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Conservation Efforts in Ash Creek 2022.pdf

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Ash Creek Conservation Assoc
Ash Creek Conservation Assoc

The Ash Creek Conservation Association aims to preserve and protect the Ash Creek tidal estuary, one of the few remaining in an urban area in the US. It provides habitat for migratory birds, oysters, and other wildlife. ACCA works to educate the public, advocate for protection from development, and encourage ecological uses like birdwatching. Through cleanups, restoration efforts, and preventing docks and fills, ACCA has helped Ash Creek avoid development and continue as an important natural area amid urban surroundings.

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PROTECTING ASH CREEK ASH CREEK CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION, INC.
OUR MISSION To preserve and protect one of the few remaining tidal estuaries in an urban area in the United States which provides an important habitat for migratory shorebirds, oysters and other shellfish, and to educate the public about this fragile ecosystem which has been self restoring itself for more than 50 years.
OUR OBJECTIVES - #1 To educate the public about the significance of tidal estuaries such as Ash Creek in their crucial role as fragile ecosystems for the maintenance of bird, fish, and plant life. Photo credit: Tom Rauskauskas
OUR OBJECTIVES - #2 To educate about the potential source of pollutants whenever there is human activity in the area. For example, marinas and boat usage increase toxins, affect nutrients, and have an impact on the ecology of the creek. Photo credit: CFE/Save the Sound – Peter Linderhoff with Aquaculture School students taking measurements of Black Rock Harbor for the Unified Water Study
OUR OBJECTIVES - #3 To advocate for the restoration and protection of the Ash Creek tidal estuary from ill-planned encroachments and development which could significantly harm the ecological balance of nature in the area. Image: Newspaper clipping of a mid-century plan to destroy the Ash Creek tidal wetlands published in the Bridgeport Sunday Post, March 15, 1951
OUR OBJECTIVES - #4 To work for identification and designation of especially sensitive areas in the Ash Creek tidal estuary for special protection. Image: City of Bridgeport Parks Master Plan, 2012 – ill-conceived modern day plans to install a boardwalk on sensitive sand dune areas at the sand spit.
OUR OBJECTIVES - #5 Obtaining designation of the Ash Creek estuary as an important birding area (IBA). This is still a work in progress.
OUR OBJECTIVES - #6 To develop sites and a trail along the Ash Creek tidal estuary for visitor observations of the variety of species of birds that visit and nest there each year. Image: Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan, 2012, p. 46
OUR OBJECTIVES - #7 To encourage ecologically friendly uses of Ash Creek and aesthetic enjoyment for the people who live, work, and play in and around it, including kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, photography, painting, walking or hiking and discourage destructive uses of Ash Creek, including power boating, structures on sand dunes, and docks. Photo credit: John Gibson
ASH CREEK IS A TIDAL WETLAND Ash Creek is a fragile and beautiful ecosystem where salt and fresh water meet. Marshes protect us from flooding by absorbing water. The sand spit and Great Marsh Island create a barrier to protect us from storm surges. It is a natural shellfish area protected by CT Dept. of Aquaculture & a wildlife habitat.
DID YOU KNOW ASH CREEK IS… • Key stopover area on the eastern seaboard for palearctic shorebirds • Some migrate from the Arctic Circle to Argentina • Mudflats provide the food • Natural surroundings provide rest – migratory birds avoid development One of the last 15 stopovers for migratory shorebirds left in Connecticut
PART OF ROOSTER RIVER WATERSHED • 15 square miles – Trumbull, Bridgeport, Fairfield • Brackish near Mt. Grove Cemetery, upper and lower Ash Creek are tidal waters • CT DEEP in 2005 recommended a 90% reduction in bacteria for the water quality in lower Ash Creek to meet minimum standards for contact recreation, marine aquatic life, or commercial shellfishing Source: Rooster River Watershed Plan, 2013
OUR VANISHING TIDAL WETLANDS More than 90 percent of the tidal wetlands in the United States have been lost 1 Very few urban tidal wetlands are left due to pressure for development 1NOAA website, 2007
ONE OF THE FEW REMAINING TIDAL WETLANDS IN AN URBAN AREA IN THE U.S. • Ash Creek tidal estuary is one of the few remaining urban tidal wetlands, although it lost a lot of its marshland over time • How did it avoid complete destruction? Let’s find out… SOURCE: ASH CREEK TIDAL ESTUARY MASTER PLAN, 2012
To understand how Ash Creek escaped the fate of other urban tidal estuaries, we need to take quick trip back in time… Image: ACCA gave two talks on the history of Ash Creek to celebrate Black Rock’s 375th Anniversary – May 2019 & October 2019 HISTORY
ASH CREEK WASN’T VALUED IN THE PAST “Upriver to the Post Road bridge, is an estuary-traversed marsh, of no good to anyone. If this area could either be made into a safe inland pond or a suitable yacht basin, people innumerable, from both neighboring communities would be benefited.” BRIDGEPORT TELEGRAM, 1952
LIKE MOST TIDAL ESTUARIES, THERE WAS A LOT OF DEVELOPMENT 1951 1976 Housing boom after WWII, construction of South Benson Marina and the Jetty in Fairfield Minimal development on lower Ash Creek
MANY FACTORIES POLLUTED UPPER ASH CREEK 1880-1980 1951 1976
FIRST ASH CREEK ASSOCIATION • Formed in 1967 to preserve natural shoreline of Ash Creek and prevent fill and water pollution, preserve the remaining marshlands as a home for wildlife • They were catalyzed into action by a zoning permit on Livingston Street to fill in part of Ash Creek • Gathered the support of legislators and conservation groups throughout state
THE FIRST ASH CREEK CLEAN UP… Removed 28 Tons of Trash from Ash Creek
WE OWE A LOT TO THEIR EFFORTS Active for 20 years (1967 to 1987) Like us they worked closely with the Connecticut Audubon Society and CT Conservation Association and fought long legal battles with state agencies Without their hard work, we would not have a tidal estuary to protect today
