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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 2 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 3 Note - The above map was created in 2015 and is still relevant to the fieldwork conducted and subsequent site recommendations for 2018. 4 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. 5 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. 6 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. 7 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. 8 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. 9 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. 10 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. 11 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. 12 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 13 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 14 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. 15 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. 16 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. 17 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. 18 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. 19 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.