Stewardship Plan - the Town of Dennis

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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.
Page 1 and 2: Crowes Pasture Conservation Area St
Page 3 and 4: Vision Statement IT IS THE VISION O
Page 5 and 6: IX. Appendices 37 A. DCT Conservati
Page 7 and 8: identifies specific management unit
Page 9 and 10: III. Location and Site Description
Page 11 and 12: IV. Natural Resources Description A
Page 13 and 14: As summarized in the ERT Study, sur
Page 15 and 16: Soils Map (http://www.pilgrimrcd.or
Page 17 and 18: Natural Plant Communities Natural C
Page 19: and black cherry. Also present is c
Page 23 and 24: Table 2. Listed Species Federally a
Page 25 and 26: group. Representatives from the Use
Page 27 and 28: View of the grasslands, looking eas
Page 29 and 30: Stewardship Plan is intended to res
Page 31 and 32: ORV Regulations Walking Trails As t
Page 33 and 34: e lifted to allow wheelchair access
Page 35 and 36: Dog walking Many visitors, in addit
Page 37 and 38: prohibiting harvesting in the fores
Page 39 and 40: Education/Information The installat
Page 41: VII. Literature Cited 1. Guidelines

Stewardship Plan - the Town of Dennis

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