HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 Dredge Site Habitat Assessment
2018 Dredge Site Habitat Assessment
Town of Southold – Beach-Dependent Bird Species Management Program
NYS DEC Piping Plover and Least Tern Site Monitoring
__________________________________
Prepared By:
Aaron Virgin and Christine Tylee
September 2018
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Background
The following 16 sites were visited and evaluated during the Town of Southold’s 2018
Beach-dependent Bird Species Monitoring Program (April 1 – August 31). Utilizing field
observations and digital images taken at or about (+/- one hour) known low tide, as well
as Google Earth® satellite map images taken at 1,000 feet altitude on 3/2007 and
10/2017, evaluations and recommendations are given for each site. This report has
been generated to aid Southold Town in making future management decisions on the
dredging priorities of the 16 sites, and how such activities can have beneficial results for
improving beach-nesting bird habitat. Sites have been grouped by High Priority and
Low Priority status to highlight the areas in need of urgent attention. In addition, the
following factors were used to make recommendations:
• Amount of sandy beach and suitable nesting habitat above the mean high tide
mark;
• Area of foraging habitat for breeding, transient and winter beach-dependent bird
species;
• Proximity to homes and/or recreational areas, e.g. heavy watercraft use, beach
bathing, fishing, dog walking, etc.;
• Presence or absence of nesting and/or foraging PIPL and LETE in past surveys.
Dredge Site
Suitable
Nesting
Habitat
Suitable
Foraging
Habitat
Nesting
PIPL
2018
Nesting
PIPL
2009-‘18
Nesting
LETE
2018
Nesting
LETE
2009-‘18
NYS DEC
Monitored
Sites
1. Brushes Creek ü
2. Cedar Beach Creek ü ü ü ü ü ü ü *
3. Corey Creek ü ü ü ü ü ü
4. Deep Hole Creek ü ü
5. Goldsmith Inlet ü ü ü ü ü ü **
6. Goose Creek ü ü ü ü ü ü ü
7. Halls Creek ü ü
8. James Creek ü ü
9. Little Creek ü ü ü ü ü ü ü
10. Mud Creek ü ü ü ü
11. Richmond Creek ü ü ü ü ü
12. School House Creek ü
13. Sterling Harbor ü
14. Town Creek ü
15. West Creek ü ü
16. Wickham Creek ü ü
* Monitored by Suffolk County Parks
** The eastern portion is monitored by Suffolk County Parks
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Note - The above map was created in 2015 and is still relevant to the fieldwork conducted and
subsequent site recommendations for 2018.
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1. Brushes Creek
As noted in prior reports, multiple groins and bulkheads are extensive at this site. Due to
their dominant presence and destructive nature on PIPL and LETE breeding habitat,
neither species should be expected to nest or frequent this site on a regular basis. The
2016 and 2017 reports noted the presence of a shoal on the northeast portion of the
channel, which was confirmed by field observations again this year. Removing the shoal
will help increase flow in the channel and maintain safe navigation for the small private
vessels and residents further upstream.
Recommendation – the channel should be dredged to increase flow of water and keep it
navigable. Dredge material should be placed to the north, within the various groins, as in
previous years.
6/29/18
2/28/07
The channel is in
need of dredging, as
within the past
decade a shoal has
formed. Placement of
material to the north
of the channel will
help increase a
potential nesting
area.
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2. Cedar Beach Creek
Monitored by staff from Suffolk County Parks, this site once again proved fruitful with three
PIPL pairs resulting in 7 fledges this past field season (4 pairs yielded 6 fledges in 2017).
While the LETE colony was active, it was not nearly the size from the previous year.
At the end of the field season it was announced that $480,000 in federal funding from the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was awarded to Cornell Cooperative Extension to
“create 19.5 acres of salt marsh through reusing clean dredging (sic) materials, creating
new oyster reefs, 1.7 acres of new sea grass meadow and improving the open water habitat
in the 65-acre area.”
Recommendation – until the final habitat restoration plan is approved by the NYS DEC
through its permitting process, in conjunction with CCE, there is no recommendation for
dredging in 2019. However, it is recommended that the Southold Town Trustees should be
involved in the project and advocate for ways to improve beach-nesting habitat at the site.
6/29/18
2/28/07
Saltmarsh
degradation is
evident over decade-
plus comparison.
Plans to use “clean
dredge materials”–
whether through
removal or
placement should
take into account the
coastal beach-nesting
habitat/areas.
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3. Corey Creek
A PIPL pair chose to nest and hatch four young to the east of the channel (Takaposha
Beach) - a first in the Group’s 7 years of monitoring for the Town. Unfortunately the young
were predated and re-nesting did not occur. This is not surprising, as the site has often
been the focus of predation by crows, fox and raccoons. Several visitors were seen with
unleashed dogs on this section of beach, further impacting the PIPL and possibly
preventing LETE from taking up residence. The beach has expanded, while flattening and
thus allowing for ideal beach-nesting habitat.
