Open Space & Recreation Plan Kingston, MA by Aitan Mizrahi

Open Space & Recreation Plan Update Kingston, Massachusetts 2015

Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Kingston, Massachusetts 2015

The Conway School Winter 2015 Jeff Frisch ⁞⁞ Aitan Mizrahi ⁞⁞ Dave Weber

Local cranberries shared by a resident.

We would like to thank all those who engaged with the process of updating the town’s open space and recreation plan, establishing the goals and priorities that will set the trajectory for Kingston’s conservation and recreational efforts. We are grateful to town residents, especially those who braved the cold nights to help articulate the community’s goals. We would like to thank Maureen Thomas, Conservation Agent, and Brandi Gordon, Conservation Agent Assistant, in addition to the core working group: Susan Woodworth, Recreation Director Jim Parker, Conservation Chairman Gary Langenbach, Conservation Commissioner Marilyn Kozodoy, Conservation & Community Preservation Committee Vice Chair Bill Underhill, Conservation Commissioner Tom Bott, Town Planner Pine du Bois, Jones River Watershed Association Executive Director Craig Dalton, Chairman of Community Preservation Committee & Historic Commission Tim Dalia, Open Space Committee Chairman

All photographs, except as otherwise credited, are courtesy of the Town of Kingston.

Contents Section 1: Plan Summary ..................................................................................................................... 1 Section 2: Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3 Section 3: Community Setting ............................................................................................................ 8 Section 4: Environmental Inventory and Analysis ........................................................................ 46 Section 5: Inventory of Lands of Conservation and Recreation Interest .................................. 82 Section 6: Community Vision ........................................................................................................... 91 Section 7: Analysis of Needs ............................................................................................................. 95 Section 8: Goals and Objectives ..................................................................................................... 101 Section 9: Seven-Year Action Plan................................................................................................. 103 Appendix #1 : Survey Results Appendix #2: Kingston BioMAP2 Appendix #3: Open Space Inventory Appendix #4: Public Forum

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

A cherished water resource in Kingston Pine Brook Reservoir at Cranberry Watershed Preserve

Section 1: Plan Summary

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 1: PLAN SUMMARY

The Town of Kingston aspires to protect ecologically valuable lands as open space, provide a full array of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities, and maintain its rich cultural and natural heritage – all of which will help to preserve the town’s character. The 2015 Open Space and Recreation Plan Update provides the town a guide to best meet the town’s open space, conservation, and recreation needs over the next seven years. The development of the 2015 OSRP Update relied on a process involving residents of the town, key stakeholders, non-profits, and municipal officials. Additionally, the Kingston Conservation Commission, Recreation Commission, and Open Space Committee have identified guiding principles for the town to follow as it considers its open space and recreational future. Through community engagement, several trends became apparent: 



To that end, the Town of Kingston, in cooperation with its private, state, and federal partners, should:

People highly value the existing open space for its ecological and recreational value.



Both passive and active recreational opportunities are important to residents and visitors alike.

Continue to provide passive and active recreation areas, facilities, and programming that meet the needs of all age and ability groups.

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Develop communication strategies that inform residents about the town’s existing passive and active recreational programs, facilities, and activities.

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Actively steward open space lands through collaborative efforts with municipal and private entities.



Work in partnership with land trusts and state agencies to conserve the town’s natural resources.



Protect the town’s many natural resources while providing opportunities for growth.



Preserve scenic, cultural, and ecological resources to ensure the rural character and regional identity of the town.



Many residents mentioned they didn’t know about many of the open space properties and that some are hard to find and access.



Conservation for wildlife is of greatest interest and acquiring more lands for conservation is also important to the residents.

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The residents love their community and its rural, small town character.

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Drinking water protection was highest ranked priority.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 1: PLAN SUMMARY

Section 2: Introduction

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION

A. Statement of Purpose The Town of Kingston is committed to preserving ecologically valuable open spaces and a diverse array of recreational facilities for the well-being of all who call Kingston home. The 2015 plan, an update to the 2008 plan, will help guide future planning and development and help establish criteria for effective stewardship of Kingston’s open space and recreational facilities. This 2015 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) for the Town of Kingston:  Updates the town’s 2008 OSRP in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services.  Assesses natural and recreational resources within the town and inventories existing open space and recreation facilities.  Incorporates the community’s input in order to address its needs, ensure public buy-in, and distribute environmental and recreational assets equitably.  Articulates goals and action items for open space and recreation planning.  Includes examples of successful models for smart growth and broad-scale town planning. Kingston’s original Open Space and Recreation Plan was approved and adopted in 1987. Additional updates were written in 1995, 2001, and 2008. This update incorporates action items not completed from the previous version and puts forth new action items.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION

B. Planning Process and Public Participation In the Fall of 2014, Kingston began updating its Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). A series of public forums, interviews with key stakeholders, and a town-wide survey helped to identify Kingston’s OSRP priorities. The process, per guidelines put forth by the Massachusetts Division of Conversation Services, also included extensive analysis of ecological, demographic, and development features in the town. To assist in the preparation of this update, the town of Kingston’s Conservation Commission contracted with the Conway School. Graduate students from the school developed the required maps, facilitated public forums, and assisted in the development of goals, objectives, and actions based on data trends, comments from the public, and previous OSRP priorities. In addition, a core working group of town officials and volunteers (listed below) was created to develop and implement the OSRP survey, review draft chapters and provide updated facts and figures.

“Wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!” —Resident’s response at Public Forum #1

PUBLIC FORUM #1 (DATA GATHERING) On February 5th, 2015, a public forum was held at Town Hall to gather community input about the future of Kingston’s open space, recreational facilities, and programs. The forum was publicized via email notification, flyers posted at various locations throughout the town, on the Town’s website, and on multiple Facebook pages. The forum was attended by fifteen community members, fourteen of whom lived in Kingston and one of whom works at the Silver Lake Regional Middle School and lives in an adjacent town. The attendees were divided into four smaller groups, each of which was given a map of the town. They were asked to identify valuable features and sites, their current uses, and any missing components. Groups were also asked to suggest new features and sites that would be beneficial to the community. The forum was very helpful in beginning to identify the community’s goals for current and future open spaces and recreational facilities. This forum was broadcast live on local television.

The core working group:  Maureen Thomas, Conservation Agent  Susan Woodworth, Recreation Director  Jim Parker, Conservation Chairman  Gary Langenbach, Conservation Commissioner  Marilyn Kozodoy, Conservation & Community Preservation Committee Vice Chair  Bill Underhill, Conservation Commissioner  Tom Bott, Town Planner  Pine du Bois, Jones River Watershed Association Executive Director  Craig Dalton, Chairman of Community Preservation Committee & Historic Commission  Tim Dalia, Open Space Committee Chairman Public participation was achieved in two ways: a townwide survey and public forums.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION SURVEY A survey was created by the Conservation Commission to encourage community input and enhance outreach. The survey was first shared with the community in late November 2014; full-scale advertising began later in December. Most surveys were completed online. Paper copies were made available at Town Hall, the Kingston Public Library, and the Recreation Department at the Reed Community Building. This survey allowed citizens to give their suggestions for various open space opportunities and issues. It was open for thirteen weeks and was completed by 252 people, or 1.8 percent of the town’s population. A complete summary of survey responses is located in Appendix 1: Survey Results.

SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION

A vibrant discussion and mapping exercise during Public Forum #1 at Town Hall.

PUBLIC FORUM #2 (RESPONSES TO DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS) On March 5th, 2015, a follow-up public forum was held at Town Hall to present action item recommendations and receive feedback from community members. During the two-hour forum, the Conway School students presented the data they had compiled and analysis of existing conditions. At the end of the presentation, a map of the town was shown with eleven proposed action items. Each item corresponded to an area on the map in need of attention. Individual attendees were asked to prioritize the eleven action items based on their concerns for Kingston’s open space and recreational future. A total of sixteen residents participated in Public Forum #2 including one Boy Scout. The forum was broadcast live on local television. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE POPULATIONS There are no state-recognized Environmental Justice Populations in Kingston. PUBLIC COMMENT Note to Town: insert information about public review and ADA Self-Evaluation here.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION

Section 3: Community Setting

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION

A. Regional Context LOCATION Kingston is located in Plymouth County, halfway between Boston and Cape Cod. It covers a land area of 19.5 square miles, and has a population of 12,629 as of the 2010 U.S. Census. It shares borders with Duxbury to the north, Pembroke to the northwest, Plympton to the west, Carver to the southwest, and Plymouth to the south. There are about two miles of oceanfront located on Kingston Bay in the northeast of the town. Kingston Bay connects to Plymouth Bay and eventually to Cape Cod Bay. Kingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proximity to the ocean, along with its other natural and cultural features, make it a diverse and attractive town. Kingston, Plymouth, and other historic towns on the South Shore are popular tourist destinations. Kingston has several major highways running through it including Route 3, which connects Boston to Cape Cod, and Route 44, which connects Route 495 to the coast and Route 3. Kingston is host to a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) station with parking for up to 1,300 cars. This rail gives commuters from Kingston and points to the south an alternative to automobiles for northern travel. This is especially important because many of Kingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residents travel outside of town for work. WATER RESOURCES Kingston has a diverse range of water resources, many of which it shares with bordering towns. The Jones River is completely contained within the border of the town, originating from Silver Lake and emptying into Kingston Bay. The lake is bordered by three other towns: Plympton, Halifax, and Pembroke. The flow of the river can be affected, most often in the summer, by large water withdrawals from the City of Brockton, which uses the lake as its principle water supply.

The Plymouth-Carver Sole-Source Aquifer extends into Kingston and is a regional water supply that underlies Plymouth, Carver, Kingston, Wareham, Plympton, Middleborough, and Bourne. The quality and quantity of water in the aquifer is dependent upon the stewardship of the towns that overlay the aquifer, making regional efforts to protect it a necessity. RECREATION AND SCHOOLS Kingston has become a regional hub for recreation and education. The Opachinski Sports Complex is used for various team sports and attracts regional tournaments because of its numerous fields. These tournaments bring many people into town during the summer months. The town is located at the southern terminus of the 200mile Bay Circuit Trail, which begins in Newbury and skirts around the Boston Metropolitan Area and passes through several open space areas in Kingston before reaching Kingston Bay. This trail is a great opportunity for cross-border access to open space and regional travel for humans and wildlife, making it a valuable regional asset. It is a good example of a multi-town effort to develop a recreational resource. The town is home to the regional Silver Lake High School, which serves Kingston, Plympton, and Halifax. It is one of the largest employers in town. The school campus and abutting property contain passive and active open space opportunities that are often used by students, including a corridor between large open spaces along the regional Bay Circuit Trail.

The area around Kingston Bay is bordered by Duxbury Bay and Plymouth Bay, often referred to collectively as the Bay. Over the past several decades, the water quality in the bay has been greatly improved due to the Clean Water Act which has required Kingston and neighboring towns to take various actions to improve water quality. As a result, shellfish populations have been restored and after many years of bans, both recreational and commercial shellfishing are once again permitted. KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

Regional Context

Map 3A

B. History of the Community “Leave this village, with its shaded streets and quiet life, cross the bridge whose double arches span the Jones River, turn sharp to the right, bearing to the left after you have crossed a shallow trout brook, and follow the sandy road through thickets murmurous with insect life, through pine woods with the fragrance of balsam in their breath, skirting the shore of Smelt Pond, stopping a moment, if you please, to notice the easy, graceful sweep of an eagle that, startled from some resting place, lifts himself on mighty pinions, as if he scorned the earth, into the blue of the heavens, and then, almost breaking your way through scrub-oak and birches and alder bushes, climb the narrow path whose sharp ascent brings you to the summit of Monk's Hill. Now look about you! You turn almost instinctively to the ocean, but look landward. Far down into the valley, far away to the horizon, south and west, stretches for miles and miles an untravelled wilderness. It needs no extravagant fancy to imagine that thus it looked a hundred and fifty years ago. You see no indication of human life. There are shaded woods where the Indian today might live, and coverts where the timid deer may hide. With any thought of the past in our mind, we cannot fail to be impressed with its lonely and untamed solitude." —Excerpt from the Report of the Proceedings and Exercises at the Celebration of the 150th Anniversary, Kingston, MA, June 27th, 1876 The history of Kingston's land use began long before the arrival of Europeans. The mouth of the Jones River is thought to have been a "regionally significant" source of marine resources for inhabitants in late prehistoric times (EPA, 1983). At that time, the coast was further out into what is now Kingston Bay, as far as Stellwagen Bank, as a result of lower sea levels due to water held in glaciers. Native Americans lived along the Jones River and on Bay Farm for at least 8,000 years. They were drawn to the area for the rich resources of fish, shellfish, and aquatic mammals found in the ocean, Jones River, and Silver Lake. The abundant resources allowed for permanent settlements and denser populations. The Native American sites were noticed as early as 1603 by explorer Martin Pring who navigated the Jones River. Native Americans were present at the time of European arrival and were displaced due to war, disease, and resettlement. Significant Native American sites have been identified at many locations throughout Kingston. These areas are not only important for their significance to the local area, but are some of the earliest archaeological sites in the region. These sites should be protected and studied carefully out of respect for the tribes and their culture in addition to their historical significance.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

European settlement in what we now know as Kingston began as land grants within the north precinct of Plymouth Colony. The area has been settled since 1620 and was known as the Jones River Village in the north precinct. Many of these earliest settlers arrived on the Mayflower to settle the area because of fertile lowlands and abundant aquatic resources, and early development was centered around agriculture and fishing. Kingston Center was originally located closer to the ocean due to maritime commerce taking place within the town and from Europe. Some other early commercial ventures were salt works, fish curing, and a soap factory. This center, along with surrounding villages, was incorporated as the town of Kingston in 1726 as residents sought greater autonomy and created schools and meeting houses. The commercial activities of the 1700s and 1800s molded the surface of the land in southeastern Massachusetts into what we see today. The natural waterways and timber supplies made Kingston a great place for mills and shipbuilding. Many fishing boats and two warships of the Revolution were built here: the Mars and Independence. Kingston’s artist Helen Foster’s rendition of the latter

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

appears on the Kingston Town Seal. The Independence was built in Kingston in 1776 at the Jones River Shipyard at Landing. The decline in timber and emerging demand for larger ships that needed larger shipyards led to the decline of Kingston’s shipbuilding. Despite this, some shipbuilding has continued, and the shipyard on Landing Road is said to be the oldest continuously operating shipbuilding site in the U.S.. It is now owned by a nonprofit and operated as Jones River Landing Environmental Heritage Center. As shipbuilding declined, other industries became more important, especially those that relied on bog iron. Bog iron, as it is locally referred to, is limonite, an iron ore source. Created by natural processes in wetlands and ponds, bog iron is abundant in Kingston and surrounding towns. The early forge-related industries relied upon this local raw material to manufacture iron-based products including anchors for clipper ships built in Kingston shipyards. The anchor on the Town Seal represents the anchor works that were also located on the Jones River at the Wapping Road Triphammer Forge, and at Silver Lake at the Forge Pond dam now owned by the City of Brockton. Later iron-related manufacturing developments centered on shovels, chain links, nails and tacks (used for shipbuilding and later boots), and cannonballs. Timber was an important part of this process as charcoal was needed to help produce iron goods. Some of the other early local industries were mills that made textiles, pottery, and sawmills. Development of a railroad and trolleys along with these more inland industries moved the town away from the mouth of the Jones River, creating the town center we see today. The increase in these industries demanded a larger work force and Kingston’s population grew quickly during this time. This led to a diversification of ethnicity and religion during the period, a diversity not matched in the current population. Silver Lake had also been a very important part of the town. Ice harvesting in the winter months and tourism in

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

the summer were economic drivers. As a means of advertising, the name of Silver Lake had been changed from the Jones River Pond to help draw tourists, and to sell ice. A walk in Kingston’s forests can become an adventure in history as one stumbles upon abandoned mill sites, stands of trees in square patterns (evidence of past bogs and pastures), and long, straight ridges where railroad spurs once transported the products of the land. As previously stated, lumbering of mature oak and pine woods supported a large shipbuilding industry. Eventually, most of the woodlands were transformed into cleared pastures. The forests we see today are those that eventually overtook the pastures when farming subsided. Retaining ponds and channels seen today are largely the remnants of mill sites. Silver Lake and the bogs associated with the Jones River and its tributaries became sources of bog iron for iron foundries. Once excavated, these bogs provided perfect sites for cranberry bog development in the 1800s. Waterways developed for powering the iron industry provided the water necessary for cranberry growing.

Old Forge building on Forge Pond before Brockton built the dam in 1905

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

C: Population Characteristics Kingston is a small suburban community with a median income of $82,661, 10.1% higher than the county and 23.6% higher than the state. The largest segment of the population (30.1%) is between the ages of 45 and 64. An aging population requires easier access to town open spaces and recreational facilities. With the economic downturn in 2008, housing and commercial development slowed significantly. In the past few years, population growth and new homes built on one-acre lots or larger have begun to increase suburban sprawl pressures. The location of a commuter rail station in town has the potential to spur residential and commercial development. POPULATION GROWTH The total population of Kingston as of the 2010 Census is 12,629, which represents a 7.2% increase since 2000. The population growth of 7.2% is lower than the 9% experienced by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and lower than the 9.7% experienced by the United States. Yet, amongst neighboring towns Kingston had the second highest rate of growth from 2000 to 2010 (7.2%),

following Plymouth (9.2%). Although the patterns show an overall slowing of population growth for the region, Kingston may potentially experience more population growth than its neighbors because of the commuter rail station in town. If overall population growth trends upwards, the demands on open space and recreational facilities may increase.

U.S. Census 1950 - 2010: Population Growth in Kingston and Neighboring Towns Year 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Pembroke Carver Duxbury Plympton Plymouth Kingston Population % Change Population % Change Population % Change Population % Change Population % Change Population % Change 2,579 50.1% 1,530 4.2% 3,167 34.3% 697 31.0% 13,608 3.9% 3,461 24.4% 4,919 90.7% 1,949 27.4% 4,727 49.3% 821 17.8% 14,445 6.2% 4,302 24.3% 11,193 127.5% 2,420 24.2% 7,636 61.5% 1,224 49.1% 18,606 28.8% 5,999 39.4% 13,487 20.5% 6,988 188.8% 11,807 54.6% 1,974 61.3% 35,913 93.0% 7,362 22.7% 14,544 7.8% 10,590 51.5% 13,895 17.7% 2,384 20.8% 45,608 27.0% 9,045 22.9% 16,927 16.4% 11,163 5.4% 14,248 2.5% 2,637 10.6% 51,701 13.4% 11,780 30.2% 17,837 5.4% 11,509 3.1% 15,059 5.7% 2,820 6.9% 56,468 9.2% 12,629 7.2%

Source:www.census.gov

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

AGE The overall median age in Kingston has increased over the past ten years. The largest percentage of the population (30.1%) is between the ages of 45 and 64.

As this population ages over the next seven years, easier access to town open space and recreational facilities will be needed.

U.S. Census 2000 and 2010: Age Demographics in Kingston

Kingston (2000) AGE Total population Under 5 years 5 to 9 years 10 to 14 years 15 to 19 years 20 to 24 years 25 to 34 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 54 years 55 to 59 years 60 to 64 years 65 to 74 years 75 to 84 years 85 years and over Median age (years)

Kingston (2010) # 11,780 986 937 888 639 391 1,508 2,210 1,684 582 354 729 611 261

% 100 8.4 8 7.5 5.4 3.3 12.8 18.8 14.3 4.9 3 6.2 5.2 2.2

GROUP %

29.3

34.9

22.2 14.4

37.2

Source:www.census.gov

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

AGE Total population Under 5 years 5 to 9 years 10 to 14 years 15 to 19 years 20 to 24 years 25 to 29 years 30 to 34 years 35 to 39 years 40 to 44 years 45 to 49 years 50 to 54 years 55 to 59 years 60 to 64 years 65 to 69 years

# % 12,629 100 695 5.5 929 7.4 985 7.8 838 6.6 588 4.7 515 4.1 530 4.2 760 6 1,076 8.5 1,121 8.9 1,059 8.4 865 6.8 755 6 564 4.5

70 to 74 years 75 to 79 years 80 to 84 years 85 years and over

353 326 292 378

Median age (years)

42.3

2.8 2.6 2.3 3

GROUP %

27.3

27.5

30.1

12.2

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE POPULATION “Environmental justice is the equal protection and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits.” –mass.gov

population, located in a neighboring town. (Plymouth)

According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, an Environmental Justice Population refers to a neighborhood whose annual median household income is equal to or less than 65% of the statewide median or in which 25% of the population are Minority, Foreign Born, or Lacking English Language Proficiency (English Isolation). 

As of 2010, there are no Environmental Justice (EJ) populations within the town’s boundaries according to Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

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Within 10 miles of the center of Kingston there is only one small patch of low-income

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Within 20 miles of the center of Kingston there are two large patches, primarily ethnic minority populations located in other towns (Brockton and Randolph).

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Within 30 miles of the center of Kingston EJ populations become more dense and common especially in Boston.

Because there are no state-identified Environmental Justice populations in Kingston, preservation and maintenance of existing and new open space land will not have to take into account rectification of past environmental injustices on neighborhoods composed of lower-income, ethnic minorities, foreign-born, and/or non-proficient English speakers. Even though the state does not mandate any protection for populations in Kingston from environmental hazards, the Town should prioritize providing all citizens with a safe environment.

U.S. Census 2010: Racial Demographics in Kingston

Kingston RACE Total Population One Race Two or More Races

# 12,629 12,467 162

% 100 98.7 1.3

Plymouth County RACE Total Population One Race Two or More Races

White Black or African American Hispanic or Latino (of any race) Asian American Indian and Alaska Native Some Other Race

12,137 133 140 116 14 66

96.1 White 1.1 Black or African American 1.1 Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 0.9 Asian 0.1 American Indian and Alaska Native 0.5 Some Other Race

# 494,919 482,128 12,791

% 100 97.4 2.6

423,133 35,608 15,619 5,974 1213 16,064

85.5 7.2 3.2 1.2 0.2 3.2

Source:www.census.gov

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

MAJOR INDUSTRIES, EMPLOYERS, AND EMPLOYMENT TRENDS The largest employers in town are Kingston Collection (retail mall); Wingate at Silver Lake (assisted living center); Kingston Elementary School, Kingston Intermediate School, Silver Lake Regional Middle School, Silver Lake Regional High School, and Silver Lake Regional School District.

Over 35% of Kingston residents commute to work somewhere outside of the county and spend a median time of 32.6 minutes on the road commuting to work.

American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2009-2013: Top Industries in Kingston

Type of Industry Retail trade Health care and social assistance Educational services Finance and insurance Accommodation and food services

# of Employees 869 834 687 568 514

Source:www.census.gov

Based on 2013 American Community Services 5-year Estimates, the median household income was $82,661, and the median family income was $91,902. Males had a median income of $66,250 versus $48,772 for females. About 3.3% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.7% of those under age 18 and 12.5% of those age 65 or over. According to the

Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the town unemployment rate, as of December 2014, was at 4.7%. Citizens living below the poverty line and/or unemployed should be given equitable access to new and existing open space and recreational facilities.

Source:www.census.gov

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

D. Growth and Development Patterns PATTERNS AND TRENDS Kingston is primarily a residential town with relatively little commercial or industrial development. There is also significant agricultural land use, the majority of which is in the form of cranberry bogs. Commercial development is concentrated in three areas. The oldest of these stretches north along Route 3A from Kingston Center, where the post office and several businesses catering to local customers are clustered, to the newer shopping plazas at the junction of Routes 3A and 53. The second area, stretching east from the junction of Routes 3 and 3A at exit 9 to the Plymouth line, takes the form of classic strip development, including an auto service mall. The third area is west of Route 3 at its intersection with Smith Lane. This area contains one large regional shopping mall, auto dealerships, and a few other varied businesses. Industrial development is located predominantly to the northwest of this third commercial cluster. This property has been a sand and gravel mining operation and construction waste site since the early 1980s. Little additional industrial development has taken place on it. In an effort to stimulate development other than mining, the Town re-zoned it from Industrial to Mixed-Use to accommodate the 1021 Kingston Place transit oriented development. The 1021 Kingston Place project has not as of yet come to fruition, though its building permit is still active. In 2007, the Town created a wind power overlay district covering this property as well as the now-capped landfill. Four large wind turbines have been installed on the property in addition to a fifth, town-owned turbine, which was installed on the capped landfill adjacent to the transfer station. The MBTA Regional Old Colony Rail commuter station and rail yard are located on the northwest side of this property. Together, the train station and renewable energy installation in this area make it a prime showcase of more sustainable practices in Kingston.

Rocky Nook, with more sparse residential development along some of the main roads. Since then, it has transformed noticeably. The town is now characterized by increasingly fragmented tracts of undeveloped land interspersed with housing subdivisions (see orthophotos from1995 & 2014). These subdivisions are predominantly located in the western part of town. Although Kingston itself has not experienced significant commercial development since 2008, there have been large commercial/industrial developments across Kingston’s southwest and southeast borders in Plympton and Plymouth respectively, which have, in combination with Route 44, put significant development pressure on the town’s largest remaining undeveloped tract located in its southern tip. Town facilities such as the library, Reed Community Building, police station, and several local churches are located to the south of Kingston Center. The Town Hall, the new Senior Center, the Department of Streets, Trees, and Parks, and Animal Control are located on Evergreen Street just west of the town center. While most community facilities are centralized around downtown Kingston, two fire stations—one staffed on Route 27 and one mostly unstaffed on Smith’s Lane—are located strategically near commercial areas.

Twenty years ago, Kingston’s landscape was dominated by largely contiguous forested tracts. Dense development was concentrated for the most part in and around the historic town center and areas along the coast such as

The Kingston Intermediate School, which sits behind the elementary school, has been able to accommodate recent population growth. The Silver Lake Regional High School District reorganized after Pembroke withdrew and built its own school. In 2005, Kingston built a new middle school adjacent to the high school and completely renovated the high school building in cooperation with Plympton and Halifax, the remaining members of the region. A new playing field complex was constructed, partially on land purchased from the Kingston municipal portion of Cranberry Watershed Preserve. Further population growth would create a need for larger municipal facilities and schools that, due to the lack of available space, may require their relocation away from the center of town.

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

A Conservation/Cluster Residential Development by-law was passed at the 1996 Annual Town Meeting. At the May 2000 Annual Town Meeting, the Residential Development Encouraging Open Space (RDEOS.), Planned Residential Development (PRD), and Planned Residential Development for Seniors (PRDS) bylaws were passed. The intent of these bylaws is threefold: to encourage the clustering of houses at higher densities; to reduce impervious surfaces; and to protect meaningful open space while still allowing for growth. Kingston continues to experience significant population growth and accompanying demand for new housing (see recent upward trend in building permits issued in the Building Permits Issued Since 2000 table). Much of the building currently under way is located within the R80 district (residential within the water supply contribution area), where the minimum lot size is 2 acres instead of 1. These developments are also on the outer fringes of town. In order to avoid the detrimental effects of continued sprawl, the Town must carefully consider what ecologically valuable land is still available and move to acquire it or otherwise protect it through conservation restrictions. In addition, the Town should consider amending its Zoning Bylaw so as to promote higher density mixed-use developments in close proximity to the train station and downtown areas. Doing so will allow for population growth, provide stimulation for the local economy that is less dependent on fossil fuel consumption, and relieve some of the development pressure currently being exerted on much of the remaining undeveloped, ecologically important land in town.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

Building Permits Issued Since 2000

Year

Single Family Dwellings

Commercial

2000

n/a

2001

n/a

2002

n/a

2003

n/a

2004

n/a

2005

n/a

2006

n/a

2007

n/a

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

INFRASTRUCTURE Transit Several major highway routes merge in the area surrounding Kingston Center. Routes 27 and 106 connect Kingston to the towns to the west and eventually lead to the city of Brockton. Route 80 provides a link to West Plymouth and Route 44 via Route 58. Routes 3A and 53 provide local access to the north to Duxbury and the Hanover area. To the east, Route 3A provides access to the business districts of North Plymouth and Plymouth Center. Route 3 provides easy access to Cape Cod to the south and Boston to the north. Route 44 provides a direct link from the west to Route 3. The large commercial and industrial developments in Plympton and Plymouth are direct results of the Route 44 reroute. The MBTA commuter rail provides access from Plymouth to Boston. There is a major regional station in Kingston with parking for up to 1,300 cars. Additional public transportation is provided by the GATRA bus service, which links Kingston and Plymouth center shopping and business areas as well as points along main routes. Water Supply Systems Most of Kingston's residents are served by the Kingston Water Department, which has seven gravel-packed wells and three storage tanks to serve its customers. These wells are located off South Street, Smith's Lane, Soule’s Pond, Mill Gate Road (two well sites), across from Independence Mall, and on Route 80 at Trackle Pond. In November 2014, the Town added a manganese removal plant to the Trackle Pond well. An eighth well, located off of Winthrop Street, was shut down in 1989 due to contamination from a nearby dry cleaner and gas station. The town reached a settlement with the Exxon Corporation in 2000-2001 and the contamination has since been remediated. The Town considered bringing the Winthrop Street well back online in 2013 to minimize the pressure on the Trackle Pond well, but found the manganese concentrations to be even higher than those found at Trackle Pond. The Town’s water storage tanks are located off Elm Street at the southerly junction with Indian Pond Road; off Smith's Lane across from the Fire Station; and on the property of Silver Lake Regional High

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

School (a two-million-gallon tank constructed in 2001 to serve northwest Kingston). Kingston’s abundant wetlands and forested areas provide critical ecological services in the form of groundwater recharge and filtration, which helps maintain drinking water quality. Undeveloped lands that fall within the zones of contribution for the Town’s wells should be prioritized for formal conservation, as the services they provide are not easily replaced once lost and are critical to the well-being of Kingston’s current and future inhabitants. On a regional scale, Kingston has always had, and expects to have in the future, enough drinking water within its geographic borders to fulfill its residents’ needs until full build-out is reached. Some neighboring municipalities are not so fortunate. The likely long-term solution to the water supply issue is a regional approach. The City of Brockton draws (as it has done for approximately 100 years) its drinking water from Silver Lake. Over the past century, Brockton has increased its demand on this resource, attempting several times, unsuccessfully, to secure additional water from the Jones River basin. The use of Silver Lake as a water supply source has a drastic effect on the headwaters of the Jones River. Lowering the lake level diminishes downstream flow and has a significant impact on the local environment. Through the Acts of 1964, the capacity of the Silver Lake water supply has been augmented by the diversion of waters from Monponsett and Furnace Ponds and is linked by a 24" pipe to Kingston's Pine Brook reservoir one mile east. Pine Brook is a vital tributary to the Jones River. Diversion for six months of any calendar year is allowed by Chapter 21G, the Water Management Act, only if deemed necessary by a proclamation of Emergency by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. In 1992, the State Water Resources Commission denied Brockton a permanent transfer from Pine Brook because of its importance to the Jones River. In 1998 Kingston purchased the Cranberry Watershed Preserve—the 270-acre former Kelleher land that encompasses the Pine Brook reservoir and diversion site. Thus it would be very difficult for the City of

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

Brockton to ever implement a diversion from this site without Kingston’s assent and participation. Sewer System Kingston’s sewage treatment system is fairly limited in its extent, serving Rocky Nook, the downtown area, and areas along Route 3A (see Sewer Map - 3D.3). Shortly after its construction, the owners of many homes within its service area made significant upgrades/additions to their properties, which have pushed the system to its maximum capacity. Any future infill development in the downtown area or Smart Growth development in the downtown/train station area will require either the expansion of the existing system’s capacity or the construction of new site-specific treatment solutions. Solid Waste Disposal The former landfill has been capped and closed. Most of the town’s solid waste is compacted at the landfill and transported to SEMASS in Rochester, MA, for disposal. Residents must bring their solid waste to the facility, or they may contract with a private collection company for curbside pickup. The town is transporting its construction and demolition material to a landfill in Bourne, under a Memorandum of Agreement.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

Ortho Map 1995

In 1995, large tracts of undeveloped land define much of Kingston.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

Ortho Map 2014

In 2014, considerable development is evident, and remaining undeveloped lands become more fragmented. Route 44 has been expanded and rerouted through a large contiguous forested area. Commercial/industrial across the town border have expanded.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

Transportation Infrastructure

Map 3D.1

Silver Lake

Kingston Bay Jon es R iver

Several major highway routes converge in the area surrounding Kingston Center. In addition, the MBTA commuter rail connects Plymouth to Boston via a major regional station in Kingston, which has parking for 1,300 cars. The train station is a regional asset that Kingston could more thoroughly capitalize on by encouraging residential and mixed-use development on appropriate lands within walking and biking distance of it. This would not only allow more people to live within walking distance of downtown, but it would also offer opportunities for businesses to capitalize on the significant out-of-town commuter traffic that comes to and from the station daily. In addition, efforts to connect open space properties to the train station via trails and/or marked walking/biking routes could also make Kingston a more appealing tourist destination for visitors arriving by train.

MBTA Station

Water Supply Protection Zones Map 3D.2 Silver Lake

Kingston Bay Jon es R iver

The majority of southern Kingston falls within Zone II of the Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drinking water supply watershed, offering protection to six of the Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seven active wells. An additional Zone II in the northeast corner of town protects the seventh. The recharge areas in the southern part of town are the basis for the R-80 zoning district, which has the highest minimum building lot size out of the residential districts (2 acres per residence). This helps to preserve the infiltration capacity of these zones, but also leads to more spread out developments. By actively pursuing the permanent protection of undeveloped lands within these areas, the Town could further secure the quality of its drinking water supply. Given that Kingston shares the Plymouth-Carver Sole Source Aquifer with several other towns, it is crucial that cooperative efforts be made to protect its recharge areas to the greatest possible extent.

