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Hickory Cove Preserve Edgartown,

Massachusetts

Management Plan

August 1, 2014

Approved by the Edgartown Town Advisory Board () Approved by the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission () Approved by the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs () Julie Russell – Ecologist Matthew Dix – Property Foreman Maureen Hill – Administrative Assistant Kelsey Flowers and Michael Hickey – Ecology Interns

Executive Summary

Hickory Cove Preserve comprises 73 acres located on North Neck in Edgartown, straddling the shores of Edgartown Outer Harbor and Cape Poge Pond. The land encompassing the preserve was part of the Wampanoag reservation on Chappaquiddick and later part of the early 1800’s Indian Set Off lots. The portion of the preserve located on the shore of Cape Poge Pond was historically referred to as Cove Meadow where salt marsh hay was harvested and livestock were grazed. Few families have owned the land and the name “Cove Meadow” has stood the test of time. The preserve includes mixed-deciduous woodland interspersed with patches of pitch pine; a fresh water pond ringed with emergent marsh and shrub swamp; a tidal salt marsh and maritime shrubland; two emergent marshes that were once former ponds; a coastal shoreline with beach sand and dune; and an expansive cultural grassland. Vegetation and wildlife inventories on the preserve revealed three commonwealth-threatened Lepidoptera species, imperial moth (Eacles imperialis) coastal heathland cutworm (Abagrotis nefascia) and dune noctuid moth (sympistris riparia); four commonwealth-threatened avian species, eastern whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferous), pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), common tern (Sterna hirundo) and American bittern (Botaurus lentiginusus); and two commonwealth-special concern plant species, sandplain blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium fuscatum) and New England blazing star (Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae). This management plan proposes to create approximately 0.24 miles of new trails including three out-and-back view trails; maintain intimate views of Cape Poge Pond, the freshwater pond and the tidal salt marsh from the trail, create 0.27 miles of trails in easement areas; remove the existing house and garage; manage the grassland habitat for rare sandplain species through annual mowing and possibly other management tools; continue to allow existing boat drop-off and hunting of duck and geese only; and control 0.32 acres of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and 0.17 acres of phragmites (Phragmites australis). All planning goals, objectives and strategies are outlined in detail in the final section of this management plan. To be implemented, this plan must be presented at a public hearing and approved by the land bank’s Edgartown town advisory board, the Martha’s Vineyard land bank commission and the secretary of the Massachusetts executive office of energy and environmental affairs (EOEEA). Additionally, a notice of intent and Massachusetts endangered species act (MESA) review will be filed with the Edgartown conservation commission and Massachusetts natural heritage and endangered species program (MA-NHESP) for activity proposed in estimated and priority habitat for rare species and activities proposed in and around wetland resource areas.

About the authors Julie Russell is the primary author and has been the land bank ecologist since August 1999. She is certified as a Wildlife Biologist by the Wildlife Society and holds a Master of Science in zoology from the Cooperative Wildlife Research Lab at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and a Bachelor of Science in wildlife biology from the School of Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. Property Foreman Matthew Dix has worked on land bank properties since 1990. He attended the School of Natural Resources at the University of Vermont and has extensive knowledge of the region’s agriculture, natural history and local geography. Maureen McManus-Hill has been the administrative assistant since July of 2006; she has a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Lafayette College. Kelsey Flowers was an ecology intern for the 2014 summer field season and graduated from Hiram College in 2014 with a degree in Biology and Environmental Studies; Michael Hickey was an ecology intern for the 2014 summer field season and graduated from Loyola University, Chicago with a degree in Environmental Science and from University of Cincinnati with a masters degree in Biological Sciences in 2013.

Aquinnah Headlands Preserve, Aquinnah, MA

North Head Site Management Map

HICKORY Cove PRESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN

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Table of Contents I. Natural Resource Inventory ........................................................................................................ 3

A. Physical Characteristics ......................................................................................................... 3 1. Locus ................................................................................................................................... 3 2. Survey Maps, Deeds and Preliminary Management Plan Goals ........................................ 3 3. Geology and Soils ............................................................................................................... 3 4. Topography ......................................................................................................................... 4 5. Hydrology .............................................................................................................................. 4 6. Ecological Processes ........................................................................................................... 5

B. Biological Characteristics ....................................................................................................... 8 1. Vegetation ............................................................................................................................ 8 2. Wildlife Habitat ..................................................................................................................... 8

C. Cultural Characteristics ........................................................................................................ 10 1. Land History ....................................................................................................................... 10 2. Planning Concerns ............................................................................................................. 12 3. Abutters ............................................................................................................................. 13 4. Existing Use and Infrastructure .......................................................................................... 13

II. Inventory Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 14 A. Constraints & Issues ............................................................................................................. 14

1. Ecological Context ............................................................................................................. 14 2. Natural and Cultural Resource Concerns .................................................................... 14 3. Sociological Context ..................................................................................................... 16 4. Neighborhood Concerns .............................................................................................. 16

B. Addressing Problems and Opportunities ............................................................................. 17 1. Land Bank Mandate .......................................................................................................... 17 2. Goals at Purchase ............................................................................................................. 17 3. Opportunities ...................................................................................................................... 17 4. Universal Access (UA) ...................................................................................................... 19

III. Land Management Planning .................................................................................................... 19 A. Nature Conservation ............................................................................................................ 19 B. Recreation and Aesthetics ................................................................................................... 22 C. Natural Products .................................................................................................................. 24 E. Land Administration ............................................................................................................. 26

IV. Literature Cited ........................................................................................................................ 28 Appendix A. Locus, Topography and Site Management Maps .................................................... 30 Appendix B. Surveys, Deeds and Preliminary Management Plan Goals ..................................... 33 Appendix C. Soils Maps and Descriptions .................................................................................... 35 Appendix D: Historical Maps ......................................................................................................... 38 Appendix E: Vegetation ................................................................................................................ 43 Appendix F. Wildlife ...................................................................................................................... 55 Appendix G. Avian Checklist and Seasonal Tables ..................................................................... 64 Appendix H. Endangered Species ................................................................................................ 70 Appendix I. Abutters ..................................................................................................................... 73 Appendix J. Existing Use Map ...................................................................................................... 77 Appendix K. Universal Access ...................................................................................................... 77


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I. Natural Resource Inventory

A. Physical Characteristics

1. Locus

Hickory Cove Preserve is located at roughly 4123' 19.489'' N latitude and

7028' 32.171'' W longitude. The property consists of 73 acres located off North Neck Road in Edgartown. The east end of the preserve borders Cape Poge Bay. The preserve is shown on Edgartown tax maps 18 and 31 as parcels 56.11, 56.12, 56.14, 56.15, 31.1, 31.4, 31.5, 31.6, and 35.1 (map 18) and parcels 15, 16.12, 10.12 and 10.13 (map 31). A Locus Map (USGS Topo 1973 1:24,000) follows as Appendix A.

2. Survey Maps, Deeds and Preliminary Management Plan Goals

Larger copies of all surveys are on file at the land bank office and are available for inspection by appointment. Deeds, preliminary management plan goals, covenants, restrictions, easements and reduced copies of surveys are included in Appendix B.

3. Geology and Soils

The General Soils Map (Appendix C) depicts soils classes across Martha’s Vineyard. Hickory Cove Preserve occurs in the “Outwash atop Martha’s Vineyard Moraine” geologic deposits (Soil Conservation Service (SCS) 1986). The “Outwash atop Martha’s Vineyard Moraine” consists mainly of sand and gravel (SCS 1986). The reason for the layered deposits is that the moraine of the late Wisconsinan period was formed first as the Buzzards Bay lobe advanced and the outwash plain was formed later by meltwater from the Cape Cod Bay lobe as the glacier began to retreat (Oldale 1992). Hickory Cove Preserve contains seven soil series: Carver loamy coarse sand with 3 to 8 percent slopes (CeB), 8 to 15 percent slopes (CeC), and 15 to 25 percent slopes (CeD); Eastchop loamy sand with 3 to 8 percent slopes (EcB), 8 to 15 percent slopes (EcC) and 15 to 35 percent (EcD); and Pawcatuck and Matunuck mucky peats with 0 to 1 percent slopes (PaA). The majority of the preserve is in Carver sandy loam with a slope of 8 to 15% (CeC). On the west edge of the preserve near Edgartown Outer Harbor more of the Eastchop soils occur.


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4. Topography

The elevation at Hickory Cove Preserve ranges up to a maximum of 40 feet above sea level and has a slope differential of 0 - 35 %, with most of the elevation difference occurring on the west side of the property, near the Edgartown Outer Harbor. The contours of the property are illustrated in a portion of the USGS map (Topography Map, Appendix D).

5. Hydrology

Hickory Cove Preserve is located in the Cape Poge watershed, which comprises 2,331.5 acres (Wetland Map, Appendix D).

The preserve has two shoreline borders: one on Edgartown Outer Harbor and one on Cape Poge Pond. The shoreline on Edgartown Outer Harbor is approximately 202 feet, while the Cape Poge Pond shoreline runs approximately 2,375 feet.

Hickory Cove Preserve contains a large, yet shallow, freshwater pond that is heavily ringed with cattails (Typha spp.). According to land surveys conducted

in 1963, this pond (41 23’ 22.884” N latitude, 70 28’ 19.208” W longitude) was previously connected to Cape Poge Pond, and existed as a brackish tidal marsh. Since that time, it has been closed off from the saltwater and now acts as a reservoir for rainwater. The pond is on average 1.3’ deep with 1.16’ of muck. The shallowest portion of the pond is occurring closest to the former outlet/inlet to Cape Poge Pond. On August 3, 2011 the pond pH was 8.56, temperature was 28 degrees celcius and there was 35% dissolved oxygen in it.

North of the freshwater pond is a saltwater marsh (41 23’ 30.816” N latitude,

70 28’ 23.934” W longitude) that still connects to Cape Poge Pond. The third

water feature on the preserve is the emergent marshes (41 23’ 27.997” N

latitude, 70 28’ 26.469” W longitude). In the 1953 survey, the two emergent marshes were considered freshwater ponds. This transformation is due to autogenic succession, in which bodies of water fill in with organic material. In theory, these marshes eventually become climax terrestrial forests (Mitsch and Gosselink 1993).

Cape Poge Pond has historically provided sizeable amounts of finfish and shellfish. Notably, it serves as a nursery for bay scallops (Vineyard Gazette 2010). Ocean currents give the area highly oxygen-rich water that attracts striped bass, bluefish, and other populations (The Trustees of Reservations 2014).


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Due to the low topography of the preserve and its proximity to sea level, approximately 25.3 acres of the preserve is subject to the 100 year flood zone as depicted by FEMA. By the same estimates, 3.9 additional acres would be subject to the 500 year flood zone.

6. Ecological Processes

Ecological processes are the “dynamic biogeochemical interactions that occur among and between biotic and abiotic components of the biosphere” as described by the USGS (2012). There are six major ecological processes – disturbance, structural complexity, hydrological patterns, nutrient cycling, biotic interactions and population dynamics – occurring on the preserve.

- Disturbance –

The natural disturbance regime for northeastern deciduous woodlands typically includes fire, wind and insect damage. Fire is a less frequent means of natural disturbance, as fire suppression is an active part of forest management. Wind remains an active force of nature, especially along the coast-facing northeast as is the case for the portion of the preserve along Cape Poge Pond. Recent insect damage in various forms has initiated an alteration in the woodlands of various areas of Martha’s Vineyard. However, the woodland on the preserve has minimal damage as a result of this occurrence. Mowing and controlled fire in the grassland are human-induced disturbance that can be used to mimic evolved disturbance regimes. How often, long and intense an ecosystem is disturbed are factors that are considered in management actions in order to best protect the dynamic nature of natural communities (EPA 1999). The preserve was historically used as pasture land that over time has succeeded into woodland. A narrow band of maritime shrubland occurs along both shorelines and is maintained through natural disturbance regimes. A wider stretch of cultural grassland occurs between the maritime shrubland and woodland along Cape Poge pond and has been maintained through mowing and agrarian practices. The shoreline experiences persistent disturbance from wind and salt spray and as a result is sparsely vegetated and in constant mowtion.

- Structural complexity – The preserve has a complex structure of plant species ranging from low-growing grassland plants to taller woodland trees that


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allows the preserve to accommodate more species by providing a more diverse array of habitats for species to survive in. The woodland has the greatest structural complexity on the preserve and includes ground-cover vegetation such as dewberry and mosses; low growing shrubs and herbs such as low-bush blueberry and goldenrods; taller shrubs such as highbush blueberry, hazelnut and arrowwood; and various oak tree species including snags that, when leaning or fallen, add to the structural complexity of the woodland. The grassland has modest spatial heterogeneity and structural diversity due to the presence of herbaceous and woody plants with variable seasonal flowering patterns. The salt marsh and maritime shrubland are the least spatially diverse habitats and consist of low growing salt marsh grass or shrubs with little to no understory. Allowing dead trees to exist; creating uneven patterns of mowing; and cutting of vegetation all contribute to spatial complexity (EPA 1999).

- Hydrological patterns – It is important to consider the impact of the vegetation communities on the water cycle in an ecosystem. Vegetation layers help catch water and aid in soil infiltration whereas larger- scale cleared woodlands and various heterogeneous agricultural practices can result in increased overland flow, channel incision and fragmentation of wetland habitats (EPA 1999). Promoting shrubland/herbaceous-graminoid vegetative buffers around the wetland habitats on the preserve – such as the maritime shrubland along the coastal ponds and shrub swamp around the freshwater pond – and maintaining a diverse structural ecosystem will help protect the hydrological patterns of the ecosystem.

- Nutrient cycling – Important elements such as nitrogen, phosphorous and carbon naturally travel through ecosystems and when combined with water and sunlight determine the productivity of an ecosystem (EPA 1999). Activities that increase (use of fertilizers) or decrease (erosion) nutrients can alter the nutrient cycle and change the ecological integrity of the ecosystem. Protecting soils from erosion and keeping snags and downed logs helps maintain the nutrient richness in the ecosystem. Additionally, human-enhancing and -depleting nutrient practices each lead to increased colonization by opportunistic non-native


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plants that have different nutrient cycling characteristics which in tern alters the nutrient cycling of the invaded ecosystem (EPA 1999). In prior ownership, the agricultural grassland was used to pasture livestock resulting in natural nutrient additions through animal waste. As a result, it may take a considerable amount of time to transform the cultural grassland into a native plant-based sandplain grassland that typically grows in sandy nutrient depleted soil. The strong edge of bordering vegetated wetland helps keep those nutrients from impacting surrounding water bodies.

