410Site ID:NewburyTown:6.3Acres:NoRapid Technical Site Assessment:RestrictionFillAgricultureOtherCompleted ProjectMediumPriority:Site consists of a tidal brackish-fresh marsh on the Parker River that is owned by the Governor's Academy school. GIS analysis and site observation indicate that the marsh has been altered by historic agricultural activities, including construction of a farm path and earthen berms. The old farm path connects the school ballfields to an upland island to the north and crosses the marsh and a small tidal creek. The path consists of fill material and measures ~10 feet wide by 6-12 inches above marsh grade. An old granite culvert beneath the crossing appears to be in poor condition and may restrict tidal flow to, and drainage from, the upstream marsh. The path bed appears to have recently been amended in several locations with 2-5 inch rock. Old earthen berms are present at two locations at the northern edge of the site and may have been built to limit tidal exchange between the site and the Parker River to the north. Vegetation within the site differs from vegetation north of the berms. Woody vegetation, including mature cedar trees, appears to be encroaching into the interior marsh. Further assessment is need to evaluate the effect of the berms, path crossing, and granite culvert. Restoration actions could breach or remove the berms and install a new culvert beneath the access path. Restoration potential is considered medium based on the ownership by the school and relative ease of restoring full tidal influence to the site. This is one of four potential restoration sites for which baseline data will be collected and restoration options will be assessed as a result of funding CZM-WRP received through a 2008 Gulf of Maine Council / NOAA Partnership grant.Site Summary:Under DevelopmentImpact Type(s)StatusPotential Project
