Atlantic coast joint venture waterfowl implementation plan

This wetlands and river focus area consists of over 20 individual tidal wetland units and river islands of various sizes occurring along a 40-mile (64 km) stretch of the lower Connecticut River from Old Saybrook to Cromwell. The focus area encompasses 11,426 hectares (28,234 acres). Taken as a whole, this focus area represents a gradation of tidal wetlands from a very narrow zone of relatively high salinity marshes at the mouth of the Connecticut River where it enters Long Island Sound, through an intermediate zone of brackish, lower salinity wetlands, to extensive freshwater tidal marshes and floodplain forests beginning at Deep River and extending upriver to Cromwell.

Of the 23 wetland/island units comprising this focus area, at least 14 (61%) are in need of protection and/or management, either wholly or in part. While some are entirely privately owned, many have some form of protective ownership. Several of these areas contain individual parcels owned and managed by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection or by conservation groups such as The Nature Conservancy, Connecticut River Gateway Commission and various Town conservation and land trusts.

Approximately 468 hectares (1,157 acres) of tidal wetlands within the focus area require acquisition and/or enhancement. Of this figure, approximately 364 hectares (900 acres) are privately owned and could be considered in jeopardy and in need of acquisition. New programs in place, such as the Landowner Incentive Plan, could allow for the restoration and enhancement of many of these privately-owned wetlands. Statewide, no estimate of wetlands in need of acquisition and/or enhancement is available.

Since 1988, approximately 193 hectares (479 acres) of wetland habitat within the focus area have been enhanced. Enhancement has been achieved through the use of open marsh water management techniques. An additional 191 hectares (474 acres) have undergone intensive vegetation control (Phragmites control). Statewide, in areas outside of ACJV focus areas, approximately 187 hectares (463 acres) of inland wetlands have undergone either enhancement or restoration activities. An additional 182 hectares (452 acres) have been controlled for exotic vegetation.
Special Recognition:

From a regional standpoint, there are no areas in the Northeast that support such extensive or high quality fresh and brackish tidal wetland systems as those in the Connecticut River estuary. The lower Connecticut River is a Ramsar designated site. In addition, four areas within the focus area (Pratt/Post, Seldon Island, Whalebone Creek, and Chapman’s Pond) are designated as Important Bird Areas (IBA) by the National Audubon Society.

The freshwater coves and tidal saltmarshes at the mouth of the river contain some of the most important areas for migrating and wintering waterfowl in the state. The remaining wild rice marshes within the focus area provide excellent food sources for breeding, staging, and wintering waterfowl. In addition, large concentrations of American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, and American Wigeon utilize the Great Island complex at the mouth of the river. Significant numbers of Greater Scaup, Canvasback, Ruddy Duck, and Atlantic Brant winter within the focus area.

Table 1. Waterfowl species identified in the Gulf Coast Focus Area.

Species	Breeding	Migration	Wintering
American Black Duck	X	X	X
Green-winged Teal	X	X	X
Mallard	X	X	X
American Wigeon		X	X
Greater Scaup		X	X
Canvasback		X	X
Ruddy Duck		X	X
Atlantic Brant		X	X

Other Migratory Birds:

The lower Connecticut River constitutes the core of breeding Osprey in the state. In addition, the mudflats of the river and Great Island provide foraging habitat for a myriad of shorebirds, including; Willet, Red Knot, various species of sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, and Whimbrel. Griswold Point at the mouth of the river hosts nesting populations of the federally threatened Piping Plover as well as Least Tern. The tidal marshes in the lower river support globally significant populations of nesting Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow, listed as ‘near threatened’ by BirdLife International, and historic populations of nesting Black Rail. The lower river also supports nesting and wintering concentrations of Bald Eagle.

Although wetlands in Connecticut are regulated by State and Federal laws, such areas and the species which depend upon them continue to be adversely impacted by various types of human disturbances and activities (e.g. burning, mowing, mosquito ditching) and habitat alteration of upland borders and tributaries. In addition, illegal fills and activities occur over the area. The threat of oil spills and toxic contamination of the river are constant. Dredging, dredge spoil disposal, land fills, marina development, stormwater discharges, non-point source pollution and increased sediment loads pose significant problems for living resources in and along the river. There have also been various proposals to impound certain marshes, to locate a sewage treatment plant at the mouth of the river and to divert water from the river to supply water to Boston. Invasive species such as Mute Swan, common reed and purple loosestrife threaten the typical marsh vegetation of numerous wetlands in the complex.

A substantial portion of this nationally significant tidal marsh complex remains unprotected and/or is not being effectively managed so as to maintain its high species and habitat diversity and to optimize fish and wildlife productivity. The current complicated ownership pattern necessitates establishment of cooperative management and conservation agreements among all parties in order to protect this valuable ecosystem in its entirety rather than by any piecemeal approach. Such an arrangement could include zoning ordinances and other restrictions to maintain or enhance existing land uses. Aggressive management of invasive species such as the Mute Swan and common reed need to be pursued. Habitat degradation of protected areas is occurring due to lack of aggressive management. Acquisition of adjacent upland habitats should be actively pursued to provide buffers to existing wetlands. Restoration of tidal marshes through open marsh management techniques may be appropriate in some areas.

