HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 Open Space PlanIngram Park
INSSERT COVer
Presented to:
Open Space and Recreation Plan Update
Committee
Town of Cohasset
41 Highland Avenue
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Prepared by:
Beals and Thomas, Inc.
32 Court Street
Plymouth, Massachusetts
www.bealsandthomas.com
Cohasset Open Space &
Recreation Plan
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Table of Contents i
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................ I
1.0 PLAN SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 REPORT BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.2 REPORT ORGANIZATION .............................................................................................................................. 1-1
2.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 2-1
2.1 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.1.1 Former Open Space and Recreation Planning Efforts ...................................................................... 2-2
2.1.2 2009 – 2017 Open Space and Recreation Plan Action Items ............................................................ 2-3
2.2 PLANNING PROCESS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ........................................................................................ 2-3
3.0 COMMUNITY SETTING ........................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1 REGIONAL CONTEXT .................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 HISTORY OF THE COMMUNITY ..................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.3 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION HISTORY .................................................................................................... 3-2
3.4 POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS .................................................................................................................. 3-4
3.4.1 Population Trends ............................................................................................................................. 3-4
3.5 HOUSING AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ....................................................................................................... 3-6
3.6 IMPLICATIONS OF POPULATION TRENDS FOR RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE .............................................. 3-6
3.7 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE POPULATIONS .................................................................................................... 3-7
3.8 EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYMENT TRENDS ..................................................................................................... 3-8
3.8.1 Major Industries .............................................................................................................................. 3-10
3.8.2 Family Income ................................................................................................................................. 3-11
3.9 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS .................................................................................................. 3-12
3.9.1 Patterns and Trends ......................................................................................................................... 3-12
3.10 INFRASTRUCTURE ...................................................................................................................................... 3-17
3.10.1 Transportation ................................................................................................................................. 3-17
3.10.2 Water Supply Systems ...................................................................................................................... 3-17
3.10.3 Sewer Service ................................................................................................................................... 3-18
3.11 ZONING DISTRICTS ..................................................................................................................................... 3-19
3.12 LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS ..................................................................................................... 3-20
3.12.1 Long-Term Growth Patterns ............................................................................................................ 3-20
3.12.2 Buildout Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 3-21
3.12.3 Bylaws Adopted Since 2009 ............................................................................................................. 3-22
3.12.4 Community Preservation Act Projects ............................................................................................. 3-24
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY & ANALYSIS ................................................................................. 4-1
4.1 GEOLOGY, SOILS & TOPOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1.1 Geology .............................................................................................................................................. 4-1
4.1.2 Soils ................................................................................................................................................... 4-2
4.1.3 Topography ........................................................................................................................................ 4-5
4.2 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ............................................................................................................................. 4-5
4.3 WATER RESOURCES ..................................................................................................................................... 4-6
4.3.1 Watersheds ......................................................................................................................................... 4-6
4.3.2 Surface Waters ................................................................................................................................... 4-7
4.3.3 Water Supply & Aquifer Recharge Areas .......................................................................................... 4-8
4.3.4 Flood Hazard Areas........................................................................................................................... 4-9
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
4.3.5 Wetlands .......................................................................................................................................... 4-10
4.4 VEGETATION .............................................................................................................................................. 4-11
4.4.1 General Inventory, ........................................................................................................................... 4-11
4.4.2 Forest Land ...................................................................................................................................... 4-12
4.4.3 Public Shade Trees .......................................................................................................................... 4-13
4.4.4 Agricultural Land ............................................................................................................................ 4-13
4.4.5 Wetland Vegetation .......................................................................................................................... 4-13
4.4.6 Rare Plant Species ........................................................................................................................... 4-14
4.4.7 Unique Natural Resources ............................................................................................................... 4-16
4.4.8 Vegetation Mapping Projects .......................................................................................................... 4-21
4.5 FISHERIES & WILDLIFE .............................................................................................................................. 4-22
4.5.1 General Inventory ............................................................................................................................ 4-22
4.5.2 Vernal Pools .................................................................................................................................... 4-26
4.5.3 Wildlife Migration Corridors ........................................................................................................... 4-26
4.5.4 Rare Animal Species ........................................................................................................................ 4-27
4.6 SCENIC RESOURCES AND UNIQUE ENVIRONMENTS .................................................................................... 4-28
4.6.1 Scenic Landscapes ........................................................................................................................... 4-28
4.6.2 Unusual Features ............................................................................................................................. 4-30
4.6.3 Cultural, Archeological, and Historical Areas ................................................................................ 4-31
4.6.4 Unique Environments ...................................................................................................................... 4-31
4.6.5 Cohasset Cemeteries ........................................................................................................................ 4-33
4.7 ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES................................................................................................................. 4-34
4.7.1 Hazardous Waste Sites..................................................................................................................... 4-34
4.7.2 Landfills ........................................................................................................................................... 4-34
4.7.3 Erosion/Sedimentation ..................................................................................................................... 4-35
4.7.4 Chronic Flooding ............................................................................................................................. 4-36
4.7.5 Growth Impacts ............................................................................................................................... 4-36
4.7.6 Ground & Surface Water Pollution ................................................................................................. 4-36
4.7.7 Impaired Water Bodies ...................................................................................................................... 4-4
4.7.8 Invasive Species ................................................................................................................................. 4-5
4.7.9 Forestry ............................................................................................................................................. 4-2
4.7.10 Environmental Equity ........................................................................................................................ 4-2
5.0 INVENTORY OF LANDS OF CONSERVATION & RECREATIONAL INTEREST ........................ 5-1
5.1 TYPES OF OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION LAND PROTECTION ..................................................................... 5-3
5.2 OPEN SPACE INVENTORY ............................................................................................................................. 5-4
6.0 COMMUNITY VISION ............................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESS ..................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.1.1 Public Outreach Meetings ................................................................................................................. 6-1
6.1.2 Open Space & Recreation Plan Survey ............................................................................................. 6-2
6.2 STATEMENT OF OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION GOALS ............................................................................... 6-3
7.0 ANALYSIS OF NEEDS ............................................................................................................................... 7-1
7.1 SUMMARY OF RESOURCE PROTECTION NEEDS ............................................................................................ 7-1
7.1.1 Water Resources ................................................................................................................................ 7-1
7.1.2 Potential Designated Shellfish Growing Areas.................................................................................. 7-2
7.1.3 Invasive Species ................................................................................................................................. 7-4
7.1.4 Rare Species....................................................................................................................................... 7-5
7.1.5 Land Resources .................................................................................................................................. 7-5
7.2 SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY NEEDS .............................................................................................................. 7-6
7.3 CONSISTENCY WITH REGIONAL AND STATE OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLANS .................................... 7-7
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
7.4 MANAGEMENT NEEDS AND POTENTIAL CHANGES OF USE........................................................................... 7-8
7.5 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT REVIEW ............................................................................................. 7-9
8.0 GOALS & OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................ 8-1
8.1 GOALS.......................................................................................................................................................... 8-1
8.2 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................................. 8-1
9.0 SEVEN-YEAR ACTION PLAN .................................................................................................................. 9-1
9.1 NEW SEVEN-YEAR ACTION PLAN ................................................................................................................ 9-1
10.0 PUBLIC COMMENTS .............................................................................................................................. 10-1
11.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 11-1
Appendix A – Public Outreach
Appendix B – Cohasset Buildout Summary Information
Appendix C – Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
Information
Appendix D – State and National Designated Historic Sites
Appendix E – DEP Waste Site/Reportable Release Database
Appendix F – ADA Accessibility Study
Figures – Map 1 Regional Context Map
Map 2 Omitted (there are no environmental justice populations in Cohasset)
Map 3 Zoning Map
Map 4 Soils and Geologic Features Map
Map 5 Unique Features Map
Map 6 Water Resources Map
Map 7 Conservation and Recreation Lands
Map 8 Seven-Year Action Plan
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Credits and Acknowledgments iv
Credits and Acknowledgements
This project was funded through the Community Preservation Fund. Thank you to everyone who
participated in the update of Cohasset’s 2018 Open Space and Recreation Plan. Without the effort
of many, this planning effort would not have been possible.
