Stewardship Plan - the Town of Dennis

Crowes Pasture
Conservation Area
Steward Program
Stewardship Plan

Crowes Pasture Conservation Area
Stewardship Plan
2012
Dennis Department of Natural Resources
Karen M. Johnson, Director
Brian F. Everett, Land Management Specialist
With support from the following agencies:

Vision Statement
IT IS THE VISION OF THE TOWN OF DENNIS CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO
CONSERVE, PROTECT AND RESTORE ALL THE NATURAL RESOURCES FOUND AT
CROWES PASTURE CONSERVATION AREA SO THAT THEY ARE PRODUCTIVE,
FUNCTIONAL AND VIABLE. CROWE’S PASTURE WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE AS A
HAVEN TO WILDLIFE. CROWE’S PASTURE CONSERVATION AREA WILL CONTINUE TO
SUPPORT A WIDE VARIETY OF PUBLIC USES INCLUDING HIKING, HUNTING,
AQUACULTURE, PEDESTRIAN AND ORV BEACH ACCESS, HORSEBACK RIDING, AND
BIRDWATCHING. WITHIN FIVE (5) YEARS CROWES PASTURE CONSERVATION AREA
WILL PROVIDE AN EXCEPTIONAL RESOURCE-BASED EXPERIENCE FOR VISITORS
THROUGH THE DESIGNATION OF A LOOP TRAIL SYSTEM, INSTALLATION OF
EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE, AND CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC USE FACILITIES WHICH
ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY COMPATIBLE.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Executive Summary 1
II. Introduction 3
III. Location and Site Description 4
A. Location 4
B. Acreage and Acquisition 4
IV. Natural Resources Description 6
A. Aquatic Resources 6
a. Barrier Beach 6
b. Kettle Ponds 6
c. Wetlands and Vernal Pools 7
B. Biological Resources 7
a. Geology 7
b. Natural Plant Communities 12
c. Wildlife 16
d. Listed Species 17
C. Cultural Resources 18
a. Archaeological 18
b. Land Use History 19
c. Public Interest 19
V. Management Factors 21
A. Natural Trends and Disturbances 21
B. Legal Obligations and Constraints 22
a. Permitting 22
b. Conservation Restrictions 23
c. Department Operations 24
C. Public Access 24
a. Inventory of Trails 24
b. Signage 25
c. Parking Areas 26
d. Accessibility 27
D. Recreation 27
a. Nature Study 28
b. Bird Watching 28
c. Hiking/Walking 28
d. Dog Walking 29
e. Horseback Riding 29
f. Hunting 29
g. Shellfishing/Fishing 30
h. ORV and Pedestrian Beach Use 30
E. Forest Management 30
F. Erosion 31
VI. Management Action Plan 33
A. Goals and Strategies 33
B. Operations and Planned Improvements 33
C. Estimated Timelines & Financial Considerations 35
VII. Literature Cited 36

IX. Appendices 37
A. DCT Conservation Restrictions
B. Bird List
C. Town of Dennis Rules and Regulations for Off Road Vehicles
D. Crowes Pasture Conservation Area Maps
1. Location Map
2. Soils Map
3. Natural Communities
4. Listed Species
5. Trailways
6. Parking Areas
7. Hunting
8. Commercial Aquaculture
9. ORV Trailways
10. Shoreline Change
E. Certificate of Compliance (Wetland Permits)
F. Aquaculture Approvals (DCS, DMF)
G. Coles Pond Overlook Disabled Access Design

I. Executive Summary
Crowes Pasture Conservation Area consists of seven parcels purchased over several years
through the receipt of a National Coastal Wetland Grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (obtained via the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation),
Massachusetts Self-Help monies, and the purchase of perpetual conservation restrictions by
the Dennis Conservation Trust. In addition, private funding and in-kind services were
contributed by Save the Crowe (a grassroots organization), the Association for Preservation of
Cape Cod, the Orenda Wildlife Land Trust, and The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation
Trusts.
The Crowes Pasture/Quivet Creek area, which includes properties preserved within the Town
of Brewster, encompasses approximately 570 acres of contiguous lands. Over 300 acres of
these lands have been classified as nationally declining wetland types. This area is identified
as a coastal barrier by the federal Coastal Barrier Resources System and is part of the
southern lobe of the Massachusetts Bay system and the National Estuary Program as
designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s
Gulf of Maine Program identifies this area as having significant habitat for a number of species
of federal concern.
Management Plans have been developed for individual parcels as each piece was acquired. In
1998 a Management Plan was developed for ORV use on the barrier beach habitats. In 2003,
approximately 250 acres of the Crowes Pasture area was approved as a District of Critical
Planning Concern (DCPC). In 2004 the Sears Property and Coles Pond Management Plans
were finalized. Subsequently, a Baseline Documentation Report was completed for the
Department of Conservation and Recreation on 138 acres of the property.
There are significant water resource areas within the Crowes Pasture Conservation Area,
including both coastal and freshwater resources. Quivet Creek is located along the
southeasterly border. This creek system includes a large marsh area and a herring run to its
headwaters at Bound Brook Pond. Water quality in Quivet Creek is excellent. Freshwater
resources include Coles Pond and Little Coles Pond. These ponds represent ten (10) acres of
kettlehole ponds which support rare plant habitat. The ponds are solely dependent on
groundwater.
An ongoing restoration project to restore the open field/meadow habitat will continue but
management activities must be scheduled to avoid conflicts with hunters, hikers and bird
monitoring. Likewise, ORV beach use and dog walking must be balanced with piping plover
nesting activities. Input from the Crowes Pasture user survey and the Crowes Pasture Users
Group will be utilized to develop management guidelines.
This land stewardship plan will help guide the current use and future development of public
use facilities to balance the needs of the public while protecting the existing resources. Existing
uses will be maintained and management needs for each use will be defined.
The goal of the land stewardship plan is to identify the Crowes Pasture resources and to
develop ways to protect and restore those resources while insuring this Conservation Area will
be developed in accordance with the conservation restrictions. A management plan which

identifies specific management units has been established. Each unit has goals which are
dependent upon its needs, strategies for accomplishing these goals, a timetable for the
completion of the goals, and standards to measure the accomplishment of the goals.
Continued public support will be required to balance all the uses at Crowes Pasture
Conservation Area.

II.
Introduction
Prior to purchase by the Town of Dennis, Crowes Pasture Conservation Area (CPCA) was
comprised of several separately owned parcels of property. Management plans were
developed for each parcel as they were acquired, with specific attention paid to the critical
habitats present. With the consolidation of these multiple parcels, management plans and
public use facilities can now be developed which extend throughout the conservation area and
showcase all the characteristics which make this area an important coastal resource.
The use of state and federal funding for the purchase of these properties requires that access
be provided to everyone, not just residents from the Town of Dennis. However, this
requirement does not prevent the management entity from enacting limitations of the type,
volume and timing of access and use. Crowe’s Pasture Conservation Area (CPCA) is
designated for passive recreational use, and the public utilizes the area for a variety of uses,
including but not limited to, hiking, dog walking, ORV and pedestrian beach use, hunting and
birdwatching. While generally compatible, the continuation of these multiple uses requires the
implementation of a variety of management practices in order to effectively sustain these uses
for the future.
Several separate studies have been conducted at CPCA for the purposes of identifying
sensitive resources within the multiple parcels. Information from these studies has been
utilized and consolidated within this document.
The goal of the land stewardship plan is to identify the CPCA resources and to develop ways
to protect and restore those resources while insuring this Conservation Area will be developed
in accordance with the conservation restrictions. A Crowe’s Pasture Users Group was created
to assist the Town of Dennis Natural Resources Department, the Dennis Conservation Trust
and the Dennis Conservation Commission achieve this goal.
Information received from the users group was utilized to develop management priorities for
the CPCA. Technical information was gathered from state and federal regulatory agencies to
support the management plans and priorities. Permitting information was obtained from
Conservation Commission’s technical consultant and conservation restriction information came
from the Dennis Conservation Trust and The Compact staff.
This Stewardship Plan should be viewed as a living document which will require updates every
five (5) years at a minimum. Implementation timeframes are estimates and will depend on the
level of available staffing and financial support.