Waste Water Infrastructure Map 3D.3 Silver Lake

Kingston Bay Jones River

Kingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sewer system serves a small area focused around the Jones River estuary, Rocky Nook, and the Route 3A corridor. This system was constructed in an effort to improve water quality in the Jones River and in the bay beyond, which had suffered the effects of septic system failures for many years. Upon its completion, many property owners within its service area made improvements/ additions to their homes, which rapidly pushed the system to its capacity. In order to make an expansion of the Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Smart Growth District around the train station a possibility, additional sewage treatment capacity will most likely be necessary. This could be assessed during the 2015 Master Plan Update process.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS Kingston has not undertaken a full build-out analysis since the year 2000, but will complete one as part of the Kingston Master Plan update in 2015. Considering the level of development prior to the OSRP Update (and economic crash) in 2008 and the more recent uptick in building permits, the Town may need to conduct a new study in order to better inform future planning efforts. This is particularly relevant considering the upcoming Master Plan Update. For the purposes of this document as it relates to Kingston’s existing and potential open space and recreation assets, it is useful to identify those lands that are at greatest risk of residential development and which of those have the highest conservation value. This analysis will also serve to identify areas that may be most appropriate for future growth. The analysis is informed by three assumptions. First, continued low-density residential development is the single greatest threat to Kingston’s remaining undeveloped lands, as well as to the connectivity and integrity of its existing open space lands. With this in mind, the analysis focuses on parcels zoned R-20, R-40, and R-80 (see Zoning Map - 3D.4) since these are the areas that (a) are most prone to continuing development and (b) contain the most of Kingston’s undeveloped lands. The second assumption is that existing open space properties, town-owned parcels, and areas zoned “conservation” are relatively safe from development (it is understood that publicly owned property could be developed in the future, but doing so would require public input and is unlikely to occur). The third assumption is that wetlands and their respective buffers pose a significant enough obstacle to construction in most cases as to make them less likely to be developed, especially in areas where they provide critical ecological services to public water supplies.

above are used to eliminate other areas (see Map 3D.7). The resulting remaining parcels are to be considered highly at-risk for development. Next, a number of ecological limitations are applied. These include BioMAP2 and the C.A.P.S. Index of Ecological Integrity as well as Natural Resource Conservation Service analyses of soil conditions as they relate to suitability for structures, septic fields, and agriculture. Those parcels that fall within areas identified as core habitat and/or having high ecological integrity are not currently protected and should, therefore, be given high priority for formal conservation through outright acquisition or conservation restrictions. Once these filters have been applied, the remaining lands are the best candidates for future residential development, as they lack significant legal or ecological limitations to development. Some of these minimally limited lands coincide with prime agricultural soils (see Map 4A.3). These should be given special consideration for uses that will not negatively impact their future viability for agriculture or, better yet, that will benefit directly from their fertility. One example of such use would be the construction of new playing fields, which could be managed with minimal chemical inputs and which would avoid excessively compacting the soils. It is important to note that the viability of those parcels identified as “Large Enough to Subdivide” is dependent on there being adequate road frontage for an additional building lot(s). It is beyond the scope of this analysis to determine whether or not such frontage exists. Nevertheless, it is useful to see those areas in which further investigation should be undertaken in an effort to identify parcels where infill development could be done.

The analysis first eliminates those R-20, R-40, and R-80 parcels that are (a) undeveloped, but too small to have at least one residence built on them given the zoning requirements, or (b) have existing structures on them but are too small to be sub-divided. The results are shown in Map 3D.5. Next, the two additional assumptions listed

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 3: COMMUNITY SETTING

Zoning

Map 3D.4

Silver Lake

Kingston Bay

The majority of Kingston is zoned for residential development. The R-80, R-40, and R-20 districts require lot sizes of 2 acres, 1 acre, and 1 acre per residence, respectively. The Smart Growth Overlay district adjacent to the train station is the one area in which higherdensity, mixed-use development is currently permitted. The expansion of the Smart Growth Overlay District to an area within a one-mile radius of the train station could allow for significant additional residential development within walking/biking distance of the train station, town center, mall, and significant open space. In addition, infill development on parcels around the town center that are large enough to accommodate it could add vitality to the downtown business district and reduce residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; need for cars to run daily errands. In parts of town further from the center, the continued implementation of density bonus programs such as Residential Development Encouraging Open Space should be used to cluster development and establish adjacent protected open space areas.

MBTA Station

Parcels Large Enough for Building Lot(s) or Subdivision(s) Map 3D.5 Silver Lake

Kingston Bay

These parcels, zoned R-20, R-40, and R-80, are large enough to accommodate at least one residence or additional residential building lots (provided that there is adequate road frontage, which must be determined on a per parcel basis). These parcels are primarily located in three dense clumps in the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northwest, west central, and southern regions as well as another more diffuse cluster in the east central part of town. The largest of these is in the southern tip of town These parcels are the most likely lots to be developed at low density and at the expense of open space, making them an appropriate baseline for further development risk analysis.

Developable Parcels and Wetland Limitations Map 3D.6 Silver Lake

Kingston Bay Jon es R iver

Wetlands cover a significant portion of Kingston, especially across its northern half where flatter topography has resulted in more expansive areas of swamps and bogs. There are numerous wetlands in the southern half of town, but they take the form of kettle ponds and vernal pools. These wetlands form an expansive network of wildlife habitat throughout Kingston and are crucial to the integrity of its open spaces. Under the Wetlands Protection Act, lands within wetlands and their accompanying buffers are given significant protection from development. Although not an outright obstruction to development, these regulations and the permitting process make it more difficult to develop these lands than those outside wetlands. Developable parcels, or portions thereof, within these areas can be considered both less at-risk of development and of high conservation value.

Developable Parcels and Ownership/Legal Limitations

Map 3D.7

Silver Lake

Kingston Bay

Parcels within the conservation zoning district as well as those that are town-owned and/ or already protected open space are legally protected from development. Each of these categories is represented by an equal shade of pink in the map. Those areas shown in darker shades of pink/red are those that fall into more than one category and which are, therefore, more protected from development. Although town-owned land that is not specifically designated for conservation may be developed, doing so requires a town vote. The majority of these lands are located in the northern half of town and many of these follow the path of the Jones River stretching east and southeast from Silver Lake towards the bay and Kingston State forest and Camp Nekon near the Plymouth Line. Parcels falling into one or more of these categories are protected from development, though not necessarily permanently, and are unlikely to be developed without public involvement.

* Darker reds denote places where lighter reds are overlaid

Parcels at High Risk of Development Map 3D.8 Silver Lake

Kingston Bay

The parcels, or portions thereof, limited by wetlands, zoning, and ownership development limitations have been removed. The remaining parcels, and portions thereof, are at the highest risk of development. Further analysis of these parcels using metrics based on ecological integrity could help determine which ones should be given the highest priority for formal protection and which ones may be most appropriate for future development.

Developable Parcels, Core Habitat, Areas of High Eco-Integrity Map 3D.9 Silver Lake

Kingston Bay Jon es R iver

There are two large areas of core habitat and high ecological integrity that contain parcels at high risk of development (shown as those areas where green overlaps grey parcels). These are located in the southern tip of town and between Wapping Road and Elm Street on the west side of town. The latter cluster is within a regionally significant habitat core that stretches west into Plympton and which covers a total of 2,860 acres. The lands at high risk of development in this patch are divided among many different, comparatively small parcels. By comparison, the patch in the southern tip of town is made up of large, contiguous parcels. These two patches of habitat contain several rare and one endangered species as well as a globally rare coastal plain pondshore community. In addition, they serve as critical stepping-stones of habitat between numerous patches of core habitat to the west and northwest and the largest such patch in the region to the south in Myles Standish State Forest (see inset Regional Map). Finally, both of these areas are within the water supply protection zones for Kingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drinking water. The developable parcels within these two areas of high ecological integrity should be actively pursued for permanent protection. Large parcels that fall outside or on the edges of these areas, particularly near the train station, may be the most appropriate places for expansion of the Smart Growth Overlay District.

MBTA Station

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

Section 4: Environmental Inventory and Analysis

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

A. Geography, Soils, and Topography Kingston’s landscape is characterized by two contrasting landforms, both of which originated during the Wisconsin period of glaciation. Nothing during the 10,000-15,000 years since has shaped the surface of the land as much as the advances and retreats of the glacier. The glacier both shifted deposits left by earlier glaciers and deposited more rock, sand, silt and clay as it receded. Rivers of melting ice carried sand and gravel with them and rearranged prior deposits. Acting as a giant conveyor belt, the glacier picked material up at one end, deposited it at the other, dropped some along the way, and shifted material under it as it moved along. Upon its retreat, it left behind the highly irregular topography that characterizes the southern part of Kingston as well as the more uniform landscape that defines the northern half of town. The irregular terrain of the southern part of town is known as a kettle and kame formation. The potholes and ridges of this region can easily be pictured as piles of material deposited by the glacier. When the glacier receded, chunks of ice broke off and were deposited with other material dropped by the melting ice. Kettle holes are places where the chunks of deposited ice melted away, leaving depressions amidst the mineral deposits. Where these depressions dropped below the water table, kettle ponds formed. Kames were formed in a similar fashion when large quantities of sand, gravel, and stone were dropped within chunks of ice or on top of them. As the ice melted away, these deposits were left behind as small ridges and hills. As a result of this process, southern Kingston is dominated by deep, excessively drained, coarse, sandy soils. These soils are poor in nutrients and water-holding capacity. The kames in this part of town also frequently feature slopes exceeding 25% (see Map 4A.1), which, in combination with the soil composition, make them highly prone to erosion. The flat, sloping landscape of the northern part of town, formed by glacial meltwater, is referred to as an outwash terrace formation. Moving water tends to sort material by particle size, resulting in a patchwork of diverse soil types. The primary soil types of this portion of town are the

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

Hinckley soils, deep, excessively drained, gravely loamy sands; the Merrimac soils, well-drained and somewhat excessively drained sandy loams underlain by sand and gravel; and the very poorly drained sandy and gravelly Scarboro soils. However, much of the land in this area is covered by wetlands and floodplains where poorly drained organic peat and muck soils have formed on layers of silt and clay. Analysis of Kingston’s soils via the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Web Soil Survey indicates significant development limitations based on septic field suitability and soil stability. Almost all of the town’s soils are classified as “Very Limited” suitability for septic fields (see Map 4A.2). Although these ratings are to be used only as general guides, and site-specific testing should be done prior to the construction of any septic field, these ratings have significant implications where drinking water quality is concerned. Since many of these soils are unsuitable for septic fields due to their being either poorly or excessively drained, there is significant risk to the underlying aquifer from inadequate or poorly functioning septic systems. This is particularly important within the water supply recharge areas (see Map 3D.2). This is another reason for pursuing the permanent protection of the remaining undeveloped lands within these zones. The picture is similarly restrictive for the construction of dwellings both with and without basements, with large portions of town classified as either “Limited” or “Very Limited” regarding soil stability (see Map 4A.2). While none of these factors is an outright barrier to development, these conditions are likely to make entry costs for construction very high as well as making the construction of mounded septic fields a necessity in areas beyond the sewer service area. When looked at in conjunction with the slopes and topography, the soil stability ratings begin to identify some large areas of town, namely much of the southern tip, that should not be developed because of the risk of erosion and the considerable amount of grading that would be necessary (see Map 4A.2).

SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

High soil erodeability is also an important factor in recreation areas. There have been numerous reports of significant off-road vehicle use in the Camp Nekon/Kingston State Forest area. Given the sandy soils, highly irregular topography, and abundant steep slopes in these areas, this type of use is likely causing significant erosion, undesired widening of trails and degradation of fragile ecosystems including the many certified vernal pools in the area. Efforts should be made to monitor and limit such use. An analysis of the prime agricultural soils in town shows their greatest concentration forming a band across

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

Kingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s midsection with a few outlying patches elsewhere (see Map # 4A.3) Many of these areas have been built on, rendering them partially or entirely unviable for agriculture. However, three significant patches remain. One of these is in Sampson Park in the middle of town. The second is roughly in the middle of the southern tip of town and the third sits along Route 44 where it crosses into Plymouth. Efforts should be made to preserve these soils for agricultural use and any development on these lands should be limited to uses that will not negatively impact their future viability for agriculture.

SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

Topography and Slopes

Map 4A.1

Silver Lake

Kingston Bay Jon es R iver

Kingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s topography tells the story of its glacial formation. There are two contrasting areas in town. One, in the northern half of town, is characterized by gently sloping land with few instances of slopes exceeding 25 percent. The southern half of town is easily recognizable for its highly irregular and frequently steep kettle and kame formation. The more uniform terrain of the northern half of town more readily lends itself to development; however, the numerous wetlands in this area are a significant asset that should be protected wherever possible. Should the Town develop a need for additional playing fields, the flatter terrain in this part of town may be better suited to such use than areas in the south. The irregular, steep terrain over much of the southern half of Kingston, particularly the area around and to the south of Route 44, make it less suitable for development due to the risk of erosion and the necessity for significant re-grading and additional engineering. Historically, these same characteristics helped prevent much of this part of town from being settled, thereby preserving much of its ecological value.

Water

Development Limitations Dwelling with Basements

Map 4A.2

Silver Lake

Kingston Bay

Silver Lake

Dwellings without Basements Kingston Bay

Septic Suitability Silver Lake Kingston Bay

Kingston’s sandy, unstable soils and shallow depth to the water table in places render most of town “somewhat limited” or “very limited” for the construction of dwellings with basements. The entry cost for building outside the sewer system service area is likely to be higher than average due in large part to the likely need for construction of mounded septic fields using more suitable soils. Expansion of the Town’s wastewater treatment system and the concentration of new development in areas within its expanded service area would decrease the likelihood of surface and groundwater contamination caused by failed septic systems. Due to the costs involved in running sewer mains over long distances, it makes sense to concentrate such development near the current system, where additional treatment facilities could be more cost effectively linked to the existing system. Though not as heavily skewed towards “very limited,” this same pattern holds true for the construction of homes without basements. Parcels in areas where these limitations are most prevalent may experience less development pressure. This could make them less expensive to acquire for conservation purposes. Kingston’s soils are almost entirely “very limited” for septic field suitability due to their being either excessively or inadequately drained. In addition, the Town’s sewer system (pictured in black), which was developed to address water quality concerns in the Jones River and the bay beyond, is very small, primarily serving areas along Route 3A, around the Jones River Estuary, and Rocky Nook.

Prime Agricultural Soils and Impervious Surfaces Map 4A.3 Silver Lake

Kingston Bay Jon es R iver

Prime Agricultural Soils in Kingston are concentrated, for the most part, in an east-west band running roughly parallel to the Jones River across town as well as a pronounced clump in the northwest corner. Many of these soils are in cranberry bogs, which are considered Farmland of Unique Importance (pictured in orange). Many of the Prime Agricultural Soils in town have been built on or otherwise rendered impervious, making them unviable for agriculture. There are some significant patches that have not been built on, two of which are in the southern tip of town, and one other in Sampson Park and Faunce Memorial Forest. Remaining patches of Prime Agricultural Soils that have not yet been built on would be well suited for purposes that avoid negatively impacting their role as a groundwater recharge filter or future viability for agricultural purposes. Some possible uses include community gardens or playing fields, both of which could be managed organically.

B. Landscape Character The many diverse water bodies that resulted from Kingston’s glacially formed topography and its position on the coast are perhaps its most defining characteristic. Whether it be Kingston Bay, the Jones River, Silver Lake, or any of the dozens of other ponds, streams, swamps, cranberry bogs, salt marshes, or vernal pools in town, water provides the people of Kingston and visitors alike with opportunities for passive recreation, beautiful views, agricultural livelihood, and education. Many of Kingston’s open space properties contain and protect wetlands of one type or another. In doing so, they conserve some of Kingston’s most valuable ecosystems and ensure that they continue to perform crucial ecosystem services such as groundwater recharge and filtration. Although only approximately two miles long, Kingston’s coastline is another prominent and well-loved feature that defines its landscape. Gray’s Beach Park, located between the Plymouth town line and the Rocky Nook section of Kingston, provides limited but heavily used public beach access. The Town Landing, known locally by its Native

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

American name, Ah De Nah, provides public boat access to the Jones River estuary and to the bay beyond. Straddling the Duxbury town line, Bay Farm Conservation Area is one of the most frequented open space properties in the area. Its rocky outcroppings offer wonderful views of Rocky Nook, Kingston Bay, and the Jones River estuary. Kingston’s most prominent landform is Monk’s Hill, a terminal moraine located along the Plymouth border, adjacent to Smelt Pond. As the highest point in town, this hill and the fire tower atop it offer commanding views of Cape Cod Bay, the forests of Southern Plymouth, as well as places as far flung as Boston, Provincetown, and Rhode Island. Beyond the elevation and resultant views from Monk’s Hill, this southern portion of Kingston is notable for its large expanses of pitch pine-scrub oak forest, which is studded with numerous certified vernal pools, and three great ponds: Smelt Pond, Muddy Pond, and Indian Pond.

SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

C. Water Resources Kingston's glacial history and location at the confluence of the Jones River and the sea creates a varied landscape with diverse types of waterbodies and wetlands. Kingston is dotted with kettlehole ponds, particularly in the southern part of town, likely a reflection of the deep sand saturated reservoir designated by the EPA as a self-contained glacial formation known as the Plymouth-Carver Sole Source Aquifer. The Jones River in Kingston is the northern reach of that sole source aquifer. In the northern half of town, one finds extensive wetlands associated with poorly drained soils adjacent to the Jones River and its tributaries. Most of the ponds of the northern half of town, although most likely originally wetlands, are man-made impoundments built to supply water power to early industries, many of which are now used and expanded for cranberry growing. The Water Resources Map identifies watersheds, surface water, aquifer recharge areas, flood hazard areas, and wetlands. WATERSHEDS The town is on the cusp of two major watersheds that both empty into the ocean: the South Coastal Watershed and the Taunton Watershed. Most of Kingston (89%) lies in the South Coastal Watershed, which makes up 240.7 square miles of the larger Massachusetts Bay Watershed. A small part of southern Kingston (11%) lies within the Taunton Watershed which covers 562 square miles of the larger Narragansett Bay Watershed. The Jones River sub watershed is 29.8 square miles of the South Coastal Watershed, and though most of it is within Kingston, parts of it extend into Pembroke, Duxbury, and Plympton. SURFACE WATER The landscape in the northern half of Kingston is dominated by the Jones River and its tributaries. There are at least sixteen perennial streams that make up the tributaries, which flow from the north and south into the river. The Jones is unique in having its source (at Silver Lake, a Great Pond of 640 acres) and its mouth in the same town. The Jones River is 7.5 miles long from Silver Lake to Kingston Bay with an average flow of 30.25 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the Elm Street dam. Flow is highest in early spring with a peak of 54.38 cfs in March. Late summer and early fall is the low flow period with only 15-17 cfs passing the Elm Street dam. Below this point the river is tidal and increasingly saline to its mouth at Kingston Bay.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

In their highest and best use, the tidal portion of the Jones River and the Bay are designated as excellent habitat for fish, shellfish, other aquatic life, and wildlife, as well as fit for primary and secondary contact recreation. However, both waterbodies are identified on EPA’s 303(d) list of impaired waters requiring the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL’s) to address pathogen impairments. The contributions of the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) to the Jones has been indicated as the main contributor of bacteria to the bay. In recent years, Kingston has taken steps to assess and address the pollution problem in a multi-phase approach to mitigate stormwater outfalls having the greatest measurable threat to water quality. The streams and wetlands in the Jones River basin are tapped for water supply and manipulated extensively for agriculture, primarily cranberry cultivation. Flow in the river is flashy in its response to heavy rain events, especially in winter and spring and because of the increasing amount of impervious surfaces. Preserving a certain base flow to the river is critical in drier months to sustain important wildlife and fish habitats. Low flow in the river has become an increasing occurrence due to diversion of water out of town for municipal supply and increased evaporation as groundwater is pumped to water lawns, bogs, athletic fields, and golf courses. This is becoming a significant problem in an area previously regarded as “water rich.”

SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

Four Great Ponds—Smelt Pond, Muddy Pond, Crossman Pond, and Indian Pond—are located in the southern part of town. Smelt Pond, which covers 49.5 acres, is located south of Raboth Road and north of Monk's Hill at the Plymouth Town Line. Town-owned Camp Nekon adjoins the west side of the pond and includes a small sandy beach. Muddy Pond, covering 48.6 acres, off Route 80 and south of the Kingston State Forest, is entirely surrounded by land owned by the Sisters of Divine Providence. A camp associated with Sacred Heart School is located on the pond. Indian Pond, the largest pond with an area of 70 acres, is in the southwestern end of Kingston off Route 80. It is shared with the Town of Plympton, which has highlighted the pond as a place of collaboration with Kingston. This pond has been used for agricultural purposes for many years and not long ago for recreational fishing and boating. In the late nineteenth century, the town leased the pond from the state to harvest its fish supply. Crossman Pond is 12.7 acres off South Street near Route 106 and is used for cranberry cultivation. Crossman was formerly part of the herring leases provided by the town during the first half of the twentieth century. The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (MA CZM) identifies the Jones River estuary and Kingston Bay as suitable habitat for blue mussel, quahog, razor clam, soft-shelled clam, and surf clam with some of these species being noted as high in concentration on MA CZM’s Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI). Both the estuary and bay are entirely mapped within the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Program’s BioMap2 Core Habitat for Species of Conservation Concern and MA CZM’s MORIS mapping tool shows both resources as environmentally sensitive areas for many species of birds, fish, including anadromous fish, and invertebrates. With continued pathogen impairments, the potential in the estuary and bay is not being fully realized for the excellent environmental, economic, and recreational opportunities it could provide. However, much progress has been made and water quality in the bay has dramatically improved as a result of remediation work that has been completed both locally and regionally in Kingston, Duxbury, and Plymouth, including the completion of municipal wastewater treatment facilities, numerous stormwater remediation projects, and designation of the bay as a federally approved No Discharge Area (NDA) in 2006 with supporting pump-out facilities for boat wastewater

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

in each town sharing the bay. The combined and collaborative restoration efforts allowed for the reopening of 1,800 acres of shellfish beds in the bay in 2002 and, for the past decade, the Town of Kingston has actively seeded and managed the mudflats to increase production and harvests. Shellfish harvesting is growing in economic importance in the region and, in 2010, Kingston approved commercial shellfish aquaculture in the bay with the granting of three lease areas for American oysters. Spring 2011 saw the first harvest of Rocky Nook Oysters from the three aquaculture grants which are still in operation today. Additionally, Kingston granted 7 commercial razor clam licenses and 177 recreational shellfishing licenses in 2014. American oyster aquaculture has been flourishing for several years in the adjacent waters of Duxbury and Plymouth has also recently permitted aquaculture in the bay. As stated in the last OSRP update, these shellfish have a remarkable capacity to use the nutrients in the water column; each oyster can filter 2 liters of water an hour. This has helped to improve the water quality of the bay. With continued collaboration and investment by federal, state, local, and nonprofit partners, Kingston expects to eventually restore all of the beneficial uses to the Jones River and the Bay for both people and wildlife. AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS Kingston and the surrounding towns of Duxbury, Plymouth, and Pembroke obtain all of their municipal water supply from groundwater wells. Plympton residents have individual water supply wells. Much, if not all, of the water supply for Kingston, Plymouth, Carver, Wareham, Bourne, and Plympton is derived from the PlymouthCarver Sole Source Aquifer; the second largest solesource aquifer in Massachusetts, covering 140 square miles and containing over 500 billion gallons of fresh water. A very small portion of Middleborough also overlays the aquifer, but the town draws little to no water from the resource. Although the area of the aquifer in Kingston makes up only 6% total of the 197 square miles of the aquifer, the aquifer underlies 63% of the town. The northern border of the aquifer recharge is the Jones River and all land to the south is atop the aquifer. Kingston’s ample groundwater is replenished by precipitation that soaks into the ground and is held as a thin film on soil particles and in the pores between those particles. Some

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penetrates to a layer where the pores are completely filled with water. The top of this layer is called the water table. Ground water flows very slowly and patterns can be changed by large discharges or withdrawals of water, particularly in areas where the water table is relatively flat. The 2008 update tells us the things that determine whether there is enough groundwater in a particular area to be usable as a source of water is the depth to the water table, the thickness of the saturated zone, and the size of the pores. The word "aquifer" is used to refer to a source of groundwater usable for public supply wells. Because the residents of these five towns rely on the same underground reservoir of water, a combined effort should be encouraged to protect it. In 2006 the Secretary of Environmental Affairs established the Plymouth Carver Aquifer Advisory Committee (PCAAC) of local and regional representatives to strategize on methods to protect this shared resource. In 2007, Fuss & O’Neill completed the Plymouth-Carver Sole Source Aquifer Action Plan in consultation with the PCAAC and the citizens of Bourne, Carver, Kingston, Middleborough, Plymouth, Plympton, and Wareham. This plan outlined steps to protect the clean and safe future of the aquifer for everyone who uses it. The plan recommends a region-wide plan to preserve and conserve open space for aquifer health. It also mentions that grants, most notably the Drinking Water Source Protection Grant Program, are available through MassDEP. This program provides funds for acquiring land critical to current and future protection of drinking water supplies while allowing continued passive recreation opportunities. Other support is available from the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services, local land trusts, and through private land donation. In 2008 the Plymouth-Carver Sole Source Aquifer Regional Open Space Plan was written by the Urban Harbors Institute of the University of Massachusetts Boston in consultation with the PCAAC, town officials, and citizens to guide regional collaboration on protection of the aquifer through conservation of open space. Up until about 2013, the PCAAC was active in conducting outreach to town officials and members of the public in an attempt to guide policy decisions and provide education about the aquifer and the importance of protecting it. Rejuvenation of the PCAAC will be critical to collaborative efforts to protect the aquifer as a shared regional water resource.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

FLOOD HAZARD AREAS The 100-year flood areas (see Figure 4C.1) in Kingston are located along the Jones River and its tributaries (Jones River Brook, Halls Brook, Smelt Brook, and Furnace Brook) and along Kingston’s coastal areas, including the tidal portions of the Jones River. The 100-year floodplain elevation line has been mapped as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which provides flood insurance for landowners in the flood hazard areas. According to FEMA, the 100-year flood is the 1% annual chance flood or the flood that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. On top of this climate estimates are predicting more intense and more frequent storms. Along the Jones River, the 500-year floodplain doesn’t differ much from the 100-year flood zone along the river. However, many of the tributaries to the river, along with the ponds and bogs, will be affected in a 500-year flood event and as a result of sea level rise. Inland flood zones are shown on FEMA maps as Zones A (no base flood elevations (BFE) determined), AE (BFE determined), AH (flood depths of 1-3 feet of ponded water & BFE determined), AO (flood depths of 1-3 feet on sloping terrain and average depths determined), AR (Special Flood Hazard Areas formerly protected from 1% annual chance flood by flood control system), & A99 (Special Flood Hazard Areas protected from 1% annual chance flood by flood control system under construction). FEMA Flood Zones

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Kingston has a relatively small coastline and is afforded some shoreline protection by Duxbury Beach and Plymouth’s Long Beach, both barrier beaches. As a result, Kingston has no repetitive loss properties, or repeated claims, under the NFIP. However, with a high density of residents living in the coastal areas of Kingston and increasing damage occurring from coastal storms as a result of climate change, coastal flood hazards areas are a critical component of the town’s hazard mitigation planning. Coastal flood zones are shown on FEMA maps as Zone V (velocity zones with no BFE determined) and Zone VE (velocity zones with BFE determined). Velocity zones are those areas where the flood hazard is from wave action. Kingston has adopted Floodplain District Zoning, which was updated at the 2012 Annual Town Meeting in order to adopt new FEMA maps released in July 2012 and to enact other updates. The Zoning By-Law only allows land uses which will not impede flood waters and will meet all the standards of the Massachusetts State Building Code. After Hurricane Sandy, the federal government directed FEMA to reassess the coastal floodplain and in 2013 the agency issued draft floodplain maps for adoption by coastal communities. However, a few communities on the South Shore (Duxbury, Marshfield, and Scituate) appealed the maps and the ruling on these appeals is still pending. WETLANDS Almost 21.4% of the town of Kingston is covered in wetlands. Kingston's wetlands are extremely diverse in both formation and vegetation. Wetlands can exist for several different reasons. The type of wetlands depends on the deposits beneath and the depth of the water table. A water table wetland generally occurs on sand and gravel deposits where the water table is close to the land surface or where depressions such as kettle holes occur. A perched wetland is generally formed on poorly permeable clay or silt layers where rainfall is prevented from rapidly infiltrating the soil. An adequate setback between septic systems and these types of wetlands is needed to ensure that the system is not over these impermeable layers. In wetlands, organic peat and muck soils develop from decaying plant material. As this soil layer becomes thicker

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

over time, the wetland vegetation changes as progressively larger plants can take root. In early stages, marsh plants begin filling in at the edges of shallow ponds. As these plants decay, cattails and shrubs, such as black alder, take hold and fill in the wetland further. In the older wetlands, tree species such as red maple or cedar, which have adapted to large amounts of moisture, are found. The salt marshes adjacent to the Jones River depend on a different set of circumstances. Salt marsh grasses have adapted to the salinity and fluctuating water levels associated with the ocean edge. Decaying plant material causes these wetlands to rise in elevation over time. The Town implemented the Kingston Wetland Protection Regulations in 1997 and updated them in 2012, expanding legal protections beyond those of the state and U.S. government. The 2012 revisions identify flood zones as resource areas and require performance standards for lands subject to coastal storm flowage, including consideration of relative sea level rise. The regulations define a wetland as an “Area that is inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances does support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions…”. This helps to cover the wide variety of wetlands in Kingston, including the inland and coastal areas, and overlaps with some of the previously mentioned water resources. Inland wetlands include: 

vernal pools



rivers and streams; riverfront areas



vegetated wetlands (meadows, marshes, swamps, and bogs)



land under water bodies and waterways (reservoir, lake, pond, river, stream (creek))



inland banks (beaches)



and land subject to flooding.

Coastal areas include: 

land under the ocean



coastal banks and beaches

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

rocky intertidal shores



salt marshes



land containing shellfish



banks of and land under waterways (ocean, ponds, streams, rivers, lakes or creeks) that underlie an anadromous/catadromous fish run



extended by the EPA for a number of years. EPA will be issuing a final rule in December 2015 and will require Kingston along with other municipalities to submit a new SWMP by 2016.

land subject to coastal storm flowage.

For further definition of these areas see the town’s Wetland Protection Regulations. Wetland areas serve many different ecological functions that serve plants, animals, and humans alike. They provide filtration for public water supply, private water supply, surface water, and ground water that improves water quality and quantity. They help to mitigate the power and intensity of storms and floods by slowing down, detaining, and storing water and providing erosion and sedimentation control.. Wetlands prevent and abate pollution. They are habitat for fisheries (finfish and shellfish) and many other kinds of wildlife. Wetlands contain many animal species listed as special concern, threatened, or endangered and governmental restrictions protect of their natural habitat. They can be used for aquaculture and agriculture as in the case of oysters and cranberries. STORMWATER The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified roadway runoff as a major source of pollution to the nation’s waterways and has enacted laws that require municipalities to reduce the discharge of pollutants to protect water quality. As a result, municipalities across the nation are developing stormwater management programs and groups in order to protect water quality and property values, conserve habitat for fish and wildlife, and maintain desirable qualities in the community. The Town of Kingston has been working to address its roadway runoff and stormwater pollution problems for many years and in 2003 developed its first comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II program of the federal Clean Water Act. The plan was intended to be a five-year plan, but was

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

Through the years, the Town has collaborated with the Jones River Watershed Association (JRWA) and other nonprofit, local, state, and federal agencies to mitigate stormwater pollution to the Jones River, Kingston Bay, and other waterbodies. Kingston has received many nonprofit, state, and federal grants to provide technical, assessment, and implementation monies for regulatory review, establishment of baseline water quality data, and installation of stormwater best management practices to remediate priority stormwater outfalls throughout town. For many years, Kingston has been encouraging the use of low impact development (LID) or green infrastructure (GI) techniques for capturing and treating stormwater runoff and both the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission have revised their regulations to promote these practices. LID and GI stormwater techniques provide alternatives to conventional stormwater management by decentralizing runoff and treating it closer to its source using smaller, more naturalized features that fit into the landscape such as vegetated swales and rain gardens instead of conventional hardscapes. LID and GI techniques help protect the environment from stormwater pollution and can also improve habitat and aesthetics. Kingston is a member of the Greenscapes Program, which helps to advocate for LID and GI stormwater solutions through various public outreach and education efforts. The previous OSRP mentions that stormwater discharges from Route 3 & 3A, controlled by MassDOT, continue to degrade water quality in the Jones River and its surrounding watershed. Kingston looks forward to working collaboratively with MassDOT and neighboring towns to address pollution emanating from statecontrolled roadways. With new and continued collaborations amongst various public and private agencies, Kingston hopes to creatively solve its stormwater pollution problems and remove the Jones River and Kingston Bay from the EPA’s 303(d) list of impaired waters.

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Due to the varying geology in Kingston, there is a diversity of wetland. There are swamps, marshes, bogs, cranberry bogs, lakes, ponds, river banks, stream banks, salt marshes, coastal dunes and beaches, and intertidal areas. These environments offer habitat for many species of plants and animals, some of them rare and/or of special concern. Kingston has been proactive about certifying vernal pools and currently has sixty-seven certified, with a concentration of them in the southern section of town. These are crucial for some species of amphibians and the town should continue efforts to formally protect them. Most of Kingston lies within the South Coastal watershed. Just over 10 percent is in the Taunton River Watershed. The 7.5-mile-long Jones River is the only river in Kingston. The riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s source and mouth are within the borders of Kingston. Several of its tributaries are outside of its boundaries, extending into Plymouth, and Duxbury The river is an important area for ocean fish that spawn in fresh water. Many dams have been removed, improving the quality of the river for spawning, and continued efforts may restore the fish to Silver Lake. Part of the 640-acre Silver Lake is in Kingston. It is the main municipal water supply for the town of Brockton and heavy withdrawals in summer

months can create low flows in the Jones River. This can affect the wildlife and vegetation along the river as well as fish species. Kingston has four great ponds. Smelt Pond is 49.5 acres. Muddy Pond is 48.6 acres. Crossman Pond is 12.7 acres. The largest is Indian Pond at 70 acres, part of which is in Plympton. These are recreational and a natural resource assets for the community. Kingston Bay was once very polluted and the shellfish beds were closed in the early twentieth century. Fortunately, efforts by Kingston and Duxbury to limit stormwater and pollution entering the bay resulted in cleaner waters and the reopening of the bay for shellfishing in 2002. All the land in Kingston south of the Jones River (63 percent of the town) lies atop the Plymouth-Carver Sole Source Aquifer, which is the primary source of water for towns of Kingston, Plymouth, Carver, Wareham, Bourne, and Plympton. Regional efforts have been made to ensure the quality of the water into the future. Water resources are an important part of Kingston and help define it aesthetically, ecologically, and culturally. Though historic uses polluted them, the continued effort of Kingston and surrounding towns are creating clean environments for humans and wildlife.