Town of Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee
Peter Pescatore, Chairman
Lisey Good
Chuck Peterson
Dustyn Mascia
Deirdre Riley
Jeff Hartwell
Tom Callahan
Katie Holden, CCT
Richard Karoff
Eric Eisenhauer
Other Participants
Richard Avery, CCT
Debbie Shadd, CCT
Katie Dugan, Long Range Planning
Jack Buckley, Cohasset Center for Student Coastal Research
Leonora Jenkins, Cohasset Water Commission
Clark Brewer, Cohasset Planning Board
Carol St. Pierre, Cohasset Town Clerk
Ted Carroll, Cohasset Recreation Commission
Jennifer McCarthy, Cohasset Recreation Commission
William McGowan, Cohasset Sewer Commission
Brian Joyce, PE, Cohasset Director of Public Works
Chris Senior, Cohasset Town Manager
Survey Respondents and Public Outreach Attendees
Consultant
Beals and Thomas, Inc.
32 Court Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: 508-366-0560
www.bealsandthomas.com
Stacy H. Minihane, Project Director and Project Manager
John P. Gelcich, AICP, Senior Planner
David J. LaPointe, ADA Accessibility Surveyor
Mary Kate Schneeweis, GIS Mapping
Section 1.0
Plan Summary
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Plan Summary 1-1
1.0 PLAN SUMMARY
1.1 Report Background
The Town of Cohasset’s 2018 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) update has been
prepared to serve as a guide to the many committees, boards, commissions , and volunteer
groups in the community. This OSRP update final report is the culmination of nearly
eighteen (18) months of updating data, gathering public input and performing research.
Similar to the 2009 OSRP, the 2018 OSRP is designed to inform the reader about natural
resources, open space, recreational amenities and other related topics that exist in Cohasset.
Mentioned throughout the OSRP update process by participants were the ideas that 1)
existing open space areas should be made more approachable through dissemination of
information relating to parking and trails; and 2) that many historic connections between
open space areas have been lost, and that research and mapping of existing paths should be
undertaken in order to maintain the existing network. Additionally, maintaining the
Town’s character and ensuring that open space, natural resources, and recreation continue
to be a focus as the Town continues to manage its growth.
The final 2018 OSRP, in addition to serving as a guide for the town, once approved by the
Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services (DCS) will allow Cohasset to apply for
specific types of grant funding for projects related to open space and recreation.
1.2 Report Organization
The OSRP illustrates the importance of continuing to protect and preserve existing
sensitive environmental areas and also provides an inventory of existing open space and
recreational facilities. Other sections of the OSRP update include a discussion of the most
recent demographic information available (population and housing data), an environmental
inventory and analysis, a significant section of this report is the seven-year action plan,
which details suggested steps that different boards, commissions and committees in
Cohasset can take to achieve the stated goals and objectives.
Cohasset is a charming community with stunning scenery, valuable open space, and unique
rock outcroppings on both the coast and inland that make it a wonderful place to live. The
overall goal of this entire planning effort has been to provide another tool for the Town and
its residents to use to help better understand the natural assets of the community.
Section 2.0
Introduction
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Introduction 2-1
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Statement of Purpose
The Town of Cohasset is a unique community with a tremendous diversity of natural
resources, open space, and recreational amenities. It is a strikingly beautifu l community
with abundant scenic vistas. A tremendous amount of work has gone into researching the
type of community that Cohasset was historically and how it has progressed. The 2018
Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) update is laid out to highlight the Town’s history
and define how residents can continue to sustain the quality of life they currently enjoy
through continued focus on the natural resources and recreational amenities that exist or
may be needed in the future. The purpose of this OSRP update is to:
Review and update the 2009 Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan with the goal
of identifying what action items have been completed, what new action items may be
needed to address the impact of recent developments in town, what work remains, and
which (if any) action items may no longer be applicable. The OSRP update is also
meant to detail local open spaces, natural resources, and recreational amenities to help
guide the Town during the next seven years regarding how to best enhance and protect
those resources.
Inventory existing open space and recreational resources and recommend additional
opportunities for acquisition, additional protection, or enhancement through the
addition of specific facilities/amenities.
Inform and educate local residents about their community and existing open space,
natural resources and recreational amenities and why they are important.
Obtain input regarding existing and potential open space and recreation amenities from
Cohasset residents.
Create the momentum needed for the committee to begin implementation of the Action
Items detailed in Section 9.0.
The OSRP update has been prepared as a document that will be educational and
informative to those who read it. Overall, it is hoped that this plan will guide public policy
in the areas of open space preservation and recreation facilities and that it will function as
an agenda for the next seven years.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Introduction 2-2
2.1.1 Former Open Space and Recreation Planning Efforts
The Town of Cohasset has published several open space reports. Beginning in
1961, a Long-Range General Plan for Cohasset, often known as the “Benjamin
Report” after its author, Allen Benjamin, was issued but never officially
implemented. A second open space plan was prepared in 1970 by Henry R. Hidell
Associates, but also was never adopted as Town policy.
In 1996, in order to qualify for state grants, the Town prepared the Open Space and
Recreation Plan (1997–2001). This was the first plan developed under the
guidelines established by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental
Affairs (EOEA). The plan was submitted to, and accepted by, the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts and focused primarily on environmental health, protection of
wildlife habitat, and promoted conservation of and access to open space and
recreational resources.
In June of 2001, a five-year update to maintain eligibility for state funding was
completed with the adoption of the 2002-2006 Plan. This plan was prepared by the
Open Space & Recreation Committee with the assistance of various Town
departments.
In fall 2008, the Town of Cohasset issued an RFP for a consultant to assist with the
creation and submission of the 2009 to 2017 Open Space and Recreation Plan.
Beals and Thomas, Inc. (B+T) was selected for the project and a committee of
Town volunteers and municipal employees was formed in January 2009 to begin
the work. B+T assembled a team of professionals to support the project and
conducted a site visit to the town to view the existing open spaces, natural
resources, recreational opportunities, scenic vistas and water resources.
The committee held three (3) public outreach meetings that were communicated to
the community by email blasts, newspaper advertisements, articles, and flyers at
public places. The outreach program also included an Open Space and Recreation
Survey conducted by the town and analyzed by B+T.
The 2009 - 2017 OSRP was submitted to MAPC in March of 2010 for review and
received back with comments on April 8, 2010. The OSRP was amended per the
MAPC comments and submitted to the DCS in early May and conditional approval
was granted by the DCS on May 19, 2010 for the term of the plan through May of
2017. While there were several recommended changes to the OSRP that needed to
be completed, the conditional approval allowed Cohasset to participate in grant
opportunities for the term of the Plan.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Introduction 2-3
2.1.2 2009 – 2017 Open Space and Recreation Plan Action Items
Since 2009, the Town of Cohasset has made progress in accomplishing a number
of tasks listed in the Section 9.0 Action Plan of the 2009 OSRP. An update of the
status of each of the objectives outlined in the 2009 OSRP was provided by the
current OSRP Committee. Specifically, the Committee noted whether an action
was achieved, not achieved, or partially achieved, and also whether that action
should remain a goal for the present OSRP update (refer to Appendix A).
2.2 Planning Process and Public Participation
In the fall of 2016, the Town of Cohasset issued a request for proposals to hire a consultant
to assist the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee with the update of the
Town’s OSRP. Beals and Thomas, Inc. (B+T) was selected and began working on the
project in January 2017. The Open Space and Recreation Committee was appointed by the
Board of Selectmen in March of 2017, made up of seven (7) members. The first meeting
of the Committee was held on March 29, 2017.