III.
Location and Site Description
A. Location
Crowes Pasture Conservation Area (41°45’20” N, 70°0 7’53” W) is located in East Dennis, and
can be accessed by South Street Extension (also known as Crowes Pasture Road. It is
bordered by Cape Cod Bay to the north, Quivet Creek to the south and east, and private
property to the west. Quivet Creek also serves as the border for the Towns of Dennis and
Brewster.
Crowes Pasture Location Map
B. Acreage and Acquisition
John Crowe, after whom the Pasture is named, was originally deeded 100 acres of uplands
and 20 acres of meadow in 1648. This meadow was used by the residents of Quivet neck to
graze their cattle and livestock. Starting with just 71 acres, the Town of Dennis purchased
Crowes Pasture in 1972 with assistance from the Massachusetts Self Help Program. Soon
after acquisition, the Dennis Conservation Commission established regulations for its use in
early 1973. In 1996, The Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife established the
“Biodiversity Initiative,” with the following goals:

1. to promote and implement a land stewardship program that maintains and
restores the native diversity of flora and fauna through active land management
and restoration based upon sound ecological science
2. to develop a program to serve as a model of land management where traditional
values, such as hunting, recreational, and forestry resources, are managed to
enhance or restore native plants, animals and natural communities.” (MADFW)
The Massachusetts Upland Program was pursued by the Town of Dennis with the goal of a
successful reclamation of the abandoned meadows at Crowes Pasture in 1998. The relative
large size and complexity of the conservation area was considered a high priority for
remediation and protection, and in the fall of 1999, maintenance activities began to reclaim the
grasslands.
The former Mullin property (33.49 acres) was purchased by the Town of Dennis in July 2003.
Originally owned by a conglomerate of landowners, the land was slated for development as a
residential neighborhood to be located at the entrance of the conservation area.
The most recent and last land acquisition, the Sears property, was purchased in October 2004
with a $500,000 grant from the Massachusetts Self-Help Program and $1.3 million from the
Town of Dennis Land Bank. Under direct control of the Dennis Conservation Commission, the
28.05 acre property connects the 56 protected acres on the west side of Crowes pasture
conservation area to the 116 protected acres on the eastern side, bordering Quivett Creek/
Town Of Brewster.

IV.
Natural Resources Description
A. Aquatic Resources
Barrier Beach
A barrier beach is typically a narrow strip of beach and dunes which is separated from the
mainland by a narrow body of fresh, brackish or saline water or a marsh system. All dunes
extending from the beach to the marsh, bay or river are considered part of the barrier beach. A
barrier beach may be joined to the mainland at one or both ends. Barrier beaches play
important roles to serve as storm buffers and as habitat for a variety of species, many of which
are listed as threatened or endangered. Barrier beaches are very dynamic and often change.
Typically the beach is less steep and wider during the summer months, becoming narrower
and steeped in the winter. Over time barrier beaches migrate landward. The ability of the
dunes and beach to respond to storm winds and waves is important to maintain. Left
unaltered, these beaches rebuild themselves while maintaining landward salt marsh systems.
The CPCA contains a dynamic barrier beach which provides an important habitat to numerous
plant and animal species. Each spring, the Piping Plovers arrive and establish nests on the
beach. The Dennis Department of Natural Resources (DNR) annually hires a shorebird
monitor who documents nesting activities and breeding success. On the north side of the
barrier beach is the main travel corridor for ORV’s. ORV’s can also utilize the front beach on
the west side to access the expansive tidal flats. ORV use is closely regulated in order to
prevent damage to the barrier beach and associated dunes and tidal areas.
Behind the barrier beach is Quivet Creek and associated salt marsh habitats. This tidal creek
connects Cape Cod Bay to Bound Brook and is a productive anadromous fish passage. The
herring run at Bound Brook is cleaned annually to maintain fish passage. The American
Osprey, a recent species removed from the states threatened status list, also calls Quivet
Creek its home. Each summer, Ospreys can be observed nesting and foraging over the creek.
In addition to providing important wildlife habitat, the salt marsh serves as a protective
measure in the event of storm surge or storm damage.
Kettle Ponds
When the glaciers retreated from Cape Cod, large chunks of ice were left behind. As these ice
chunks melted, the landscape above them collapsed leaving large water-filled depressions
called “kettle holes’. Kettle holes extend into the groundwater table and typically lack a surface
water inlet or outlet. The water surface of these ponds typically fluctuates up and down in
response to the seasonal rise and fall in the aquifer. Monitoring long term fluctuations in pond
elevations provides data for use in determining the susceptibility of endangered shoreline plant
species, evaluating groundwater flow direction and reviewing potential impacts from
surrounding land uses.
Cole’s Pond and Little Cole’s Pond are situated in the northwestern portion of the CPCA.
Access to these ponds is restricted. As a result of this limited access, use by the public is
limited with distant parking areas and long walks to the ponds. Rare plant species can be
found along the 2800 linear feet of shoreline. Limiting access while allowing passive
recreational opportunities assists in the protection of these species. The Plymouth gentian, a
state Species of Special Concern can be found in the late summer around the shore of Coles
Pond when the shoreline is exposed due to lower water levels. Black willow (Salix nigra) is

occasionally found on the boundaries with water willow the only species that occurs in the
deeper water around the pond margins. DCT and DNR staff will conduct a baseline survey of
Cole’s pond as time allows in the future.
Wetlands and Vernal Pools
Vernal Pools are unique wildlife habitats known for the amphibians and invertebrate animals
that use them to breed. These pools typically fill with water in the fall or winter season due to
rainwater and rising groundwater, and remain saturated through the spring and early summer.
Vernal pools typically dry out at the end of summer each year. This drying out period is
important for the purpose of limiting fish populations which prey on the amphibian and
invertebrate species that rely on these habitats for breeding success.
Some vernal pools are protected by the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act regulations.
The Massachusetts Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program (NHESP) serves to
officially “certify” vernal pools that are documented by citizens, researchers and other parties.
Located primarily behind the barrier beach surrounded by upland forest, the CPCA wetlands
serve as important breeding habitat for a variety of amphibian species that call the CPCA
home. Although six areas in the CPCA have been previously identified and mapped as
potential vernal pools by the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, their Rapid Ecological
Assessment Team found that most areas in the CPCA did not fit the definition of a classic
vernal pool. Based on their survey, only one of the potential vernal pools (PVP) as well as two
areas not mapped by the Division, are considered as likely vernal pools. Other areas of the site
(shrub swamps, shallow emergent marsh, kettlehole level bog) might contain depressions that
meet the technical definition of vernal pool habitat. Those areas that were considered likely
vernal pools had clearly defined basin depressions and were not permanently flooded. Surveys
were not conducted during the breeding season for typical vernal pool breeding amphibians.
These seasonally wet areas will continue to be monitored for the presence of Vernal Pool
Species. Potential species could include Fowlers Toad, Spadefoot Toad, or even a Spotted
Salamander, all of which have threatened status within the State. The remoteness of the
vernal pools limits impacts by vehicle and human traffic, to the advantage of the species found
in the area.
Monitoring these areas will be a priority in the springtime, with the goal of identifying organisms
to promote biodiversity in the conservation area.
B. Biological Resources
Geology
Soils information for Crowes Pasture was updated in September 2002 as part of the
Environmental Review Team Study completed by The Pilgrim Resource Conservation and
Development (RC&D) Area Council. The completed study provided information on soil
mapping, soil descriptions, and soil limitations for development and wildlife habitat. The site
specific information collected by the ERT provides more detailed information than that provided
in the 1993 Soil Survey of Barnstable County which gathered soils data with mapping
limitations measuring 5-8 acres in size.

As summarized in the ERT Study, surficial deposits in Southeastern Massachusetts are mainly
glacial and post-glacial deposits. The USGS mapping for the area identified the surficial glacial
geologic deposits in the Quivet Neck/Crowe’s Pasture area as Ice-Contact Deltaic-Lake
Deposits which include: sand, gravel, clayey silt and minor amounts of glacial till which were
deposited during an early stage of Glacial Lake Cape Cod. Glacial Lake deposits are fine
textured silts and clays once deposited in open lakes which have since drained or filled with
sediment. Those post-glacial deposits mapped in the Quivet Neck/Crowes Pasture area
include Dune and Beach deposits (wind deposited sand), Marsh/Swamp and Cranberry Bogs
(organic deposits).
The 1993 Barnstable County Soils Survey identified four (4) major soils types within the Quivet
Neck/Crowes Pasture area:
Crowes Pasture contains the following soil units:
1. Plymouth soils (excessively drained)
2. Belgrade soils (moderately well drained)
3. Hooksan soils (coastal and beaches)
4. Freetown and Ipswich soils (poorly drained organics)
1 - Water - Fresh water, generally more than 3 feet deep, includes some areas of
emergent vegetation.
14A – Scitico silt loam, 0 to 3% slopes - Poorly drained soils formed in silty and
clayey glacial lake floor deposits. Scitico soils are hydric associated with wetland areas.
225B – Belgrade silt loam, 3 to 8 % slopes - Moderately well drained soils formed in
silty glacial lake floor deposits. Belgrade soils have seasonal high water tables 1.5 to
3.5’ below the surface and very slow permeability in the substratum.
226B, 226C,226D – Hinesburg fine sandy loam, 3-8% slopes (B), 8-15%
slopes (C), and 15-25% slopes (D) - Well drained soils formed in sandy eolian
underlain by silty glacial lacustrine deposits. Major limitations relate to slow permeability
of the silty substratum.
256A – Deerfield loamy sand, 0 to 3% slopes - Moderately well drained soils formed
in sandy glacial outwash deposits. Deerfield soils have an apparent seasonal high water
table 1.5 to 3’ below the surface. These soils are associated with aquifer recharge
areas.
258B – Amostown sandy loam 3 – 8% slopes - Moderately well drained soils formed
in sandy eolian material underlain by silty glacial lacustrine deposits. Amostown soils
have a seasonal high water table 1.5 – 3’ below the surface. Major limitations are
related to the seasonal high water table and the slowly permeable substratum.
435B, 435C, 435D – Plymouth loamy coarse sand 3-8% slopes (B), 8-15% slopes
(C), and 15-25% slopes (D) - Excessively well drained soils formed in sandy glacial till.
Plymouth soils are associated with aquifer recharge areas.