THANKS TO THEIR EFFORTS • Ash Creek is one of the last healthy tidal estuaries in an urban area in the U.S. • It has been self-restoring itself for over 50 years because of the clean ups and prevention of fills & development • Serves as a defacto wildlife sanctuary for nesting and migratory birds, shellfish, and finfish
2003 ACCA FORMED • 16 year interval between associations -April 2003, the Ash Creek Conservation Association (ACCA) was formed • The group was catalyzed into action by a plan for a 50’ dock on Ash Creek. ACCA believed the delicate ecological balance that exists in lower Ash Creek could be disrupted by the presence of docks and powerboat activity
ACCA RESULTS - DOCKS • Restrictions on size and use of 3 docks • Historic ruling by DEEP that they must consider the use of docks in making decisions
ACCA RESULTS – UTILITY BRIDGE • Prevented utility bridge across Ash Creek, cables went underground
ACCA RESULTS – GREAT MARSH ISLAND • Great Marsh Island ownership transferred from developers to land trust & open space
ACCA RESULTS - EDUCATION • Education – bird walks, lectures, panels, films, public education on Rooster River watershed Milan Bull's 2009 Bird Walk Click here to see YouTube video of:
ACCA RESULTS – HABITAT REPAIR • Habitat repair of Ash Creek sand spit after dredging destroyed vegetation 2007, ACCA volunteers planted 32,000 beach grass plugs in 2008-2009, destruction by City of restoration in 2011, habitat repair by City in 2011, Fairfield and Bridgeport installed 52,000 plugs of American Beach grass in the Spring of 2022 to protect the sand spit from storms • Ash Creek clean ups – Spring & Fall most years since 2003 • Appointed to Rooster River Watershed Steering Committee (2013) & Fox Street Pedestrian Bridge Committee (2013)
ACCA – UNIFIED WATER STUDY • Black Rock Harbor water quality monitoring – this is our 4th year of participating in the Unified Water Study through Save the Sound – we have conducted Tier I studies since 2019 and began begin Tier II studies in 2021, Tier I studies of Bridgeport Harbor started in 2022
UNIFIED WATER STUDY We had to recruit a new set of volunteers for Bridgeport Harbor. Many thanks to Kevin Blagys and Rick Landau for leading the UWS.
ACCA – PARK RESTORATION • Park Restoration – fiduciary for City/community collaboration to restore a coastal meadow/marine forest using organic methods. This was a successful City/community partnership that continues to the present day.
ACCA – PARK RESTORATION • Park Restoration – many thanks to Pete Spain, Roger Ludwig, and Rick Landau for leading the volunteers, who water, weed, and maintain the park.
ACCA – FISHING LINE RECYCLING BINS • Doubled the number of fishing line recycling bins in the State of Connecticut for CT Audubon project (Project Leader: Madeline Raleigh)
ACCA – MASTER PLAN 86-page scientific study of Ash Creek – 2012 (You can download it here: Ash Creek Master Plan
86-page ecological master plan developed for the Ash Creek tidal estuary in 2012 by Steven Danzer, Ph.D., who has his doctorate in Natural Resources and is also a soil scientist as well as professional wetland scientist and Bryan Quinn, RLA of One Nature, LLC, ecological services and design. It provides scientific data and ecological recommendations. A revision of the Master Plan began in June 2022 and should be completed by the fall of 2022. Funding for the 2012 project was provided by: The Watershed Assistance Small Grants Program, conducted in association with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The small grants program is administered by Rivers Alliance of Connecticut; Fairfield County Community Foundation, with in-kind donations from Dr. Steven Danzer and Bryan Quinn, RLA of One Nature, LLC. Funding for the 2022 project is being provided by: Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund; Bridgeport Environmental Task Force, with in-kind donations from Dr. Steven Danzer and Bryan Quinn, RLA, of One Nature , LLC. ACCA – MASTER PLAN
ASH CREEK MASTER PLAN - IMPACT ABSTRACT The Ash Creek tidal estuary is one of the few remaining tidal estuaries in Southwest Connecticut that is relatively undeveloped. Located in Bridgeport and Fairfield, Connecticut, it provides a tremendous number of important ecological functions, serving as a sanctuary for nesting birds, shellfish, and finfish. It also contains a large amount of unditched spartina marshland. In addition to its wildlife and plant habitat, the estuary provides many other services to the community. It provides surrounding areas with flood control, shoreline stabilization from its tidal wetland vegetation, an opportunity for recreation, and an aesthetic identity that contributes to higher property values, and ultimately a higher quality of life. Aside from providing a strategic plan for ACCA and key information for the Rooster River Watershed Plan, the Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan was also a scientific study and the results have been published in academic books and articles… Quinn B. (2016) Case Study: Establishing Ecological Trajectory and Design Solutions for The Ash Creek Estuary. In: Johnson M., Bayley A. (Eds) Coastal Change, Ocean Conservation And Resilient Communities. Springer.
OUR DISAPPEARING SANDSPIT Our focus in 2021 & 2022 was on the erosion in the Ash Creek Tidal Estuary. ACCA enlisted our legislators from the local level up through the Federal level as well as our alliances with other environmental organizations to bring attention to this issue. Senator Blumenthal celebrated Earth Day in 2022 at the sand spit with ACCA.
OUR DISAPPEARING SANDSPIT We created a website and social media campaign to spread the word. Click on image below:
EVENTS SPONSORED 2020-2022 • APRIL 21, 2022 – BIRDS OF BLACK ROCK Tom Raskausksas (BR Garden Club/ACCA) held at BR Yacht Club. • JULY 13, 2021 – OUR DISAPPEARING SAND SPIT Gail Robinson, Ph.D. • FEBRUARY 26, 2020 – WATER QUALITY MONITORING IN BLACK ROCK HARBOR panel discussion with Pete Spain, Moderator; Bill Lucey, Soundkeeper; Lauren Mappa, PE, WPCA; Roger Reynolds, Esq., Save the Sound; and Ann Straut, CT DEEP. Held at Aquaculture School.