This major estuary complex encompasses all of Fishers Island Sound and Little Narragansett Bay, including the coastline of southeastern Connecticut from the mouth of the Thames River to Watch Hill, Rhode Island, and the north shore of Fishers Island, New York. This large, estuary-dominated complex includes all of the waters and adjacent shorelines of Fishers Island Sound, or that body of water lying between Fishers Island (New York) and the southeastern coast of Connecticut, and enclosed within the area east of a boundary line drawn from the mouth of the Thames River at Avery Point (Groton) to the western end of Fishers Island, and north of a line drawn from the eastern end of Fishers Island to and including Napatree Point (Rhode Island) and Little Narragansett Bay. This area is approximately 13 miles (21 km) long in a southwest-northeast direction, and from 2 to 5 miles (3-8 km) in width in a north-south direction between the mainland and Fishers Island and encompasses 10,421 hectares (25,750 acres).

This complex has a mixed ownership pattern of Public Trust waters, several State-owned areas, Town parks and extensive private residential lands. State of Connecticut-owned areas include Bluff Point Coastal Preserve and State Park, Haley Farm State Park, Sixpenny Island Wildlife Area and Barn Island Wildlife Management Area. The Town of Westerly, Rhode Island, owns Napatree Point.

Approximately 103 hectares (256 acres) of tidal wetlands within the focus area need acquisition and/or enhancement. Of this figure, approximately 80 hectares (200 acres) are privately owned and could be considered in need of acquisition. New programs in place, such as the Landowner Incentive Plan, could allow for the restoration and enhancement of many of these privately-owned wetlands. Statewide, no estimate of wetlands in need of acquisition and/or enhancement is available.

Since 1988, approximately 19 hectares (47 acres) of wetland habitat within the focus area have been enhanced. Enhancement has been achieved through the use of open marsh water management techniques. An additional 3.6 hectares (9 acres) have undergone intensive vegetation control (Phragmites control). Statewide, in areas outside of ACJV focus areas, approximately 187 hectares (463 acres) of inland wetlands have undergone either enhancement or restoration activities. An additional 182 hectares (452 acres) have been controlled for exotic vegetation.
Waterfowl:

Fishers Island Sound is a high quality, shallow estuarine environment with extensive eelgrass beds, supporting regionally significant seasonal concentrations and populations of waterfowl and shorebirds, important finfish nursery and spawning areas and substantial commercial and recreational shellfish beds. Over-wintering and migrating flocks of waterfowl of special emphasis occurring in significant numbers in the coves and open water environments here include Atlantic Brant, American Black Duck, Canada Goose, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead and Hooded, Common and Red-breasted Merganser. This area is especially important as a breeding area for American Black Duck, with lesser numbers of Mallard and Canada Goose.

Osprey nest in several places along the Connecticut shoreline and on Fishers Island, and appear to be increasing in this area, as is also American Oystercatcher which breeds on several offshore island beaches. Ram Island is an important rookery for several species of colonial wading birds, including Black-crowned Night-Heron, Snowy Egret, Glossy Ibis, Great Egret, and Little Blue Heron, as well as such problem species as Double-crested Cormorant, Great Black-backed Gull and Herring Gull. These last three species seem to be increasing their numbers and populations everywhere along the coast, often displacing nesting terns and Piping Plover. Common, Least and Roseate Tern and Piping Plover commonly nested on several area beaches in the recent past, but in the past several years essentially only the Least and Common Tern still breed, and even then only at a very few localities, such as small offshore islets and on Fishers Island. Roseate Tern and Piping Plover, U.S. Endangered and Threatened species, respectively, have not nested on area beaches in the Connecticut portion of this complex in several years (although Piping Plover still nest on Napatree Beach, Rhode Island) even though suitable habitat appears available. Human-related disturbances and perhaps displacement by gulls are likely responsible for the abandonment of these sites. Marshes in this complex, particularly those at Barn Island, provide nesting habitat for American Bittern, Least Bittern, Black Rail and Seaside Sparrow, all regional species of special emphasis.

Increased residential and marina development in the area, with consequent runoff of chemicals and fertilizers, increased turbidity and sedimentation, and discharges of sewage, stormwaters, and wastes, potentially threatens water quality throughout the rivers, coves and waters of Fishers Island Sound, to the detriment of habitat quality for the area's significant fish and wildlife resources. This area also receives heavy recreational use, especially boating and beach activities, which can adversely impact wildlife populations during certain times of the year. Of particular concern are human-related disturbances to colonial-nesting waterbirds. Nesting populations of terns and Piping Plovers are highly vulnerable to human intrusions into nesting areas during the critical nesting season (mid-April to August), and stray pets can pose serious hazards to eggs and young birds. In several areas within this complex there are considerable problems with invasive species such as common reed, Japanese honeysuckle, Asiatic bittersweet and Mute Swan, and also with dense concentrations of white-tailed deer.