436B,436C – Plymouth loamy coarse sand, very stony, 3-8% slopes (B), 8-15%
slopes (C) - Excessively well drained soils formed in sandy glacial till. Plymouth soils
are associated with aquifer recharge areas.
52A – Freetown muck, 0-1% slopes - Very poorly drained soils formed in more than
51” of highly decomposed organic material. Freetown soils have a seasonal high water
table +2’ above the surface to 1’ below the surface. Freetown soils are hydric soils
associated with wetlands.
613C – Hooksan-Duneland complex, hilly - Very deep, hilly and steep excessively
drained Hookan soil and areas of Dune land. This soils unit is mapped in areas of
recent coastal eolian deposits adjacent to beaches and coastal ponds.
614B – Hooksan, wet substratum 2-8% slopes - Moderately well drained soils formed
in recent deposits of eolian sand. This map unit is a variant of the excessively drained
Hooksan series, with a seasonal high water table 1.5 to 4’ below the surface.
66A – Ipswich-Pawcatuck-Matunuck complex, 0-1% slopes - Very deep, level, very
poorly drained soils in tidal marshes that are subject to daily inundation by salt water.
They are adjacent to shore areas and brackish ponds
66X – Pawcatuck, overblown phase - Very poorly drained Pawcatuck soils with a 20-
30” deposit of recent eolian sand deposited over Pawcatuck soils.
701 – Cranberry bed, abandoned, mineral substratum - Very poorly drained mineral
soils which were formerly used for cranberry bed production but have been abandoned
for more than 5 years and have reverted back to wetland vegetation. The map unit
consists of hydric soils associated with wetlands.
704 – Cranberry bed, abandoned, organic substratum - Very poorly drained organic
soils which were formerly used for cranberry bed production but have been abandoned
for more than 5 years and have reverted back to wetland vegetation. The map unit
consists of hydric soils associated with wetlands.
Map 2 in D identifies soil types within the Crowes Pasture area.

Soils Map
(http://www.pilgrimrcd.org/100902FNLDennisERT.pdf)
Soils mapping is useful for the determination of potential land improvements and wildlife
habitat management. All soils within the Crowes Pasture area are highly erodible when not
stabilized by natural vegetation. Areas where slopes greater than 8% are present typically
experience accelerated erosion. These soils are found around Cole’s Pond and within the
coastal beach and dune areas. Therefore disturbances should be minimized in these areas.
Soils are typically rated for their potential wildlife habitat value based on their suitability for
establishing, improving or maintaining habitat through vegetation propagation and
management. Ratings are good, fair, poor and very poor.
Good indicates the kind of habitat is easily established, improved or maintained. Few or no
limitations affect management. Fair indicates the kind of habitat can be established, improved
or maintained in most places. Moderately intensive management is required. Poor indicates
that limitations are severe for the kind of habitat. Habitat can be created, improved or
maintained in most places but management is difficult and intensive. Very poor indicates that
restrictions for the kind of habitat are very severe and that unsatisfactory results can be
expected. Creating, improving or maintaining habitat is impractical or impossible. Table 1
provides a breakdown for the Crowes Pasture area.

Table 1. Soils and Wildlife Habitat
Map Unit
Grain
&
Seed
Grasses
&
Legumes
Wild
Herbs
Hardwood
Trees
Coniferous
Plants
Wetlands
Plants
Shallow
Wetland
Plants
Openland
Wildlife
Woodland
Wildlife
14A POOR FAIR FAIR FAIR FAIR GOOD FAIR FAIR FAIR FAIR
225B FAIR GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD
VERY
POOR
226B POOR FAIR GOOD GOOD GOOD POOR
226C POOR FAIR GOOD GOOD GOOD
226D POOR FAIR GOOD GOOD GOOD
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR GOOD GOOD
VERY
POOR FAIR GOOD
VERY
POOR FAIR GOOD
VERY
POOR FAIR GOOD
Wetland
Wildlife
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
256A POOR FAIR FAIR POOR POOR POOR POOR GOOD GOOD POOR
258B FAIR GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD POOR POOR GOOD GOOD POOR
435B
VERY
POOR POOR POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
435C
VERY
POOR POOR POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
435D
436B
52A
704
701
VERY
POOR POOR POOR
VERY
POOR POOR POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
POOR
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR POOR POOR POOR POOR GOOD GOOD POOR POOR GOOD
VERY
POOR POOR POOR POOR POOR GOOD GOOD POOR POOR GOOD
VERY
POOR POOR POOR POOR POOR GOOD GOOD POOR POOR GOOD
613C
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR POOR POOR POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
POOR
VERY
POOR
614
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR POOR POOR POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
POOR
VERY
POOR
66A
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR GOOD GOOD
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
GOOD
66X
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR GOOD GOOD
VERY
POOR
VERY
POOR
GOOD

Natural Plant Communities
Natural Communities within much of the CPCA were mapped in 2002 as part of the
Environmental Review Team Study completed by The Pilgrim Resource Conservation and
Development (RC&D) Area Council. Mapping was completed according to the Natural Heritage
Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Classification of Natural Communities in
Massachusetts. Habitat delineations were based on aerial photography interpretation, soils
and vernal pool data layers, wetland
conservancy maps and ground truthing. Although
potential vernal pools exist within the Crowes
Pasture property, none have been certified to
date. A survey of these potential vernal pools will
be conducted by Dennis Natural Resources in
the spring of 2012.
Wild Cranberry is found throughout the conservation area.
Historically, the Town of Dennis is known to have the first
human farmed crop of cranberries in the U.S.
Coastal Forest Woodland (CFW) – Coastal
forests within Crowes Pasture can be found
bordering the Quivet Creek salt marsh along the
eastern border of the property, bordering the
northern edge of the main pasture area.
The most common canopy trees growing within
these areas at Crowes Pasture are scarlet oak
(Quercus coccinea), white oak (Quercus alba), and post oak (Quercus stellata). Other canopy
species include black cherry (Prunus serotina), tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), pitch pine (Pinus
rigida) and red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Shrub species found within the coastal forest
woodlands include arrowwood (Viburnum recognitum), shadbush (Amelanchier sp.), bayberry
(Myrica pensylvanica), Morrow’s honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) and occasionally
huckleberry (Gaylussacia sp.). Where high soil moisture is found, sweet pepperbush (Clethra
alnifolia) is very common. The herbaceous layer in these areas is generally sparse but typically
contains poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
and greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia and Smilax glauca). Also identified were two separate
coastal forest woodland dominated by sassafras (Sassafras albidum) and tupelo (Nyssa
sylvatica).
Cultural grassland (CG) – One large area of cultural grassland is located within Crowes
Pasture, know as the pasture, and represents an area maintained by mowing and prescribed
burning. The cultural grassland area is characterized by a variety of grasses including Velvet
grass (Holcus lanatus), Wavy hairgrass (Deschampsia flexuosa), Orchardgrass (Dactylus
glomerata), Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Bentgrass (Agrostis spp.), Panic
grasses (Panicum spp.), and many herbaceous plants including Rough Goldenrod (Solidago
rugosa), Blackberry (Rubus spp.), Virginia creeper, Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana),
Hawkweeds (Hypochoeris radicata, Hieracium florentinum), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium),
Spurge (Euphorbia spp.), and Oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum). Large oaks,
pitch pines and cedars can be found widely scattered throughout this area.

