Wildlife Region A
April 1, 1980
Updated January 30, 1986
Updated June 15, 1991
Philip Bozenhard
Regional Wildlife Biologist
I. LOCATION
II. DESCRIPTION OF AREA
A. General Description
B. Ownership
1. Type
a. Federal Aid Land
b. State Bond Land
2. Outstanding Easements
3. Easements Owned in Conjunction with Land
4. Abutting Ownership Affecting Area
5. Local, State and Federal Environmental Regulations Affecting Ownership
C. Physical Description
1. Existing Developments
2. Habitat Types
a. Upland Types
b. Wetland Types
c. Soils
III. HISTORY
A. General
B. Acquisition
C. Management and Development
IV. OBJECTIVES OF MANAGEMENT PLAN
A. General
1. Statewide Management Objectives
2. Specific Management Objectives for the Scarborough WMA
B. Small Game and Furbearers
C. Migratory Game
D. Big Game
E. Non-Game and Endangered Species
F. Fish
G. Recreation
V. LONG-TERM PLANS
A. Acquisition
1. Type of Ownership in Proposed Area
2. Priorities
3. Possible Reservations
B. Habitat Maintenance and Development
1. General Overview of Planned Activities
2. Detailed Discussion of Activities by Compartment
C. Assessment of Development
VI. 15-YEAR SCHEDULE OF TREATMENT
VII. APPENDIX
A. List of Scientific Names
B. Maps and Overlays
1. Base Map
2. Land Use Map
3. Flood Hazard Zone
4. Environmental Regulations Affecting WMA
5. Wetland Types
6. Soils Map
7. Maine Spaniel Field Trial Club, Inc. Agreement
8. Photos
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF MAPS
1. Statewide Location
2. Township Location and Boundaries
3. Compartment Boundaries
The Scarborough Wildlife Management Area is a combination of tidal marsh, salt creeks, coastal fresh marsh, and upland habitats located in the towns of Scarborough, Cumberland County and Saco and Old Orchard Beach, York County, Maine. Its geographical coordinates of latitude 43 33'24"N and longitude 70 20'00"W place this area about equidistant between the large population centers of greater Portland to the north and Biddeford-Saco to the south (see location maps, Section I). The area was surveyed in June 1964 as part of the statewide coastal wetland inventory and is located in major watershed 01, minor watershed 03, wetland number 3.
There are approximately 2,700 acres of tidal marsh located in the town of Scarborough, the largest single continuous unit of tidal marsh in the entire State. The Scarborough Wildlife Management Area presently contains 3,100 acres of regularly and irregularly flooded salt marsh, salt creeks, coastal fresh marsh, tidal flats, and upland. Five major tidal marsh units can be defined within the management area; the Dunstan River, Mill Brook (Scarborough), Cascade Brook, the Nonesuch River and the Libby River, along with their associated streams and creeks.
Of the total acres presently under state control, 250 acres have been donated by interested individuals and companies, 230 acres have been taken by eminent domain, and the remainder purchased fee simple with the use of Pittman-Robertson Fund money and state bond money.
Numerous rights and easements have been retained by the grantors of various parcels:
1. New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and Portland Gas and Light Company: a right-of-way for telephone and telegraph wires and poles, and a gas main along the old railroad bed as well as access to their facilities for repair and maintenance.
2. Town of Scarborough: The right to cross W.M.A. property to gain access to the sewage treatment plant and the right to lay two sewer lines, water, and electric service.
3. Vladimir D. Krijanovsky: A roadway across W.M.A. property from the Dunstan Landing Road to his property.
4. Stephen Kaler: A right-of-way on foot from the County Road (Black Point Road) to and from the parcel granted.
5. C.H. and L.W. Faulkner: An easement on the upland portion of the parcel granted adjacent Moses Creek for use as golf tees, fairway and greens only.
6. Clifford and Helen Mitchell: The right to cut firewood for their own use on the conveyed parcel adjacent the railroad right-of-way but not including any wooded islands in the marsh. Expires in the year 2035.
7. Philip E. Hamlin: The right to remove loam gravel and other earth materials from the upland portion of the conveyed parcel.
8. John Donnelly and Sons: The right to erect and maintain outdoor advertising signs within 125 feet of the right-of-way of the Portland Road (U.S. Route 1).