The apparent abandonment of several area nesting beaches of terns and Piping Plover as a result of human disturbances is of particular concern, and requires intensive efforts to protect both currently-occupied sites as well as recent historical localities by all available means, including beach closures, fencing, predator/pet removal, posting, beach warden patrols and public education. Habitat improvement and restoration of degraded or abandoned nesting beaches using dredging spoils should be considered. Efforts should be made to identify and implement those tasks and objectives of the Piping Plover and Roseate Tern recovery plans that may be applicable to areas within this complex. Opportunities should be sought to develop cooperative management and conservation programs between various governmental agencies, private conservation organizations and private landowners to best manage and protect for the long term the living resources of this significant estuarine complex. Protection and maintenance of water quality and wetlands throughout this complex through monitoring and regulation are necessary to ensure the continued high value of this area to fish, wildlife and plant populations dependent on them.

Focus Area: Greater Hammonasset Complex, Connecticut

This complex is located along the central coast of Connecticut on the north shore of Long Island Sound, between the Towns of Madison and Westbrook and encompasses 3,182 hectares (7,863 acres). The boundary of this complex extends west to east from the nearshore area of Tuxis Island and the adjacent Connecticut mainland to Menunketesuck Island, a distance of about 12 miles (19 km), and inland to the limits of anadromous fish passage up the Hammonasset, Indian, Menunketesuck and Patchogue Rivers. In addition to those areas mentioned, the following areas are also included within this complex: Tuxis Island, Hammonasset State Park and marshes, Cedar Island, Clinton Harbor, Harbor View Beach, Hammock River wetlands, Indian River wetlands and Duck Island.

Ownership is a mixed pattern of public lands and waters and private lands, including Hammonasset State Park and Natural Area Preserve, Hammock River Marsh Wildlife Area, Black Pond Wildlife Area, Salt Meadow Unit of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and Duck Island Wildlife Area (Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection). Menunketesuck Island is privately owned; Tuxis Island is owned by the Town of Madison.

Approximately 142 ha (353 acres) of tidal wetlands within the focus area need acquisition and/or enhancement. Of this figure, approximately 121 hectares (300 acres) are privately owned and could be considered in need of acquisition. New programs in place, such as the Landowner Incentive Program, could allow for the restoration and enhancement of many of these privately owned wetlands. Statewide, no estimate of wetlands in need of acquisition and/or enhancement is available.

Since 1988, approximately 44 hectares (109 acres) of wetland habitat within the focus area have been enhanced. Enhancement has been achieved through the use of open marsh water management techniques. An additional 19 hectares (47 acres) have undergone intensive vegetation control (Phragmites control). Statewide, in areas outside of Atlantic Coast Joint Venture focus areas, approximately 187 hectares (463 acres) of inland wetlands have undergone either enhancement or restoration activities. An additional 182 hectares (452 acres) have been controlled for exotic vegetation.

Special Recognition:

The Salt Meadow Unit of Stewart B. McKinney NWR, Hammonasset State Park, and Menunketesuck and Duck islands are recognized by the National Audubon Society as an Important Bird Areas (IBA) for migratory birds.

The estuarine marshes of this complex, including Hammonasset and Menunketesuck marshes, are important areas for wintering waterfowl, especially American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, and Bufflehead. The offshore waters are important wintering and migratory stopover areas for sea ducks and diving ducks, scoters and Long-tailed Duck in particular.

Several of the beaches and islands (Tuxis, Menunketesuck and Duck) have nesting colonies of Piping Plover, a U.S. Threatened species, Roseate Tern, a U.S. Endangered species, Common Tern, Least Tern and American Oystercatcher. Menunketesuck Island previously contained one of the two largest nesting colonies of Least Tern in Connecticut, a species that has been impacted greatly in the past from human disturbance. Only a few pairs nest now. Common Tern presently nest here. Significant intertidal mudflats adjacent to Menunketesuck Island are an important stopover area for migratory shorebirds, including, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, and Purple Sandpiper. The area is perhaps the primary wintering area for shorebirds in Connecticut. The offshore waters often host significant numbers of migratory water birds, including Common and Red-throated Loon, Horned Grebe and Northern Gannet. Duck Island hosts a significant colony of long-legged wading birds and the tidal marshes in the area are key foraging areas for these birds. Globally-significant numbers of Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow, listed as ‘near-threatened’ by BirdLife International, nest in the marshes at Hammonasset, the Hammock River Marsh, and Salt Meadow Unit of Stewart B. McKinney NWR. Hammonasset Beach State Park and the Salt Meadow Unit of Stewart B. McKinney NWR are key stopover areas for migratory songbirds in spring and particularly fall migration. Hammonasset is an important stopover and wintering area for Northern Harrier and to a lesser degree Short-eared Owl. Salt Meadow Unit has relatively unfragmented forest habitats for coastal Connecticut and hosts nesting populations of several species of concern, including Wood Thrush and Worm-eating Warbler. Significant early successional habitats also exist at Salt Meadow Unit, providing important habitat for species of conservaiton concern, including, American Woodcock, Blue-winged Warbler, and Eastern Towhee.