88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
DAMARISCOTTA ESTUARY HABITAT
This region once supported massive numbers of natural shellfish beds, as evidenced by the piles of shells (middens) left behind by indigenous harvesters. The shellfish aquaculture industry continues to thrive here today; this area is responsible for 80% of Maine's oyster production.
HORSESHOE CRAB BREEDING GROUND
This area is one of the best horseshoe crab breeding grounds in the state. Horseshoe crabs are an important food source for many species. In addition, their blood has unique properties that make it useful in pharmaceutical testing. Horseshoe crabs are currently protected in Maine.
ALEWIFE BREEDING GROUND
Diadromous fish such as the alewife are abundant in the estuary. These species use both marine and freshwater habitats during their life cycle. Historically, the Damariscotta alewife fishery was the largest in the state, and the spring spawning run provides an important food source for birds of prey like osprey and bald eagles.
DEER OVERWINTERING AREA
Maine lies towards the northern edge of the current habitat range for white-tailed deer. Woodlands, especially scattered stands of conifers, provide shelter and browse that are critical for deer survival through the winter. Maintaining these areas plays an important role in the long-term management of this species.
TIDAL WADING BIRD/WATERFOWL HABITAT Many of the shoreline features and intertidal areas provide valuable habitat and forage for wading birds and waterfowl. In addition, this is an important stopover site for migrating shorebirds.
BALD EAGLE NESTING HABITAT
Bald eagle nests are scattered along the sea coast and river shores. They prefer large trees like old white pine near water and away from human disturbance for breeding habitat. Several decades ago, bald eagles were nearly extirpated from Maine, but concentrated recovery efforts and ongoing protections have resulted in increasing populations today.
Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
Spring 2022
Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis
3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543
SHELLFISH GROWING HABITAT
Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan
ROUND TOP FARM
Eelgrass beds are located throughout the estuary. These are extremely productive and ecologically important plant communities that provide shelter, habitat, and feeding areas for many fish, birds, invertebrates, and other species. They also absorb nutrients and other water contaminants and help dissipate tidal and wave energy, stabilizing shorelines and reducing erosion.
Estuary Habitat
EELGRASS MEADOWS
Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust
The Damariscotta River system is an area of exceptional ecological value and productivity.
6/27