- Biotic interactions – The distribution and abundance of species is heavily dependent on the interactions among organisms such as competition for resources, predation, parasitism and mutualism (EPA 1999). Disturbances such as introduction of exotic species; over-collection of a species; and disease not only affect the “target species” but have a trickle-down effect that depends on the nature and strength of interactions that the “target species” had within its community (EPA 1999). Pollinators and exotic plants play both positive and negative roles, respectively, in biotic interactions of an ecosystem. Spraying pesticides and introducing exotic pollinators can impact other non-target pollinators sometimes resulting in a major decrease in species diversity of plants that are reproductively dependent on native pollinators. Protecting species with high community importance values such as the oaks; removing exotic species such as garlic mustard, oriental bittersweet and Phragmites sp. before they have aggressively invaded; and implementing elastic management strategies that are modified in response to monitoring are all strategies that can reduce effects on biotic interactions.

- Population dynamics – The loss of a species can have many unseen effects on a community, depending on the interactions that the species had in its environment. Species dispersion, recruitment, fertility and mortality compose a species’ population dynamics and, along with genetic diversity, play an important role in the success of a species (EPA 1999). Small populations isolated by reduced habitat or habitat fragmentation are vulnerable to extinction, locally and globally. Other species are more widespread but


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occur in few numbers and are vulnerable due to low genetic diversity. Ecosystems are not static and species require genetic diversity in order to adapt to their ever-changing world or risk extinction. Special care must be taken to consider the effects that management actions may have on the rare moth and plant species known to occur on the preserve.

B. Biological Characteristics

1. Vegetation

Hickory Cove Preserve comprises four general habitat communities: coastal wetlands; inland wetlands; woodlands; and grassland. They are described in

detail and shown on the Ecological Communities Maps in Appendix E. The preserve is dominated by woodlands followed by grasslands, coastal wetlands and lastly inland wetlands. A total of 224 plant species is known to occur on Hickory Cove Preserve. The cultural grassland contributes the greatest to the floristic richness of plants occurring on the preserve (Table 1, Appendix E). Species richness is the number of species present in a community (Begon et al. 1990). The cultural grassland is habitat to the commonwealth-listed sandplain blue-eyed grass, New England blazing star and coastal heathland cutworm; the woodland is habitat for the commonwealth-listed imperial moth and eastern whip-poor-will; and the wetlands are habitat for the dune noctuid moth, American bittern, pied-billed grebe, common tern.

2. Wildlife Habitat

Quality of wildlife habitat on Hickory Cove Preserve depends on the characteristics of the vegetation communities. Formal avian and invertebrate surveys were the primary tools used for analysis of wildlife habitat. Additional direct observations of wildlife occurrences and signs throughout the year contribute to the understanding of habitat value at Hickory Cove Preserve. Nine Massachusetts state-listed wildlife species – imperial moth, dune noctuid moth, coastal heathland cutworm, eastern whip-poor-will, American bittern, pied-billed grebe, common tern, New England blazing star and sandplain blue-eyed grass – occur on the preserve.


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(a) Invertebrates

A total of 236 moth species representing 11 families was identified from nocturnal black-light traps set in the shrubland in June 2010, July 2010, June 2011, July 2011, August 2011 and September 2011 (Appendix E). The scrub oak scrubland, grassland, and woodland habitats are a draw to various upland moth species as these habitats provide forage, breeding habitat, and cover. Additionally, five butterfly species were observed during the spring and summer (Appendix E).

Aside from moths and butterflies, a total of 13 species of invertebrates is known to occur in wetlands of the preserve. These species include bees, ticks, flies and mosquitoes.

(b) Amphibians, Reptiles and Fish

There are two known frog species that occur on the preserve (Appendix C.). Choruses of spring peppers and the banjo string call of the green frog were heard in the ponds during the survey. No reptiles or fish were noted in surveys.

(c) Birds

A total of 69 bird species was observed at Hickory Cove Preserve during the fall, winter, spring and breeding seasons (Appendix F). The wetland habitats support greater diversities of birds than the grassland and woodland habitats on the preserve. Overall bird diversity is greatest in the freshwater pond area. The dense shrubs provide cover and food for foraging birds during the spring migrations and nesting habitat for summer breeders. The pond habitat is good breeding grounds for invertebrates that many birds feed on.

(d) Mammals

Four mammal species were observed at the Hickory Cove Preserve: eastern chipmunk, striped skunk, river otter and white-tailed deer (Appendix E). The woodlands provide good forage and breeding habitat for eastern chipmunks. The chipmunk is a nut-eater and a burrower, not a tree-nester (Jorgensen 1978). There are distinct otter runs from the


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salt marsh to the freshwater pond that are well worn. River otters are habitual, especially when it comes to their travel ways. Wildlife species were identified either by sight, tracks, scat, or scent.

(d) Rare and Endangered Species

The Massachusetts natural heritage and endangered species program (MA NHESP) designates a portion of the Hickory Cove Preserve, southeast of North Neck Road, to be located within Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife. Details about the various species and a copy of the Endangered Species Map are located in Appendix G.

C. Cultural Characteristics

1. Land History

Pre European Settlement Chappaquiddick, derived from the Wampanoag word “Tchepi-aquiden-et” that translated into “the separate island”, was one of the four sachemships on Martha’s Vineyard. Pahkepunnassoo was the sachem governing Chappaquiddick just prior to European settlement (Banks Vol 1. 1966). Cape Poge Pond provided an important resource for waterfowl and marine life which was an important part of the Wampanoag subsistence and the salt marshes surrounding the island provided salt marsh hay plus grasses for weaving baskets and mats (Travers 1960). The waters around Chappaquiddick and Capoag Pond (Cape Poge Pond) were known for the “poquauhock” or little neck clams and “sikkissuog” or soft shell clam (Silverman 2005). Evidence of shell middens is visible in the bank along Cape Poge Pond on the preserve suggesting Wamanoag settlement in this area. 17

th Century

Around 1641 the European settlement of Martha’s Vineyard began. The Wampanoag sachem Pahkepunnassoo and his successor, Seeknout tried to balance the Wampanoags and English needs by allowing colonists to pasture livestock on Chappaquiddick during the winter but refusing to sell land to them (Silverman 2005). The succeeding sachem Joshua Seeknout in around 1692 tried to keep the colonists at bay from overrunning Chappaquiddick with livestock but after much litigation and money spent failed. He did give his brothers Matthew, Hesekiah and Joseph “Noth Neck’s” planting and mowing rights and allowed them to close the reservation to colonial livestock. Jacob Seeknout, son of Joshua, continued


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to fight for his people’s rights to their land in court (Silverman 2005). Eventually the courts divided Chappaquiddick and in general granted the Wampanoags the rights to lands north of the Chappaquiddick Road and the colonists the rights to the lands south of the Chappaquiddick Road (Travers 1960). 18

th – 19

th Century

In and around 1789 the Wampanoag common lands were divided on Chappaquiddick. The divisions of the common lands north of Chappaquiddick Road were adjusted and recorded several times (Dukes County Registry of Deeds Book and Page, 34-390, 34-404). It is during these recordings that the land comprising the preserve is first mentioned in a deed. The land owned by Molly and Olive Cooke (Lot #14) is the epicenter of the Cape Poge Pond side of the preserve. In the description of their property a reference is made to “Cove Meadow” which was the salt marsh that was divided among several abutting Wampanoag land holders (Lots 12, 13, 11, 15, 19, 21, 26, 24) including Molly Cooke, Thomas Latham, Sally Webquish and William Johnson (Map of Division of Land on Chappaquiddick 1851). Until the 20

th century the preserve and surrounding land were

traditionally used for grazing as well as harvesting of salt marsh hay, Spartina patens. Corn was also a very important crop on Chappaquiddick as it grew well in the sandy soil. There was even a grist mill operated by wind power on Chappaquiddick (Mayhew 1956). 20

th – 21

st Century

During one of the divisions Lot 14 was described as being owned by Frederick Cooke and formerly owned by Molly and Olive Cooke. Frederick Cooke’s daughter Emma Burch inherited Lot 14 and sold it in 1911 to Charles S. Simpson for $1 and other valuable consideration (Book 128, pages 552-553). Charles S. Simpson continued to purchase land in the area and elsewhere on Chappaquiddick in the early 1900s (Book/Page: 122-104, 122-102, 128-434, 128-154, 159-240, 128-440). Mr. Simpson was a wealthy bachelor who owned a bakery in New Bedford. He would sail his yacht “Mardeen” from New Bedford to Cape Poge where he had a house and boathouse near Shear Pen Pond. He was often found entertaining prizefighters such as Ralph Tickle, who boxed from 1904 to 1911, and Martin Canole. Mr. Simpson’s house on Cape Poge was near the property of Dr. Edward Self and two others. When Mr. Simpson’s house on Cape Poge burned down he rebuilt the modest hunting camp at “Cove Meadow”. He had the first car on Chappaquiddick. When Mr. Simpson died he left 150


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acres to Ralph Tickle. Ephraim Shorr purchased the property from Charles S. Tickle in 1950 (Book 217, Page 267) and then Ephraim’s widow Dorothy sold it to Dr. Edward and Beatrice Self in 1959 (Potter 2008, Dukes County Registry of Deeds Book 237, page 487). Dr. and Mrs. Edward Self summered for 21 years in their first camp on the island, “the Beacon”, out on Cape Poge by Shear Pen Pond until they moved to Cove Meadow where they retired. The Selfs were mindful of the land and granted a conservation restriction to Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation in 1992 over their property at Cove Meadow.

2. Planning Concerns

(a) Massachusetts Endangered Species Act:

All management activities proposed in this management plan are outside of the boundaries of priority and estimated habitat for rare species (NHESP Map, Appendix H).

(b) Wetland Protection Act: Cape Poge Pond, the freshwater pond, emergent marsh in isolated land subject to flooding, the tidal salt marsh and Edgartown Outer Harbor are the “wetland resource area” under the Massachusetts wetlands protection act. A 200-foot buffer zone around the wetland resource areas and bordering vegetated wetland is therefore subject to the jurisdiction of the Edgartown conservation commission which encompasses 45 acres of the preserve. The following proposed actions are within the buffer zone of the wetland resource areas: the creation of 691 linear feet (0.09 acres) of new trail; removal of the house and barn; and the removal of 3-4 Quercus velutina trees to open up a long distance view Cape Poge Pond from the trail system. The following proposed actions are within the bordering vegetated wetland or resource area of the preserve: the control of 0.17 acres of Phragmites australis in the emergent marsh; and the creation of limited views of the tidal salt marsh and Cape Poge Pond through trimming of vegetation. Additionally the Edgartown Conservation Commission has jurisdiction over land within the 100 year flood zone as well as a 100’ buffer around the zone. All of the above-mentioned proposed activities are within the 100 foot buffer zone of the 100-year flood zone as well as the zone itself. The land bank must file a notice of intent for all of the above-mentioned proposed activities.


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(c) Regional and Local Planning Bylaws: Island Coastal District – half of the preserve is located within the boundaries of the Island’s Coastal District DCPC. All activities proposed in the management plan are within the permitted uses of this zone. Edgartown Coastal District Overlay – 54% of the preserve is located within the boundaries of the Edgartown Coastal District Overlay. All activities proposed in the management plan are within the permitted uses of this zone. A special permit from the Edgartown conservation commission would be required if any portion of the tidal stream that used to join the freshwater pond or the pond itself were to be dredged in the future.

3. Abutters

A list of those owning land abutting or within 200 feet of the Hickory Cove Preserve appears in Appendix I, as does the Edgartown Assessors Maps 31 and 18.

4. Existing Use and Infrastructure

The following are existing uses (Appendix J, Existing Use Map):

1. Trail: There are 2.4 miles of existing woodland trail on the preserve. 2. Trailhead: two 2-to 3-vehicle trailheads are located on the preserve, one

off of Jeffers Lane at the entrance to the cemetery and one off North Neck Road.

3. Trail Easement Areas: there are 0.27 miles of 10’ wide easement areas

connecting the Cape Poge Pond and Edgartown Outer Harbor portions of the preserve.

4. Boat Access: An existing boat access area occurs on the preserve with

access to Cape Poge Pond.

5. House: A multi-bedroom house sits on a minor bluff of Cape Poge Pond.

6. Barn: A two room barn is located along the border of the freshwater pond on the preserve.

7. Culvert: An abandoned and non-functioning culvert exists between the


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tidal stream and the freshwater pond on the preserve. This culvert used to allow water to flow in and out of the pond making it at that time a tidal marsh.

8. Old Road: A portion of old road that connects Jeffers Lane with North

Neck Road occurs on the preserve and is visible on some of the early 1900’s Chappaquiddick Set-Off lot maps.

II. Inventory Analysis

In this section, problems and opportunities that may arise in the management of

Hickory Cove Preserve are analyzed.

A. Constraints & Issues

1. Ecological Context

Hickory Cove Preserve is a part of a North Neck, a narrow stretch of land between Edgartown Outer Harbor and Cape Poge Pond. It was included in the Wampanoag reservation and later included in the court-ordered division of Wampanoag land on Chappaquiddick. It was traditionally used by both Wampanoag and English settlers as grazing land for livestock.

2. Natural and Cultural Resource Concerns

There are three main areas of concern at Hickory Cove Preserve, each briefly addressed below and then addressed in more detail in the land management section of the plan:

(a) Commonwealth/Federal-listed species

Plants: Sandplain blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium fuscatum) is a commonwealth-listed species of special concern. It is a perennial wildflower in the iris family. It prefers sandy soils in early successional grasslands. Managing the grassland so that it does not become dominated by woody vegetation will help protect the sandplain blue-eyed grass (NHESP 2010). New England blazing star (Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae) is a commonwealth-listed species of special concern. It is a perennial in the


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aster family and has an affinity for dry, sandy grasslands. New England blazing star responds positively to grasslands managed by fire to remove woody vegetation. Mowing can also be effective providing that it is done between November and April and areas of open soil are available to seed germination (NHESP 2012). Wildlife: The imperial moth (Eacles imperialis), a moth of upland deciduous woodlands, was observed on the preserve in the mixed-oak woodland. The dune noctuid moth (Sympistris riparia), a moth of dunes, grassland and heathlands, was observed in the mixed-oak woodlands near the open grassland on the preserve. The coastal heathland cutworm (Abagrostis nefascia), a moth of dry open maritime vegetation communities, was observed in the woodland abutting the cultural grassland. Eastern whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferous) was heard during a nocturnal survey for whip-poor-will in the early summer of 2005 off North Neck Road in the mixed-oak woodland near the Chappaquiddick golf course.

American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) was observed during the summer in the salt marsh. It is more commonly observed in freshwater wetlands but does also occur in brackish wetlands.

Common tern (Sterna hirundo) was observed during the spring and summer flying above the shore of Cape Poge Pond. The shoreline is narrow and does not boast breeding habitat for the common tern but there is ample feeding habitat off the shore in the shallow waters edge of Cape Poge Pond.

Pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) was observed during the summer in the freshwater pond and open water of the salt marsh.

