Weir River ACEC Designation Document
Approximate Acreage: 950 acres
Watershed(s): Boston Harbor (Weymouth/Weir)
Municipalities: Cohasset, Hingham, and Hull
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
Maps
Maps are intended to be used with the written boundary description contained in the ACEC designation document. The mapped boundary is not to be used by itself for definitive ACEC boundary delineation or regulatory interpretation. For review of site-specific projects in or bordering the ACEC, determinations must be made in the field by a certified professional in consultation with the appropriate Conservation Commission(s) and ACEC Program Staff.