Maritime Beach Strand (MBS) – Open beaches within Crowes Pasture include sandy areas
near the mouth of Quivet Creek, the frontal sandy beach, and eroding headlands. Glacial
erratic can be found on the frontal beach. Most of the beach lacks vegetation although dusty
Miller (Artemesia stellariana), seabeach sandwort (Honkenya peploides), seabeach orache
(Atriplex pantandra), and seaside
goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens)
can be found at the base of the bluffs.
Glacial Erratic at Crowes Pasture beach west access
Maritime Dune (MD, MD-I) – Two
maritime dune categories were
identified at Crowes Pasture; coastal
and interior. The coastal maritime
dune occurs between the beach and
on the sandy uplands of the peninsula
extending between the salt marsh and
the mouth of Quivet Creek. A heavily
used off road vehicle (ORV) trail
extends through this area. The coastal
maritime dune is characterized by
sand blowouts with sparse vegetation.
The most common species found in this area is beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata) with
beach pea (Lathyrus japonicas), pinweed (Lechea spp.) and beach plum found occasionally.
Poison ivy and poverty grass (Danthonia spicata) are also present. Several areas support
extensive lichen communities.
Located between two wetland areas and bordering the east side of Safari Road, the interior
maritime dune community occurs behind a narrow strand of maritime forest dominated by post
oak, black oak and beach plum (Prunus maritima) and bayberry. Extensive open sands and
rich lichen communities are present throughout the interior dune area. In this area beach plum,
pitch pines and oaks, broad patches of golden heather (Hudsonia ericoides), sickle-leaved
aster (Chrysopsis falcata), and bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) can also be found. Isolated
clumps of beach grass and aster (Aster rigida) are also present. Bayberry is common along the
edges, as is red cedar and black cherry.
Maritime Shrubland (MS) – This habitat type can be found on the northwestern side of the
property and along the roadside edges. It is a thicket dominated by a mix of arrowwood,
bayberry, black cherry, shadbush, and Morrow’s honeysuckle. Other common species include
beach plum, high-bush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), tupelo, pitch pine, and stunted
oaks (scrub, post, scarlet, black). It appears from historic aerial photographs (1971) that this is
a successional plant community following historic clearing for pasture. Stonewalls run through
this community type. Poison ivy and Virginia creeper are common.
Pitch Pine – Oak/Red Cedar Forest (PPO) – Located west of the pasture area, this habitat is
dominated by pitch pine, with oaks (white, scarlet and black) also common. In portions which
were historically pastureland, red cedar is frequently found. The understory is almost an
impenetrable thicket of greenbrier in many areas. The herbaceous layer is sparse with grasses
(Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca filiformis) frequently observed. Other species include
arrowwood, highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), Virginia creeper, Poison ivy,
bayberry, honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii/bella and japonica), scrub oak (Quercus ilicifolia),

and black cherry. Also present is chokeberry (Aronia sp.), little blue stem (Andropogon
scorparia), Yarrow, winged sumac (Rhus copallina), bearberry, Sweet Goldenrod (Solidago
odora) and dewberry (Rubus spp.)
Kettlehole Level Bog (KLB, KLB/SS) –
Two significant areas of kettlehole level bog occur within the study area: one occurs around
Coles Pond, the other in a small kettlehole depression closer to Quivet Creek. A third
kettlehole bog area was historically cultivated for cranberries, but has now grown up into a
shrub swamp (KLB/SS), and is dominated by swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum), Sweet
Pepperbush, Highbush Blueberry, red maple (Acer rubrum) and catbriar (Smilax sp.). the
kettlehole level bogs are underlain by a thin layer of muck over sand, and are dominated by
large cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), candlewick rush, water willow, marsh fern and
marsh St. Johnswort. The perimeters are dominated by swamp azalea, sweet pepperbush,
high bush blueberry, chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa and A. arbutifolia) and scattered red
maples. Within the bogs, Scirpus americanus, Scirpus cyperinus, Juncus canadensis,
cottongrass(Eriophorum virginicum), swamp candles, cattails and poison ivy are also common
growing in and around the Sphagnum moss. Spartina pectinata is also present in these
habitats near Coles Pond.
Shrub Swamp (SS) –
Several shrub swamps are scattered throughout Crowes Pasture. These areas were likely
historical kettleholes which intercepted the groundwater and over the years have developed
into shrub swamps. Many are inaccessible. Common species in this habitat include
arrowwood, sweet pepperbush, swamp azalea, inkberry (Ilex glabra), and tupelo. Water willow
can be found is areas where open water is present. Fetterbush (Leucothoe racemosa),
buttonbush, Bebb’s willow (Salix bebbiana) and Dwarf huckleberry (Gaylussacia dumosa) can
also be found. Open areas of Sphagnum moss are also common.
Intertidal Salt Marsh (SM) –
Extensive areas of salt marsh dominate the eastern side of Crowes Pasture extending along
Quivet Creek. The area between the low and mean high tide is dominated by saltwater
cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) with the zone between mean high tide and spring high tide
(the high marsh) dominated by salt marsh hay (Spartina patens), spike grass (Distichlis
spicata) and black grass (Juncus gerardii) located further landward. Other species found along
the upper edges include sea lavender (Limonium carolinianum), seaside goldenrod, largeflowered
saltmarsh aster (Aster tenuifolius), saltmarsh germander (Teucrium canadense),
saltmarsh wheatgrass (Agropyron pungens), and three-square (Scirpus pungens). Further
upslope in the freshest areas switch grass (Panicum virgatum), marsh bentgrass (Agrostis
stolonifera), saltmarsh elder (Iva frutescens), Scirpus robustus, Scirpus americanus, and
groundsel tree (Baccharis halimifolia) are present. Scatterd in low, poorly drained salty areas
are glassworts (Salicornia spp.), saltwort (Salsola kali), and Triglochin maritima.
In the upland areas along the edges of the saltmarsh are beach grass, stiff aster, red cedar,
bristly locust (Robinia hispida), rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa), sassafras, black cherry, winged
sumac, bittersweet, shadbush, and other species.
Wet Meadow (WM) –

Within the pasture, several areas of wet meadow exist. These are open, seasonally flooded
kettlehole depressions. A drainage ditch connects three of the wetlands. These areas are
dominated by wool grass (Scirpus cyperinus), Marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris), Marsh St.
Johnswort (Triadenum virginicum), Candlewick Rush (Juncus effuses), Swamp Candles
(Lysimachia terrestris) and Scirpus americanus. Water willow (Decodon verticillata),
buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa), inkberry, sensitive
fern (Onoclea sensibilis), Marsh bedstraw (Galium palustre), water horehound (Lycopus sp.)
and grapes (Vitis sp.) are common.
Several species of sedges and spikerushes (Eleocharis spp.) are also present. Reed Canary
Grass (Phalaris arundinacea), blue joint grass (Calamagrostis Canadensis) and rice cut grass
(Leersia oryzoides) are also present. Sphagnum moss and cranberries can also be found.
Estuarine Intertidal Brackish Marsh (BTM) –
The area between the low and mean high tide is dominated by saltwater cordgrass (Spartina
alterniflora), while the zone between the mean high tide and spring high tide (the high marsh)
is dominated by broad patches of salt marsh hay (Spartina patens), spike grass (Distichlis
spicata) and toward the upland edge black grass (Juncus gerardii). Other species found near
the upper edges include sea lavender (Limonium carolinianum), seaside goldenrod, largeflowered
saltmarsh aster (Aster tenuifolius), saltmarsh germander (Teucrium canadense),
saltmarsh wheatgrass (Agropyron pungens), and three-square (Scirpus pungens). Near the
freshest edges, switch grass (Panicum virgatum), marsh bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera),
saltmarsh elder (Iva frutescens), Scirpus robustus, Scirpus americanus and groundsel tree
(Baccharis halimifolia).Scattered in low, poorly drained salty areas are glassworts (Salicornia
spp.), saltwort (Salsolakali) and Triglochin maritima.
Open Water (OW) – Cole’s Pond and one small kettlehole pond surrounded by shrub swamp
represent the two areas within Crowes Pasture with year round open water. Plymouth gentian
(Sabatia kennedyana), a state listed species of concern, border the eastern side of Cole’s
Pond along the muddy shoreline. Other potential state-listed species that may occur here
include Comet Darner (Anax longipes), New England Bluet (Enallagma laterale) and Pine
Barrens Bluet (E. recurvatum).
Coles Pond, as seen from the overlook

Natural communities
Map 3 in Appendix D identifies habitat communities within the Crowes Pasture area.
Wildlife
Due to the variety and diversity of the twelve natural communities found at CPCA, our
discussion of the biodiversity of organisms present will be divided into three major habitats:
Marine/Coastal, Pine/Oak Woodlands, and Grassland.
Marine/Coastal: Within the marine habitat, in which the estuaries, high and low marsh, creeks
and tidal flats encompass the estuarine ecosystem, rare and common species thrive. From
large species such as Grey Seals and Diamondback Terrapin turtles to smaller species
including Plovers, shellfish, and insects, foraging habitat is critical and influenced through
human and natural actions. The wrack line, which typically denotes the high tide mark on the
beach, contains valuable food resources such as invertebrates and algae for shorebirds.
Pine/Oak Woodlands: Commonly observed in the woodlands are white tailed deer, rabbits,
squirrels, skunks, raccoons, moles, mice and various amphibians. Bird species include
sparrows and warblers, American Robins, Raptors, Titmice, Grey Catbirds, BlueJays,
Bobwhite quail, Ovenbirds, even an occasional Wild turkey. The lack of habitat fragmentation
provides a contiguous tract of cover and shelter for the species in the woodlands. Because of
the dense cover, hunting is very difficult within the woodlands. “Game Trails” can be found
criss-crossing the conservation area, often under thick pockets of briar and vines. The
relatively undisturbed nature of the woodlands lacks large amounts of non-native invasive plant
species, allowing unrestricted animal movement.