Using existing trails, minimizing tree cutting in the mixed-oak woodland, managing open habitats and protecting the wetlands on the preserve will promote the habitats of the above-mentioned wildlife species.


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(b) Succession

Succession is a natural process. Without the use of some form of human-influenced management such as agriculture, mechanical mowing, and fire, woody vegetation will grow in the grassland and reduce the size of this important habitat on the preserve. Succession is also occurring in the freshwater pond. It was once a tidal marsh but the culvert that connects Cape Poge Pond to the once tidal marsh became ineffective and the regular exchange of salt water ceased. The tidal marsh converted to a freshwater pond as rainwater filled the depression. The pond is very shallow with two islands and an average water depth in the beginning of August 2011 of 1.3’. There is a substantial amount of muck in the pond that reaches an average of 1.16’ deep. The pond will succeed eventually into a marsh and then ultimately a wooded swamp if disturbance does not impede the natural succession of the wetland.

(c) Invasive Species

Several invasive plant species occur on the preserve including garlic mustard, oriental bittersweet, Phragmites and autumn olive. The invasive plants are primarily in the grassland, woodland and wetlands of the preserve. They can be controlled through annual mowing, manual uprooting and, if necessary, herbicide treatment. Annual monitoring and quick control and removal of invasive species are important to maintain an ecological balance and the integrity of habitats on the preserve.

3. Sociological Context

Hickory Cove Preserve is located in Edgartown on Chappaquiddick and extends to both sides of North Neck. With the sale of their land to the land bank the Self family retained a view easement over to Cape Poge Pond from their abutting properties; a beach easement for recreational use and storage of small boats 100’ north of the pier; a right-of-way over the road that connects Jeffers Lane to North Neck Road; and a utility easement.

4. Neighborhood Concerns


17

The land bank considers the concerns of neighbors as part of the planning process. All abutting property owners and the local conservation commission are sent written notice of a public hearing on the draft plan. All neighbors -- and all members of the public -- are invited to review the draft plan, attend the public hearing and make written or oral comments. The land bank's Edgartown town advisory board and the Martha’s Vineyard land bank commission review all comments and can change the draft plan if desired. Anyone may also express concerns at any public meeting of the Martha’s Vineyard land bank commission and Edgartown town advisory board, or may simply contact land bank staff. Planning concerns that already have been brought to the attention of the land bank by neighbors include:

Vehicular use of the old road through the preserve that connects the cemetery to North Neck Road.

B. Addressing Problems and Opportunities

1. Land Bank Mandate

In 1986, the voters of Martha’s Vineyard created the land bank to acquire, hold, and manage land in a predominantly natural, scenic, or open condition. The land bank keeps open space open and allows modest public use. Its “shared-use” policy strives to provide a range of public benefits, from low-impact recreation and aesthetics to wildlife conservation and watershed protection. Protection of natural resources is the land bank’s highest priority, yet “shared-use” demands balancing the public use of natural resources with protection of the same.

2. Goals at Purchase

The purchase of Hickory Cove Preserve meets seven of the land bank's eight criteria for property acquisition: forest land; fresh and salt water marshes and other wetlands; wildlife habitats; easements for trails and for publically owned lands; scenic vistas; ocean and pond frontage; and sites for passive recreation. Preliminary management plans were adopted by the land bank commission and Edgartown advisory board and are attached as Appendix B.

3. Opportunities

a.) Access: The proposed vehicular access to Hickory Cove Preserve is


18

through the existing 2-to 3-vehicle trailheads on the preserve. One is located off North Neck Road and the other is located at the entrance to the cemetery off Jeffers Lane.

b.) Universal Access: Universal access is located at the trailhead off Jeffers Lane and at the boat access point on Cape Poge Pond. A short universal access trail occurs from the Jeffers Lane trailhead into the field with views of Cape Poge Pond.

c.) Trails: Approximately 2.4 miles of existing and 0.51 miles of proposed

trails will provide a loop and connector trail to easements that bring together the portion of the preserve on the Edgartown Outer Harbor and the portion of the preserve on Cape Poge Pond. The trail is proposed for passive recreational uses such as but not limited to hiking, non-motorized biking and horseback riding.

d.) Views: The preserve offers expansive views of Cape Poge Pond and

Edgartown Outer Harbor and limited views of the salt marsh “cove meadow”. Long distance views of Cape Poge Pond can be had from the pond trail with minimal cutting of fewer than 5 oak trees. Views of the salt marsh can be enhanced through minimal trimming of vegetation in limited areas.

e.) Cultural Grassland: The cultural grassland provides open land and

has been grazed in the past. Mowing the grassland at least annually in the spring will protect the open quality of the grassland.

f.) Archaeology: The preserve is located in an area with close proximity to fresh water with evidence for historic native American occupation or use. Educating the public through signs that create awareness regarding the importance of leaving artifacts where they are found; covering trails with woodchips; and reporting any illegal digging will help protect the archaeological artifacts that may exist on the preserve.

g.) Hunting: Cape Poge Pond has historically been used for hunting waterfowl. The preserve has 2375’ of shoreline from which waterfowl could be hunted on Cape Poge Pond.


19

4. Universal Access (UA)

Hickory Cove Preserve is well suited for universal accessibility. A UA trail exists that connects the trailhead off Jeffers Lane with views of the grassland and Cape Poge Pond. The preserve’s ROS (‘Recreation Opportunities Spectrum’) classification is “less-developed.” Further details are included in Appendix I.

III. Land Management Planning

This final section of the management plan states goals for Hickory Cove Preserve and outlines strategies for achieving them. These goals and strategies are designed to fit within the social and ecological constraints defined previously. The plan addresses five areas of planning concern: nature conservation; recreation and aesthetics; natural products; community interaction; and land administration.

A. Nature Conservation

Provide long-term protection for plants, animals and natural processes

occurring on Hickory Cove Preserve. Objective 1: Protect and encourage rare and endangered species on the preserve. Strategies:

a. Monitor the property for rare plants and animals during regular property checks and survey existing populations on a regular schedule.

b. Develop and implement a strategy to protect any additional rare species observed on the property.

c. Report new observations of rare and endangered species to the proper commonwealth authority.

d. Maintain existing grassland, shrubland and woodland communities on the preserve and allow them to thrive.

i. remove invasive plants; ii. utilize existing trails as much as possible on the preserve iii. manage views and site new trails in such as way as to

minimize cutting trees. iv. use an array of management tools including mowing, fire and

herbicides to maintain the grassland in an open state with limited woody vegetation; where necessary, remove invading pitch pine and early successional trees from the grasslands.


20

v. prune shrubs that are between the spur trails and the salt marsh to aid in view clearing at heights not below 3 feet in order to minimize the creation of unauthorized trails between the trail and the salt marsh.

e. Reroute or close trails in the event that the recreational use interferes

with a rare species’ ability to forage and reproduce.

f. Monitor the shoreline for breeding shorebird activities when suitable habitat exists

Objective 2: Reduce and control erosion of trails, grassland and shoreline bank Strategies:

a. Reroute or temporarily close any trail where necessary.

b. Cover trails with woodchips as needed to prevent surface soil erosion

c. Prohibit use of motorized vehicles such as dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles on the trail system

d. Maintain a vegetated buffer between the cultural grassland and the maritime and freshwater wetlands.

e. Prohibit horses from using the Cape Poge Pond shoreline.

Objective 3: Protect the value of the preserve as migratory and breeding habitat for avian and other wildlife species Strategies:

a. Retain snags in woodland where these trees do not pose unacceptable safety or fire hazard.

b. Monitor changes in vegetation cover during regular property checks and by updating ecological inventory in 2024. c. Promote a mosaic of native berry/fruit-producing shrubs to grow in and

around the cultural grassland and elsewhere on the preserve provided that the view of the grassland from the trail is not impacted.

d. Mow grassland areas at least annually in the spring to maintain grassland

habitat for hunting and nesting birds.


21

Objective 4: Monitor for and control the spread of invasive species. Strategies:

a. Cut or uproot invasive species as they are observed. b. Monitor for re-growth and continue to manage invasive plants.

c. Explore other control methods and implement with permission of the

MVLBC, NHESP and Edgartown conservation commission if physical control methods fail.

Objective 5: Reduce forest fire danger on the preserve. Strategies:

a. Prohibit open flame fires on the preserve.

b. Remove or recycle abandoned structures on the preserve.

c. Prohibit storage of brush piles on the preserve.

Objective 6: Maintain cultural grassland Strategies:

a. Mow grassland at least annually in the spring and allow small areas of open soil to occur for rare species seed germination.

b. Explore the use of goats and sheep for woody vegetation control during the growing season

Objective 7: Protect river otter habitat on the preserve Strategies:

a. Require dogs be leashed by owners during otter whelping season (March-April) to protect the pups and dogs if otter dens are being actively used during the otter whelping season.

b. Monitor otter activity on the preserve

c. Minimize negative human-otter interactions if necessary by relocating trails, temporarily limiting recreational uses and temporarily closing trails.


22

B. Recreation and Aesthetics

Allow limited, low-impact recreational use of the area for hiking, bicycling,

horseback-riding and picnicking; and maintain attractive views and landscapes

provided that these uses do not preclude attainment of nature conservation

objectives. Objective 1: Open the property for low-impact recreation Strategies:

a. Open the property for hiking, non-motorized biking, horseback-riding and other passive uses.

b. Utilize existing trails and install new trail(s) where appropriate (see Site

Management Map)

c. Monitor impact of passive recreational use on the preserve annually and manage accordingly.

d. Allow night-time fishing of Cape Poge Pond and Edgartown Outer Harbor from the shoreline

Objective 2: Designate the existing trailheads off Jeffers Lane and North Neck Road as

the primary accesses to the preserve and designate an area for a future trailhead, if and when necessary, off Jeffers Lane to the west.

Strategies:

a. Connect the two trailheads using trail easement areas

b. Update the existing sign stations to include new maps of the preserve plus information that designates the appropriate uses and rules of the preserve.

c. Install a 2-3 vehicle trailhead with one universal access space as shown on the Site Map.

Objective 4: Create trail system as shown on the Site Management Map. Strategies:

a. Create trail network as shown on the Site Management Map: i. create 0.51 miles of new trail; ii. make trail corridors six to eight feet wide and eight feet tall

when possible, with the exception of existing old roads which may be maintained at their present width;


23

iii. free trails of rocks, roots and other obstacles where practical;

iv. install erosion control measures where needed; v. install and /or maintain existing raised boardwalks where

needed on existing pond loop trail; vi. mark trails with markers or directional signs if needed; vii. site trails so that they are as unobtrusive as possible to

nearby homes and sensitive wildlife habitat; viii. site trails so that they connect, as well as possible, to other

conservation land, ancient ways and trail easements.

b. Screen views of houses as necessary from trails and view points using native vegetation.

c. Minimize need for signs by siting trails appropriately.

d. Allow land bank staff discretion to close or relocate trails or add new trails, such as spur trails for off-property trail connections.

e. Allow multiple uses of trails where appropriate by hikers, Nordic skiers, horseback-riders and bicyclists.

f. Prohibit visitors’ use of motorized vehicles, such as but not limited to dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles.

g. Check and maintain trails monthly. Objective 5: Expand the limited views of Cape Poge Pond and salt marsh from the trail Strategies:

a. Create three distinct view channels at the proposed trail spurs through the trimming of native shrubs to no less than three feet in the designated areas.

b. Create a long distance view of Cape Poge Pond from the freshwater pond loop trail through the cutting of three to four large black oaks.

c. Enhance views of the salt marsh and Cape Poge Pond from North Neck Road through trimming of vegetation and selective tree cutting of 2-3 trees.

Objective 6: Entertain possibilities for other trail links

Strategies: a. Use existing trails on the preserve where possible and create new trails

as necessary to connect the preserve to future conservation land and trail


24

easements.

b. Maintain existing links to other conserved properties

c. Create links to other conserved land and easements

Objective 7: Require that dog owners follow the Edgartown town bylaw for dogs such that “all dogs owned or kept within the limits of the town shall be restrained from running at large or shall be kept within the immediate control of their owners or keepers” Strategies:

a. Encourage visitors to clean up after their pets.

b. Post the dog policy at the various sign stations and property entrances and in the land bank map.

c. Impose a stricter dog policy as necessary if negative interactions that involve dogs occur on the preserve.

Objective 8: Remove the house, barn and overhead wires from the preserve Strategies:

a. Protect the wetlands and grasslands from runoff and erosion during demolition

b. Reseed with native grasses to minimize invasive species colonization

Objective 9: Maintain existing boat drop-off area at Cape Poge Pond and accompanying UA trailhead Strategies:

a. Monitor and control erosion of the road leading to the boat drop-off

b. Prohibit overnight storage of boats on the shorelines

c. Continue to permit a local organization to offer sailing lessons from the shoreline of Cape Poge Pond on an annual basis.

C. Natural Products

Allow hunting and gathering and prohibit camping Objective 1: Allow waterfowl-only hunting of Cape Poge Pond from the beach on the


25

preserve Strategies:

a. Notify the public of the hunting policy on the preserve, in the land bank hunting policy and on the land bank website.

b. Prohibit the use of temporary hunting blinds that result in the trampling of wetland vegetation.

c. Designate areas for hunting blinds if necessary to minimize disturbance of the shoreline vegetation

Objective 2: Prohibit camping. Strategies:

a. Prohibit camping on the preserve unless special permission is granted by the land bank commission for scouting and like groups and it is in compliance with appropriate Edgartown town bylaws.

b. Monitor the preserve for squatters and remove unauthorized campers promptly

Objective 3: Allow gathering of natural products according to the land bank’s Harvesting and Gathering of Natural Products Policy. Strategies:

a. Prohibit gathering of commonwealth and federally listed rare plant and

wildlife species as well as locally rare plant and wildlife species on the

preserve.

b. Prohibit gathering of invasive plants for personal use in order to minimize the spread of seeds elsewhere.

D. Community Interaction

Provide helpful and interesting information about the property for visitors; promote

cultural resource conservation; and allow educational use of the property. Objective 1: Help people find the property and avoid trespassing. Strategies

a. Mark the property on land bank website (www.mvlandbank.com) and map and provide directions.

b. Install “end of land bank property” signs where appropriate

http://www.mvlandbank.com/


26

c. Install land bank logo markers on property.

d. Limit trespassing by closing existing trails not intended for use.

e. Post the road that connects Jeffers Lane to North Neck Road as closed to vehicle traffic (except land bank maintenance vehicles) and use alternate trails where possible to avoid the use of the road as part of the trail system.

f. Install gates or fencing as needed.

g. Inform visitors, in the land bank map, how to access the preserve’s trailhead and its intended use.

h. Post map of property and trails as well as an aerial overview of the connecting conservation land and trails on sign station and website as they are updated.

i. Plant vegetation where residential dwellings are visible from the trail, as necessary and if allowed, that blends in with the natural context of its environs in order to define and screen the boundaries.