9. Herbert E. Curry: The right to erect advertising signs within 125 feet of U.S. Route 1.
10. Asa J. Baxter: The right to keep and repair or replace a cellar drain on the conveyed parcel.
11. Robert W. Collins: The right to build and use a permanent hunting blind on the conveyed parcel, this right to expire on the death of Robert W. Collins.
12. Arthur A. Burnham: Reserved mineral rights on two parcels conveyed, these rights not to be assigned without written permission of the State of Maine.
13. Leroy and Mathilda Studley: Reserving the right to take water from a well on the conveyed parcel as well as the right to lay pipe for domestic water supply and the right to enter the granted premises to repair, replace or maintain the water supply.
14. Clifford E. and Doris E. Thompson: A roadway 1 rod wide across W.M.A. property, the Fish and Wildlife Department granted the use of the road for management purposes.
15. West Scarborough Methodist Church: For an outdoor advertising company to lease the parcel adjacent Route 1 to an individual or corporation; secondly, the right for the church to erect a sign for the purpose of advertising the grantor church and no other purpose.
In conjunction with all lands bought west of the Boston and Maine Railroad, Eastern Division, right-of-way, easements were obtained from all landholders to flood the Cascade Brook and Dunstan River units. Flowage easements were obtained through donations and direct purchase for land adjacent to Moses Creek in 1962. A right-of-way from the Black Point Road to Negro Head on the Nonesuch River was purchased from the Town of Scarborough in May 1971.
Under its present zoning system, the Town of Scarborough is divided into three general use areas: residential, business and industrial. All marsh land is zoned as rural-farm, which allows one dwelling per acre. Acquisition by the Department has removed most of this land from town jurisdiction, and that which is still under private ownership is governed jointly by the town and the Department of Environmental Protection. With the exception of two industrial zones, the Libby Road and Mill Brook area, and a local business district at Pine Point, the land adjacent to the marsh is zoned for residential use (not more than two dwellings per acre).
The Libby Road industrial site presently contains a shoe factory, a trucking terminal, a bulk milk transport company, a professional building, a diner, and a farm. The entire complex is served by the town sewer district.
To the east of this site is an abandoned airport and the Willowdale Golf Course. The airport has been incorporated into the Libby Road Industrial complex.
The Department received the rights to conduct wildlife management programs on the Old Blue Point Golf Course from the Department of Conservation during the 1980's. In 1990 this land was turned over to the Town of Scarborough for passive recreational use.
Prior to 1985, Winnocks Neck, the Clay Pits, and Prouts Neck supported numerous seasonal and year-round homes, many of which were not served by the town's sewer system. To the west of Prout's Neck, across the Scarboro River, is Pine Point where many local businesses, mainly marine oriented, are located.
The land adjoining the western border of the wildlife management area is presently not as heavily developed as the eastern portion but does contain numerous residences. The presence of these homes affect the area both in the numbers of persons directly using the area for recreation and the goals which we wish to achieve in waterfowl management (interactions between hunters and non-hunters).
All tidal marsh is presently under the control of the Department of Environmental Protection. Any alteration of this habitat requires a permit. Federal regulations governing activities within the 100-year flood zone also has an impact on the majority of the land in the Scarborough Wildlife Management Area. Boundaries of the 100-year flood are shown in Appendix B-3.
A listing of other local, state, and federal environmental regulations affecting land management on the Scarborough WMA is found in Appendix B-4.
As a summary, the following physical developments presently exist on the Scarborough Wildlife Management Area:
Job No. Description
------- -----------
1. Storage building at the Libby Road
access point.
2. A 22-acres fresh water impoundment
adjacent to Willowdale Golf Course.
A 31-acre fresh water impoundment
on Upper Cascade Brook.
One one-acre and one two-acre pond
on the goose pasture.
5. Access road from the Libby Road to
the goose pasture.
11. Four area signs and numerous
boundary markers.
13. 22 acres of improved goose pasture
to provide spring forage.
25. 60 x 300 feet of level ditching
adjacent to the goose pasture.
