Resource Inventory: Parker River/Essex Bay ACEC Project

A resource inventory was written by the CZM Fellow to identify resource trends, threats, and opportunities for restoration within the ACEC while helping regional partners prioritize future research efforts. To compile information for the resource inventory, the CZM Fellow conducted a literature review of published information and data and then interviewed scientists to collect anecdotal information and insight about research needs. In Fall 2000, CZM published the comprehensive Parker River/Essex Bay ACEC Resource Inventory, which includes information on the following subjects:

• Complete Resource Inventory (PDF, 5.6M)
  
  
• Introduction (PDF, 715K)
• ACEC characteristics and designation (PDF, 384K)
• Geology and soils (PDF, 1.8M)
• Watershed characteristics (PDF, 215K)
• Habitats of the ACEC (barrier beaches, estuarine waters, tidal flats, and salt marsh) (PDF, 1.2M)
• Biological resources (general wildlife, finfish, and shellfish) (PDF, 880K)
• Water quality (PDF, 408K)
• Land use (PDF, 1.0M)
• Open space and recreation (PDF, 855K)
• Future ecosystem research and summary (PDF, 168K)
• Literature Cited (PDF, 154K)
• Appendices (PDF, 226K)

The resource inventory also includes a comprehensive reference list categorized by subject, the ACEC designation document (PDF, 1.0M), an ACEC partner contact list (PDF, 1.3M), clam bed maps, and a list of rare species (PDF, 58K) found in the ACEC. The document also includes several GIS maps of the area's natural resources.

Scientists and resource managers can use the inventory to identify resource issues, help prioritize activities, and identify where to go for more information. Additionally, open space committees, conservation commissions, planning boards, and other community groups can use the document for making ecosystem-based decisions, updating plans, completing grant applications, and gaining a regional perspective of the ACEC.