2. “Despite all the
benefits provided
by wetlands, the
United States loses
about 60,000 acres
each year.”
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 2
3. ASH CREEK ESTUARY MASTER PLAN
ASH CREEK CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION, INC. ∙ DECEMBER 2012
THE IMAGES AND INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE ARE
MASTER PLAN CONCEPTS AND ARE INTENDED FOR GENERAL
REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY; THEY DO NOT REPRESENT
AN APPROVED DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE ESTUARY OR
ANY PART THEREOF AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THIS
MATERIAL, AND THE INFORMATION CONTAIND HERE, DOES
NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR COMMITMENT TO PURCHASE,
MODIFY, OR SELL PROPERTY.
3
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 3
4. PRESENTATION OVERVIEW
1. Introduction
2. Methodology
3. Study Area A: Upper Creek
4. Study Area B: Lower Creek
5. Study Area C: Tidal Inlet
6. Study Area D:Turney Creek
7. Study Area E: Riverside Creek
8. Recommendations
WRITTEN BY ONE NATURE AND STEVEN DANZER,
PHD & ASSOCIATES.
FUNDING SUPPORT FROM THE FAIRFIELD COUNTY
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, AND PRO-BONO
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE AUTHORS.
FUNDING SUPPORT ALSO PROVIDED BY THE
WATERSHED ASSISTANCE SMALL GRANTS
PROGRAM, CONDUCTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH
THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY &
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNDER SECTION
319 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT. THE SMALL
GRANTS PROGRAM IS ADMINISTERED BY RIVERS
ALLIANCE OF CONNECTICUT.
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 4
5. INTRODUCTION
"Next to • The goal of this study is to establish a
tropical framework.
rainforests, • Ash Creek is a rare example of a
tidal wetlands
are the most relatively healthy urban estuary.
biologically • The estuary provides many important
productive ecological services.
resource in
the world." • The estuary is an important part of the
Connecticut Department region’s cultural heritage.
of Energy & Environmental
Protection • Thank you to FCCF and Rivers Alliance.
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 5
6. SITE
INTRODUCTION
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 6
7. UPLAND MEADOW
I - 95
MUDFLAT
BREWSTER MARITIME FOREST
STREET
BRIDGE FRESHWATER WETLAND
COMBINED HIGH MARSH
SEWER
OVERFLOW LOW MARSH
BACKDUNE
NEW PARK
(NOT SHOWN) FOREDUNE
PUBLIC BEACH
ACCESS
FAIRFIELD
AVENUE
BRIDGE
PUBLIC
ACCESS
WATERFRONT
TURNEY SIDEWALK
CREEK
TIDE GATES OYSTER
REEF
RIVERSIDE
CREEK
GREAT
PUBLIC MARSH
OPEN SPACE ISLAND
BENSON GROVERS HILL
MARINA
ARTIFICIAL WATERFRONT
PENNINSUAL SIDEWALK
TIDE GATE
CAPOZZI
PARK
BARRIER
SPIT ST. MARY’S
BY-THE-SEA
LINEAR PARK
JENNINGS
BEACH
EXISTING CONDITIONS
EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING HABITAT TYPES
EXISTING HABITAT TYPES
INTRODUCTION
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan 7
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8. 1934 AERIAL 1990 AERIAL 2010 AERIAL 2010 AERIAL
INTRODUCTION
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan 8
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9. t
1895 USGS MAP 1895 USGS MAP 1997 USGS MAP 1997 INTRODUCTION
USGS MAP
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan 9
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10. 1880’S WETLANDS
1880’s WETLAND AND COASTLINE 1990 WETLANDS 1990’s WETLAND
INTRODUCTION
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11. Category 4
Category 3
Category 2
Category 1
FEMA FLOOD MAP FLOOD HAZARD MAP
FEMA HURRICANE SURGE MODEL SURGE MODELS
HURRICANE INTRODUCTION
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan 11
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12. QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
• We performed the majority of our field
work in August, 2012.
AREA A
UPPER
CREEK
• We divided the study area into five
geographic units for assessment.
• The boundary of each unit was
AREA D
TURNEY
CREEK
AREA B
LOWER
determined by topography, cultural
CREEK
features, and the shape of the estuary.
AREA E
RIVERSIDE
• We visited each unit, made field notes,
CREEK
AREA C
and performed remote desktop analysis
TIDAL
INLET
to document significant features.