At the present time limited upland habitat is associated with the Scarborough Wildlife Management Area. Recent purchases have added some upland habitat but maps showing acreages are not available at this time. Currently mapped upland types are presented below:
Type Acreage
---- -------
HS2B 26
(50-75% hardwoods, 35-50 ft., 51-80% closure)
H2B 52
(75% hardwoods, 35-50 ft., 51-80% closure)
SH1A 23
(50-75% conifers, 1-34 ft., 81-100% closure)
Pasture 22
The majority of the Scarborough Wildlife Management Area is comprised of coastal associated wetlands. The Scarborough salt marsh represents the largest single coastal salt marsh habitat in the State of Maine. Wetland types associated with the area are given below and defined in Appendix 5:
Wetland No. Wetland Type Acres (approx.)
----------- ------------ ---------------
12 Shallow fresh
marsh-coastal 371
13 Deep fresh
marsh-coastal 22
15 Mud flat 220
18 Salt meadow 2,200
Soils data was obtained from the Soil Conservation Service's soil survey for Cumberland (1974) and York Counties (1975). Scantic silt loam, Buxton silt loam, Sebago Mucky peat and Swanton fine sandy loam are the major upland soil types found at Scarborough. Tidal marsh is the predominant soil on the area, this being the area under tidal influence. Peat and muck is found along the courses of fresh water streams. Descriptions of soil types and their land use limitations are presented in the Appendix (B- 6).
The Scarborough marsh has long been an important part of the economy of Scarborough and the surrounding area. The Sokokis Indians maintained a settlement on Winnocks Neck for many years before the visits of any white settlers. From the marshes they harvested shellfish, seals, fish and fowl which served as food, clothing, a medium of exchange, fertilizer for their crops, and material for their tools and weapons.
The first recorded visits by white men were in the 1620's when coastal fishermen in search of cod (Cadus callarias) and haddock (Melanogranmus aeglefinus) stopped by this area. Finding an ample supply of fish and a good port, they established drying racks and warehouses in which they could process and store their catches. In the 1630's, hearing of the prosperous trade potential with the Indians and whites, John Stratton established a trading post on Stratton's Island. In the late 1630's, Captain Thomas Cammock settled on land in Black Point granted him by the King of England. Under his auspices a tenant farm was established. He gained his living from rents paid by his tenants who fished and grew crops.
In 1636, a settlement was established at Blue Point, so-called because "the point of land west of the Nonesuch and Dunstan Rivers was heavy with trees of hardwood which showed a bluish tint" (Jones, 62). Blue Point was primarily a farming area, its inhabitants clearing and planting many acres to corn (Zea mays) and other vegetables. Corn mills were built at Black Point in 1663 and at Dunstan in 1680. Salt hay was harvested as fodder for cattle and sheep, and the marshes were used as summer pasture.
Shad (Alosa sapidussima), alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus), striped bass (Roccus saxatilia) and smelt (Osmerus morday) were found in the estuaries. Clams served not only as a source of food during this early period but were also sold to Newfoundland cod fishermen for bait. Fish weirs were constructed at the mouth of the Scarborough River and many pounds of mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and haddock were caught in this manner. Salt works in the Clay Pits area processed and provided salt for pickling fish (Holland, 43).
The evergreen forests for which Black Point was named provided lumber to build ships as well as homes. Ship building became a major industry with ship yards located at Dunstan Landing and Scotow Hill. Tall straight pines were cut for masts and shipped to England, as was lumber and dried fish.
Land disputes, and other devious acts by the early settlers, stimulated Indian uprisings throughout the early history of Scarborough. So vicious was the fighting, that the town was abandoned in 1690. The 1700's were days of resettlement, more Indian wars and revolution. After the second settlement of the town in 1702, commercial hunters, trappers, and, in many cases, Indian fighters came into being. Beaver (Castor canadensis) were abundant along the Nonesuch River and wolves (Canis sp.), bear (Ursus sp.), and fox (Vulpes sp.) brought bounty money to those killing them. Fur became an important trade item. Wild pigeons, presumably passenger pigeon, wild turkey (Meleagris gallapavo), woodcock (Scolopax minor), and ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) abounded.
The early 1800's were days of the sportsmen; scoter (Melanilta sp.), goldeneye (Glaucionelta clangula), Labrador duck, old squaw (Clangula hyemalis), teal and black duck (Anas rubripes) were abundant. Accounts of one hunter finding ducks so closely flocked that with "the first shot he killed 18, at the second 14, and the third 10" are presented in Holland's Story of Prout's Neck.