EVENTS SPONSORED 2019 • FEBRUARY 13, 2019 – OSPREY PROTECTION AND RESCUES Milan Bull, CT Audubon and Christine’s Critters • APRIL 9 & OCTOBER 16, 2019 – HISTORY OF ASH CREEK at Fayerweather Yacht Club, part of Black Rock’s 375th anniversary celebration • NOVEMBER 17, 2019 – 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD at Fayerweather Yacht Club
EVENTS SPONSORED 2017-2018 • JUNE 4 - 50 YEARS BEHIND THE BINOCULARS BY Milan Bull, CT Audubon at Fayerweather Yacht Club • MAY 9 - SPRING MIGRATION BIRD WALK by Milan Bull, CT Audubon • APRIL 28 - SPRING CLEAN UP at Ash Creek
EVENTS SPONSORED 2015-2016 • MAY 9, 2015 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • JUNE 17, 2015 – AUDUBON BIRD WALK AT ASH CREEK – migratory shorebirds and birds of Ash Creek • NOVEMBER 7, 2015 - FALL CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • FEBRUARY 10, 2016 – BRIDGEPORT WATERFRONT PLAN ACCA participated • APRIL 24, 2016 – ACCA JOINED NO TO O&G – to fight potential pollution source on Howard Avenue • SEPTEMBER 26, 2017– FALL CLEAN UP of Ash Creek
EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2014 • MARCH 4 – ASH CREEK RESTORATION – met with Steve Hladun to create joint plan between ACCA and City for Ash Creek restoration efforts • APRIL 19 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • SEPTEMBER 17– ASH CREEK’S ROLE AS A MIGRATORY STOP-OVER IN THE ATLANTIC FLYWAY – Milan Bull, Senior Scientist, Connecticut Audubon Society (jointly sponsored with the Black Rock Garden Club) • NOVEMBER 10– ASH CREEK RESTORATION – ACCA met with Mayor Finch & First Selectman Tetreau to come to joint municipal agreement on restoration plans
EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2013 • MARCH 4 – ECOHISTORY OF ASH CREEK (using aerial photos from 1938 to the present scientific investigators will discuss the changes to Ash Creek over the years based on historical records) • APRIL 20 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • SEPTEMBER 21- FALL CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • OCTOBER 6– AUDUBON BIRD WALK AT ASH CREEK – migratory shorebirds and birds of Ash Creek
ECOHISTORY OF ASH CREEK Ecohistory of Ash Creek – Part I & Part II Click YouTube links below to view presentation:
EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2012… • APRIL 7– SPRING CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • OCTOBER 6– FALL CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • DECEMBER 5– ECOLOGICAL MASTER PLAN FOR ASH CREEK by Dr. Steven Danzer and Bryan Quinn at Fayerweather Yacht club
EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2011 • APRIL 9 – SPRING CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • SEPTEMBER 17 – FALL CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • OCTOBER 19 – WHY ASH CREEK MATTERS at Fayerweather Yacht Club, Discussion Forum With Milan Bull (Senior Director Of Science & Conservation At CT Audubon), Dr. Jennifer Mattei (Professor of Biology, Sacred Heart University), And Dr. Steve Danzer (soil and wetlands scientist). Panel was moderated by Dr. Kraig Steffen, Fairfield University (Vice President, ACCA)
EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2010 • FEBRUARY 28 – NEW NEIGHBORS SOCIAL at the Fayerweather Yacht Club, Speaker: Lisa Miro, Conservation Director for City of Bridgeport • MARCH 27– SPRING CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • AUGUST 19 – GREAT MARSH ISLAND SHOREBIRD HIKE at Ash Creek (with Aspetuck Land Trust & led by Milan Bull of CT Audubon) • SEPTEMBER 25 – FALL CLEAN UP at Ash Creek
2010 ASH CREEK CLEAN UP
EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2009 • MARCH 15 – NEW NEIGHBORS SOCIAL at the Fayerweather Yacht Club • APRIL 18 - BEACH GRASS PLANTINGS at Ash Creek • MAY 12 – AUDUBON BIRD WALK at Ash Creek with Milan Bull • MAY 16 – CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • JULY 18 – VICTORY PARTY at Harborview Market • SEPTEMBER 19 - CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • NOVEMBER 18 – FALL EVENT at Fayerweather Yacht Club - Prof. Mark Beekey, Sacred Heart University on Horseshoe Crabs & Migratory Shorebirds
2009 BIRD WALK
EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2008… • FEBRUARY 2 – NEW NEIGHBORS SOCIAL at the Fayerweather Yacht Club featuring Charles Brilvitch on the History of Black Rock • APRIL 26 – SPRING CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • MAY 15 – AUDUBON BIRD WALK at Ash Creek with Milan Bull • MAY 17 – PROJECT LIMULUS at Ash Creek • SEPTEMBER 20 – FALL CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • OCTOBER 7 – PUBLIC HEARING on Toner Dock • OCTOBER 25 – BEACH GRASS PLANTINGS at sand spit
2008 PROJECT LIMULUS…
EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2007 • MARCH 19 – ASH CREEK/ROOSTER RIVER WATERSHED seminar presented by Professor Kraig Steffen, Fairfield University at Black Rock Arts Center • MARCH 21 – ASH CREEK/ROOSTER RIVER WATERSHED seminar presented by Professor Kraig Steffen, Fairfield University at Connecticut Audubon Society in Fairfield • MARCH 24 – NEW NEIGHBORS SOCIAL at the Fayerweather Yacht Club Featuring Charles Brilvitch on the History Of Black Rock • MAY 5 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • JULY 26 – AUDUBON BIRD WALK with Milan Bull
2007 WATERSHED TALK Click here to see presentation: Watershed Talk
EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2006 • JANUARY 28 – NEW NEIGHBORS SOCIAL at the Fayerweather Yacht Club featuring Dr. Art Samuelson on the History of Black Rock. • MARCH 27 – BACKYARD BIRDING & THE ASH CREEK ECOSYSTEM - Professor Tod Osier, Fairfield University • APRIL 29 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • MAY 5 – BLUE HERON BALL at the Black Rock Yacht Club • JUNE 17 – GREAT MARSH ISLAND CELEBRATION for the Preservation of Great Marsh Island by the Aspetuck Land Trust and Town Of Fairfield with Refreshments and a Walking Tour of Ash Creek led by Milan Bull. • OCTOBER 6 – UTILITY BRIDGE Public Meeting with CL&P and Black Rock/Fairfield Community. Slide Show and Mock Ups by CL&P. Slide Show By ACCA. Q&A followed. • SEPTEMBER 16 – FALL CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • NOVEMBER 13 - DEEP PUBLIC HEARING on Utility Bridge • DECEMBER 5 – VICTORY PARTY at Harborview for Utility Bridge
2006 BLUE HERON BALL…
UTILITY BRIDGE VICTORY PARTY… https://youtu.be/fpUlwBnZa_w Click here to see YouTube video of the party:
EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2005 • JANUARY 27 - WINGED MIGRATION large screen showing of DVD at Connecticut Audubon Society Center in Fairfield – open to public • APRIL 30 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek -for the first year the clean up on both sides of Ash Creek was coordinated • MAY 13 – BLUE HERON BALL at the Black Rock Yacht Club • SEPTEMBER 7 – BIRD TOUR of Ash Creek was held at 7 PM along Ash Creek by Professor Kraig Steffen • SEPTEMBER 17 - WALKING TOUR OF HISTORICAL BLACK ROCK and Black Rock's maritime past by Charles Brilvitch will be held at 1 PM this Saturday starting at Harborview Market • SEPTEMBER 24 – FALL CLEAN UP of Ash Creek which we also coordinated with Mill River Wetlands Committee
EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2004… • JANUARY 23 – COASTAL HABITAT RESTORATION IN BLACK ROCK – presentation by Charles Brilvitch at Burroughs Community Center • MARCH 18– ESTABLISHING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES IN CONNECTICUT presentation by William Kolodnicki, Refuge Manager, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS) at Burrough Community Center • APRIL 24 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • MAY 1– BLUE HERON BALL at Black Rock Yacht Club • SEPTEMBER 18 – FALL CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • NOVEMBER 19 – ASH CREEK’S IMPORTANCE AS A MIGRATORY FLYWAY presentation by Milan Bull of Connecticut Audubon Society at Burroughs Community Center
2004 BLUE HERON BALL
GANIM DOCK…
EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2003… • APRIL 19 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • JUNE 10 – ASH CREEK TIDAL ESTUARY AS A HABITAT FOR NESTING AND MIGRATORY SHOREBIRD presentation by Milan Bull, CT Audubon, and ECOLOGICAL HISTORY OF ASH CREEK presentation by Ed Jones, Fairfield Department of Conservation, at Burroughs Community Center • SEPTEMBER 13 – ASH CREEK BIRD WALK led by Milan Bull, CT Audubon • OCTOBER 18 – ASH CREEK PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT & SALE - fundraiser at Burroughs Community Center
ASH CREEK ART FUNDRAISER…
GRANTS RECEIVED • 2022 - $15,000 LIS STEWARDSHIP FUND PROVIDED MATCHING FUNDS FOR MASTER PLAN REVISION • 2022 – $7,256 SAVE THE SOUND EXPENSES FOR THE UNIFIED WATER STUDY IN BLACK ROCK HARBOR & BRIDGEPORT HARBOR • 2021 – $5,000 SANTA ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION FOR UNIFIED WATER STUDY TO EXPAND INTO BRIDGEPORT HARBOR • 2022 – $3,427 SAVE THE SOUND EXPENSES FOR THE UNIFIED WATER STUDY • 2021 – $10,000 VINCENT J. COATES FOUNDATION GRANT FOR PARK RESTORATION PROJECT • 2020 – $3,427 SAVE THE SOUND EXPENSES FOR THE UNIFIED WATER STUDY • 2020 – $10,000 WENY CHARITABLE TRUST GRANT FOR PARK RESTORATION PROJECT WITH 5K FOR PARK AND 5K FOR SAND SPIT PLANTINGS
GRANTS RECEIVED • 2019 – $1,395 SAVE THE SOUND PROVIDED START- UP EXPENSES FOR THE UNIFIED WATER STUDY IN BLACK ROCK HARBOR • 2019 – $10,000 VINCENT J. COATES FOUNDATION GRANT FOR PARK RESTORATION PROJECT. • 2019 – $5,000 WENY CHARITABLE TRUST GRANT FOR PARK RESTORATION PROJECT. • 2019 – $8,000 SANTA ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION FOR UNIFIED WATER STUDY.
GRANTS RECEIVED • 2012 – $5,000 FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION grant for Phase I of Ecological Master Plan For Ash Creek. • 2012 – $5,000 WATERSHED ASSISTANCE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM, conducted in association with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The small grants program was administered by RIVERS ALLIANCE OF CONNECTICUT. Grant for Phase I of Ecological Master Plan for Ash Creek. • 2012 - In-kind donations have also been provided by two ecological consultants: STEVE DANZER of STEVEN DANZER PH.D. & ASSOCIATES LLC, a professional wetlands scientist, and BRYAN QUINN, ONE NATURE, LLC a specialist in ecological habitat restoration for Phase I of Ecological Master Plan for Ash Creek.
GRANTS RECEIVED • 2004 – $5,000 The WATERSHED ASSISTANCE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM, conducted in association with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The small grants program was administered by RIVERS ALLIANCE OF CONNECTICUT. Grant for public watershed education of Rooster River/Ash Creek watershed • RESULT – Created public watershed education road show with PowerPoint presentation and handouts, including information on stormwater runoff and what residents can do to prevent further pollution. Program was readapted for use at St. Ann’s School in Black Rock.
GRANTS RECEIVED • 2003 – $2,000 NE GRASSROOTS ENVIRONMENTAL FUND to organize and participate in DEEP hearings against the construction of a 50’ dock in the Ash Creek Tidal Estuary • RESULT – Precedent setting ruling by DEEP to not only reduce size of dock, but to allow window of time during high tide when boat is allowed to access the dock
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Conservation Efforts in Ash Creek 2022.pdf

  • 1. PROTECTING ASH CREEK ASH CREEK CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION, INC.
