Transcript Duxbury Bay Plan Work Plan Workshops

Duxbury Bay Management
Study Committee
Key Messages
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Bay is threatened by a dramatic increase in uses
No town entity exists that represents or integrates all
interests in the Bay
Study Committee has determined that a Duxbury Bay
Management Plan is urgently needed, and is completing
a DRAFT plan/report that recommends:
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Forming a permanent Duxbury Bay Commission
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Advise and support existing regulatory boards
Amend existing By-Laws to require notifying Bay
Commission of Bay related changes, permits, etc.
Focus on areas that need most immediate attention
Background
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Appointed by BOS in 2002; 12-15 members
All Bay interests are represented
 Met twice/month for 2½ years
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Progress to date:
Established key objectives and top priorities
 Hired technical consultant – R. Fultz Assoc.
 Interviewed dozens of experts, state & federal
 Conducted several public input meetings
 Initiated a demonstration restoration project
 Developed a draft plan – roadmap for next steps
 Developed recommendations and management
strategy – March 12, 2005 Town Meeting Articles
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Island Creek Herring Run
Restoration Project
Key Environmental Health Indicator
Source
Amount
Corporate Wetlands Restoration Grant
Conservation Commission Grant
Battelle Labs
$ 9,000
10,000
8,500
In-Kind Matches:
Private Donor (Battelle, DBMS)
Town of Duxbury (ConCom, DPW,
Harbormaster)
Community Volunteer Labor
State Resource Agencies
(EOEA CWRP/ Mass Bays and DMF)
Community Preservation Act Grant
19,300
21,750
21,264
7,000
$ 70,000
TOTAL $ 166,814
Construction scheduled to begin
this spring!
DBMSC Objectives
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Develop a history and baseline of scientific data
Report on the current conditions of the bay
Focus on 5 key topics derived from public input sessions
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Water quality
Moorings
Boating and boating safety
Shell fishing and aquaculture
Public access
Provide general recommendations and guidelines for near
and long-term focus and action
Recommend a structure for finalization and successful
implementation of a management plan
Draft Plan Outline
I.
INTRODUCTION/EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. History and structure of the Planning Process
B. Definition of Study Area
C. Identification of Topics and Trends
D. Mission Statement and Strategic Priorities
E. Trends Analysis and Recommendations
F. Management Recommendations and Work Plans
II.
HISTORY OF DUXBURY BAY
A. Archaeology and Recent Human History
B. Historic Resources
C. Geology
D. Current Bay Management
III.
IV.
WATER QUALITY
SHELLFISH/SHELLFISHING/AQUACULTURE
A.
B.
C.
D.
V.
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Shellfish
Shell fishing
Aquaculture
Management Plan And Recommendations Summary
BOATING AND SAFETY
MOORINGS
Draft Plan Outline
VII.
PUBLIC/PRIVATE ACCESS
A. Public/Private Rights
B. Scenic and Visual Access to the Bay
C. Boat ramps/Town Landings/Ways To the Water
D. Navigational Dredging (& beneficial use of dredge spoils)
E. Parking
F. Management Plan and Recommendations Summary
VIII.
RESTORATION PROJECTS
A.
Existing Project Opportunities
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MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
A. Existing Conditions and Trends
B. Trends Analysis and Recommendations
C. Organizational Structure
D. Emergency Disaster Response Planning
E. Education
F. Future Studies
G. Strategy For Adoption Of Plan
H. Funding Program
I. Management Recommendations and Action Plan
X.
APPENDICES
A.
B.
C.
Resources
Figures/Maps/Pictures
Glossary
Committee Findings
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Duxbury Bay is relatively unique and remains a healthy
and vibrant ecosystem.