To facilitate development of the OSRP, a public forum was planned along with a
community-wide survey to solicit public opinion regarding the status of open space and
recreation resources for the Town. The public forum was held the evening of July 26, 2017
(Refer to the agenda and PowerPoint presentation in Appendix A). The public forum is
summarized in Section 6.0, and goals and action items discussed at the forum are
incorporated into Section 9.0.
In addition to the public outreach meetings conducted by the committee specific to the
OSRP update, a survey of public opinion was conducted between May 24 and July 25,
2017. See Section 6.1.2 for additional details.
Section 3.0
Community Setting
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-1
3.0 COMMUNITY SETTING
3.1 Regional Context1
The Town of Cohasset is located in Norfolk County approximately 20 miles south of
Boston. Bounded by the Towns of Hull to the northwest, Hingham to the west, and Scituate
to the south and southeast, Cohasset lies on the coast with the Atlantic Ocean to the north
and northeast. Chief Justice Cushing Highway (Route 3A), the only arterial road, bisects
the Town. Route 228 provides access through Hingham to Route 3, the major regional
highway in the area.
Cohasset is a residential community with little commerce or industry. Because of the
preponderance of both wetlands and rock ledge, development in Cohasset has historically
been limited. The Town’s physical coastal character consists of rocky shores and shoals,
numerous coves, and protected harbors. Features to the north in Hull and to the south in
Scituate shared with the Town of Cohasset include Straits Pond, Bassing Beach, the Gulf
River and Rocky Beach. Away from the coast, the Town shares the forests of Wompatuck
State Park, Whitney and Thayer Woods (including portions known as Turkey Hill and Weir
River Farm) and the Aaron River and Lily Pond watersheds with Hingham and Scituate.
The Recreation Department has seen an impressive increase in programs, registrations, and
revenue since the last report. In comparison from January 1-December 31 in 2010 to the
same in 2017 programs have increased from 250 to 650; registrations have increased from
2,500 to 16,000 and revenue from $200,000 to $900,000. The contributing factors of this
increase have been the successful before and after school program and the widely popular
summer program that sees 75% of eligible children attend the program. The summer of
2018 saw over 50% of the entire total school population (PreK-12) take part in the summer
programs as participants or staff. Consequently, since 2012 with a change to all recreation
programs becoming 100% self-supporting revolving fund programs, the Recreation
Department has become one of the largest employers in the Town with a record high to
date of 111 during the summer of 2018.
Refer to Map 1.
3.2 History of the Community2
Cohasset’s history has been shaped by the natural environment. As a Native American
summer camp called Quonahassit (meaning “long, rocky place”), the area was occupied by
a small population when Captain John Smith sailed into the harbor in 1614. Within a few
decades, settlers from Hingham began to harvest hay in Cohasset’s salt marshes and, by
the last quarter of the 17th century, some had begun farming in the area. Cohasset was
incorporated as a separate town a century later, in 1770.
For several decades before 1851, townspeople shared 91 acres of what is now Little Harbor
for cattle grazing, but a storm in that same year brought the ocean over the dunes into the
1 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
2 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-2
pasture forcing the Town to create an outlet into the ocean for what quickly became
stagnant seawater. As a result, ocean water flowing in and out of Little Harbor on the tides
created a haven for saltwater fish as well as nesting and migrating shore birds.
The mid-19th century was a turning point for the Town. Because of increased competition,
the fishing industry declined from a high point in 1850 to virtually nothing by the 1880s.
However, in 1849 the South Shore Railroad arrived in Cohasset, permanently changing the
character of the Town. The railroad was abandoned in 1959. However, in 2007 the
Greenbush MBTA Commuter Rail opened along the same line and currently pro vides
service between Greenbush in Scituate and South Station in Boston with a stop in
Cohasset.3
Although Cohasset had attracted summer visitors as early as the 1820s, the railroad made
it easily accessible by a greater number of visitors. Hotels and boarding houses sprang up,
followed by private summer cottages. While year-round residents survived on the
remnants of the fishing industry, as well as small domestic shops and railroad work, well-
to-do Bostonians were attracted to the picturesque coastline. By the mid-1880s, piped
water made it possible to build houses on the rocks and ledges, previously viewed as harsh
obstacles to farming.
By 1898, E. Victor Bigelow, a local historian, accurately predicted Cohasset’s future:
“The character of this town as a suburb and summer resort, to the exclusion
of industries, has become fixed. A fair estimate of the future for at least a
century must predict for Cohasset a suburban retirement. Many more
homes of a comfortable and expensive sort may be expected to nestle among
our ledges and hills. To Nantasket upon one side and North Scituate upon
the other must be given the popularity that brings swarms of humanity to
the beaches in summer; but to Cohasset, which has no long beach and whose
shore line has been preempted already by quiet-loving people, there must
remain a long era of immunity from crowds.”
The final transformation of the Town into a suburb of Boston took place after World
War II, when many summer homes became year-round residences. The population
doubled between 1945 and 1970 but remained relatively stable at around 7,000 residents
for the next 20 years (See Table 3-1).
3.3 Open Space and Recreation History
The Town Common was Cohasset’s first public open space area, designated as open land
when the first settlers from Hingham distributed lots in 1670. Privately owned open space
remained abundant throughout the 19th century, but in the early decades of the 20th
century, several important public and semi-public parks and reserves were created. The
Trustees of Reservations acquired Whitney and Thayer Woods in 1933 and 1943
respectively and the Bancroft Bird Sanctuary in 1935. Wheelwright Park, was bequest to
3 “MBTA,” 24 March 2009 < http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=GREENBSH>.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-3
the Town in 1916 and the Sandy Beach Association acquired the beach for use by residents
in 1917. Holly Hill Farm is approximately 140 acres in area and contains an organic farm,
woods, fields, brooks, ponds and salt marshes, as well as an extensive trail system, which
was recently improved by physically improving the paths and trails, adding informational
signage, adding trail markers, and making available a published trail map and trail guide.
Although privately owned, the property is available to the community for recreational
purposes.
Wompatuck State Park originated as a Naval Ammunition Depot that served the North
Atlantic fleet during World War II. Some of the oldest farms in Cohasset were taken by
the federal government to create the depot. When the land was declared surplus by the
federal government, it was given to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Cohasset Conservation Trust (CCT), a nonprofit land conservation trust, was
established in 1967. CCT's first property protected was Bassing Beach in 1968. Bassing
Beach is the Trust's best-known property, and has been a popular place for swimming,
picnicking, fishing, and beach walking for generations. Since that time, the Trust has
acquired 23 properties (approximately 164 acres) and three (3) conservation restrictions
(48 acres) on three (3) additional properties for a total of 212 acres in permanent
conservation. Properties include beaches, freshwater and saltwater wetlands, upland areas,
and watershed land. See Open Space Inventory for list of properties and map. These sites
provide wildlife habitat and passive recreation (Map 7).
During the term of the 2009 OSRP, the Town participated in the acquisition of the Barnes
Property, located adjacent to Wheelwright Avenue. The Water Department also
participated in the acquisition of Brass Kettle Brook and placed a conservation restriction
on the Litchfield Land in the West End of Scituate. The land was purchased by Maxwell
Trust and Scituate CPC-Maxwell Trust (Scituate) to protect Cohasset’s water supply. The
Water Department also purchased a few small parcels outside of the Brass Kettle Brook
Area within the Lily Pond watershed.
Cohasset has a rich history of recreational opportunities for residents due to its location on
the Atlantic Ocean and proximity to other inland recreational amenities. Boating,
kayaking, canoeing, fishing, rowing, and sailing are some of the major water based
recreational activities within the Town. Baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis, golf, horseback
riding, walking and organized running, have been some of the major inland recreational
activities.