Grassland: Locally on Cape Cod, the increased development of land has resulted in a huge
decline in grassland ecosystems. As a result of this decline in habitat, combined with the
remaining poor quality habitat, species populations that utilize grasslands have also declined.
Native grasses attract insects that small mammals and birds depend upon as a food source. If
grasslands are not maintained annually, the grasses are out competed by tree and shrub
growth, resulting in early successional woodlands. By introducing prescribed fire into this
habitat, woody growth is periodically stopped and grasses thrive.
Cape Cod Bird Club members surveyed the area in 2002-2004 to determine what species of
birds, butterflies and dragonflies were utilizing the area. An extensive list of these species was
compiled. It was recognized that Crowes Pasture was wintering habitat for 20-30 Eastern
Bluebirds; from this, the idea of establishing a nestbox trail was born. Six boxes were installed
in the spring of 2004 and others added in 2006 and 2008. Currently there are 12 (2011). The
Club organizes a team of trained monitors who visit the boxes at least once per week during
the nesting season from April through mid-August. Field notes are compiled for each visit and
entered into the Cornell NestWatch website where the results are available to researchers
studying cavity-nesting species of birds. Results of the nestbox survey are also posted on the
Cape Cod Bird Club’s website. During the nestbox monitoring season at least 40 species of
birds are seen nesting or foraging in Crowes Pasture, the surrounding woodlands, and salt
marshes. Many more utilize it during yearly migration and for winter habitat.
In addition to bluebirds, sparrows, swallows, wrens, and warblers have all been observed in
the grassland area. White tailed deer can also be seen foraging on the grasses and berries.
Listed Species
The adaptive habitat management of species and ecosystems undertaken by Dennis Natural
Resources has enabled a popular recreational destination to also be enjoyed and inhabited by
locally rare animal species. Limiting non-climate related stressors to species promotes
populations of rare species to continue to return year after year. Piping Plovers have
specifically become a high priority for the Natural Resources Department, employing seasonal
plover monitors each summer. Their duties include installing fencing, predator exclosures, and
observation and recording of breeding trends and behavior. This enables the department to
implement management actions that promote plover breeding or to discontinue actions that
have a mitigating effect to the bird’s population. Below is a table of recorded rare species
found at CPCA to date. When rare species are observed, Natural Resources staff reports the
findings to the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.

Table 2. Listed Species
Federally and State listed species found at Crowes Pasture
SPECIES
Massachusetts
State Status
Federal Status
Roseate Tern Endangered Endangered
Piping Plover Threatened Threatened
Common Tern Special Concern None
Least Tern Special Concern None
Arctic Tern Special Concern None
Coastal Heathland Cutworm Special Concern
None
Straight-Lined Mallow Moth Special Concern
None
Plymouth Gentian Special Concern None
Eastern Box Turtle Special Concern None
Map 4 in Appendix D identifies areas mapped as Estimated Habitat by NHESP within the
Crowes Pasture area.
C. Cultural Resources
Archaeological
The Archaeological reconnaissance effort put forth by the Public Archaeology Library and the
report submitted in 2003, documents numerous critical resources within the CPCA area. PAL
recovered evidence and artifacts that confirm long term land use of the area dating from the
Middle Archaic period through late Woodland periods (7,500 to 450 years ago.) This evidence
suggests that the Quivet Creek area was a bountiful resource for many years, serving the
needs of both Native Americans and the settlers alike. Locations surveyed to the north and
east of the present day cemetery off of South Street have indicated possible Indian burial
grounds, marked with various rocks on the surface in the shapes of squares (10’x10’ area).
The shoreline of Cole’s Pond was identified as another potential historic site, but the dense
brush and overgrown vegetation severely limit access to these areas.

Land Use History
Some of the earliest land use of the Quivet Creek area was during the 1700’s by Captain John
Sears. Due to the Revolutionary War in 1776, early colonists struggled because of the ban on
imports by the British Navy. Salt, essential for preserving food and tanning animal furs, was
one commodity that was high in demand, but low in supply due to the ban. Captain Sears
began the most important land use venture at the time with the creation of a solar powered sea
water evaporation process. Although his business started slowly, (only eight bushels of salt
were produced the first year) Sears improved his processes, obtained a patent for his works
from the U.S. Government, and was remembered as a pioneer in the community. As a result of
this industrial endeavor, most of the Quivet Creek/Crowes Pasture area was cleared of its
woodlands to supply ship building and home building demand. With the forest cleared, the
Pasture was established and the residents of Quivet Creek brought their animals to graze. By
the 1880’s, historical maps show the industry had subsided and most of the salt works were
retired. Pictured below are some of the windmills that were built to assist in the pumping of sea
water into the evaporation vats, and the monument to Captain John Sears.
Drift whale processing was also an essential commercial activity for the settlers of Quivet
Creek. Historical resources indicate that this area located on Cape Cod Bay was an area
common to whale standings and settlers exploited these opportunities to harvest and collect
blubber for various uses.
Public Interest
The purchase of Crowes Pasture was supported by the residents of Dennis with additional
financial support provided through State and federal agencies. In addition, the Dennis
Conservation Trust actively pursued land purchases contiguous to the Town purchases. The
CPCA is used for a variety of activities and appeals to a wide range of users. As a result, the
CPCA represents a unique destination within the Town of Dennis. With the increase in use,
negative effects can occur to the natural resources over time. Balancing of the needs of
multiple users is critical to preserve the outdoor experience and protect the natural resources.
Proposed activities or changes within Crowes Pasture Conservation Area should be pursued
thoughtfully, and input from the various stakeholders is critical for the development of a plan.
To that end, a Crowes Pasture Users Group was established in November 2010. This group
included representatives from stakeholders including staff from the Dennis Department of
Natural Resources, Dennis Conservation Commission, The Compact of Cape Cod, Dennis
Conservation Trust and the Mass Audubon Society. In addition, members of the public
representing birdwatchers, ORV users, hunters, aquaculturists, and hikers were included in the

group. Representatives from the Users Group obtained input from their respective groups and
provided recommendations to the entire Users Group. In addition, a use survey was distributed
by the DNR staff, data were compiled and the results were shared with the Users Group.
Based on the input, members of the Users Group inspected portions of the CPCA and
identified areas appropriate for the installation of new trails, benches and information kiosks.
The Users Group represents the communication network between the DNR, Conservation
Commission, Dennis Conservation Trust and the recreational users of the CPCA. This group
will be consulted periodically to provide input regarding new management techniques.
Presentations describing the conservation efforts of Crowes Pasture and the activities of the
Dennis Department of Natural Resources are often the most effective method of raising
community and stakeholder awareness. This plan will continue to undergo public review
through meetings with the Conservation Commission and Board of Selectmen. Pubic input will
be sought as management activities are enacted and new techniques are proposed. Updates
and activities at Crowes Pasture will continually be updated and revised on the Town of Dennis
website. The site can be accessed at:
http://www.town.dennis.ma.us/Pages/DennisMA_NaturalResources/index

V. Management Factors
A. Natural Trends and Disturbances
Undeveloped land is subject to seasonal changes and natural trends which occur over time.
Crowes Pasture Beach, a dynamic barrier beach can be expected to change slope and width
with the seasons as sand is eroded and deposited. Over time barrier beaches migrate
landward and it is important to maintain the ability of the dunes and beach to respond to storm
winds and waves. Implementation of a long term monitoring program to periodically assess the
beach and dune profiles can identify potential problem areas. Once identified, ongoing uses of
the barrier beach need to be reviewed to identify the underlying causes of problems.
The kettle ponds represent a unique and fragile natural habitat in the CPCA. The water surface
of these ponds typically fluctuates up and down in response to the seasonal rise and fall in the
aquifer. Water elevations within these ponds have a direct correlation with the success of
endangered plant species inhabiting the pond edges. Implementation of a monitoring program
to record long term fluctuations in water elevations can help identify potential problems.
Natural grassland habitats must be maintained in order to halt natural succession towards
hardwood forest. If not maintained, grasses are out competed and early successional
woodlands take over, thereby limiting the diversity of habitat and prohibiting use of the area by
a large variety of animal species. When invasives are allowed to out compete the native
vegetation, the biodiversity suffers due to a lack of proper food available to foragers.
Successful grasslands management requires a number of tools: prescribed burning, grassland
mowing, invasive species removal, and education. Prescribed burning refreshes grasslands,
producing a healthier habitat with more food and cover.
Within the pitch pine oak forest, which makes up the largest natural community in the
conservation area, trails must be maintained for the accessibility of hikers and walkers. Most
maintenance activities are conducted with hand tools to minimize impacts that heavy
machinery could incur. Trail maintenance will be done on a continual basis as trails expand
and future ones are planned.

View of the grasslands, looking east. Without proper maintenance, this area would be overwhelmed
with early successional trees such as oaks, cherries, and pines.
During the summer, when Crowes is at its peak usage, it is imperative that the roads and
parking lots are maintained and accessible or parking could become chaotic. When the
grasses are high and unkempt, the parking spaces appear uninviting and the visitors often look
elsewhere. Encroachment from trees and shrubs into the road ways are also maintenance
issues with which Town of Dennis must contend. On the more narrow roads such as the tidal
flat access road, passing vehicles can easily be scratched by overhanging limbs drawing
criticism from the various stakeholders.
B. Legal Obligations, Operations and Constraints
Permitting
With the presence of Piping Plovers and other federally listed species in the CPCA, the
conservation area falls under strict federal management guidelines to protect these species
and future ones (the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service categorizes species as Endangered,
Threatened, or Special Concern as a priority ranking system for protection). The Endangered
Species Act (ESA) specifically outlines what activities can and cannot occur in the area. A
“take” as explained in Section 10 of the ESA describes any activity or action that might harm,
distress, or negatively impact a federally listed species or its habitat as strictly forbidden.
Permits can be applied for through the USFWS that potentially limit minor “takes” as long as
mitigation measures are taken. The USFWS also assists in management decisions and
approaches to species management.

