of prevention of pollution and wildlife habitat protection. All the proposed work is an improvement over the existing conditions. As such, the proposed project meets the performance standards of the Barnstable Wetlands Protection Bylaw and the MA Wetlands Protection Regulations. LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN 124 Bluff Point Drive Cotuit, MA March 10, 2026 2 DEAD NECK COTUIT BAY NORTH BAY PROJECT AREA 124 BLUFF POINT DRIVE 3 INTRODUCTION This Land Management Plan (LMP) accompanies a Notice of Intent (NOI) filing for construction activities and vegetation management as mitigation for construction. The vegetation management will include the removal of invasive and non-native plant species, removal of lawn, and restoration of appropriate native plant communities. Proposed vegetation management activities will occur on the Coastal Bank and within the buffer zones to Coastal Bank, Coastal Beach, Coastal Dune, and within Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage (LSCSF). PROJECT GOALS The goals presented in this LMP include : 1. Create a vegetated buffer along the top of bank where none currently exist and enhance existing vegetated buffers to better protect the resource areas on the property. 2. Restore and conserve native plant communities within the project areas to provide greater resources for wildlife. Restoring native plant communities will result in greater biodiversity, improved habitat for wildlife, and improve flood control and storm damage prevention. Wilkinson Ecological Design (WED) believes the interests protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Barnstable Wetlands Bylaw are furthered by this project. NANTUCKET SOUND OSTERVILLE GRAND ISLAND WEST BAY 4 12 4 B l u f f P o i n t D r COTUIT BAY T O B 10 0 ’ f r o m T O B 50 ’ f r o m T O B Coastal Dune Coa s t a l B e a c h Salt M a r s h The numbered photo points and directions correspond to the numbered images on page five. 3 1 2 AREA DIAGRAM EXISTING CONDITIONS This residential property is on the northern shoreline of a peninsula within Cotuit Bay. The residence, appurtenances, and associated landscape is located on the western side of the property as shown on the Area Diagram below. A tree canopy of mostly native species covers most of the area surrounding the residence. Though the canopy layer is predominantly native, the shrub and ground layer vegetation beyond the formal landscape is a varying mixture of native, non-native, and State-listed invasive plant species. These areas of vegetation have been identified on the Area Diagram and are described below. The red overlays on the Area Diagram depict shrub and ground cover plant species that are a mixture of State-listed invasive and non-native plants. These include shrub honeysuckle, Asiatic bittersweet, multiflora rose, vine honeysuckle, and rugosa rose. Refer to images 1 and 2 on page five. Some native bayberry was observed to the east of the existing footpath over the bulkhead, but are stunted and unhealthy because of pressure from the surrounding invasive and non-native plant cover. The State-listed invasive plants do not continue up the Coastal Bank on the west side of the property. The closed tree canopy creates shady conditions that do not provide the sunlight necessary for these invasive species to thrive. The yellow overlay on the Area Diagram depicts a grove of eastern red cedars being invaded by State-listed invasive plant species, such as Asiatic bittersweet, multiflora rose, and vine honeysuckle. Refer to image 3 at the bottom of page five. Existing native tree canopy and native understory vegetation 5 1 3 2 IMAGE 3 - An existing grove of eastern red cedars to the east of the existing shed is in the early stages of infestation by Asiatic bittersweet. It is likely that the State-listed invasive vines will continue to mature and could shade out and kill the cedars. IMAGE 2 - The Coastal Bank adjacent to the existing deck have been overrun by a mixture of non-native rugosa rose, and the State-listed invasive shrub honeysuckle and Asiatic bittersweet. Some viable native plant species were observed with the mass of non- native plants, but will likely be out competed without management. IMAGE 1 - Shrub honeysuckle can be seen draped over the top of the existing bulkhead, reaching for the sunlight. Asiatic bittersweet and multiflora rose were also identified in this location. The State-listed invasive plants do not continue up the Coastal Bank because the shady conditions do not provide the sunlight necessary for these species to thrive. 6 PROPOSED PROJECT ACTIVITIES The project goals of creating and enhancing the vegetated buffer along the top of bank and restoring/conserving native communities within the project areas will be met through the following proposed activities: 1. Vegetation Management: Manage invasive, non-native, and aggressive species within the project areas. 