  • 2. OUR MISSION To preserve and protect one of the few remaining tidal estuaries in an urban area in the United States which provides an important habitat for migratory shorebirds, oysters and other shellfish, and to educate the public about this fragile ecosystem which has been self restoring itself for more than 50 years.
  • 3. OUR OBJECTIVES - #1 To educate the public about the significance of tidal estuaries such as Ash Creek in their crucial role as fragile ecosystems for the maintenance of bird, fish, and plant life. Photo credit: Tom Rauskauskas
  • 4. OUR OBJECTIVES - #2 To educate about the potential source of pollutants whenever there is human activity in the area. For example, marinas and boat usage increase toxins, affect nutrients, and have an impact on the ecology of the creek. Photo credit: CFE/Save the Sound – Peter Linderhoff with Aquaculture School students taking measurements of Black Rock Harbor for the Unified Water Study
  • 5. OUR OBJECTIVES - #3 To advocate for the restoration and protection of the Ash Creek tidal estuary from ill-planned encroachments and development which could significantly harm the ecological balance of nature in the area. Image: Newspaper clipping of a mid-century plan to destroy the Ash Creek tidal wetlands published in the Bridgeport Sunday Post, March 15, 1951
  • 6. OUR OBJECTIVES - #4 To work for identification and designation of especially sensitive areas in the Ash Creek tidal estuary for special protection. Image: City of Bridgeport Parks Master Plan, 2012 – ill-conceived modern day plans to install a boardwalk on sensitive sand dune areas at the sand spit.
  • 7. OUR OBJECTIVES - #5 Obtaining designation of the Ash Creek estuary as an important birding area (IBA). This is still a work in progress.
  • 8. OUR OBJECTIVES - #6 To develop sites and a trail along the Ash Creek tidal estuary for visitor observations of the variety of species of birds that visit and nest there each year. Image: Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan, 2012, p. 46
  • 9. OUR OBJECTIVES - #7 To encourage ecologically friendly uses of Ash Creek and aesthetic enjoyment for the people who live, work, and play in and around it, including kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, photography, painting, walking or hiking and discourage destructive uses of Ash Creek, including power boating, structures on sand dunes, and docks. Photo credit: John Gibson
  • 10. ASH CREEK IS A TIDAL WETLAND Ash Creek is a fragile and beautiful ecosystem where salt and fresh water meet. Marshes protect us from flooding by absorbing water. The sand spit and Great Marsh Island create a barrier to protect us from storm surges. It is a natural shellfish area protected by CT Dept. of Aquaculture & a wildlife habitat.
  • 11. DID YOU KNOW ASH CREEK IS… • Key stopover area on the eastern seaboard for palearctic shorebirds • Some migrate from the Arctic Circle to Argentina • Mudflats provide the food • Natural surroundings provide rest – migratory birds avoid development One of the last 15 stopovers for migratory shorebirds left in Connecticut
  • 12. PART OF ROOSTER RIVER WATERSHED • 15 square miles – Trumbull, Bridgeport, Fairfield • Brackish near Mt. Grove Cemetery, upper and lower Ash Creek are tidal waters • CT DEEP in 2005 recommended a 90% reduction in bacteria for the water quality in lower Ash Creek to meet minimum standards for contact recreation, marine aquatic life, or commercial shellfishing Source: Rooster River Watershed Plan, 2013
  • 13. OUR VANISHING TIDAL WETLANDS More than 90 percent of the tidal wetlands in the United States have been lost 1 Very few urban tidal wetlands are left due to pressure for development 1NOAA website, 2007
  • 14. ONE OF THE FEW REMAINING TIDAL WETLANDS IN AN URBAN AREA IN THE U.S. • Ash Creek tidal estuary is one of the few remaining urban tidal wetlands, although it lost a lot of its marshland over time • How did it avoid complete destruction? Let’s find out… SOURCE: ASH CREEK TIDAL ESTUARY MASTER PLAN, 2012
  • 15. To understand how Ash Creek escaped the fate of other urban tidal estuaries, we need to take quick trip back in time… Image: ACCA gave two talks on the history of Ash Creek to celebrate Black Rock’s 375th Anniversary – May 2019 & October 2019 HISTORY
  • 16. ASH CREEK WASN’T VALUED IN THE PAST “Upriver to the Post Road bridge, is an estuary-traversed marsh, of no good to anyone. If this area could either be made into a safe inland pond or a suitable yacht basin, people innumerable, from both neighboring communities would be benefited.” BRIDGEPORT TELEGRAM, 1952
  • 17. LIKE MOST TIDAL ESTUARIES, THERE WAS A LOT OF DEVELOPMENT 1951 1976 Housing boom after WWII, construction of South Benson Marina and the Jetty in Fairfield Minimal development on lower Ash Creek
  • 18. MANY FACTORIES POLLUTED UPPER ASH CREEK 1880-1980 1951 1976
  • 19. FIRST ASH CREEK ASSOCIATION • Formed in 1967 to preserve natural shoreline of Ash Creek and prevent fill and water pollution, preserve the remaining marshlands as a home for wildlife • They were catalyzed into action by a zoning permit on Livingston Street to fill in part of Ash Creek • Gathered the support of legislators and conservation groups throughout state
  • 20. THE FIRST ASH CREEK CLEAN UP… Removed 28 Tons of Trash from Ash Creek
  • 21. WE OWE A LOT TO THEIR EFFORTS Active for 20 years (1967 to 1987) Like us they worked closely with the Connecticut Audubon Society and CT Conservation Association and fought long legal battles with state agencies Without their hard work, we would not have a tidal estuary to protect today
  • 22. THANKS TO THEIR EFFORTS • Ash Creek is one of the last healthy tidal estuaries in an urban area in the U.S. • It has been self-restoring itself for over 50 years because of the clean ups and prevention of fills & development • Serves as a defacto wildlife sanctuary for nesting and migratory birds, shellfish, and finfish