The Town completed its Senior Center in 2015 and it is used extensively for Elder Affairs
programming, social activities, and town meetings. A private indoor swim center has been
opened in Scituate on the border with Cohasset as part of the Scituate Racquet and Fitness
Club. The Club offers an Olympic-sized swimming pool with lap lanes, tennis, squash,
and outdoor platform tennis. Additionally, the Cohasset Sports Complex opened in 2010.4
4 Cohasset Sports Complex, June 2010
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-4
The complex features 22,500 square feet of indoor playing surfaces that can accommodate
two (2) full soccer fields, as well as lighted outdoor fields.
Cohasset has an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities using its natural resources
such as bird watching, hiking, geocaching, scouting, and questing.
3.4 Population Characteristics
3.4.1 Population Trends
Significant population growth took place in Cohasset between 1940 and 1970,
during the post-World War II suburban expansion and baby boom. The Town’s
population more than doubled in that period. From 1970 through 1990, Cohasset’s
population remained relatively stable at around 7,000 residents. The Town’s
population declined slightly between 1980 and 1990, but during the 1990s,
Cohasset’s population had grown by 10 percent.5 A 2010 projection by the
Massachusetts State Data Center incorrectly predicted a decline in population by
2020. Instead, since 2007, Cohasset has experienced its biggest growth in
population since the post-WWII period, most likely fueled by the introduction of
the commuter rail and the Town’s sewer expansion. The population has grown by
953 residents since 2007.6 See Table 3-1 and Chart 3-1.
Chart 3-1: Cohasset Population
Source: US Census, Bigelow, Town of Cohasset Annual Reports, ACS, UMDI,
Cohasset Town Clerk (via Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee)
3.4.1.1 Age Composition
Like many other stable New England communities, Cohasset’s population has been
getting older during the last 30 years. The age composition has changed since the
5 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
6 Katie Dugan, Long Range Planning Committee, June 2017
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
c. 1780c. 182518981930194019501960197019801990199520002010201520202030Population
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-5
years of postwar population growth. The census breakdowns by age in 1970 and
2010 show how much the population aged during that period. In 1970, 41 percent
of the population was age 20 or younger, and 28 percent of the population was age
13 or younger.8 In contrast, in 2010, only 31 percent of the population was aged
19 or younger and 24 percent was aged 14 or younger. In 2010, 40 percent of
Cohasset households included children and teenagers under 18 years old. However
the proportion of people 65 years of age and older has decreased. While 9.7 percent
of the 1970 population was 65 or older, in 2010 that population had decreased
slightly to 9.3 percent and 31 percent of households included persons 65 and older,
a decline from the numbers seen in 2000. The median age of Cohasset’s population
in 2010 was 44.8 years, up from 40.9 years in 2000.9
3.4.1.2 Population Density
Population density is the measure of people per square miles of land area. Within
the Town of Cohasset, the population density has been gradually rising from 1970
to 2010 (see Chart 3-2), with a small decline in 1990. As shown in Table 3-2, the
population density in Cohasset is the least dense compared to proximate
municipalities.
Table 3-1: Population Density
Municipality Density (persons
per square mile)
Cohasset 762
Hingham 998
Hull 3,676
Scituate 1,046
Source: Wikipedia, 11 January 2017, <www.wikipedia.com>
3.4.1.3 Household Composition
Despite the fact that the overall population is relatively stable, the number of
households continues to grow, reflecting a trend towards smaller household size
and greater numbers of single persons living alone. See Table 3-2.
8 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
9 2010 US Census, 11 January 2017, <www.census.gov>.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-6
Table 3-2: Cohasset Household Distribution (1970–2010)
Year Number of
Households
Average
Household Size
(Persons)
1970 2,078 3.3
1980 2,411 3
1990 2,590 2.7
2000 2,677 2.7
2010 2,722 2.7
Source: U.S. Census
The average number of persons per household declined from 3.3 persons in 1970
to 2.7 persons in 1990. In 2000 and 2010, the number of persons per household
was similar to 1990. Married-couple households, with or without resident children
under 18, accounted for 64 percent of all Cohasset households in 2010 and single-
person households made up 23 percent.11
3.5 Housing and Economic Conditions
Cohasset is an affluent residential community with less than 7 percent of real estate taxes
paid by commercial properties.12 In 2008, the median house sales price was $670,000.
However, in 2017, the median price increased by 31 percent to $881,750.
The Fiscal Year 2010 average single-family valuation in Cohasset was $858,000.
However, by Fiscal Year 2018 average single-family valuation in Cohasset increased by
12% to $959,700. There were 121 sales in Cohasset in 2008. The number of sales
increased to 201 in 2016.
3.6 Implications of Population Trends for Recreation and Open Space
To meet the needs of its population, Cohasset’s recreation and open space resources must
serve both an older adult population of comfortable means and a growing number of
families with children. The number of children and elders in Cohasset grew from 2000 to
2010. Households with children under the age of 18 and households with individuals over
the age of 65 increased by one percent each.17
In 1998, Cohasset constructed a new elementary school and renovated the track, football
field and tennis courts at the high school. In 2003, the Town completed a complete
remodeling and expansion of its second elementary school and the Junior-Senior High
School. Currently demand exists for walking trails and bicycle paths, reflecting growth at
either end of the age spectrum. In 2010, the Cohasset Sports Complex opened and offers
11 2010 US Census, 11 January 2017, <www.census.gov>.
12 Debra J Krupczak, M.A.A., Assistant Assessor, Town of Cohasset, email correspondence, 24 March 2009.
17 2000 US Census, 15 March 2009, <www.census.gov>.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-7
multi-purpose space that caters to sporting events, corporate events, non-profit events,
birthday parties, functions, and more. This is a private facility that charges rental fees.
Youth Sports in Cohasset has remained strong with children participating in the youth
basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, baseball, softball, football, and cheerleading
programs. More and more students are bucking the trend to leave Cohasset schools, as the
high school has become one of the strongest sports programs in the state with state
championships in multiple sports. In 2010, an indoor and outdoor turf sports complex
opened on Route 3A and it is extremely busy year round, day and night. The Town also
has many successful private for-profit fitness and wellbeing facilities. In 2009, the
Recreation Department along with the public health nurse started a Health and Recreation
Fair that brings all of these organizations under one roof along with countless free medical
health screenings. The Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association in 2009 have
honored the Cohasset Recreation Department with a Community Outreach Award for a
“program over and above regular programming that demonstrates a benefit to the
community.” This fair has become more and more popular each year with close to 1,000
participants. In 2015, the Recreation Department moved from the Town Hall to the former
Our World Museum Space at the Paul Pratt Library and has expanded numerous programs
with the additional space. The Department stills oversees the downtown Rec Center, that
was formerly the DPW Office, for additional programs. Currently, demand still exists for
more walking trails, bicycle paths and sidewalks, as well as playing fields. There has also
been requests for a dog park, a skate park, and outdoor fitness.
3.7 Environmental Justice Populations19
According to the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs, (EEA),
Environmental Justice (EJ) is based upon the principle that all people have a right to be
protected from environmental pollution, and to live in and enjoy a clean and h ealthful
environment. The EEA established an Environmental Justice Policy to help address the
disproportionate share of environmental burdens experienced by lower-income people and
communities of color, who often lack environmental assets in their neighborhoods. EJ
populations in Massachusetts are determined by the following criteria based upon 2010
Census Block Data:
Households earn 65% or less of the statewide household median income; or
25% or more of the residents are minority; or
25% or more of the residents are foreign-born; or
25% or more of the residents are lacking English language proficiency.