Objective 2: Present useful and interesting information about Hickory Cove Preserve to

the public. Strategies:

a. Provide the Edgartown public library and conservation commission with copies of this management plan if so desired.

b. Make a copy of this plan available at the land bank office and, when file size is not restrictive, on the land bank website.

c. Post information about the cultural and natural history of the preserve at the trailheads.

E. Land Administration

Oversee and police HIckory Cove Preserve on a regular basis and develop good

neighborhood relations Objective 1: Maintain good relations with abutters and neighbors. Strategies:

a. Establish contact and working relations with neighbors.

b. Maintain contact and working relations with the Edgartown conservation commission; send a draft copy of the plan to the Edgartown conservation


27

commission prior to the public hearing.

c. Post the activities allowed and prohibited on the preserve.

Objective 2: Keep property well-maintained Strategies:

a. Inspect property at least monthly

b. Clean up any litter and junk which may occur

c. Promptly respond to problems

d. Employ adequate staff to effectively implement land management goals

Objective 3: Maintain set hours for use Strategies:

a. Open property every day of the year from sunrise to sunset

b. Prohibit nighttime use unless special permission is granted by the land bank commission

c. Post “closed at dark” signs on the sign station with the exception of night-time fishing along the shoreline of Cape Poge Pond and Edgartown Outer Harbor.

Objective 4: Keep well-maintained boundaries Strategies:

a. Locate and GPS corners

b. Walk boundaries annually

c. Post boundary flags where appropriate

d. Correct encroachments as they occur

Objective 5: Keep good records of all land management activities and natural events Strategies:

a. Record all significant events, natural or otherwise b. Continue to update plant and wildlife inventories

c. Maintain photographic record of landscape appearance

Objective 6: Comply with all applicable regulations and agreements


28

Strategies:

a. Comply with Massachusetts endangered species act

b. Comply with wetlands protection act and Edgartown town wetland by-laws and planning by-laws

c. Comply with all deed restrictions and deeded easements that pertain to the preserve.

d. Request recommendations from the Massachusetts historical commission regarding the proposed activities in the plan.

IV. Literature Cited

Avery, T. and H. Burkhart. 2002. Forest Measurements. McGraw-Hill,. Boston, MA. 456 pp. Banks, C. E. 1966. The History of Martha’s Vineyard Dukes County Massachusetts. Volume I and II. The Dukes County Historical Society, Edgartown, MA 565pp. Begon, M., J.L. Harper and C.R. Townsend. 1990. Ecology: individuals, Populations and Communities. Blackwell scientific Publications. Boston, MA 945pp. Cornell Ornithology Laboratory. 2009. All About Birds. http://www.allaboutbirds.org. Dunwiddie, P.W. 1986. Holocene Vegetation history of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. IV international Congress of Ecology Abstracts. 138 p. Environmental Protection Agency. 1999. Considering Ecological Processes in Environmental Impact Assessments. http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/ policies/nepa/ecological-processes-eia-pg.pdf Felix Neck. 1992. Checklist of Martha’s Vineyard Birds. Felix Neck Wildlife Trust, Vineyard Haven, MA.3pp. Haines, A. 2011. Flora Novae Angliae. Yale University Press. New Haven, CT. 973pp.

Oldale, R. 1992. Cape Cod and The Islands: The Geologic Story. Parnassus Imprints. New Orleans, MA.

Potter, J. 1997. Universal Access Plan. Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/


29

publication. 53 pp. Potter, Hatsy. 2008. Chappaquiddick: that sometimes separate but never equaled island, second edition. Chappaquiddick Island Association, Edgartown, MA. 347pp. Martha’s Vineyard Gazette. August 23, 2010. Biologists Monitor Heavy Scallops Set In Cape Pogue Bay. Mayhew, E. 1956. Martha’s Vineyard: A Short History. Dukes County Historical Society, Inc. Edgartown, MA 160pp. Mitsch, W. and J. Gosselink. 1993. Wetlands. Van Nostrand Reinhold. New York, New York. 722 pp. Newcombs, L. 1977. Newcomb;s Wildflower Guide. Little, Brown and Company, New York, NY. 490pp. Silverman, David. 2005. Faith and Boundaries: Colonist, Christianity and Community among the Wampanoag Indians of Martha’s Vineyard, 1600-1871.Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, NY. 302pp. Soil Conservation Service. 1986. Soil Survey of Dukes County, Massachusetts. United States Department of Agriculture. 144 pp.

Swanson, D.L. and C. Knapp. 1999. The Flora of Martha’s Vineyard. Martha’s Vineyard

Sandplain Restoration Project. 129 pp. The Trustees of Reservations. 2014. About Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge. http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/cape-cod-islands/cape-pogue.html . Accessed 6/13/14. Travers, Milton 1960, The Wampanoag Indian Tribute tribes of Martha’s Vineyard. Reynolds Printing, Inc. New Bedford, MA

USGS. 2012. Science Topics: Biological and Physical Processes. http://www.usgs.gov/science/science.php?term=310

http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/cape-cod-islands/cape-pogue.html


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Appendix A. Locus, Topography and Site Management Maps


31


32


33

Appendix B. Surveys, Deeds and Preliminary Management Plan Goals

Deeds and larger copies of the surveys are on file at the land bank office. They include the following:

Year Book/Page Grantor Grantee Document 1985 A 434/023 Faith and Plumb et al. Mary Katherine

Stoddard Agreement

2004 C 990/498 Rhoderick MacLeod et al., trustees

MVLBC Deed

2005 C 1032/042 R. Bradford Haywood, trustee MVLBC Deed

2005 C 1043/1081 Margaret Knight et al. MVLBC Trail easement

2006 A 1075/881 John Suhler et. al. MVLBC Trail easement

2006 C 43/337, 46/325,52/31,57/101,61/157

Judith Self Murphy et al., trustees Judith Self Murphy et al.

Release and Covenant Agreement

2006 C 65/123 Judith Self Murphy et al., trustees MVLBC Deed

2006 C 46/325, 52/31, 57/101, 61/157, 65/124

Judith Self Murphy et al. MVLBC Release

2006 A 1086/876 Peter Plumb et al., trustees MVLBC Deed

2006 A 1086-878 Peter Plumb et al., trustees MVLBC Conservation restriction and Easement agreement

2006 B 1092/555 Marsh Hawk Land Trust, Inc MVLBC Deed

2006 B 1092/567 Marsh Hawk Land Trust, Inc MVLBC Trail easement

2006 B 1092/561 Marsh Hawk Land Trust, Inc MVLBC Assignment and clarification of 963/388 trail easement

2007 B 1117/263 Marsh Hawk Land Trust, Inc MVLBC Amendment of 1092/557 trail easement

2008 C 1151/732 Robert Knight et al., trustees Robert Knight et al., trustees

Easement

2008 C 1151/753 Robert Knight et al., trustees MVLBC Deed

2008 C 1151/769 Robert Knight et al., trustees MVLBC Trail easement

2008 C 1151/780 Robert Knight et al., trustees MVLBC Conservation restriction

2012 C 65/119 E. Baldwin Self, Jr. et al. MVLBC Release of restrictions and reservation of easements

2012 C 65/119 E. Baldwin Self, Jr. et al. MVLBC Covenant

2012 C 1275/884, 72/21 E. Baldwin Self, Jr. et al. Marsh Hawk Land Trust, Inc

Deed

2012 C 65/119 E. Baldwin Self, Jr. et al. Marsh Hawk Land Trust, Inc

Easement agreement


34

A

B

C

Survey and Deeds Map


35

Appendix C. Soils Maps and Descriptions


36

The soils on the preserve are from the Carver, Eastchop, and the Pawcatuck and

Matunuck series. The following soil descriptions are derived from the SCS (1986) Dukes County Soil Surveys.

a. Carver loamy coarse sand, 3 to 8 percent (CeB) CeB- Deep soil that is heavily sloping and excessively drained. The soil is poor for cultivated crops because of low water capacity. It is mostly found in woodlands, yet it does not provide high woodland productivity (SCS 1986).

b. Carver loamy coarse sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes (CeC)


37

Cec – A very deep soil, excessively sloping, that is excessively drained. This soil is poorly suited to cultivated crops, hay, pasture and woodland productivity and is generally suitable for building sites due to slope (SCS 1986).

c. Carver loamy coarse sand, 15 to 25 percent slopes (CeD)

CeD- A very deep and moderately steep soil that is excessively drained. This is usually found on the hills and ridges on moraines and side slopes of swales on outwash plains. This soil is poorly suited to cultivated crops, hay, pasture and woodland productivity. If used for building, land shaping is generally needed.

d. Eastchop loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes (EcB)

EcB- A very deep, gently sloping and excessively drained soil. The soil has low water capacity, making it poor for cultivated crops, hay, pasture, or woodland productivity. This soil would be suitable for buildings with or without basements, but would be difficult to grow grass or shrubs on.

e. Eastchop loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes (EcC)

EcC- A very deep, strong sloping, and excessively drained soil. The soil is highly permeable with low water capacity. It is poor for cultivated crops, hay, pasture, or woodland productivity. Heavy slopes in these sites limit building, and land shaping is usually required.

f. Eastchop loamy sand, 15 to 35 percent slopes (EcD)

EcD- A very deep, strong sloping, and excessively drained soil. The soil is highly permeable with low water capacity. It is poor for cultivated crops, hay, or pasture. These areas are typically wooded, but poor for woodland productivity. Heavy slopes in these sites limit building, and land shaping is usually required.

g. Pawcatuck and Matunuck mucky peats, 0 to 1 percent slopes (PaA)

PaA- A very deep, level, poorly drained soil in tidal areas that is subject to daily flooding. Many areas in this soil have salt tolerant grasses.

h. Water (W)

W – A small portion of the preserve is designated as water. At times this area may be flooded by the rising pond levels prior to an opening of the pond, especially in the spring.


38

Appendix D: Historical Maps


39


40


41


42


43

Appendix E: Vegetation

Vegetation inventories and surveys of Hickory Cove Preserve were conducted in in 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The point sampling method as described by Avery and Burkhart (1994) was used to inventory the trees in the woodlands. A total of 9 points was inventoried in the mixed-oak woodlands and 5 in the pitch pine woodland. Circular plots (3-meter

2) were used to inventory the understory at each woodland point. Species diversity,

density and percent cover of understory vegetation were recorded for all plots following methods described by Dunwiddie (1986). The shrubland and grassland were inventoried following methods described by Dunwiddie (1986). Species diversity and density were recorded within 2-m

2 circular plots in the shrubland and 1-m

2 circular plots in the grassland.

Twenty-three plots were randomly located along eleven transects located in the maritime shrubland on the preserve. Forty-two plots were randomly located along 11 transects in the cultural grassland on the preserve. The salt marsh was surveyed using the line-transect method. Three transects were surveyed from the maritime shrubland border to open water. Species percent cover in each five foot interval was recorded and averaged. Rare plant species were inventoried on the preserve during ongoing plant inventories conducted by land bank staff from April – October during 2006-2014. Flora at Hickory Cove Preserve is listed in Table 1 with proper nomenclature according to Flora Novae Angliae (Haines (2011). A description of each cover type and quantitative summary of surveys follows:

Table 1. Flora of Hickory Cove Preserve based on vegetation inventories and surveys from 2006-2014

Scientific name Common name Rank cu

ltu

ral g

rassla

nd

pitch

pin

e w

oo

dla

nd

mix

ed

-oa

k w

oo

dla

nd

pitch

pin

e-o

ak w

oo

dla

nd

mix

ed

de

cid

uo

us w

oo

dla

nd

ma

ritim

e s

hru

bla

nd

tid

al sa

lt m

ars

h

sh

rub

sw

am

p

em

erg

en

t m

ars

h

be

etle

bu

ng

sw

am

p

old

ro

ad

be

ach

/du

ne

20

07

an

d e

arl

ier

20

11

20

12

-20

13

20

14

Non-vascular plants

Lichen

1 Usnea strigosus old mans beard X x x x x

Moss

2 Polytrichum species haircap moss x x X X

3 Sphagnum sp sphagnum moss x X X

CHLOROPHYTA

Chlorophyceae

1 Codium fragile dead man'd fingers x x x

Fucaceae

2 Fucus vesiculosus bladderwrack x x x


44

Sargassaceae

3 Sargassum filipendula seaweed x x x

Corallinales

4 Corallina officinalis red seaweed x

Vascular plants

GRAMINOID

Cyperaceae

1 Carex pensylvanica pennsylvania sedge AN C A x X U x x x X x x

2 Carex scoparia broom sedge UN U x

3 Cyperus filiculmis sand flat-sedge O/F N U x X

4 Scirpus robustus saltmarsh bullrush UN x

5

Schoenopiectus

tabernaemontanii soft-stemmed bullrush UN x X

Juncaceae

6 Juncus gerardii black grass AN x X X

7 Juncus canadensis Canada rush FN x

8 Juncus effusus soft rush AN x X x x

9 Juncus greenei Greene's rush FN U x U x x X x

10 Juncus tenuis path rush AN U x x

Poaceae

11 Agrostis gigantea redtop FI U x X x x

12 Agrostis capillaris rhode island bentgrass UI x x x

13 Agrostis scabra rough bentgrass ?N x x x

14 Elymus repens quackgrass ? U x

15 Ammophila breviligulata American beach grass AN x x x x x

16 Anthoxanthum odoratum sweet vernal grass FI U x x U x x X x x

17 Dactylis glomerata orchard grass FI x x x X x

18 Danthonia spicata poverty grass FA U x x U x X

19 Descampsia flexuosa crinkled hairgrass FN U U x x x x x X x

20 Eragrostis spectabilis purple lovegrass FN U x

21 Festuca cf. rubra red fescue FN U x x X x x

22 Festuca filiformes hair fescue UI C x x X x

23 Festuca ovina sheep fescue FI U x x x x

24 Holcus lanatus velvet grass AI U x x U x x X x x

25 Panicum lanuginosum panic grass ? U

26 Panicum virgatum switchgrass FN U x x x x x x X x x

27 Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem FN A U x x X x x

28 Spartina alterniflora smooth cordgrass AN A x

29 Spartina patens saltmeadow cordgrass AN C x

30 Spartina pectinata freshwater cordgrass AN x x

31 Echinochloa walteri coast barnyard grass UN x


45

32 Distichlis spicata saltgrass FN A

33 Dichanthelium acuminatum panic grass UN x

34 Phragmites australis phragmites AI x x

35 Paspalum setaceum slender paspalum UN U x x x

36 Poa annua annual bluegrass UI U x

37 Setaria faberi giant foxtail RI x x

FERN

Dennstaedtiaceae

38 Pteridium aquilinum bracken fern AN x x X x x

Onocleaceae

39 Onoclea sensibilis sensitive fern AN x x X x

Osmundaceae

40 Osmunda cinnamomea cinnamon fern AN x X x

Thelypteridaceae

41 Thelypteris palustris marsh fern AN x

42 Thelypteris noveboracensis New York fern FN C x X

43 Thelypteris simulata Massachusetts fern O/FN x x x X x

HERB

Anacardiaceae

44 Toxicodendron radicans poison ivy AN U A x A A A U x x x x x X x x

Apiaceae

45 Daucus carota Queen Anne's Lace FI U U X

46 Heracleum maximum cow parsnip ON x x x

Araliaceae

47 Aralia nudicaulis wild sarsaparilla FN x X

Asclepiadaceae

48 Asclepias syriaca common milkweed AN x U X

49 Asclepias tuberosa butterfly-weed FN U X

Asteraceae

50 Achillea millefolium yarrow AI U U x x X x x

51 Symphyotrichum ericoides many-flowerd aster ON x x

52 lonactis linarifolius stiff aster AN U x x X x x

53 Symphotrichum novi-belgii New York aster FN x

54 Symphotrichum dumosum bushy aster FN x x x x

55

Xanthium strumarium var.

