Natural Resource Inventory and Assessment - Town of Guilford

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Coast B6 coastline now consists of rocky outcroppings left behind when the glaciers retreated. Without a coastal plain to serve as a buffer (the coastal plain lies beneath Long Island Sound), Guilford’s coastal edge is relatively permeable. Loss of coastal habitat places greater pressure on the natural ability of remaining coastal wetlands and organisms to help purify these waters. Pollutants, nutrient loading/toxins/contaminants In upland areas, especially those with a high proportion of impervious surfaces (See Section C. 5 Freshwater and Map C-4.) and during spring snowmelt and summer storms, stormwater laden with sediment, pollutants (e.g., E. coli), and dissolved nitrogen washes into rivers and streams, then into the Sound. If the natural filtering ability of coastal wetlands and filter feeders is exceeded, nutrients cause blooms of algae, which in turn lower the Sound’s oxygen levels (hypoxia). Hypoxia can kill sedentary benthic organisms like shellfish and cause mobile species like finfish to relocate. Connecticut DEP ranks the waters of Guilford Harbor, Island Bay, and Joshua Bay as impaired, based on pathogen and pollutant content. EPA includes the mouth of the West River in its priority nitrogen management areas in the Long Island Sound Study Program. After rainfall of more than 0.75 to 2 inches (depending on location), groundwater rises and can become contaminated by pathogens from septic fields and stormwater runoff. According to reports by Guilford’s Water Pollution Control Authority, septic systems in Sachem’s Head, Indian Cove and the Mulberry Point are of particular concern. Under such circumstances, such locations can be closed to shellfishing for up to eight days; the two most often closed are Guilford Harbor and the area off Tuttle’s Point. Pesticides used in or adjacent to coastal wetlands to control mosquitoes also impacts non-target insects and their predators, such as birds. Sources of stress: incompatible development; faulty septic systems; petroleum products; sand and heavy metals from roads; leaking underground oil tanks; excess fertilizers and pesticides for lawns and farm fields; boat septage; dredging; discharge from seven leachate sites in Guilford (See Map C-3); mosquito control products Permanent flooding Over the past 8,000 years and until 100 years ago, the ocean rose an average of four inches per century along the Connecticut coast. Over the last century, the rise in sea level has accelerated resulting in destabilized coastal features such as beaches, salt marshes, and mudflats and their wildlife communities. Erosion is occurring in coastal wetlands exposed to wave action and winter icing, for example, on Chaffinch Island and Chittenden Park. As sea level rises, tidal wetlands may not be able to migrate landward as is their usual progression, either due to the developed shoreline landward of the marsh or the inability of deposition rates to keep up with the rate of sea level rise. Also, in some areas shoreline topography may affect the ability of marsh to migrate. If marshes cannot move they will be drowned out and disappear, resulting in a decline in biodiversity. Sources of stress: sea level rise, development of uplands adjacent to tidal wetlands. Habitat alteration, altered tidal flow, habitat fragmentation, altered sediment deposition Historic ditching of tidal marshes for mosquito control in Guilford’s tidal wetlands disrupted the flow of water through the wetlands, reducing biological diversity by creating more low marsh at the expense of high marsh, particularly salt pannes. Structures that restrict flow of tidal creeks separate tidal wetlands from estuaries, reduce salt water exchange, decrease sediment inputs and depress elevations, encourage encroachment of freshwater and brackish invasive species, and disrupt migratory routes for fish and other organisms. Obstructions and disruptions in movement of sediment along the shoreline can erode marshes, flats, and beaches. Development that diverts runoff from roads and other impervious surfaces into tidal wetlands has decreased salinity, altering vegetation (See Invasive Species below.) Sources of stress: mosquito ditching (historic), road/railroad crossings over tidal creeks (historic), tide gate closures and dredging, dams, shoreline armouring and stabilization, incompatible development Natural Resource Inventory and Assessment Town of Guilford, CT
Habitat destruction Before passage of the Connecticut Tidal Wetlands Act in 1969, 35 percent of the State’s tidal wetlands had been lost to filling. Today, coastal habitat destruction is less likely to occur. Activities that persistently scour and churn up sediments in creeks and embayments can reduce water clarity, alter currents, and smother or remove benthic (bottom-dwelling) organisms and habitat. Coastal erosion can be considered a natural process resulting from wave action, which can be exacerbated by boat wakes that erode marsh edges and prevent new establishment of salt marsh grasses. Non-native mute swans graze heavily (about eight pounds per day) and uproot aquatic vegetation, an important habitat for fish and crabs and food source for native waterfowl. Marsh plants are particularly vulnerable to surface disturbance during low tide, because the breathing apparatus in their stalks is easily crushed. Sources of stress: wetland filling, historic mosquito ditching, dredging (to keep Guilford Harbor operative for keel boats), pipeline/utility installation, boating activities (propeller scarring, boat wakes), trampling, storage of seasonal docks, overpopulation of mute swans Wildlife harassment Birds and other animals that feed or breed along Guilford’s coast are vulnerable to inadvertent disturbance by recreationists and dogs, particularly during breeding seasons. Paddlers can now access once remote reaches of tidal wetlands that harbor willets and other reclusive species. Non-native mute swans, one of the world’s most aggressive species of waterfowl, also displace native birds from nesting and feeding habitats. Sources of stress: incompatible recreation, domestic pets, over population of mute swans Invasive species Opportunistic species such as gulls, red fox, and raccoon thrive in suburban landscapes. Introduced plants and animals such as green crab often out-compete other species. An increase in nutrients and sediments, especially when combined with a decrease in salinity may encourage encroachment of Phragmites, particularly in the upper margins of marshes, where dense stands of Phragmites displace Spartina and other native vegetation along with those species that depend on these plants. Green crabs are voracious predators that devour scallops and other native species. Sources of stress: incompatible development, altered salinity, species introductions B.9 Summary Guilford’s coastal system provides a rich environment for wildlife and public enjoyment. Numerous impacts to its natural resources present the challenge of maintaining an ecosystem which is naturally fragile and dynamic while supporting human activities. References Bell, M. 1985. The Face of Connecticut: People, Geology and the Land (Bulletin 10). Hartford, CT: State Geological and Natural History Survey of Connecticut Bortman, M.L. and N. Niedowski. 