D. Vegetation Since the northern and southern parts of Kingston represent two different types of glacial landforms, the soils present in each area generally support different types of vegetation. The dry land to the north and west of town tends to be more open, having once been cleared for use in farming or altered for cranberry growing. A few tree farms here grow fir, spruce, and Scotch pine, but much of this old farmland has been developed for housing. Those fields that were abandoned years ago have grown into forests dominated by Eastern white pine, with several varieties of oak, maple, cherry, locust, birch, and the occasional abandoned or vagrant apple tree. A few small areas not logged for generations contain beech trees, hickory, and the struggling remains of the once proud American chestnut. Below the woodland canopy mountain laurel, many ferns, pink and white ladyslipper, mayflower, greenbriar, holly, and poison ivy grow. On the edges of the woodland there is a diverse array of shrubs including highbush and lowbush blueberry, raspberry, pepperbush, mountain laurel, witchhazel, and bayberry. The wetland and river edges are bordered by willow, red maple, speckled alder, silky dogwood, ironwood, many grasses, ferns, sedges, and other similar wetland species. The invasive common reed, Phragmities australis, is crowding the salt marsh of the estuary and creeping into the freshwater/tidal interface. Purple loosestrife is a growing concern in this area as well. Leaving Silver Lake to the west and traveling east along the Jones River and its floodplain, much of the adjacent wetlands and many of the small tributaries to the river have been altered to form cranberry bogs and associated man-made water-holding ponds. In addition to their designed purposes, these support many of the abovementioned wetland species. The 2008 OSRP Draft mentioned that much of the middle and lower portions of the river are clogged with aquatic vegetation, probably due to two main factors: decreased flow due to diversion of waters from Silver Lake, and the increased presence of nitrates and phosphates from agricultural and lawn fertilizer runoff, stormwater, and septic systems along the river. A current assessment of these conditions should be made in order to identify actions that may be taken.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

Just west of the Town Center is Blackwater Swamp with remnant and emerging stands of black spruce and white cedar. It is now the most southeasterly example of this uncommon ecosystem in the Commonwealth (Motzkin). In 2007, Blackwater Pond was assessed for fish habitat and restoration by the Jones River Watershed Association, in cooperation with the Division of Marine Fisheries. It found strong evidence of eutrophication, likely as a result of agricultural runoff (Kingston OSRP 2008 Draft). An update of this study should be conducted in order to determine what, if any, actions may be necessary to address the over-enrichment of the pond. Furnace Brook enters the Jones River above Sampson Pond at the Elm Street Bridge and dam. It flows from Indian Pond and runs about 2.65 miles north, feeding many bogs, mill ponds, a municipal well, and the forest along the way. From the Elm Street Bridge east, the Jones River becomes increasingly brackish and influenced by the tides. Cattails and Phragmities give way to the more salt-tolerant grasses and reeds of the marsh along the riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winding path to Kingston Bay. Open fields northeast of Indian Pond are an important site for many dry grassland species including the rare blazing star and Plymouth gentian. The swamp east of Furnace Brook, in and near Sampson Park and the Faunce Memorial Forest, is a red maple swamp with hemlock and white pine. It is also one of the few places in Kingston where one can find American holly. To the south and east, the rolling kames of sand and gravel support vegetation that is well-adapted to the dry, excessively well-drained soils. Much like Myles Standish State Forest in Plymouth, this area is often subject to major fires and therefore has very similar vegetation. The pitch pine and scrub oak that dominate can tolerate both drought and fire well, while white pine and other abundant species cannot survive fire. On the slopes of these inclines grow larger oaks, maple, cherry, beech, and other less tolerant species.

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The kettle holes below often contain water if they are lower than the water table. On their edges grow red maple, willows, highbush blueberry, swamp honeysuckle, arrowwood and other wetland edge species. Many of these kettle holes contain vernal pools supporting a wide variety of rare and uncommon plants such as Plymouth gentian and the endangered New England boneset. They also provide a breeding habitat for many specialized species such as mole salamanders, wood frogs, and fairy shrimp. Until recently, this area had seen very little development because of the limitations posed by its soils (see section 4.a). Rich in sand and gravel, the area continues to be extensively mined for these resources. This area constitutes a major part of the Plymouth-Carver solesource aquifer, which provides drinking water for Kingston and some surrounding towns. The rolling steep gravel hills act like stacked sponges and supply pressure at the base of the aquifer. It is highly probable that the area's water table and the aquifer will be altered by increased development and mining in the future. The lowering of the water table will depress pond and vernal pool levels. Vegetation types will change and many species that use vernal pools will presumably be affected.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

One of the highlights of this southern tip of town is Muddy Pond, which is known to contain seven rare, Massachusetts State-listed species, three of which are plants (see BioMAP2 report in Appendix). In 2012, the BioMAP2 study listed Muddy Pond as an outstanding example of a Coastal Plain Pondshore. As such, it is an “imperiled community” of which there are “typically 6-20 sites or few remaining acres in the state” (BioMAP2: Kingston). The endangered New England boneset and Species of Conservation Concern Plymouth gentian and pondshore knotweed call this pond’s shoreline home. With the close proximity of Route 44 and the large commercial/industrial developments in nearby Plymouth and Plympton, intense environmental pressure is being exerted on this area. Concerted efforts should be made to work with property owners to formally protect this exemplary coastal plain pond and the surrounding pine barren.

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Regional BioMAP2 and IEI

Map 4D

Silver Lake Kingston Bay

E. Fisheries and Wildlife Kingston provides habitat for twenty-one species listed by Massachusetts in BioMAP2 (see Appendix 2) as being of special concern, threatened or endangered species. A contributing factor is that Kingston lies on the border of three ecoregions, the Bristol Lowland/Narragansett Lowland, the Cape Cod and Islands Ecoregion, and the Southern New England Coastal Plains and Hills Ecoregion. The Bristol Lowland/Narragansett Lowland features flat, gently rolling plains, central hardwood forests, some elm-ash-red maple forests, and red and white pine forests. It also contains many wetlands, some cropland, and numerous cranberry bogs. The Cape Cod and Islands Ecoregion was formed by advances and retreats of the last glacier creating terminal moraines, outwash plains, and coastal deposits. There are many sandy beaches, grassy dunes, bays, marshes, scrubby oak-pine forests, kettle ponds, swamps, and bogs, which can have highly acidic surface water. Lastly, the Southern New England Coastal Plains and Hills Ecoregion has plains and a few low hills. Forests contain some transition hardwoods, central hardwoods, some elm-ash-red maple forests, and red and white pine forests. This combination of ecoregions, and the pieces that compose them, create a diverse array of habitats in the town and within the bay. These support a multitude of wildlife and aquatic life, some of which need particular habitats for survival. INVENTORY Kingston Bay has habitat suitable for five species of shellfish: the razor clam, soft-shelled clam, blue mussel, quahog, and surf clam. The bay was severely degraded by pollution that caused the closure of shellfish beds from the late 1920s to the early 2000s. Fortunately, state and local efforts to limit pollution entering the bay have been successful and in 2002, approximately 1800 acres of shellfish growing areas were opened in the bay. In addition to the importance of the bay to shellfish, BioMAP2 identified these coastal areas as providing habitat important to species that need conservation attention: Eastern box turtles, smooth green snakes, Arctic terns, common terns, piping plovers, red knots, roseate terns, sanderlings, and short billed dowitchers. It also lists the brackish tidal marshes and salt marshes located at the mouth of the Jones River as special intertidal estuarine communities in need of conservation. Some of the previously mentioned species rely upon these areas in addition to other migrating birds and fish species. Unfortunately, oceanside ecological areas are continually threatened by pollution from land-based activities. These sensitive areas should be conserved and restored to achieve their full potential as excellent habitat for fish, shellfish, other aquatic life and wildlife and for the economic, recreational, and aesthetic services they offer humans. Efforts to maintain the positive momentum in

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

town of restoring these areas and protecting them from pollution will help to serve both resident and migrating wildlife. The Division of Marine Fisheries has identified the Jones River as an important run for alewife, blueback herring, rainbow smelt, American eel, and shad. In the tidal area of the river, white perch, stickleback, striped bass, white flounder, bluefish, and recently sand tiger shark have been found, as well as snapping turtle, mud crab, green crab, shot shell clam, sea worm, blood worm, grass shrimp, and a variety of arthropods. The Jones River is the southernmost location for smelt in the Gulf of Maine, and one of the largest spawning habitats in Massachusetts. Along with the Jones River, Smelt Brook, Stony Brook, First, Second, and Third Brooks also provide important habitat for rainbow smelt. Smelt depend on the river they hatched from to reproduce and require a certain volume and rate of flow, as well as a certain combination of chemical constituents to be effective at spawning and maintaining their population. Smelt can grow to the age of five, but finding fish this old is increasingly rare.

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The 2000 Silver Lake & Jones River Watershed Study commissioned by the JRWA documented many fish and macroinvertebrate species found in the Jones River and tributaries as well as mussel species (including two species of special concern) in Silver Lake. Fish species sampled in the upper Jones River were found to be more representative of pond fish than river fish as a result of changes to the river that created a more pond-like environment. This environment was a result of dams that cause low flows, low dissolved oxygen levels, and more open water, which increases water temperatures due to increased exposure to sun and lack of tree cover. These factors also impact the health of other diadromous and native populations, which includes the native brook trout. This is important because the fish habitat in Jones River feeds the fish stocks in the ocean and is essential to the health of the Gulf of Maine. Improving this habitat will only help the function and structure of the marine ecosystem supported by these fish, and help support the fisheries relied upon by humans. To help improve these habitats, restoration projects are being completed in Kingston that will repair damage from dams, agriculture, roads, and residential development. One of these is a restoration project on Pine Brook, a tributary to the Jones River that runs through the Cranberry Watershed Preserve. The project began in 2008 to restore a meandering, cool river that supports the historic native trout population. Another is the removal of the Wapping Road dam on the Jones River. The project was successfully completed in 2011 and in 2013 the JRWA video recorded the river herring passing that part of the river for the first time in one-hundred years. Inland, Kingston has five priority natural communities identified in BioMAP2: Atlantic white cedar bogs, acidic graminoid fen, level bog, coastal Atlantic white cedar swamp, and coastal plain pondshore. Black Water Swamp in the northeastern part of Kingston contains the first three of these habitats, making it a place of particular importance. It is permanently protected by the town; however, the swamp and most of the adjacent lands are not permanently protected and the town is planning to expand the athletic field complex adjacent to the swamp. The expansion area will not be within the wetland area, but given the importance of this area ecologically, measures should be taken to limit further expansion and inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, or pet waste that could potentially degrade the wetland area.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identified Kingston as a possible location of the Plymouth red-bellied turtle, and several sightings of these animals have been confirmed, though the last sighting was in 1979. This is a federally listed endangered species found only in Plymouth County. Loss of pond habitats is a primary reason for its decline. Southeast of Silver Lake, in the vicinity of Forge Pond, is an area identified in the NHESP Atlas to be an important area for rare wetland species. The spotted and Eastern box turtles, among other reptilian species, have been found at Silver Lake Sanctuary. The last OSRP update says the lake also provides an extraordinary resource for a wide array of migratory and resident birds and mammals, and there have been sightings of the Eastern timber rattlesnake in Silver Lake Sanctuary. The update also mentions that since about 2005, beaver, river otter, mink, and fisher populations have been rebounding in the watershed, and wild turkeys have become reestablished in remarkable numbers. Bald eagles have been sighted in Kingston Bay, in the Jones River estuary, and on Silver Lake. Wetland areas provide water and a productive source of plants needed to sustain wildlife populations. Wetlands also tend to have an ameliorating effect on extreme temperature conditions, thereby providing essential shelter for wildlife in summer and winter (Nickerson 1978). VERNAL POOLS Vernal pools are depression in the ground that collect water from drainage or high groundwater and do not have an aboveground outlet. They provide an ephemeral habitat that lasts only a few months, typically in the spring, but which is important to the reproduction cycle of certain species. Kingston has been particularly active in certifying its many vernal pools; there are currently sixtyseven vernal pools certified throughout the town with a greater density located in the southern area of town. BioMAP2also identifies three Vernal Pool Core Habitats all in the southern part of the town. These areas represent clusters of vernal pools and surrounding lands that together provide the habitat for successful breeding, dispersal, overwintering, foraging, and migration for vernal pool species. The Vernal Pool Core Habitats, along with other Core Habitats, are important targets for conservation. Species found in Kingston that rely on vernal pools are the fairy shrimp, the mole salamander, and the wood frog. These pools are also an important food and water source for other amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrate species.

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CORRIDORS FOR WILDLIFE MIGRATION In areas such as southeastern Kingston, where large tracts of wildlife habitat have been interrupted by the construction of homes and roads, the value of this habitat is enhanced if corridors connecting those parcels are also protected. In Kingston many local species, such as the whitetail deer and red fox, require access to a mixture of forest, wetland, and open land for food and shelter. Migratory birds and birds of prey also rely heavily on this mixture of environments. These species and others, such as coyote, cottontail rabbits, ruffed grouse and quail, are most often sighted at the edge between forest and open areas provided by local power lines, woods roads, or fields. Hawks are frequently sighted soaring over open fields and wetlands. Potential corridors, such as those provided by power lines and wetlands along the Jones River and its tributaries, provide additional habitat as well as access between protected habitat areas. They allow animals to travel without much resistance or human contact between many different locales. Currently wetland and river corridors are the primary and most protected corridors within Kingston. With the rich wetlands in the area, this network reaches most of Kingston and maintaining these as healthy ecosystems and wildlife corridors has been a priority. In addition there are a few habitat corridors connecting the larger open space areas in town. These are often not protected formally and gaining easements or formal protection would create semi-permanent pathways to allow wildlife travel far into the future. Unfortunately, even the most connected areas will still be severed by roadways. One of the most striking examples is in southern Kingston where the largest contiguous forest was bisected by Route 44 with only one crossing in Kingston that goes under the highway. Other busy roads that create a higher risk for wildlife travel are Route 106, 80, 3, and 3A. Specific opportunities for creating connections are discussed in Section 7.

building off work of the NHESP, was designed to guide biodiversity conservation and includes rare and exemplary habitat along with species of concern. Wildlife species, natural communities, and other areas of concern listed in BioMAP2 are: Mussels 

Tidewater mucket (Leptodea ochracea) SC



Eastern pondmussel (Ligumia nasuta) SC

Insects Moths 

Water-willow stem borer (Papaipema sulphurata) T

Butterflies 

Hessel's hairstreak (Callophrys hesseli) SC

Damselflies 

Attenuated bluet (Enallagma daeckii) T



Pine barrens bluet (Enallagma recurvatum) T



New England bluet (Enallagma laterale) Nonlisted SWAP species

Dragonflies 

Comet darner (Anax longipes) SC

Amphibians 

Blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale) SC

Reptiles 

Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) SC



Eastern ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus) Nonlisted SWAP



Northern black racer (Coluber constrictor) Nonlisted SWAP



Smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis) Nonlisted SWAP



Spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) Non-listed SWAP

Birds RARE SPECIES The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's Natural Heritage Program maintains a database on the locations of rare species and sensitive natural features. Several rare species are listed as having been sighted in Kingston. The sightings of rare species have been concentrated in the area of Wolf Pond, Muddy Pond, Indian Pond, and Rocky Pond in the southern part of town. In addition, the following areas are considered by the Natural Heritage Program to be excellent habitat for uncommon plant and animal associations. BioMAP2, KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015



Red knot, (Calidris canutus) Non-listed SWAP



Short-billed dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) Non-listed SWAP

Plants 

Wright's panic-grass (Dichanthelium wrightianum) SC



New England boneset (Eupatorium novae-angliae) E

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

Philadelphia panic-grass (Panicum philadelphicum ssp. philadelphicum) SC



Pondshore knotweed (Persicaria puritanorum) SC

In addition to the above, NHESP includes several rare species not listed in BioMAP2.



Plymouth gentian (Sabatia kennedyana) SC

Reptile

Priority Natural Communities 

Atlantic White Cedar Bog, S2



Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, S2



Acidic Graminoid Fen, S3



Level Bog, S3



Coastal Plain Pondshore, S2



Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) T. Last confirmed sighting in 1994.



Northern red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys rubriventris) pop. 1 E. Last confirmed sighting in 1979.

Plant 

Prickly pear, (Opuntia humifusa) E. Last confirmed sighting in 2007.



Long-beaked bald-sedge, (Rhynchospora scirpoides) SC. Last confirmed sighting in 1980.



Terete arrowhead, (Sagittaria teres) SC. Last confirmed sighting in 1980.

Other BioMap2 Areas of Importance for 

Aquatic Core



Wetland Core



Vernal Pool Core



Aquatic Core Buffer



Wetland Core Buffer



Coastal Adaptation Area



Tern Foraging Area

E = Endangered T = Threatened SC = Special Concern S1 = Critically Imperiled community, typically 5 or fewer documented sites or very few remaining acres in the state. S2 = Imperiled Community, typically 6-20 sites or few remaining acres in the state. S3 = Vulnerable Community, typically 21-100 sites or limited acreage across the state

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It is also worth mentioning the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) which is federally listed as a species of concern. Previously considered a warm water fish from Chesapeake Bay, it has become a seasonal visitor to Kingston Bay and Jones River since about 2004, which could be a result of warming seas.

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F. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments Scenic resources and unique environments are abundant in Kingston due to its rich and extensive cultural and natural history. Many of the landforms were shaped as the last glacier retreated over 12,000 years ago. The landscape also helped shape Kingston’s cultural history, which dates back over 8,000 years. Indigenous peoples found the land along the mouth of the Jones River and the Kingston Bay a prime productive location to settle. The ecological diversity and abundance of natural resources in Kingston made it a logical expansion of the early European settlements in Plymouth. Evidence of the related natural and human histories defines Kingston’s character. SCENIC LANDSCAPES Water is a primary feature of the Kingston landscape. Multiple streams, brooks, swamps, ponds, vernal pools, and wetlands are scattered throughout town. These waterbodies, in addition to the bay, Silver Lake, and the Jones River, are rich in ecological diversity, historical relevance, and active and passive recreational opportunities. Some of the primary water features in town are:  Jones River  Kingston Bay  Silver Lake  Town Landing (Ah-de-nah)  Ponds and vernal pools in Camp Nekon  Pine Brook reservoir in Cranberry Watershed Preserve  Furnace Brook  Blackwater Swamp  Cranberry bogs On land the defining scenic features (beaches, open fields, and woodlands) are existing designated open spaces. These sites are appreciated both for their beauty and the recreational opportunities they afford. When residents were asked where they bring out-of-town guests, the following places were noted:  Bay Farm

 Calista Field  Patuxet Park fields  Sampson Park  Cranberry Watershed Preserve  Monk’s Hill A large band of northeastern Kingston, extending south along Duxbury coast, is categorized as a Distinctive Scenic Landscape by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). According to DCR a “Distinctive” rating is given to “areas of the highest visual quality. Typically consist[ing] of openness, low population density, high relative relief, historical structures and land uses, agriculture, surface water, significant vegetation, important geological features, and lack of contemporary development.” Ecologically, this section of Kingston is significant due to the blending of freshwater from the Jones River and the salt water of the bay. At this dynamic intersection of ecosystems, salt marshes are prevalent. Salt marshes are valuable features due to their high food source productivity for wildlife, ability to mitigate storm surges, and effectiveness in decreasing the mosquito population by increasing fish habitat.

“Wouldn’t want to live anyplace else!” – Kingston resident

 Gray’s Beach

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Culturally, the “Distinctive” section of Kingston is significant because it was the site where indigenous tribes first settled, over 8,000 years ago, due to the bounty of food options. It later became the site of European settlements. Currently, a great amount of passive and active recreation takes places in this area of Kingston, such as walking in Bay Farm, shore-bird viewing, fishing, shell fishing, boating, and swimming.

repair, maintenance, reconstruction, or paving work done with respect thereto shall not involve or include the cutting or removal of trees, or the tearing down or destruction of stone walls, or portions thereof, except with the prior written consent of the planning board….” By protecting the landscape along the scenic roads in town, a pleasurable viewing experience for those traveling from one place to another is provided, in addition to maintaining a small green buffer along the road which functions as a wildlife corridor. Designated Scenic Roads include:  Bay Farm Road  Brookdale Street  Elm Street  Grove Street  Indian Pond Road  Lake Street  Landing Road

Young Kingstonians enjoy a town‐organized hike at Bay Farm.

 River Street

SCENIC VIEWS The most prominent views in town are from:

 Rocky Nook Avenue

 Gray’s Beach, other beaches and shorelines along the coast  Bay Farm along the Jones River estuary and Kingston Bay  Trails in Silver Lake Sanctuary overlooking Silver Lake  The bay and the river looking at open water, islands, barrier beaches, or landward at salt marshes, open spaces, and woodlands  Monks Hill, the highest point in town, to Cape Cod Bay, Provincetown, the forests of Plymouth County, and Boston  The shorelines of Great Ponds including Smelt Pond, Indian Pond, Muddy Pond. SCENIC ROADS Maintaining Kingston’s small-town character is a goal of residents. Certain roads in town help achieve this goal and enhance the aesthetic experience of residents and visitors. Currently, the Town has designated eleven roads as Scenic Roads. Once designated as Scenic Roads under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 15c, “any

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

 Sylvia Place  Winthrop Street CULTURAL AND HISTORIC AREAS The heart of Kingston’s cultural events occur in the Town Center in and around the Town Green, next to the Unitarian Church and old Town Hall. Town-sponsored events include the Agricultural Fair, the Art Festival, the Luminary Festival, and various Recreation Department programs. These highlights of the town’s calendar bring community members and visitors from near and far together to celebrate Kingston’s history and culture. The current town center is located in the National Historic Register District. The center had originally been closer to the bay, but the town center shifted due to the creation of a train and trolley network and the development of industries further inland. Top historic sites in town include:  Surprise Hose House  Old Burying Ground  Civil War Memorial & Town Training Green  The Adams Center - Frederic C. Adams Library

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 Major John Bradford House  Joseph Holmes Shipyard UNIQUE ENVIRONMENTS Kingston has no identified Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, according to the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). However, according to BioMap 2 Kingston has 3,073 acres of Core Habitat and 4,532 acres of Critical Natural Landscapes. Of particular note are the Blackwater Swamp Sanctuary, with its remnant and emerging stands of black spruce and white cedar, and Muddy Pond, an exemplary coastal plain pondshore community. In addition to the ecologically unique areas in town, many archeological artifacts from indigenous tribes have been found in Kingston.

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G. Environmental Challenges HAZARDOUS WASTE AND BROWNFIELD SITES Kingston has one designated brownfield listed by the Massachusetts DEP, located at 10 Maple Street, the location of the old firehouse. It is contaminated with a volatile organic compound (VOC). The site is downgradient from the source of the contamination, a VOC at 8 Maple Street. The adjacent property is not currently listed as a brownfield because it wasn’t abandoned at the time of listing. It is, however, listed as a hazardous area by Massachusetts DEP. According to the DEP, now that the site is abandoned, it meets the requirements for a brownfield area and may be so designated in the next update.

CHRONIC FLOODING Landing Road floods periodically at Stony Brook where the Jones River empties into Kingston Bay at the east end of River Street at the Town Landing (see map 4C.1 for Flood Zone Map). The Rocky Nook neighborhood receives heavy waves from storms in the bay, and Gray’s Beach, which the 2008 OSRP update notes has undergone major restoration using grants and town funds, requires seasonal maintenance after winter storms. Severe storms periodically break through the Duxbury barrier beach and these require upkeep to avoid impacts to the Kingston shoreline. Severe storms, such as those from strong hurricanes, have the potential to block access from several areas of town to the mainland, including those in Rocky Nook. See below map.

The DEP also lists a hazardous waste site at 34 Maple Street where contamination has not been reduced to background levels; an Activity and use Limitation (AUL) has been designated on the property. LANDFILLS The town’s landfill has been closed and capped, and the site is still being used as a transfer stations. Solid waste and recycled materials are being brought to the regional incineration facility known as SEMASS in the Town of Rochester, MA. The landfill is closed and capped. The septage pits north of Smelt Pond have also been closed. These areas pose less immediate challenges but assessing any leakage from these to ensure safety should be considered. EROSION The 2008 OSRP update mentions localized soil erosion from various sources affects the water quality of Smelt Brook, First Brook, Second Brook, Stony Brook and the Jones River. Storm water runoff is cited as a serious problem in the Jones River study. Storm-water runoff into Smelt Brook continues to be a major problem due to blowing sand and extreme run-off from the sand and gravel operations around the South Industrial Park, and the poor storm drainage controls on Marion and Galen Roads and from Route 3.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

Hurricane Inundation

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SEDIMENTATION Sedimentation into lakes, streams, and ponds usually occurs as a result of erosion from construction, yard or agricultural work, and sanding of roadways. These sediments often carry heavy metals and other pollutants which can come from fertilizers and roadside wastes. The sediments cause turbidity, which can clog fish gills and disturb other water organisms. These particles eventually settle, suffocating fish eggs, bottom feeders, and important microorganisms. Chronic sedimentation causes eutrophocation in many of Kingston's most visible water bodies, including Forge Pond, Sampson Pond, Russell Pond, and the Jones River. The 2008 OSRP states that partially due to sedimentation, these waterways have developed a serious infestation of Eurasian milfoil. Smelt Pond is also choked with milfoil and requires restoration management. The 2008 update also says nutrient loads from inadequate or failed septic systems, cranberry bog discharges, sediments from direct stormwater discharges to the river and its tributaries, coupled with the chronic reduction in flow due to water withdrawals, have encouraged this growth of weeds which can stagnate the river flow. The seasonal life and death cycle of the vegetation consumes the available oxygen (reducing dissolved oxygen), driving out or killing the resident fish populations. The dead vegetation sinks after seasonal die-back, adding to the accumulation of the organic sediments on the river bottom and trapping additional nutrients, which stimulates next year's growth of water weeds. Impact from sediments is less visible at Smelt Brook and First Brook, although the load from First Brook can be seen where this tributary enters the Jones River just south of the 3A bridge. In both of these streams, the influence from sediment loads is the most likely cause for the decline of the anadromous and resident fish populations in Jones River. Careful construction, sound landscape and agricultural techniques, and the best management practices for treatment of stormwater runoff can reduce sedementaion. Most of the older street drains discharge directly into water bodies, a town-wide problem that requires the upgrade of drainage systems and retrofitting catch basins.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

NEW DEVELOPMENT The relocation of Route 44 through the southern portion of Kingston has and will continue to cause negative environmental impacts including alteration of wetlands, intrusion on critical wildlife and vegetation habitats, and interruption of wildlife corridors. Since the highway is separated with a wide right-of-way and safety fencing, the ability of wildlife to move safely through this section of town has been severely restricted. Although the Town of Kingston Conservation Commission and Open Space Committee made a serious effort to mitigate these impacts by requiring the state to bridge the vernal pools and land adjacent to Great Mink Hole, the DEP superseded the town’s Order of Conditions. Kingston negotiated a “pedestrian access culvert” to allow for the safe passage of people and wildlife under the highway. The 300-foot long tunnel for wildlife and pedestrian passage under Route 44 was required by the Conservation Commission to connect Camp Nekon and the State Forest lands with undeveloped land near Muddy Pond on the south side of the reconstructed Route 44. Unfortunately, use of this underpass is dominated by offroad vehicles, causing extreme negative impact on the forest and environment. The development of Indian Pond Estates made the realization of the 1995 Open Space Plan “Duke’s Hole Corridor” impossible. An eighteen-hole golf course was constructed surrounded by hundreds of large homes. Clear cutting and vast earth moving for the development resulted in sedimentation and erosion into the Duke’s Hole vernal pool, as well as Second and Third Brooks. Hundreds of acres are being irrigated using well water to establish and maintain the golf turf, despite the project being denied a Water Management Act permit by the Department of Environmental Protection. The fragmentation and isolation of small areas of wildlife will increase even more if the Town fails to preserve the proposed "Open Space Corridor" between Camp Nekon and the State Forest. Studies have shown that open spaces are much more effective for both people and wildlife if the areas are somehow connected.

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"Habitat fragmentation is the process whereby a large continuous area of habitat is both reduced in area and divided into two or more fragments. These fragments are often isolated from one another by modified or degraded habitat. Habitat fragmentation can lead to the rapid loss of the species remaining, since it creates barriers to the normal processes of dispersal, colonization, and foraging. Particular fragments may lack the range of food types and other resources necessary to support permanent populations of certain species. Habitat fragments may experience altered environmental conditions and increased levels of pests, making them less suitable for the original inhabitants. In particular, the decline of numerous songbird species in North America has been linked to habitat fragmentation.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;One intriguing suggestion for managing a system of nature reserves has been to link isolated protected areas into one large system through the use of habitat corridors: strips of land running between the reserves (Simberloff and Cox 1987; Simberloff et al. 1992). Such habitat corridors, also known as conservation corridors or movement corridors, could allow plants and animals to disperse from one reserve to another, facilitating gene flow and colonization of suitable sites. Corridors might also help to preserve animals that must migrate seasonally among a series of different habitats to obtain food; if these animals are confined to a single reserve, they could starve. The idea of corridors has been embraced with enthusiasm by some park managers as a strategy for managing wide-ranging species." (Essentials of Conservation Biology, Richard B. Primack. pages 165, 338 - 339)

It is currently unknown how wide a corridor has to be to preserve the habitats for the diverse and wide ranging wildlife in the town of Kingston. It also varies between different species, making choosing a specific width difficult. Experts contacted by the Open Space Committee all agree that these corridors should be as wide as possible. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has specified that as forests are fragmented by permanent development, area-sensitive species may disappear from remaining woodland without a viable connection. These open space corridors also influence people. They allow people to access large open space areas without having to drive, walk on roads, or trespass to get to them.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

Some similar impacts can be expected as a result of the MBTA commuter rail line through the northern and eastern section of town. The fencing and other barriers needed along portions of the railroad bed cut off existing paths and driveways, making access to important natural habitats, such as the Blackwater Swamp, difficult if not impossible. Frequent trains are a safety hazard to people and wildlife, while air and ground pollution from the diesel engines and noise pollution are a distinct intrusion to the natural environment along the rail corridor. One of the proposed open space corridors will hopefully help in mitigating the effects of the MBTA layover station. However, although it poses some risk to wildlife, the commuter rail is a resource that encourages alternative means of transportation that have a lower environmental impact than automobile transportation. This can lessen vehicle use on major roads, which may make them more useable for pedestrians, and easier to for wildlife to cross. Continued development will increase the need for roads to be built and maintained, along with more schools, playgrounds, and municipal services. The conversion of private open space into residential housing also dramatically increases the use of existing protected public open space. In order to preserve the natural amenities of the town and quality of life in the community, Kingston should continue its efforts to protect more of its open space. Cluster development can help with this by increasing density of housing and limiting the space needed for development, offering growth while limiting loss of open space. GRAVEL REMOVAL PROBLEMS Earth removal or gravel mining at any scale has been prohibited by Town by-law since 1970. This by-law has been altered on a number of occasions in attempts to strengthen it. Earth removal has been approved, however, by the Board of Selectmen since the early 1980s to regrade sites for planned industrial developments and for cranberry bog construction. GROUND AND SURFACE WATER POLLUTION

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WATER QUALITY IMPAIRMENTS Kingston has worked to improve the quality of its waters, yet there remain waterbodies designated as “impaired” by the DEP. The following are those waterbodies that have been assessed to date. Several waterbodies in town have not been evaluated. Silver Lake, on the border of Kingston, Pembroke, and Plympton, is listed as impaired for “Fish, Other Aquatic Life, and Wildlife” by the DEP due to flow regime alterations. There are several sources of this impairment due to the lake being Brockton’s primary water supply such as the Forge Pond dam limiting fish passage and withdrawals creating low flows. High demands and lower amounts of rain lead to low flow at the end of the summer, impairing the Jones River. There have been efforts made to manage the flow of the Jones River by diverting water from Furnace Pond and Monponsett Pond. Both of these are known to have polluted waters and problems with invasive species that could end up spreading to Silver Lake. The Forge Pond Dam also compromises the ability of aquatic life to travel up the Jones River into Silver Lake. Historically, American eel and river herring would have traveled to Silver Lake. Forge Pond Dam is one of the last major hurdles to fish passage now that Wapping Road Dam has been removed and a fish ladder has been added to the Elm Street Dam. Pembroke Street South Pond, Reeds Millpond, and Smelt Pond are all impaired for “Fish, Other Aquatic Life, and Wildlife” due to nuisance non-native aquatic plants. Duxbury/Kingston Bay, and the lower section of the Jones River from the Elm Street dam to Kingston Bay, was assessed in 2012 for aesthetic value, fish, shellfish, and wildlife protection and propagation, primary contact recreation, secondary contact recreation, and shellfish harvesting. Most were noted as being of good quality. Fish consumption were not assessed. However, shellfish harvesting areas are monitored for fecal coliform and shellfishing is permitted as long as the pollutant levels are below levels harmful to people. The upper Jones River was not assessed for fish consumption. Aesthetic value was impaired due to

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

noxious aquatic plants, excessive algal growth, and turbidity. Fish, shellfish, wildlife protection and propagation was impaired due to dissolved oxygen levels and low flow alterations. Primary and secondary contact recreation was impaired due to noxious aquatic plants, algal growth, and turbidity. The assessment notes that flow alterations are probable sources for noxious aquatic plants, dissolved oxygen, excess algal growth, low flow alterations, and turbidity. PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENTS TO WATERBODIES Tidal Restrictions There are ten tidal restrictions in the Jones River estuary, as inventoried in the Draft Atlas of Tidal Restrictions on the South Shore of Massachusetts (December 8, 2000 draft), by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). These include a variety of man-made structures such as tide-gates, culverts, bridges and dams, which the MAPC states appear to restrict tidal flushing and which are, at least in part, responsible for the invasion of the reed Phragmities and the loss of diverse salt marsh habitat. There are two locations on Smelt Brook, culverts under the railroad bed and under Route 3A, that impact habitat accessibility for the smelt that spawn in this brook. On Stony and Halls Brook, there is a culvert under Landing Road and a dam at the Cobb & Drew factory site. Upstream of Stony Brook, where Tussock Brook flows under the highway into Stony Brook, there is a restrictive tide-gate owned by Massachusetts DOT. On the main section of the Jones River, the rip-rap embankment of the Route 3 bridge and the bridge’s support structure restrict river flow; the railroad bridge is a second restriction. Both these are overrun by invading Phragmities stands along the river. As the river passes under Route 3A, the culvert under the Great Bridge reduces the original multi-culvert of a century past to one opening. Finally, the Elm Street dam restricts the influence of the tide upstream of this location.