Based upon the 2010 U.S. Census, the Town of Cohasset does not meet any of the criteria
for an Environmental Justice Population. This is confirmed through MassGIS. The
Environmental Justice population designation may change based on data obtained in the
2020 Census, and the Town should be prepared to address any issues that may arise.
19 www.mass.gov, Energy and Environmental Affairs, Environmental Justice Policy, accessed February 26, 2009.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-8
3.8 Employers and Employment Trends
In general, most primary wage earners in Cohasset commute to jobs elsewhere in the
region. The average commute time is 35 minutes and three quarters of employed residents
commute at least 10 minutes to work.20
Cohasset’s unemployment rate has fluctuated between 2% and 4.5% over the time period
between 2000 to 2008. From 2003 to 2008, the number of employed residents remained
steady at approximately 3,500 while the labor force decreased slightly and then increased
in 2008. The increase in the labor force caused the unemployment rate to increase.
The top employers in Cohasset are detailed in the figure below:
20 Growth and Development Committee, Cohasset Master Plan and EO 418 Community Development Plan, Januar y
2004, Section VIII, page 101-107.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-9
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-10
3.8.1 Major Industries
Cohasset has a small business sector in five zoning categories distributed in six
locations. Most businesses are located either on Route 3A or in the Village Center.
Cohasset’s largest sources of employment are businesses in the service sector,
primarily businesses in the retail and professional services.21
The US Bureau of Labor has Standard Occupation Classification and Coding
Structure based on 23 categories and has added four (4) categories specific to
Cohasset resident data (home, retired, student, not applicable).
21 Growth and Development Committee, Cohasset Master Plan and EO 418 Community Development Plan, January
2004, Section VIII, page 98-101.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-11
3.8.2 Family Income
A large amount of Cohasset residents are employed in professional occupations and
have higher incomes than employees within the Town who work in service sector
positions. The median household income in Cohasset has increased sharply from
2010 ($114,214) to 2016 ($128,224)22. Additionally, the median housing sale price
has also increased over time.
22 US Census Bureau
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-12
Chart 3-2: Median Income
Source: US Census Bureau, American FactFinder
Additional information on Cohasset’s economic development, employers, and
employment trends is detailed in the Cohasset Master Plan and EO 418 Community
Development Plan, January 2004.
3.9 Growth and Development Patterns
3.9.1 Patterns and Trends
The earliest settlements in Cohasset were the village center, the harbor, and the
Beechwood area, where farms were first carved out. Jerusalem Road began to see
the establishment of inns and summer lodging houses in the early decades of the
19th century. This was the area where private summer cottages were first
constructed. The arrival of the railroad in 1849 attracted even more summer visitors
to Cohasset.
The Town continued to grow and, in the last quarter of the 19th century, new roads
were laid out. Between 1876 and 1891, Doane Street, Forest Avenue, Atlantic
Avenue, and Nichols Road were built. The last three were planned to accommodate
summerhouses, which in some cases took several decades before houses were
constructed. Conversion of summerhouses into year-round residences occurred
primarily in the 1950s and 1960s.
The combination of large areas of public land in the southern part of the Town and
environmental constraints, both wetlands and rock ledge, has historically limited
the opportunities for large development projects. Septic requirements, especially
with the more stringent Title 5 regulations now in force, have posed another barrier
to development. However, new construction techniques are allowing development
$0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
$80,000
$100,000
$120,000
$140,000
$160,000
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2016
Median Income 1970 -2016
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-13
on properties that previously could not pass percolation (“perc”) tests.23 The sewer
plant expansion was completed during the last OSRP's term, to accommodate
additional residences covered by The Second Amended Final Judgement that was
commenced by the Commonwealth in 1979. The judgement addressed violations
of the Clean Water Act, 33 USC §1251 et seq., to abate water pollution in and
around Little Harbor. The Commonwealth’s action under the judgement was
terminated on November 13, 2014, after all the residences in the identified district
along Little Harbor and Atlantic Avenue were successfully connected to the Town
sewer system. The Environmental Protection Agency was reportedly concerned
that there would be a possible increase in development in the environmentally
sensitive district following the sewerage treatment plant's capacity increase, and as
a consequence, the judgement contained language restricting sewer hook ups to
existing residences. The sewering of the Little Harbor Judgement District resulted
in 465 additional residences being hooked up within the 1.53 square miles of the
District, to total 1,549 total residences in the sewer system, an increase of 43% over
the original subscriber base of 1,084.24
Avalon Bay was constructed and building permits were issued in 2011. All 220
units count toward the Town’s Subsidized Housing Inventory. With these units, the
town is at 10.63 % SHI. However, by the 2020 Census, the Town is presently
trending to be 23 units under this threshold.
Cedermere (now Toll Bros) was originally proposed for development as a
55+development. The 55+ limitation was removed at Town Meeting, and the site
has been developed at market rate housing without restrictions. This project was
to have an affordable component, but that too was changed and these units are now
being sold at a market rate.
The development of the former Cook Estate by Abbott Development is currently
underway. Several other single-family subdivisions have been approved according
to the Planning Board. In 2009, 8 James Lane came before the Board for a 3-story,
26,300 square foot, 17 Residential Unit building. This permit was denied. In 2012,
8 James Lane came back before the Board and the project, with conditions, was
approved. Also in 2012, 117 Beechwood Street “Estates of Cohasset” a Definitive
Subdivision Approval and Residential Cluster Development (formerly Cedermere,
not Toll Bros.). Application was approved for 41 Single Family homes in a
Residential Cluster.
23 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
24 Cohasset Director of Engineering, Brian Joyce, 2018
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-14
Large Home Reviews have increased over the years. Number of reviews, listed by
year, below:26
2009 – 2 Large Home Reviews (11 Jerusalem Road Drive and 379 Atlantic Avenue)
2010 – 5 Large Home Reviews (21 Sheldon Road, 390 Jerusalem Road, 35
Fernway, 14 Summer Street and 150 North Main Street).
2011 – 3 Large Home Reviews (101 Atlantic Avenue, 379 Atlantic Avenue & 20
Hobart Lane)
2012 – 2 Large Home Reviews (139 Border Street & 54/60 Hobart Lane)
2013 – 3 Large Home Reviews (37 Beach Street, 25 Fernway & 465 Jerusalem
Road)
2014 – 8 Large Home Reviews (46 Gammons Road, 63 Summer Street, 365
Atlantic Avenue, 112 Beach Street, 119 Border Street, 589 Jerusalem Road,
49 Ripley Road & 40 Hobart Lane).
2015 – 10 Large Home Reviews (61 Joyo Place, 19 Hobart Lane, 417 Jerusalem
Road, 548 Jerusalem Road, 105 Nichols Road, 399 Atlantic Avenue, 1
James Island Way, 401 Jerusalem Road, Lot #11 Gammons Road & 15
Jerusalem Road Drive).
2016 – 8 Large Home Reviews (15 Jerusalem Road Drive (filed late December
2015), Lot #11 Gammons Road (filed late December 2015), 121 Nichols
Road, 71 Nichols Road, 81 & 87 Atlantic Avenue, 1 James Island Way, 28
Black Horse Lane and 21 Pleasant Street).
2017 (as of November) – 6 Large Home Reviews (Jerusalem Road – Plot 43, 450
Jerusalem Road, 54 Rust Way, 3 Tad Lane, 92 Howe Road and 64 Linden
Drive).
Table 3-3: Building Permits Issued for New Residential Construction on
Previously Undisturbed Land
Year Number of
Permits
2009 3
2010 0
2011 12
2012 18
2013 18
2014 18
2015 29
2016 29
2017 11
Source: Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Update Committee
26 Cohasset Planning Board, January 2018
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-15
3.9.1.1 Commercial Developments
Commercial construction along Route 3A also has increased since the 1990s. The
“Scituate Hill” four-lot commercial subdivision was approved in 2006. Other
commercial developments that have been constructed or approved since 2000
include Pilgrim Cooperative Bank, Hingham Lumber Company, King Jewelers
Company, Joseph’s Hardware expansion, and Rosano office/residential mixed-use
building all off Route 3A. Additionally, Pompeo medical office building was
approved, located off Parkingway. During the summer of 2009, the Town reviewed
the CCI Energy application to construct two commercial size wind turbines on
Graham Waste property on Route 3A.30 The permit was denied by the Planning
Board due to boundary issues.