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Dedicated and diligent Harbormaster Department
Active committees focused on individual activity and use (ex:
Shellfish Com., Beach Com.) “fragmented approach”
Limited access has provided a natural limit to over-use
Mounting pressures from an increase in activities and uses
threaten the health and serenity of the Bay
No single town committee or department views
represents all interests of the Bay
 New need for “integrated approach”
 Example: Recent aquaculture moratorium
Proposed Articles
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Article 23 – applies to General By-Laws
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Establish a “Duxbury Bay Management Commission”
Amend Duxbury General By-Law to enable Duxbury Bay
Management Commission to advise on new Bay related
activities
Advisory only; no regulatory authority
Article 24 – applies to Zoning By-Laws
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Amend Duxbury Zoning By-Laws to enable Duxbury Bay
Management Commission to comment on new Bay related
activities
Minimal change – inserted in existing By-Laws per same
notification of other land-use boards
Advisory only; no regulatory authority
Summary of Article 23
“New Bay Commission”
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To serve as “Keepers of the Bay”
To be advisory to existing committees and BOS
To use integrated vs. existing fragmented approach
To act as clearing house for all bay-related issues
Area: to include the Bay and surrounding coastal wetlands
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Mission:
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To develop, implement and maintain a management plan that
will enhance and preserve the ecological health, pristine
waters, and natural beauty of Duxbury Bay for future
generations while sustaining harmony among all its uses.
Summary of Article 23 cont.
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Membership
Nine Members
 3-year staggered terms
 Appointed by Selectmen
 Members to represent varied interests including:
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Aquaculture
 Boating
 Commercial and not-for-profit waterfront users
 Ecology, shellfish, and finfish
 Residents at large whose experience will enhance the
diversity of the commission.
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Summary of Article 23 (cont.)
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Power and Duties:
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Finalize, implement, and maintain management plan as living
document
Evaluate and review proposed changes that affect bay
Recommend changes to regulations and policy
Provide forum for dispute resolution with recommendations to
appropriate regulatory board
Explore cooperative relationship with neighboring communities
Hire staff/consultant with private and/or public funding and
town meeting approval
Insert “Duxbury Bay Management
Commission” into the following existing
General By-Law:
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Duxbury General By-Law, Chapter 9 Wetlands Protection
Summary of Article 24
“Amend Duxbury Zoning By-Laws”
Insert “Duxbury Bay Management
Commission” into the following
existing Zoning By-Laws:
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Duxbury Protective Zoning By-Law, Section 404.8
Special Permit Procedures
Duxbury Protective Zoning By-Law, Section 615.7
Required Procedures for Site Plan Review
Duxbury Protective Zoning By-Law, Section 906.4
Referral [Special Permit Procedures]
Article 23 - Detail
To see if the town will vote to amend the General By-Laws of The Town of Duxbury by adding
a new Chapter 6.15 Duxbury Bay Management Commission (DBMC) to read as follows:
6.15. Duxbury Bay Management Commission
6.15.1 The Duxbury Bay Management Commission shall consist of nine members appointed by the
Selectmen, to three year staggered terms. In appointing members, the selectmen shall consider
individuals representing varied interests of the Bay including but not limited to aquaculture, boating,
commercial and not for profit waterfront users, ecology, shellfish and finfish, and other residents at
large whose experience will enhance the diversity of the commission.
6.15.2 The mission of the Duxbury Bay Management Commission is: “To finalize, implement and
maintain a management plan that will enhance and preserve the ecological health, pristine waters and
natural beauty of Duxbury Bay for future generations while sustaining harmony among all its uses.”
6.15.3 The Duxbury Bay Management Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
Evaluate and review any proposed change in Bay use and access, inclusive of structures and all Bay
related issues requiring the action of the Board of Selectman (BOS), Duxbury Conservation
Commission (DCC), Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), Planning Board (PB), Harbormasters Office
and Board of Health (BOH) involving Coastal Resource Areas as defined in M.G.L. c.131 S40 and the
Town of Duxbury Wetlands Bylaw (Chapter 9 General By-Laws of the Town of Duxbury).
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Bay related issues and proposed changes will be evaluated at a minimum in terms of impacts on the following;
public safety, health and welfare
 ecology and sensitive receptors including wildlife
 uses and appropriateness of use and access
 scenic views and aesthetic issues
 levels of public and private services
 supporting landside infrastructure
2. Based on the above evaluation, the commission shall make recommendations and comments to the
responsible regulatory or policy setting authorities.
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Article 23 - Detail continued
b. Recommend changes to regulations and policies. Submit recommendations and comments to the Board of Selectmen, Town Meeting and other regulatory authorities to change Town
Bylaws, regulations and policies as needed to achieve the mission of the DBMC.
c. Provide a forum for dispute resolution for projects and use impacts and conflicts on the Bay.
d. Develop and implement a restoration, enhancement and management program to maintain and restore the Bay ecology and harmony among its uses by:
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Maintaining a central repository of environmental health indicators and uses.
