 Forests
Down 1 from 76 in 2003
Second only to wetlands, forests are critical to a healthy Bay ecosystem. Forests contribute to the Bay’s health in a variety of ways. They filter nitrogen pollution, absorb rainfall and regulate streamflow, moderate stream temperature, stabilize soils and support fish and wildlife habitat.
It is estimated that the Bay watershed has lost more than 2,500 acres of forest cover in the past seven years, leading to a one point drop in score over our last report.
While it is unknown exactly how much forest must be preserved in the Bay watershed to maintain ecological balance, research compiled by the Center for Watershed Protection points to 70% forest cover as an important threshold in coastal areas similar to Buzzards Bay.
 Stream Buffers
Down 1 from 68 in 2003
12% of the Bay watershed lies within 200 feet of one of the more than 700 miles of streams that flow into Buzzards Bay. These stream buffers are arguably the most important strips of watershed
land due to their role in protecting freshwater and coastal water quality.
A stream buffer is an area of natural vegetation bordering a stream or river that protects water quality by filtering pollutants such as nitrogen before
it reaches the Bay. In fact, studies suggest that the smaller the stream, the more quickly nitrogen is removed.
Major progress was made to protect stream buffers with the passage of the MA Rivers Protection Act in 1998 which prevents destruction of the first 100’ on all streams. Development continues to occur throughout the watershed, however, in the adjacent unprotected 100’. Between 2000-2006, it is estimated that more than 200 acres of this land was lost to development based on regional growth rates.
 Wetlands
<1 point decline over 2003
Since pre-colonial times, 40% of the original wetlands—saltmarshes, wooded swamps and freshwater marshes—of the Buzzards Bay watershed have been filled, drained or built upon.
It is vital that all of the Bay’s remaining wetlands be protected and that restoration efforts begin to replace lost wetlands. Wetlands are excellent filters, able to absorb as much as 90% of the nitrogen and other pollution generated by human activities before it reaches the Bay.
Unfortunately, based on data tracked by the MA Department of Environmental Protection, it is estimated that more than 150 acres of wetlands were lost in the Buzzards Bay watershed since publication of our last State of the Bay both through improper permitting and illegal wetland destruction. And while these acreage losses weren’t enough to result in a point drop in the overall Wetlands score, this is a trend that cannot continue if we are to halt the decline in Bay and watershed health.
Forests
Watershed Communities
- Prioritize acquisition of forestlands for public open space and permanent conservation restrictions on working forests.
- Minimize forest clearing in new developments by limiting building footprints and lawn area.
Everyone
- Support land trust and town open space acquisition projects in your town.
- If you own a woodlot, consider placing a permanent conservation restriction on it and participating in forest stewardship activities.
Stream Buffers
Watershed Communities
- Increase protection for smaller stream buffers under local wetlands bylaws to 200 feet (exceeding the 100 foot minimum provided by the Massachusetts Rivers Act).
- Prioritize acquisition of streamside areas in open space protection efforts.
Everyone
- If you live near a stream, create as wide a buffer of native vegetation as feasible along the stream’s edge.
Wetlands
Watershed Communities
- Adopt local 100-foot no-build setbacks to all wetlands to prevent encroachment and degradation over time. Despite state/local laws, wetlands are still being lost to development.
- Enforce local and state wetland laws and prosecute landowners who illegally fill and destroy wetlands.
Everyone
- Respect wetlands near your home. Never dump yard or other wastes in wetlands and avoid alteration of areas within 100’ of wetland edges.
- If you own wetlands, consider placing them under a permanent conservation restriction or donatingthem to your local land trust or town conservation commission.
Other Watershed Protection Actions
Watershed Communities
- Accelerate open space acquisitions through the Community Preservation Act and partnerships with nonprofit land trusts.
Everyone
- Get involved in your town government, learn about development plans, and actively support growth management efforts and open space acquisitions.
- Encourage use of Open Space or Cluster Zoning and Transfer of Development Rights bylaws to focus new growth away from sensitive environmental areas.
- Reduce your property’s impact on the watershed by replacing paved areas with gravel and other pervious surfaces, reducing lawn area and encouraging native vegetation.
- Require use of Low Impact Development (LID) techniques in all new developments to minimize impervious surfaces, maintain forest cover and protect wetlands and streams.
Follow these links for additional resources to help you get involved in
protecting the watershed.
Forests, Wetlands, Stream Buffers
Land Conservation Options for Landowners
Massachusetts Community Preservation Act
Massachusetts Forest Stewardship Program
Growing Smarter - The Center for Watershed Protection
Massachusetts Low Impact Development Website
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