STUDY AREAS
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan 12
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N
13. UNIT A. UPPER CREEK
1934 AERIAL 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 13
14. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
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Feet °
UNIT A. UPPER CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 14
15. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT A. UPPER CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 15
16. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT A. UPPER CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 16
17. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT A. UPPER CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 17
18. Existing Conditions
• Aesthetic
• Carbon Storage
• Flood Protection
• Habitat and Biodiversity
• Hydrologic, Biogeochemical, and Ecological
Functions of the Tidal Ecosystem
• Recreation
• Water Quality
Potential Threats
• Erosion
• Phragmites
• Water Quality
• Stormwater Outflows
• Failed/Stalled Construction
• Proposed Bridge Crossing
• Potential Ecotoxic Substances
• Sea Level Rise
UNIT A. UPPER CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 18
19. Potential Improvements
1. Enhance native vegetation throughout the study area.
2. Monitor progress at Train Station restoration site.
3. Improve vistas across the study area through planting, placement of benches, and pathway
alignment.
4. Install aesthetically pleasing dune fencing according along topographic contours;
5. Improve and create street end access and gathering spaces.
6. Reclaim upland lots with non-water dependent uses for ecological restoration purposes;
7. Ensure Pedestrian footbridge becomes aesthetic asset to community.
8. Promote stormwater capture technologies including bioswales, vegetative buffer strips, rain barrel
use, and permeable paving throughout the drainage area.
9. Alter street ends to create views of water.
10. Create custom signage and educational kiosks to be used throughout the
Ash Creek estuary that establish a local feeling respectful of cultural and
ecological conditions.
11. Encourage the creation of high marsh plants besides Phragmites;
12. Educate local property owners about the value and importance of native plant species;
13. Supplemental spot planting and seeding to encourage specific native species wherever possible; and,
14. Develop forest management plan for forested edges.
15. Generally encourage the restoration of native plant materials.
16. Monitor all design and construction activities to reduce use of heavy equipment or building
materials with high carbon footprints.
17. Use pedestrian footbridge as an opportunity to create and improve habitat;
18. Discourage Phragmites colonization.
19. Create green spaces at street ends.
20. Perform feasibility study to examine options to daylight the creek north of the Old Post Road.
21. Reclaim land from adjacent low lying areas currently used for non-water dependent purposes.
22. Convert public and private lawn spaces to native vegetation.
23. Define public access points and encourage ADA accessibility.
24. Develop bikeway and pedestrian routes with location of new pedestrian bridge.
25. Install blinds for bird watchers.
26. Develop and implement a green infrastructure plan that specifically addresses street ends runoff,
residential properties, and permeable pavement conversion.
27. Map and monitor all outfalls.
28. Perform regular testing to quantify upstream pollutant contribution.
29. Coordinate with upstream Rooster River watershed planning efforts to identify specific water
quality improvement projects.
UNIT A. UPPER CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 19
20. UNIT B. LOWER CREEK
1934 AERIAL 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 20
21. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT B. LOWER CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 21
22. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT B. LOWER CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 22
23. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT B. LOWER CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 23
24. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT B. LOWER CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 24
25. Existing Conditions
• Aesthetic
• Carbon Storage
• Flood Protection
• Habitat and Biodiversity
• Hydrologic, Biogeochemical, and Ecological
Functions of the Tidal Ecosystem
• Water Quality
• Recreation
Potential Threats
• CT DEEP Water Quality Assessment
• Phragmites
• Gillman Street Stormwater Outfalls
• Decayed Phragmites
• Tide Gates
• Buffer Condition on East Side
• Rip-Rapped Peninsula
• Motorized Watercraft
• Waterfront Access from the Peninsula
• Sea Level Rise
• Dog Use
UNIT B. LOWER CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 25
26. Potential Improvements
1. Enhance native vegetation throughout the study area.
2. Improve vistas across the study area through planting, placement of benches, and pathway
alignment.
3. Improve existing overlook area on Bridgeport side at the terminus of the promenade.
4. Work with adjacent property owners to integrate native plants into their landscape design choices.
5. Work with local stakeholders post-Sandy reconstruction efforts to integrate native plants into
redevelopment plans.
6. Promote stormwater capture technologies including bioswales, vegetative buffer strips, rain barrel
use, and permeable paving throughout the drainage area.
7. Create custom signage and educational kiosks to be used throughout the Ash Creek estuary that
establish a local feeling respectful of cultural and ecological conditions.
8. Improve signage at Fairfield Avenue Bridge.
9. Identify newest stands of Phragmites for removal.
10. Encourage the creation of high marsh plants.
11. Educate local property owners about the value and importance of native plant species.
12. Supplemental spot planting and seeding to encourage specific native species wherever possible.
13. Develop forest management plan for forested edges.
14. Generally encourage the restoration of native plant materials.
15. Monitor all design and construction activities to reduce use of heavy equipment or building
materials with high carbon footprints.