Seals frequented the area and were sought by Indian and settler alike. Their skins provided clothing; and their blubber, oil for lamps.
Following the Revolutionary War, Scarborough began to prosper as it never had before. Again industry was marsh orientated with clams and salt hay being of major importance. The railroad came to Scarborough in the late 1800's. In 1883, 14,000 bushels of clams were processed and shipped by Burnham and Morrill at Pine Point. Tide gates on the Dunstan River in 1872 produced usable land for salt hay and vegetable production. Salt hay was exported as well as used locally. Smelts and eels (Anguilla rostrata) were barrelled and shipped to Boston markets. Prout's Neck and Pine Point became important summer colonies. In short, the industries of this era were much the same as those which exist today. The soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria), lobster (Homarus americanus), green crab and sea worm are processed and sold locally. The shad no longer occurs, but striped bass provide a sport fishery at the mouth of the Scarborough River. Canada geese (Branta canadensis), black duck, goldeneyes, blue-winged teal (Querquedula discors), green-winged teal (Nettion carolinense), American mergansers (Mergus merganser americanus), and red breasted mergansers (Mergus serrator) frequent the area at different times of the year. They provide sport to hunters and pleasure to bird watchers who utilize the area. Prout's Neck remains as a summer colony, and much as early settlers were drawn to the Scarborough marshes, so have the developers who seek profit from the public demand for shore front property. As in the past, the marsh serves as a resting, breeding and feeding area for waterfowl, shorebirds, wadingbirds and numerous marine species. In an effort to preserve these qualities, the Department started acquiring land in this area in 1959. Acquisition was essentially completed in 1978 with approximately 3,100 acres under state ownership.
In 1975 acquisition was completed on the Little River area in Old Orchard Beach. This area is connected to the Scarborough marsh, however, there is presently a tidegate prohibiting tidal flow from coming up the river. One interesting historical feature of this parcel is that one of the few "Kite Tracks" in the country was located here. The track was a major feature for harness racing fans throughout New England as well as drawing horses and jockeys from throughout the country. Established in 1892, the kite track was named because it supposedly resembled a kite, but in reality it looked more like a figure eight, with a small loop at the bottom and a bigger elongated loop on top. The track was only open for three weeks per year, in July and early August. The final race was held in 1950.
At the present time the Little River area is a freshwater marsh which is used by deer, ducks, aquatic furbearers, and a variety of shorebirds.
In 1985, a 20+/- acre parcel of upland habitat north of the abandoned railroad right-of-way between Route 9 and the Old Blue Point Road was purchased.
In 1960, experimental plantings of widgeon grass (Ruppia maritina) were made in undrained tidal pools. Growth of native plants made an evaluation of the program impossible and the experiment was abandoned.
In 1962, the job of rebuilding the tide gates on the Dunstan River was undertaken. The gates proved ineffective in maintaining a stable water level north of the dike as the fill used to repair washouts in the railroad bed during the 1940's was too porous. During the fall of 1963, a large washout occurred in the dike and the project was abandoned. Flowage easements were obtained from the Willowdale Golf Course in 1962 and the present impoundment was constructed. During the same year burning of the salt marsh adjacent to the Libby Road goose pasture was attempted on an experimental basis to determine if Canada geese would be drawn to the area during fall migration. Unusually wet conditions prevailed and only a light, spotty burn was accomplished. Any future management of this type should be done with a mechanical burner.
In 1963, land acquisition had progressed to a point where posting boundary signs and markers was required. This work is not yet complete.
In 1964, the feasibility of creating potholes by using ammonium nitrate as a blasting agent was tested. Upon detonation, the peat would lift into the air and fall back into the same area where it originated. Following this failure, a dragline was contracted and a rectangular 60 x 300 foot pothole was created in the same area where the blasting was attempted. A vegetative study was conducted at Willowdale during the summer in an attempt to document vegetative changes that would occur in the years following impoundment. During the same year an access road was constructed from the Libby Road to the present goose pasture.
