VII. Analysis of Needs
A. Summary of Resource Protection Needs The 1999 Comprehensive Plan reports that the Town of Duxbury contains approximately 15,454 acres of which 15,021 acres are land and 432.9 acres are water bodies. “Developed” land accounts for 64.7% of the Town’s total area. This includes residential, commercial, public/semi-public, and transportation land. Public/semi public land (4,106 acres) is land owned by the public or institutions such as churches and non-profit organizations. Protected open space (which is included in the “public/semi public” category) includes roughly 3,660 acres; 36.6% of the “developed” land area or 23.7% of the Towns total area. “Undeveloped” land accounts for 32.5% of the Town’s total area. Water Department land accounts for the remaining 2.8% of the total Town area. The Land Acquisition Task Force reviewed existing land use and concluded that maintaining the existing ratio of open space to developed land would preserve the semi-rural character of Duxbury. It was recommended that 3 out of every remaining 10 acres of undeveloped land should be set aside as open space, leaving 7 out of 10 acres for development. The amount of land to be acquired for open space would be approximately 1,500 acres. The Inventory of protected and unprotected land and the 1999 Comprehensive Plan have identified several types of land in need of protection. Areas that extend into neighboring towns would be better protected if the “host” communities agree to mutual protection. The most powerful tool for resource protection is ownership through a gifting or purchase of land in fee or purchasing an interest through an easement or restriction. Although an acquisition program will depend on willing sellers and funding, a list of criteria has been developed that will help to determine which parcels should be protected. Parcels which meet one or more of the following criteria, will be considered for: · · · · · · Additional aquifer protection land to reduce encroachment and potential contamination of existing and future municipal wells; Freshwater wetlands and saltwater wetlands, especially the Duxbury marshes and land along the six river watersheds and their upland buffers; Areas where development threatens surface waters of coastal or fresh water wetlands; Parcels that provide linkage to existing open space. This includes linkage to public ways, and access to the bay, ponds, and streams, and wildlife corridors; Land with specially desirable features, such as scenic views, historic values, rare plant and animal habitat, and farm land; Working farms and their associated lands (such as the O’Neil Farm) cranberry bogs (61A lands), tree farms (61 lands), and recreational open space (61B lands).
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Camp and school properties (such as the remaining portion of Camp Wing, Camp Blairhaven, and Berrybrook School).
The Land Acquisition Task Force recommended adopting the Community Preservation Act to achieve balanced growth consistent with the goals of the 1999 Comprehensive Plan, the 1997 Open Space Plan, and the 1995 Town-wide Survey. The Open Space Plan reinforces our Zoning By-laws which, are currently undergoing revision by the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Bylaw Implementation Committee (CPZBIC). Revisions of the Zoning Bylaws are intended to reduce the final buildout density, establish design guidelines for neighborhood business districts, and protect our natural resources. Specific actions/strategies are listed in the Five Year Action Plan. Ownership of land cannot alone protect important land or historic resources. Therefore, a stewardship program has been developed for town-owned and Conservation Commission land. The cooperation between the public and the non-profit organizations for the oversight of the respective properties needs to be further developed. A sound stewardship program could prevent problems from developing fosters public confidence, and thereby gains public support, which may translate into financial support. Consistent with the stewardship program is the need for the redesign and development of trails that link together Town-owned land, Conservation Commission land, and private land for recreational use and wildlife corridors. The Conservation Commission has been successful in acquiring land and easements from landowners, yet more work needs to be done. Increasing usage of our recreational areas, such as Duxbury Beach, Duxbury Bay, and our open spaces calls for more effective management. Duxbury Beach is the most heavily used recreational area in town for both residents and visitors and is an important nesting and resting area for endangered and common birds and marine animals. The dune area and intertidal zones are equally important as they support diverse ecosystems. In addition, Duxbury Beach is the only vehicular access for residents of Gurnet and Saquish. Management of these issues needs to be reviewed and revised regularly. Duxbury Bay also faces increasing recreational and commercial activity, and development pressure. Better management of Duxbury Bay, its points of access, and coastline and marshes is needed to prevent degradation of this most valuable resource. A forest management plan must also be developed for our wooded areas. Implementing such a plan will require an operating budget and as funds will most likely be drawn from the Conservation Fund, the Conservation Fund must be adequately funded. B. Summary of Community Needs In addition to protection of the Town’s drinking water supply, Duxbury residents are concerned with the preservation of the unique and historic character of the Town; protection of wildlife habitat; acquisition of additional conservation land which links existing open space parcels to form trail networks and bikeways; and adequate well maintained recreational
facilities. Improved management of existing conservation, recreation land, and bodies of water is a priority for residents. Of particular importance is Duxbury Beach, which serves as access to the Gurnet and Saquish communities and is facing intense recreational use, especially during the summer nesting period of endangered bird species. Duxbury Bay is also a focus of attention as it is increasingly being used for recreation and commercial shellfishing activity. This calls for a Bay Management Plan. In order to move forward in these areas, more long range planning and goal setting needs to occur among the several management groups and agencies. Improved accessibility for individuals with disabilities needs to be taken into consideration during the planning process. C. Management Needs Duxbury is fortunate that management needs do not stem from lack of staff or volunteers. Town departments are generally well funded and professionally staffed. Volunteerism is very strong throughout the Town in public, private, civic, and religious organizations. Improved communication and coordination between Town departments and private non-profit groups involved with the open space and recreation needs of the community has improved the effectiveness of the services provided and management of facilities. However, the growth and development of Duxbury and the increasing demand on our natural resources calls for additional management. A management plan needs to be developed for Duxbury Bay to better protect this diverse ecosystem and meet the increasing recreational, shellfishing, and fishing activities. The management of Duxbury Beach must be reviewed and strengthened. A Forest Management plan must be developed for conservation and town-owned lands. A plan needs to be developed to establish walk/bike paths and routes linking residential areas to popular destinations. Mutual discussions and coordination of activities between the many organizations and departments will serve to develop management strategies that both protect the town’s open spaces and meet the recreational needs of the community.