canadensis common cocklebur ON x

56 Sonchus asper spiny leaved sow thistle UI x x x

57 Krigia virginica dwarf dandelion ON x x

58 Artemisia stelleriana wormwood FI x x

59 Sericocarpus linifolius narrow white-topped aster ON x X

60 Symphotrichum undulatum wavy-leaved aster FN U U x

61 Baccharis halimifolia groundsel tree FN U U x X x x


46

62 Leucanthemum vulgare oxeye daisy AI x X x

63 Cirsium arvense Canada thistle OI U x

64 Cirsium horridulum yellow thistle FN x x

65 Cirsium vulgare bull thistle UI x X

66 Conyza canadensis coastal fleabane UN U

67 Pityopsis falcata sickle-leaved golden-aster x x x

68 Eupatorium dubium e. joe-pye weed ON x

69 Eupatorium hyssopifolium hyssop-leaved boneset FN x

70 Eurybia divaricata white wood aster ? R X

71 Euthamia graminifolia lance-leaf goldenrod AN U x x x x X x

72 Euthamia tenuifolia slender-leaved goldenrod AN x C U x X

73 Gnaphalium obtusifolium sweet everlasting AN x x x

74 Helianthus strumosus pale-leaved sunflower RN x x

75 Hieracium caespitosum field hawkweed UN U x x

76 Hieracium pilosella mouse-ear hawkweed UI x

77 Pluchea oderata saltmarsh fleabane FN x x

78 Hypochaeris radicata cat's ear FI C x X

79 Iva frutescens hightide bush FN x U X x

80 Lactuca canadensis wild lettuce FN x x x

81 Liatris novae-angliae New England blazing star RN x x x x x

82 Solidago elliottii Elliott's goldenrod FN x X

83 Solidago nemoralis gray goldenrod FN U x x

84 Solidago odora sweet goldenrod AN x x x x X x x

85 Solidago rugosa rough-stemmed goldenrod AN U x C C x X x

86 Solidago sempervirens seaside goldenrod AN x x x x x

87 Solidago juncea early goldenrod ON x x

88 Prenanthes trifoliolata tall rattlesnake root ON x x x

89 Aster tenuifolius saltmarsh aster ON U

90 Taraxacum officinale common dandelion AI x x

Brassicaceae

91 Alliaria petiolata garlic mustard ?I x X x

92 Cakile edentula sea rocket AN x x x

Caryophyllaceae

93 Cerastium vulgatum mouse-ear chickweed AI U

94

Honkenya peploides var.

robusta seabeach sandwort FN x x

Cistaceae

95 Crocanthemum canadense Canadian frostweed FN U x X

96 Lechea maritima beach pinweed FN x x

97 Lechea minor thymeleaf pinweed ON x

98 Lechea intermedia intermediate pinweed U

Chenopodiaceae


47

99 Salsola kali seabeach saltwort FN x x x

100 Suaeda linearis seablite UN x x

101 Salicornia virginica glasswort UN U

102 Salicornia europaea glasswort UN C

103 Atriplex patula common marsh orach UN x

Clusiaceae

104 Hypericum perforatum common St. Johnswort FI x X x

105 Triadenum virginicum marsh St. Johnswort FN x x X x

Convolvulaceae

106 Calystegia sepium hedge false bindweed ON x x

Euphorbiaceae

107 Euphorbia polygonifolia seaside spurge FN x x

Fabaceae

108 Baptisia tinctoria wild indigo FN x x

109 Lathyrus maritimus beach pea AN x x

110 Lespedeza capitata round-headed bush clover FN U x X x

111 Trifolium arvense rabbit-foot clover FI x X

112 Trifolium campestre low hop clover UI x X

113 Vicia cracca cow vetch O/FI x x

114 Vicia lathyroides spring vetch ? x x

Gentianaceae

115 Bartonia paniculata screwstem RN x X

Geraniaceae

116 Geranium maculatum wild geranium ON x x X x

Haloragaceae

117 Prosperpinaca palustris mermaid weed UN x

Iridaceae

118 Iris prismatica slender blue flag iris FN x x x

119 Iris versicolor larger blue flag iris AN x x

120 Sisyrinchium atlanticum eastern blue-eyed grass ON x

121 Sisyrinchium angustifollium stout blue-eyed grass UN x X

122 Sisyrinchium fuscatum sandplain blue-eyed grass ON-SC U X

Lamiaceae

123 Asparagus officinalis asparagus OI x

124 Lycopus uniflorus northern bugleweed UN x X x

125 Mentha piperita peppermint UI x x

126 Teucrium canadensis American germander FN x x X x

Liliaceae

127 Maianthemum canadense Canada mayflower AN x x X x

128 Polygonatum pubescens solomon seal ON x x

129 Cypripedium acaule lady slipper FN x


48

Lythraceae

130 Decodon verticillatus swamp loosestrife FN x x x

Monotropaceae

131 Monotropa uniflora indian pipe U x X X

Myricaceae

132 Comptonia peregrina sweetfern x x

Onagraceae

133 Circaea lutetiana enchanter's nightshade ON x X

134 Ludwigia palustris common water purslane ON x

135 Oenothera fruticosa sundrops RN x x

Orchidaceae

136 Cypripedium acaule lady slipper FN x x

Papaveraceae

137 Glaucium flavum yellow horn poopy OI x

Phytolaccaceae

138 Phytolacca americana pokeweed FN x x

Plantaginaceae

139 Plantago major dooryard plaintain UI x x x

140 Plantago lanceolata english plantain AI U x X x

141 Veronica scotellata marsh speedwell ?N x

Plumbaginaceae

142 Limonium carolinianum sea lavender FN U x

Polygalaceae

143 Polygala polygama bitter milkwort O/F N x X

Polygonaceae

144 Polygonum glaucum sea knotweed O/N-SC x

145

Persicaria hydropiperoides var.

hydropiperoides mild water-pepper UN x x x

146 Polygonum scandens climbing bindweed FN x x

147 Rumex acetosella field sorrel AI A U x x

148 Rumex crispus sour dock FI x X

149 Polygonella articulata coast jointweed FN x x

Primulaceae

150 Lysimachia quadrifolia whorled loosestrife O/FN x x X x

151 Trientalis borealis Raf. Starflower FN x x x x U x x X x

Rosaceae

152 Fragaria virginiana wild strawberry ON C x x X x

153 Potentilla canadensis dwarf cinquefoil FN U X x

154 Rosa multiflora multiflora rose AI x X

Ranunculaceae

155 Anemone quinquefolia wood anemone FN x X X X

Rubiaceae


49

156 Galium asprellum rough bedstraw UN x X

Scrophulariaceae

157 Linaria canadensis blue toadflax FN x x

158 Verbascum thapsus common mullein FI x x

Typhaceae

159 Typha angustifolia narrow-leaved cattail ON x X x

Violaceae

160 Viola lanceolata lanceleaf violet FN x x

SHRUB

Anacardiaceae

161 Rhus copallinum shinning sumac FN U U x x x X x

162 Rhus typhina staghorn sumac FN x x

Aquifoliaceae

163 Ilex verticillata winterberry FN x x x

Caprifoliaceae

164

Viburnum dentatum var.

venosum southern (hairy) arrowwood UN x x A x C x x x x x

165 Viburnum denatum var. lucidum smooth arrowwood AN x x x x x x x x x X x x

Betulaceae

166 Corylus americana American Hazelnut FN U C x x x C x x x x x X x

167 Corylus cornuta beacked hazelnut ON A U

Celastraceae

168 Euonymus alatus burning bush ?I x x

Clethraceae

169 Clethra alnifolia sweet pepperbush AN x x x X x

Elaeagnaceae

170 Elaeagnus umbellata autum olive UI x X x

Ericaceae

170 Gaultheria procumbens wintergreen AN x X X

172 Gaylussacia baccata black huckleberry AN x x U x U x X x x

173 Lyonia ligustrina maleberry FN x X

174 Rhododendron viscosum swamp azalea FN U C x x x x x X x x

175 Vaccinium corymbosum highbush blueberry FN U x x x x U x x x X x x

176 Vaccinium angustifolium early lowbush blueberry FN U C U x x x

177 Vaccinium pallidum late lowbush blueberry FN x C x A C U x x x X x x

Fabaceae

178 Wisteria floribunda Japanese wisteria ?I x X x

Lauraceae

179 Sassafras albidum sassafras F/AN x x A x x x x x X x x

Myricaceae

180 Myrica pensylvanica bayberry AN x U x x x A U x x x x X x x

Oleaceae


50

181 Ligustrum vulgare hedge privet UI x

Rosaceae

182 Amelanchier nantucketensis Nantucket shadbush ON x x x x x

183 Aronia arbutifolia red chokeberry ON x x X x

184 Aronia melanocarpa black chokeberry ON x x U x x

185 Prunus maritima beach plum F/AN x U x x x x

186 Prunus serotina black cherry AN U U x A U C U x x x x X x

187 Rosa carolina pasture rose FN x C x x x x X x x

188 Rosa rugosa beach rose AI x x x x

189 Rosa virginiana virginia rose FN U U x X x A x x x x

TREE

Aceraceae

190 Acer pseudoplatanus sycamore maple RI x x

191 Acer rubrum red maple AN x X x

Cornaceae

192 Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. Beetlebung AN x x x x x x X x

193 Benthamidia japonica Kousa dogwood ?I x x x x

Cupressaceae

194 Juniperus virginiana eastern redcedar AN U x x U U U x x x X x x

Fabaceae

195 Albizia julibrissin Mimosa ?I x X x

Fagaceae

196 Fagus grandifolia Ehrh. American Beech FN R X x

197 Quercus alba white oak AN x x

C/A U U x x x x x

198 Quercus coccinea scarlet oak AN x x x X x x

199 Quercus ilicifolia scrub oak AN U A x x C X x x x x X x x

200 Quercus velutina black oak AN U

C/U x

C/A C x x x x X x x

Juglandaceae

201 Carya tomentosa mockernut hickory ON x x

Magnoliaceae

202 Liriodendron tulipifera tulip poplar ? x x X x

Pinaceae

203 Pinus rigida pitch pine AN U A C U x x x x x X x x

204 Pinus strobus white pine I x x x

Rosaceae

205 Amelanchier laevis shadbush U x x x X x

206 Prunus serrulata Japanese flowering cherry ?I x x x

Salicaceae

207 Salix sp. willow ? x X

VINE


51

Caprifoliaceae

208 Lonicera morrowii Morrow honeysuckle AI x x x x x x X x x

209 Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle AI x U x x

Celastraceae

210 Celastrus orbiculatus Asian bittersweet AI x x C x x x X x x

211 Wisteria sp. Wisteria ?I x X X

Cuscutaceae

212 Cuscuta gronovii common dodder UN U

Fabaceae

213 Baptisia tinctoria rattleweed FN x X

Polygonaceae

214 Polygonum scandens climbing false buckwheat UN x x x

Rosaceae

215 Rubus allegheniensis common blackberry FN x

216 Rubus flagellaris prickly dewberry FN U x x A x x X x x

217 Rubus hispidus bristly dewberry AN U U x x

218 Rubus occidentalis black raspberry UN x X x

Smilacaceae

219 Smilax glauca sawbrier O/FN x x x x X

220 Smilax rotundifolia common greenbrier AN U x A A C x x x x x X x x

Solanaceae

221 Solanum dulcamara bittersweet nightshade OI x x X

Vitaceae

222 Parthenocissus quinquefolia virginia creeper AN U U x A C A x x x x x X x x

223 Visits aestivalis summer grape FN U U x X x

224 Vitis labrusca red fox grape ON U x x x x x

11

7

37

26

26

39

63

33

38

34

33

47

15

aRarity of plants on Martha’s Vineyard: U= unknown, A=abundant (almost always occur in typical habitat), F = frequent

(often occur in typical habitat), O = occasional (occur in more than 10 sites but are not expected to occur in typical habitat ), R = rare (occur in 10 or fewer sites, H = historic (recorded but not sighted in past 40 years), N = native, I = introduced, WL = watch listed by MA, SC = special concern by MA, E = endangered, T = threatened. b

Survey results: A = abundant (percent occurrence > 50%), C = common (percent occurrence >21% and <50%), U = uncommon (percent occurrence <20%), X = present on the Preserve but not detected during survey;

Sources: Haines 2011, Swanson and Knapp 1999, Newcomb 1977.


52

Habitat Description

a. Cultural Grassland (18.75 acres) The grassland covers 28% of the preserve and provides habitat for 53% of plants known to occur on the preserve. The preserve was historically used for pasturing but in the past few decades has been maintained through clearing and mowing. The grassland supports a diverse mixture of sandplain and cultural grassland species and is dominated by little blue stem, Pennsylvania sedge, and hair fescue as well as field sorrel, cat’s ear and wild strawberry. The greater diversity of plants in this habitat occurs along the old roads, driveways and house foundations where disturbance was more frequent. The rare New England blazing star especially, prefers the more disturbed roadside edges. The rare sandplain blue-eyed grass occurs in isolated areas where ground cover is sparse and bare ground is present.