During 1965, freshwater impoundments were established on Cascade and Foxwell Brooks. Ditch plugs were installed on tidal guts adjacent to the Libby Road goose pasture, but they failed to maintain stable water levels. A one-acre pond was also constructed on the goose pasture. This was limed, fertilized, and planted to wild rice. Abandoned pasture land was cleared, limed, fertilized and seeded to clover and winter rye. A storage building was bought and moved to its present location on the Libby Road. Waterfowl nest boxes were erected along Cascade and Foxwell Brooks.
In 1966, clearing and seeding of the present goose pasture was completed.
In 1968, the eastern pond was created and various improvements made on the newly-acquired storage building.
In 1969, a dike and water control structure was installed on Finnerd Brook adjacent to the Payne Road. This structure, as well as the Cascade Dam, has since been replaced. The Finnerd Brook control structure was replaced by the Maine Department of Transportation.
In 1973, the Scarborough Nature Center was opened in a joint effort between the Department and the Maine Audubon Society.
In the winter of 1974-75, Cascade Brook was drawn down to reduce vegetation and reflooded during the spring of 1975.
During the spring of 1975 and 1976, spot burnings were made on the goose pasture to increase forage available to geese, however, this was not successful. A wood and rock dam was built on Finnerd Brook in order to maintain a stable water level.
During the spring of 1979, a series of potholes were blown adjacent to the Little River in Old Orchard Beach to determine if this method could be used to create open water. Results were similar to the 1964 blasting attempt, with very little open water being created.
During the period 1980-85, no major development was undertaken. Emphasis was placed on maintenance of existing developments. Existing buildings, dams, roads, and signs all required minor repairs. Repairs to the outlet structures of two small freshwater ponds were completed. To improve water levels conditions for waterfowl, live trapped beaver were released in Jones Creek. These beaver have since become established and have raised water levels in the area. While increased water levels have led to improved conditions for waterfowl, they have also caused some flooding problems with surrounding landowners. An attempt was made to maintain a slightly lower water level by installing a perforated culvert. However, this was washed out during the fall of 1985. The possibility of constructing a permanent water control structure at this site was investigated. One to two acres of goose pasture have been rototilled and seeded annually to provide forage for geese using the area during the spring. In 1984, permission was given to the Maine Spaniel Field Trail Club to use the goose pasture as a field trail area. A copy of this agreement is included in the Appendix B-7. In 1985, major repairs to Route 1 and the Dunstan River Bridge were undertaken by the Maine Department of Transportation. Technical assistance was provided prior to and during construction to minimize the impacts on adjacent tidal wetlands.
With the exception of the dam built on Jones Creek, the emphasis during the period of 1986-1991 was again placed on maintenance of existing developments. Existing buildings, dams, roads and signs all required minor repairs. The Jones Creek structure was built to replace a beaver dam and provide for improved control of the water level. In order to reestablish a run of alewives, a fishway was incorporated into the structure. After entering into a stocking agreement with the Department of Marine Resources and opening a tide gate downstream, a sizable run of alewives has been reestablished. A fish trap allows monitoring of fish passing over the dam.
Wood duck boxes were put up on the flowage and their use will be monitored annually.
The primary objective for each Department owned wildlife management areas is to maintain or create the highest quality upland or wetland wildlife habitats possible. This is accomplished by employing management techniques which are designed to utilize existing habitat types to benefit either the greatest variety of wildlife or to provide an important habitat for a specific or "featured" species.
Wildlife management areas are also used by the public as recreational areas. It has been the policy of the Department to allow public access and recreational activities on wildlife management areas when it does not conflict with wildlife management objectives. Public recreational activities consist of "consumptive" wildlife uses such as hunting, trapping and fishing and numerous "nonconsumptive" uses. Intensive recreational facilities and opportunities, such as overnight camping, are generally not available or permitted activities on the wildlife management areas.
Finally, the wildlife management areas serve as demonstration areas were the public can see and be instructed about wildlife management techniques and practices which might be incorporated on their own lands.
As described previously, the Scarborough Wildlife Management Area is primarily made up of wetland areas. Management will be directed toward improving the area for resident and migratory waterfowl. Long-range objectives for the area should be to provide suitable habitat for optimum levels of all wildlife species and to provide maximum utilization of the area by sportsmen and other individuals seeking outdoor recreation.
Since there is very little upland habitat on the area, there will be limited effort directed at the management of upland wildlife species.
