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Weir River
Designation Date: 12/11/86
Total Approximate Acreage: 950 acres
Watershed(s): Boston Harbor (Weymouth/Weir)
Municipalities: Cohasset, Hingham, and Hull
Resource Summary
The approximately 950 acres of the Weir River ACEC
contains one of the most extensive salt marsh systems in the greater Boston
metropolitan area. The area is subject to intense development pressure.
The size of the ACEC, unlike the many small pockets of marshland that
dot the urban landscape, is able to support over 100 migratory and resident
bird species, as well as numerous small mammals. An abundance of shellfish
have been harvested historically, and continue to feed the bird populations.
The marshes and flats are also nursery and feeding areas for a wide variety
of finfish, including alewives, smelt, flounder, bluefish, and striped
bass. Flood protection is provided by the flood plains of this estuarine
system.
Although not included within the boundary of the ACEC, two important
recreational areas abut the area: the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s
Nantasket Beach, a designated barrier beach, and "World's End," a park owned and managed by the Trustees of Reservations.
Water Bodies included (partially or entirely) in the ACEC
- Harbors, Sounds, Bays: none
- Rivers: Weir River (Hingham, Hull)
- Lakes, Ponds: Straits Pond (Cohasset,
Hull)
- Brooks, Creeks: unnamed
- Barrier Beaches included in ACEC: none
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