2. Native Plant Restoration: Seed and plant appropriate native shrub and herbaceous species to restore the targeted native plant communities. Vegetation Management Invasive plant species can cause profound changes to the environmental conditions of a site, including soil nutrient levels, sun exposure, increased erosion, and the ability to negatively affect resources for wildlife. For a description of the environmental effects of the non-native and invasive species proposed for removal, refer to the Appendix on page ten. Vegetation management will target all invasive, non-native, and aggressive species, including Asiatic bittersweet, shrub and vine honeysuckle, multiflora rose, rugosa rose, and all other plant species approved for management. Plant management treatments will comprise selective herbicide application using the cut and wipe method to treat individual stems. Low-volume PROJECT AREA DIAGRAM 12 4 B l u f f P o i n t D r COTUIT BAY T O B 10 0 ’ f r o m T O B 50 ’ f r o m T O B Coastal Dune Coa s t a l B e a c h Salt M a r s h Existing native tree canopy and native understory vegetation 3,900 SF - Remove invasive plant species to establish and conserve native plant communities 1,650 SF - Convert existing building, deck, landscape, and lawn to native vegetation 1,150 SF - Convert existing lawn to native vegetation from LeBlanc Landscape Architects plan 7 foliar application will only be used for species like vine honeysuckle whose stems have a diameter too small for effective cut and wipe treatment. Following pre-treatment, the targeted vegetation will be mechanically removed where feasible and by hand where necessary to protect existing native vegetation and the stability of soils on sloped areas. Where invasive vines, such as Asiatic bittersweet, are intertwined with viable native species, they will be treated and left in place until desiccated. Removing desiccated vines greatly lessens the change of damaging the native vegetation proposed to remain. Poison ivy will be managed along the edge of the lawn where it can come into contact with people. All herbicide applications will be performed by Massachusetts licensed applicators. The Invasive Plant Management Protocols in the Appendix include species-specific information and management strategies. Regenerative pruning techniques will be used on native shrubs that are to remain within the project area and that have been shaded out by invasive vegetation. This pruning technique results in increased biomass of the subject plant, as well as a plant with a natural shape. Where native shrubs lack the biomass to be successfully pruned into a natural shape because of intense shading by invasive vines and shrubs, they will be flush-cut and allowed to regrow without further management. Immediately following vegetation management, all bare soil will be seeded with the native grass species listed on the Restoration Plan. Biodegradable erosion control blanketing will be installed on the Coastal Bank, where needed, to protect against erosion and temporarily hold mineral soils in place until the root systems of native grasses can establish and stabilize soils. Native Plant Restoration Native plant restoration recommendations are based on several environmental factors, including soil, topography, solar exposure, salt tolerance, and existing plant communities. Recommendations primarily consider the long-term health of the resource area by proposing to increase biological diversity through the removal of invasive, non-native, and aggressive plant species and the restoration of a native plant community. The project area would benefit from the establishment of the proposed native shrub and grass species to stabilize the soil. Native warm-season grasses are extremely effective at retaining soil because they develop thick, fibrous root systems that bind and retain sediments. Please refer to the Plant Species Rooting Depth diagram on page seven for a graphic representation of the rooting depths of native and invasive plant species. Native shrubs and grasses are also more effective at stabilizing soils than the invasive species that are currently present on site. Native shrubs like bayberry are well adapted to salt spray and wind, and develop extensive root systems that help to retain soil. After invasive species removal has reached approximately 85% eradication, the project area will be planted with the native shrubs and grasses listed in the Restoration Plan. Refer to the Restoration Plan for a full listing of the proposed species. PLANT SPECIES ROOTING DEPTHS NON-NATIVE/ INVASIVE ROOT SYSTEM DEEPLY-ROOTED NATIVE SHRUBS AND GRASSES little bluestem bayberry shrub honeysuckle References for plant species rooting depth include : http://annarbor.wildones.org/resources/, Staver, K. W. (2000), Waramit, Naroon. (2010), Weaver, J.E. (1961), Weaver, J.E. (1958), Rainer, T., & West, C. (2015) 10’1 0’ 6’6’ 8’8’ 4 ’4’4’ 2’2’2’ 8 Winter/Spring • Pre-treat plant species approved for removal with an herbicide appropriate to the plant species using cut and wipe method to treat individual stems or low-volume foliar application will only be used for stems whose diameter is too small for effective cut and wipe treatment. The pretreated vegetation will be removed and the project area immediately seeded with the specified seed mix. Install biodegradable erosion control blankets on the Coastal Bank, where needed, to stabilize the soil while the native grass seeds are germinating. • To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within restoration areas, selectively treat re-sprouting invasive and non-native plant species using low-volume spot applications or cut and wipe applications, only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities. Summer/Fall • Monitor plant response to earlier management treatments and calibrate follow-up treatments accordingly. • To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within restoration areas, selectively treat re-sprouting invasive and non-native plant species using low-volume spot applications or cut and wipe applications, only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities. General Notes: • Herbicides used are to be applied by knowledgeable, licensed individuals only. • All herbicide applications will avoid non-target native species. • All restoration measures shown in this document to be overseen by a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP). Winter/Spring • To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within restoration areas, selectively treat re-sprouting invasive and non-native plant species using low-volume spot applications or cut and wipe applications, only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities. • Mow or string-trim newly seeded restoration area once in early spring to limit establishment of non-native cool season grasses. Summer/Fall • Monitor plant response to earlier management treatments and calibrate follow-up treatments accordingly. • To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within restoration areas, selectively treat re-sprouting invasive and non-native plant species using low-volume 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 areas according to the Restoration Plan and install an automated, temporary, above ground irrigation system to help establish new plants to the growing conditions. THREE YEAR LAND MANAGEMENT TIMELINE Season 2Season 1 9 Winter/Spring • To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within restoration areas, selectively treat re-sprouting invasive and non-native plant species using low-volume spot applications or cut and wipe applications, only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities. • Mow or string-trim newly seeded restoration area once in early spring to limit establishment of non-native cool season grasses. Summer/Fall • Monitor plant response to earlier management treatments and calibrate follow-up treatments accordingly. • To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within restoration areas, selectively treat re-sprouting invasive and non-native plant species using low-volume spot applications or cut and wipe applications, only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities. Ongoing Maintenance After the treatments of the third season, the management plan should be assessed and re-evaluated. If land management treatments have been successful, only monitoring and hand removal will be required to keep species from being reintroduced. Invasive plants generally take a minimum of three to five years of active management to reach a level of successful control. Season 3 10 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 efficiently to destroy root materials. As the carbohydrate transfer is dictated primarily by weather, the management timeline is specified by season only, necessitating field expertise to initiate timely management procedures. Please reference the Three Year Land Management Timeline for specific treatment times. The Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG) is responsible for classifying plants as invasive in Massachusetts. The plant species listed below include their invasive status as defined by MIPAG. Asiatic Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) poses a serious threat to native plant communities due to its high reproductive rate, long-range dispersal mechanisms, and the ability to root-sucker. Vines of this plant species also 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 vine’s 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). Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) 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 plant’s aggressive growth habit forms impenetrable thickets, allowing it to crowd out native vegetation. Birds help disperse the prolific amount of seeds Multiflora rose produces. Mechanically 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) Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa) iis regarded as a common feature of New England’s beaches, but people introduced this plant to the region in the 1770s from Asia. People commonly planted it for its showy flowers, salt tolerance, drought resistance, and perception as an effective erosion control plant. In fact, rugosa rose is less effective than native coastal plants at preventing erosion, as its prolific 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) 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 glyphosate- based herbicide when other deciduous plants are dormant. (MIPAG Listed Invasive) Plant Inventory Native species: American Holly Ilex opaca Bayberry Morella caroliniensis Beach Plum Prunus maritima Black Cherry Prunus serotina Black Oak Quercus velutina Crinkle Hairgrass Deschampsia flexuosa Goldenrod Solidago spp. Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana Hightide Bush Baccharis halimifolia Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium Pennsylvania sedge Carex pensylvanica Pitch Pine Pinus rigida Poison-Ivy Toxicodendron radicans Marsh-elder Iva frutescens Sassafras Sassafras albidum Saltmarsh Hay Spartina patens Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis White Oak Quercus alba Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Invasive and Non-Native species: Asiatic Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus Vine Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica Multiflora rose Rosa multiflora Rugosa Rose Rosa rugosa Shrub Honeysuckle Lonicera maakii-morrowii 11 Definitions 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 fibrous 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 fibrous 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 wetlands and public interests (as stated below), and decreases the diversity of the biological community. 2. Invasive Plants: As defined 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 plant’s 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 Vegetated Wetlands Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act”, defines sapling as woody vegetation under 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 defines 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 Vegetated Wetlands: Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act”. 5. Restorative pruning Restorative pruning is a process of pruning older and/or damaged branches, over time, to allow for the regrowth of new healthy branching. During the first season, one third of the improperly pruned or topped branches are proposed to be pruned, which will promote young vigorous growth from the base. In the second season, if necessary, an additional one third of the previously topped branches will be pruned to promote additional new growth. Following the restorative pruning of the shrub in the second season, the native shrubs will be allowed to grow to their natural heights. References Bravo, M. (2005). Japanese Honeysuckle, Plant Conservation Alliance’s Alien Plant Working Group, Least Wanted: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas. Plant Conservation Alliance’s Alien Plant Working Group. Retrieved from https://www.invasive. org/alien/fact/loja1.htm Cullina, M.D., Connelly B., Sorrie, B., & Somers,P. (2011). The vascular plants of Massachusetts: A county checklist (first revision). Westborough, MA : Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Hutchison, Max. “Vegetation Management Guideline: Round- leaved Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatas Thunb.).” Introduction to Vegetation Management Guide. 6 February, 1990. Illinois Natural History Survey. 16 Nov. 2011. 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_final_042005.pdf Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council (2003). Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant Manual: Bush Honeysuckle. Retrieved from https://www.se-eppc.org/manual/bushhoney. html Wetland Delineation Memo P.O. Box 4012, Plymouth, Massachusetts 02361 617-529-3792 | www.ecrwetlands.com WETLAND DELINEATION MEMO TO: Merrill Engineers & Land Surveyors, Inc. FROM: Brad Holmes DATE: May 14, 2024 RE: 124 & 128 Bluff Point Drive, Barnstable Per your request, Environmental Consulting & Restoration, LLC (ECR) performed a review of the existing conditions at the properties located at 124 & 128 Bluff Point Drive in Barnstable (the Site) on April 16, 2024. The purpose of the review was to identify wetland resource areas on and near the site. The site consists of two residential parcels located at the eastern end of Bluff Point