  • 23. 2003 ACCA FORMED • 16 year interval between associations -April 2003, the Ash Creek Conservation Association (ACCA) was formed • The group was catalyzed into action by a plan for a 50’ dock on Ash Creek. ACCA believed the delicate ecological balance that exists in lower Ash Creek could be disrupted by the presence of docks and powerboat activity
  • 24. ACCA RESULTS - DOCKS • Restrictions on size and use of 3 docks • Historic ruling by DEEP that they must consider the use of docks in making decisions
  • 25. ACCA RESULTS – UTILITY BRIDGE • Prevented utility bridge across Ash Creek, cables went underground
  • 26. ACCA RESULTS – GREAT MARSH ISLAND • Great Marsh Island ownership transferred from developers to land trust & open space
  • 27. ACCA RESULTS - EDUCATION • Education – bird walks, lectures, panels, films, public education on Rooster River watershed Milan Bull's 2009 Bird Walk Click here to see YouTube video of:
  • 28. ACCA RESULTS – HABITAT REPAIR • Habitat repair of Ash Creek sand spit after dredging destroyed vegetation 2007, ACCA volunteers planted 32,000 beach grass plugs in 2008-2009, destruction by City of restoration in 2011, habitat repair by City in 2011, Fairfield and Bridgeport installed 52,000 plugs of American Beach grass in the Spring of 2022 to protect the sand spit from storms • Ash Creek clean ups – Spring & Fall most years since 2003 • Appointed to Rooster River Watershed Steering Committee (2013) & Fox Street Pedestrian Bridge Committee (2013)
  • 29. ACCA – UNIFIED WATER STUDY • Black Rock Harbor water quality monitoring – this is our 4th year of participating in the Unified Water Study through Save the Sound – we have conducted Tier I studies since 2019 and began begin Tier II studies in 2021, Tier I studies of Bridgeport Harbor started in 2022
  • 30. UNIFIED WATER STUDY We had to recruit a new set of volunteers for Bridgeport Harbor. Many thanks to Kevin Blagys and Rick Landau for leading the UWS.
  • 31. ACCA – PARK RESTORATION • Park Restoration – fiduciary for City/community collaboration to restore a coastal meadow/marine forest using organic methods. This was a successful City/community partnership that continues to the present day.
  • 32. ACCA – PARK RESTORATION • Park Restoration – many thanks to Pete Spain, Roger Ludwig, and Rick Landau for leading the volunteers, who water, weed, and maintain the park.
  • 33. ACCA – FISHING LINE RECYCLING BINS • Doubled the number of fishing line recycling bins in the State of Connecticut for CT Audubon project (Project Leader: Madeline Raleigh)
  • 34. ACCA – MASTER PLAN 86-page scientific study of Ash Creek – 2012 (You can download it here: Ash Creek Master Plan
  • 35. 86-page ecological master plan developed for the Ash Creek tidal estuary in 2012 by Steven Danzer, Ph.D., who has his doctorate in Natural Resources and is also a soil scientist as well as professional wetland scientist and Bryan Quinn, RLA of One Nature, LLC, ecological services and design. It provides scientific data and ecological recommendations. A revision of the Master Plan began in June 2022 and should be completed by the fall of 2022. Funding for the 2012 project was provided by: The Watershed Assistance Small Grants Program, conducted in association with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The small grants program is administered by Rivers Alliance of Connecticut; Fairfield County Community Foundation, with in-kind donations from Dr. Steven Danzer and Bryan Quinn, RLA of One Nature, LLC. Funding for the 2022 project is being provided by: Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund; Bridgeport Environmental Task Force, with in-kind donations from Dr. Steven Danzer and Bryan Quinn, RLA, of One Nature , LLC. ACCA – MASTER PLAN
  • 36. ASH CREEK MASTER PLAN - IMPACT ABSTRACT The Ash Creek tidal estuary is one of the few remaining tidal estuaries in Southwest Connecticut that is relatively undeveloped. Located in Bridgeport and Fairfield, Connecticut, it provides a tremendous number of important ecological functions, serving as a sanctuary for nesting birds, shellfish, and finfish. It also contains a large amount of unditched spartina marshland. In addition to its wildlife and plant habitat, the estuary provides many other services to the community. It provides surrounding areas with flood control, shoreline stabilization from its tidal wetland vegetation, an opportunity for recreation, and an aesthetic identity that contributes to higher property values, and ultimately a higher quality of life. Aside from providing a strategic plan for ACCA and key information for the Rooster River Watershed Plan, the Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan was also a scientific study and the results have been published in academic books and articles… Quinn B. (2016) Case Study: Establishing Ecological Trajectory and Design Solutions for The Ash Creek Estuary. In: Johnson M., Bayley A. (Eds) Coastal Change, Ocean Conservation And Resilient Communities. Springer.
  • 37. OUR DISAPPEARING SANDSPIT Our focus in 2021 & 2022 was on the erosion in the Ash Creek Tidal Estuary. ACCA enlisted our legislators from the local level up through the Federal level as well as our alliances with other environmental organizations to bring attention to this issue. Senator Blumenthal celebrated Earth Day in 2022 at the sand spit with ACCA.
  • 38. OUR DISAPPEARING SANDSPIT We created a website and social media campaign to spread the word. Click on image below:
  • 39. EVENTS SPONSORED 2020-2022 • APRIL 21, 2022 – BIRDS OF BLACK ROCK Tom Raskausksas (BR Garden Club/ACCA) held at BR Yacht Club. • JULY 13, 2021 – OUR DISAPPEARING SAND SPIT Gail Robinson, Ph.D. • FEBRUARY 26, 2020 – WATER QUALITY MONITORING IN BLACK ROCK HARBOR panel discussion with Pete Spain, Moderator; Bill Lucey, Soundkeeper; Lauren Mappa, PE, WPCA; Roger Reynolds, Esq., Save the Sound; and Ann Straut, CT DEEP. Held at Aquaculture School.