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In the Draft Atlas, MAPC recommends priority remediation of three sites: enlarging the box culvert at landing road to restore the 30-acre upstream salt-marsh, diminish Phragmities populations, and improve tidal flushing; removing the dam (tide-gate) at Tussock Brook to enable anadromous fish to migrate to the wetland habitat upstream; and removing the dam or installing a fish ladder at Halls Brook (Stony Brook) at the Cobb & Drew site off Maple Street to encourage anadromous fish to migrate and spawn upstream. Dams Jones River Dam at Elm Street, is two miles upstream from the mouth of the river at Kingston Bay. This dam has been in place to support the long standing bridge over the Jones and to carry Elm Street and historic cart paths. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the dam held water to power the water wheel for the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water supply. A fish ladder to benefit the anadromous fish runs of alewife and river herring has always been a part of the structure. In August 2001 the failing concrete fish ladder of the 1950s was replaced by an Alaskan Steep Pass. This repair was funded by the state legislature. When the bridge over this dam was recently rebuilt they allowed for the removal of the dam without affecting the bridge. There was also a removal report by Stantec Consulting Services that was finished in March 2015 that details what it would take to complete the removal. Forge Pond Dam is a half-mile downstream of the outlet of Silver Lake at the headwater of the Jones River. It is a concrete structure built circa 1905 and is owned by the City of Brockton. Due to periodic low-flows, the City is required to demonstrate feasibility of a low-level outlet to maintain flow when water levels are below the dam. The dam currently has no fish passage, but installing a fishladder or creating a dam breech here would remove the last impediment to the alewifesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; return to spawn in Silver Lake. In 2013, the Forge Pond Dam Fish Passage Improvement Feasibility Study and Preliminary Design by Gomez and Sullivan Engineers, P.C. assessed the needs for fish passage and calculated the cost of different designs.

Removal of the dam would empty Foundry Pond and probably return it to a sizable wetland habitat, and potentially enlarge the smelt spawning habitat of Smelt Brook. Well into the twentieth century, fish rights were sold to people who would carry smelt by the barrel to Smelt Pond to spawn. It is possible that, historically, Smelt Pond was the destination habitat for these rainbow smelt. Restoration of this fish run should be evaluated. Removal of the Foundry Pond dam would likely be required. Because the factory was the site of a DEP & EPA clean up around 1990 and still releases oil to the brook, an evaluation of the sediments in the pond is necessary. Maple Street/C. Drew Dam is another historical remnant. This factory specialized in forged tools, and had a water wheel for power. The dam is in a state of disrepair and should be evaluated for removal or at least the installation of a fish ladder. The dam creates a pond in Stony Brook just beyond town center. Removing this obstruction may allow alewife to return to Blackwater Swamp. Bryant Mill Dam and Sylvia Pond Dam are upstream of Soules Pond. The dam has a long, beautiful ladder leading to the pond. The Division of Dam Safety has directed the Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Massachusetts, which owns the surrounding land, to address maintenance and repairs. The Wildlands Trust is working with JRWA to maintain the existing spawning habitat until the herring run can be restored to Silver Lake. Russell Pond Dam is an earthen dam in private hands that has been declared a safety problem by the state Division of Dam Safety. Russell Pond is connected to Sylvia Pond by a tiny tributary and augments the alewife spawning habitat of Sylvia Pond, and is the topmost habitat in the spawning run. The dam was built to power a sawmill almost two centuries ago by damming Winter Meadow Brook. The earthen structure leaks and neighbors have concerns about a breech and flooding downstream. The town should work with the property owner to deal with this problem before a catastrophic breech occurs.

Foundry Pond Dam on Smelt Brook is a concrete structure across Smelt Brook. There is no fish ladder.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

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INVASIVE SPECIES

Section to be filled in by Maureen ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY CHANGE Kingston has a variety of open space that is located throughout town and especially in areas in the northern part of town and along the Jones River. This makes open space easily accessible for many residents. Tree cover is also very plentiful and no areas seem to be completely devoid of it, though there are places in the newer developments that have been nearly clear-cut. Tree planting in that area would benefit wildlife, and water runoff and aesthetics. There are currently no Environmental Justice communities within Kingston. The open spaces in southern Kingston are more difficult to access for many residents without driving. Making these more accessible to the residents living in the southern region of town could go a long way to equalizing ease of accessibility. IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE In 2011, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts put together a climate change adaptation report that combines many studies done by prominent climate change scientists. According to the report, as the climate changes, it is anticipated that there will be many effects on people, infrastructure, and natural systems. Some will be drastic and others less pronounced. Temperature rises and changes in weather patterns will cause public health problems, create imbalances in current terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and affect people’s food, economic, and infrastructural resources. Temperature is projected to rise between 3.8° and 5.2°F by mid-century and 5.2° and 9.5°F by the end of this century, with greater changes in the winter than the summer. The projected increase could cause a decline in air quality, aggravate asthma, and cause other human health effects in Massachusetts, which already has one of the highest rates, at 9.6 percent, of adult asthma in the United States. Heat waves are predicted to become worse and would have broad implications for public health, infrastructure, government capacities, native plants, and agricultural crops. Habitat boundaries of certain species are predicted to shift. Some native species are predicted

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

to move northward toward cooler temperatures on land and in the ocean that will more closely correlate with the climate niche they are evolved to. Surface sea temperatures are predicted to change 4° to 5°F in low carbon emission scenarios, and 6° to 8°F under highemission scenarios. This would cause significant changes to estuarine and marine habitats and the ecosystem services they provide. This would also affect many marine species relied upon by the state's fishing industry. For example, cod require habitat with a mean annual bottom temperature below 53.6°F. This species will likely disappear from the waters south of Cape Cod by latecentury under the higher-emissions scenario. Massachusetts is predicted to have an increase in sea level between about 1 foot to up to 6.5 feet by 2100. This increase could have major consequences for both natural and manmade systems. Sea-level rise would increase the height of storm surges and associated frequency of coastal flooding, permanently inundate low-lying coastal areas, amplify shoreline erosion, and threaten barrier beach and dune systems. Public and private homes, businesses and infrastructure would be affected by increased flooding. This rise in sea level could also intrude on productive aquifers, such as the Plymouth-Carver solesource aquifer, situated in permeable sands and gravels near the ocean. This would contaminate drinking water and require it to be desalinated, which is an expensive and energy-intensive process. Predicted changes in precipitation could reduce amount of snow cover, winter recreation, spring snow melt, peak stream flows, water supply, aquifer recharge, and water quality. According to the climate change adaptation report, Massachusetts is projected to lose between onequarter to one-half of its snow-covered days by the end of the century. Changes in the quantity, frequency, and seasonality of precipitation and the shift toward more rainy and icy winters would significantly affect towns that rely on winter recreation. It may also harm water supplies and water availability for fish and various habitats. Higher amounts of rain in the winter may drive more high-flow and flooding events, because of earlier peak flows in the spring due to less snowpack, and extend low-flow periods in the summer months. This could be particularly difficult on the Jones River, which is already experiencing low flows due to withdrawals from Silver Lake by the Town of Brockton. The changes in timing of precipitation

SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

would increase floods and polluted overflows from stormwater and wastewater systems during periods of high flow. Surface and ground drinking water sources would be more stressed in periods of drought and low flow. Though extended low flows are expected in the summer months, the precipitation will be more intense and increase floods, put humans and their property at risk, ruin crops, and create public health concerns from sewage overflows and hazardous waste leaks. By 2100, 100-year floods are expected to occur every one or two years under low and high-emission scenarios. This would heavily impact shellfishing in Kingston; currently, 0.3 inches of rain close the bay to shellfishing for five days. If this were to be repeated more often, it could have a large effect on the people who rely upon shellfishing for their livelihood. Two actions can help manage these impacts: adaptation and mitigation. Adaptation is helping to create resiliency to be able to withstand the future changes in climate. For example, native aquatic vegetation and shellfish could help reduce the energy and destructive power of storm surges. Barrier beaches will also need to be larger and may need more maintenance as sea levels rise. Maintaining healthy ecosystems and larger parcels of open space could

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give wildlife and aquatic life the ability to migrate as climate shifts. Forested open space can help reduce heatisland effect and be a refuge and buffer to changes that are taking place elsewhere. The report also stresses the importance of intercepting stormwater as heavy rains become more prevalent and helping to reduce pollutants entering an aquatic ecosystem that will already be stressed by changes in the climate. Creating larger no-build buffers along the coast and rivers will also limit destruction of property and other infrastructure. Mitigation strategies are those that help create a lowemission scenario by reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gas outputs. Some of this can be done by increasing natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to sequester these chemicals from the atmosphere. There will also need to be reductions fossil fuel use by using alternative means of transportation and electricity generation. Kingston has already taken steps toward this end by installing wind turbines for power generation. It also has an MBTA station. Further efforts to promote sustainable energy production and access to alternative means of transportation will help limit the more extreme climate change projections. Ultimately, adaptation and mitigation will both be needed.

SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

Section 5: Inventory of Lands of Conservation and Recreation Interest

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 5: CONSERVATION AND RECREATION LANDS

For the purposes of this inventory, â&#x20AC;&#x153;open spaceâ&#x20AC;? refers to those properties that are predominantly or, more often, entirely undeveloped and which are devoted to natural resource protection and/or recreation. Some, but not all, of these lands are formally protected for these purposes. Some may be available for public use, while others are off limits. There are three general levels of protection evident on these parcels. The first of these is formal, permanent protection afforded either by designation for conservation under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution or through a permanent conservation restriction to the property deed. Next, there are lands with limited protection. These include town-owned lands that have not been designated for conservation; lands protected temporarily as working lands under Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B; and lands under conservation easements with limited terms. Finally, there are lands that have no formal protection. The final distinction between the properties listed below is ownership. There are two ownership categories: privately owned, including cemeteries, golf courses, private lands under conservation restrictions, working lands under Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B, and nonprofit-owned parcels; and publicly owned, including state and town-owned parcels. In Kingston, private open space holdings make up 1,583.97 acres, of which 1,297.21 acres are working lands and 286.76 acres are non-working lands. Nonprofits own 242.54 acres of the non-working lands. Publicly owned open space includes 261.56 acres owned by the Commonwealth, predominantly in Kingston State Forest, and 1,421.56 acres owned by the Town of Kingston.

A. Private Parcels As is mentioned above, private holdings account for 1,480.56 acres of open space in Kingston, the vast majority of which are working lands under the temporary (ten year) protection of Chapter 61. These lands are a critical component of Kingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic and ongoing character as a cranberry producer and source of timber products. When considered in combination with the remaining open space in town, these lands tip the scales from Kingston being a lovely town with a number of beautiful conservation areas to it being a lovely town defined by large patches of undeveloped lands, both productive and protected. For this reason, it is crucial that the Chapter 61 lands be carefully monitored so that if and when they are taken out of Chapter 61 protection, the Town is prepared to act on its Right of First Refusal and attempt to acquire those parcels that are of particularly high ecological value. Based on the development risk analysis in Section 3.d, there are several Chapter 61 parcels that make up a large portion of the area identified as a priority for

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

conservation to the south and southwest of Crossman Pond. Considering the current residential development underway nearby, these parcels should be given particular attention. Efforts need to be made to work with the owners to either keep the parcels protected under Chapter 61 or to protect them permanently. In addition to these parcels, other Chapter 61 lands that abut protected open space properties should be strongly considered for acquisition if the opportunity arises, as they would serve to expand protected patches of habitat. In addition to those lands listed above, there are a number of privately owned parcels that account for much of the land south of Route 44 and surrounding Muddy Pond. These parcels form the largest forested tract in town and contain numerous certified vernal pools as well as the exemplary Coastal Plain Pondshore ecosystem at Muddy Pond. The Sisters of Divine Providence own the majority of this land, including the one large parcel that surrounds Muddy Pond. Concerted efforts should be made to work with the Sisters and other area landowners

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to permanently protect this land for its unique topography, core habitat and high ecological integrity, and irreplaceable role as a regionally significant groundwater recharge area.

B. Public and Nonprofit Parcels Mulliken’s Landing

The Commonwealth owns four properties totaling 261.56 acres in Kingston. These include: Kingston State Forest This property, managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, consists of 197.20 acres along Route 44 that are permanently protected and publicly accessible. It is adjacent to the Town’s Camp Nekon property and provides significant recreational opportunities including hiking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping. There is currently significant use by off-road vehicles, which has caused and will continue to cause significant damage to trails as well as the ecosystems they pass through. Route 44 Wetland Replication Site This property consists of 55.30 acres in the southern tip of town. It is a wetland replication site for wetlands that were filled during the construction of Route 44. This land is under limited protection and is not open to the public. Bay Farm This property covers 7.80 acres adjoining conservation property in Duxbury as well as 29 acres of town-owned land. It is permanently protected and open to the public. The Bay Farm Conservation Area, of which this parcel is a piece, is one of the most used and well-loved open space properties in the region, providing wonderful opportunities for walking (with or without dogs), wildlife viewing, and foot access to Kingston Bay and the Jones River estuary. It is also the site of some of the area’s most iconic views.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

This small (1.30 acres) property along the Jones River estuary is permanently protected and open to the public. It serves as a car-top boat access point to the Jones River tidal zone, providing canoeists and kayakers access to paddle upstream as far as the Elm Street dam and downstream to Kingston Bay and beyond.

The Town owns 1,421.56 acres of open space, of which 1,176.77 acres are permanently protected, 187.12 have limited protection, and 57.67 acres have undetermined protection. These properties, in order of size, include: Cranberry Watershed Preserve This property, covering 238.30 acres in the northwest corner of town, is permanently protected and open for public use. Survey respondents and public forum participants frequently named this property as a favorite, citing the many opportunities it offers for year-round passive recreation as well as its role in protecting a significant piece of the Jones River watershed. Camp Nekon A former Girl Scouts of America camp, this property covers 194.38 acres. Of these, 136.71 acres are permanently protected and 57.67 are protected to an undetermined level (they are being transferred between Town departments at the time of writing). This property includes significant shoreline on Smelt Pond (including a small beach) and the town’s highest point, Monk’s Hill with its DCR fire tower. There are also many woods roads meandering throughout the property. These amenities, although in need of additional maintenance and some updating, give this property tremendous potential for further development as a passive recreation

SECTION 5: CONSERVATION AND RECREATION LANDS

hub in southern Kingston. In addition, Camp Nekon abuts Kingston State Forest to the west. When considered together, these two open spaces cover nearly 400 acres, much of which is classified as highly integral core habitat. Should the Sisters of Divine Providenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property to the south, surrounding Muddy Pond, be permanently protected in the future, the three properties together would protect nearly 700 acres of the most ecologically valuable land in town.

between Cranberry Watershed Preserve and the Hathaway Preserve. The Henrich Property This conservation area covers 56.16 acres, accessible from West Street. The property is permanently protected and open to the public. The Hall Property and Blackwater Swamp

Sampson Park and Faunce Memorial Forest Located in the heart of Kingston, this park covers 165.74 acres of permanently protected, publicly accessible land. Its location makes it unique among the large open space properties in town. The youngest participant at either of the two public forums, a member of one of Kingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boy Scout troops, mentioned that one of his favorite activities involving open space in town was to go camping in Sampson Park. That this sort of experience is possible within one-and-a-half miles of the town center is truly special. Silver Lake Sanctuary In the northwestern most corner of town, this sanctuary covers 93.40 acres along the shore of Silver Lake at the headwaters of the Jones River. This land is permanently protected and open for public use. The Bay Circuit Trail enters Kingston here before continuing across town to Bay Farm Conservation Area. Hathaway Preserve and Three Rivers Basin A vital link in the string of protected lands along the Jones River Corridor, the Hathaway Preserve follows the river for 1.2 miles and includes roughly 77 acres of permanently protected, publicly accessible land. It is connected to Cranberry Watershed Preserve via Three Rivers Basin. Three Rivers Basin is a former cranberry bog covering roughly 29 acres along Pine Brook between Cranberry Watershed Preserve and the Jones River, to which the brook empties. It is permanently protected and open for public use. As is mentioned above, this property provides an important connection, for people and wildlife alike,

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

This 43-acre site was recently acquired and is to be used for conservation as well as a small expansion of the recreation fields at neighboring Pottle Field and Opachinski Field. This property protects a portion of Blackwater Swamp, a regionally important black spruce/white cedar swamp, as well as a historically significant archeological site. This property is permanently protected and open to the public. The Blackwater Swamp property itself covers 2.5 acres north of the Hall Property in the heart of the black spruce/white cedar swamp. This land is permanently protected. Pottle Field and Opachinski Field These two properties combined create a 58.42-acre recreation field complex. These have limited protection from development due to their town ownership, but are not designated for conservation. Some survey respondents and public forum attendees expressed a desire for additional playing fields. The expansion of this field complex onto a portion of the recently acquired Hall Property may assuage this desire in the short term. Bay Farm Consisting of 29 acres adjoining the above-mentioned State-owned land and Duxbury town-owned land that together form the entirety of Bay Farm Conservation Area, this property is permanently protected and publicly accessible.

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The Offal Pits

among survey respondents and public forum attendees.

This property consists of 27 acres adjoining the north end of Camp Nekon. This land is under limited protection given its town ownership and is open for public use.

Mulliken’s Landing

Pawtuxet Park This 24-acre park sits on the east side of town next to Smelt Brook and Foundry Pond. It is permanently protected and open for public use. The addition of a marked walking route between this property and Grays Beach Park on the bay would offer residents in this part of town a more integrated open space experience.

This 2.5-acre property adjoins the State-owned land of the same name along the Jones River. It is permanently protected and publicly accessible. Marshal Joyce Wildlife Sanctuary This 1.5-acre site along the Jones River just east of Mulliken’s Landing is permanently protected and open to the public. It offers wonderful views of the Jones River estuary and preserves part of a valuable wildlife corridor between the salt marsh and Bay Farm.

The Maglathlin Property This property consists of 23 acres of land along the Jones River. It has limited protection and is open for public use. It is across the Jones River from Cranberry Watershed Preserve, offering wildlife a relatively unimpeded corridor between the two open spaces.

Ah De Nah (Town Landing) This 2.6-acre property is the town’s primary public boat launch and pier. It has limited protection due to its town ownership, but is not designated for conservation. This site also offers iconic views across the Jones River estuary to the Rocky Nook neighborhood.

The Calista Property Kingston Well-Protection Properties

This 10-acre property on the south side of the Jones River estuary is permanently protected and publicly accessible.

These twenty properties cover 156.82 acres of permanently protected lands surrounding the Town’s drinking water wells.

Reed Community Center, Adams Library, and Bailey Memorial This property consists of 9.51 acres of land under the limited protection of town ownership. The Reed Community Center hosts all sorts of recreation activities and the playing fields and tennis courts adjacent to it are the most centrally located active recreational facilities to downtown Kingston. The Adams Library is on the National Register of Historic Places and also serves as a hub for cultural events. Gray’s Beach Park This 6.50-acre park on the bay just north of the Plymouth line provides Kingston’s only public beach access. It has limited protection due to its town ownership, but is not designated for conservation. Along with the beach, this property features a basketball court, tennis courts, a play structure, and a snack bar. It was a frequent favorite

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

Nonprofit organizations own 242.54 acres in Kingston. Of these, the Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Massachusetts owns 199.4 acres; the Pilgrim John Howland Society owns 21.51 acres; the Boy and Girls Scouts of Kingston own 15.53 acres; the Jones River Watershed Association owns 3.7 acres; Jones River Village Historical Society owns 1.9 acres; Jones River Village Club owns 1.4 acres; and Jones River Environmental Heritage owns 0.4 acres. Many of these parcels abut open space land owned by the Town, State, or other nonprofits, serving the valuable purposes of expanding and connecting wildlife habitat, enhancing recreation opportunities, and preserving significant historic sites.

SECTION 5: CONSERVATION AND RECREATION LANDS

Nick’s Rock Road Preserve This 50-acre property, owned by the Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Massachusetts, stretches south along the Plymouth town line from Route 44. It is permanently protected. This property provides a needed buffer between the commercial development in Plymouth and the core habitat areas to the west and northwest.

Faunce Memorial Forest. They consist of a combined 27.3 acres of permanently protected land. These properties have tremendous potential as a foundation point on which to establish a network of conservation areas through the wetlands stretching southwest towards Indian Pond. Ruffini Preserve

Howland House and Well Sites These properties cover a combined 21.51 acres on the Jones River side of Rocky Nook. They preserve the site of one of Kingston’s first European settlers’ homestead. This land is permanently protected and open to the public. It is adjoined on its north side to The Nook Preserve. Together, these two conservation areas protect more than a quarter-mile of the Jones River estuary’s shoreline. The Nook Preserve This Wildlands Trust property, covering 17.7 acres, is adjacent to the Howland House Site on the Jones River estuary. The land is permanently protected. As is mentioned above, this property combines with the neighboring Howland House Site to form the largest permanently protected area on the Jones River estuary. The Charles L. Cherry Preserve, Tate Triangle Preserve, and Indian Hill Preserve These three Wildlands Trust properties, stretching southeast from Sampson Park and Faunce Memorial Forest across Elm Street towards the Indian Pond Country Club golf course, cover a combined 26.89 acres and are permanently protected. By preserving a corridor, albeit one interrupted by a major road, between these large open spaces, these properties maintain critical connectivity for wildlife, especially birds. Russsel Pond Preserve and the O.W. Stewart Preserve

This 12.9-acre property stretches from Winthrop Street to Blackwater Pond and is permanently protected. Along with the Blackwater Swamp conservation property, the Hall Property, and significant Chapter 61 lands adjoining it to the west, this property helps protect the black spruce/white cedar swamp that makes this area so unique. Boy and Girl Scouts of Kingston Properties The Boy and Girl Scouts of Kingston own two different properties in town. The larger of the two cover 12.8 acres off of Summer Street. This land is not protected. The second property, located east of Route 3 near Bay Farm, covers 2.73 acres and is permanently protected. A. Keith Property Although not contiguous with the other large protected lands on the west side of Blackwater Swamp, this 7.8-acre property off of Winthrop Street on the east side of Blackwater Pond is another important piece in the network of conservation lands around the swamp. Holmes-Watson Boatyard This small (0.4 acres) but historically significant site on Landing Road is the oldest continually operated boatyard in the United States. It is now the headquarters of the Jones River Watershed Association and home to the Jones River Environmental Heritage Center. In addition to providing educational opportunities regarding the river’s ecological and historical significance, this property now serves as a public access point to the river.

These two Wildlands Trust properties sit on the south side of Elm Street just south of Sampson Park and

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 5: CONSERVATION AND RECREATION LANDS

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 5: CONSERVATION AND RECREATION LANDS

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 5: CONSERVATION AND RECREATION LANDS

Section 6: Community Vision

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 6: COMMUNITY VISION

A. Description of Process The process to gather public input for this update to Kingston’s Open Space and Recreation Plan included a series of public forums, a town-wide survey, and meetings with town officials. The public feedback helped to define goals and articulate recommendations to address the community’s priorities. OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION SURVEY To acquire public input, a town-wide survey was distributed both electronically and in print form beginning in November 2014 and ending in early March 2015. The electronic survey was advertised on the Town website and various unofficial town Facebook pages. The print survey was made available at the Town Hall, the library, and at the Reed Community Building. The survey was completed by 252 people, or 1.8% of the town’s population.

“Collaboration in the community is a very good prospect. More areas can be shared to make them more beneficial.”

See appendix 1 for full results. PUBLIC FORUM #1 (DATA GATHERING) On February 4th, 2015, Public Forum #1 was held at Town Hall between the hours of 7 and 9pm. The forum was announced in an email blast to key stakeholders and town officials, on the Town’s website, on the Recreation Department’s website and Facebook page, and on other town-supported Facebook pages. Fifteen brave souls showed up on this cold wintery night to support and help prioritize the Town’s open space and recreational goals. During this forum, attendees were divided into groups of four to five people. In these small groups, they individually ranked the top four sites in town that they valued with a sticker on the map and wrote down why they valued the site. In their small groups they identified sites with the highest density of stickers and categorized them based on type of use, why it was of value and what was missing from the site. Once patterns were recognized and discussed, groups reported back to the whole and answers were recorded for all to see. At the conclusion of this forum, attendees were asked, “What was the take home lesson from this evening’s forum?” Their responses included the following: “Learned more about the town and open space available, and glad to meet all the people who care about it.”

Attendees identifying their favorite destinations in town during Public Forum #1 at Town Hall.

The top sentiments expressed at this forum were the value of existing open space and recreational facilities, and the residents’ desire to improve and maintain these spaces, including more, safer, and clearer access to open spaces and recreational facilities. These findings were consistent with survey responses to the question: “What recreational priorities should the Town pursue?” Top recreational priorities based on the survey and first forum were more bike lanes and trails, followed by enhanced beach and waterfront access and then additional and improved hiking trails and sidewalks. With the abundance of ponds, rivers, streams, bogs, and swamps that define Kingston’s landscape, any steps to improve access, awareness, and appreciation of these features could be an effective and efficient way to move forward. Additionally, the top priority, based on survey results, for natural resource conservation was drinking water supply and protection.

“Love this forum.”

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 6: COMMUNITY VISION

PUBLIC FORUM #2 (RESPONSES TO DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS) The Conway team returned to Kingston one month later (March 5th, 2015) to share their analysis and draft recommendations. The draft recommendations were derived from survey responses, feedback from the first public forum, and analysis. This forum was held at Town Hall from 7 to 9 pm. It was advertised using the same media as Public Forum #1. A total of sixteen attendees showed up for forum #2, including one Boy Scout.

 Pursue a Complete Streets policy in the downtown area, and change zoning laws to allow for higherdensity housing development and in-fill.  Prioritize a patch of core habitat and high ecological integrity south of Wapping Road and north of Elm Street for formal conservation protection. The top three choices for priority connections were:  Acquire easements to lands linking Sampson Park to Indian Pond, to maintain and create a vibrant corridor for wildlife and humans alike.

Attendees were given a map showing eleven action items (five were place based and six dealt with making connections) and asked to prioritize them. Afterwards, each person reported back their top three action items from each category.

 Improve sidewalks and create bike lanes along major roads. Enhanced walkability and bikeability around town will reduce the dependence on automobiles and therefore reduce carbon emissions, which lead to climate change.

The top three choices for areas of action to be prioritized were:

 Work with Plympton to protect the lands along the southwestern border to maintain an uninterrupted wildlife corridor.

 Seek formal conservation protection from development for available parcels in the southern tip of town.

See Appendix for full results.

A word cloud representing the answer to “What improvements are needed at the places you recreate?” Size equals frequency of response.

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SECTION 6: COMMUNITY VISION

B. Statement of Open Space and Recreation Vision Kingston faces challenges familiar to other small towns in the region. These include a desire to maintain and increase community awareness and use of existing open spaces and recreational facilities while taking steps to protect additional lands under pressure from future development. Based upon input obtained from the community outreach activities described in Section 6A, and a review of the community vision described in the 2008 draft OSRP, the following is Kingston’s vision for open space and recreation:  Passive and active recreation facilities/areas are sufficient to meet community needs, are protective of significant historical and ecological features and are widely used by both local residents and regional populations of all ages and abilities;  A balance between developed and undeveloped land is maintained to ensure that natural resources are suitably protected to support both human and ecological needs within Kingston and beyond;  Kingston’s open space and recreational resources are themselves sufficiently resilient to the anticipated effects of climate change and serve to augment the ability of the town as a whole to mitigate these effects; and  Kingston’s small town character is preserved while opportunities for growth are provided.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 6: COMMUNITY VISION

Section 7: Analysis of Needs

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 7: ANALYSIS OF NEEDS

SUMMARY OF RESOURCE PROTECTION NEEDS Any discussion of Kingston’s resource protection needs should start with an acknowledgement of what has already been accomplished in terms of conservation. The Town, along with groups such as the Jones River Watershed Association and The Wildlands Trust, have successfully protected many of the historically and ecologically important lands and corridors that help define Kingston’s landscape (see OS Inventory Map 5.1). Some particularly important examples are the Jones River corridor, the majority of which is now buffered by permanently protected land and the sixty-seven vernal pools that have been certified thus far. Community members expressed their appreciation for these existing properties and the opportunities that they offer at the two public forums and in the OSRP Survey In fact, one of the most frequent responses given was a call for the Town to focus on maintaining and improving these existing properties. The top resource protection priority (>70 percent of respondents ranked it highest) selected by survey respondents was “drinking water supply protection” (see Section 6), which effectively means permanently protecting to the greatest extent possible the Town’s drinking water supply watershed (see Water Supply Protection Zones Map 3D.2). Kingston and several neighboring towns get their drinking water from the shared Plymouth-Carver sole-source aquifer. It is critical that the Town and/or private groups take immediate steps to permanently protect those undeveloped lands that perform the crucial ecosystem services of groundwater recharge and filtration for the portions of the aquifer within the town’s boundaries. Two areas in particular have been identified through the development risk analysis described in Section 3D. Kingston’s largest remaining forested tract, lying south of Route 44, represents the greatest conservation opportunity for groundwater protection. Its high ecological integrity, unique topography, pine barren vegetation, three great ponds, and many vernal pools give it tremendous conservation value. The other priority area includes several parcels just south/southwest of Crossman Pond, which include a large complex of wetlands and form the eastern extremity of a very large

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

block (2,860 acres) of highly integral “core habitat” (see BioMAP2 in Appendix 2). This area, if preserved, would provide another large piece of core habitat in close proximity to those already protected within the Hathaway Preserve, Sampson Park, and Cranberry Watershed Preserve (see OS Inventory Map 5.1). This land is currently under significant pressure from an adjacent subdivision being developed along its south and east sides. Beyond their regional role in preserving drinking water quality and quantity, these two blocks provide habitat stepping-stones between more extensive patches of highly integral core habitat in Plympton and Plymouth’s Myles Standish State Forest. At 12,029 acres, Myles Standish State Forest is the largest and most ecologically integral habitat core in the region. There are some significant gaps in this corridor which are in need of bridging. The largest of these is in Plymouth, extending from Kingston’s southern tip to Myles Standish State Forest (see Regional BioMAP2 4D). Through cooperation with Plymouth this valuable wildlife connection could be improved and protected. Successful engagement of property owners in both Kingston and Plympton adjacent to Route 44, Indian Pond, and Elm Street could help establish a protected, undeveloped corridor for wildlife movement. Where this corridor encounters Route 44 and Elm Street, culverts/underpasses could provide additional safety for rare species such as spotted salamanders that migrate to and from the abundant vernal pools in the area to breed. Fortunately, all three towns—Kingston, Plymouth, and Plympton—are interested in working together to achieve open space and recreation goals that will benefit each town as well as the region. Plymouth has expressed an interest in linking trails and wildlife corridors to southern Kingston and Plympton has expressed an interest through its own OSRP in establishing a cooperative relationship with Kingston aimed at the preservation of Indian Pond as a mutual resource as well as linking trails and wildlife corridors to other portions of western Kingston. Such a coordinated effort could reinforce the efficacy of each town’s respective plan for future development and conservation action. Another priority wildlife corridor for formal protection is the complex of wetlands stretching north/northeast from

SECTION 7: ANALYSIS OF NEEDS

Indian Pond to Sampson Park and Faunce Memorial forest in the middle of town. This wetland system is a key connection between the wetlands and forests of southern Kingston and the Jones River to the north, providing a thoroughfare for wildlife across all of northern Kingston. Although this corridor receives a significant measure of protection through the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, it crosses many private properties and is therefore subject to many different pressures. Collaboration with the owners of these properties to permanently protect this corridor through conservation restrictions will add uniformity to the area’s level of protection.

SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY NEEDS Kingston’s community needs fall into three categories: accommodation of population growth; increased access to open space areas and recreation facilities; and improved connectivity throughout town for nonmotorized recreation and commuting. These needs are in line with the goals identified by the Commonwealth in its 2012 Draft Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan: to increase trails of all types; to increase the availability of water-based recreation opportunities; and to invest in conservation and recreation areas close to people’s homes and in racially, economically, and age diverse neighborhoods.

In addition to the ecological benefits of these conservation recommendations, the resulting large patches and corridors of natural lands could provide recreational and educational opportunities for Kingston residents and visitors alike. The corridor could accommodate a hiking trail traversing the wetlands between Sampson Park and Kingston State Forest. As was mentioned above, these wetlands cross many private properties, so the development of a trail would involve significant negotiation with landowners. This proposed trail not only connects two of Kingston’s prized existing public open spaces, but also provides wonderful opportunities for wetland education and wildlife viewing. The second proposed connection links Kingston State Forest, the Town’s Camp Nekon property, and Sampson Park via the train station. This would take two different forms, the first being a hiking trail linking the State Forest and Camp Nekon to the train station, and the second being a mixed-use route between the train station and Sampson Park. This latter section could make use of sidewalks/streets and walking trails in Indian Pond Estates.

Open Space Survey respondents and public forum attendees identified the preservation of Kingston’s historic rural character as one of their priorities. This includes a compact town center and abundant undeveloped and working lands. In order to achieve this, future residential development needs to be concentrated more heavily than it has been to this point. Two approaches—infill in the town center and Smart Growth around the train station—could be combined to provide significant room for population growth without requiring the development of the town’s few remaining large undeveloped areas.

These two proposed connections would better integrate the open space properties in Kingston’s southern tip with those in the northern half of town, thereby providing residents and visitors alike with more opportunities to access and move between open space and recreational properties without the need for a car.

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

The area within a one-mile radius of the train station has great potential for higher-density, mixed-use development. There are a number of undeveloped parcels within this area that have few major development limitations and have relatively low ecological value, making them comparatively good sites for development. Expansion of the Smart Growth Overlay District to include these parcels could allow for significant growth while relieving pressure on the most ecologically valuable undeveloped areas of town. Easy walkability and bikeability to the train station, center of town, shopping mall, and beyond would encourage new residents and visitors to support Kingston’s local economy without relying on cars. This could help increase the tax base, decrease the use of fossil fuels, activate Kingston’s businesses, and enhance the feeling of community. Increased residential density could also make additional public transportation service viable. This area’s location between the open space around Smelt Pond to the southwest, including Camp Nekon and Kingston State

SECTION 7: ANALYSIS OF NEEDS

Forest, and Patuxet Park and Gray’s Beach to the east would offer new residents many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities within a short walk or bike ride from their homes. Additional hiking trails/paths in this area would facilitate these connections (see Section 7A).

regional connectivity between Pembroke, Kingston, and Plymouth and could provide the foundation for a bikefriendly route to Myles Standish State Forest. This would reduce the need for people to drive their cars to the park in order to enjoy its many miles of bike paths.

Many survey respondents, as well as representatives of the Recreation Department, called for the construction of additional playing fields in order to accommodate increasing usage while still allowing fields to rest and recover through rotated use. A comparison of playing field usage from 2013/2014 to 2014/2015 shows a considerable increase from 6,586 hours to 8,890 hours. There is an expansion already planned for the Opachinski Field complex; however, if demand continues to increase, additional fields may still be necessary. A full needs assessment could determine how much additional capacity is needed. The analysis of “prime agricultural soils” in section 4A identifies areas that may be suitable for the construction of additional fields.