In addition the MA. Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) reviews
potential projects in conjunction with MA. Endangered Species Act (MESA).
Certain state regulatory processes may be applicable to specific projects within CPCA.
• Due to the proximity to the ocean, the Office of Costal Zone Management should
be advised if any action is proposed below the Mean High Water (MHW) mark on
the beach. This includes activities pertaining to the commercial aquaculture farm
that is located offshore.
• Due to the priority habitat designation, coordination with MA Fish and Wildlife
may be necessary under Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act to review and
assess proposed changes to CPCA
Quoting the Dennis Conservation Trust,
“This project (the acquisition of Crowes Pasture) illustrated that the Trust can assist as a
non-profit partner working with the Town and others, and is an example of how we must
work in the 21st century: united in our goal of preserving the best of what’s left, and
confident in our ability to do what’s right.”
This partnership between the Town and the DCT has proven its value for land conservation not
only at Crowes Pasture, but also for a number of parcels throughout the Town. New projects
will be coordinated between the Town and DCT to insure compatible goals are being met.
Maintenance will be conducted by Town of Dennis Department of Natural Resources and
Department of Public Works. The Dennis Conservation Trust, Dennis Natural Resources, and
Conservation Commission all partner together to monitor and improve upon the land wherever
possible.
Conservation Restrictions
The Crowes Pasture Conservation Area consists of several parcels of land purchased by the
Town of Dennis using Land Bank funds supplemented by funding from the US Fish & Wildlife
Service (National Coastal Wetland Grant), the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department
of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Self Help Program, and the Dennis
Conservation Trust. The Dennis Conservation Trust (grantee) holds restrictions on specific
parcels and requires an annual inspection to ensure there are no negative impacts occurring
on the land. Management Plans are required under the provisions of the Massachusetts Self
Help Program Project Agreement for Dennis Self Help #37 and Self Help policies and
regulations 301 CMR 5.00.
This Stewardship Plan is intended to comply with the goals and objectives of the Town of
Dennis Open Space and Recreational Plan, The Division of Conservation Services’ “Land Use
and Management Plan Guidelines” as well as to be consistent with the provisions of the
Conservation Restrictions protecting these properties.
Under Massachusetts statute, lands managed by the Conservation Commission under M.G.L.
c.40, s. 8c are to be used for conservation and passive recreational purposes. This

Stewardship Plan is intended to reserve the Crowes Pasture Conservation Area for public
enjoyment at a level of use appropriate to sustain the significant natural resources identified on
the properties. These properties were acquired for conservation, open space and passive
recreational uses. They are protected from conversion to other uses by a combination of
conservation restriction, statutory provisions (MGL c. 40, s. 8c and the Land Bank Act) and the
Constitution of the Commonwealth. Conversion to uses other than conservation and passive
recreation would require: a) a majority vote of the Conservation Commission that the
properties are no longer needed for conservation; b) a two-thirds vote of Dennis Town
Meeting; c) review under the MA Environmental Policy Act and approval by the Secretary of
Environmental Affairs; d) release of the Town from the provisions of the conservation
restriction held by the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Dennis
Conservation Trust; and e) a two-thirds call vote of the Massachusetts General Court (State
Legislature) and signature by the Governor. In addition, the state Self Help project agreement
would require the Town to identify and devote another parcel of equivalent value and utility for
conservation in exchange for release of any of these properties.
The recorded Conservation Restrictions for the Crowes Pasture Conservation Area properties
identify those activities prohibited in the area. In addition, these documents detail those
activities which may be permitted with approval from the appropriate Grantee. Copies of the
Conservation Restrictions documents can be found in Appendix A.
Department Operations
Dennis Natural Resources employs full time Natural Resource Officers (NRO’s) as well as
seasonal NROs from May-September. These Officers perform a multitude of tasks and
activities to ensure public safety and responsible resource management. The Natural
Resources Department coordinates with the Conservation Commission to identify CPCA
needs.
C. Public Access
Inventory of Trails
Currently, the trails at CPCA are limited and a continuous loop trail system is not present. The
first parking area provides access to the main walking trail. This trail is moderately easy for
walking but difficulty can occur at the beginning where it crosses the abandoned cranberry
bog. The trail forks and provides the opportunity for walkers to end at the roadway or to
continue northerly to the pasture. Two other short trails, one within the pasture and the other
providing access to the Coles Pond Overlook provide easy walking.
Survey participants and members of the Users Group expressed an interest in providing
additional trails and longer trail options with resting areas. Of importance is limiting use of the
roadway by walkers and avoiding conflicts between walkers and vehicles using the main
roadway. Development of a looped trail network achieves this goal. Members of the Users
Group visited the CPCA twice to identify potential new trail layouts. Care was taken to locate
trails in areas where hunting trails previously existed and/or to border the roadway so as to
avoid habitat fragmentation. In addition, a portion of the trail network should be reworked to
provide accessibility for disabled persons. The Coles Pond Overlook trail is proposed to be
upgraded to allow such access.

The resulting proposed trail network provides an overlook along Quivett Creek and creates a
loop trail system. Walkers can enjoy short or long distance hikes and the network avoids
walking along the roadway and limits road crossings to two locations. Trails cross a variety of
habitats and can be accessed year round.
Map 5 in Appendix D identifies existing and proposed trails.
Signage
A large sign identifying Crowes Pasture as a Cooperative Conservation Project is located to
the left of the entrance point to the property (see photo). As required by the MA Department of
Conservation and Recreation, the sign identifies all parties involved with the funding and
purchase of these conservation lands. To the right of the entrance, a cedar kiosk has been
erected which is used to display information related to hunting seasons, conservation area and
ORV regulations and general information. Smaller signs indicating speed limits, dog leashing,
etc. are also located here.
Entrance Sign
Kiosk
Parking areas are designated throughout the conservation lands with signage kept to a
minimum in order to maintain the natural setting. In recent years additional No Parking signs
have been installed in an effort to reduce unauthorized parking in vegetated areas. Additional
signs designating walking trails and ORV regulations are placed where appropriate throughout
the conservation lands. Additional signage is installed during the summer months when use is
heavy, with many signs removed after Labor Day.
Designated Parking/No Parking Signage

ORV Regulations
Walking Trails
As the existing trail system is expanded, new signs will be added to clearly mark trailheads and
the associated parking areas. Kiosks will be relocated to maximize viewing by the public and
information displays updated periodically to provide the most current information to users.
Installation of a large interpretive sign in the pasture area and at the Coles Pond Overlook will
be beneficial for educational purposes and to alert users during hunting season.
Parking Areas
Parking areas at Crowes Pasture are small and scattered throughout the conservation lands.
Parking areas are located near the entrance to the property and along the two main access
roadways. Parking areas immediately adjacent to the beach trailheads are ill defined and
generally constitute individual spaces under the trees. These spaces are intensively used and
could be improved by installing “parking bumpers” or redesigned to consolidate parking areas
in a manner that does not create congestion or restricts the passage of emergency vehicles.
Survey results indicate that the majority of users would favor additional parking but do not want
to be assessed a cost for the construction of a large parking area.
In April 2010, the Commission determined that Crowes Pasture Conservation Area parking
should be a maximum of 69 spaces. In 2011 Natural Resources staff revisited the parking
areas to further define these spaces. Two spaces within the pasture area were closed and
replaced with two spaces designated within an old, disturbed roadway area. This maintained
the previously existing total of parking spaces. Throughout the 2011 summer season, Natural
Resource Officers maintained available parking at 66 spaces.
With the expansion of the trail system, additional parking is needed to provide trailhead
access. The creation of new spaces is not feasible but spaces do exist in proximity to trail
crossings. These spaces are rarely used by beachgoers due to their distance from the beach
access points. Four (4) Trailhead Parking Areas will be designated containing a total of four (4)
spaces, shown as P-2, P-3, P4 and P-6 on Map 6. Signage will be installed specifically
identifying these areas for Trailhead Parking. Large rocks will be installed to limit parking to
one (1) vehicle in location. Parking restrictions will be enforced by the Natural Resource
Officers.