Commercial Construction
Commercial construction along Cohasset’s roughly three (3) mile commercial
corridor has increased and experienced major investment creating new commercial
opportunities and residential dwelling units. 32
In 2006, Cohasset approved Scituate Hill, a four (4) lot commercial subdivision
within the Technology Business District. One pad site has been developed into a
storage facility. The development of has created a 600 ft. long commercial
subdivision roadway with three pad sites awaitin g development. The project was
completed in 2016.
In 2007, after Cohasset adopted a Transit Overlay District, a mixed-use building
was permitted 132 Chief Justice Cushing Highway. The development created a 2-
story building containing 34,000 sq. ft. of ground floor retail space and 23,000 sq.
ft. of residential space on the second floor.
In 2009, the CCI Energy LLC, wind energy conversion facility Special Permit and
Site Plan Review Application came before the Planning Board. The application was
denied due to a lack of the required super majority vote.
In 2011, on land owned by the Trustees of Reservations located in the northwest
corner of the Town. The Planning Board approved the construction of a commercial
wind turbine project. The project consists of the installation of a 1.8 MW wind
turbine on top of Turkey Hill. The wind turbine has yet to be built.
In 2012, Site Plan Review for a carwash at 828 Chief Justice Cushing Highway was
approved by the Planning Board and opened for business in 2015.
In 2014, a clinic located at 234 King Street, Site Plan Review was approved for a
veterinary clinic. “Homes at Cohasset Village,” at 8 James Lane, combined an
30 Jo-Ann Pilczak, Planning Board, Town of Cohasset, email correspondence, 9 March 2009.
32 Cohasset Planning Director, May 2018
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-16
approval of Site Plan Review and a Village Business District Special Permit for the
construction of 11 townhouses.
The Planning Board approved a modification of its 2011 decision relating to the
Manor Way Circle Residential Cluster Development. The modification permitted
six (6) units.
The Red Lion filed for a Site Plan Review and a Village Business District Special
Permit to add two new dwelling annexed buildings. This hearing continued into
2015.
In 2015, the redevelopment of 1-3 Brook Street was permitted by the Planning
Board, allowing for the construction of a mixed-use building containing of
commercial/retail space on the first level and three residential condominiums on
the second and third levels. Construction for the new redevelopment was completed
in 2017.
In 2016, a permit was granted to construct a 75,301 square feet (1.73 acres) solar
array on the Town’s closed and capped landfill. Work has been completed and
solar energy is new being captured for Cohasset.
In 2017, 508 Chief Justice Cushing Highway was approved for Site Plan Approval
proposing the construction of a new 4,436 sq. ft. office building, and a 1,920 sq. ft.
detached storage building along with other site improvements.
After receiving a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals allowing the
combination of commercial and residential land uses on the site, the Planning Board
approved a mixed-use development at 380-400 Chief Justice Cushing Highway.
This approval allowed a 60,000 sq. ft. two-story building comprised of retail space
and 20 local action rental-housing units, which will be included in Cohasset’s
Shared Housing Inventory (SHI).
The historical commercial hub of Cohasset is the Town’s Village District for both
local and regional residents. The Village District has experienced incremental
physical change to the existing structures since 2009. Anchored b y St. Stephens
Parish, the South Shore Art Center and Pilgrim Bank, Cohasset’s retail business’s
including Outside In Outfitters, the Pink Tulip, and Fleming’s of Cohasset Village.
Restaurants within the Village District bring together a variety of options from Mr.
Dooley’s Olde Irish Village Pub to the newly opened 5 South Main, and Bia Bistro,
to the timeless French Memories Bakery. Cohasset Village remains one of the
community’s strongest assets bringing together all residents from morning to night.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-17
3.10 Infrastructure
3.10.1 Transportation
Cohasset is primarily a residential town with commercial and industrial
development concentrated along Route 3A, the Town’s major arterial road. More
Cohasset residents work in Boston and other commercial centers than work locally
and the majority commute by driving alone.
The MBTA re-established the Greenbush commuter rail in October 2007.
Cohasset Station is located at 110 Chief Justice Cushing Highway and it is
estimated that travel time to South Station in Boston is approximately 45 minutes.
Currently, Cohasset Station has 410 parking spaces, 10 of which are handicap
accessible. There is an average weekday availability of 71%.33
Additionally, the station offers parking for the Whitney Thayer Spur Trail into
Wompatuck State Park. Nearby stops to Cohasset Station include Nantasket
Junction, East Hingham, North Scituate and Greenbush.35
3.10.2 Water Supply Systems36
Cohasset’s drinking water is supplied primarily from a surface water system
comprised of Lily Pond and the Aaron River Reservoir. In addition, one well field,
at Ellms Meadow provides supplementary water resources.
Since July 1, 2012, the Town water system has been operated under contract by
Woodard & Curran Inc. and overseen by the Cohasset Board of Water
Commissioners. A water treatment plant with a capacity of 3 million gallons per
day (mgd) draws water from Lily Pond. Water from the Aaron River Reservoir can
be diverted to Lily Pond as needed by adjustable gates at the Bound Brook control
structure on Beechwood Street. The Ellms Meadow well field has a capacity of
0.170 mgd and is used to supplement the Lily Pond system.
North Cohasset residents are supplied with water from Hingham. In the past, the
Town has promised to explore the possibility of expanding the municipal water
system into North Cohasset. In 2003, the water system was connected to the
Hingham system on Route 3A, as part of an inter-municipal agreement. In 2017,
another inter-municipal agreement was entered into with the Town of Scituate to
supply water.
In a July 1, 2016, water quality report to the Town, the Water Department identified
a number of potential threats to watershed quality including:38
33 MBTA, 18 January 2017 < http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/stations/?stopId=25670>.
35 Telephone Conversation with Tom Gruber, 7 April 2009.
36 Jared Hill, Cohasset Water Department Superintendent, facsimile, 4 March 2009.
38 Water Commission Report 2017
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-18
The Cohasset Heights Landfill (toxic leachate). This was capped back in
2003 and testing wells were installed. All reporting was completed through
the DEP Southeast Region;
The Massachusetts Highway Department garage (road salt runoff). A new
salt shed was installed at least 10 years ago to meet all regulations;
Norfolk Conveyor (1983 oil spill and hazardous waste). The site was
completely excavated and is now the location of the Avalon development;
The Hingham Annex former rocket manufacturing facility (toxic leachate).
Hingham Annex & Wompatuck State Park Military Storage Bunkers – In
the late 1990s, the government, which was in charge of the remaining
section of the Depot that was not turned into Wompatuck State Park,
announced it was going to donate the remaining part to the Park. This
involved, first, cleaning the area and the demolition of the remaining
buildings, despite their historical value. This task was completed in the
spring of 2015, with the former building sites having been razed and
covered with earth. New hiking and biking trails were established,
roadways refinished as walking and biking trails, and access improved via
the former rail bed, connecting to Route 3A in Cohasset near the Greenbush
Commuter Rail Line (the Whitney Thayer Rail Spur). Gates have been
installed at the end of Leavitt St. in Hingham and at the Doane Street in
Cohasset; and
The Arrowwood Development in Scituate (septic systems). The property
has been developed and each dwelling unit has a conventional Title 5 septic
system;
All of these sites are being monitored.
A long-range capital improvements program for both the Lily Pond Treatment
Facility and the Water Distribution System has been developed, and the Water
Department is carrying out the goals set forth in those plans. This has included
purchase of open space within the Lily Pont watershed.