1998. Characterization Report of the Living Resources of the Peconic Estruary. Natural Resources Subcommittee, Peconic Estuary Program Connecticut College Arboretum. 1995. Tidal Marshes of Long Island Sound: Ecology, History and Restoration. Bulletin No. 34. New London, CT Connecticut College Arboretum. 2001. Living Resources and Habitats of the Lower Connecticut River. Bulletin No. 37. New London, CT Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Long Island Sound Programs Environmental Program Fact Sheets. www.dep.state.ct.us/ourenviron.htm Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. 1977. Long Island Sound: An Atlas of Natural Resources. Coastal Area Management Program Natural Resource Inventory and Assessment Town of Guilford, CT B7 Coast
Page 1 and 2: TOWN OF GUILFORD, CONNECTICUT Natur
Page 3 and 4: TOWN OF GUILFORD Natural Resource I
Page 5 and 6: Acknowledgments The Conservation Co
Page 7 and 8: Introduction What are natural resou
Page 9 and 10: INTRODUCTION 1 Orthophoto 2 Land Us
Page 11 and 12: ACRONYMS Acronyms used in this docu
Page 13 and 14: Section A. GEOLOGY A.1 Introduction
Page 15 and 16: of us give much thought. The reason
Page 17 and 18: former river delta. This material,
Page 19 and 20: A.9 Summary Guilford’s geological
Page 21 and 22: Section B. COAST B.1 Introduction S
Page 23 and 24: oysters and clams are raised in upw
Page 25: Mammals: Mink, deer, raccoon, otter
Page 29 and 30: Section C. FRESHWATER C.1 Introduct
Page 31 and 32: Fishes: largemouth bass (non-native
Page 33 and 34: Floodplains are low-lying areas tha
Page 35 and 36: evaluation of current designated ar
Page 37 and 38: Section D. Uplands D.1 Definition a
Page 39 and 40: Black oak, red oak, and white oak d
Page 41 and 42: Traprock Ridges This ecosystem is r
Page 43 and 44: Invasive plants in Guilford’s upl
Page 45 and 46: Section E. AGRICULTURE E.1 Introduc
Page 47 and 48: E.5 Marketable Resources: Products
Page 49 and 50: Timberlands The approximately 600-a
Page 51 and 52: Endnotes 1 For statutory definition
Page 53 and 54: Section F THE DARK NIGHT SKY F.1 In
Page 55 and 56: Section G NATURAL SCENIC RESOURCES
Page 57 and 58: PUBLIC VANTAGE POINT SCENIC VIEW Sc
Page 59 and 60: G.4 Summary Guilford’s scenic res
Page 61 and 62: Section H OPEN SPACE H.1 Introducti
Page 63 and 64: the Scenic Roads Advisory Committee
Page 65 and 66: • State of Connecticut’s Guilfo
Page 67 and 68: Town of Guilford, Planning and Zoni
Page 69 and 70: Section I NATURAL RESOURCE-BASED RE
Page 71 and 72: particularly in North Guilford, are
Page 73 and 74: I.6 Threats and Concerns: the Futur
Page 75 and 76: References Demrow, C. and D. Salisb
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Section J SIGNIFICANT NATURAL RESOU
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J.4 Location and Ecological Content
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GAPS Areas for Future Study and Con
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Afterword Future Considerations As
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TOWN OF GUILFORD Natural Resource I
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APPENDIX B-1 Guilford Coastal Data
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APPENDIX B-2 Natural Resource Inven
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Natural Resource Inventory and Asse
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APPENDIX B-4 Quick Facts About Long
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APPENDIX C-1 Listing of Guilford’
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• Unnamed stream - flows under Ro
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APPENDIX C-2 Wetland Soil Categorie
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APPENDIX C-3 Water Protection Agenc
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APPENDIX D-1 Birds of Guilford, Con
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Page 3 - Birds of Guilford, Connect
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Appendix D-2 Natural Resource Inven
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APPENDIX E-1 Agricultural Products
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Dairy There are no longer any opera
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F-1 NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA AT N
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APPENDIX G-1 Natural Scenic Resourc
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NRIA’s Listing of Scenic Views Fr
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GPA’s Favorite Scenes and Places
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APPENDIX G-2 a Natural Resource Inv
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APPENDIX G-2b Natural Resource Inve
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APPENDIX G-3 Guilford’s Town Owne
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APPENDIX G-4 Guilford’s Notable T
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APPENDIX H-1 A Compilation of Guilf
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APPENDIX H-2a Metacomet Ridge Conse
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APPENDIX H-3 Public Act 490 Prefere
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APPENDIX I-1 Recreational Facilitie
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APPENDIX J-1 Benefits of Buffer by
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Natural Resource Inventory and Assessment - Town of Guilford

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