Providing ongoing monitoring of environmental health indicators.
Convening integrated work groups to identify prioritize and address Bay ecology and use issues.
Developing program to install best management practices for Town storm drain system and other non-point sources of pollution.
Providing project management to supplement existing Town staff for ecological and other Bay related projects.
Seeking funds and grants for implementation of projects.
Supporting existing and developing new education and outreach programs to:
Educate the next generation of Bay stewards
Inform users of their impacts and responsibilities
Support Bay projects.
e. Maintain the management plan as a living document to guide the work of the DBMC by:
Using the Plan as a guide in all the commission’s recommendations, plan updates and activities.
2. Reviewing and updating the Plan at a minimum every five years.
3. Incorporating proposed Plan changes on an ongoing basis as needed.
4. Appointing subcommittees or work groups to further study issues identified by the DBMC.
f. Recognize the Bays’ interdependence and explore cooperative Bay management with the towns of Kingston and Plymouth.
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With the approval of Town Meeting the DBMC shall have the authority to hire staff and/or consultants using private and
public grants and other appropriations.
And to see if the town will vote to amend Chapter 9 Wetlands Protection of the General By-Laws
of The Town of Duxbury by inserting the following in 9.1.6., after the last sentence in this
section:
“The Duxbury Conservation Commission shall within 5 days of receiving a request for a
determination or a notice of intent for proposed activities within a coastal resource area, as
defined in Chapter 131, section 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws or as determined by the
Duxbury Conservation Commission, request that the Duxbury Bay Management Commission
provide written comments and recommendations before taking final action on said request for
determination or notice of intent.”
Article 24 - Detail
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To see if the town will vote to amend the Duxbury Protective Bylaw, Section 404.8 Special Permit
Procedures, item 1, by inserting the following language, “the Duxbury Bay Management
Commission,” in the first sentence after “Duxbury Conservation Commission,” so the section
reads:
The Board of Appeals shall refer a special permit application to the Conservation Commission, the Duxbury
Bay Management Commission, the Board of Health, and the Planning Board for written comments and
recommendations before taking final action on said special permit application. In addition to the above noted
boards, the Board of Appeals may refer a special permit application to any other Town agency/board/department
for comments and recommendations if it so desires before taking final action on said special permit application.
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And amend Duxbury Protective Bylaw, Section 906.4 Referral, by inserting the following language, “Duxbury
Bay Management Commission,” in the first sentence after “Duxbury Conservation Commission,” so the
first sentence reads:
In addition to those applications for a Special Permit which require site plan approval under Section 615, the Special Permit
Granting Authority shall refer a Special Permit application to the Board of Appeals, Board of Health, Conservation
Commission, Duxbury Bay Management Commission, Planning Board, Water Advisory Board and Design Review
Board for written comments and recommendations before taking final action on said Special Permit application.
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And amend Duxbury Protective Bylaw, Section 615.7 Required Procedures for Site Plan Review, by inserting
the following language, “, the Duxbury Bay Management Commission,” in 615.7 (2.) after “the
Conservation Commission” so that 615.7 (2.) reads:
Within five (5) working days of receiving a Site Plan, the Planning Director or his/her designee shall distribute copies of the Site
Plan to the Planning Board, the Department of Public Works, the Police Department, the Fire Department, Highway Safety
Committee, the Conservation Commission, the Duxbury Bay Management Commission and the Board of Health.
If the proposed activity requires a special permit, the special permit granting authority shall receive a copy of the Site Plan.
Conclusion
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DBMSC has thoroughly reviewed the current ecological
health of the Bay and its uses.
DBMSC is completing a draft report that summarizes
the current conditions of the Bay and concludes that a
management plan is critical to the Bay’s future.
A new Bay Commission will serve as “Keepers of the
Bay,” taking a broad and integrated view of uses,
activities, and Bay issues and their overall impact on the
Bay.
A new Bay Commission will serve to advise and assist
existing town committees and boards and help manage
and protect one of Duxbury’s most valuable resources.
Town Committees/Boards
Support
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Board of Selectmen
Conservation Commission
Planning Board
Zoning Board of Appeals
Finance Committee
Harbormaster Department
Duxbury Bay Management Study
Committee