16. Create a more robust native plant community along the Bridgeport side.
Phase out all non-native plantings.
17. Encourage soft edge retrofits for hardened shorelines.
18. Discourage Phragmites colonization.
19. Reclaim land from adjacent low lying land currently used for non-water dependent purposes.
20. Convert mown lawn on Bridgeport side walkway to native shrubs and
grasses.
21. Convert public and private lawn spaces to native vegetation.
22. Link bikeway and pedestrian routes with other sections of the estuary and Jennings Beach.
23. Install educational signage and kiosks in high traffic areas.
24. Develop and implement a green infrastructure plan that specifically addresses street end runoff,
residential properties, and permeable pavement conversion.
25. Rethink road drainage on Bridgeport side to reduce flooding and runoff contamination.
26. Identify runoff pollution sources such as fertilizer, pesticide, and other potentially harmful
substances.
UNIT B. LOWER CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 26
27. UNIT C. TIDAL INLET
1934 AERIAL 2010 AERIAL
0 250 500 1,000
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 27
Feet
28. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT C. TIDAL INLET
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 28
29. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT C. TIDAL INLET
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 29
30. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT C. TIDAL INLET
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 30
31. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT C. TIDAL INLET
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 31
32. Existing Conditions
• Aesthetic
• Carbon Storage
• Flood Protection
• Habitat and Biodiversity
• Hydrologic, Biogeochemical, and Ecological
Functions of the Tidal Ecosystem
• Recreation
• Water Quality
Potential Threats
• Erosion/Deposition
• Invasive Species
• Dog Use
• Storm Events
• Jurisdictional Ovelap
• Motorized watercraft
• Sea Level Rise
• Overuse
UNIT C. TIDAL INLET
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 32
33. Potential Improvements
1. Enhance native vegetation throughout the study area.
2. Improve vistas across the lower creek and the sound through planting, placement of benches, and
pathway alignment.
3. Install aesthetically pleasing dune fencing according along topographic contours.
4. Improve gathering spaces through use of permeable pavers, fill placement, and historically
appropriate site furnishing.
5. Create custom signage and educational kiosks to be used throughout the Ash Creek estuary to
establish a local feeling respectful of cultural and ecological conditions.
6. Protect large sections of the barrier spit from dogs and foot traffic.
7. Supplemental spot planting to encourage specific species.
8. Develop forest management plan for Capozzi Park. Thin trees and control
invasive species to create greater plant diversity.
9. Generally encourage the restoration of native plant materials.
10. Monitor all design and construction activities to reduce use of heavy equipment or building
materials with high carbon footprints.
11. Manage the Bird Sanctuary to promote more standing and ground sequestered biomass. Expand
the forest farther west.
12. Convert all lawn spaces to native coastal vegetation.
13. Restore tidal salt marsh and riparian zones on the northeast side of the barrier spit.
14. Bring back coastal meadow and shrub habitat on the southwest edge of the
Bird Sanctuary.
15. Convert mown lawn on promenade walkway to native shrubs and grasses.
16. Better define access points to the barrier spit to avoid trampling native
plants.
17. Install bike racks.
18. Construct new pathways through the Bird Sanctuary to counter the dominance of the road on
visitor experience and to provide access to additional environmental education.
19. Temporary toilets should be removed, added, better maintained, or replaced with permanent
bathrooms.
20. Design and install a defined bikeway and sidewalk system that would create a safer and more
accessible experience.
UNIT C. TIDAL INLET
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 33
34. UNIT D. TURNEY CREEK
1934 AERIAL 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 34
35. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT D. TURNEY CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 35
36. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT D. TURNEY CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 36
37. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT D. TURNEY CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 37
38. Existing Conditions
• Aesthetic
• Carbon Storage
• Flood Protection
• Habitat and Biodiversity
• Hydrologic, Biogeochemical, and Ecological
Functions of the Tidal Ecosystem
• Recreation
• Saline/Fresh Water Exchange
• Water Quality
Potential Threats
• Erosion/Deposition
• Invasive Species
• Dog Use
• Storm Events
• Jurisdictional Ovelap
• Motorized watercraft
• Sea Level Rise
• Overuse
UNIT D. TURNEY CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 38
39. Potential Improvements
1. Enhance native vegetation throughout the study area.
2. Improve vistas across the study area through planting, placement of benches, and pathway
alignment.