  • 40. EVENTS SPONSORED 2019 • FEBRUARY 13, 2019 – OSPREY PROTECTION AND RESCUES Milan Bull, CT Audubon and Christine’s Critters • APRIL 9 & OCTOBER 16, 2019 – HISTORY OF ASH CREEK at Fayerweather Yacht Club, part of Black Rock’s 375th anniversary celebration • NOVEMBER 17, 2019 – 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD at Fayerweather Yacht Club
  • 41. EVENTS SPONSORED 2017-2018 • JUNE 4 - 50 YEARS BEHIND THE BINOCULARS BY Milan Bull, CT Audubon at Fayerweather Yacht Club • MAY 9 - SPRING MIGRATION BIRD WALK by Milan Bull, CT Audubon • APRIL 28 - SPRING CLEAN UP at Ash Creek
  • 42. EVENTS SPONSORED 2015-2016 • MAY 9, 2015 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • JUNE 17, 2015 – AUDUBON BIRD WALK AT ASH CREEK – migratory shorebirds and birds of Ash Creek • NOVEMBER 7, 2015 - FALL CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • FEBRUARY 10, 2016 – BRIDGEPORT WATERFRONT PLAN ACCA participated • APRIL 24, 2016 – ACCA JOINED NO TO O&G – to fight potential pollution source on Howard Avenue • SEPTEMBER 26, 2017– FALL CLEAN UP of Ash Creek
  • 43. EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2014 • MARCH 4 – ASH CREEK RESTORATION – met with Steve Hladun to create joint plan between ACCA and City for Ash Creek restoration efforts • APRIL 19 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • SEPTEMBER 17– ASH CREEK’S ROLE AS A MIGRATORY STOP-OVER IN THE ATLANTIC FLYWAY – Milan Bull, Senior Scientist, Connecticut Audubon Society (jointly sponsored with the Black Rock Garden Club) • NOVEMBER 10– ASH CREEK RESTORATION – ACCA met with Mayor Finch & First Selectman Tetreau to come to joint municipal agreement on restoration plans
  • 44. EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2013 • MARCH 4 – ECOHISTORY OF ASH CREEK (using aerial photos from 1938 to the present scientific investigators will discuss the changes to Ash Creek over the years based on historical records) • APRIL 20 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • SEPTEMBER 21- FALL CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • OCTOBER 6– AUDUBON BIRD WALK AT ASH CREEK – migratory shorebirds and birds of Ash Creek
  • 45. ECOHISTORY OF ASH CREEK Ecohistory of Ash Creek – Part I & Part II Click YouTube links below to view presentation:
  • 46. EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2012… • APRIL 7– SPRING CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • OCTOBER 6– FALL CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • DECEMBER 5– ECOLOGICAL MASTER PLAN FOR ASH CREEK by Dr. Steven Danzer and Bryan Quinn at Fayerweather Yacht club
  • 47. EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2011 • APRIL 9 – SPRING CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • SEPTEMBER 17 – FALL CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • OCTOBER 19 – WHY ASH CREEK MATTERS at Fayerweather Yacht Club, Discussion Forum With Milan Bull (Senior Director Of Science & Conservation At CT Audubon), Dr. Jennifer Mattei (Professor of Biology, Sacred Heart University), And Dr. Steve Danzer (soil and wetlands scientist). Panel was moderated by Dr. Kraig Steffen, Fairfield University (Vice President, ACCA)
  • 48. EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2010 • FEBRUARY 28 – NEW NEIGHBORS SOCIAL at the Fayerweather Yacht Club, Speaker: Lisa Miro, Conservation Director for City of Bridgeport • MARCH 27– SPRING CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • AUGUST 19 – GREAT MARSH ISLAND SHOREBIRD HIKE at Ash Creek (with Aspetuck Land Trust & led by Milan Bull of CT Audubon) • SEPTEMBER 25 – FALL CLEAN UP at Ash Creek
  • 49. 2010 ASH CREEK CLEAN UP
  • 50. EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2009 • MARCH 15 – NEW NEIGHBORS SOCIAL at the Fayerweather Yacht Club • APRIL 18 - BEACH GRASS PLANTINGS at Ash Creek • MAY 12 – AUDUBON BIRD WALK at Ash Creek with Milan Bull • MAY 16 – CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • JULY 18 – VICTORY PARTY at Harborview Market • SEPTEMBER 19 - CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • NOVEMBER 18 – FALL EVENT at Fayerweather Yacht Club - Prof. Mark Beekey, Sacred Heart University on Horseshoe Crabs & Migratory Shorebirds
  • 52. EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2008… • FEBRUARY 2 – NEW NEIGHBORS SOCIAL at the Fayerweather Yacht Club featuring Charles Brilvitch on the History of Black Rock • APRIL 26 – SPRING CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • MAY 15 – AUDUBON BIRD WALK at Ash Creek with Milan Bull • MAY 17 – PROJECT LIMULUS at Ash Creek • SEPTEMBER 20 – FALL CLEAN UP at Ash Creek • OCTOBER 7 – PUBLIC HEARING on Toner Dock • OCTOBER 25 – BEACH GRASS PLANTINGS at sand spit
  • 54. EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2007 • MARCH 19 – ASH CREEK/ROOSTER RIVER WATERSHED seminar presented by Professor Kraig Steffen, Fairfield University at Black Rock Arts Center • MARCH 21 – ASH CREEK/ROOSTER RIVER WATERSHED seminar presented by Professor Kraig Steffen, Fairfield University at Connecticut Audubon Society in Fairfield • MARCH 24 – NEW NEIGHBORS SOCIAL at the Fayerweather Yacht Club Featuring Charles Brilvitch on the History Of Black Rock • MAY 5 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • JULY 26 – AUDUBON BIRD WALK with Milan Bull
  • 55. 2007 WATERSHED TALK Click here to see presentation: Watershed Talk