The remaining parking areas, P1-P13 will incorporate the remaining spaces which is consistent
with those area utilized throughout 2010 and 2011. Parking Areas and number of spaces in
each lot are designated with signage. Pull off areas along the roadways are not considered
safe for vehicle parking and vehicles parked outside designated parking areas are given
citations and required to relocate their vehicles. Large rocks will be installed to prohibit parking
in disturbed areas.
Parking
Areas
ORV use of the Crowes Pasture beach is heavy from Memorial Day weekend through Labor
Day weekend. Due to the high numbers of vehicles using the area, parking becomes
problematic and unauthorized parking occurs within vegetated areas. Efforts have been made
in the past to close off areas where vegetation removal and soil erosion has occurred. Those
areas have been replaced with more stabilized parking which represents less impact to the
resources. The installation of additional signs is not proposed because too many signs disrupt
the natural setting. Consistent enforcement and the levy of fines for parking violations will
continue and is anticipated to minimize encroachment into natural areas. Parking impacts are
assessed annually and activities adjusted accordingly. Any proposed reduction in parking
spaces will require a public hearing.
Map 6 in Appendix D identifies parking areas at Crowes Pasture.
Accessibility
Access to Crowes Pasture can be accomplished by car, bicycle, horseback and on foot. The
main roadway extends from the property entrance approximately 1.5 miles down to the beach
access. Access onto the beach is limited to 4 x 4 vehicles which have a current Town of
Dennis ORV sticker. The road undergoes minimal maintenance, assisting with efforts to restrict
traffic loads and to maintain slow speeds. Passage by low clearance vehicles can be difficult at
times. However, the slow speeds allow vehicle passengers to view the surroundings and often
observe wildlife using the area. There are several parking areas located immediately adjacent
to the roadway. Survey participants were not in favor of upgrading the roadway and preferred
to maintain lower traffic levels and slower speeds. DNR staff monitors roadways to identify
obstructions and improvements.
There is currently one main trail system located within Crowes Pasture. Proposed expansion of
this system will provide more walking opportunities of varying distances. With the exception of
the Coles Pond Overlook Trail, walking trails are maintained for hiking and are not constructed
to be passable by motorized vehicles. This trail is a historic driveway that is wide and provides
a firm, even surface for walking. Vehicle access is prohibited by a locked cable. The cable can

e lifted to allow wheelchair access. The installation of an improved gate system will provide
pedestrian and equestrian access as well as wheelchair access while prohibiting motor
vehicles. Wheelchair access will require stabilization of the trail and will promote more
pedestrian traffic to the Coles Pond Overlook. In addition to the installation of gate,
identification of the nearby trailhead parking area will assist in improving accessibility to the
area.
D. Recreation
The multi-use nature of the conservation area creates an inviting and popular destination for
residents and non residents of Dennis. Visitors can engage in a variety of recreational activities
on a year–round basis. Crowes Pasture is unique in that it provides beach access without the
assessment of a parking fee. Additionally, Off-Road Vehicle use is allowed by permit.
Providing a variety of recreational uses creates inherent conflicts and it is important that the
needs of all users be balanced.
Recreational opportunities at Crowes pasture include:
• Nature Study
• Bird Watching
• Hiking/ walking
• Dog walking
• Horseback Riding
• Hunting
• Shellfishing and Fishing
• ORV and pedestrian beach use
• Photography
Nature Study
The many undisturbed habitats at Crowes Pasture provide opportunities for observing wildlife
as well as investigating the plant life in the area. Installation of additional seating areas will
allow hikers to rest and quietly observe their surroundings. Scheduling of informational nature
walks in cooperation with the Audubon Society, DCT and others will provide the opportunity to
educate the public on the habitat values of the CPCA.
Bird Watching
Many birdwatchers visit Crowes Pasture. The grassland and the salt marsh provide good
opportunities for birdwatching. Cape Cod Bird Club began a relationship with the Dennis

Natural Resources Department in 2003 as members who were Dennis Town residents became
involved in public outreach about Crowes Pasture and its purchase. Cape Cod Bird Club
members surveyed the area in 2002-2004 to determine what species of birds, butterflies and
dragonflies were utilizing the area. An extensive list of these species was compiled.
It was recognized that Crowes Pasture was wintering habitat for 20-30 Eastern Bluebirds; from
this, the idea of establishing a nestbox trail was born. Six boxes were installed in the spring of
2004 and others added in 2006 and 2008. Currently there are 12 (2011). The Club organizes
a team of trained monitors who visit the boxes at least once per week during the nesting
season from April through mid-August. Field notes are compiled for each visit and entered into
the Cornell NestWatch website where the results are available to researchers studying cavitynesting
species of birds. Results of the nestbox survey are also posted on the Cape Cod Bird
Club’s website. During the nestbox monitoring season at least 40 species of birds are seen
nesting or foraging in Crowes Pasture, the surrounding woodlands, and salt marshes. Many
more utilize it during yearly migration and for winter habitat.
The monitors also observe the Osprey nesting activity in Quivet Creek and report the results to
Mass Audubon Society as part of their Osprey research.
The Cape Cod Bird Club has also led public bird walks at the site which is listed in the book
Birding Cape Cod. The book is jointly published by the Cape Cod Bird Club and
Massachusetts Audubon Society.
A list of birds observed at Crowes Pasture is included in Appendix B.
Hiking/ walking
Existing trails are limited but provide access to a variety of habitat within the CPCA. Expansion
of the trail system will provide long and short routes which appeal to a variety of users. New
trails will be supported by trail signage and interpretative signage providing background and
education about the area. Expanded trails will limit pedestrian use of the roadway and help
avoid vehicle/pedestrian conflicts.
Although Crowes Pasture peak visitor season is typically summer, outdoor
enthusiasts can find opportunities year-round, like these cross country skiers.

Dog walking
Many visitors, in addition to the neighborhood homeowners, enjoy walking their dogs at
Crowes Pasture. Dogs are allowed within the upland areas of the CPCA at all times of the
year. Dogs are allowed on the beach but must be on leash from April 1 through Labor Day due
to Piping Plover breeding activities. When active plover nests are present on the beach, dogs
are prohibited until plover chicks fledge. Responsible dog walking (cleaning up after ones pet
and using a leash) is encouraged and citations are issued when there are violations.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is allowed in the CPCA. Currently this use is limited. As use increases,
monitoring will be undertaken to determine potential impacts from waste products. In order to
limit hiking trail erosion ,horseback riding is primarily limited to the roadway and the Coles
Pond Overlook trail.
Hunting
Active hunting occurs at Crowes Pasture and the area is posted at the start of the season.
During pheasant season (usually the Fall) the area is stocked by the State. Rabbit, deer, and
quail hunting are also permitted according to state regulations. Other hunting regulations
include requiring 500’ safety zones around nearby residences and wearing “Hunter Orange”
colored clothing while engaging in hunting. No hunting is allowed in these 500’ buffer zones.
Signs have been installed identifying this zone on the property and when applicable, hunting
dates are posted in the kiosks for visitor safety. Because the Conservation Area is stocked
with pheasant it is designated as a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) by the state and limits
hunting hours from sunrise to sunset here as opposed to ½ hour prior sunrise and ½ hour after
sunset in non WMA’s
Map 7 in Appendix D illustrates the Hunter Safety Zone limits.
Shellfishing and Fishing
The CPCA shorefront is used extensively for shellfishing. Nearshore areas are commonly used
by license holders to dig soft shell clams. Additionally, the tidal flats are used by commercial
aquaculturists to grow and harvest oysters for sale. Copies of State agency approvals for
commercial aquaculture are included in Appendix F.
The commercial aquaculture grants at Crowes Pasture consist of 32 separate 1 acre tracts.
The majority of grants are tended by
individuals utilizing one vehicle, although some
employ two (2) or more vehicles. The
westernmost grants are accessed at low tide
via the beach area known as Little Beach. The
remaining grants are accessed at low tide by
traveling along the inner dune trail and
accessing across the flats at a posted corridor
near Quivett Creek.
Pedestrian beach goers and ORV users are
prohibited from accessing the commercial
Commercial Shellfisherman sorting oysters on a foggy day at

grant areas. Operations of the grants are monitored by the Dennis Shellfish Constable and
personnel from the MA Division of Marine Fisheries.
Map 8 in Appendix D identifies the commercial aquaculture area and access.
ORV and pedestrian beach use
The sale of ORV stickers represents a significant revenue source which the Town of Dennis
desires to maintain. The existing permit approvals which allow for ORV use, limit the number of
vehicles which can be accommodated at this beach and sets out specific parameters which the
Town must follow in order to protect Piping Plover and Tern habitat, nests and individual birds.
ORV use is monitored in coordination with monitoring of the beach width and profile to insure
that adequate travel corridors and parking areas exist to accommodate the maximum number
of vehicles allowable. The Certificate of Compliance and Management Plan under which this
ORV use is regulated can be found in Appendix E.
ORV regulations are periodically reviewed and updated, and are supplemented with vehicle
management policies which reflect changing conditions on the barrier beach. ORV Regulations
are included as Appendix C.
Map 9 in Appendix D delineates the ORV Trailways.
E. Forest Management
The diversity of habitats found in Crowes Pasture make this a truly unique conservation area.
The forest area size is estimated to be near 90 acres, according to the Mass Environmental
Review team which surveyed the land. Located within the forested area, both Cole’s Pond and
Little Cole’s Pond make up the only freshwater bodies of water in the Conservation Area, but
as previously mentioned, access is severely limited. Wetlands Regulations established by the
state and the Town of Dennis protect these bodies of water, and the adjoining buffer zones as
well.
Species management within the forested areas will be done in accordance with the
recommendations from the States’ Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program.
Specifically, this includes:
1. Limiting vehicle traffic to existing vehicle corridors and designated parking
areas;
2. Limiting disturbance of fallen logs, snags, and other uncut trees;
3. Limiting soil disturbance throughout the forested areas of the Conservation Area;
and
4. Preventing the establishment of exotic and invasive species.
These conservation practices minimize mortality in species that prefer forested areas. Species
such as the New England Cottontail and the Eastern Box Turtle are being studied intensively
due to their decline in population and habitat loss. Because of a lack of habitat alteration and