The potential for the management of small game and furbearers at Scarborough is limited by two major factors: (1) the limited upland habitat available, and (2) the objective and purpose of the wildlife management area. Since the area is managed for waterfowl, any improvements or reductions in numbers or species of small game and furbearers will be influenced by the management techniques used to improve the area for waterfowl. It is assumed that otter and muskrat populations will remain stable or continue to rise with improved water control.
The primary objective in the acquisition and management of the area has been to provide appropriate waterfowl habitat. Scarborough presently attracts numbers of spring and fall migrants, as well as supporting nesting populations of black duck, blue-winged teal, and wood duck. Canada geese utilize the area heavily in the spring and occasionally stop over during the fall migration. Geese have increased annually with an estimated peak population of 400 on the area during the spring of 1971. During the fall of 1970, sizeable flocks were reported on the Spurwink River, northeast of the Scarborough marsh, and reports of harvested birds were received. The potential to improve nesting habitat for both ducks and geese exists. The most important need is to provide stable freshwater levels. Presently, the only stable water areas are the Upper Cascade Brook area (30 acres), the Willowdale area (21 acres), and Finnerd Brook (15 acres). Potential sites for impoundment exist on the lower Cascade area. Previous land clearing and planting of abandoned fields to clover has met with success and geese have utilized these fields heavily since the spring 1971. The addition of more upland to the present wildlife management area would be needed to attract more birds to the area. With stable water levels, construction of nesting islands, and crop manipulation, a resident population of geese may be encouraged. The same potential exists for increased utilization by black ducks and blue-winged teal, and it is believed that the same management undertaken for geese will benefit these species as well. Demand for all these species exceeds supply and will likely continue to do so in the future.
The potential for expanded goose management is limited by the surrounding land uses and the real estate values of the existing undeveloped upland. Achieving the full potential of this area will be determined, in the end, by the amount of additional upland the Department will be able to procure.
Woodcock are both migrant visitors and resident on and adjacent to the Wildlife Management Area. As in the case of small game, there is not sufficient upland for management of nesting and feeding areas. Clearing of abandoned agricultural land for goose pasture may provide singing grounds for woodcock, but populations will be limited by nesting and feeding sites. Demand for this species exceeds the supply in this area and will continue to do so during this planning period.
Snipe are residents of the marsh during the summer months as well as migrants during the spring and fall migrations. There is not sufficient hunting pressure exerted on this species to warrant management.
Since the wildlife management area is nearly surrounded by developed upland and since less than 200 acres of upland is state owned, management of big game animals is not considered an objective. Deer are visitors to the marsh and fields during the spring and summer and undoubtedly enjoy the benefits of highly nutritious green feed during this period.
The Scarborough marshes have the distinction of being the collecting area for various exotic vagrants. American egrets, fluvous tree ducks, Hudsonian curlew, snowy owls, and, most recently, glossy ibis, have made seasonal visits to the area. Various plovers and sandpipers visit the area during spring and fall migrations, as well as being resident during the summer months. Although no specific management is being considered for these shorebirds, the acquisition and protection afforded the Scarborough marsh will undoubtedly maintain the present, or perhaps a higher, population.
The potential for mourning doves is definitely not realized at present. Previous plantings of grain has shown that this species will respond to such management. Populations of upland song birds and various other upland non-game species will be affected by the primary management objectives depending on their habitat requirements. The potential for species requiring agricultural land and tidal salt marsh habitats will undoubtablly thrive.
Both the Department of Marine Resources and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Fisheries Division, have interest in the area.
At this writing, the marine industry in Scarborough has suffered a major setback as the clamming areas have been closed to the taking of clams or other shellfish because of a high bacteria content. In 1963, the Department of Marine Resources estimated that the Scarborough clam flats could produce, with intensive management, in excess of five million dollars worth of clams per year. At that writing the industry was worth $340,000 per year. Whether or not this potential will be reached is primarily the responsibility of the Marine Resources personnel. During recent years clams have been dug and processed through depuration plants at Pine Point. Red tide infestations, which began in 1974, have periodically produced complete closures on the taking of shellfish in the area. The tidal complex also serves as a nursery area for various forms of marine organisms, as well as a basic source of marine nutrients. Various anadramous fish are found in the marsh, the two most important species are the striped bass and sea run brook trout. Manipulation of the tide gate on Jones Creek will benefit sea run species such as alewives and white perch (Roccus americanus).