53

b. Maritime Communities (15.9 acres)

Dune/Beach (2.6 acres) Cape Poge Pond and Edgartown Outer Harbor are bordered by a narrow stretch of sand and cobble beach that quickly transitions into one of three habitats: a steep bank, coastal dune and tidal salt marsh. Much of the beach is devoid of vegetation except near the transition zone with the above- mentioned habitats. The shallow water of Cape Poge Pond near the shore is filled with a lush bed of seaweed. Common beach plants such as seablite, seabeach saltwort and seabeach sandwort, common cocklebur, seaside spurge and the ever so colorful beach pea pop up along the sandy beach among the large cobbles. The dune is located in a very small area near “Cove Meadow” and consists of American beach grass, beach rose and wormwood. Maritime shrubland (4.6 acres) The maritime shrubland extends around the tidal salt marsh and along the backside of the beach/dune community. The maritime shrubland behind the dune/beach along Cape Poge Pond and Edgartown Outer Harbor is dominated by bayberry, Virginia rose, poison ivy, prickly dewberry, and Virginia creeper with poison ivy having the greatest important value (39%). Importance values are the sum of relative dominance, relative density and relative frequency of occurrence. The maritime shrubland that edges the tidal salt marsh “Cove Meadow” comprises marsh elder, bayberry, beach plumb and Virginia rose; a similar composition to the maritime shrubland elsewhere on the preserve but with the addition of marsh elder and beach plumb in greater numbers. Salt marsh (8.7 acres) The salt marsh, “Cove Meadow”, is an expansive sea of grass with a main stream running through it connecting the upper and lower marsh to Cape Poge Pond. Spartina alterniflora is the dominant grass in the salt marsh followed by Distichilis spicata and Spartina patens. There are few herbs visible but upon closer inspection Salicornia europaea occurs, although in small numbers, throughout much of the salt marsh. Aster tenuifolius and Limonium carolinianum add a splash of color to the vibrant green of the salt marsh grasses.

c. Woodlands (29.6 acres) Mixed-oak woodland (1.3 acres) The mixed-oak woodland covers 2% of the preserve and supports habitat for 11% of plants known to occur on the preserve. Trees in the woodland are, on average, 45-60 feet high and are large spreading black oak trees mixed with smaller sassafras and white oaks. There is a dense understory of arrowwood, highbush blueberry, black cherry and hazelnut. Dominant ground cover is poison ivy and lowbush blueberry. Mixed-deciduous woodland (6.2 acres) The mixed-deciduous woodland covers 9% of the preserve and supports habitat for


54

18% of plants known to occur on the preserve. Trees in the woodland are, on average, 33 feet high and 8.6 inches in diameter at breast height. The estimated basal area per acre is 76 square feet for the entire woodland. There are an estimated 13 trees per acre in the dbh class of 10 inches and greater. The canopy of the woodland is dominated by sassafras with a mix of pitch pine, white oak, black cherry and red cedar scattered throughout. The canopy is modestly open and has an average percent canopy cover of 58%. Understory vegetation in the woodland is dense and dominated by common greenbrier, poison ivy and hazelnut. Pitch pine/ Mixed-deciduous woodland (16.9 acres) The pitch pine-oak woodland covers 23% of the preserve and supports habitat for 12% of plants known to occur on the preserve. Trees in the woodland are, on average, 33 feet high and 8.4 inches in diameter at breast height. The estimated basal area per acre is 83 square feet for the entire woodland. There are an estimated 34 trees per acre in the dbh class of 10 inches and greater. The canopy of the woodland is dominated by black oak and black cherry with a mix of white oak, pitch pine and red cedar. The canopy cover in the woodland is somewhat open and has an average cover of 48%. White oak and black oak are the dominant sapling in the woodland understory. Understory vegetation in the woodland is open and dominated by poison ivy, Virginia creeper, common greenbrier, blueberry and arrowwood. Pitch pine-oak woodland (5.1 acres) The mixed-oak woodland covers 7% of the preserve and supports habitat for 12% of plants known to occur on the preserve. Trees in the woodland are, on average, 48 feet high and 9.7 inches in diameter at breast height. The estimated basal area per acre is 150 square feet for the entire woodland. There are an estimated 100 trees per acre in the dbh class of 10 inches and greater. The canopy of the woodland is dominated by pitch pine with scrub oak and white oak as understory trees. The canopy cover in the woodland is moderately open and has an average cover of 64%. Understory vegetation in the woodland is sparse and dominated by poison ivy and Pennsylvania sedge.

d. Freshwater Wetlands (5.01 acres)


55

Shrub swamp (1.0 acres) The shrub swamp occurs in a dense and protective ring around the freshwater pond. Sweet pepperbush, highbush blueberry, shadbush, swamp azalea, chokecherry and arrowwood create a dense wall around the pond. Wild geranium, whorled loosestrife, marsh st. john’s and marsh fern dot the understory on the edge of the existing path around the pond.

Beetlebung swamp (0.55 acres) The beetlebung swamp occurs along the southern

edge of the freshwater pond on the preserve. The overstory is dominated by beetebung trees with a scattering of few sassafras mixed in. The understory comprises American hazelnut, poison ivy, scrub oak and oriental bittersweet.

Highbush blueberry thicket (0.16 acres) The small blueberry thicket occurs within

the pitch pine woodland on the preserve near Edgartown Outer Harbor. It is dense and is dominated by highbush blueberry. Other shrubs such as hazelnut, scrub oak, swamp azalea and chokecherry occur on the edges of the thicket.

Emergent marsh (3.3 acres) The largest of the freshwater wetlands, the emergent

marsh is a solid ring of cattails around the freshwater pond as well as the

Appendix F. Wildlife

Wildlife species were observed on the preserve through general property surveys, UV black-light surveys and diurnal Odonata and Lepidoptera surveys. Wildlife species seen or heard and evidence of wildlife species such as tracks and scat were recorded during general observations, vegetation surveys and avian bird counts in 2006-2014. Nocturnal moth species were surveyed using a stainless steel rigid vein 18-24 inch “leptrap” with a 32-40 Watt quantum black light. Traps were set using a photoelectric switch from dusk to dawn on six trap nights in May, June, July, August and September of 2010 and 8 trap nights in June, July, August and September of 2011. Species were collected, packaged and sent to Mark Mello, a local entomologist with the Lloyd Center for the Environment, in Dartmouth, MA, for positive identification. The upland vegetation community of Hickory Cove Preserve has a closed canopy in the mixed-oak and pitch pine woodlands and an open canopy in the cultural grassland. Berry-producing shrubs in the understory of the mixed-oak woodland and shrubland provide forage for wildlife. Dense understory vegetation of the woodland provides cover and nesting material for birds and small mammals. There are tall trees for nesting, roosting, and foraging wildlife species; mast-bearing trees (i.e. oak and beech) for fall foraging; fruiting shrubs and vines (i.e. huckleberry, shadbush, blueberry, greenbrier, and bayberry) for summer and fall foraging; and understory cover for foraging and ground nesting insects (i.e. beetles, ants and spiders), amphibians (i.e. red-backed salamander), reptiles (i.e. snakes and turtles), birds (i.e. towhee) and mammals (i.e. mice, shrews, raccoons and skunks). The nectar-producing flowing plants and cedar trees growing in and around the grassland are a superb food source for invertebrates namely, species in the Lepidoptera order. Predatory birds hunt the grasslands for small mammals and birds


56

The wetland vegetation community of Hickory Cove Preserve is a mixture of wooded swamp with a closed canopy of red maples and beetlebung and a dense understory of berry-producing shrubs; shrub swamp with a dense cover of berry-producing shrubs; maritime shrubland dominated by hightide bush; sandy/pebbly beach nearly devoid of vegetation that merges into dune dominated by American beach grass; saltmarsh dominated by Spartina sp.; and freshwater ponds ringed with emergent marsh dominated by cattails. The berry-producing shrubs provide forage and cover for wildlife species. Herbaceous vegetation in the shrub swamp and pond shoreline provides forage and breeding cover for invertebrates, waterfowl and other wildlife species. The aquatic vegetation in the ponds provides forage for predatory fish and nesting and cover for breeding fish and amphibian species. Wrack lines on the beach and the sand itself provides habitat for small invertebrates that are foraged by various shorebirds. Wetlands also provide excellent forage during the summer and fall migration for birds. Various waterfowl species and birds of prey hunt in the open ponds for fish and frogs. Table 2. Wildlife at Hickory Cove Preserve, Edgartown, MA

Scientific name

Common name

Season

founda

Kingdom Metazoa (Animalia)

Phylum Arthropoda

Subphylum Crustacea

Class Insecta

Order Diptera (true flies)

Family Bombyliidae: unknown species

bee fly Sp, S

Family Tabanidae: Tabanus nigrovittatus

greenhead fly S

Family Culicidae: species unknown

mosquitoes S, F

Order Hymenoptera (sawflies, ants,

wasps, and bees)

Family Apidae: Bombus pennsylvanicus bumble bee Sp, S

Family Sphecidae: Ammophila sp. Thread waisted wasp

S Order Lepidoptera (butterflies and

moths)b

Family Lycaenidae: Celastrina argiolus

spring azure Sp

Family Nymphalidae: Phoebis sennae cloudless sulfur S

Family Nymphalidae: Nymphalis antiopa

mourning cloak Sp, S

Family Nymphalidae: Cercyonis pegala

common wood- nymph

S

Family Hesperiidae: Erynnis juvenalis Juvenal’s duskywing S Order Odonata (damselflies and

dragonflies)

Family Aeschnidae: Anax junius

common green darner

S


57

Family Libellulidae: Erythemis simplicicollis eastern pondhawk S

Family Libellulidae: Libellulaneedhami Needham’s skimmer S

Family Libellulidae: Libellula lydia common whitetail S

Family Lestidae: Lestes rectangularis slender spreadwing S

Class Arachnida

Order Araneae

Family Araneidae: Argiope catenulata

orb-weaver spider S

Order Acarina

Family Ixididae: Dermacentor variabilis dog tick Sp, S, F

Family Ixididae: Ixodes scapularis

deer tick Sp, S, F

Phylum Chordata

Subphylum Vertebrata

Class Mammalia

Order Rodentia

Family Sciuridae: Tamias striatus

eastern chipmunk Sp, S, F

Order Carnivora

Family Mustelidae: Mephitis mephitis

striped skunk Sp, S, F

Family Mustelidae: Lontra canadensis river otter Sp. S. F

Order Artiodactyla

Family Cervidae: Odocoileus virginianus

white-tailed deer Sp, S, F

Order Anura

Family Hylidae: Pseudocaris crucifer

spring peeper Sp

Family Ranidae: Rana clamitans melanota

green frog Sp, S

aSeason: SP = spring, S = summer, F = fall, W = winter.

b complete list of moth species known to occur on the property is included in Table 3.


58

Table. 3. List of macrolepidoptera by month collected by Martha's Vineyard land bank staff on Hickory Cove Preserve, Edgartown, MA during 2010 and 2011.

Month Jun-1

0

Jul-10

Jun-1

1

Jul-11

Aug-1

1

Sep-1

1

Total

MONA Zook.

# #

DREPANIDAE

Oretinae

6255 Oreta rosea 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

GEOMETRIDAE

Ennominae

6272 Eumacaria latiferrugata 0 0 1 0 1 0 2

6282 Itame argillacearia 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

6339 Macaria transitaria 0 1 1 1 1 1 5

6341 Macaria bicolorata 0 0 1 1 1 0 3

6342 Macaria bisignata 0 0 1 1 0 0 2

6352 Macaria granitata 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

6353 Macaria multilineata 0 0 1 0 1 0 2

6386 Digrammia ocellinata 0 0 0 1 1 1 3

6449 Glena cribrataria 0 0 1 1 0 0 2

659 Anavitrinelia pampinaria 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

6597 Ectropis crepuscularia 1 0 1 1 0 0 3

6598 Protoboarmia porcelaria 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

662 Melanolophia canadaria 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

664 Biston betularia 1 1 0 0 0 0 2

6654 Hypagyrtis unipunctata 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

6655 Hypagyrtis esther 1 1 1 0 0 0 3

6667 Lomographa vestaliata 0 0 1 0 1 0 2

672 Lytrosis unitaria 1 0 1 0 0 0 2

6724 Euchlaena serrata 1 0 1 0 0 0 2

6725 Euchlaena muzaria 1 0 1 0 0 0 2

6739 Euchlaena irraria 1 0 1 0 0 0 2

6754 Pero ancetaria (="hubneraria") 0 0 0 1 1 0 2

6755 Pero morrisonaria 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

6796 Campaea perlata 0 1 1 0 0 1 3

6823 Metarranthis angularia 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

6827 Metarranthis refractaria 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

6843 Plagodis fervidaria 0 0 0 1 1 0 2

6864.1 Caripeta sp. nr.piniata 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

6885 Besma quercivoraria 0 0 0 1 1 0 2

6892 Lambdina pellucidaria 1 0 1 0 0 0 2

6941 Eusarca confusaria 1 1 1 1 1 0 5

6963 Tetracis crocallata 1 0 1 1 0 0 3

6964 Tetracis cachexiata 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

6974 Patalene olyzonaria puber 0 1 0 1 1 0 3


59

6982 Prochoerodes transversata 0 1 0 1 1 1 4

6987 Antepione thiosaria 0 0 0 1 1 0 2

79 Nematocampa resistaria 0 0 0 1 1 0 2

Geometrinae

753 Dichorda iridaria 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Sterrhinae

794 Lobocleta ossularia 0 1 0 0 1 0 2

7114 Idaea demissaria 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

7126 Idaea dimidiata 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

7132 Pleuroprucha insulsaria 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

7139 Cyclophora pendulinaria 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

7159 Scopula limboundata 0 1 1 1 1 0 4

7169 Scopula inductata 0 1 0 0 0 1 2

Larentiinae

7196 Eulithis diversilineata 1 0 0 1 1 0 3

739 Xanthorhoe lacustrata 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

7416 Costaconvexa centrostrigaria 0 0 1 1 1 0 3

Eupithecia spp. 1 1 1 1 0 0 4

7625 Chloroclystis rectangulata 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

MIMALLONIDAE

7659 Lacosoma chiridota 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

LASIOCAMPIDAE

Macromphalinae

7663 Apatelodes torrefacta 0 1 1 0 0 0 2

7673 Tolype laricis 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

Lasiocampinae

7698 Malacosoma disstria 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

SATURNIIDAE

Ceratocampinae

774 Eacles imperialis 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

7716 Anisota stigma 1 1 1 0 0 0 3

7723 Anisota virginiensis 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

Hemileucinae

7746 Automeris io 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Saturniinae

7757 Antheraea polyphemus 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

7758 Actias luna 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

SPHINGIDAE

Sphinginae

781 Sphinx gordius/poecilla 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

7816 Lapara coniferarum 1 0 0 1 0 0 2

7817 Lapara bombycoides 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

Smerinthinae

7824 Paonias excaecatus 1 1 1 1 1 0 5

7825 Paonias myops 1 0 1 1 0 0 3

7826 Paonias astylus 1 0 1 1 0 0 3

Macroglossinae

7861 Eumorpha achemon 0 1 0 0 0 0 1


60

7885 Darapsa myron 0 1 0 1 0 0 2

7886 Darapsa pholus 1 0 0 1 0 0 2

7894 Hyles lineata 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

NOTODONTIDAE

Notodontinae

7917 931 Hyperaeschra georgica 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