prohibiting harvesting in the forest, the populations of these species should be maintainable as
long as their habitats are managed appropriately.
Wildland Fire Fighters conduct a prescribed burn on a grassland property. Fire is one of the most preferred
management tools in the maintenance of grasslands, such as the one found at Crowes Pasture.
F. Erosion
Research from NOAA’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management has found that
the coastline of Crowes Pasture has eroded at a rate of 0.49 and 5.87 feet per year. Severe
storms can lead to costly repairs and great amount of time by staff making the Conservation
Area safe and accessible. The ecological function of this costal habitat is threatened by intense
storms, sea-level rise and man made construction (jetties/seawalls). Sand dunes are described
by MA Fish & Game as a “globally rare natural community,” and justifiably, require constant
monitoring for any change. By restricting pedestrian and vehicle access in the dunes through
signage and roping, detrimental effects to the dunes are minimized. DNR Officers impose
closures on the beach when the high tide is forecasted to impede or disrupt travel on the
beach front. This ensures the safety of the ORV users and lessens the environmental impacts.
Because of the threat of erosion officers also restrict movement in, on, or across dunes
through roping and signage.
Map 10 in Appendix D includes a map of shoreline change from 1868 to 2011.

VI.
Management Action Plan
A. Goals and Strategies
To ensure the ecosystems maintain their integrity and the interests of the visitors to the
conservation area are protected, the Dennis Natural Resources Department dedicates
valuable time and resources. Staffing and patrols of Crowes Pasture increase in correlation to
the warmer months of the year when the beach becomes more inviting. The Department
employs full-time officers year round, and hires additional full-time seasonal employees. All
staff are trained in first aid/CPR, handling of injured wildlife, mammalian strandings,
enforcement of applicable regulations, land maintenance, and species identification
(bird/plant/mammal).
The Department of Natural Resources and the Conservation Commission have developed a
strategy to maintain and balance a variety of passive recreational uses at Crowes Pasture. To
do this, access points are inspected no less than twice a year to determine maintenance
needs. Trails are routinely patrolled and hand maintenance done as needed. Signage is
repaired and located appropriately, with signs kept to a minimum in order to maintain the
natural setting.
Cooperation with other agencies and non-profit groups is encouraged for the purpose of
providing educational events for the general public. The Plan is revisited every five (5) years or
more frequently to determine whether ongoing efforts have been successful.
B. Operations & Planned Improvements
Accessibility
Expansion of the existing trail network will be undertaken to provide opportunities for different
users. This will entail clearing and designation of a new loop system with corresponding
installation of additional trail signage and vegetation markers which identify plant species along
the pathways. Improvements to the Coles Pond Overlook Trail will be undertaken which
include the installation of a specially designed gate to allow pedestrian, wheelchair and
equestrian access while prohibiting vehicle access. The corresponding trail surface will be
leveled and hardened to accommodate wheelchair access to an area with a view of Coles
Pond. A typical design detail is included in Appendix G.
The main access road and parking areas will be assessed in the spring and fall each year, or
more often if necessary, to determine the extent of maintenance needed. Improvements will be
kept to a minimum in order to preserve the natural values of the area and maintain slow
speeds which reduce wildlife mortality. Any improvements within 100’ of wetlands and/or
coastal resources will be reviewed with the Conservation Commission, the Dennis
Conservation Trust and other interested parties. If a need for additional parking areas is
identified, locations will be coordinated with members of the Users Group, the Conservation
Commission, the Dennis Conservation Trust and other interested parties.
Unauthorized access into the CPCA, including unpermitted vehicles accessing the beach, will
continue to be regulated as directed by the Conservation Commission.

Education/Information
The installation of signs within the CPCA has been limited in order to maintain the natural
setting. However, interpretive, educational and informative signs can benefit the public. A large
interpretive sign will be installed adjacent to the parking area overlooking the grassland. This
sign will provide background on the acquisition of the CPCA and the importance of maintaining
a variety of habitats in this area. In addition, the exiting informational kiosk will be relocated
adjacent to the parking area in order to provide visitors better access for viewing.
A second large interpretive sign will be installed at the Coles Pond Overlook. This sign will
include a discussion of the formation of Kettle Ponds and their importance in the Cape Cod
landscape. This vista allows visitors to see Coles Pond and Cape Cod Bay in a pristine
environment unlike any other in the conservation area.
Trailhead parking areas will be assessed and identified for visitors.
Land Management
Trails will be inspected monthly and vegetation trimmed back as needed to provide passage.
The entire trail network will be assessed no less than twice annually (spring and fall) to
determine the condition of the trails, sign installation and maintenance needs.
Climbing vines and other invasive species will be controlled, where possible, through hand
removal and point treatment with approved herbicides.
The grassland will be managed through a program of controlled burning and periodic mowing.
A Prescribed Fire Burn Plan will be completed in 2013 which establishes individual burn units
and a rotation for burning activities. For optimal results, burns will be conducted in the early
spring to not interfere with nesting birds and prior to emergent vegetation growth. When
complete, the Prescribed Burn Plan will be incorporated into this Stewardship Plan. The
grassland will continue to be mowed annually. Mowing will occur between Dec 1 and Feb. 15.
Tasks Weekly Monthly Annually Bi-annually Every 3-5
Years
Trail upgrades x x x
Signs
x
Gate x x
Controlled Burn
x
Access
x x x
maintenance
Rare Species
x
x
Surveys
Operational
x
x
Reviews
Recreational
Shellfish
Oct.1-
June 1

Grassland
Mowing
Dec. 1 –
Feb. 15
C. Estimated Timelines & Financial Considerations
The overall goal of this plan is to implement measures which protect the natural resources in
the Crowes Pasture Conservation Area (CPCA) while maintaining recreational uses. Balancing
of natural resources management needs with recreational use needs will be a challenge.
Implementation of management techniques must be cost effective and scheduled to maximize
effectiveness. The installation of interpretive signs is costly but serves as an important tool to
educate the recreational users of the area.
Large scale, costly improvements will require a review by the Capital Outlay Committee and
the Board of Selectmen. Design of such projects will include coordination with the
Conservation Commission and the public. Funding for small projects such as parking signs will
come from the Department of Natural Resources operating budget.
Activity Number Estimated Unit Cost Estimated Total Cost
Kiosk 2 1,000 2,000
Interpretive Sign 2 2,000 4,000
Information signs 4 250 1,000
Trail upgrades 2 500 1,000
Gates 1 2,000 2,000
Road, parking maintenance 1 2,000 2,000**
Burn Plan 1 3,000 3,000
Burning 1 5,000 5,000*
* assumes one event over a period of 3 years
** assumes one event over a period of 2 years

VII.
Literature Cited
1. Guidelines for Barrier Beach Management in Massachusetts A Report of the Massachusetts Barrier
Beach Task Force, February 1994, 265 pgs
2. Guidelines for Managing Recreational Use of Beaches to protect Piping Plovers, Terns, and their
habitats in Massachusetts Div Of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species
Program, April 1993, 14 pgs
3. Guidelines For Managing Recreational Activities in Piping Plover Breeding Habitat on the U.S.
Atlantic Coast To Avoid Take under Section 9 of The Endangered Species U.S. Fish And Wildlife,
April 1994, 21 pages
4. Massachusetts Forestry Conservation Management Practices for Eastern Box Turtles
Massachusetts Div. of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, 2007,
19 pgs
5. Environmental Impact Report for Prescription Burning of the Impact Area at Camp Edwards, MA,
Massachusetts Army National Guard Drake, N. E. R., W. A.Patterson III, and E. Babij, 1988.. 140 pp.
6. Camp Edwards Training Site: Intergrated Natural Resources Management Plan
M. Larese-Cavanaugh, J.P.Kelly, M.A. Ciaranca, and D. Cray. 2001. 424 pages
7. A Landowner’s Guide to New England Cottontail Habitat Management, Arbuthnot, M. 2008.
Environmental Defense Fund. 36 pp.
8. Farewell to Camp Mullin Yankee Magazine, April 1989, 6 pgs
9. Our Irreplaceable Heritage: Protecting Biodiversity in Massachusetts. Barbour, H., T. Simmons, P.
Swain, and H. Woolsey. 1999.
10. Town of Dennis By-laws, Enacted
11. Quivet Neck/Crowes Pasture Dennis, Massachusetts. Environmental Review Team (ERT) Study
The Pilgrim Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area Council, Inc. September 2002. 41pgs.