No intensive management has been undertaken to improve inland waters as the demand has not yet warranted such management. Brook trout have been stocked in Finnerd Brook and Cascade Brook. Natural brook trout populations are found in Beaver Brook.
Because of its location, Scarborough's recreation potential is high. Waterfowl hunting has long been a major use as noted in the history of the area. With more and more people seeking a place to hunt, intensive management, and the inception of the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge, the demand on the waterfowl resource will undoubtedly increase.
The primary recreation objective shall be to improve the area for sportsmen by maintaining access to the area, protection of the available public lands, and encouraging the production and use by waterfowl. Other recreational uses of the area should be considered secondary and discontinued if they conflict with the primary use. The present law prohibiting motor boats above the old, discontinued railroad dike should remain in effect.
Another very important recreational use of the area is the passive sport of bird watching. The Audubon Society uses the area for its annual bird counts and it is visited by many birders. This type of recreation undoubtedly will increase, but it is commensurate with our management goals and should not be discouraged.
Sport fishing, both for fresh and salt water species, occurs in the brooks and estuaries included on the wildlife management area. This presents no conflict except that the use of motor boats should be discouraged during the spring and summer to minimize the disturbance to waterfowl.
With increased development on upland adjacent to the area, increased pressure by developers and landowners could be exerted on the state to provide passage to open water via dredged channels and numerous tidal creeks. Such use should be discouraged.
Retriever field trails have been held on the area in the past and will likely occur in the future. Such activity should be prohibited during the waterfowl nesting season.
Annual use of the Audubon Nature Center exceeds 10,000 visitors.
Limited acquisition is planned for the Scarborough Wildlife Management Area. Future purchases will be made to straighten boundary lines and to settle disputed ownership. These will consist of small parcels in private ownership.
Priorities should be directed toward upland areas that will provide suitable buffer zones for the wetlands and possible expansion of existing management activities.
There are no reservations at this time.
Activities during the upcoming planning period will not vary drastically from the past and will emphasize maintenance of existing developments and increasing habitat diversity and interspersion.
Compartment 1 is located northwest of U.S. Route 1 and is comprised of regularly flooded salt marsh and shallow fresh marsh. Proposed work in this compartment will consist of maintenance on one dam. A new area management sign will be put up along Route 1.
Compartment 2 is located between U.S. Route 1 and the abandoned railroad right-of-way and is comprised of regularly flooded salt marsh and associated upland habitat. Work in this compartment will consist of maintaining 1-2 acres of herbaceous seeding to provide spring feed for migrating geese, vegetation control on 19 acres of goose pasture; maintenance on one building, two earthen dams and two concrete dams, one-half mile of road, three signs and one fence; apple tree release in this compartment will continue.
Compartment 3 is located southwest of Route 9 and is comprised mainly of regularly flooded salt marsh and shallow fresh marsh. In addition, a 26-acre upland parcel was recently purchased. Work in this compartment will consist of maintenance on two dams and two signs. Water levels will be regulated.
Compartment 4 is located southeast of the old railroad right-of-way and northwest of the Boston and Maine railroad bed. The major wetland type in this compartment is regularly flooded salt marsh with a limited amount of upland habitat. Work in this compartment will consist of maintenance on one sign.
Compartment 5 is located northwest of Route 9 and is made up of shallow and deep fresh marsh along with associated wetland and upland types. During 1988 a permanent dam was constructed on Jones Creek. This structure replaced a beaver dam and created a stable water level on approximately 450 acres. The project was completed in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited and Fred Bayley of Scarborough. This structure will provide a stable water level and maintain nesting and brood-rearing habitat for waterfowl, as well as habitat for other species of wildlife associated with freshwater wetlands. Waterfowl nest boxes have been erected and are being monitored.
The Jones Creek Dam was designed to include a fishway and cooperative efforts with the Department of Marine Resources have established an alewife run of approximately 3000 fish annually.
Boundary lines will be maintained as time permits.
Compartment 6 is primarily located southeast of the Boston and Maine railroad bed; however, a portion extends north along the Nonesuch River. This compartment is comprised of tidal flats and regularly flooded salt marsh. No proposed activity is planned in this compartment.