7936 9324 Furcula borealis 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

Phalerinae

792 9333 Datana ministra 1 1 0 1 0 0 3

794 9335 Datana drexelii 1 1 1 1 0 0 4

796 9337 Datana contracta 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

7915 9346 Nadata gibbosa 1 1 1 1 1 0 5

792 9349 Peridea angulosa 1 1 1 1 1 0 5

Heterocampinae

7975 9367 Macruocampa marthesia 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

7983 9375 Heterocampa obliqua 0 1 0 1 0 0 2

799 9382 Heterocampa umbrata 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

7994 9386 Heterocampa guttivitta 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

85 9398 Schizura ipomoeae 0 0 1 1 0 0 2

87 931 Schizura unicornis 0 0 1 0 1 0 2

822 93115 Hyparpax aurora 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Nystaleinae

7951 93127 Symmerista albifrons 0 0 1 1 0 0 2

EREBIDAE

Lymantriinae

832 93154 Dasychira obliquata 0 1 0 1 1 1 4

8314 93166 Orgyia definita 0 1 0 0 1 0 2

8316 93168 Orgyia leucostigma 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

Arctiinae

845.1 93219 Crambidia pallida 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

8196 93246 Grammia parthenice 0 1 0 0 0 1 2

8169 93278 Apantesis phalerata 1 1 0 0 1 0 3

8171 9328 Apantesis nais 1 0 1 0 0 0 2

8118 93297 Virbia (=”Holomelina”) opella 1 0 0 1 1 0 3

8121 93299 Virbia aurantiaca 1 1 1 1 1 1 6

8134 9339 Spilosoma congrua 1 0 1 1 0 0 3

8133 93311 Spilosoma latipennis 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

8137 93316 Spilosoma virginica 0 0 1 1 1 0 3

814 93319 Hyphantria cunea 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

8129 93335 Pyrrharctia isabella 1 0 1 0 0 0 2

817 93341 Haploa clymene 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

823 9336 Halysidota tessellaris 1 1 1 1 0 0 4

8211 9337 Lophocampa caryae 1 0 1 0 0 0 2

823 9344 Cycnia tenera 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

8267 9344 Cisseps fulvicollis 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

Herminiinae

8322 93469 Idia americalis 0 0 1 0 1 0 2

8323 93471 Idia aemula 0 0 1 0 0 0 1


61

8326 93474 Idia rotundalis 0 0 1 0 1 0 2

8328 93476 Idia julia 0 0 0 1 1 0 2

8334 93482 Idia lubricalis 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

8341 9349 Zanclognatha theralis 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

8353 935 Zanclognatha jacchusalis (“ochreipennis”) 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

8355 9352 Chytolita morbidalis 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

8356 9353 Chytolita petrealis 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

836 93511 Macrochilo orciferalis 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

8368 93518 Tetanolita floridana 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

837 9352 Bleptina caradrinalis 1 0 1 0 0 1 3

8378 93529 Renia salusalis 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

8379 9353 Renia factiosalis 0 0 0 1 1 0 2

8381 93532 Renia discoloralis 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

8384.1 93536 Renia flavipunctalis 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

8386 93538 Renia "adspergillus" (small, plain) 0 1 1 0 0 0 2

8387 93539 Renia sobrialis 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

8397 93551 Palthis angulalis 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

8398 93552 Palthis asopialis 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Pangraptinae

849 93559 Pangrapta decoralis 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

8491 9356 Ledaea perditalis 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Hypeninae

8444 93565 Hypena palparia 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

8465 93588 Hypena scabra 1 0 0 0 1 0 2

Scolecocampinae

8522 93643 Gabara subnivosella 1 0 1 1 0 0 3

Aventiinae

925 93698 Oruza albocostaliata 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Phytometrinae

938 9373 Hyperstrotia villificans 0 0 1 0 1 0 2

939 93731 Hyperstrotia flaviguttata 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

Erebinae

8774 93765 Catocala muliercula 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

8777 93767 Catocala badia 0 1 0 0 1 0 2

8857 93841 Catocala ultronia 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

8873 93855 Catocala similis 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

8738 93923 Caenurgina crassiuscula 1 1 1 1 0 1 5

8739 93924 Caenurgina erechtea 1 1 0 1 0 0 3

8745 93944 Mocis texana 0 1 1 1 1 0 4

8764 93956 Argyrostrotis anilis 1 0 1 1 0 0 3

8689 93123 Zale lunata 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

8697 93132 Zale minerea 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

8699 93134 Zale obliqua 0 1 1 1 0 0 3

877 93142 Zale metatoides 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

8717 93153 Zale horrida 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

9821 93163 Amolita roseola 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

Eulepidotinae

8587 93189 Panopoda rufimargo 0 0 1 1 0 0 2


62

EUTELIIDAE

8955 93113 Marathyssa inficita 0 1 1 1 0 0 3

8962 931111 Paectes abrostoloides 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

NOLIDAE

Nolinae

8983.1 931122 Meganola phylla 0 1 1 0 1 0 3

8983.2 931123 Meganola spodia 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

NOCTUIDAE

Plusiinae

889 93117 Chrysodeixis includens 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

8924 931234 Anagrapha falicfera 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Bagisarinae

9169 931241 Bagisara rectifascia 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

Eustrotiinae

944 931284 Marimatha nigrofimbria 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

949 931295 Maliattha synochitis 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Pantheinae

9189 93146 Charadra deridens 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

Balsinae

9663 931418 Balsa tristrigella 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Acronictinae

92 931421 Acronicta americana 1 0 0 1 0 0 2

9228 931445 Acronicta hasta 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

9237 931454 Acronicta interrupta 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

9238 931455 Acronicta lobeliae 1 0 0 1 0 0 2

9243 931463 Acronicta ovata 0 0 1 1 0 0 2

9244 931465 Acronicta modica 1 1 0 1 0 0 3

9245 931466 Acronicta haesitata 0 0 1 1 0 0 2

9249 931467 Acronicta increta (+"inclara") 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

9247 931469 Acronicta tristis 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

9254 931471 Acronicta afflicta 1 1 0 1 0 0 3

9264 931478 Acronicta longa 0 1 0 1 0 0 2

9272 931485 Acronicta oblinita 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

9281 931494 Agriopodes fallax 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

9285 931497 Polygrammate hebraeicum 1 0 1 1 0 0 3

9286 931498 Harrisimemna trisignata 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

962 93151 Cerma cerintha 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Cucullinae

12 93154 Cucullia asteroides 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

Oncocnemidinae

1135 931875 Sympistis riparia 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

Condicinae

969 931989 Condica videns 0 1 0 1 1 0 3

9699 931998 Condica sutor 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

972 93218 Ogdoconta cinereola 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

957 93226 Homophoberia apicosa 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

Heliothinae

1155 93239 Derrima stellata 0 0 0 0 1 0 1


63

1168 93245 Helicoverpa zea 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

1171 93254 Heliothis virescens 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

11128 932134 Schinia arcigera 0 1 0 0 1 0 2

11177 932156 Schinia nundina 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

Noctuinae

953 93225 Pseudeustrotia carneola 0 0 0 1 1 0 2

9618 93228 Phosphila turbulenta 1 0 0 1 1 0 3

9619 93229 Phosphila miseloides 0 0 1 1 0 0 2

9665 932215 Spodoptera exigua 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

9666 932216 Spodoptera frugiperda 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

9669 932219 Spodoptera ornithogalli 1 1 0 1 0 0 3

9678 932228 Elaphria versicolor 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

9681 932233 Elaphria festivoides 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

9688 932249 Galgula partita 1 1 1 0 1 0 4

956 932272 Dypterygia rozmani 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

9378 932339 Apamea burgessi 0 1 0 0 0 1 2

9449 932438 Capsula oblonga 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

9457 932447 Amphipoea americana 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

9556 932713 Chytonix palliatricula 0 0 1 1 0 0 2

9629 932749 Fagitana littera 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

1524 93281 Nephelodes minians 0 1 0 0 0 1 2

13 932882 Spiramater grandis 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

131 932883 Spiramater lutra 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

1268 93298 Sideridis maryx 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

1431 932928 Dargida diffusa 0 1 0 0 1 0 2

1438 932935 Mythimna unipuncta 0 1 1 1 0 1 4

1444 932943 Leucania phragmatidicola 1 0 0 0 1 0 2

1445 932944 Leucania linda 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

1459 932963 Leucania inermis 1 0 1 0 0 0 2

1461 932965 Leucania ursula 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

1397 93344 Lacinipolia renigera 1 1 1 0 0 0 3

1587 933138 Orthodes cynica 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

1288 933136 “Polia” detracta 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

1627 933193 Tricholita signata 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

193 933216 Anicla illapsa 1 0 1 0 0 1 3

187 933232 Dichagyris acclivis 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

175 933319 Euxoa messoria 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

185 933395 Euxoa tessellata 0 0 1 1 0 0 2

1838 933461 Euxoa detersa 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

1865 933481 Euxoa perpolita 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

168 933495 Feltia geniculata 0 1 0 0 1 1 3

167 933498 Feltia jaculifera 0 1 0 0 0 1 2

1674 93351 Feltia subgothica 0 1 0 0 1 0 2

1676 93353 Feltia herilis 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

1641 93356 Agrotis vetusta 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

1659 933521 Agrotis volubilis 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

1663 933528 Agrotis ipsilon 0 1 0 1 0 0 2

111 933547 Lycophotia phyllophora 1 0 1 1 0 0 3


64

1112.2 933551 Noctua pronuba 1 1 1 0 1 1 5

1944 933572 Xestia smithii 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

1942.1 933589 Xestia dolosa 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

195 933629 Pseudohermonassa bicarnea 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

116 933649 Protolampra brunneicollis 0 1 1 0 1 1 4

1131 933663 Abagrotis nefascia 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

1129 93368 Abagrotis alternata 0 1 0 1 1 1 4

# of Species 65 74 112 87 66 24 236

Yellow highlight depicts Commonwealth-listed species Species reflect the Zookeys 40:1-239, 2010, nomenclature catalog numbers although MONA numbers are included. Names changes made after 2010 are also reflected for Zanclognatha jacchusalis which is now Z. ochreipennis; Z. jacchusalis is now Z. marcidilnea; Zale lunifera or Zale sp 1.which is now Z. intenta; and Genus Itame is now Speranza and Anagoga occiduaria is now Plagodis pulveraria.

Appendix G. Avian Checklist and Seasonal Tables

Land bank staff conducted 5-minute point count surveys of birds in Hickory Cove Preserve for May, July, August, and October of 2006, March 2007, October 2008, June and July of 2011, May, June, July, August, and September of 2012, January, May, June, July, and August of 2013. The presence of occasional migrant and resident birds throughout the fall migration, winter, spring migration and breeding season was recorded during a total of 23 visits. Birds were sampled from seven survey locations – shrubland, mixed-oak woodland, beach, salt marsh, pond, pine woodland, and grassland. All birds seen or heard during a five-minute period were recorded. Birds seen or heard by land bank staff outside of the count period were noted as present on the property but were not included in quantitative analyses. Bird species in the various habitats are seasonally-dependent. Some bird species occur in more than one habitat type and during more than one season. Total species counts do not include multiple sightings of an individual species. The breeding season followed by the spring and then fall migration yielded the greatest richness of bird species (Tables 5, 6 and 7). Most of the birds that occur on the preserve during the breeding season are tree/shrub nesters compared to ground and cavity nesters (Table 6). The variety of habitats on this property provides habitat for all 3 types of nesters. The most common birds observed throughout much of the year on the preserve are consistently the black-capped chickadee, American crow, eastern towhee, grey catbird, red-winged blackbird, and blue jay (Tables 5-8). The towhees and catbirds, which were common in the spring and summer, were not observed during the winter months as they migrate to warmer places for the winter (Table 8). Observations of behaviors associated with nesting or rearing of young such as adults


65

carrying nesting material or food to a nest, carrying fecal sacs from a nest or attending hatch-year birds can confirm that a species is breeding on the property, as can locating an active nest. A species is probably breeding if singing territorial males are present on the property on two occasions at least a week apart. A species is possibly breeding if it is detected in suitable breeding habitat during the breeding season. Of the 27 bird species observed on the preserve during the summer breeding season, one is a non confirmed breeder; eight are probable breeders; eleven are possible breeders; and seven are non-breeders (Table 6). Table 5. Avian species observed during the spring on the Self and Plumb Properties of Hickory Cove Preserve Edgartown, MA following 5-minute point count surveys during 2007 and 2008.

Spring

Mix

ed

-oak

Woodla

nd

c

Salt M

ars

h

Pond

Gra

ssla

nd

Pin

e

Beach

Species a 2012 N=5 2011 N=3

2012 N=5 2013 N=5

2012 N=5 2013 N=5

2012 N=5 2013 N=5

2006 N=8 2006 N=8 2013 N=5

Year-Round Residents

American crow O U O O U O

American robin U U U U

American goldfinch U U U C U U

Black-capped Chickadee O U C

Blue jay U U

Brown-headed Cowbird U U

Canada Goose U U

Carolina wren O U O U

Cedar Waxwing U

Common Grackle U U

Downy Woodpecker

Double-Crested Cormorant U

Grey catbird C O C U U

Herring Gull U O

Mallard O

Mourning Dove U

Northern Cardinal O O O U

Northern Flicker O

Red-tailed Hawk U

Red-Winged Blackbird C C C O

Song Sparrow O U C

Turkey Vulture U

White-breasted Nuthatch U U

Summer Breeders

Bank Swallow U U

Barn Swallow O U O U

Belted Kingfisher U

Black-backed gull O O U O

Chipping sparrow


66

Common Tern U

Common yellowthroat O O U O U O

Eastern Kingbird U

Eastern Towhee C C O C O U

Great-crested Flycatcher U U

Great Egret U

Gull U

Northern Oriole U

Osprey O C U O O

Pine Warbler O

Prairie Warbler U

Tree Swallow U U U U

Yellow-rumped warbler U

Yellow Warbler O O

Migrant

Common Tern U

Greater Yellow Legs U

a Seasonal grouping organized according to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds www.allaboutbirds.org;

b C=common birds (detected in more than 50% of the survey visits), O=occasional birds (detected in 26-50% of the

survey visits), U=uncommon birds (detected in 25% and fewer of the survey visits) and P=present birds (not detected during a survey period but observed on the property). Highlighted species are state-listed. c frequency values used to determine common, occasional or uncommon frequency are based on average of each

survey year relative to the number of visits for that year for example 2004 = 4 visits observed 3 times; 2003 = 4 visits observed once; 1993 = 10 visits observed 6 times: = (((3/4) + (1/4) + (6/10))/3)*100 answer is 53% which would be “C”

Table 6. Avian species observed during the summer breeding season Self and Plumb Properties of Hickory Cove Preserve Edgartown, MA following 5-minute point count surveys during 2007 and 2008.