There is a possibility that the MBTA commuter rail spur to Plymouth may be discontinued. Should train service along this section of the rail bed be discontinued, Kingston should seek to convert it into a multiuse trail connecting to the existing rail trail that currently begins at the Plymouth commuter station and extends along Plymouth’s shore. Once converted, this stretch of rail bed would offer wonderful opportunities for access to the Jones River estuary, Gray’s Beach Park, Calista Field, other Town of Kingston lands, and beaches to the south in Plymouth. It would also encourage visitors to come from Plymouth into Kingston without causing additional automotive congestion or need for significantly increased parking. Efforts should be made to establish a safe connection over the remaining half-mile between the western end of this spur and Kingston’s town center to allow trail users to safely reach and enjoy its amenities.

Among the most common public forum and survey responses was a desire for more and safer walkability and bikeability around town. A 2012 Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) analysis of perceived safety for bicycling and walking on Kingston’s major roads found that they were almost entirely unsafe. Many of these roads have relatively high speed limits and inadequate shoulders. The town should prioritize these roads for the installation of sidewalks where they are lacking and, where road dimensions will allow, the creation of bike lanes. In addition, such sidewalks and bike lanes would better connect Kingston’s residents to each other, provide them many more opportunities for healthy recreation, and allow them better access to the town’s existing open space and recreation areas. The provision of safe access via foot and bike should help lessen the need for additional parking at many of the open space properties. The Town has already proposed a Cross-Town Bicycle Trail stretching from Silver Lake to the Plymouth town line and from Indian Pond to the elementary school. The formal establishment of this route through a clear system of signs and, wherever possible, the creation of bike lanes would greatly enhance its usability. The negotiation of easements is needed in areas where private property interrupts the proposed route. This trail would add safe

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

In addition to the proposed rail trail, a short walking route spur could be established between Patuxet Park and Gray’s Beach Park through the addition of clear signs and sidewalks where they are missing. This short spur would provide the necessary connection between the train station and proposed rail trail as well. By fulfilling these needs, Kingston will maintain its small town character, protect and improve access to vital and well-loved open space and recreation areas, and accommodate population growth in ways that will reduce dependency on automobiles and enhance community. The management needs and potential changes of use that follow in Section 7C aim to achieve these same objectives with the properties and facilities that are already established. MANAGEMENT NEEDS AND POTENTIAL CHANGES OF USE According to the OSRP Survey responses and the input gathered at the two public forums, residents enjoy the existing open space and recreation facilities in Kingston,

SECTION 7: ANALYSIS OF NEEDS

pressing tasks such as surveying and marking the boundaries of all of the Town’s open space parcels as well as the production of property management manuals for all properties managed by the Conservation and/or Recreation Commissions.

but see many opportunities for their improvement. Asked, “what do you think is missing from the open space properties that would make them better?”, the respondents cited “signs” followed by “parking,” “access,” “maintenance,” and “publicity.” These responses helped to identify a number of management needs as well as opportunities for changes of use on a couple of properties. Participants at the two public forums repeatedly stated that many Kingston residents are not well informed about the open space and recreation facilities in their town. Increased efforts to engage and educate more members of the community through additional publicity and organized events will enhance public support for open space protection and raise its profile as a community resource. In recent years, the Conservation Commission and Recreation Commission have collaborated on a series of well-attended hikes for residents on open space properties. Continued efforts of this sort will help establish a broader user base for these properties, which in turn could provide additional word-of-mouth publicity, as well as volunteers for initiatives such as a trails committee and trail maintenance work parties. Furthermore, the more residents and visitors use and develop appreciation for the existing open space properties, the more support there may be for future efforts to protect the remaining ecologically important lands in town. Finally, increased awareness, appreciation, and use of these properties could help to dissuade destructive and costly patterns of use/abuse including unauthorized off-road vehicle use and vandalism that have made some users feel unsafe at times. In order to make additional outreach and programming a possibility, the town needs to increase its organizational/personnel capacity to improve the overall management and maintenance of conservation properties. Just as increased use of the open space properties could help to encourage appropriate uses and discourage inappropriate ones, additional staffing and funding would enable more robust monitoring, enforcement, and maintenance of these properties. This could include

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

Community members voiced their desire for the town’s Camp Nekon property to be developed for greater use as an alternative waterfront recreation area for programs/activities including swimming, sailing, iceskating, and fishing. The Recreation Commission has made this a top priority. The whole community could benefit greatly from the unique array of opportunities for passive recreation that do not exist together in one place elsewhere in town. These include extensive trails that connect to Kingston State Forest, opportunities for camping, and a waterfront that is not subject to tidal fluctuations like the bay and Jones River and which could therefore be used for more time-flexible youth sailing programs. Smelt Pond, however, is known to be impaired by invasive aquatic vegetation which can compromise boating and swimming activities. Therefore, the water quality should be improved as part of any plan to implement recreation programs in the pond. In addition, swimming beaches and overnight camping accommodations are regulated by the MA Department of Public Health and must meet certain standards of operation in order to comply with state sanitary codes. Making these improvements and meeting these regulatory requirements would be costly and funding would need to be secured prior to moving forward with such plans. The improvement of Camp Nekon could make it a jewel in southeastern Kingston. If the Town encourages Smart Growth in the area surrounding the train station, this revitalized open space and recreational area would be easily accessible by foot or bicycle to area residents.

SECTION 7: ANALYSIS OF NEEDS

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

SECTION 8: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Section 8: Goals and Objectives

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

100

SECTION 8: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Kingston aims to preserve and enhance the unique character of its community and quality of life of residents by protecting and enhancing its natural resources, improving upon existing facilities, and increasing awareness of and opportunities for active and passive recreation. Kingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open space and recreational goals integrate the needs of residents, wildlife, and the region by maintaining a balance of developed and undeveloped lands while planning for new growth. Connecting Kingston to a greater regional network of open space lands and recreational facilities will promote healthy lifestyles, ecological vibrancy, and climate change resiliency. Open Space and Recreation Goals

Passive and active recreation areas and facilities meet the needs of all age and ability groups. a.

Residents and visitors of open space and recreation properties have universal access and high-quality experiences.

The public is aware of open space, recreation properties, and available activities at each location.

There are new educational programs and opportunities on open space and recreation lands.

New open space lands are available for passive and active recreation.

The Town and residents actively steward open space lands. a.

b. 3.

Town boards and departments share management and maintenance of open space lands. Community volunteers assist with maintenance tasks (e.g., trail work).

Natural resources are protected while there are opportunities for appropriate development elsewhere. a.

Water resources are conserved.

Water resources, including the Jones River, streams, ponds, lakes, and the bay are of high quality.

Green infrastructure helps the community adapt to the effects of climate change on natural resources (e.g., water supply).

Available lands within the water recharge zone are conserved.

Expand Smart Growth Overlay District around MBTA Station.

Rural character and regional identity is preserved and enhanced. a.

A network of walkways, trails, and bikeways in town is safe and expanded.

The Bay Circuit Trail forms a complete route through Kingston.

Open spaces, recreation facilities, and trails are integrated in a regional network.

Scenic vistas and archaeological features are protected.

Wildlife corridors and species habitats have high ecological integrity. a.

New open space parcels adjacent to town-owned lands extend habitat continuity.

Parcels are protected based on designated ecological priority (informed by sources such as BioMap2, Natural Heritage Endangered Species, Coastal Zone Management).

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

101

SECTION 8: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Section 9: Seven-Year Action Plan

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

102

SECTION 9: SEVEN-YEAR ACTION PLAN

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

103

SECTION 9: SEVEN-YEAR ACTION PLAN

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

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SECTION 9: SEVEN-YEAR ACTION PLAN

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

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SECTION 9: SEVEN-YEAR ACTION PLAN

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

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SECTION 9: SEVEN-YEAR ACTION PLAN

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

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SECTION 9: SEVEN-YEAR ACTION PLAN

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

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SECTION 9: SEVEN-YEAR ACTION PLAN

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

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SECTION 9: SEVEN-YEAR ACTION PLAN

Seven Year Action Plan Map 9.1

Silver Lake Sanctuary

Silver Lake

Pine Brook Reservoir Cranberry Watershed Preserve Blackwater Swamp

Kingston Bay

Bay Farm

Town Green

Hathaway Preserve

Town Landing Ah-de-nah 1 Mi

Sampson Park

le F

rom

Tra in

St a

ti o n

1 Train Station

2 4

Smelt Pond

Kingston State Forest

Camp Nekon

Indian Pond

Muddy Pond

Patuxet Park

2 Grayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach

To Be the P ac h B lymo icy uth cle Pa th

The area within one mile of the train station has great potential for higher-density, mixed-use development. There are a number of undeveloped parcels within this area that have few major development limitations and have relatively low ecological value, making them comparatively good sites for development. The town should consider expanding the Smart Growth Overlay District to include these parcels in order to allow for significant growth while relieving pressure on the most ecologically valuable undeveloped areas of town. Increased residential density could also make additional public transportation service viable. This area’s location between open spaces would offer new residents many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities within a short walk/bike ride of their homes.

Walkabilty/bikeablity to the train station, center of town, shopping mall, and beyond would encourage new residents and visitors to support Kingston’s local economy without relying on cars. A network of bicycle lanes and multi-use trails add connectivity between open spaces, recreational facilities, and neighborhoods. This network would improve Kingston’s appeal to visitors, lower the use of fossil fuels, activate Kingston’s businesses, and enhance the feeling of community. The Town should work with the landowners to acquire easements across their properties to make way for trails. Additional hiking trails/paths (see Map 9.2) in this area would facilitate these connections.

Kingston’s southern tip is not only the largest forested tract in town, but also an important regional stepping stone of habitat connecting similar patches to the south to those to the west and northwest. It is located atop the Plymouth-Carver Sole Source Aquifer and provides groundwater recharge and filtration. Its unique glacial topography, dense concentration of certified vernal pools, and high BioMap2 rating make it a priority for formal conservation protection. The Town, in cooperation with private organizations such as land trusts, should 1work with landowners to protect this area Mile Fro from development through direct acquisition or m Tra in conservation restrictions. St a

Indian Pond is a critical stepping stone of core habitat between Kingston’s southern cone and a substantial area of core habitat stretching from Kingston’s midsection into Plympton. The corridor between these important areas of habitat is interrupted on two sides by Route 44 to the south and Elm Street to the north. The undeveloped lands flanking Route 44 (see large star burst) remain forested, but may experience significant development pressure due to proximity and access to the highway. The Town, in cooperation with private organizations such as land trusts, should work with landowners to protect some or all of these parcels from development through direct acquisition or conservation restrictions. Doing so will provide necessary refuge for wildlife, birds in particular, seeking to travel between patches of prime forest. In addition, Plympton’s OSRP expressed that town’s desire to cooperate with Kingston to protect Indian Pond.

The patch of core habitat south of Wapping Road is the only other significant area of combined core habitat and highest ecological integrity that remains unprotected in Kingston, making it a priority for formal conservation protection. This patch also sits atop the PlymouthCarver Sole Source Aquifer and provides valuable groundwater recharge and filtration as well as a connection between substantial core habitat to the west in Plympton and many of Kingston’s protected open spaces. The Town, in cooperation with private organizations such as land trusts, should work with landowners to protect this area from development through direct acquisition or conservation restrictions.

ti o n

Seven Year Action Plan Increased Smart Growth Overlay District

Wildlife Corridors

BioMap2 Core Habitat

Multi-Use Trail Corridor

High Ecological Integrity Zone

Water Bodies

Cross-Town Bicycle Trail

Core Habitat Interruption

Wetland Buffers

Rail Trail

Improving Kingston's current bicycle and hiking trails and adding to the trail network would likely increase safety, improve health, raise property values, and increase tourism. In addition to improving and finishing the CrossTown Bicycle Trail, a concurrent network of bicycle lanes (shown in blue) are proposed to better connect residents to popular open space and recreational facilities within town. The proposed bicycle lanes intersect with the Cross-Town Bicycle Trail, expanding accessibility to open spaces, recreational facilities, and other neighborhoods (including downtown). The network of bicycle lanes extends to neighboring towns, helping to reduce the dependency on the automobile for a variety of trips. This proposed network of multi-use trails (shown in dashed orange) connect the town's existing open spaces and recreation areas. Improving access to these spaces and the user-experience is a high priority for town residents. Multi-use trails could be used by all ages and abilities to travel safely from one destination to another along a scenic path. Two proposed multi-use trails linking Sampson Park, Smelt Pond/Camp Nekon, and Patuxet Park via the train station would not only add connectivity between open space area, but also make them accessible to visitors arriving by train. This would add to Kingston's appeal to visitors and decrease the need for them to use cars.

Should train service along the Plymouth spur of the commuter rail be discontinued, Kingston should seek to convert that rail bed into a multi-use trail connection to the existing bicycle path that currently begins at the Plymouth commuter station and extends along Plymouth's shore. Once converted, this stretch of rail bed would offer wonderful opportunities for access to the Jones River estuary, Gray's Beach Park, and beaches to the south in Plymouth. It would also encourage visitors to come from Plymouth into Kingston, without causing additional automotive congestion or need for significantly increased parking. Efforts should be made to establish a safe connection over the remaining half-mile between Kingston's town center and the western end of this spur in order to allow for trail users to enjoy the rejuvenated downtown area. The system of wetlands stretching south from Sampson Park towards Indian Pond is another important wildlife corridor between open space properties. A multi-use trail running along the wetlands could enable wildlife movement. This stretch of wetlands could also provide a wonderful opportunity for a hiking trail connection between Sampson Park and Kingston State Forest. This trail would also provide abundant educational opportunities. Because these wetlands span so many private properties, the Town should work with the landowners to acquire easements across their properties to make way for a trail.

The multi-use trail network is integrated with the Bay Circuit Trail, extending the recreational opportunities within the town and surrounding region. The routes were established by using existing dirt roads, public lands, and/or larger privately owned properties as much as possible. Using existing dirt roads means the need for grading is reduced. Where the route bisects privately owned parcels, the larger parcels were chosen for ease of acquiring an easement from fewer individuals.

Trail Network Existing

Bay Circuit Trail

� Cross-Town Bicycle Trail � Cross-Town Bicycle Trail (unfinished)

II Existing Multi-use Trails

Proposed

r··I B

Proposed Multi-Use Trails Proposed Bicycle Trails

D CEI I

Open Space Water Bodies Train Station

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

APPENDIX #1: SURVEY RESULTS

Appendix #1: Survey Results

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

APPENDIX #1: SURVEY RESULTS

163 86 80 57 46 44

Drinking water supply/protection Passive recreation (walking, hiking, biking) Environmental/wildlife habitat protection Active recreation (field/court athletics) Flood control/storage Growth/development management 27 70 64 52 46 50

21 48 50 56 66 68

3 (Medium)

6 13 12 31 40 39

4 5 14 24 21 14

1 (Low)

Yes

160 151 147 143 142 122 116 111 108 106 98 97 93 89 87 75 72 65 64 59 49 7

Baseball Softball Playgrounds Football Soccer Tennis Basketball Lacrosse Nature Study/Viewing Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking Picnicking Hiking Fishing Hunting Golf Bicycling Ice Skating Dog Park Swimming Outdoor Gym/Exercise Stations Horseback Riding Other Other (please specify)

222 1

Answer Options

answered question skipped question

33 28 54 31 48 54 58 40 74 76 91 92 71 46 71 120 110 112 119 112 64 14

29 39 19 47 29 45 45 68 40 37 31 28 56 87 58 24 39 40 35 46 107 39

Don't Know 83% 84% 73% 82% 75% 69% 67% 74% 59% 58% 52% 51% 57% 66% 55% 38% 40% 37% 35% 35% 43%

% Yes

222 218 220 221 219 221 219 219 222 219 220 217 220 222 216 219 221 217 218 217 220 60 23

Response Count

#2) Do you think the Town has sufficient Open Space to accommodate the following recreational activities?

5 (High)

222 1

Answer Options

answered question skipped question

#1) What priority would you give to each of the open space resources identified below?

4.53 3.99 3.84 3.40 3.26 3.33

Rating Average

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

221 222 220 220 219 215

Response Count

Number of Responses

180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

100

150

200

250

Passive recreation (walking, hiking, biking) 5 (High)

4 Open Space resource

1 (Low)

Active recreation (field/court athletics)

3 (Medium)

Environmental/wildlife habitat protection

Flood control/storage

Growth/development management

Recreational activities

Yes

#2) Do you think the Town has sufficient Open Space to accomodate the following recreational activities?

Drinking water supply/protection

#1) What priority would you give to each of the Open Space resources identified below?

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

251 1

12.7% 32.7% 54.6%

Response Percent

32 82 137

Response Count

22 22 21 18 14 14 9 6 6 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1

Biking Beach Walking Dog park Conservation Access Facilities Wildlife Hiking Swimming Historic Fishing Kid park Public track Playground Basketball Ice skating Skate park Soccer Picnic

106 139

Categorical summary of individual responses

answered question skipped question

#4) Do you have any specific Open Space & Recreational priorities you think the Town should pursue?

Yes No I Don't Know

Answer Options

answered question skipped question

#3) Do you think there are sufficient active and passive recreational facilities that serve people with disabilities?

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

Number of Responses

I Don't Know

Open Space and Recreational Uses

#4) Do you have any specific Open Space & Recreational priorities you think the Town should pursue?

Yes

#3) Do you think there are sufficient active and passive recreational facilities that serve people with disabilities?

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

Response Count 127 100 87 86 85 61 56 55 42 42 39 33 14 7 3 1 1

Response Percent 61.1% 48.1% 41.8% 41.3% 40.9% 29.3% 26.9% 26.4% 20.2% 20.2% 18.8% 15.9% 6.7% 3.4% 1.4% 0.5% 0.5%

Gray's Beach Opachinski Field Complex School Fields Bay Farm Reed Community Fields Kingston Bay Jones River Town Landing (Ah-De-Nah) Silver Lake Sanctuary Cranberry Watershed Preserve Sampson Park Hathaway Preserve Camp Nekon & Smelt Pond Mulliken's Landing Patuxet Park Calista Field F. Sherburne Carter Preserve & Arbor Hills

208 15

Answer Options

answered question skipped question

#5) Which Open Space & Recreation properties do you use the most? (Check off the top five)

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

Percent of Response

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

Open Space & Recreation properties

#5) Which Open Space & Recreation properties do you use the most?

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

Female Male N/A

Answer Options

#8) What is your gender?

131 64 2

197 26 Response Count

2 3 5 8 28 78 46 16 8

18‐21 22‐25 25‐30 30‐35 35‐40 40‐50 50‐60 60‐70 70+

194 29 47 46 18 81 Response Count

answered question skipped question

Age Range

Average Median Minimum Maximum

#7) What is your age?

#6) What street do you live on? (excluded due to privacy concerns)

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

Number of Respondents

100

120

140

18‐21

Female

22‐25

30‐35

35‐40

Age Range

40‐50

Gender

Male

#8) What is your gender?

25‐30

#7) What is your age?

50‐60

N/A

60‐70

70+

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

Response Count

19 6 26 26 22 46 31 15 6 3

Years Range

1‐3 3‐5 5‐10 10‐15 15‐20 20‐30 30‐40 40‐50 50‐60 60+

answered question 88 skipped question 157

Question #10) Do you have any other thoughts or ideas regarding Kingston Open Space & Recreation?

20.7 20 73

200 23

Average Median Maximum

answered question skipped question

#9) How many years have you lived in Kingston?

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

Number of Respondents

1‐3

3‐5

5‐10

10‐15

20‐30

Range of years lived in town

15‐20

30‐40

40‐50

#9) How many years have you lived in Kingston?

50‐60

60+

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

STOP WASTING TAX DOLLARS ON FIELDS . LET THE KIDS PLAY LIKE WE DID WHEN WE WERE YOUNG. ALSO JUST BECAUSE WE HAVE LAZY , SELF ENTITLED PEOPLE MOVING TO KINGSTON ,WHY DO WE NEED A DOG PARK. IF THESE PEOPLE ARE TOO LAZY TO WALK AND CLEAN UP AFTER THEIR PETS THEY SHOULDN'T ONW THEM. Tie together open spaces so that hiking and environment protected. Tear down Elm Street dam for better water flow and fish passage. No Share the road, bike/walk/run lanes like Bay Road in Duxbury. Smelt pond active *recreational facility with beach, boat ramp and parking like Plymouth's ponds.

31 Camp Nekon needs to be developed! A use that would be beneficial to all town would be an RV park. It would open recreation and provide money to the town: i.e. rent, tourism, etc. 32 ALBERTINI bogs. Ruprecht property/blackwater pond

27 28 29 30

More access to ponds and the Jones River. Fresh water fishing access to youngsters is limited. Would like to see access to the river at site of the demolished school on Maple Avenue. No, and Kingston should get rid of the unsightly windmills and solar farms. They ruin the environment and disrupt and distract the lives of the residents. Active recreation facilities should be dispersed around town and not concentrated in only certain areas. Wildlife preservation better beach access dog park, paved bike and walking trails Albertini Land purchase more property to meet the outdoor needs of the town in any capacity Make the area behind the Reed Building more usable. Walking paths paved that can are able to be used by bikers, walkers and dog walkers. Reclaiming the path alongside the Jones River between Elm Street and the Beal House and onward as part of the Bay Circuit Trail for public use. As much open,non-woodland space as possible should be acquired. Most of the land is forested. While pleasant, it is colder in winter, and does not always feel as safe to a loe walker as an open 24 place. 25 Silver lake 26 I believe the Town should develop more open space and maintain the open space we have.

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Response Text Wildlife Habitat Preservation 1 Zoning changes to limit development of remaining open spaces. Approach property owners to see if they want their land preserved and seek funding to purchase land. Safe biking passage and racks. Public access to rivers and bays for swimming, fishing and boating. Cleared parking for access to trails and parks. Peaceful areas for activities such as yoga, bird watching, x-country skiing, etc. 2 The schools provide enough fields More open space available for continuous use (ie taxes vs ball fields used almost exclusively for scheduled organized sports). All school facilities that are paid for out of town taxes should be 3 available for use by taxpayers (ie tennis courts). 4 It would be wonderful to have bike paths developed around Kingston. I don't dare ride my bike on Route 80 but a bike path off the road on each side would be a great ride. 1. Paved bike trails, separate from automobile traffic. 5 2. Pedestrian connection between Summer Hill (Stop & Shop) Plaza and Hannaford Plaza. People often walk on 3A. 6 Hiking Trails 7 removing snow making streets clear not filled with snow. I have only lived here for around a year, so it may just be that I don't know where to find things in town yet, but I would like to see more beaches and/or town-ways-to-water on the various ponds/lakes around town. It would also be great to have more than one ocean-facing beach, but understand that that land is probably limited at this point. I love the natural and conservation areas 8 around town, and have enjoyed exploring them in the last year. I would always love to see more of them available. Don't feel a dog park is necessary! 9 Historical perspective - nature/walking trails w/ signage would be nice. 10 Bike Trails - impossible for most kids to ride their bikes or even walk to school safely. 1. Bike paths and walking paths, well maintained and well advertised 2. Protection of habitat for vulnerable species 11 3. Protecting land from development to maintain balanced open and redeveloped space 12 preserved natural areas, forests, ocean/coastal

#4) Do you have any specific Open Space & Recreational priorities you think the Town should pursue?

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

I would love biking trails and hiking space. It would be nice to have more sidewalks to connect to outdoor spaces so we would have the opportunity be be a bigger walking community. No Better sports complex/fields. Pottle is not sufficient, over crowded and not handicap accessible. It would be nice to have a bike path Horse back riding trails, dog parks, nature walks/trails. dog park a lighted outdoor basket ball court, skate park, outdoor running track, water playground, like the one at Nelson Park in Plymouth, food trucks. 1) More space for dogs. Kingston is not a very dog-friendly town. Other nearby towns such as Duxbury and Plymouth do a better job at that. 2) After taking 3 kids and a dog walking though the trials behind SLRHS and encountering a hunter who shortly after fired his weapon, it seems that not only should there be more hunting-free open space, but that the fact that hunting is allowed on town conservation land should be MUCH more clearly and boldly marked for the safety of non-hunters who are not aware of hunting dates and rules stop allowing housing to grow. wooded areas are being cleared to build. the town needs to stop developing. Sidewalks The Hall Property should be used for the fields that it was originally purchased for. Oops - A dog park. Better playground facilities & an off-leash dog pk no Public skating area would encourage more people to get out and exercise in the wintertime. It would also bring people together as a community. More recreational department courses would be great, such as Yoga, Beginner Pilates and Square Dancing, for example. I believe that the town needs to focus on improving the quality of the current fields at the Reed, KIS playground and the Opachinski field complex. I think the mayhem surrounding the planned build out of the Hall property has been a huge barrier to the community moving forward with its recreational space needs. Expand soccer fields as not currently enough space per number of teams No Garbage cans, portable bathrooms Please email me (RGLamere@aol.com) and tell me where the F. Sherburne Preserve and Arbor Hills are located. Thank you very much ! Additional field space for children. Would like to see bike lanes! Dog park improved. any buildable land!!!! make more open space!!! Bike paths and sidewalks wherever possible. Open space should have clear hiking trails and not become overrun by dogs - especially if owners do not clean up after them bike riding areas Bike paths Sidewalks

Development of safe active recreation areas on our wooded areas for children. These kids need to get back to nature! I have nothing against sports, but playing soccer on a fertilized, manicured field is NOT an outdoor NATURE experience and for most of our children this is ALL they get. It's obvious why so many of our poor children are having such a rough time. Do not support a dog park. I do not wish for my tax money to support those who want their pet to "socialize" with other pets. Owning an animal is a personal responsibility. Parking access to existing open spaces Swimming. Gray Beach is the only public swimming venue and it being tidal and seasonal really limits use. We need more athletic fields and places for active recreation.

70 Dog park

56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68

48 49 50 51 52 53 54

41 42 43 44 45 46 47

36 37 38 39 40

33 Dog park as someone without children I believe there should be more adult areas - goodness, it seems we have enough ball fields. More tennis; biking would be great. Dog park is a good idea. Running track 34 not associated with school activities. Deepening of Town Pier and boat landings - opening up Kingston Bay 35 Providing a trail along the Jones River, from Elm St. to Duxbury

#4) Do you have any specific Open Space & Recreational priorities you think the Town should pursue?

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

Continue building new fields for soccer and baseball use. List fishing areas and kayaking areas on town website. We would love a go to place that we know is owned by the town. 99 Same with walking and bike trails (if there are any). 100 I think we should have a nice playground in town. and collect trash in that area. And make Camp Nekon into an area that the town could utilize and enjoy. It's a waste just sitting there. Would be nice to go swimming there or have camping and picnicking there. Maybe you could create the talked about Dog Park somewhere down there. Also the Hathaway Preserve off of Route 53 needs to be cleaned up also. There is so much glass in the water down there. Dogs are running in and getting their paws cut. There is also a family of Black Water Snakes living on the shoreline and they are approx. 6-7 ft. long to the right of the beach in 101 holes under the shoreline in the embankment. 102 "Mat Path" for handicap access to Grays Beach 103 Walking and bike path 104 snowmobiling 105 Rail trails for bicycle and walking/skating if at all possible 106 fitness walking path with exercise stations.

Would love to see paved trails somewhere for teens to longboard and skateboard safely, similar to trail from North Plymouth to Nelson Beach (although its not completely paved). There needs to be 71 something for kids to do other than hang at the mall or engage in risky activities. 72 Town should look at increasing safe access to Gray's beach by adding a cross walk on the corner of Crescent & 3A near Howland Ave. 73 Controlling the weeds in Smelt Pond and the brook. Controlling illegal dumping as well. Historic walks/digs Kayaking/boating/sailing for adults 74 Clamming/ fishing for adults 75 A turf field at Pottle St would satisfy most above issue's While I feel the town has done an amazing job with the athletic fields available i believe they areas that are lacking include a dog park, hiking and biking trails. I would love to see these added to the 76 current recreational facilities. 77 Ball fields and dog park 78 Lighted Basketball, tennis and or bike/skate Board courts in open, visible spaces to give kids options for something to do. 79 No. I would prefer we protect/preserve as much of the Native American site as possible though at the end of Pottle Rd. 80 Tennis 81 Yes a bike/ walking path all along the water from Grey's beach to Nelson park. 82 Connections/trails and or bridges need to be made for the Bay Circuit Trail. Also the Camp Nekon property needs to be developed for recreational use - swimming, trails... 83 Dog park & biking trails 84 Indoor pool 85 Beaches and swimming 86 Second access to Pottle St 1. A dog park. 2. A band stand 87 3. More sidewalks 88 I think we have sufficient open space and don't need to spend any more money. Save what land we have Kingston has been overdeveloped enough over the past several years. I enjoy hunting in Kingston and I can tell you it is harder and harder to find places. Also all the over 89 development causes wildlife to mix with our daily lives. We need to slow all this expansion because we share this land with them 90 Dog Park, Bike trails 91 Dog park 92 Football Dog Park 93 Outdoor exercise circuits. Dog park. Picnic areas 94 More areas for active recreation. 95 DOG PARK!!!! 96 We need a volleyball area at the beach and we need ice skating and street hockey areas Off Leash dog park 97 More walking trails 98 Soccer field space

#4) Do you have any specific Open Space & Recreational priorities you think the Town should pursue?

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

Trail marking systems, similar to the one used at Wompatuck State Park, for frequently used forest, i.e., Sampson Park, would make the the trail systems more accessible. Also, formalizing activities such as geo36 caching, active hiking and mountain bike tours would attract more stakeholders to the open space lands. As an example, a video or audio tour hikers/bikers could access while exploring an open space. 37 The many major routes that pass thru town creates heavy traffic - and unsafe walking conditions. Healthy lifestyles require the ability to get out and walk - safely.

20 Kingston's subdivision regulations should encourage open space through the use of playable drainage basins, retention areas, connecting neighborhood bike paths, share the road lanes and 9 lot cul-de-sacs 21 Advertise them more.....many residents do not know what is available.....or where they are located 22 NEED MORE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Open Space is very important to a town with lots of development 23 Opens Space can not be created after the fact 24 I'm preparing at this time to help change a great deal in this town for the benefit of our children. I'll be responding within the year. We are in the organizational phase. 25 Biking trails and hiking trails would be great. Mulligans Landing is difficult to negotiate as a put-in. I think the organized walks and tours is a fabulous idea, and should remain an option for residents. Perhaps, getting the schools involved with open space and recreation (offering tours via field trips) might be helpful. 26 Incorporating the library may also be another option. 27 Wish I had more free time to explore all our Open Space! 28 Posted, accessible information about where and how to access open spaces. When answering ques about which spaces I use, I didn't know about some of these spaces and I am often out hiking. 29 No, I would love to see fields that are more in line with other towns and better environment for the children an families. 30 A brochure with map to let the residents know where we are allowed to walk or hike. I don't know where many of the open spaces are located and what are the rules. 31 No, I would really need to be more educated about the issues regarding the Kingston Open Space & Recreation. 32 We need more fields for soccer and lacrosse. Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in Kingston and we do not have enough fields and we don't want to turn kids away. 33 We do need more sports fields to rest the ones we have. The condition of the grass is rough due to overuse. 34 need dog friendly areas. less housing development. 35 I would love to see a fenced in dog area

# Response Text 1 Softball has lost the use of two fields in the past two years to other sports and there is now a shortage of fields. The mound on a baseball diamond prevents it from being used for softball That it be a priority. 2 It says a lot to our children to have recreational activities in safe environments be important. 3 Open space is extremely important for the town. The walking areas probably need more advertising, as do the meetings. It was only by luck that I came across this topic on TV. More community sponsored events would be nice. Perhaps a farmer's market during the summer months. Offer kayak lessons and rentals. I would love to do this. 4 Plymouth does quite a bit in the summer months with various town sponsored festivals, concerts, and events. Thanks for asking! 5 It would be helpful to have one whole town map on the town website that indicated outdoor recreation spaces, trails, recreation. 6 protecting nature/environment 7 Overall, I believe the Town has done a good job in this area. Especially enjoyed the "guided walks" conducted by Maureen Thomas last winter 8 Yes, please stop accumulating property and sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. 9 improvement of the walking/hiking conditions at Bay Farm, too many ruts, not enough bridges over water-soaked areas 10 Preserve the land abutting the Jones River 11 Archeological dig sites should have priority and have adequate time to be surveyed and digs completed. There are already large amounts of space and resources dedicated to team sport. For young people WHO HAVE GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL, there is almost NOTHING! And for those of us without children, paying a lot of taxes, it is unfair to keep pouring so much funding into school-age sports alone. We need ice skating, better hiking, dog-walking opportunities, bike lanes EVERYWHERE, and open places to walk---not 12 only woods. Cross-country skiing could be great in many places, and a path running along the Jones River would be immensely valuable. 13 There should be more cops on sites to make sure it is safe for family and friends to use the space. 14 Development has negative effects on water, wildlife and ultimately people - we always need more open space I'M A SINGLE MALE WITH NO KIDS AND AM TIRED OF OVER RIDES AND TAX HIKES TO PAY FOR THE PARENTS TO STICK THEIR KIDS IN ACTIVITIES RATHER THAN RAISE THEM THEMSELVES. ONLY 15 QUALITY TIME THEY SPEND AS FAMILIES IS WHEN MOM/DAD ARE SHUTTLING THEM TO AND FROM ACTIVITIES. 16 perhaps a bike or hiking path 17 I do not think Kingston should get into cranberry business. They can not run buildings how to run cranberry business 18 Commission does a great job and town seems to value open space. 19 N/A

Question #10) Do you have any other thoughts or ideas regarding Kingston Open Space & Recreation?