3. Work with adjacent property owners to integrate native plants into their landscape design choices.
4. Improve and create street end access and gathering spaces.
5. Examine potential for removing fill form adjacent land to increase tidal marsh habitat, perhaps in
coordination with flood mitigation efforts.
6. Work with Fairfield post-Sandy reconstruction efforts to integrate native plants into redevelopment
plans.
7. Promote stormwater capture technologies including bioswales, vegetative
buffer strips, rain barrel use, and permeable paving throughout the drainage
area.
8. Integrate restoration with Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts.
9. Alter street ends to create views of water.
10. Create custom signage and educational kiosks to be used throughout the Ash Creek estuary that
establish a local feeling respectful of cultural and ecological conditions.
11. Encourage the creation of high marsh plant.
12. Educate local property owners about the value and importance of native plant species.
13. Supplemental spot planting and seeding to encourage specific native species wherever possible; and,
14. Develop forest management plan for forested edges.
15. Improve tidal gates to allow more tidal flushing, thereby reducing methane
and nitrous oxide releases (both greenhouse gases).
16. Create more wetlands.
17. Generally encourage the restoration of native plant materials.
18. Monitor all design and construction activities to reduce use of heavy equipment or building
materials with high carbon footprints.
19. Increase intertidal marsh areas through reclaiming vacant propterties.
20. Discourage Phragmites colonization.
21. Create green spaces at the end of street ends.
22. Reclaim land from adjacent low lying land currently used for non-water dependent purposes.
UNIT D. TURNEY CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 39
40. UNIT E. RIVERSIDE CREEK
0 250 500 1,000
Feet
1934 AERIAL 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 1934 AERIAL 40
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
41. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT E. RIVERSIDE CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 41
42. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT E. RIVERSIDE CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 42
43. 2010 AERIAL
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
0 250 500 1,000
Feet °
UNIT E. RIVERSIDE CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 43
44. Existing Conditions
• Aesthetic
• Carbon Storage
• Flood Protection
• Habitat and Biodiversity
• Hydrologic, Biogeochemical, and Ecological
Functions of the Tidal Ecosystem
• Recreation
• Water Quality
Potential Threats
• Erosion/Deposition
• Invasive species
• Upland Buffer
• Fire
• Impervious Surfaces
• Marina Boat Basin
• CT DEEP Water Quality assessment
• Sea level rise
UNIT E. RIVERSIDE CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 44
2010 AERIAL
45. Potential Improvements
1. Enhance native vegetation throughout the study area.
2. Improve entryway to public open space at the Marina.
3. The bench at the end of the peninsula faces the backside of the sign and should be re-oriented. In general,
vistas should be improved across the study area through planting, placement of benches, and pathway
alignment.
4. Work with adjacent property owners to integrate native plants into their landscape design choices.
5. Improve and create street end access and gathering spaces.
6. Examine potential for removing fill form adjacent land to increase tidal marsh habitat, perhaps in coordination
with flood mitigation efforts.
7. Work with Fairfield post-Sandy reconstruction efforts to integrate native plants into redevelopment plans.
8. Promote stormwater capture technologies including bioswales, vegetative buffer strips, rain barrel use, and
permeable paving throughout the drainage area.
9. Integrate restoration with Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts.
10. Add native vegetation to parking islands near the public open space at the
peninsula.
11. Alter street ends to create views of water.
12. Create custom signage and educational kiosks to be used throughout the Ash Creek estuary that establish a
local feeling respectful of cultural and ecological conditions.
13. Encourage the creation of high marsh plants.
14. Educate local property owners about the value and importance of native plant species.
15. Increase salinity in tidal creeks.
16. Supplemental spot planting and seeding to encourage specific native species wherever possible.
17. Develop forest management plan for forested edges.
18. Improve tidal gates to allow more tidal flushing, thereby reducing methane and nitrous oxide releases (both
greenhouse gases).
19. Create more wetlands.
20. Generally encourage the restoration of native plant materials.
21. Monitor all design and construction activities to reduce use of heavy equipment or building materials with high
carbon footprints.
22. Increase intertidal marsh areas through reclaiming vacant properties.
23. Discourage Phragmites colonization.
24. Create green spaces at the end of street ends.
25. Reclaim land from adjacent low lying land currently used for non-water dependent purposes.
26. Convert mown lawn on promenade walkway to native shrubs and grasses.
27. Convert public and private lawn spaces to native vegetation.
28. Define public access points.
29. Link bikeway and pedestrian routes with other sections of the estuary and
Jennings Beach.