Recommendation – due to the site featuring an active boat channel, dredging is
recommended in the next few years. As recommended in the past, material should be
directed to the east of the channel to increase beach-nesting habitat above high tide.
6/29/18
2/28/07
Expanding breeding area due
to past dredge material
placement, and where
additional material should be
placed to increase the
possibility of beach-nesting.
Past photo shows a narrow
channel with a limited
breeding area.
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4. Deep Hole Creek
As noted previously, this site is heavily impacted by shore-hardening (bulkheads), docks,
groins, and prominently features a heavily used boat channel. This has resulted in very
limited beach-nesting habitat and no known PIPL or LETE nesting within the past decade.
Severe erosion and scouring, noted in prior reports, has occurred from storm events and
wave movement coming off the adjacent bulkhead. As previously recommended, adding
dredge material to the east of the Deep Hole channel has resulted a more expansive beach,
however this will likely impact Halls Creek immediately to the east.
Recommendation – field visits and satellite images show a clear creek channel. However a
prominent peninsula has developed over the past decade and should be assessed before
making any future dredging decisions.
6/29/18
2/28/07
The channel features a
peninsula, which
overtime can impede the
creek channel and boat
traffic. Placement of
dredge material should
be to the east of the
channel opening.
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5. Goldsmith Inlet
As noted previously, this site has the distinction of being the only dredge site on the north
shore of Southold Town. For the second year, a PIPL pair nested successfully adjacent to
the parking area on a section of dredge material that had been placed 11-12 years ago.
This is evident in the 2/28/07 satellite image – see below. Of continued concern is the
weak flow exchanging from Goldsmith Inlet Pond with the Long Island Sound.
Recommendation – As advised previously, placing the dredge material east of the inlet as in
will help create and improve nesting habitat. Extensive dredging must occur to keep the
Inlet open, especially since no dredging occurred since 2015.
6/29/18
2/28/07
The inlet opening (mouth) is
sorely in need of dredging
with placement to the east.
Location of dredge material
placed in the winter of 2007.
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6. Goose Creek
The good fortune that was experienced in 2017 occurred again this year at this site. A PIPL
pair took up territory within a section of preseason string fence – third year for this
conservation management – as did several pair of LETE. The stewards also utilized two
rows of string between posts to further prohibit dogs and people from entering the nest
areas. All told the PIPL nest fledged all four chicks and the LETE fledged three from two
nests. As noted previously, the site would likely be a favored destination for PIPL and
LETE, were it not for the throngs of beach bathers, dog walkers, and boaters. Field
observations from 2014 -2018 show the channel quite deep from previous dredging
activities and a robust beach featuring suitable nesting habitat, as evident this past year.
Recommendation – dredging does not appear needed at this time.
6/29/18
2/28/07
Preseason string fence
and past dredging
efforts combined have
created and protected
beach-nesting habitat.
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7. Halls Creek
Fortunately this site was dredged during this past summer, even though it would’ve made
more sense ecologically to dredge during the colder winter months. The following was
included in the 2017 Dredge Site Habitat Assessment – “unlike prior reports, we are now
pointing out an urgent need to dredge the channel at this site. While an extensive dredging
occurred in 2013, the channel is no longer navigational (except the highest of high tides)
and is no longer open and clear. Occasional sightings of LETE occurred during weekly
visits but no PIPL were observed, as is the norm.”
Recommendation – based on the 2018 and 2013 dredges, as well as a dredge in 2008, this
site should regularly be dredge every 4-5 years.
6/29/18
2/28/07
The clear and
expansive channel is
evident in 2018 and
juxtaposed with the
clogged channel of
2007.
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8. James Creek
This site maintains a very active waterway due to an established marina and it seems to
have regular dredging performed for this purpose. As noted in previous reports, the
presence of multiple groins and bulkheads at this site do not provide adequate nesting
habitat for PIPL and LETE. Once again, LETE and the occasional COTE (Common Tern)
were seen foraging early and late in the season on site visits, but PIPL were not.
Recommendation – due to the shallow nature of the channel observed during this field
season, it is advised that dredging occurs post haste.
6/29/18
2/28/07
The 11+year
comparison shows
a deeper channel in
2007 vs. 2018. Of
note is a lack of a
peninsula on the
east side of the
channel in 2018
compared with
2007.
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9. Little Creek
The trend of PIPL and LETE nesting at this location continued in 2018. However, nesting
has been confined to the southern, larger section of beach habitat, which is also more
heavily impacted by park visitors. There was a concern early in the nesting season when a
private dredge operation occurred over two days along the south side of the Little Creek
channel. At the time a single PIPL was noted but did not seem affected by the dredge
operation.
Recommendation – None at this time.
6/29/18
2/28/07
The creek channel is in
excellent condition.