Drive, jutting into Cotuit Bay. Both parcels consist of single-family homes with small parking areas along the roadway, maintained lawns, landscaped areas, and natively vegetated areas. The weather on April 16th was mostly sunny and mild (approximately 55-60 degrees) with light wind and dry site conditions. Wetland resource areas are located on and near the site, generally through the eastern portions of the properties associated with Cotuit Bay. ECR identified and delineated a Coastal Dune that extends through the eastern portion of the site. Coastal Dune flags (blue ribbons) #CD1 to #CD11 were placed along the landward limit of the Dune. The landward limit of the Dune was delineated in accordance with the definition established by the MA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations found at 310 CMR 10.28 pertaining to Coastal Dunes. The Dune system is nearly entirely vegetated by native species commonly found throughout the area, except for a footpath that exists within the southern portion of the site to provide access through the Coastal Dune to the Coastal Beach and Cotuit Bay. A Coastal Beach is located immediately seaward of the Dune system – please note the beach was not marked by ribbons but the Dune/Beach interface is obvious enough to located by survey. Within the northeastern portion of the site exists a Salt Marsh that extends into a portion of the Coastal Dune System. ECR placed Salt Marsh (SM) flags (pink/black striped ribbons) #SM1 to #SM38 and #SM100 to #SM103 along the upper limits of the Marsh. The Salt Marsh was delineated in accordance with the definition established by the MA DEP regulations found at 310 CMR 10.32 pertaining to Salt Marsh. The delineation was performed by analyzing the extent of the highest high tide line characterized by plants that are well adapted to or prefer living in saltine soils. The Salt Marsh is dominated by cord grasses (Spartina spp.) with Hightide Bush (Iva frutescens) along the upper limits. Lastly, the site is located within Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage (FEMA flood zone VE) and contains a Coastal Bank. Both the limit of the flood zone and the top of the Coastal Bank must be determined by topographic survey. The top of the Coastal Bank must be determined in accordance with DEP Policy 92-1 by examining the extent of the flood zone and the slope of the landform. It appears that the top of the Coastal Bank may extend landward of the delineated resource areas, which would create the top of the Bank to be used to establish the 100-foot buffer zone that extends through the upland portion of the site. P.O. Box 4012, Plymouth, Massachusetts 02361 617-529-3792 | www.ecrwetlands.com As a result of ECR’s wetland delineation at the site, ECR is able to confirm that the site contains the following wetland resource areas and areas of Conservation Commission jurisdiction: • Salt Marsh • Coastal Beach • Coastal Dune • Coastal Bank • Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage • 100-foot Buffer Zone Also review of the MassGIS wetlands database reveals the following: 1. A portion of the site is located within Estimated/Priority Habitat for Rare Species according to the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (MaNHESP). 2. The site does not contain Certified Vernal Pools according to the MaNHESP. 3. The site does not contain a U.S.G.S. mapped stream. 4. The site is located within an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. Upon review of this wetland delineation memo, please contact me at (617) 529 – 3792 or brad@ecrwetlands.com with any questions or requests for additional information. Thank you, Brad Holmes, Professional Wetland Scientist #1464 Manager Figures Map USGS 124 Bluff Point Drive, Barnstable - Wetland & NHESP Map Printed Feb 27, 2026 NHESP Priority Habitats of Rare Species NHESP Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife NHESP Certified Vernal Pools DEP Wetlands Detailed With Outlines Property Tax Parcels Aerial Map Site Photographs Permission to Access Form Abutters Information Directions to Property Imagery ©2026 , Map data ©2026 Google 1 mi 230 South St Hyannis, MA 02601 Continue to Main St 1.Head toward Main St 2.Turn right toward Main St Continue on Main St. Take Falmouth Rd to Ocean View Ave 3.Turn left onto Main St 4.At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto W Main St 5.Turn left onto Falmouth Rd 6.Turn left onto Putnam Ave 7.Turn left onto Main St 51 sec (0.1 mi) 39 ft 482 ft 22 min (10.3 mi) 0.7 mi 2.1 mi 4.9 mi 2.0 mi 0.6 mi Drive 10.7 miles, 26 min230 South St, Hyannis, MA 02601 to 124 Bluff Point Dr, Cotuit, MA 02635 Take Bluff Point Dr to your destination 8.Turn left onto Ocean View Ave 9.Turn left onto Bluff Point Dr 10.Keep right Destination will be on the right 124 Bluff Point Dr Cotuit, MA 02635 2 min (0.3 mi) 440 ft 0.2 mi 118 ft