276Site ID:NewburyTown:47.3Acres:YesRapid Technical Site Assessment:RestrictionFillAgricultureOtherCompleted ProjectMediumPriority:Site consists of ~47 acres of salt marsh that is part of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife William Forward Wildlife Management Area. The access road from Hay Street to Kents Island crosses the tidal creek that feeds the salt marsh upstream to the west. A tidal survey documented a significant restriction to the site during spring tide conditions. Serveral other indicators of a tidal restriction are present, including large scour pools on either side of the bridge and significant narrowing of the tidal creek upstream of the crossing. The access road is used by DWF staff and visitors to the island, as well as a farmer who hays portions of the island. The bridge over the creek is in very poor condition and will likely require significant repairs or replacement in the near future. Restoration actions would consist of replacing the bridge with a span large enough to pass the full range of tidal flows to upstream marshes. Low, hard-bottom swales might also be created in multiple locations along the access road across the marsh to enhance conveyance of sheet flow across the road during spring tide conditions. Restoration potential is considered medium due to public ownership of the site by DFW and the imminent need for structural repairs or replacement of the existing bridge, moderated by the unknown extent and severity of effect of the restriction on the upstream marsh. See the Rapid Site Assessment for further details.Site Summary:Under DevelopmentImpact Type(s)StatusPotential Project