  • 56. EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2006 • JANUARY 28 – NEW NEIGHBORS SOCIAL at the Fayerweather Yacht Club featuring Dr. Art Samuelson on the History of Black Rock. • MARCH 27 – BACKYARD BIRDING & THE ASH CREEK ECOSYSTEM - Professor Tod Osier, Fairfield University • APRIL 29 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • MAY 5 – BLUE HERON BALL at the Black Rock Yacht Club • JUNE 17 – GREAT MARSH ISLAND CELEBRATION for the Preservation of Great Marsh Island by the Aspetuck Land Trust and Town Of Fairfield with Refreshments and a Walking Tour of Ash Creek led by Milan Bull. • OCTOBER 6 – UTILITY BRIDGE Public Meeting with CL&P and Black Rock/Fairfield Community. Slide Show and Mock Ups by CL&P. Slide Show By ACCA. Q&A followed. • SEPTEMBER 16 – FALL CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • NOVEMBER 13 - DEEP PUBLIC HEARING on Utility Bridge • DECEMBER 5 – VICTORY PARTY at Harborview for Utility Bridge
  • 57. 2006 BLUE HERON BALL…
  • 58. UTILITY BRIDGE VICTORY PARTY… https://youtu.be/fpUlwBnZa_w Click here to see YouTube video of the party:
  • 59. EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2005 • JANUARY 27 - WINGED MIGRATION large screen showing of DVD at Connecticut Audubon Society Center in Fairfield – open to public • APRIL 30 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek -for the first year the clean up on both sides of Ash Creek was coordinated • MAY 13 – BLUE HERON BALL at the Black Rock Yacht Club • SEPTEMBER 7 – BIRD TOUR of Ash Creek was held at 7 PM along Ash Creek by Professor Kraig Steffen • SEPTEMBER 17 - WALKING TOUR OF HISTORICAL BLACK ROCK and Black Rock's maritime past by Charles Brilvitch will be held at 1 PM this Saturday starting at Harborview Market • SEPTEMBER 24 – FALL CLEAN UP of Ash Creek which we also coordinated with Mill River Wetlands Committee
  • 60. EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2004… • JANUARY 23 – COASTAL HABITAT RESTORATION IN BLACK ROCK – presentation by Charles Brilvitch at Burroughs Community Center • MARCH 18– ESTABLISHING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES IN CONNECTICUT presentation by William Kolodnicki, Refuge Manager, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS) at Burrough Community Center • APRIL 24 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • MAY 1– BLUE HERON BALL at Black Rock Yacht Club • SEPTEMBER 18 – FALL CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • NOVEMBER 19 – ASH CREEK’S IMPORTANCE AS A MIGRATORY FLYWAY presentation by Milan Bull of Connecticut Audubon Society at Burroughs Community Center
  • 63. EVENTS SPONSORED IN 2003… • APRIL 19 – SPRING CLEAN UP of Ash Creek • JUNE 10 – ASH CREEK TIDAL ESTUARY AS A HABITAT FOR NESTING AND MIGRATORY SHOREBIRD presentation by Milan Bull, CT Audubon, and ECOLOGICAL HISTORY OF ASH CREEK presentation by Ed Jones, Fairfield Department of Conservation, at Burroughs Community Center • SEPTEMBER 13 – ASH CREEK BIRD WALK led by Milan Bull, CT Audubon • OCTOBER 18 – ASH CREEK PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT & SALE - fundraiser at Burroughs Community Center
  • 64. ASH CREEK ART FUNDRAISER…
  • 65. GRANTS RECEIVED • 2022 - $15,000 LIS STEWARDSHIP FUND PROVIDED MATCHING FUNDS FOR MASTER PLAN REVISION • 2022 – $7,256 SAVE THE SOUND EXPENSES FOR THE UNIFIED WATER STUDY IN BLACK ROCK HARBOR & BRIDGEPORT HARBOR • 2021 – $5,000 SANTA ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION FOR UNIFIED WATER STUDY TO EXPAND INTO BRIDGEPORT HARBOR • 2022 – $3,427 SAVE THE SOUND EXPENSES FOR THE UNIFIED WATER STUDY • 2021 – $10,000 VINCENT J. COATES FOUNDATION GRANT FOR PARK RESTORATION PROJECT • 2020 – $3,427 SAVE THE SOUND EXPENSES FOR THE UNIFIED WATER STUDY • 2020 – $10,000 WENY CHARITABLE TRUST GRANT FOR PARK RESTORATION PROJECT WITH 5K FOR PARK AND 5K FOR SAND SPIT PLANTINGS
  • 66. GRANTS RECEIVED • 2019 – $1,395 SAVE THE SOUND PROVIDED START- UP EXPENSES FOR THE UNIFIED WATER STUDY IN BLACK ROCK HARBOR • 2019 – $10,000 VINCENT J. COATES FOUNDATION GRANT FOR PARK RESTORATION PROJECT. • 2019 – $5,000 WENY CHARITABLE TRUST GRANT FOR PARK RESTORATION PROJECT. • 2019 – $8,000 SANTA ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION FOR UNIFIED WATER STUDY.
  • 67. GRANTS RECEIVED • 2012 – $5,000 FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION grant for Phase I of Ecological Master Plan For Ash Creek. • 2012 – $5,000 WATERSHED ASSISTANCE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM, conducted in association with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The small grants program was administered by RIVERS ALLIANCE OF CONNECTICUT. Grant for Phase I of Ecological Master Plan for Ash Creek. • 2012 - In-kind donations have also been provided by two ecological consultants: STEVE DANZER of STEVEN DANZER PH.D. & ASSOCIATES LLC, a professional wetlands scientist, and BRYAN QUINN, ONE NATURE, LLC a specialist in ecological habitat restoration for Phase I of Ecological Master Plan for Ash Creek.
  • 68. GRANTS RECEIVED • 2004 – $5,000 The WATERSHED ASSISTANCE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM, conducted in association with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The small grants program was administered by RIVERS ALLIANCE OF CONNECTICUT. Grant for public watershed education of Rooster River/Ash Creek watershed • RESULT – Created public watershed education road show with PowerPoint presentation and handouts, including information on stormwater runoff and what residents can do to prevent further pollution. Program was readapted for use at St. Ann’s School in Black Rock.
  • 69. GRANTS RECEIVED • 2003 – $2,000 NE GRASSROOTS ENVIRONMENTAL FUND to organize and participate in DEEP hearings against the construction of a 50’ dock in the Ash Creek Tidal Estuary • RESULT – Precedent setting ruling by DEEP to not only reduce size of dock, but to allow window of time during high tide when boat is allowed to access the dock
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