Summer Nest Type a

Sta

tus b

Habitat c

Gro

und

Rais

ed in tre

e/s

hru

b

Cavity o

r burr

ow

Mixed-oak Woodland

Salt Marsh

Pond Grassland Pine Beach

Species 2006 N=5 2012 N=5

c

2013 N=4

2011 N=4 2012 N=5 2013 N=4

2011 N=4 2012 N=5 2013 N=4

2011 N=4 2012 N=5 2013 N=4

2006 N=10 2006 N=10 2011 N=4 2012 N=5 2013 N=4

Year-Round

Residents

American crow X PO C C C C O O

American goldfinch

X PO C O U O O U

American robin X PO U U U

Black-capped chickadee

X PO O U U U C

Black-crowned Night Heron

X PO U

Blue jay X PO O U U U


67

Canada Goose X PO U U U

Carolina Wren X PO U O U U U

Cedar Waxwing X PO O U U

Chipping Sparrow X PO U U

Common Grackle X NB U

Double Crested Cormorant

X PO U U O

Eastern Bluebird X NB U

Gray catbird X PO O C C U O U

Great Blue Heron X PO U

Gull X PO U U U

Hairy woodpecker

X PO U

Herring Gull X PO U U

House Sparrow X NB U U

Mallard X PO O

Mourning Dove X PO U U U

Northern cardinal X PO U U U U U

Northern Flicker X PO U U

Pied-Billed Grebe X PO U

Red-tailed Hawk X PO U

Red-winged Blackbird

X PO U C C C U U

Song sparrow X PO U C U

Virginia Rail X CO P

White-breasted nuthatch

X PO U U

White-throated Sparrow

X NB U

Summer

Breeders

American Oystercatcher

X PO U U

American Bittern X PO U O

Bank Swallow X PO U U U U

Barn Swallow X PO O U U U

Belted Kingfisher X PO U U

Black-Backed Gull

X PO U U U U

Brown Thrasher X NB U U

Cliff Swallow X PO U U U

Common yellowthroat

X PO U O U U U

Downy woodpecker

X PO U

Eastern phoebe X PO U U U

Eastern towhee X PO C C C C U

Great Crested Flycatcher

X NB U


68

Osprey X PO U U U U U

Pine warbler X PO U U C U

Tree swallow X PO U U

Yellow Warber X NB U

Migrants

Black-Backed plover

X OS-H

U

Black Tern X OS0H

U

Common Tern X OS-H

U

Greater Yellowlegs

X OS-

H

U

Lesser Yellowlegs

X OS-

H

U

Loon X OS-

H

U

Merlin X OS-H

U

a seasonal and nest type data from Cornell ornithology lab range and species information data

(www.allaboutbirds.org) and the Felix Neck Field Checklist of Martha’s Vineyard Birds, December 1992; * =

breeding in, under or on buildings b Breeding status: NB= observed during spring or summer but breeding habitat does not occur on the property,

NB-P= observed during the spring or summer but not in breeding habitat although breeding habitat exists on the property; PO= possible breeding (species detected in suitable breeding habitat during breeding period), PR=probable breeding (species heard singing on two occasions over one week apart in suitable breeding habitat during breeding period). CO=confirmed breeding (species carrying food, CF; feeding young, FY; with begging hatch-year fledglings, HY; or a located nest, N), OS= observed out of breeding season and without suitable habitat on the property, OS-H= observed out of breeding season but with suitable habitat on the property. c frequency values used to determine common, occasional or uncommon frequency are based on average of each

survey year relative to the number of visits for that year for example 2004 = 4 visits observed 3 times; 2003 = 4 visits

observed once; 1993 = 10 visits observed 6 times: = (((3/4) + (1/4) + (6/10))/3)*100 answer is 53% which would be

“C” d C= common (birds were detected in more than 50% of the survey visits)

O= occasional (birds were detected in 26-50% of the survey visits) U= uncommon (birds were detected in 25% and fewer of the survey visits) P= present (birds were not detected during a survey period but were observed on the property) Highlighted species are state-listed

Table 7. Avian species observed during the Fall on the Self and Plumb Properties of Hickory Cove Preserve Edgartown, MA following 5-minute point count surveys during 2007 and 2008.

Fall

Mix

ed

-oak

woodla

nd

Salt M

ars

h

Pond

Gra

ssla

nd

Beach

Scru

b o

ak

shru

bla

nd

Species a 2006 N=1

2012 N=1

2012 N=1

2012 N=1

1997 N=1 2006 N=1 2012 N=1

2006 N=1


American crow P P

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/


69

American goldfinch P

Black-capped chickadee P P P

Blue jay P P

Carolina wren P P

Double-crested cormorant

P

Gray Catbird P p

Great Blue Heron P

Herring Gull P

Mallard P

Northern Cardinal P P

Northern Junco P

Song Sparrow P P

White-throated sparrow P P

Summer Breeders

Black-backed Gull P

Eastern towhee P P P a seasonal and nest type data from Cornell ornithology lab range and species information data

(www.allaboutbirds.org) and the Felix Neck Field Checklist of Martha’s Vineyard Birds, December 1992 b frequency values used to determine common, occasional or uncommon frequency are based on average of each


observed once; 1993 = 10 visits observed 6 times : = (((3/4)+(1/4)+(6/10))/3)*100 answer is 53% which would be

“C”. If number of observation dates is insignificant, a P will be awarded to acknowledge that the species was present. c C= common (birds were detected in more than 50% of the survey visits)

O= occasional (birds were detected in 26-50% of the survey visits) U= uncommon (birds were detected in 25% and fewer of the survey visits) P= present (birds were not detected during a survey period but were observed on the property)

Table 8. Avian species observed during the Winter at Self and Plumb Properties of Hickory Cove Preserve Edgartown following 5-minute point count surveys in 2007.

Winter

Mix

ed-o

ak

woodla

nd

Pond

Gra

ssla

nd

Pin

e

Beach

Species a 2012 N=1 2007 N=4 2013 N=5

2013 N=1

2013 N=1

2007 N=4

2007 N=4 2013 N=1


American black duck P

American crow O P O U

American goldfinch

Black-capped chickadee O C

Blue jay U U

Bufflehead P U

Carolina Wren

Chipping Sparrow O

Double-Crested Cormorant



70

Gray Catbird O

Gull U

Eastern Bluebird U

Northern cardinal U

Northern Junco P

Red-Winged Blackbird

Song Sparrow U

White-breasted nuthatch U

Summer Breeder

Bank Swallow

Barn Swallow

Black-backed Gull

Common Yellowthroat

Eastern Towhee O P

Downy woodpecker U

Osprey U O U

Yellow-billed Cuckoo a seasonal and nest type data from Cornell ornithology lab range and species information data

(www.allaboutbirds.org) and the Felix Neck Field Checklist of Martha’s Vineyard Birds, December 1992 b C= common (birds were detected in more than 50% of the survey visits)

O= occasional (birds were detected in 26-50% of the survey visits) U= uncommon (birds were detected in 25% and fewer of the survey visits) P= present (birds were not detected during a survey period but were observed on the property) frequency values used to determine common, occasional or uncommon frequency are based on average of each


observed once; 1993 = 10 visits observed 6 times : = (((3/4)+(1/4)+(6/10))/3)*100 answer is 53% which would be

“C”. If number of observation dates is insignificant, a P will be awarded to acknowledge that the species was present

Appendix H. Endangered Species The commonwealth has designated a small area in the northern portion of the preserve in the salt marsh as possible habitat for the least tern. Inventories of the preserve resulted in an additional nine commonwealth-listed species for the preserve (Table 9). Suitable breeding and/or foraging habitat exists for all listed species observed on the preserve as well as forage habitat for the least tern. Impact to these commonwealth-listed species may be avoided through management actions that minimize tree cutting in the mixed-oak woodland; minimize disturbance to nesting wildlife in the wetlands; maintain open habitats; protect foraging shorebirds; and control invasive species. Table 9. State-listed rare species known to occur in priority and estimated habitat on or near Hickory Cove Preserve, Edgartown, MA.

Common Name Latin Name Habitat Requirement

Hab

itat

Stat

us

a

Po

pu

lati

on

Stat

us

b

Dat

e(s

)

Ob

serv

ed

Imperial moth Eacles imperialis pitch pine/ oak barrens and woodlands √ T

7/28/2011, 8/3/2011



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Coastal heathland cutworm Abagrostis nefascia

coastal grasslands, heathlands, and shrublands √ SC 8/3/2011

Dune noctuid moth Sympistis riparia coastal dunes, grasslands, and heathlands √ SC 6/30/2010

Eastern whip-poor-will Caprimulgus vociferus

dry, open woodlands and clearings √ SC -

American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus freshwater marshes, meadows, fens and bogs √ E

6/6/2012, 7/6/2012

Pied-billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps marshes, lakes, large ponds and wetlands √ E 6/25/2006

Common tern Sterna hirundo Sandy gravelly beaches √ SC 7/13/2013

New England blazing star

Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae

sandy grasslands, heathlands, and barrens √ SC

10/5/2009, 8/5/2010, 9/4/2012

Sandplain blue-eyed grass Sisyrinchium fuscatum

Dry sandy soil of early successional grassland √ SC 6/23/2011

a X=required habitat not present on the property, species not likely to occur on the property, √ = required habitat available on the property, species may occur on the property b E=endangered, T=Threatened, SC=Special concern sources: MA NHESP fact sheets, www.allaboutbirds.org



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Appendix I. Abutters Table 7. Abutters within 200 feet of Hickory Cove Preserve as recorded in the 2014 Edgartown assessors’ book.

31/16.2

Gerald Jeffers & Ronald

Monterosso, Trustees

PO box 433

Edgartown, MA 02539

31/10.11, 10.13

RF MD RS Knight, Jr.

MD DT Lowenstein Lane, Trustee

209 Chappaquiddick Road

Edgartown, MA 02539

18/31.6, 31.1

Karen Osler Self, Baldwin E. Self,

Jr. & Judith Murphy

11 West Trevor Hill

Plymouth, MA 02360

31/18

Steven Pajor

200 3rd

Street

Excelsior, MN 55331

18/48

Deborah Brinckerhoff

200 E 87 Street

Apt. 17J

New York, NY 10128

31/3.2

J. Woodward Filley

PO Box 5100

Edgartown, MA 02539

18/56.12

Cynthia P. Hubbard, Trustee

Woodcock Trust

45 White Trellis

Plymouth, MA 02360

18/45

Deirdre C. Menoyo

388 Willis Road

Sudbury, MA 01776

31/173

Louise M. Marx, Trustees &

A. Graham, Trustees

521 North Rose Lane

Haverford, PA 19041

18/56.13

David S. Plumb, Trustees

Pete Knapp, Nancy Plumb

75 Pearl Street

Portland, ME 04101

31/56.2

James & Mary Anne Walsh

Apt 9G

845 United Nations Plaza

New York, NY 10017

18/55

Samuel & Carol Fuller

5 Upland Road

Wellesley, MA 02482

18/56.14

Ashley Conant Harmon

Rutherford Winslow Hubbard

45 White Trellis

Plymouth, MA 02360

18/50

Charlotte T. Suhler, Trustees

188 Long Neck Point Road

Darien, CT 06820

18/32.5

BB & W Golf, LLC

c/o B. Bradford Woodger

35B North Neck Road

Edgartown, MA 02539

18/35

Marsh Hawk Land Trust, Inc

Attn: Emily Bramhall

Wakeman Center

RR1 Box 319-X

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

18/57

Northneck Chappy, LLC

c/o Rudolph Capell

11601 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1840

Los Angeles, CA 90025

18/34.1

Daniel J. Plaine & George W.

Grandison, Trustees

8710 Bellwood Road

Bethesda, MD 20817

18/31.4

BB Self Trustees, & EBS Trustee

c/o Karen Osler

11 West Trevor Hill Road

Plymouth, MA 02360

18/31.3

E. Baldwin Self, Jr

PO box 3113

Edgartown, MA 02539

18/67

Everel A. Black

c/o Shirley Wilcox

61 Cardinal Way

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

18/62

Everel Black & William Fynbo

etal

408 NE 15th

Street

Rochester, MN 55906

18/25

Rebecca J. Cournoyer, JL Black,

William Fynbo

408 NE 15th

Street

Rochester, MN 55906

18/63, 20.2, 22, 26

William Fynbo, Camille, Marge &

Mary Wille

408 NE 15th

Street

Rochester, MN 55906


74

18/23.1, 66

William C. Fynbo etal, Brine, &

R. Cournoyer

408 NE 15th

Street

Rochester, MN 55906

18/64, 19

Michael Hecht, Trustees

c/o Sue Haub/Ryan

PO Box 311

Emerson, NJ 07630

18/20.1

Paul F. Murphy, Trustees

c/o Bonnie Weiss

58 Commonwealth Ave

Boston, MA 02116

18/21

Shirley Wilcox, trustee

408 NE 15th

Street

Rochester, MN 55906

18/28.2

Mary Woodger & Scott Marshall,

trustees

Big Camp Nominee Trust

58 New Lenox Road

Lenox, MA 01240


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76


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Appendix J. Existing Use Map

Appendix K. Universal Access The Recreational Opportunities Spectrum (ROS) classification for Hickory Cove Preserve is “less developed”. The ROS is a model designed and used by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service to categorize conservation areas or universal access planning. The land bank framework for describing the accessibility of its properties is applied to Hickory Cove Preserve as follows.

Property Name: Hickory Cove Preserve

Size: 73 acres

Primary Activities: birding, hiking, boating and picnicking

Primary Elements: two sign stations, two benches

Primary Spaces: views of Cape Poge Pond, views of Edgartown Outer Harbor, view of the


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salt marsh, boat access to Cape Poge Pond

Obstacles that Limit Accessibility: distance

Existing or Potential Alternatives: Poucha Pond Reservation, Three Ponds Reservation

Proposed ROS Classification: less-developed

Proposed Expectation of Accessibility: possible For all less-developed land bank conservation areas, the Universal Access Plan states the following (Potter 1997):

Use outdoor recreation access routes to link primary elements and primary spaces within one-quarter mile of a trailhead or drop-off and use accessible recreation trails to connect other primary elements and primary spaces on all less-developed land bank conservation areas.

Universal access exists on this preserve in the form of a two- to three-vehicle trailhead located near the cemetery off Jeffers Lane and approximately 150’ of UA trail made from stone hardener with views of Cape Poge Pond as well as one UA trailhead at the boat access point on Cape Poge Pond with access to the beach and the boat drop-off. No additional UA trails are proposed due to the distance from the trailheads.

edgartown, massachusetts management plan st 1 9 8 e m n a...

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