Recent dredge work
created additional
nesting areas to the
south, which resulted
in successful nests of
PIPL and LETE in 2018
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10. Mud Creek
The on-the-ground observations of this channel exhibited little differences from 2017,
however the satellite pictures show a slightly different take. The most concerning is the
loss of potential nesting habitat on Haywater Beach, which is to the immediate east of the
channel proper. In 2014 a single PIPL pair nested and hatched four young. As noted in
prior reports, the area is a popular site with beachgoers, boaters, and fisherman, all of
which may be a reason shorebirds do not regularly nest here.
Recommendation – while it’s unlikely dredging will occur in early 2019, future efforts
should consider placing excavated material on Haywater Beach since it has been heavily
eroded over the past 3-4 years.
6/29/18
2/28/07
The Haywater
Beach portion has
been heavily
eroded
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11. Richmond Creek
Continuing the trend of the last few years, no PIPL were observed attempting to breed, and
once again the occasional LETE was noted on a half a dozen visits. The flat beach
appearance noted last year was evident in 2018, and for this reason an early season string
fence was erected to protect a section of potential nesting habitat. While no vandalism
occurred to the fence or signs, refuse (e.g. plastic bottles, cans, towels) were noted within
sections of the fenced areas or adjacent to. Unleashed dogs were also noted on several
occasions.
Recommendation – field observations once again noted a wide and very deep channel that
will unlikely not need to be dredged in 2019.
6/29/18
2/28/07
Deep channel once
again noted in the
field and in
overhead view;
older image shows
more restrictive
channel.
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12. School House Creek
This is a very active channel for the size of the marina, which seems to be the largest on the
North Fork. The presence of bulkheads, permanent and temporary docks, rock revetments
and groins all contribute to very little foraging and nesting habitat for PIPL and LETE. To
the south of the channel is a small beach (35-40 yards) that has potential for attracting
birds, however a closer look found broken glass, fire pit remnants, fishing line, and
miscellaneous debris that would provide a negative experience for a visiting shorebird.
Recommendation – none at this time.
6/29/18
2/28/07
There is very little
difference between
the 11-plus year
comparisons.
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13. Sterling Harbor
Considered the largest and most active marina in Southold Town, this site as could be
expected has high boat activity/traffic, heavily hardened shorelines (bulkheads mainly),
and very little suitable habitat for PIPL and LETE for foraging and breeding. It’s close
proximity – less than 500 feet to the east – to Gull Pond West, which is one of the most
productive PIPL and LETE nesting sites on the North Fork, solidifies this area as low
priority site. As noted previously, boat traffic (wave action in particular) and people
exploring the peninsula – the only potential nesting and foraging area – are major limiting
factors in allowing this site to be a potential breeding area.
Recommendation – based on field observations while watching boat traffic in and out of the
marina, this harbor is in dire need of dredging due to the shallow nature and overall
sediment loading.
6/29/18
2/28/07
Currently the channel
is very shallow and
not clearly defined,
whereas in 2007 it
was deep and wide
making it safer and
more navigable.
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14. Town Creek
As noted in prior reports, this site is characterized as more open water habitat than a creek
ecosystem. It lacks any viable nesting habitat due to multiple docks, bulkheads, heavy boat
traffic, fishing, and in some areas invasive species on uninhabited (by humans) areas.
Town Creek is at the confluence of several active waterways (Jockey Creek, Goose Creek)
that meet and enter Southold Bay.
Recommendation – due to the shallow areas observed in the field during low tide episodes
and after reviewing the June 29 images, it appears that Town Creek will need to be dredged
in the next 1-2 years.
6/29/18
2/28/07
Town Creek showing
a shallow nature
compared to past
images.
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15. West Creek
As noted in past reports, any management decisions for this site should take into account
activities at the three creeks (Deep Hole, Halls, Downs) to the immediate west. It remains
unclear if this has been the case, as all three to the west are in need of dredging this year,
while West Creek does not. In 2018, as in previous years, LETE were noted foraging in the
bay on many visits, as were Common Terns and occasional shorebirds. PIPL were not
noted this year.
Recommendation – field observations noted a deep but narrow channel. Of interest is the
reformation of the sand spur that confines navigation through the creek outlet.
6/29/18
2/28/07
While the channel
still appears deep,
the spur has
reformed causing a
narrowed, confining
sluiceway.
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16. Wickham Creek
This was the first instance where one of the 16 dredge sites monitored was dredged during
the PIPL breeding season (April 1 – August 31). Due to this extraneous circumstance,
monitoring was needed during the dredging activities. Fortunately, the nearby site at
Meadow Beach had recently been abandoned and other active nest sites were located far
enough from the activities to be impacted. In speaking with Town, County, State and
Federal agency staff, all agreed that this was a very special exercise and it would be the
hope not to repeat this type of “out of season” dredge again in the future.
Recommendation – Since this creek was dredged in June 2018, there is no need to consider
dredging at this time.
6/29/18
2/28/07
Both images clearly
show a well-defined
and deep channel.
However, 2018 is
lacks the spur on the
west and dredge
material evident to
the east.