No new use, harvest or population censuses are proposed. Annual maintenance checks of existing developments such as roads and dams will be continued. Wildlife usage of timber stands will be checked following any harvesting operations.
Below is a summary of the local, state and Federal environmental regulations which may have a bearing on upland and wetland management activities conducted on department owned wildlife management areas.
1. Municipal Shoreland Zoning: regulates activities within 250 feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of any great pond, river or saltwater body; within 250 feet, horizontal distance, of the upland edge of a coastal wetland or freshwater wetland; and within 75 feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of a stream. Also applies to any structure built on, over or abutting a dock, wharf or pier, or other structure extending beyond the normal high-water line of a water body or within a wetland. 38 MRSA Section 438-A(1)
2. Local Zoning/Local Ordinances: Before conducting management activities, it is wise to check with the municipality to determine if they have established any local zoning or ordinances which would affect your planned management activity. An example of this would be a local timber harvesting or forestry ordinance.
1. Conservation of Endangered Species: allows the commissioner of MDIFW to identify areas providing physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the species and which may require special management consideration. The commissioner may also develop guidelines for the protection of species designated as endangered or threatened. In addition, no projects may be carried out which will significantly alter the habitat...(or) violate protection guidelines set forth.
2. Timber Harvesting Notification: a landowner is required under 12 MRSA Section 8883 to file a notification of intent to harvest forest products.
3. Confidential Stumpage Sales Report: any owner of forest land who sells stumpage...shall render...(a) report to the Director (Maine Forest Service)...stating the species, volume and stumpage price per unit of measure for each transaction and the municipality or township where the stumpage was located.
3. Forest Practices Act: establishes the standards for clearcutting and for forest regeneration following timber harvesting as per 12 MRSA c. 805, sub-c. III-A.
4. Natural Resources Protection Act: regulates dredging, bulldozing, removing or displacing soil, sand, vegetation or other materials; draining or otherwise dewatering; filling, including adding sand or other material to a sand dune; or any construction, repair or alteration of any permanent structure as per 38 MRSA Section 480-A-S. This applies to all "protected resources" which include: coastal sand dune systems, coastal wetlands, significant wildlife habitat, fragile mountain areas, freshwater wetlands, great ponds or rivers, streams or brooks as defined.
5. Dam Maintenance Act: requires dam owners to notify the Department of Environmental Protection, in writing, 90 days prior to any alteration or discontinuation in the use of a dam. The owner is also required to maintain the water level at the established normal water level.
1. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 USC 661 et seq.; 48 Stat. 401): provides that public entities under Federal permit or license that propose to modify any stream or other water body shall coordinate with the Secretary of the Interior through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition to preventing losses to fish and wildlife resources, such projects also shall provide for the improvement of these resources.
2. National Environmental Policy Act, 1969 (NEPA) (42 USC 4321 et seq.; 83 Stat. 852): declares a national policy to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment. It requires that for all major Federal actions (or Federally funded actions) significantly affecting the quality of the environment, a detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be prepared.
3. River and Harbors Act, 1899 (33 USC et seq.; 30 Stat. 1151): authorizes the Corps of Engineers to issue permits for construction across any navigable water, excavating or depositing material in navigable waters, and anchorages causing obstruction.
4. Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 USC 1251 et seq.; Stat. 816) Section 404 (Deposition of Dredged or Fill Materials): authorizes the Corps of Engineers to issue permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters. It is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate the designation and use of any area for the disposal of dredged or fill material. EPA also is the final authority in the issuance of these permits.
5. Endangered Species Act, 1973 (16 USC et seq.; 87 Stat. 884): provides a means for the conservation of the ecosystems upon which threatened and endangered species depend and to provide a program for the protection of such species. It requires that all Federal agencies (Federally funded) review their actions to determine if they may affect a listed species or its habitat.
6. Flood Disaster Protection Act, 1973: regulates placement of structures in flood hazard areas.
7. Executive Order 11988--Flood Plain Management: action shall be taken to reduce the risk of flood loss to minimize the impacts of floods...and to restore and preserve the natural and beneficial values served by floodplains...
8. Executive Order 11990--Protection of Wetlands: action shall be taken to minimize the destruction of wetlands and to preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial values of wetlands...
Creation Date: May 29, 1995