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

68 69

61 62 63 64 65 66 67

54 55 56 57 58

50 51 52 53

47 48 49

45 46

43 44

41 42

38 39

The identification, recognition and commemoration of historically significant lands must be a priority. Further, establishing lands for our native peoples to visit both physically and spiritually is a debt we, as Americans will never pay off. I myself have native ancestry. In addition, I am an active outdoorsman and a Massachusetts certified teacher and thus appreciate the opportunities to teach my kids and students the virtues of spending time in the natural world around us. However, I did not see a single item presented by the town or any of the archaeologists that gave me confidence that there was any significance to the Hall Property. I must admit that the entire Hall Property Project, the infighting, the pandering and the rest of the circus that surrounded it left me weary and skeptical about this town’s ability to govern itself and the lands around here. Very discouraging. no I think we need to respect the land and preserve history, above all else. Kingston has been inhabited by ancient peoples - and the young people need to learn about them, so they can take care of our heritage someday. We have archaeological sites throughout that we need to protect, rather than build yet another ball field. Acquire more land behind potter street fields More sand on gray's beach Bike paths would be my top priority. I'm still learning all the areas of Kingston believe it or not. Perhaps having some kind of booklet letting newer residents know what's available to them (hiking, dog walking, biking trails, ball fields and what sports are typically played on them (and the groups that run those sports in case my child is interested), etc? I didn't even recognize some of the places listed in this survey to be honest. Have clean up of the various properties as part of the required school community service hours. Include school flower gardens, town gardens, etc. Having previously lived (in summer and on weekends) in Duxbury my whole life and on Beacon Hill in winter, I have come to appreciate and love Kingston for many reasons. I am happy that there is concern for preservation and open space and recreation ! Keep up the good work, please. And having known BOTH father and son F. Sherburne Carters I would really like to know where the preserve is located so I might go see it ! Slightly off-topic, I do not think any more funds should be allocated to research and development in the Rizzo field complex to historical sites. Maintain areas in as natural state as possible with some walking/biking paths for scenic views and wildlife, preferably in connected areas with as much continuity as feasible. Establish bike paths connected more densely populated areas with open space and town center spaces to avoid busy streets/promote walking/biking. (Along rail, or old rail lines, along power line easements, or in open space) Maintain established fields. Possibly use artificial turf to increase playing times instead of spreading out to more fields. Dog park would be great No Purchase more, make more!!!! Conservaton land on grove st that has been gated off. I like it this way. Parking on grove st side of the road is not a problem. the place seems so much cleaner, peaceful and quiet!! I'd like to have walking trails in the Heinrich property off West Street. I welcome organizing and assisting in the process to build the trails. Thank you. Bike paths! I would like to see more space for a dog park, hunting, fishing, and kayaking I think there are a lot of options in town and feel you meet many needs. I always felt that a dedicated dog park would be a smart move as long as users take responsibility for picking up after their dog. Maybe some more adaptive equipment for disabled children at the play grounds. Thansk for all your work Not sure if I answered correctly, but put "yes" for those I felt we had enough of already and "no" for things I think we need or need more of. Focus on protecting and preserving current open space areas is important. No i would like to see offers similar to what duxbury offers. I think we have as much to offer as far as sights, history, waterways and open space. We need to push a town wide campaign on local businesses. Local businesses need to promote the idea that the packaging purchased from their establishment should not be thrown in the streets and in open spaces. This town already does so much for kids and seniors but we seem to lose the interest of so many kids past the age of 15 - not sure if the answer but it would be great to offer spaces these late teens/young adults would use without abusing the space - I know that's a tough order! I firmly believe we should protect/preserve the Native American site at the end of Pottle St. My children are active in soccer and more often than not the fields are not all being utilized there on weekends. I have pets (dogs) and am quite happy with all the areas we can walk animals. If we do move forward on a dog (unleashed park) I would hope it would not be clear cut. I moved to this area because of the conversation, beaches and school system. We need to continue with smart growth. Kayaking on the jones river. Maybe opening up another public beach on the jones river side. Opachinski complex needs a playground, basketball courts and walking trails around the perimeter. Preserve the open space we have and stop turning them into ball fields. Town needs an econ dev plan first and then see what remains for avail inventory/use. Since we just moved here I not sure what is needed. No more money should go to the recreation dept. I am also against the dog park. It seems that a lot of effort has been put into more things pertaining to school age children. I think we should put more emphasis on things for the ages of 19 and above. Maybe focus on more of the water activities such as boating, sailing, swimming, fishing. Getting the whole family engaged in activities together and not just watching a child play sports, maybe we should take some of the space and make a family park that you can bring your whole family and dog to. Let's keep it simple and not so complicated. water park

Question #10) Do you have any other thoughts or ideas regarding Kingston Open Space & Recreation?

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

78 Thank you. 1) I would like to see the local roadside walking- hiking areas maintained -cleaned up of trash (especially Howlands Lane access to Southeast Wildlands Trust paths) 2) I would like to see access to fishing - kayaking areas expanded. 79 3) I would like to see the Smelt Pond beach opened for use and camping 80 Is a YMCA (with pool) possible? Need more parking at Ah-De-Nah 81 Need dredging of the Channels in Kingston Bay 82 we have enough 83 We need to limit the use of our fields by other than Kingston groups until the fields have recovered from their overuse. 84 Bicycle trails within the preserves 85 build a laundrymat with washers and dryers 86 I may be new as a resident but family has lived here for decades. Please be good to the neighbors surrounding the recreation areas. They can be our greatest advocates. This town is growing by leaps and bounds. For my current and future grandkids, this town desperately needs more recreational space! The privacy that my family has enjoyed for over 30 years is becoming less and less between 40B housing development going up, and with that every tree gone in its process, the old colony line, and more and more traffic at this end of the town! Leave open space as it is.....open, and if the town 87 has to put something in those spaces, just make it beneficial to not only the town, but the people who live around all this open space! I think we have enough fields, we should spend the money maintaining the fields that we have rather than building new fields. I'd like to see a walk around placed around the Pottle St fields for walking, biking, dog 88 walking. Similar to the fields located at Forge Pond Park in Hanover

Thank you for all you do.

I love Kingston and all its open space. I grew up in the city and its so nice to be able to go for a walk in the woods, or by the water. There is never enough open space... that's what preserves the country feeling of the town. If the town allows too much development without the balance of open space it Kingston will loose its identity as a rural country town that cares about lifestyle.

70 Stop trying to over develop all the natural resources we have in this town. It's starting to look like Braintree. 71 I don't a lot of the places that were listed. Where is the best place to find out about them? Directions? Parking? etc.... 72 How about a band stand I really believe that we need a dog park. If the town won't let dogs play safely in fenced in sports fields then I think there should be a spot for them. The abandoned baseball field in front of the old Mid Cape would be a 73 perfect spot. 74 We have plenty of open space and not enough athletic fields. 75 Less thought to sports more towards family and older people without children of sports age. Stop charging each household for a second dump sticker (ie, beach sticker for us). Only one of our vehicles goes to the dump and only one of them goes to the beach. Each household should receive one beach and 76 one dump sticker. We have spent a great deal of money on purchasing, and although I would love to see that continued, I'd much prefer that the space we have available be made more user friendly with better visibility, parking and 77 programs. Wish we had a bigger beach area like Plymouth does. The need for a dog park to me is senseless... we have all this open space in our town and neighboring towns. Maybe have open space areas where dogs are allowed to be off their leash would be a way to solve the problem.

Question #10) Do you have any other thoughts or ideas regarding Kingston Open Space & Recreation?

OPEN SPACE RECREATION PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

Appendix #2: Kingston BioMAP 2

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

APPENDIX #2: KINGSTON BioMAP2

%LR0DS CONSERVING THE BIODIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS IN A CHANGING WORLD

Kingston Produced in 2012

This report and associated map provide information about important sites for biodiversity conservation in your area. This information is intended for conservation planning, and is not intended for use in state regulations.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World

Table of Contents

Introduction What is BioMap2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Purpose and applications One plan, two components Understanding Core Habitat and its components Understanding Critical Natural Landscape and its components Understanding Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape Summaries Sources of Additional Information Kingston Overview Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape Summaries Elements of BioMap2 Cores Core Habitat Summaries Elements of BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscapes Critical Natural Landscape Summaries

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World

Introduction The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game, through the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP), and The Nature Conservancy’s Massachusetts Program developed BioMap2 to protect the state’s biodiversity in the context of climate change. BioMap2 combines NHESP’s 30 years of rigorously documented rare species and natural community data with spatial data identifying wildlife species and habitats that were the focus of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s 2005 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). BioMap2 also integrates The Nature Conservancy’s assessment of large, well-connected, and intact ecosystems and landscapes across the Commonwealth, incorporating concepts of ecosystem resilience to address anticipated climate change impacts. Protection and stewardship of BioMap2 Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape is essential to safeguard the diversity of species and their habitats, intact ecosystems, and resilient natural landscapes across Massachusetts.

What Does Status Mean? The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife determines a status category for each rare species listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA), M.G.L. c.131A, and its implementing regulations 321 CMR 10.00. Rare species are categorized as Endangered, Threatened or of Special Concern according to the following: x Endangered species are in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range or are in danger of extirpation from Massachusetts.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Get your copy of the BioMap2 report! Download from www.mass.gov/nhesp or contact Natural Heritage at 508-389-6360 or natural.heritage@state.ma.us. x Threatened species are likely to become Endangered in Massachusetts in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of their range. x Special Concern species have suffered a decline that could threaten the species if allowed to continue unchecked or occur in such small numbers or with such restricted distribution or specialized habitat requirements that they could easily become Threatened in Massachusetts. In addition NHESP maintains an unofficial watch list of plants that are tracked due to potential conservation interest or concern, but are not regulated under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act or other laws or regulations. Likewise, described natural communities are not regulated by any law or regulations, but they can help to identify ecologically important areas that are worthy of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World protection. The status of natural communities reflects the documented number and acreages of each community type in the state: x Critically Imperiled communities typically have 5 or fewer documented good sites or have very few remaining acres in the state. x Imperiled communities typically have 6-20 good sites or few remaining acres in the state. x Vulnerable communities typically have 21100 good sites or limited acreage across the state. x Secure communities typically have over 100 sites or abundant acreage across the state; however, excellent examples are identified as Core Habit to ensure continued protection. In 2005 the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife completed a comprehensive State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) documenting the status of Massachusetts wildlife and providing recommendations to help guide wildlife conservation decision-making. SWAP includes all the wildlife species listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA), as well as more than 80 species that need conservation attention but do not meet the requirements for inclusion under MESA. The SWAP document is organized around habitat types in need of conservation within the Commonwealth. While the original BioMap focused primarily on rare species protected under MESA, BioMap2 also addresses other Species of Conservation Concern, their habitats, and the ecosystems that support them to create a spatial representation of most of the elements of SWAP.

Core Habitat identifies key areas that are critical for the long-term persistence of rare species and other Species of Conservation Concern, as well as a wide diversity of natural communities and intact ecosystems across the Commonwealth. Protection of Core Habitats will contribute to the conservation of specific elements of biodiversity. Critical Natural Landscape identifies large natural Landscape Blocks that are minimally impacted by development. If protected, these areas will provide habitat for wide-ranging native species, support intact ecological processes, maintain connectivity among habitats, and enhance ecological resilience to natural and anthropogenic disturbances in a rapidly changing world. Areas delineated as Critical Natural Landscape also include buffering upland around wetland, coastal, and aquatic Core Habitats to help ensure their longterm integrity. The long-term persistence of Massachusetts biological resources requires a determined commitment to land and water conservation. Protection and stewardship of both Critical Natural Landscapes and Core Habitats are needed to realize the biodiversity conservation vision of BioMap2.

Components of Core Habitat Core Habitat identifies specific areas necessary to promote the long-term persistence of rare species, other Species of Conservation Concern, exemplary natural communities, and intact ecosystems.

BioMap2: One Plan, Two Components

Rare Species

BioMap2 identifies two complementary spatial layers, Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape.

There are 432 native plant and animal species listed as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) based on their rarity, population trends, and threats to survival. For

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World Table 1. Species of Conservation Concern described in the State Wildlife Action Plan and/or included on the MESA List and for which habitat was mapped in BioMap2. Note that plants are not included in SWAP, and that marine species such as whales and sea turtles are not included in BioMap2. Taxonomic Group Mammals Birds Reptiles Amphibians Fish Invertebrates Plants Total

MESAlisted Species 4 27 10 4 10 102 256 413

Non-listed Species of Conservation Concern 5 23 5 3 17 9 0 62

BioMap2, NHESP staff identified the highest quality habitat sites for each non-marine species based on size, condition, and landscape context.

priority to natural communities with limited distribution and to the best examples of more common types.

Vernal Pools Vernal pools are small, seasonal wetlands that provide important wildlife habitat, especially for amphibians and invertebrate animals that use them to breed. BioMap2 identifies the top 5 percent most interconnected clusters of Potential Vernal Pools in the state.

Forest Cores In BioMap2, Core Habitat includes the best examples of large, intact forests that are least impacted by roads and development, providing critical habitat for numerous woodland species. For example, the interior forest habitat defined by Forest Cores supports many bird species sensitive to the impacts of roads and development, such as the Black-throated Green Warbler, and helps maintain ecological processes found only in unfragmented forest patches.

Other Species of Conservation Concern In addition to species on the MESA List described previously, the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) identifies 257 wildlife species and 22 natural habitats most in need of conservation within the Commonwealth. BioMap2 includes species-specific habitat areas for 45 of these species and habitat for 17 additional species which was mapped with other coarse-filter and fine-filter approaches.

Priority Natural Communities Natural communities are assemblages of plant and animal species that share a common environment and occur together repeatedly on the landscape. BioMap2 gives conservation

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Wetland Cores BioMap2 used an assessment of Ecological Integrity to identify the least disturbed wetlands in the state within undeveloped landscapesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; those with intact buffers and little fragmentation or other stressors associated with development. These wetlands are most likely to support critical wetland functions (i.e., natural hydrologic conditions, diverse plant and animal habitats, etc.) and are most likely to maintain these functions into the future.

Aquatic Cores To delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other aquatic Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World Species of Conservation Concern, beyond the species and exemplary habitats described above, BioMap2 identifies intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the river or stream occur.

Components of Critical Natural Landscape Critical Natural Landscape identifies intact landscapes in Massachusetts that are better able to support ecological processes and disturbance regimes, and a wide array of species and habitats over long time frames.

Landscape Blocks BioMap2 identifies the most intact large areas of predominately natural vegetation, consisting of contiguous forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and ponds, as well as coastal habitats such as barrier beaches and salt marshes.

Upland Buffers of Wetland and Aquatic Cores A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers.

Upland Habitat to Support Coastal Adaptation BioMap2 identifies undeveloped lands adjacent to and up to one and a half meters above existing salt marshes as Critical Natural Landscapes with high potential to support inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal habitats over the coming century.

The conservation areas identified by BioMap2 are based on breadth and depth of data, scientific expertise, and understanding of Massachusettsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; biodiversity. The numerous

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Legal Protection of Biodiversity BioMap2 presents a powerful vision of what Massachusetts would look like with full protection of the land most important for supporting the Commonwealthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biodiversity. While BioMap2 is a planning tool with no regulatory function, all state-listed species enjoy legal protection under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (M.G.L. c.131A) and its implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00). Wetland habitat of state-listed wildlife is also protected under the Wetlands Protection Act Regulations (310 CMR 10.00). The Natural Heritage Atlas contains maps of Priority Habitats and Estimated Habitats, which are used, respectively, for regulation under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and the Wetlands Protection Act. For more information on rare species regulations, and to view Priority and Estimated Habitat maps, please see the Regulatory Review page at http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natur al-heritage/regulatory-review/. BioMap2 is a conservation planning tool that does not, in any way, supplant the Estimated and Priority Habitat Maps which have regulatory significance. Unless and until the BioMap2 vision is fully realized, we must continue to protect our most imperiled species and their habitats. sources of information and analyses used to create Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape are complementary, and outline a comprehensive conservation vision for Massachusetts, from rare species to intact landscapes. In total, these robust analyses define a suite of priority lands and waters that, if permanently protected, will support Massachusettsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; natural systems for generations to come. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World

Understanding Core Habitat Summaries Following the Town Overview, there is a descriptive summary of each Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape that occurs in your city or town. These summaries highlight some of the outstanding characteristics of each Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape, and will help you learn more about your city or townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biodiversity. You can find out more information about many of these species and natural communities by looking at specific fact sheets at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

Additional Information For copies of the full BioMap2 report, the Technical Report, and an interactive mapping tool, visit the BioMap2 website via the Land Protection and Planning tab at www.mass.gov/nhesp. If you have any questions about this report, or if you need help protecting land for biodiversity in your community, the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program staff looks forward to working with you.

Contact the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program By phone By fax By email By Mail

508-389-6360 508-389-7890 natural.heritage@state.ma.us 100 Hartwell Street, Suite 230 West Boylston, MA 01583

The GIS datalayers of BioMap2 are available for download from MassGIS at www.mass.gov/mgis.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World

Town Overview Kingston lies on the border of the Bristol Lowland/Narragansett Lowland, the Cape Cod and Islands, and the Southern New England Coastal Plains and Hills Ecoregions. The Bristol Lowland/Narragansett Lowland Ecoregion is an area of flat, gently rolling plains. Forests are mostly central hardwoods and some elm-ash-red maple and red and white pine. There are numerous wetlands, some cropland/pasture, and many cranberry bogs. Many rivers drain this area. The Cape Cod and Islands Ecoregion was formed by three advances and retreats of the Wisconsin Ice Sheet. The resulting terminal moraines, outwash plains, and coastal deposits characterize the area with their sandy beaches, grassy dunes, bays, marshes, and scrubby oak-pine forests. There are numerous kettle hole ponds, swamps, and bogs. Much of the surface water is highly acidic. The Southern New England Coastal Plains and Hills Ecoregion is comprised of plains with a few low hills. Forests are mainly central hardwoods with some transition hardwoods and some elm-ash-red maple and red and white pine. Many major rivers drain this area.

Kingston at a Glance x Total Area: 12,160 acres (19.0 square miles) x Human Population in 2010: 12,629 x Open space protected in perpetuity: 1,504 acres, or 12.4% percent of total area* x BioMap2 Core Habitat: 3,073 acres x BioMap2 Core Habitat Protected: 570 acres or 18.5% x BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape: 4,532 acres x BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape Protected: 620 acres or 13.7%.

BioMap2 Components Core Habitat x 6 Exemplary or Priority Natural Community Cores x 2 Wetland Cores x 9Aquatic Cores x 3 Vernal Pool Cores x 32 Species of Conservation Concern Cores** o 2 birds, 5 reptiles, 1 amphibian, 6 insects, 2 mussels, 5 plants Critical Natural Landscape x 1 Landscape Block x 5 Wetland Core Buffers x 9 Aquatic Core Buffers x 8 Coastal Adaptation Areas x 1Tern Foraging Area * Calculated using MassGIS data layer “Protected and Recreational Open Space—March, 2012”. ** See next pages for complete list of species, natural communities and other biodiversity elements.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World

BioMap2 Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape in Kingston

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World

Species of Conservation Concern, Priority and Exemplary Natural Communities, and Other Elements of Biodiversity in Kingston

Mussels Tidewater Mucket, (Leptodea ochracea), SC Eastern Pondmussel, (Ligumia nasuta), SC Insects Moths Water-willow Stem Borer, (Papaipema sulphurata), T Butterflies Hessel's Hairstreak, (Callophrys hesseli), SC Damselflies Attenuated Bluet, (Enallagma daeckii), T Pine Barrens Bluet, (Enallagma recurvatum), T New England Bluet, (Enallagma laterale), Non-listed SWAP species Dragonflies Comet Darner, (Anax longipes), SC Amphibians Blue-spotted Salamander, (Ambystoma laterale), SC Reptiles Eastern Box Turtle, (Terrapene carolina), SC Eastern Ribbon Snake, (Thamnophis sauritus), Non-listed SWAP Northern Black Racer, (Coluber constrictor), Non-listed SWAP Smooth Green Snake, (Opheodrys vernalis), Non-listed SWAP Spotted Turtle, (Clemmys guttata), Non-listed SWAP Birds Red Knot, (Calidris canutus), Non-listed SWAP Short-billed Dowitcher, (Limnodromus griseus), Non-listed SWAP Plants Wright's Panic-grass, (Dichanthelium wrightianum), SC New England Boneset, (Eupatorium novae-angliae), E Philadelphia Panic-grass, (Panicum philadelphicum ssp. philadelphicum), SC Pondshore Knotweed, (Persicaria puritanorum), SC Plymouth Gentian, (Sabatia kennedyana), SC Priority Natural Communities Atlantic White Cedar Bog, S2 Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, S2 Acidic Graminoid Fen, S3

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World Level Bog, S3 Coastal Plain Pondshore, S2

Other BioMap2 Components Aquatic Core Wetland Core Vernal Pool Core Landscape Block Aquatic Core Buffer Wetland Core Buffer Coastal Adaptation Area Tern Foraging Area

E T SC S1

= Endangered = Threatened = Special Concern = Critically Imperiled communities, typically 5 or fewer documented sites or very few remaining acres in the state. S2 = Imperiled communities, typically 6-20 sites or few remaining acres in the state. S3 = Vulnerable communities, typically have 21-100 sites or limited acreage across the state.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World

BioMap2 Core Habitat in Kingston Core IDs correspond with the following element lists and summaries.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World

Elements of BioMap2 Cores This section lists all elements of BioMap2 Cores that fall entirely or partially within Kingston. The elements listed here may not occur within the bounds of Kingston.

Core 740 Wetland Core Priority & Exemplary Natural Communities Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Species of Conservation Concern Hessel's Hairstreak Callophrys hesseli Northern Black Racer Coluber constrictor

S2 SC Non-listed SWAP

Core 753 Species of Conservation Concern Northern Black Racer

Coluber constrictor

Non-listed SWAP

Sabatia kennedyana Enallagma laterale Enallagma recurvatum Thamnophis sauritus Coluber constrictor

SC Non-listed SWAP T Non-listed SWAP Non-listed SWAP

Coluber constrictor

Non-listed SWAP

Papaipema sulphurata Coluber constrictor

T Non-listed SWAP

Papaipema sulphurata Enallagma recurvatum Anax longipes

T T SC

Core 755 Aquatic Core Species of Conservation Concern Plymouth Gentian New England Bluet Pine Barrens Bluet Eastern Ribbon Snake Northern Black Racer

Core 764 Vernal Pool Core Species of Conservation Concern Northern Black Racer

Core 776 Species of Conservation Concern Water-willow Stem Borer Northern Black Racer

Core 777 Species of Conservation Concern Water-willow Stem Borer Pine Barrens Bluet Comet Darner

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World Core 778 Species of Conservation Concern Water-willow Stem Borer Northern Black Racer

Papaipema sulphurata Coluber constrictor

T Non-listed SWAP

Core 781 Aquatic Core Vernal Pool Core Priority & Exemplary Natural Communities Coastal Plain Pondshore Species of Conservation Concern New England Boneset Eupatorium novae-angliae Plymouth Gentian Sabatia kennedyana Pondshore Knotweed Persicaria puritanorum Water-willow Stem Borer Papaipema sulphurata New England Bluet Enallagma laterale Pine Barrens Bluet Enallagma recurvatum Northern Black Racer Coluber constrictor

S2 E SC SC T Non-listed SWAP T Non-listed SWAP

Core 784 Species of Conservation Concern Water-willow Stem Borer

Papaipema sulphurata

Sabatia kennedyana Enallagma daeckii Enallagma recurvatum

SC T T

Papaipema sulphurata

Core 786 Species of Conservation Concern Water-willow Stem Borer

Core 792 Species of Conservation Concern Water-willow Stem Borer

Core 794 Aquatic Core Species of Conservation Concern Plymouth Gentian Attenuated Bluet Pine Barrens Bluet

Core 796 Species of Conservation Concern Water-willow Stem Borer

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World Core 797 Aquatic Core Vernal Pool Core Species of Conservation Concern New England Boneset Philadelphia Panic-grass Plymouth Gentian Wright's Panic-grass Water-willow Stem Borer Pine Barrens Bluet Comet Darner

Eupatorium novae-angliae E Panicum philadelphicum ssp. philadelphicum Sabatia kennedyana SC Dichanthelium wrightianum SC Papaipema sulphurata T Enallagma recurvatum T Anax longipes SC

Core 811 Wetland Core Aquatic Core Species of Conservation Concern Plymouth Gentian Eastern Box Turtle

Sabatia kennedyana Terrapene carolina

SC SC

Ambystoma laterale

Core 824 Species of Conservation Concern Blue-spotted Salamander

Core 829 Priority & Exemplary Natural Communities Acidic Graminoid Fen Atlantic White Cedar Bog Level Bog

S3 S2 S3

Core 837 Species of Conservation Concern Spotted Turtle

Clemmys guttata

Non-listed SWAP

Core 850 Priority & Exemplary Natural Communities Acidic Graminoid Fen

Core 877 Aquatic Core Species of Conservation Concern Eastern Pondmussel Tidewater Mucket Spotted Turtle

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Ligumia nasuta Leptodea ochracea Clemmys guttata

SC SC Non-listed SWAP

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World Core 1011 Aquatic Core Priority & Exemplary Natural Communities Estuarine Intertidal: Brackish Tidal Marsh Estuarine Intertidal: Salt Marsh Species of Conservation Concern Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina Smooth Green Snake Opheodrys vernalis Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Common Tern Sterna hirundo Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Least Tern Sternula antillarum Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Red Knot Calidris canutus Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii Sanderling Calidris alba Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus

Natural Heritage & Endangered

S1 S3 SC Non-listed SWAP SC SC Non-listed SWAP SC T Non-listed SWAP E Non-listed SWAP Non-listed SWAP

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World

Core Habitat Summaries Core 740 A 179-acre Core Habitat featuring Wetland Core, Priority Natural Communities, and Species of Conservation Concern. Wetland Cores are the least disturbed wetlands in the state within undeveloped landscapesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;those with intact buffers and little fragmentation or other stressors associated with development. These wetlands are most likely to support critical wetland functions (i.e., natural hydrologic conditions, diverse plant and animal habitats, etc.) and are most likely to maintain these functions into the future. The 113-acre Wetland Core is among the largest 20% of Wetland Cores statewide and in this ecoregion. Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamps are acidic, low-nutrient basin swamps dominated by Atlantic white cedar in the overstory and a mixture of species in the understory. This community type typically occurs in basins on the Atlantic Coastal Plain. This example of Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamp is relatively small and disturbed by logging. Hessel's Hairstreak, a butterfly, is restricted to Atlantic White Cedar Swamps and Bogs, where the larvae develop on new foliage of the Atlantic White Cedar trees. The Northern Black Racer is a snake of young upland forests, shrublands such as pitch pine/scrub oak communities and rock cliffs. Although relatively common, its range appears to be constricting and its abundance has been declining.

Core 753 A 2-acre Core Habitat featuring a Species of Conservation Concern. The Northern Black Racer is a snake of young upland forests, shrublands such as pitch pine/scrub oak communities and rock cliffs. Although relatively common, its range appears to be constricting and its abundance has been declining.

Core 755 A 255-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core and Species of Conservation Concern. Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other aquatic Species of Conservation Concern. Plymouth Gentian is a globally rare, showy perennial herb of the gentian family, with striking pink and yellow flowers and opposite lance-shaped leaves. It inhabits the sandy and peaty shorelines of coastal plain ponds.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World New England Bluets are damselflies whose habitat includes coastal plain ponds, open water in swamps, and other ponds and lakes. It occurs only in the northeastern United States and is most common from eastern Massachusetts into Connecticut. Pine Barrens Bluets, small damselflies, are restricted to coastal plain ponds and similar wetlands. Eastern Ribbon Snakes are a medium-sized, very thin snake ranging from 7 to 34 inches long at maturity. They are active during the day and live in wetlands and edges of open water being comfortable in water and on land, eating amphibians, insects, and occasional fish. This species hibernates in ant mounds, rodent burrows, crayfish burrows, and bank burrows. The Northern Black Racer is a snake of young upland forests, shrublands such as pitch pine/scrub oak communities and rock cliffs. Although relatively common, its range appears to be constricting and its abundance has been declining.

Core 764 A 70-acre Core Habitat featuring Vernal Pool Core and a Species of Conservation Concern. Vernal pools are small, seasonal wetlands that provide important wildlife habitat, especially for amphibians and invertebrate animals that use them to breed. BioMap2 identifies the top 5 percent most interconnected clusters of Potential Vernal Pools in the state. The Northern Black Racer is a snake of young upland forests, shrublands such as pitch pine/scrub oak communities and rock cliffs. Although relatively common, its range appears to be constricting and its abundance has been declining.

Core 776 A <1-acre Core Habitat featuring Species of Conservation Concern. The Water-willow Stem Borer is a yellowish moth with purple-brown shading that inhabits shallow portions of coastal plain wetlands where water-willow grows. It is endemic to southeastern Massachusetts. The Northern Black Racer is a snake of young upland forests, shrublands such as pitch pine/scrub oak communities and rock cliffs. Although relatively common, its range appears to be constricting and its abundance has been declining.

Core 777 An 8-acre Core Habitat featuring Species of Conservation Concern. The Water-willow Stem Borer is a yellowish moth with purple-brown shading that inhabits shallow portions of coastal plain wetlands where water-willow grows. It is endemic to southeastern Massachusetts.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World Pine Barrens Bluets, small damselflies, are restricted to coastal plain ponds and similar wetlands. The Comet Darner is a large dragonfly that inhabits ponds with emergent vegetation as both larvae and adults. Surrounding upland forests provide protection while adults reach sexual maturity.

Core 778 A 4-acre Core Habitat featuring Species of Conservation Concern. The Water-willow Stem Borer is a yellowish moth with purple-brown shading that inhabits shallow portions of coastal plain wetlands where water-willow grows. It is endemic to southeastern Massachusetts. The Northern Black Racer is a snake of young upland forests, shrublands such as pitch pine/scrub oak communities and rock cliffs. Although relatively common, its range appears to be constricting and its abundance has been declining.

Core 781 A 293-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core, Vernal Pool Core, Priority Natural Communities, and Species of Conservation Concern. Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other aquatic Species of Conservation Concern. Vernal pools are small, seasonal wetlands that provide important wildlife habitat, especially for amphibians and invertebrate animals that use them to breed. BioMap2 identifies the top 5 percent most interconnected clusters of Potential Vernal Pools in the state. Coastal Plain Pondshores are globally rare herbaceous communities of exposed pondshores with a distinct coastal plain flora. Water levels change with the water table, typically leaving an exposed shoreline in late summer where many rare species grow. This moderate-sized example of Coastal Plain Pondshore is in good condition, with primarily naturally vegetated land buffering it from development. In Massachusetts, New England Boneset inhabits sandy to peaty, nutrient-poor soils of the upper, dryer margins of coastal plain pondshores, in full or partial sun. It is globally rare and endemic only to New England. Plymouth Gentian is a globally rare, showy perennial herb of the gentian family, with striking pink and yellow flowers and opposite lance-shaped leaves. It inhabits the sandy and peaty shorelines of coastal plain ponds. Pondshore Knotweed is a globally rare, trailing, annual wildflower of the Buckwheat family, found on the upper shores of coastal plain ponds in the Northeast. In Massachusetts, Pondshore Knotweed inhabits the sandy, peaty, or cobble upper shores of acidic, low-nutrient, coastal plain ponds. It requires

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World pronounced water level fluctuation, acidic, nutrient-poor water and substrate, and an open, exposed shoreline, free from major soil disturbance. The Water-willow Stem Borer is a yellowish moth with purple-brown shading that inhabits shallow portions of coastal plain wetlands where water-willow grows. It is endemic to southeastern Massachusetts. New England Bluets are damselflies whose habitat includes coastal plain ponds, open water in swamps, and other ponds and lakes. It occurs only in the northeastern United States and is most common from eastern Massachusetts into Connecticut. Pine Barrens Bluets, small damselflies, are restricted to coastal plain ponds and similar wetlands. The Northern Black Racer is a snake of young upland forests, shrublands such as pitch pine/scrub oak communities and rock cliffs. Although relatively common, its range appears to be constricting and its abundance has been declining.

Core 784 A <1-acre Core Habitat featuring a Species of Conservation Concern. The Water-willow Stem Borer is a yellowish moth with purple-brown shading that inhabits shallow portions of coastal plain wetlands where water-willow grows. It is endemic to southeastern Massachusetts.

Core 786 A <1-acre Core Habitat featuring a Species of Conservation Concern. The Water-willow Stem Borer is a yellowish moth with purple-brown shading that inhabits shallow portions of coastal plain wetlands where water-willow grows. It is endemic to southeastern Massachusetts.

Core 792 A <1-acre Core Habitat featuring a Species of Conservation Concern. The Water-willow Stem Borer is a yellowish moth with purple-brown shading that inhabits shallow portions of coastal plain wetlands where water-willow grows. It is endemic to southeastern Massachusetts.

Core 794 A 163-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core and Species of Conservation Concern.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other aquatic Species of Conservation Concern. Plymouth Gentian is a globally rare, showy perennial herb of the gentian family, with striking pink and yellow flowers and opposite lance-shaped leaves. It inhabits the sandy and peaty shorelines of coastal plain ponds. Attenuated Bluets are small blue damselflies with exceptionally long abdomens. They inhabit a variety of types of wetlands. Pine Barrens Bluets, small damselflies, are restricted to coastal plain ponds and similar wetlands.

Core 796 A 14-acre Core Habitat featuring a Species of Conservation Concern. The Water-willow Stem Borer is a yellowish moth with purple-brown shading that inhabits shallow portions of coastal plain wetlands where water-willow grows. It is endemic to southeastern Massachusetts.

Core 797 A 333-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core, Vernal Pool Core, and Species of Conservation Concern. Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other aquatic Species of Conservation Concern. Vernal pools are small, seasonal wetlands that provide important wildlife habitat, especially for amphibians and invertebrate animals that use them to breed. BioMap2 identifies the top 5 percent most interconnected clusters of Potential Vernal Pools in the state. In Massachusetts, New England Boneset inhabits sandy to peaty, nutrient-poor soils of the upper, dryer margins of coastal plain pondshores, in full or partial sun. It is globally rare and endemic only to New England. Philadelphia Panic-grass, a member of the Grass family, is a slender, hairy, herbaceous, annual grass with yellow-green leaves. Philadelphia Panic-grass subspecies philadelphicum grows primarily on sandy shores of lakes and streams. Plymouth Gentian is a globally rare, showy perennial herb of the gentian family, with striking pink and yellow flowers and opposite lance-shaped leaves. It inhabits the sandy and peaty shorelines of coastal plain ponds.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World In Massachusetts, Wrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panic-grass inhabits moist, acidic, peaty to sandy, coastal plain pond shores, often in low, dense herbaceous vegetation. The Water-willow Stem Borer is a yellowish moth with purple-brown shading that inhabits shallow portions of coastal plain wetlands where water-willow grows. It is endemic to southeastern Massachusetts. Pine Barrens Bluets, small damselflies, are restricted to coastal plain ponds and similar wetlands. The Comet Darner is a large dragonfly that inhabits ponds with emergent vegetation as both larvae and adults. Surrounding upland forests provide protection while adults reach sexual maturity.

Core 811 A 2,860-acre Core Habitat featuring Wetland Core, Aquatic Core, and Species of Conservation Concern. Wetland Cores are the least disturbed wetlands in the state within undeveloped landscapesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;those with intact buffers and little fragmentation or other stressors associated with development. These wetlands are most likely to support critical wetland functions (i.e., natural hydrologic conditions, diverse plant and animal habitats, etc.) and are most likely to maintain these functions into the future. The 337-acre Wetland Core is among the largest 20% of Wetland Cores statewide and in this ecoregion. Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other aquatic Species of Conservation Concern. Plymouth Gentian is a globally rare, showy perennial herb of the gentian family, with striking pink and yellow flowers and opposite lance-shaped leaves. It inhabits the sandy and peaty shorelines of coastal plain ponds. The Eastern Box Turtle is a terrestrial turtle, inhabiting many dry and moist woodland and early successional habitat. Development, roads, collection, and disease are the primary conservation concerns.