3.10.3 Sewer Service
Construction of the collection system for the Little Harbor-Atlantic Avenue sewer
expansion was completed in 2009 and all connections included in the original plans
for that expansion were completed in 2013. The final connections completed all
steps required to satisfy the Commonwealth’s Second Amended Final Judgement.
Subsequent to the final expansion connections and evaluation of the flows from the
expansion into the treatment plant, it was concluded that there was sufficient
capacity to allow limited, additional connections to the Town’s collections system.
Concurrent with the maturation of flow from the expansion and determination that
there was additional capacity in the Cohasset treatment plant, the Town of Hull
imposed a significant increase in the cost of treating Cohasset waste water coming
from North Cohasset. That flow was directed to Hull as part of an inter-municipal
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-19
agreement between Hull and Cohasset when the North Cohasset sewer expansion
occurred in the early 2000s. The North Cohasset collection system and the Little
Harbor-Atlantic Avenue collection systems were constructed with a number of
valves that would allow flow to either or both of the Hull or Cohasset treatment
plants. Under the terms of the inter-municipal agreement the Sewer Commission
determined that the cost of treating North Cohasset flow was significantly less
should there be capacity available in the Cohasset treatment plant to accommodate
the flow previously going to Hull. All flow to Hull, which could be reversed to
Cohasset without significant capital costs, was in fact reversed.
Implementation of the strategic plan for reducing I&I flow into the Cohasset sewer
collection system was continued with a significant expenditure planned in Fiscal
Year 2018 for replacement of existing manholes with watertight fittings. These new
fittings will effect an immediately demonstrable reduction of storm water flow into
the Cohasset wastewater collection system. The Sewer Commission will complete
the current I&I plans and develop a strategy for future activities to address leakage
of water into the existing collection system.
There continues to be a few new connections to the system as individual houses are
built on lots that previously were not buildable until capacity was determined
available at the treatment plant. Those lots were located adjacent to the collection
system and by state law must be connected to the system if capacity was available.
Cohasset is open to participation in regional strategic wastewater planning with the
towns of Hull, and Scituate as long as there is a reasonable expectation of potential
benefit to the Town of Cohasset. The Sewer Commission also plans to evaluate
alternatives for additional wastewater treatment capacity in Cohasset, i.e., satellite
treatment plants. As the flow into the Cohasset treatment plant approaches the
regulatory limits on discharge, all options for management and maintenance of the
treatment plant will be evaluated. This evaluation shall include potential changes
in the discharge limits imposed by the state and federal authorities.
Replacement of membranes in the WWTP is the only significant capital
expenditure (Estimated at $1.5M) in the next five years.43
3.11 Zoning Districts
Zoning districts in Cohasset include residential, light industry, commercial, and an open
space district. A floodplain and watershed protection overlay district regulates
development activities by requiring special permits. Special permits are issued by the
Zoning Board of Appeals. The Town also has a Wetlands Bylaw and detailed Wetlands
Regulations that are administered by the Cohasset Conservation Commission. Much
current construction activity consists of the expansion of existing homes, which often
involves floodplain and wetlands protection concerns. Cohasset also has a Residential
Cluster Development section in the Zoning Bylaw; however, developers rarely bring forth
43 Sewer Commission, 2017.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-20
a plan under the provisions that adequately link open space within the Town. A “Large
Home Review” bylaw for homes greater than 3500 square feet was passed at Town
Meeting in 2004. A citizen’s petition to add to the Large Home Review bylaw by giving
the Planning Board the ability to assign conditions to their approval process (i.e.
environmental, or to minimize neighbor impact) was narrowly defeated at Town Meeting
in 2017. The Planning Board’s proposed revision to that petition passed at the 2018
Annual Town Meeting.
Additionally, the Town adopted the Transit Oriented Development Overlay District to
foster moderate to high-density development within walking distance of the transit
station.44 The trend of transit-oriented development has been growing throughout the
nation and within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Finally, in the recent past, the
Town passed a Wind Energy Conversion Facility Bylaw for turbines greater than 500
kilowatts.
In 2008, Cohasset adopted a Stormwater Management Bylaw into the General Bylaw to
prevent and reduce existing and future flooding, protect water quality, increase
groundwater recharge, reduce erosion and sedimentation and help Cohasset meet federal
requirements under Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES). The Stormwater Management Bylaw allows the Town to review development
for elements that are crucial to the health of the open space. The Conservation Commission
is the permitting authority for the Stormwater Management Bylaw.
A citizen petition also proposed a bylaw proposal that would address development and
blasting on ledge. However, the bylaw was not passed at Town Meeting.
3.12 Long-Term Development Patterns
3.12.1 Long-Term Growth Patterns
The Town Assessor currently classifies 193 acres of open private vacant land as
“developable” and an additional 127 acres as “potentially developable.” These two
categories of land together constitute 5.3 percent of the Town’s 6,065 acres. Most
of these parcels are small. The largest developable site contains 31 acres and the
largest potentially developable site contains 45 acres. In contrast, 199 acres of open
privately held land, 3 percent of all town land, is classified as undevelopable.
Although current requirements for septic systems as well as the presence of
wetlands and ledge preclude development of many sites at present, installation of
sewer systems for several areas of Cohasset and the use of alternative technologies
for localized communal waste treatment may open up some of the undevelopable
sites. Area requirements for new single-family dwellings on a new lot in residential
districts range from 18,000 to 60,000 square feet, with a frontage requirement of
only 50 feet.
Refer to Map 3.
44 Town of Cohasset Zoning Bylaw, March 29, 2008, Section 17.2.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-21
The following list details the topics discussed on an ongoing basis from 2009 to
today related to long-term growth.
Master Plan
Green Communities Act, Green Development & Planning Assistance
Boston Region MPO Suburban Mobility
Smart Growth
Necessity to reform the Design Review Board in Anticipation of
Village Business District Special Permit Applications
Cohasset Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land
Neighborhood LEED Development
Ocean Management Plan & Ocean Act of 2008
Open Space & Recreation Plan
Reforming a Zoning Advisory Committee
MAPC – 3A Corridor Study
3.12.2 Buildout Analysis
To assist cities and towns, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and
Environmental Affairs (EOEA) initiated a statewide analysis of building patterns.
A buildout analysis consists of a series of maps, based on the geographical
information system (GIS), that illustrate a community’s current zoning, land
available for development and how it is zoned, and maximum development possible
in a particular community if every piece of developable land were developed based
upon existing local zoning. Accompanying the maps, projections were calculated
for the numbers of residents, households, public school students, and water use at
maximum buildout. The buildout analysis provides a baseline for communities by
demonstrating development as it could occur if no changes were made in current
zoning. It is a planning tool designed to stimulate discussion and help communities
identify if they are growing in the way they want and what, if any, changes they
want to make. The 1999 analysis for Cohasset determined that 1,551 acres are
developable. If all of this land were to be built upon using current Cohasset zoning,
it would yield approximately 1,036 additional dwelling units and an additional
2,652 residents. This scenario would bring Cohasset’s total population to 10,769
residents. Appendix B contains the Cohasset Buildout Summary Information
provided by the Massachusetts EOEA. This buildout analysis has not been updated
by the Commonwealth since the 1999 issuance.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-22
3.12.3 Bylaws Adopted Since 200946
The following list includes the zoning and land use bylaws adopted through Town
Meeting:
2009 –Annual Town Meeting
Article 13 – Update of the Town of Cohasset Rules and Regulations
Governing the Subdivision of Land.
2009 –Special Town Meeting
Article 4 – Planning Board Associate Member
2010 –Special Town Meeting
Article 3 – Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Section 8.7.1
2011 –Annual Town Meeting
Article 11 - Amended the Zoning Map
Article 21 - Zoning Bylaw Amendment: Wind Energy Conversion Facility
Bylaw
2012 –Annual Town Meeting
Article 23 - Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Section 2.1: Definitions and
Section 5.2.6 Area Regulations General Provisions.
