NCW 5-Year Action Plan: Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY................................................................................................. 5

Political Boundaries / Transportation Map.......................................................................................................... Insert 1

North Coastal Wetlands Map.............................................................................................................................. Insert 2

North Coastal Open Space Map.......................................................................................................................... Insert 3

North Coastal Land Use Map.............................................................................................................................. Insert 4

1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................... 6

1A. NORTH COASTAL WATERSHEDS: Physical and social setting.................................................................... 6

Ecoregions....................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Physical Features............................................................................................................................................................ 7

Social Setting................................................................................................................................................................... 8

1B. HISTORICAL CONTEXT......................................................................................................................................... 9

1C. THE MASSACHUSETTS WATERSHED INITIATIVE..................................................................................... 10

2. ISSUES AND STRATEGIES.................................................................................... 11

2A. Open Space: Sustainable Development...................................................................................................................... 11

2B. Habitat Conservation.................................................................................................................................................. 11

2C. Water Quality Improvement...................................................................................................................................... 12

2D. Water Quantity Management..................................................................................................................................... 13

2E. Recreation as Economic Resource............................................................................................................................... 14

2F. Capacity Building & Outreach.................................................................................................................................... 14

Public Input Process......................................................................................................................................................... 15

3. PUBLIC INPUT............................................................................................................ 16

Waterways........................................................................................................................................................................ 17

Non-point sources............................................................................................................................................................. 17

Non-point sources (continued)......................................................................................................................................... 18

Development..................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Marine............................................................................................................................................................................... 18