30. Install educational signage and kiosks in high traffic areas.
31. Improve ADA access to waterfront views.
32. Develop and implement a green infrastructure plan that specifically addresses street ends runoff, residential
properties, and permeable pavement conversion.
33. Study the function and design of all tide gates and culverts.
34. Identify runoff pollution sources such as fertilizer, pesticide, and other potentially harmful substances.
UNIT E. RIVERSIDE CREEK
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 45
2010 AERIAL
46. ONE SYSTEM, MANY PARTS
NOTES: 1. PROMOTE NATIVE SPECIES, GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND ORGANIC
LANDSCAPE STEWARDSHIP THROUGHOUT ENTIRE DRAINAGE BASIN; EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE
MONITOR AND
COMPLETE WALKING/BIKING ROUTE
2. ALL RECOMEMNDATIONS MADE IN THIS PLAN MUST BE VERIFIED
ONGOING
THROUGH FURTHER STUDY, STAKEHOLDER COORDINATION, AND
RESTORATION
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PRIOR TO IMPLIMENTATION; AND,
PROJECT
3. NEW TRAIN STATION DEVELOPMENT IS NOT SHOWN IN THIS 2010 STUDY
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH. COMBINED
SEWER
OVERFLOW
PEDESTRIAN
BRIDGE CREATE
USE PLANNED REPAIR LANDING STREETEND
PEDESTRIAN RIPARIAN PARK
FOOTBRIDGE BUFFER AND
TO RESTORE GREEN
HABITAT STREET ENDS IMPROVE
PARKING
REPAIR AREA
RIPARIAN CONSIDER
BUFFER AND POTENTIAL ECO-
GREEN TOXICOLOGY
STREET ENDS ISSUES
INVESTIGATE
TURNEY CREEK CREATE
DAYLIGHTING SEATING
AREA
EXPAND
OYSTER
POPULATION
IMPROVE
OPEN
SPACE
IMPROVE
TRAIL
DEVELOP PLACE
INVASIVE SPECIES BIRD
MANAGEMENT BLIND RECONSTRUCT
PLANS. REVIEW
REPAIR SIDEWALK
TIDE GATES.
RIPARIAN WITH GREEN
BUFFER INFRASTRUCTURE
ENHANCE TECHNOLOGIES
MEADOW AND
WOODLAND
ENHANCE BUILD
SALT MARSH PUBLIC
DEVELOP BATHROOMS
REDESIGN
INVASIVE SPECIES
LOOKOUT
MANAGEMENT BUILD
IMPROVE AREA
PLAN. REVIEW NEW PATH
TIDE GATE. WOODLAND
SYSTEM
RESTORE
COORDINATE MEADOW
DREDGING RESTORE
WITH DUNE DUNE
STEWARDSHIP INSTALL
EXPLORE
WAVE PROTECTIVE
ATTENUATION DUNE
PRACTICES FENCING
RESTORATION PLANRESTORATION PLAN
POTENTIAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION PLAN
EDUCATION AND CIRCULATION PLAN
Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan Ash Creek Ecological Master Plan
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 0 250 500 1,000
Feet ° N 0 250 500 1,000
Feet ° N
46
47. RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS
1. Work with stakeholders to prioritize above
recommendations.
2. Continue this report’s Phase 1 efforts towards
developing a Phase 2 comprehensive Ecological
Restoration Plan.
3. Integrate recommendations with post-Sandy
recovery efforts.
4. Perform community outreach to improve citizen
understanding and stewardship of the estuary.
5. Investigate wetland mitigation opportunities.
6. Implement wayfinding, environmental kiosks, and
signage.
7. Perform engineering review of tide gates.
8. Develop a green infrastructure plan.
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 47
48. 9. Investigate whether a River Commission or
a Harbor Management Plan for Ash Creek is an
appropriate approach to protecting the Ash Creek
tidal estuary.
10. Continue to work with the City of Bridgeport
to enhance their capabilities to manage the estuary
from an ecological perspective.
11. Continue to work with the Town of Fairfield to
enhance their capabilities to manage the estuary
from an ecological perspective.
12. Develop planting specifications and design
alternatives for the St. Mary’s Sand Spit.
13. Encourage land-use practices that protect,
maintain, and enhance the sand dunes on the St.
Marys Sand Spit.
14. Coordinate with Rooster River Watershed Plan.
15. Investigate restoration opportunities in upper
reaches of Turney Creek.
16. Re-enforce and develop more extensive
relationships with environmental education
organizations, including local school districts.
RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 48
49. THANK YOU!
QUESTIONS?
Ash Creek Estuary Master Plan 49