Core 824 A 135-acre Core Habitat featuring a Species of Conservation Concern. Adult and juvenile Blue-spotted Salamanders inhabit upland forests during most of the year, where they reside in small-mammal burrows and other subsurface retreats. Adults migrate during late winter or early spring to breed in vernal pools and fish-free areas of swamps, marshes, or similar wetlands. Larvae metamorphose in late summer or early fall, whereupon they disperse into upland forest.

Core 829 A 146-acre Core Habitat featuring Priority Natural Communities.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World Acidic Graminoid Fens are sedge- and sphagnum-dominated acidic peatlands that experience some groundwater and/or surface water flow but no calcareous seepage. Standing water is often present throughout much of the growing season. This example of Acidic Graminoid Fen is small but part of a larger complex of acidic peatlands that includes a relatively uncommon Atlantic White Cedar Bog. It is in good condition. Atlantic White Cedar Bogs are characterized by a nearly continuous heath shrub layer and an open canopy dominated by Atlantic white cedar. This community type occurs in kettlehole depressions overlain with waterlogged peat soils and sphagnum moss. This large example of an Atlantic White Cedar Bog is in good condition and occurs within a complex of other peatland types, enhancing their overall habitat value. Level Bogs are dwarf-shrub peatlands, generally with pronounced hummocks and hollows in sphagnum moss. These wetland communities are very acidic and nutrient-poor because the peat isolates them from nutrients in groundwater and streams. This example of a level bog is moderate sized, in good condition, and is part of a larger complex of acidic wetlands including a fen and a forested swamp.

Core 837 A 410-acre Core Habitat featuring a Species of Conservation Concern. Strong populations of Spotted Turtles in good habitat - large, unfragmented, protected open space continue to be of interest for the conservation of this species. This small, dark-colored turtle with yellow spots on its carapace inhabits a variety of wetlands year-round and nests in nearby uplands during spring. Road and collection are the primary conservation concerns.

Core 850 A 9-acre Core Habitat featuring a Priority Natural Community. Acidic Graminoid Fens are sedge- and sphagnum-dominated acidic peatlands that experience some groundwater and/or surface water flow but no calcareous seepage. Standing water is often present throughout much of the growing season. This example of Acidic Graminoid Fen has good species and structural diversity, and may be reverting to an Inland Atlantic White Cedar Swamp.

Core 877 An 841-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core and Species of Conservation Concern. Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other aquatic Species of Conservation Concern.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World Eastern Pondmussels, large freshwater mussels, are most abundant in southeastern Massachusetts. They inhabit streams, rivers, and small to large lakes and ponds; they show no preference for substrate, depth, or flow conditions. As sedentary filter feeders they are vulnerable to the alterations of water bodies. In Massachusetts, the Tidewater Mucket, a freshwater mussel, prefers natural coastal freshwater ponds of several acres in size with clear, clean water and sandy substrates. It almost always occurs near the seacoast. Strong populations of Spotted Turtles in good habitat - large, unfragmented, protected open space continue to be of interest for the conservation of this species. This small, dark-colored turtle with yellow spots on its carapace inhabits a variety of wetlands year-round and nests in nearby uplands during spring. Road and collection are the primary conservation concerns.

Core 1011 A 12,815-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core, Priority Natural Communities, and Species of Conservation Concern. Duxbury Bay on the South Shore is home to 11 rare and uncommon species. Most notably, Plymouth Beach supports one of Massachusetts' largest Common Tern colonies and is one of the few sites in the state where Roseate Terns (federally Endangered), Arctic Terns, and Laughing Gulls nest. Additionally, this long barrier beach peninsula is an important pre-migration staging area for Common and Roseate Terns. Piping Plovers (federally Threatened) and Least Terns also nest here. The Brackish Tidal Marsh community is often found in stretches of coastal rivers where salt and fresh water mix, and consists of mixed herbaceous vegetation that is flooded by daily tides. The community is structurally diverse, including high marsh and low marsh. This example of a Brackish Tidal Marsh is quite small, the hydrology of the site is influenced by an artificial impoundment, and exotic invasive species are present. The Salt Marsh community type is a graminoid-dominated, tidally flooded coastal community with several vegetative zones. Salt Marshes form in areas subject to oceanic tides, but sheltered from wave energy. This example of the community type is the largest acreage of Salt Marsh between Boston and Cape Cod. Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other aquatic Species of Conservation Concern.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World

BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape in Kingston Critical Natural Landscape IDs correspond with the following element lists and summaries.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World

Elements of BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscapes This section lists all elements of BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscapes that fall entirely or partially within Kingston. The elements listed here may not occur within the bounds of Kingston. CNL 440 Wetland Core Buffer CNL 445 Aquatic Core Buffer CNL 451 Aquatic Core Buffer Wetland Core Buffer CNL 465 Aquatic Core Buffer Landscape Block Wetland Core Buffer CNL 470 Coastal Adaptation Area CNL 472 Wetland Core Buffer CNL 483 Wetland Core Buffer CNL 494 Aquatic Core Buffer CNL 562 Aquatic Core Buffer Coastal Adaptation Area Tern Foraging Area

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World

Critical Natural Landscape Summaries CNL 440 A 259-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Wetland Core Buffer. A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One, the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river, by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types.

CNL 445 A 17-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer. A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One, the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river, by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types.

CNL 451 A 106-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer and Wetland Core Buffer. A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One, the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river, by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types.

CNL 465 A 21,067-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer, Wetland Core Buffer and Landscape Block. A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One, the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river, by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types. Landscape Blocks, the primary component of Critical Natural Landscapes, are large areas of intact predominately natural vegetation, consisting of contiguous forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and ponds, as

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World well as coastal habitats such as barrier beaches and salt marshes. Pastures and power-line rights-of-way, which are less intensively altered than most developed areas, were also included since they provide habitat and connectivity for many species. Collectively, these natural cover types total 3.6 million acres across the state. An Ecological Integrity assessment was used to identify the most intact and least fragmented areas. These large Landscape Blocks are most likely to maintain dynamic ecological processes such as buffering, connectivity, natural disturbance, and hydrological regimes, all of which help to support wide-ranging wildlife species and many other elements of biodiversity. In order to identify critical Landscape Blocks in each ecoregion, different Ecological Integrity thresholds were used to select the largest intact landscape patches in each ecoregion while avoiding altered habitat as much as possible. This ecoregional representation accomplishes a key goal of BioMap2 to protect the ecological stages that support a broad suite of biodiversity in the context of climate change. Blocks were defined by major roads, and minimum size thresholds differed among ecoregions to ensure that BioMap2 includes the best of the best in each ecoregion. At 21,015 acres, this Landscape Block is the third largest in the ecoregion and among the largest 20% of all Blocks statewide. Unlike Landscape Blocks in much of the state that are dominated by upland forests, this Landscape Block includes both upland forest and a relatively high percentage of forested wetlands and other habitats. The Block is largely unprotected. These large landscapes provide invaluable wildlife habitat and other ecosystem values such as clean drinking water and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. This Block has very little protected land.

CNL 470 A 7-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Coastal Adaptation Area. The coastal habitats of Massachusetts are particularly vulnerable to potential sea-level rise in the next century, which many estimates suggest is likely to exceed one meter. Therefore, in addition to prioritizing current coastal habitats, the creators of BioMap2 examined the landward side of salt marshes to determine where these habitats might move to as sea levels rise. Undeveloped lands adjacent to and up to one and a half meters above existing salt marshes were identified, and included as Critical Natural Landscapes with high potential to support inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal habitats over the coming century.

CNL 472 A 222-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Wetland Core Buffer. A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One, the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river, by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World CNL 483 A 16-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Wetland Core Buffer. A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One, the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river, by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types.

CNL 494 A 814-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer. A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One, the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river, by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types.

CNL 562 A 17,366-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer, Coastal Adaptation Area, and Tern Foraging Area. A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One, the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river, by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types. The coastal habitats of Massachusetts are particularly vulnerable to potential sea-level rise in the next century, which many estimates suggest is likely to exceed one meter. Therefore, in addition to prioritizing current coastal habitats, the creators of BioMap2 examined the landward side of salt marshes to determine where these habitats might move to as sea levels rise. Undeveloped lands adjacent to and up to one and a half meters above existing salt marshes were identified, and included as Critical Natural Landscapes with high potential to support inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal habitats over the coming century. Terns range widely from their breeding colonies to forage. While the breeding and staging areas for Roseate, Arctic, Common, and Least Terns were included in the Species of Conservation Concern Core Habitat for BioMap2, tern foraging areas were included in BioMap2 as part of Critical Natural Landscape. The extent of foraging habitat for Arctic, Common, and Roseate Terns depends on the size of the breeding colony. For Least Tern, all shallow marine and estuarine waters within 2 miles of recent colony sites and up to 1 mile offshore were mapped as foraging habitat.

Natural Heritage & Endangered

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

Species Program For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

Help Save Endangered Wildlife! Please contribute on your Massachusetts income tax form or directly to the

Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund To learn more about the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program and the Commonwealthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rare species, visit our web site at www.nhesp.org.

Appendix #3: Open Space Inventory

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

APPENDIX #3: OPEN SPACE INVENTORY

Cemetery

Conservation

NonProfit

Private

064‐38

064‐37

060‐44

052‐4‐32 Private

Private

045‐54

052‐4‐31 Private

Private

046‐4

004‐1

019‐7

037‐9

037‐7

047‐2

037‐5

036‐45

NonProfit

Private

047‐6‐1

048‐16

048‐15

048‐14

038‐295

019‐19

027‐1‐1

027‐1

046‐85

055‐4

NonProfit

Private

089‐10‐1 Private

NonProfit

Cemetery

Sub‐Category

ParcelID Category

Street Name

Rigdale Drive CR, Portion of Lot 43 (1.18 acre of 2.84 acre, contains single family home)

St. Joseph's Cemetery

Evergreen Cemetery

OFF ELM ST

1 ABRAMS HILL

WINTHROP ST

28 WINTHROP ST

LEIGH RD

LARSON RD

HOWLANDS LN

179 MAIN ST

TOWN OF KINGSTON

JONES RIVER VILLAGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY JONES RIVER VILLAGE CLUB

Hathaway II Preserve

THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS

JONES RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION, INC Parcel on the Jones River at 3A Bridge JONES RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION, INC Howland House Site PILGRIM JOHN HOWLAND SOCIETY Howland House Site PILGRIM JOHN HOWLAND SOCIETY Howland House Site PILGRIM JOHN HOWLAND SOCIETY Howland Well Site PILGRIM JOHN HOWLAND SOCIETY Ruffini Preserve THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS A. Keith Property THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS A. Keith Property THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS Gould CR THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS

MAPLE&LANDING JRVHS Park RD 50 LANDING RD Maple Street Pump Station Easement, Bradford House MONKS HILL RD Little Smelt Pond, Kells Property

LANDING RD

OFF ROUTE 3

OFF SUMMER ST

Co‐Grantee

OSP OSP

6.49

Cemetery Habitat Protection ‐ 1.18 not for public use (NP)

JONATHAN CLARK STUBBS JONATHAN CLARK STUBBS JONATHAN CLARK STUBBS JONATHAN CLARK STUBBS .

2.5 0.23

Open Space Open Space

8.3

3.2

Open Space

7.5

0.3 Open Space

Open Space

OSP

Passive Recreation 0.23 12.9

OSP

Open Space

OSP Passive Recreation 0.74

OSP

Passive Recreation 2.1

0.3

Open Space

OSU

OSP

1.4 2

Sewer Pump Station Open Space

OSP

OSU

OSP

Passive Recreation 18.44

1.9

Open Space

Open Space & 0.4 Passive Recreation

12.8

Recreation

Habitat Protection ‐ 1.3 not for public use (NP)

OSP OSP

3.56 4.57

Cemetery

OSP

Protection Level

Cemetery

17.87

Acres

Cemetery

Town Use

CONSERVATION Water Quality, 4.19 COMMISSION Habitat, Open Space Protection ‐ NP CONSERVATION Open Space 1.02 COMMISSION

C/O NAVA EVERGREEN CEMETERY ASSOC C/O NAVA EVERGREEN CEMETERY ASSOC ROMAN CATH ARCHBISHOP BOSTON ROMAN CATH ARCHBISHOP BOSTON PICA WILLIAM G & EVELYN H CONSERVATION COMMISSION (CR IN PLACE)

Grantee

Chamberlain Pine Brook Preserve CR CHAMBERLAIN WENDELL & JONES RIVER SUSAN WATERSHED ASSOCIATION, INC. Boy & Girl Scouts of Kingston, Inc. BOY & GIRL SCOUTS OF C/O MARK KINGSTON GUIDOBONI BOYS & GIRL SCOUTS OF KINGSTON, INC. BOYS & GIRL SCOUTS OF KINGSTON, INC. Holmes‐Watson Boatyard JONES RIVER LANDING CONSERVATION ENVIRONMENTAL HERITAGE COMMISSION

OFF NOBADEER CIRCLE Nobadeer CR

CHAPEL ST

Site Name

Evergreen Cemetery

OFF NOBADEER CIRCLE Nobadeer CR

37 RIGDALE DRIVE

126 ELM ST

OFF ELM ST

27 EVERGREEN ST

21 GREEN ST

Street #

Yes (CR # 7), Bk 20957, Pg 13‐24

Protected Open Space No

Protection of Water CR # 6 Quality of Jones River

Protected Open Space No

Historic Site

Protected Open Space No

Town Easement, Historic Site Protected Open Space No

Protected Open Space No

Protected Open Space 36286/1

Conservation Restriction Holder

Yes (40570/270) Pursuant to Orders

Protected Open Space No

Historic Site

Pursuant to Orders

Yes (40570/270) Pursuant to Orders

Yes(CR#10)

Conservation Funding Source Restriction

Protected Open Space No

Protected Open Space

Private Protected Open Space

Private Protected Habitat, Restricted Access

Private Cemetary

Comments

Condition

NonProfit

Private

093‐3

093‐2

099‐4

044‐49‐1 Private

Private

062‐2

064‐11

064‐8

064‐7

064‐6

017‐75

017‐74

017‐73

017‐58

017‐57

048‐13

072‐36

072‐33

020‐77

State

028‐6

097‐7

093‐1

State

Private/To Conservation wn

020‐9

Private

064‐28

074‐4

Private

NonProfit

071‐11

Private

NonProfit

045‐57‐1 Private

064‐28‐1 Private

Sub‐Category

ParcelID Category

Bay Farm, Off Landing Road

PRATTS POND

Kingston State Forest

BISHOPS HIGHWAY Kingston State Forest

LANDING RD

Hathaway Preserve

Site Name

Grantee

Co‐Grantee

OSU

4.6 2.6 50 10.5 2.08 2.1 8.36 4.27 0.79 0.69 1.27 5.92 1.2 17.7 13 14.3 0.95 2.19 139.03

Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Sewer Pump Station Conservation Easement Active Recreation

OSP

4.7

Open Space

Town Easement (Portion Thereof)

OSP

10.08

Open Space

COMMONWEALTH OF MASS DCR

Open Space

108.48

0.89

OSP

7.4

Open Space

OSP

Protection Level

5.64

Acres

Open Space

Town Use

COMMONWEALTH OF MASS CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 7.75 COMMISSION

THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS OFF SOUTH ST Hermit Hollow THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS INDIAN POND RD Indian Hill Preserve THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS RING RD Keith Preserve, Fountain Head Brook THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS ROUTE 44 Keith Preserve, State Forest THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS ROUTE 44 Keith Preserve, State Forest THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS OFF ROUTE 80 Nick's Rock Road Preserve THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS WAPPING RD Phillip S. Barnes Preserve THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS ELM ST Tate Triangle Preserve THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS ELM ST The Charles L. Cherry Preserve THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS ELM ST The Charles L. Cherry Preserve THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS ELM ST The Charles L. Cherry Preserve THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS REED ST The Doug Wade Woods THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS REED ST The Doug Wade Woods THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS PEMBROKE ST The Doug Wade Woods THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS PEMBROKE ST The Doug Wade Woods THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS PEMBROKE ST The Doug Wade Woods THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS HOWLANDS LN The Nook Preserve THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS THE WILDLANDS TRUST OF OFF INDIAN POND The O.W. Stewart Preserve RD SOUTHEASTERN MASS WILDLANDS TRUST INC OFF INDIAN POND Russell Pond Preserve RD DCX KINGSTON SEVENTEEN C/O KEYPOINT SUMMER ST Summer Street, McDonalds Pump Station, Town Easement LLC PARTNERS LLC 12 INDIAN POND RD Hathaway Conservation Easement HATHAWAY MARY C INDIAN HILL REALTY TRUST Indian Pond Golf Course INDIAN POND COUNTRY COUNTRY CLUB WAY CLUB INC 160 SUMMER ST Utility Easement, wetland Buffer SUMMER HILL LIMITED JOSEPH PRTNRSHP IANTOSCA

Street Name

OFF MAIN ST

Street #

Conservation Funding Source Restriction

Protected Open Space No

Protected Open Space

Town Easement

Bk11695 Pg098 Gift from Summer Hill & Bk12205 Limited Pg283 Partnership Protected Open Space No Cons., General & State Funds

Private 61B

Easement

Town Easement

Protected Open Space Yes

Protected Open Space No

Protected Open Space

Protected Open Space No

Comments

Condition

State

092‐10

092‐9

092‐7

092‐6

065‐7

037‐45‐1 State

Town

Town Town Town Town Town

094‐5

BOS

014‐7‐16 Town

005‐15 003‐20 003‐19 048‐116 082‐6

Town

035‐53

Town Town Town

BOS BOS BOS BOS BOS

Town

015‐6

082‐5

BOS

Town Town Town

067‐61 096‐7 022‐5

038‐34 038‐11 095‐4

BOS

Town

037‐4

BOS & Conservation

BOS BOS BOS & Conservation

BOS

BOS BOS BOS

BOS

Town Town

047‐89 038‐94

BOS BOS

State

105‐4

State

Sub‐Category

ParcelID Category

OFF PEMBROKE STREET FORGE RD

LAKE ST

OFF SMITHS LN ROUTE 44 OFF LAKE ST

LANDING RD

BRADFORD AV GRANDVIEW AV

Mulliken's Landing

Kingston State Forest

Offal Pits & Adjacent Pit

NEAR SMELT POND Camp Nekon

TOWN OF KINGSTON

TOWN OF KINGSTON TOWN OF KINGSTON TOWN OF KINGSTON

TOWN OF KINGSTON

TOWN OF KINGSTON TOWN OF KINGSTON TOWN OF KINGSTON TOWN OF KINGSTON TOWN OF KINGSTON

TOWN OF KINGSTON

TOWN OF KINGSTON TOWN OF KINGSTON TOWN OF KINGSTON

TOWN OF KINGSTON

TOWN OF KINGSTON TOWN OF KINGSTON

14.02

1.3

3.11

64.71

4.7

Acres

0.94 2.23 0.8 0.27 7.98

1.89

OSU & OSP

BOS & General Municipal 5.67 CONSERVATION & Passive Recreation

OSU

OSU OSU OSU OSU OSU

OSU

OSU OSU OSU

OSU

OSU OSU

OSP

OSU OSU OSU & OSP

Passive Recreation 18.95

Drainage/Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Open Space Passive Recreation

Passive Recreation 12.27

Passive Recreation 17.89

Open Space 0.59 Open Space 3.82 Passive Recreation 5.17

Passive Recreation 37.4

Wetland 55.3 Replication ‐ Route 44 Filling Open Space 0.48 Beach 0.07

OSP

Protection Level

Recreation 1.92 Recreation 0.68 General Municipal 5.5 & Passive Recreation

BOS BOS BOS & CONSERVATION

BOS

BOS BOS BOS BOS BOS

BOS

BOS BOS BOS

BOS

BOS BOS

COMMONWEALTH OF MASS MASS DOT

Misc Town Owned

Misc Town Owned Misc Town Owned Misc Town Owned Off Larson Road Offal Pits & Adjacent Pit

Open Space

Town Use

Passive Recreation 1.3 COMMONWEALTH OF MASS DEPT OF EVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

COMMONWEALTH OF MASS DCR

TOWN OF KINGSTON

Misc Town Owned

Co‐Grantee

COMMONWEALTH OF MASS DCR

Grantee

Maglathlin Property

Lot off Smith's Lane Lot West of Bishop's Highway Maglathlin Property

Bradford Avenue Grandview Avenue, End of Delano Avenue Jones River Park

45 RIVER ST Town Landing 44 RIVER ST Town Landing LITTLE SMELT POND Camp Nekon

RABOTH RD

Site Name

Kingston State Forest

PARTING WAYS RD Mass DOT

BISHOPS HIGHWAY/ROUTE 44 BISHOPS HIGHWAY/ROUTE 44 BISHOPS HIGHWAY/ROUTE 80 BISHOPS HIGHWAY/ROUTE 80 OFF SECOND BROOK 1 RIVER ST

Street Name

HITTY TOM RD 20 SCHOOL ST SCHOOL ST LARSON RD RABOTH RD

Street #

Open Space

Open Space Open Space Open Space

Open Space

Misc Town Owned Misc Town Owned Misc Town Owned Paper Street Open Space

Misc Town Owned

Open Space

Open Space Open Space Open Space

Open Space

Open Space Road Layout

No (portion transferred from BOS to Conservation 4/2014) No (portion transferred from BOS to Conservation 4/2014)

Protected Open Space No

DEM Purchase

Conservation Funding Source Restriction

Protected Open Space No

Comments

Condition

BOS & Conservation

Town

088‐7

106‐10

104‐3

Conservation

Town

005‐24

094‐2

095‐3

095‐2

094‐4

094‐3

094‐2

094‐1

088‐6

Conservation

051‐37‐58 Town

Cemetery

Sub‐Category

ParcelID Category

Street Name

Camp Nekon

Site Name

RABOTH RD

PRATTS POND

ROCKY POND

TOWN OF PLYMOUTH

TOWN OF KINGSTON

Grantee

Camp Nekon

Berrybrook CPA CR

Camp Nekon

TOWN OF KINGSTON

TOWN OF DUXBURY

Arbor Hills Pedestrian & Conservation ARBOR HILLS LLC Easement

Parting Ways Cemetery

NEAR SMELT POND Camp Nekon

80 MONKS HILL RD

70 MONKS HILL RD

ROCKY POND

OFF BROOKDALE ST

ARBOR HILLS

ROUTE 80

30 PARTING WAYS RD Parting Ways Cemetery

130 MONKS HILL RD

Street #

Town Use

Acres

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 28.56

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 27.81

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 8

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 6.75

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 5.68

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 25.93

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 11.34

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 8

16.3

OSP

THE WILDLANDS Open Space TRUST OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS

13.3

13.9

OSP

Cemetery

OSU & OSP

Protection Level

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 0 COMMISSION

DPW

BOS & General Municipal 46.5 CONSERVATION & Passive Recreation

Co‐Grantee

Yes (?)

No (portion transferred from BOS to Conservation 4/2014)

Open Space

No (transferred from BOS to Conservation 4/2014)

Duxbury CPA

Gift from Arbor Hills, LLC

Conservation Funding Source Restriction

Protected Open Space (CR Leg Ref 37605/245) Duxbury #32, Kingston #13

Town of Plymouth owned Town of Plymouth owned Private Protected Open Space

Open Space

Comments

Condition

Conservation

Town

088‐4

088‐3

084‐15

088‐1

037‐11

037‐10

028‐7

001‐1‐20 Town

Town

088‐5

026‐2

057‐74

048‐8

051‐34

011‐6

016‐2

023‐17

023‐1

016‐4

Conservation

Sub‐Category

ParcelID Category

NEAR RABOTH RD

Street Name

Camp Nekon

Bearse Farm Estates RDEOS land

Bay Farm, Off Landing Road

Site Name

7 REED ST

193 GROVE ST

OFF GROVE ST

WINTER ST

134 WAPPING RD

ELDER AV

Cranberry Watershed Preserve

Conservation Land on Winter Street

Carter Bog

Calista Property

OFF WINTHROP ST Blackwater Swamp

BEARES WAY

LANDING RD

32 WILLIAM GOULD Lowe's CR WAY NEAR SMELT POND Wager Land

Street #

TOWN OF KINGSTON

Grantee

Town Use

Acres

8.97

CONSERVATION Open Space COMMISSION

1.1

7.93

105.1

0.7

18.05

2.6

CONSERVATION Open Space COMMISSION CONSERVATION Open Space COMMISSION

7.41

2.5

8.22

CONSERVATION Open Space COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 8.58 COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 11.21 COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 9.3 COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 6.21

CONSERVATION Well Protection

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 7

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 4.06

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 3.58

Co‐Grantee

OSP

Protection Level

No (transferred from BOS to Conservation 4/2014)

General Municipal & Conservation Purposes General Municipal & Conservation Purposes General Municipal & Conservation Purposes General Municipal & Conservation Purposes

Cons., General & State Funds Cons., General & State Funds Conservation & General Funds

Conservation & General Funds

Gifted to Conservation

Gift from Arbor Hills, LLC

CPA

Gifted to Conservation

Condition of Special Permit

Cons., General & State Funds

Protected Open Space No

Protected Open Space Yes (CR#13 42373/298)

Protected Open Space No

Cons., General & State Funds

Conservation Funding Source Restriction

Private Protected Pending Open Space Protected Open Space Private Land Donation to Conservation Protected Open Space No

Open Space

Comments

Condition

Conservation

Town

016‐3

009‐37

009‐36

009‐35

009‐34

035‐55

035‐54

033‐46

025‐20

043‐1

065‐6

041‐9

041‐6

041‐4

032‐7

048‐115

048‐114

048‐113

038‐296

Conservation

Sub‐Category

ParcelID Category

Evergreen Parcel

Cranberry Watershed Preserve

Site Name

OFF SECOND BROOK

OFF WAPPING RD

OFF POTTLE ST

15 LEIGH RD

LARSON RD

OFF GROVE ST

OFF WEST ST & WAPPING RD

30 WEST ST

Leigh Road parcel

Larson Road

Jones River Brook at Jones River

Henrich Property

Hathaway Preserve II

Hathaway Preserve

Hall Property

OFF CLIFTON DRIVE Garland Property

OFF BATES FARM RD

OFF PEMBROKE STREET

PEMBROKE ST

OFF REED ST

Street Name

24 WEST ST

Street #

TOWN OF KINGSTON

Grantee

Town Use

Acres

0.69

0.34

0.16

2.6

54.72

0.69

0.75

7.12

77.4

42.96

5.8

CONSERVATION Open Space & 1.61 COMMISSION Passive Recreation

CONSERVATION Open Space COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Conservation COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Open Space COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 6.92 COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 6.24 COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Open Space & 0.3 COMMISSION Passive Recreation

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 0.35 COMMISSION & Open Space

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 12.13 COMMISSION & Open Space

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 0.39 COMMISSION & Open Space

CONSERVATION Open Space COMMISSION

Co‐Grantee

OSP

Protection Level

Protected Open Space Pending

Protected Open Space No

CPA

Gifted to Conservation

Conservation Fund & Self‐Help

Recreation Fields and Pending CR #14 CPA Open Space

Protected Open Space No

Transferred to Conservation 6/2014) Transferred to Conservation 6/2014) Pursuant to Special Permit

Conservation & General Funds

Conservation Funding Source Restriction

Protected Open Space No

General Municipal & Conservation Purposes General Municipal & Conservation Purposes General Municipal & Conservation Purposes General Municipal & Conservation Purposes General Municipal & Conservation Purposes Protected Open Space

Comments

Condition

Conservation

Town

037‐44‐2 Town

Town

001‐14

037‐45

027‐28

027‐18

067‐46

045‐119

007‐5

007‐4

007‐1

032‐60

032‐5

044‐49‐2 Town

Town

036‐126

079‐2‐24 Town

Town

058‐44

055‐1

010‐10

045‐11

059‐51

Recreation

HWY Dept

Conservation

Sub‐Category

ParcelID Category

MAPLE ST

7 RIVER ST

HOWLANDS LN

Street Name

On Stony Brook

Mulliken's Landing

Mirage Brook, Across From Silver Lake Sanctuary

Millpond on Stony Brook

Mashall Joyce Wildlife Sanctuary

Lot on Howlands Lane

Site Name

11 GRAYS BEACH RD

PEMBROKE ST

45 ELM ST

26 WAPPING RD

156 GROVE ST

157 GROVE ST

PINE HILL RD

51 BEARES WAY

40 BEARES WAY

BEARES WAY

OFF WAPPING RD

TOWN OF KINGSTON

Grantee

Corner of Pembroke and Wapping Road Gray's Beach Park

TOWN OF KINGSTON

Corner of Pembroke and Reed Street TOWN OF KINGSTON

Sampson Park/Soule's Pond & Mill Gate Wells

Triphammer Park

Three Rivers Basin

Tall Timbers Walking Trail

Silver Lake Sanctuary

Sampson Park & Faunce Memorial Forest

OFF BASLER'S LANE Pawtuxet Park

OFF SUMMER ST

61 LANDING RD

305 PEMBROKE ST

Street #

Town Use

1.47

1.75

1.28

9.26

Acres

15.96

68.44

23.84

4.13

RECREATION DEPT

HWY DEPT

Beach

Road Layout

6.5

0.04

0.5

OSU

OSP

CONSERVATION Open Space / Well 147.5 COMMISSION / Protection WATER DEPT

OSP

17.81

7.93

OSU

OSP

Protection Level

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 0.33 COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Open Space COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 0.08 COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Open Space COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Passive Recreation 1.06 COMMISSION

CONSERVATION Open Space COMMISSION

Co‐Grantee

E.B. Sampson & General Fund

Conservation Fund

Conservation Fund & Self‐Help

Tax taking

Gift

CPA

Conservation Fund & Self‐Help

Drainage/ Road Layout Open Space

Road Layout

Protected Open Space Yes

Protected Open Space Yes (38902/223) CPA

Protected Open Space No

Conservation Fund & Self‐Help

Yes (Kingston # Cons., General & 5) State Funds

Protected Open Space No

Open Space

Not combined with Parcel 007‐5 (9 acres) in 2014 Combined with Parcel 007‐5 (9 acres) in 2012 Protected Open Space

Protected Open Space No

Former Mill, now Stony Brook

Protected Open Space Pending

Tax taking

Conservation Funding Source Restriction

Protected Open Space No

Comments

Condition

Town

035‐3

Town

090‐1

015‐3

084‐14

054‐25

055‐2

054‐28

054‐27

054‐14

054‐6

097‐10

097‐9

Town

057‐53

035‐56

Town

035‐4

036‐84

Town

035‐5

Town

035‐9

026‐3

Town

035‐13

Town

035‐14

Town

035‐15

035‐2

Town

035‐17

035‐1

Recreation

Town

035‐19

Water Dept

Senior Center & Conservation

Recreation

Sub‐Category

ParcelID Category

Opachinski Field

Site Name

EDGAR STREET

Evergreen Parcel

139 ROUTE 80

ROUTE 80

1 PODBURY LN

SOUTH ST

103 SOUTH ST

OFF SOUTH ST

88 INDEPENDENCE MALL WY OFF SOUTH ST

Trackle Pond Well Site

South Street Well

Soule's Pond & Mill Gate Wells

Mill Gate Well

Grassy Hole Well

Cranberry Watershed Preserve / Water Tank

1‐86 Well Site

World War II Memorial

MAIN ST

98 INDEPENDENCE MALL WY 254 PEMBROKE ST

TOWN OF KINGSTON

Grantee

OSU OSU OSU OSU OSU

0.06 0.57 1.52

Active Recreation

Passive Recreation 0.7 Passive Recreation 0.23

1.85

Active Recreation

Passive Recreation 1.28

2.68

Active Recreation

Active Recreation Active Recreation

Passive Recreation 9.51

Passive Recreation 46.51

OSU

WATER DEPT WATER DEPT

TOWN OF KINGSTON

WATER DEPT

Well Protection

8.24

3.26

0.75

2.82

6.34

2.61

13.24

14.9

16.2

16.36

OSP

Protected Open Space

General Municipal & No Conservation Purposes Protected Open Space

Protected Open Space No

Senior Center & No Protected Open Space

OSP

Open Space

Conservation & General Funds

OSP to Conservation 6/2014

Conservation Funding Source Restriction

OSP

Town Buildings & Recreation Fields

Recreation Fields

Comments

OSU

0.62

Active Recreation

OSU

Protection Level

2.3

Acres

Passive Recreation 0.1

Active Recreation

Town Use

Passive Recreation 0.57 RECREATION DEPT Senior Center & 10.28 BOS & CONSERVATION Passive Recreation (~10 ACRES TO CONSERVATION)

RECREATION DEPT RECREATION DEPT RECREATION DEPT RECREATION DEPT RECREATION DEPT RECREATION DEPT RECREATION DEPT RECREATION DEPT RECREATION DEPT RECREATION DEPT RECREATION DEPT RECREATION DEPT RECREATION DEPT

Co‐Grantee

TOWN OF KINGSTON

Reed Community Center, Adams TOWN OF KINGSTON Library & Bailey Memorial Playground

OFF BATES FARM RD

33 SUMMER ST

Pottle Field

Opachinski Field

WASHBURN STREET Opachinski Field

POTTLE ST

JONES STREET

BATES FARM RD

JONES STREET

BATES FARM RD

Street Name

125‐129 POTTLE ST

Street #

Condition

Town

097‐5

097‐4

043‐1‐1

042‐4

020‐8

020‐7

019‐14

019‐13

066‐4

Water Dept

Town

097‐8

SLRSD

School

Water Dept

Sub‐Category

ParcelID Category

Street #

OFF SECOND BROOK 250 PEMBROKE ST

7 WINTHROP ST

WINTHROP ST

OFF WAPPING RD

ROUTE 80

Street Name

TOWN OF KINGSTON

Grantee

Kingston Intermediate School Field & TOWN OF KINGSTON Woods SLRSD Ball Fields SILVER LAKE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Winthrop Street Well

Wapping Road Well Site

Wapping Road Future Well Site

Trackle Pond Well Site

Site Name

SCHOOL BALL FIELD

WATER DEPT

Co‐Grantee

Active & Passive Recreation Active Recreation

Well Protection

Town Use

OSU OSU

14.5

OSP

5.02

2.31

0.96

5.13

4.01

OSP

5.4 40.58

OSP

Protection Level

0.5

0.65

8.56

Acres

SLRSD Ball Fields

School Field & Woods

Protected Open Space

Comments

Conservation Funding Source Restriction

Condition

Appendix #4: Public Forums

KINGSTON OSRP UPDATE 2015

APPENDIX #4: PUBLIC FORUMS

KINGSTON OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PUBLIC FORUM Join in the planning of Kingston’s open space and recreational future! FEBRUARY 5TH, 2015 FROM 7-9 PM MEETING ROOM 200 AT TOWN HALL

Kingston has begun to update its Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) to inventory natural and recreational resources and to make recommendations about community needs and priorities. A completed OSRP will allow Kingston to compete for state grant funds to implement recommendations. As a part of this update, several public forums will be held to provide an opportunity for community input on the plan.

