WHY PROTECT THE GREAT MEADOW? Tuftonboro, NH January 31, 2011 Dr. Rick Van de Poll Ecosystem Management Consultants Sandwich, NH Attributes of the Great Meadow Property • 6 lots - Tax Map #31-1-3, • • • • • 31-1-2, 31-1-4, 31-1-6, 31-1-7 and 31-1-10 ±177 acres of Town land 152 acres of wetlands, 25 acres of uplands Principal headwater wetland of Melvin R. Largest wetland complex in Tuftonboro Site of largest drinking water supply in Region Base Map Great Meadows Property Aquifer Map Great Meadow Property Ecological Inventory 20012001-2 • • • • GIS Map Preparation Tax Parcel Identification GPS survey of features Soil Test Pits, GWMW establishment • Water quality monitoring • Qualitative Plant & Animal Surveys Groundwater Monitoring Wells (GWMW’s) • 60” x 2” pvc, pvc, screened • 2 Established along 4 transects in different soil types • Monitored bibi-weekly in fall & spring, monthly in winter • T (oC), DO, pH, EC, TDS, Turbidity • 2 Ambient monitoring stations added in winter Findings • Soils mainly hydric • • • • • spodosols, shallow histosols Water quality very high Some WQ concerns below town garage at old dump Generally low water table in fall and winter No unusual GWMW readings except at AA-1, AA-2 > 300 spp. of plants, 31 spp. of mammals, 13 spp. of amphibians & reptiles, 83 spp. of birds, 2 spp. of fish More Findings • Resident populations of • • • • bear, moose, deer, bobcat, fisher, otter, beaver, muskrat, and raccoon High quality groundwater seepage areas throughout Very little past disturbance in certain areas Very high flood retention and groundwater use value Excellent hunting & fishing opportunities WATER LEVEL Great Meadow GWMW Summary Data: Water Level 60 cms above/below surface Site A-1 40 Site A-2 Site B-1 20 Site B-2 Site B-2a 0 Site C-1 Site C-2 -20 Site D-1 Site D-2 -40 Site D-2a -60 Sampling Dates Temperature Great Meadows GWMW Summary Data: Temperature 25.00 20.00 Degrees C A-1 15.00 A-2 B-2 B-2a C-1 10.00 C-2 D-1 D-2 5.00 D-2a B-1 0.00 Sampling Dates Dissolved Oxygen Great Meadows GWMW Summary Data: Dissolved Oxygen 9.00 8.00 A-1 7.00 A-2 B-2 ppm (mg/l) 6.00 B-2a 5.00 C-1 C-2 4.00 D-1 3.00 D-2 D-2a 2.00 B-1 1.00 0.00 Sampling Dates pH Great Meadows GWMW Summary Data: pH 7.50 7.00 A-1 A-2 6.50 pH Units B-2 B-2a 6.00 C-1 C-2 5.50 D-1 D-2 5.00 D-2a B-1 4.50 4.00 Sampling Dates Conductivity Great Meadows GWMW Summary Data: Conductivity 200.00 180.00 A-1 160.00 A-2 micro s/cm 140.00 B-2 B-2a 120.00 C-1 100.00 C-2 80.00 D-1 D-2 60.00 D-2a 40.00 B-1 20.00 0.00 Sampling Dates Total Dissolved Solids Great Meadows GWMW Summary Data: Total Dissolved Solids 100.00 90.00 A-1 80.00 A-2 ppm (mg/l) 70.00 B-2 B-2a 60.00 C-1 50.00 C-2 40.00 D-1 D-2 30.00 D-2a 20.00 B-1 10.00 0.00 Sampling Date Turbidity Great Meadows GWMW Summary Data: Turbidity Formazine Turbidity Units (FTU's) (598) 40.00 35.00 30.00 25.00 A-2 B-2a 20.00 D-2 D-2a 15.00 10.00 5.00 0.00 Sampling Dates Benefits of Conservation Easement • Prevention of conversion to • • • • development Permanent protection of drinking water supply Protection of Tier 2 wildlife habitat (best in region) Assurance for longlong-term recreational use of property Enhancement for adjacent conservation initiatives Remaining Steps • Approve easement at town • • • • • • • meeting Determine exclusion area below town garage Budget closing costs Conduct appraisal Negotiate transfer with third party (Grantee) Agree on terms of CE Solicit volunteer land steward Coordinate management with Tuftonboro Conservation Commission Further Recommendations • Seek additional conservation easements on parcels in • • • • the Great Meadows area Encourage adjacent property owners to cooperate in protecting the remaining aquifer and wetland areas Establish protective legislation for both the aquifer and the wetland area – consider conservation zoning of these resources Continue longlong-term monitoring program of the Great meadows aquifer Establish protective easements or covenants on remaining parcels owned by the Town