10/23/1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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rOCT 2 3 1985 BOOK 62 PAF. 509 be prepared and submitted to the Technical Subcommittee on Mosquito Impoundments of the Governor's Working Group'on Mosquito Control. To date, the applicant has apparently ignored all suggestions that such a plan be developed, or that he initiate consultation with the subcommittee. We strongly recommend against development of an estuarine channel - low marsh - deepwater basin system as proposed. Again, the Regional Planning Council guidelines emphasize that management and preservation of high marsh must be a major objective of the wetland management plan. This is wholly appropriate, since this wetland type provides unique habitat and other wetland benefits. Outright elimination of the high marsh is simply an unacceptable proposal. Since open water marsh management or other ditching strategies offer little hope of success for this tract, we offer the rotational impoundment management scenario as the best, and probably only, alternative which will provide adequate mosquito control and management capabilities for the high salt marsh. Regarding the proposed estuarine waterway system, let us re-emphasize that the extensive, wide, 4 -foot -deep waterway system is unacceptable, even without any additional marinas or other deep basins. Shallow marsh systems do not require 4 -foot -deep channels to be well -flushed. These channels would essentially become a navigable inland waterway system for large boats. The Regional Planning Council limit of 5 horsepower motors south of the major marinas is not adequate in this regard. Large sailboats could still navigate and even anchor in the channels, and the presence of such a system invites future docking and marina development. The entire wetland system south of the major marina #1 (and #2 if it is relocated in accordance with our guidelines) should be considered a wetland preserve, not a residential estuarine system. Therefore, only electric motors or small boats such as canoes or rowboats should be permitted in that area. We recommend that any inland channels south of the marina be limited to 2 feet in depth, mean low water, and that they be limited to 10 feet in width. With regard to the specific mosquito control and "wildlife enhancement" measures recently proposed by Dr. J. Shisler of the Environmental Connection in New Jersey, we offer these brief comments. Elimination of the high marsh is unacceptable, and will not be considered a viable option for mosquito control in these wetlands. The wildlife enhancement measures are poorly conceived, and range from some of possible but insignificant value (nesting platforms or islands), to the absurd (manatee sanctuaries and underwater viewing area3 in the estuarine waterway system). These proposals although well -meant, offer little significant habitat enhancement, and would be constructed through destruction of the existing wetland system. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this development plan. Please call me if we can be of further assistance. Sincerely yours, Brian S. Barnett Biological Administrator 60