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Needs and Opportunities for Restoration Sites Summary Report Fore River Sanctuary

Independent Study 2013 Field Season Shri Nageshvari A. L. Verrill Department of Biological Sciences Masters of Science candidate University of Southern Maine Portland, Maine

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Table of Contents Cover Page 1 Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Site Report Summary 4-6 Appendice A (Railroad) 7-11 Appendice B (Utilities) 12-13 Appendice C (Scanned Data Forms) separate pdf Appendice D (Spreadsheet) separate pdf Photos of Sites Submitted to CBEP on flashdrive

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Introduction

In the 2013field season, a modified version of the protocol utilized by Northern

Ecological Associates (NEA 2005) was applied to assess restoration needs and opportunities at

sites within the Fore River Sanctuary, Portland Maine. Two data forms were used 1) Site

Identification and Degradation Scoring (NEA 2005), and 2) Invasive Species Evaluation Form

(Verrill 2013). Thirty-four total sites were assessed, documented and sorted into descriptive

categories, with their respective degradation source and indication scores cataloged in an Excel

spreadsheet (See appendix). Forms, photos and Google Earth “kmz.” files were compiled, and

sites were sorted into four major classes, which are based on the primary stakeholders or

assumed steward for the sites (See table 1.1).

1 Railroad 2 Utilities A Water and Sewer

B Power/Electricity 3 Local Stewardship Organizations A Casco Bay Estuary Partnership

i Footbridge ii Canal boat basin iii Railroad iv Water/Sewage Utility

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Table 1.1 Classe

s 1-4 and subclasses 2A&B, and 3A&B were created to direct restoration practitioner attention to the appropriate stakeholder. Recognizing the feasibility for collaboration in stewardship activities for each site in advance of applying for funding will contribute to the creation of a realistic timeline for restoration and stewardship programs to take place.

B Portland Trails 4 Private

Appendice  B  (Utilities)  1) Railroad

Fig. 1 Flags and red outlines depict sites identified as needing restoration to mitigate degradation originating from the railroad bed.

• The majority of degraded wetland is a result of poorly maintained, destabilizing railroad bed erosion causing

wetland loss, filling the salt marsh and creating disturbed habitat for invasive vegetation. On August 12,

2013 sites A-H were identified as degraded and documented. Degradation indicators attributed to the

railroad bed bisecting the salt marsh were greater than the other sites combined. Tidal restriction and

wetland fill due to bank destabilization and erosion are the major sources. Large monotypic stands of

invasive brackish species are a secondary effect of disturbance caused by sand and gravel fill reducing tidal

flooding onto the marsh surface, as well as nutrient runoff from the nearby road (See appendices for

photos).

• The land cleared for the Power, Sewage, and Water utility companies contributed additional and significant

wetland and water quality degradation, including but not limited to tidal restriction, severe erosion, water

pollution, and debris in the streambeds.

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3A) Local Stewardship Organization: Casco Bay Estuary Partnership (CBEP)

Fig. 2 Many tidal restrictions were observed, on site. Nine were assessed, documented, and marked with the blue-wave icons above. The primary effects of tidal restrictions are wetland degradation, invasive brackish vegetation, shoreline erosion and bank destabilization.

• The two local stewardship organizations, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership and Portland Trails are reasonably

situated to address a number of the degradation issues created by the railroad and utility company activities.

Efforts made by Portland Trails to control Phragmites stands are evident in several highly stressed stands.

While there are many tidal restrictions within the assessed area, nine were documented. Building

footbridges over the existing trail to allow tidal flux into boat basin will significantly reduce invasive

vegetation and increase marsh health. Sites adjacent to privately owned land are not significant enough to

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warrant immediate action. Educating citizen scientists and introducing locals to stewardship practices

would likely have a greater effect.

Reference NEA  (2005)  Report  prepared  for  Casco  Bay  Estuary  Program  on  the  Presumpscot  River  Restoration  Needs  and  Opportunities.  

Appendice  A  (Railroad)  

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                   Fig. 5 Eroding railroad bed, debris in polluted stream, and the invasive Loosestrife at Site C.

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 Fig.  6  Repeated  filling  with  gravel  and  the  creosote  soaked  railroad  ties  are  not  addressing  the  erosion    

     problem  and  runoff  is  polluting  the  water  at  Site  D.    

 Fig. 7 Evidence of frequent erosion and bank destabilization at a major tidal restriction beneath the railbed: A sinkhole recently filled with sand and gravel will soon be washed into the salt marsh below at Site E.    

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Fig. 8 A discarded creosote soaked railroad tie at Site F.    

Fig. 9 These two perched culverts create an obvious tidal restriction that prevents tidal flooding from reaching the high marsh at Site G.  

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   Fig. 10 A pile of sand and gravel fill in the marsh at the bottom of a steep storm-water runoff channel along side of the embankment at Site H. Railroad summary Gravel and sand filling the marsh, bank destabilization, erosion, and tidal restriction are the major degradation issues along the railroad bank. Removing fill and debris from the wetlands, and stabilizing the bank with stone rip-rap are recommended reparations.  

 

2A) Water and Sewer Utility  

 Fig. 11 Buried water and sewer lines along the area outlined above in red lead to a bridge over a tidal creek; Altered hydrology is significantly eroding and destabilizing the bank at Site e.

2B) Power Utility

 Fig. 12 Herbicide use below the power lines and adjacent to water contributes to a rainbow sheen and white crust on the water at Site O.

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 Fig. 13 More evidence of herbicide-use below power lines and within 25 feet of open water at Site T.