Brought to you by the Town of Kingston’s Conservation and Recreation Commissions

Kingston Open Space and Recreation Plan Public Forum #2

Join us in planning for Kingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open space and recreational future.

March 5th 7-9 pm Town Hall Room 200

w w w . k i n g s t o n m a s s . o r g Kingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conservation and Recreation commissions will present draft goals and recommended actions for public comments.

ŶĂůǇƐŝƐ KĨ EĞĞĚƐ Pembroke

Duxbury

A Town Center

A F 1M i le

Fro

ain StaƟon m Tr

E D

ŽŶ ƚĂƟ ^ ŝŶ dƌĂ

B Plympton E C D

Carver

Plymouth

Smart Growth Focus Area

tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ŽƌƌŝĚŽƌƐ ŝŶ EĞĞĚ ŽĨ WƌĞƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ

ŽǁŶƚŽǁŶ /ŶĮůů &ŽĐƵƐ ƌĞĂ

Gap in Wildlife Corridor

WƌŝŽƌŝƚǇ ƌĞĂ ĨŽƌ &ŽƌŵĂů ŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ

WƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ƌŽƐƐͲdŽǁŶ ŝĐǇĐůĞ dƌĂŝůͬ WŽƚĞŶƟĂů ZĂŝů Trail

WŽƚĞŶƟĂů ƌĞĂ ĨŽƌ ZĞĐƌĞĂƟŽŶ &ŝĞůĚ ǆƉĂŶƐŝŽŶ

WƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ,ŝŬŝŶŐ dƌĂŝůƐͬWĂƚŚƐ ŽŶŶĞĐƟŶŐ KƉĞŶ ^ƉĂĐĞ WƌŽƉĞƌƟĞƐ

DĂũŽƌ ZŽĂĚƐ ŝŶ EĞĞĚ ŽĨ /ŵƉƌŽǀĞŵĞŶƚƐ ƚŽ ŝĐǇĐůŝƐƚ & Pedestrian Safety

Wetlands

Core Habitat & ,ŝŐŚ ĐŽͲ/ŶƚĞŐƌŝƚǇ

<ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͕ D Ͷ ƌĞĂƐ &Žƌ ĐƟŽŶ dŚĞ ĚŽǁŶƚŽǁŶ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ďĞ ƉƌŝŽƌŝƟǌĞĚ ĨŽƌ ŝŶĮůů ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ Ă complete streets policy͘ dŚĞ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƟĂů ĚĞŶƐŝƚǇ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŵŝǆĞĚͲƵƐĞ ĚŽǁŶƚŽǁŶ ĂƌĞĂ ǁŽƵůĚ ĂůůŽǁ ŵŽƌĞ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ƚŽ ůŝǀĞ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ǁĂůŬŝŶŐͬďŝŬŝŶŐ ĚŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ŵĂŶǇ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŵĞŶŝƟĞƐ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞďǇ ďŽůƐƚĞƌŝŶŐ ůŽĐĂů ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƚŽǁŶ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ ŵŽƌĞ ǀŝďƌĂŶƚ͘ dŚĞ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƐƚƌĞĞƚ ƚƌĞĞƐ͕ ǁŝĚĞƌ ƐŝĚĞǁĂůŬƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ďŝŬĞ ůĂŶĞƐ ǁŽƵůĚ ĂĚĚ ŚƵŵĂŶ ƐĐĂůĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĚŽǁŶƚŽǁŶ ĂƌĞĂ͕ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ŝƚ Ă ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶǀŝƟŶŐ͕ ůĞƐƐ ĐĂƌͲĐĞŶƚĞƌĞĚ ƉůĂĐĞ ĨŽƌ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ƚŽ ƐŚŽƉ͕ ĞĂƚ͕ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶŐƌĞŐĂƚĞ͘ dŚĞ ŝŶĐŽƌƉŽƌĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ŐƌĞĞŶ ŝŶĨƌĂƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ǀĞŐĞƚĂƚĞĚ ƐǁĂůĞƐ͕ ĨĞĚ ƌƵŶŽī ǀŝĂ ĐƵƌď ĐƵƚƐ͕ ĐŽƵůĚ ĂĚĚ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ŐƌĞĞŶĞƌǇ ƚŽ ĚŽǁŶƚŽǁŶ ĂŶĚ ĮůƚĞƌ ƉŽƚĞŶƟĂůůǇ ƉŽůůƵƚĞĚ ƌƵŶŽī ďĞĨŽƌĞ ŝƚ ƌĞĂĐŚĞƐ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͛Ɛ ǁĂƚĞƌǁĂǇƐ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ ǁŽƵůĚ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ĂĚĚĞĚ ďĞŶĞĮƚ ŽĨ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ Ă ŵŽƌĞ ĂƉƉĞĂůŝŶŐ ĚĞƐƟŶĂƟŽŶ ƌĞŐŝŽŶĂů ƚŽƵƌŝƐŵ͘ A

dŚĞ ĂƌĞĂ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ Ă ŽŶĞͲŵŝůĞ ƌĂĚŝƵƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂŝŶ ƐƚĂƟŽŶ ŚĂƐ ŐƌĞĂƚ ƉŽƚĞŶƟĂů ĨŽƌ higher-density, mixed-use development͘ dŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ Ă ŶƵŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ƵŶĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞĚ ƉĂƌĐĞůƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ƚŚŝƐ ĂƌĞĂ ƚŚĂƚ ŚĂǀĞ ĨĞǁ ŵĂũŽƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ůŝŵŝƚĂƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŚĂǀĞ ƌĞůĂƟǀĞůǇ ůŽǁ ĞĐŽůŽŐŝĐĂů ǀĂůƵĞ͕ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ƚŚĞŵ ĐŽŵƉĂƌĂƟǀĞůǇ ŐŽŽĚ ƐŝƚĞƐ ĨŽƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ͘ dŚĞ dŽǁŶ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌ ĞǆƉĂŶĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ^ŵĂƌƚ 'ƌŽǁƚŚ KǀĞƌůĂǇ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ ƚŽ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ ƚŚĞƐĞ ƉĂƌĐĞůƐ ŝŶ ŽƌĚĞƌ ƚŽ ĂůůŽǁ ĨŽƌ ƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚ ŐƌŽǁƚŚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƌĞůŝĞǀŝŶŐ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ĞĐŽůŽŐŝĐĂůůǇ ǀĂůƵĂďůĞ ƵŶĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞĚ ĂƌĞĂƐ ŽĨ ƚŽǁŶ͘ tĂůŬĂďŝůŝƚǇͬ ďŝŬĞĂďŝůŝƚǇ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂŝŶ ƐƚĂƟŽŶ͕ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ ŽĨ ƚŽǁŶ͕ ƐŚŽƉƉŝŶŐ ŵĂůů͕ ĂŶĚ ďĞǇŽŶĚ ǁŽƵůĚ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞ ŶĞǁ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐĂŶĚ ǀŝƐŝƚŽƌƐ ƚŽ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͛Ɛ ůŽĐĂů ĞĐŽŶŽŵǇ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ƌĞůǇŝŶŐ ŽŶ ĐĂƌƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ĐŽƵůĚ ŚĞůƉ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ƚŚĞ ƚĂǆ ďĂƐĞ͕ ĚĞĐƌĞĂƐĞ ƚŚĞ ƵƐĞ ŽĨ ĨŽƐƐŝů ĨƵĞůƐ͕ ĂĐƟǀĂƚĞ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͛Ɛ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ĞŶŚĂŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ĨĞĞůŝŶŐ ŽĨ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ͘ /ŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƟĂů ĚĞŶƐŝƚǇ ĐŽƵůĚ ĂůƐŽ ŵĂŬĞ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ƉƵďůŝĐ ƚƌĂŶƐƉŽƌƚĂƟŽŶ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ǀŝĂďůĞ͘ dŚŝƐ ĂƌĞĂ͛Ɛ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƉĞŶ ƐƉĂĐĞ ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ^ŵĞůƚ WŽŶĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƐŽƵƚŚǁĞƐƚ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ĂŵƉ EĞŬŽŶ ĂŶĚ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ ^ƚĂƚĞ &ŽƌĞƐƚ͕ ĂŶĚ WĂǁƚƵǆĞƚ WĂƌŬ ĂŶĚ 'ƌĂǇ͛Ɛ ĞĂĐŚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĞĂƐƚ ǁŽƵůĚ ŽīĞƌ ŶĞǁ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐ ŵĂŶǇ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ƚŽ ĞŶũŽǇ ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ Ă ƐŚŽƌƚ ǁĂůŬͬďŝŬĞ ƌŝĚĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŚŽŵĞƐ͘ ĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ŚŝŬŝŶŐ ƚƌĂŝůƐͬƉĂƚŚƐ ;ƐĞĞ ŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶƐ Ϳ ŝŶ ƚŚŝƐ ĂƌĞĂ ǁŽƵůĚ ĨĂĐŝůŝƚĂƚĞ ƚŚĞƐĞ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶƐ͘ B

dŚĞ ƉĂƚĐŚ ŽĨ ƉƌŝŵĞ ĂŐƌŝĐƵůƚƵƌĂů ƐŽŝůƐ ŇĂŶŬŝŶŐ ZŽƵƚĞ ϰϰ ŶĞĂƌ ƚŚĞ WůǇŵŽƵƚŚ ůŝŶĞ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽǆŝŵŝƚǇ ŽĨ ƚŚĞƐĞ ůĂŶĚƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ dŽǁŶ͛Ɛ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ ĂůŽŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƐŽƵƚŚǁĞƐƚ ƐŝĚĞ ŽĨ ^ŵĞůƚ WŽŶĚ ŵĂǇ ŵĂŬĞ ƚŚĞ ĂƋƵŝƐŝƟŽŶ ŝŶ ƉĂƌƚ Žƌ ŝŶ ƚŽƚĂů ŽĨ ƚŚĞƐĞ ƉĂƌĐĞůƐ ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ƌĞĐƌĞĂƟŽŶĂů ĮĞůĚƐ͘ dŚĞ ƉƌŝŵĞ ƐŽŝůƐ ŵŝŐŚƚ ĂůůŽǁ ĨŽƌ ŽƌŐĂŶŝĐ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ƉƌĂĐƟĐĞƐ Ăƚ ƐƵĐŚ ĨĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ ǁŽƵůĚ ŵĂŬĞ ƐĞŶƐĞ ĨŽƌ ĞǆƉĂŶĚĞĚ ƌĞĐƌĞĂƟŽŶ ĨĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ƚŽ ĂĐĐŽŵŽĚĂƚĞ ŶĞǁ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐ ŝĨ ƚŚĞ dŽǁŶ ĂŵĞŶĚƐ ƚŚĞ ǌŽŶŝŶŐ ďǇůĂǁ ƚŽ ĂůůŽǁ ĨŽƌ ƐŵĂƌƚ ŐƌŽǁƚŚ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĂƌĞĂ ƐƵƌƌŽƵŶĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂŝŶ ƐƚĂƟŽŶ ĂƐ ŝƐ ŽƵƚůŝŶĞĚ ĂďŽǀĞ ŝŶ ͚ ͛͘ C

<ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͛Ɛ ƉƌŝŵĂƌŝůǇ ĨŽƌĞƐƚĞĚ ƐŽƵƚŚĞƌŶ ƟƉ ŝƐ ŶŽƚ ŽŶůǇ ƚŚĞ ůĂƌŐĞƐƚ ƌĞŵĂŝŶŝŶŐ ƚƌĂĐƚ ŽĨ ŝƚƐ ŬŝŶĚ ŝŶ ƚŽǁŶ͕ ďƵƚ ĂůƐŽ ĂŶ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ƌĞŐŝŽŶĂů ƐƚĞƉƉŝŶŐ ƐƚŽŶĞ ŽĨ ŚĂďŝƚĂƚ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŶŐ ƐŝŵŝůĂƌ ƉĂƚĐŚĞƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƐŽƵƚŚ ƚŽ ƚŚŽƐĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ǁĞƐƚ ĂŶĚ ŶŽƌƚŚǁĞƐƚ͘ >ŽĐĂƚĞĚ ĂƚŽƉ ƚŚĞ WůǇŵŽƵƚŚͲ ĂƌǀĞƌ ^ŽůĞ ^ŽƵƌĐĞ ƋƵŝĨĞƌ͕ ĨƌŽŵ ǁŚŝĐŚ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƐĞǀĞƌĂů ƐƵƌƌŽƵŶĚŝŶŐ ƚŽǁŶƐ ĚƌĂǁ ĚƌŝŶŬŝŶŐ ǁĂƚĞƌ͕ ƚŚŝƐ ĂƌĞĂ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ƚŚĞ ĐƌŝƟĐĂů ĞĐŽůŽŐŝĐĂů ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ŽĨ ŐƌŽƵŶĚǁĂƚĞƌ ƌĞĐŚĂƌŐĞ ĂŶĚ ĮůƚƌĂƟŽŶ͘/ƚƐ ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ŐůĂĐŝĂů ƚŽƉŽŐƌĂƉŚǇ͕ ĚĞŶƐĞ ĐŽŶĐĞŶƚƌĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ĐĞƌƟĮĞĚ ǀĞƌŶĂů ƉŽŽůƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŚŝŐŚ ŝŽD WϮ ĂŶĚ /ŶĚĞǆ ŽĨ ĐŽůŽŐŝĐĂů /ŶƚĞŐƌŝƚǇ ƌĂƟŶŐƐ ŵĂŬĞ ŝƚ Ă ƉƌŝŽƌŝƚǇ ĨŽƌ ĨŽƌŵĂů ĐŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŽŶ͘ dŚĞ dŽǁŶ͕ ŝŶ ĐŽŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞ ŽƌŐĂŶŝǌĂƟŽŶƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ůĂŶĚ ƚƌƵƐƚƐ͕ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ǁŽƌŬ ǁŝƚŚ ůĂŶĚŽǁŶĞƌƐ ƚŽ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚ ƚŚŝƐ ĂƌĞĂ ĨƌŽŵ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ĚŝƌĞĐƚ ĂĐƋƵŝƐŝƟŽŶ Žƌ ĐŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ ƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƟŽŶƐ͘ D

dŚĞ ƉĂƚĐŚ ŽĨ ĐŽƌĞ ŚĂďŝƚĂƚ ĂŶĚ ŚŝŐŚ ĞĐŽůŽŐŝĐĂů ŝŶƚĞŐƌŝƚǇ ƐŽƵƚŚ ŽĨ tĂƉƉŝŶŐ ZŽĂĚ ĂŶĚ ŶŽƌƚŚ ŽĨ ůŵ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ŽŶůǇ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚ ĂƌĞĂ ŽĨ ĐŽŵďŝŶĞĚ ĐŽƌĞ ŚĂďŝƚĂƚ ĂŶĚ ŚŝŐŚĞƐƚ ĞĐŽůŽŐŝĐĂů ŝŶƚĞŐƌŝƚǇ ƚŚĂƚ ƌĞŵĂŝŶƐ ƵŶƉƌŽƚĞĐƚĞĚ ŝŶ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͕ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ŝƚ Ă ƉƌŝŽƌŝƚǇ ĨŽƌ ĨŽƌŵĂů ĐŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŽŶ͘ >ŝŬĞ ƚŚĞ ůĂƌŐĞ ĨŽƌĞƐƚĞĚ ĂƌĞĂ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐŽƵƚŚ͕ ƚŚŝƐ ƉĂƚĐŚ ĂůƐŽ ƐŝƚƐ ĂƚŽƉ ƚŚĞ WůǇŵŽƵƚŚͲ ĂƌǀĞƌ ^ŽůĞ ^ŽƵƌĐĞ ƋƵŝĨĞƌ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ǀĂůƵĂďůĞ ŐƌŽƵŶĚǁĂƚĞƌ ƌĞĐŚĂƌŐĞ ĂŶĚ ĮůƚƌĂƟŽŶ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ Ă ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƐƵďƐƚĂŶƟĂů ĐŽƌĞ ŚĂďŝƚĂƚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ǁĞƐƚ ŝŶ WůǇŵƉƚŽŶ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŶǇ ŽĨ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͛Ɛ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚĞĚ ŽƉĞŶ ƐƉĂĐĞƐ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ^ĂŵƉƐŽŶ WĂƌŬ͕ ƚŚĞ ,ĂƚŚĂǁĂǇ WƌĞƐĞƌǀĞ͕ ĂŶĚ ůĂĐŬǁĂƚĞƌ ^ǁĂŵƉ ^ĂŶĐƚƵĂƌǇ͘ dŚĞ dŽǁŶ͕ ŝŶ ĐŽŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞ ŽƌŐĂŶŝǌĂƟŽŶƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ůĂŶĚ ƚƌƵƐƚƐ͕ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ǁŽƌŬ ǁŝƚŚ ůĂŶĚŽǁŶĞƌƐ ƚŽ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚ ƚŚŝƐ ĂƌĞĂ ĨƌŽŵ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ĚŝƌĞĐƚ ĂĐƋƵŝƐŝƟŽŶ Žƌ ĐŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ ƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƟŽŶƐ͘ E

<ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͕ D Ͷ ŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶƐ dŽ Ğ DĂĚĞ DĂŝŶ ƌŽĂĚƐ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŶŐ ŵŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƟĂů <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƚŽǁŶ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ĚĞĞŵĞĚ ƵŶƐĂĨĞ ĨŽƌ ƉĞĚĞƐƚƌŝĂŶƐ ĂŶĚ ďŝĐǇĐůŝƐƚƐ͘ dŚĞ ƚŽǁŶ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ƉƌŝŽƌŝƟǌĞ ƚŚĞƐĞ ƌŽĂĚƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƐŝĚĞǁĂůŬƐ ǁŚĞƌĞ ƚŚĞǇ ĂƌĞ ůĂĐŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ͕ ǁŚĞƌĞ ƌŽĂĚ ĚŝŵĞŶƐŝŽŶƐ ǁŝůů ĂůůŽǁ͕ ƚŚĞ ĐƌĞĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ďŝŬĞ ůĂŶĞƐ͘ /Ĩ ĐŽŵďŝŶĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ Ă ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞ ƐƚƌĞĞƚƐ ĚĞƐŝŐŶ ĚŽǁŶƚŽǁŶ ;ƐĞĞ ƌĞĂ Ϳ͕ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞŵĞŶƚƐ ǁŽƵůĚ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ĚŝŵŝŶŝƐŚ ƚŚĞ ĚŽŵŝŶĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ĐĂƌƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƚŽǁŶ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ͕ ƌĞĚƵĐŝŶŐ ŶŽŝƐĞ͕ ĐŽŶŐĞƐƟŽŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ĨŽƐƐŝů ĨƵĞů ƵƐĂŐĞ͘ /Ŷ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶ͕ ƚŚĞƐĞ ƐŝĚĞǁĂůŬƐ ĂŶĚ ďŝŬĞ ůĂŶĞƐ ǁŽƵůĚ ďĞƩĞƌ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͛Ɛ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐ ƚŽ ĞĂĐŚ ŽƚŚĞƌ͕ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ƚŚĞŵ ŵĂŶǇ ŵŽƌĞ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĨŽƌ ŚĞĂůƚŚǇ ƌĞĐƌĞĂƟŽŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ĂůůŽǁ ƚŚĞŵ ďĞƩĞƌ ĂĐĐĞƐƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƚŽǁŶ͛Ɛ ĞǆŝƐƟŶŐ ŽƉĞŶ ƐƉĂĐĞ ĂŶĚ ƌĞĐƌĞĂƟŽŶ ĂƌĞĂƐ͘ dŚĞ ƉƌŽǀŝƐŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƐĂĨĞ ĂĐĐĞƐƐ ǀŝĂ ĨŽŽƚ ĂŶĚ ďŝŬĞ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ŚĞůƉ ůĞƐƐĞŶ ƚŚĞ ŶĞĞĚ ĨŽƌ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ Ăƚ ŵĂŶǇ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŽƉĞŶ ƐƉĂĐĞ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƟĞƐ͘ A

^ŚŽƵůĚ ƚƌĂŝŶ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĂůŽŶŐ ƚŚĞ WůǇŵŽƵƚŚ ƐƉƵƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŵƵƚĞƌ ƌĂŝů ďĞ ĚŝƐĐŽŶƟŶƵĞĚ͕ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ƐĞĞŬ ƚŽ ĐŽŶǀĞƌƚ ƚŚĂƚ ƌĂŝů ďĞĚ ŝŶƚŽ Ă ŵƵůƟƵƐĞ ƚƌĂŝů ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŶŐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĞǆŝƐƟŶŐ ƌĂŝů ƚƌĂŝů ƚŚĂƚ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůǇ ďĞŐŝŶƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ WůǇŵŽƵƚŚ ĐŽŵŵƵƚĞƌ ƐƚĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĞǆƚĞŶĚƐ ĂůŽŶŐ WůǇŵŽƵƚŚ͛Ɛ ƐŚŽƌĞ͘ KŶĐĞ ĐŽŶǀĞƌƚĞĚ͕ ƚŚŝƐ ƐƚƌĞƚĐŚ ŽĨ ƌĂŝů ďĞĚ ǁŽƵůĚ ŽīĞƌ ǁŽŶĚĞƌĨƵů ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĨŽƌ ĂĐĐĞƐƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ :ŽŶĞƐ ZŝǀĞƌ ĞƐƚƵĂƌǇ͕ 'ƌĂǇ͛Ɛ ĞĂĐŚ WĂƌŬ͕ ĂŶĚ ďĞĂĐŚĞƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƐŽƵƚŚ ŝŶ WůǇŵŽƵƚŚ͘ /ƚ ǁŽƵůĚ ĂůƐŽ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞ ǀŝƐŝƚŽƌƐ ƚŽ ĐŽŵĞ ĨƌŽŵ WůǇŵŽƵƚŚ ŝŶƚŽ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͕ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ĐĂƵƐŝŶŐ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ĂƵƚŽŵŽƟǀĞ ĐŽŶŐĞƐƟŽŶ Žƌ ŶĞĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚůǇ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ͘ īŽƌƚƐ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ďĞ ŵĂĚĞ ƚŽ ĞƐƚĂďůŝƐŚ Ă ƐĂĨĞ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƌĂŵĂŝŶŝŶŐ ŚĂůĨͲŵŝůĞ ;ĂƉƉƌŽǆ͘Ϳ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͛Ɛ ƚŽǁŶ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ǁĞƐƚĞƌŶ ĞŶĚ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ƐƉƵƌ ŝŶ ŽƌĚĞƌ ƚŽ ĂůůŽǁ ĨŽƌ ƚƌĂŝů ƵƐĞƌƐ ƚŽ ĞŶũŽǇ ƚŚĞ ƌĞũƵǀĞŶĂƚĞĚ ĚŽǁŶƚŽǁŶ ĂƌĞĂ͘ /Ŷ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ƌĂŝů ƚƌĂŝů͕ Ă ƐŚŽƌƚ ƐƉƵƌ ŽĨ ǁĂůŬŝŶŐ ƌŽƵƚĞ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ďĞ ĞƐƚĂďůŝƐŚĞĚ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ WĂǁƚƵǆĞƚ WĂƌŬ ;ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ŶĞǁ ŚŝŬŝŶŐ ƚƌĂŝůƐͬƉĂƚŚƐ ŵĞŶƟŽŶĞĚ ďĞůŽǁ ŝŶ ͚ ͛Ϳ ĂŶĚ 'ƌĂǇ͛Ɛ ĞĂĐŚ WĂƌŬ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ĐůĞĂƌ ƐŝŐŶƐ ĂŶĚ ƐŝĚĞǁĂůŬƐ ǁŚĞƌĞ ƚŚĞǇ ĂƌĞ ŵŝƐƐŝŶŐ͘ dŚŝƐ ƐŚŽƌƚ ƐƉƵƌ ǁŽƵůĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ƚŚĞ ŶĞĐĞƐƐĂƌǇ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂŝŶ ƐƚĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ƌĂŝů ƚƌĂŝů ĂƐ ǁĞůů͘ B

dǁŽ ƉƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ŚŝŬŝŶŐ ƚƌĂŝůƐͬƉĂƚŚƐ ůŝŶŬŝŶŐ ^ĂŵƉƐŽŶ WĂƌŬ͕ ^ŵĞůƚ WŽŶĚͬ ĂŵƉ EĞŬŽŶ͕ ĂŶĚ WĂǁƚƵǆĞƚ WĂƌŬ ǀŝĂ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂŝŶ ƐƚĂƟŽŶ ǁŽƵůĚ ŶŽƚ ŽŶůǇ ĂĚĚ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟǀŝƚǇ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ŽƉĞŶ ƐƉĂĐĞ ĂƌĞĂƐ͕ ďƵƚ ĂůƐŽ ŵĂŬĞ ƚŚĞŵ ĂĐĐĞƐƐŝďůĞ ƚŽ ǀŝƐŝƚŽƌƐ ĂƌƌŝǀŝŶŐ ďǇ ƚƌĂŝŶ͘ dŚŝƐ ǁŽƵůĚ ĂĚĚ ƚŽ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͛Ɛ ĂƉƉĞĂů ƚŽ ǀŝƐŝƚŽƌƐ ĂŶĚ ĚĞĐƌĞĂƐĞ ƚŚĞ ŶĞĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞŵ ƚŽ ƵƐĞ ĐĂƌƐ͘ C

dŚĞ ƐǇƐƚĞŵ ŽĨ ǁĞƚůĂŶĚƐ ƐƚƌĞƚĐŚŝŶŐ ƐŽƵƚŚ ĨƌŽŵ ^ĂŵƉƐŽŶ WĂƌŬ ƚŽǁĂƌĚƐ /ŶĚŝĂŶ WŽŶĚ ŝƐ ĂŶŽƚŚĞƌ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ǁŝůĚůŝĨĞ ĐŽƌƌŝĚŽƌ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƚŚĞ dŽǁŶ͛Ɛ ŽƉĞŶ ƐƉĂĐĞ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƟĞƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŶŽƌƚŚ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ůĂƌŐĞ ĂƌĞĂ ŽĨ ĐŽƌĞ ŚĂďŝƚĂƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐŽƵƚŚ͘ /Ŷ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶ ƚŽ ĞŶĂďůŝŶŐ ǁŝůĚůŝĨĞ ŵŽǀĞŵĞŶƚ͕ ƚŚŝƐ ƐƚƌĞƚĐŚ ŽĨ ǁĞƚůĂŶĚƐ ĐŽƵůĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ Ă ǁŽŶĚĞƌĨƵů ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚǇ ĨŽƌ Ă ŚŝŬŝŶŐ ƚƌĂŝů ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ^ĂŵƉƐŽŶ WĂƌŬ ĂŶĚ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ ^ƚĂƚĞ &ŽƌĞƐƚ͘ dŚŝƐ ƚƌĂŝů ǁŽƵůĚ ĂůƐŽ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ĂďƵŶĚĂŶƚ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶĂů ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ͘ ĞĐĂƵƐĞ ƚŚĞƐĞ ǁĞƚůĂŶĚƐ ƐƉĂŶ ŵĂŶǇ ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƟĞƐ͕ ƚŚĞ dŽǁŶ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ǁŽƌŬ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ landowners to acquire easements ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƟĞƐ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ ǁĂǇ ĨŽƌ Ă ƚƌĂŝů͘ D

/ŶĚŝĂŶ WŽŶĚ ŝƐ Ă ĐƌŝƟĐĂů ƐƚĞƉƉŝŶŐ ƐƚŽŶĞ ŽĨ ĐŽƌĞ ŚĂďŝƚĂƚ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͛Ɛ ƐŽƵƚŚĞƌŶ ĐŽŶĞ ĂŶĚ Ă ƐƵďƐƚĂŶƟĂů ĂƌĞĂ ŽĨ ĐŽƌĞ ŚĂďŝƚĂƚ ĂŶĚ ŚŝŐŚ ĞĐŽůŽŐŝĐĂů ŝŶƚĞŐƌŝƚǇ ƐƚƌĞƚĐŚŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͛Ɛ ŵŝĚĞƐĞĐƟŽŶ ŝŶƚŽ WůǇŵƉƚŽŶ ;ƐĞĞ ηϰ ĂďŽǀĞͿ͘ dŚĞ ĐŽƌƌŝĚŽƌ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ĂƌĞĂƐ ŽĨ ŚĂďŝƚĂƚ ŝƐ ŝŶƚĞƌƌƵƉƚĞĚ ŽŶ ĞŝƚŚĞƌ ƐŝĚĞ ŽĨ /ŶĚŝĂŶ WŽŶĚ ďǇ ZŽƵƚĞ ϰϰ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƐŽƵƚŚ ĂŶĚ ůŵ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŶŽƌƚŚ͘ dŚĞ ƵŶĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞĚ ůĂŶĚƐ ŇĂŶŬŝŶŐ ZŽƵƚĞ ϰϰ ;ƐĞĞ ůĂƌŐĞ ƐƚĂƌ ďƵƌƐƚͿ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ĨŽƌĞƐƚĞĚ͕ ďƵƚ ŵĂǇ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉƌŽǆŝŵŝƚǇ ĂŶĚ ĂĐĐĞƐƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŚŝŐŚǁĂǇ͘ dŚĞ dŽǁŶ͕ ŝŶ ĐŽŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞ ŽƌŐĂŶŝǌĂƟŽŶƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ůĂŶĚ ƚƌƵƐƚƐ͕ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ǁŽƌŬ ǁŝƚŚ ůĂŶĚŽǁŶĞƌƐ to protect some or all of these parcels from development ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ĚŝƌĞĐƚ ĂĐƋƵŝƐŝƟŽŶ Žƌ ĐŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ ƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƟŽŶƐ͘ ŽŝŶŐ ƐŽ ǁŝůů ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ŶĞĐĞƐƐĂƌǇ ƌĞĨƵŐĞ ĨŽƌ ǁŝůĚůŝĨĞ͕ ďŝƌĚƐ ŝŶ ƉĂƌƟĐƵůĂƌ͕ ƐĞĞŬŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƚƌĂǀĞů ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƉĂƚĐŚĞƐ ŽĨ ƉƌŝŵĞ ĨŽƌĞƐƚ͘ /Ŷ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶ͕ WůǇŵƉƚŽŶ ŚĂƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĂƚĞĚ ŝŶ ŝƚƐ ŽǁŶ K^ZW ƚŚĂƚ ŝƚ ǁŝƐŚĞƐ ƚŽ ĐŽŽƉĞƌĂƚĞ ǁŝƚŚ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ ƚŽ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚ /ŶĚŝĂŶ WŽŶĚ͘ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ŵĂŬĞ ĞǀĞƌǇ ĞīŽƌƚ ƚŽ ĚŽ ƐŽ͕ ĞƐƉĞĐŝĂůůǇ ƚŽ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚͬŝŵƉƌŽǀĞ ǁĂƚĞƌ ƋƵĂůŝƚǇ ĂŶĚ ƚŽ ƉƌĞǀĞŶƚ ĞƵƚƌŽƉŚŝĐĂƟŽŶ͘ E

dŚĞ ƉƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ƌŽƐƐͲdŽǁŶ ŝĐǇĐůĞ dƌĂŝů ƐƚƌĞƚĐŚŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ ^ŝůǀĞƌ >ĂŬĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ WůǇŵŽƵƚŚ ƚŽǁŶ ůŝŶĞ ĂŶĚ ĨƌŽŵ /ŶĚŝĂŶ WŽŶĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĞůĞŵĞŶƚĂƌǇ ƐĐŚŽŽů ƐŚŽƵůĚ ďĞ ĨŽƌŵĂůŝǌĞĚ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ Ă clear system of signage and, wherever ƉŽƐƐŝďůĞ͕ ƚŚĞ ĐƌĞĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ďŝŬĞ ůĂŶĞƐ ĂůŽŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƌŽƵƚĞ͘ /Ŷ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶ͕ ƚŚĞ dŽǁŶ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƵƌƐƵĞ ĞĂƐĞŵĞŶƚƐ ŝŶ ĂƌĞĂƐ ǁŚĞƌĞ ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ ŝŶƚĞƌƌƵƉƚƐ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ƌŽƵƚĞ͘ dŚŝƐ ƚƌĂŝů ǁŽƵůĚ ĂĚĚ ƐĂĨĞ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟǀŝƚǇ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ WĞŵďƌŽŬĞ͕ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ͕ ĂŶĚ WůǇŵŽƵƚŚ ĂŶĚ ĐŽƵůĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ƚŚĞ ĨŽƵŶĚĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ Ă ďŝŬĞͲĨƌŝĞŶĚůǇ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ ƚŽ DŝůĞƐ ^ƚĂŶĚŝƐŚ ^ƚĂƚĞ WĂƌŬ͘ dŚŝƐ ǁŽƵůĚ ƌĞĚƵĐĞ ƚŚĞ ŶĞĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ƚŽ ĚƌŝǀĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĐĂƌƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƌŬ ŝŶ ŽƌĚĞƌ ƚŽ ĞŶũŽǇ ŝƚƐ ŵĂŶǇ ŵŝůĞƐ ŽĨ ďŝŬĞ ƉĂƚŚƐ͘ F

Residents of Kingston, a small quintessentially New England coastal town, nestled along the Boston South Shore, care about its open space and recreational future. This updated Open Space and Recreation Plan will help guide the town in protecting valuable natural resources and wildlife habitats while promoting the health and well-being of residents and visitors alike.

The Conway School is the only institution of its kind in North America. Its focus is sustainable landscape planning and design and its graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Ecological Design degree. Each year, through its accredited, ten-month graduate program students from diverse backgrounds are immersed in a range of real-world design projects, ranging from sites to cities to regions. Graduates play significant professional roles in various aspects of landscape planning and design. Fix whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s broken. Save what works. Design the future!