Article 24 - Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Section 2.1 Home Occupation
Definition & Section 4.5.3.B – Additional Use Regulations.
Article 25 - Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Sections 5.2.6 and 5.2.8, Fence
and Wall Reference.
Article 26 – Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Section 9.7.5 – Special Permit
Uses
Article 27 – Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Section 9: Special Flood Plain
And Watershed Protection District: Section 9.2 Location and, Section 9.12,
9.12.1 and 9.12.2 General Provisions Relating to the Flood Plain District.
2013 –2013 Annual Town Meeting
Article 16 – Temporary Moratorium, Medical Marijuana Treatment
Centers.
Article 17 – Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Section 2.1 – Definition of
Height.
Article 18 – Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Section 5.4: Area Regulations
Article 19 – Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Section 2.1 Definitions and, 4.2
Table of Use Regulations.
46 Planning Board November 2017
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-23
2014 – 2014 Annual Town Meeting
Article 23 - Zoning Bylaw Reconciliation
Article 24 – Registered Marijuana Dispensaries
2014 – Special Town Meeting
Article 13 – Zoning Bylaw Reconciliation
2015 – Special Town Meeting
Article 20 – Ground-mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installations Overlay
District.
Article 21 – Special Permits in the Village Business District
2016 Annual Town Meeting
Amend General Bylaws Article III, Section 7(a) re: Planning Bd. assoc.
member
2016 Special Town Meeting
Add Section 42 to General Bylaws Article VII re: Photovoltaic Array
Installation Requirements
Amend General Bylaws Article 1 Section 1(h) re: non-criminal dispositions
Amend General Bylaws Article XIV Section 10 re: wetlands protection
enforcement
2017 Annual Town Meeting
Amend General Bylaws to add ARTICLE VI, Section 10, and to set the
funding limits for the Town’s revolving fund for FY18
Amend General Bylaws Article VI, Section 9.B
Amend Zoning Bylaws to add Section 21 as follows, re: Temporary
Moratorium on Marijuana Establishments
Amend General Bylaws Article III, Section 2(k) re: Rights of Way
Amend Zoning Bylaws Section 2.1 – Definitions re: RGFA
Amend Zoning Bylaws Section 9.7 (8)(b) re: Special Permit Use
Amend Zoning Bylaws Section 4.3 (14) re: Inclusionary Zoning
Add General Bylaws Article XVII re: Scenic Roads
2018 Annual Town Meeting
Recodification of the General Bylaws
Recodification of the Zoning Bylaws
Amend Zoning Bylaws Section 300-5.5 re: Large House Plan Review
Add General Bylaws Article VII Section 43 re: Prohibition of Marijuana
Establishments
Add Zoning Bylaws Section 300-4.3(15) re: Prohibition of Marijuana
Establishments
Amend Zoning Bylaws Section 21.4 re: Extension of Moratorium
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Setting 3-24
Amend General Bylaws Section 9 re: Harbor Committee membership
Add new section to General Bylaws Article VII re: Plastic Bag Reduction
3.12.4 Community Preservation Act Projects47
The following list includes the Community Preservation Act (CPA)-funded open
space and recreation project undertaken since 2010:
March 2010 – Purchase of Brewster Woods
May 2012 – Purchase conservation restriction on White property
December 2012 – Construction of Cohasset Sailing Club
December 2012 – Replace fencing at Milliken Field
April 2013 – Rehabilitate playground at Deer Hill School
April 2013 – Purchase land at King St. and Brass Kettle Brook
April 2014 – Restore court and equipment at basketball court at Deer Hill
School
April 2014 – Participate in purchase of Ingram property
May 2015 – Contribution to costs of trail and woodlands work at TTOR
Turkey Hill property
May 2016 – Plans & improvements to Sohier St. Playground
May 2016 – Upgrades to Milliken Field storage shed, including ADA
bathroom
May 2017 – Fund engineering for rehabilitation of boat ramp
May 2017 - Repair fencing at Milliken Field
May 2017 – Repair Milliken field tennis courts
May 2017 – Bring Osgood, Deer Hill, Beechwood and Sohier playgrounds
into ADA compliance
47 Community Preservation Committee, Richard Karoff
Section 4.0
Environmental Inventory & Analysis
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-1
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY & ANALYSIS
Cohasset enjoys a variety of environmental and cultural resources. The following section provides
an inventory of these resources, and describes the environmental challenges facing the Town.
4.1 Geology, Soils & Topography
Refer to the Soils and Geologic Features Map (Required Map 4) in conjunction with this
section.
4.1.1 Geology
The majority of Cohasset’s bedrock is comprised of Dedham granite.48 The
prevalent bedrock within Cohasset has historically represented a development
constraint, although more recent blasting capabilities have made previously
undevelopable areas available.
Glacial action is responsible for the town’s surficial geology; glacial retreat
approximately 12,000 years ago carried soils, rocks and boulders, and, as the
glaciers melted, deposited glacial till on the ground surface. Cohasset contains
many boulders transported by glacial action and then perched atop one another, or
“glacial erratics”. Rooster Rock, Bigelow Boulder, and Ode’s Den, all in Whitney
and Thayer Woods, and Big Tipling in Wheelwright Park are among the most well-
known glacial erratics. Cohasset’s present swamps and marshes were formed from
small water bodies created during the extended process of glacial retreat that
became vegetated.49
Image 4-1: Photograph obtained from The Trustees of Reservations
website (www.thetrustees.org/pages/392_whitney_and_thayer_woods.cfm)
48 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
49 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 20 10-2017.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-2
4.1.2 Soils
The majority of soils within Cohasset represent a constraint for development as
they generally either contain prevalent stones and boulders or are poorly drained.50
MassGIS indicates that the soil types listed below occur in Cohasset. Prime
farmland soils are noted with an asterisk (*), while important farmland soils are
noted with a double asterisk (**). Prime soils constitute those exhibiting the most
advantageous combination of physical and chemical characteristics for farming use
and that are also available for farming uses. Important farmland soils include soils
that nearly qualify for prime status, and that “economically produce high yields of
crops when treated or managed according to acceptable farming methods.”51,52
Beaches (Be)
Canton fine sandy loam, 3 – 8% and 8 – 15% slopes (CaB* and CaC**)
Canton fine sandy loam, extremely stony, 3 – 8% and 15 – 25% slopes (CbB
and CbD)
Canton fine sandy loam, extremely bouldery, 8 – 15% and 15 – 25% slopes
(CcC and CcD)
Charlton-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 3 – 8%, 8 – 15% and 15-25%
slopes (ChB, ChC and ChD)
Deerfield loamy sand, 3 – 8% slopes (DeB**)
Freetown muck (Fm)
Freetown muck, ponded (Fp)
Hinckley sandy loam, 3 – 8% and 8 – 15% slopes (HfB** and HfC)
Hollis-Rock outcrop-Charlton complex, 3 – 15% and 15 – 35% slopes (HrC
and HrD)
Ipswich mucky peat (Ip)
Merrimac fine sandy loam, 0 – 3%, 3 – 8% and 8 – 15% slopes (MmA*,
MmB* and MmC**)
Merrimac-Urban land complex, 0 – 8% slopes (MnB)
Montauk fine sandy loam, 3 – 8% slopes (MoB*)
Montauk fine sandy loam, extremely stony, 3 – 8% and 8 – 15% slopes
(MsB and MsC)
Newport silt loam, 3 – 8%, 8 – 15% and 15 – 25% slopes (NpB*, NpC**
and NpD)
Newport-Urban land complex, 3 – 15% slopes (NuC)
Paxton fine sandy loam, 3 – 8% slopes (PaB*)
Paxton fine sandy loam, extremely stony, 3 – 8% and 8 – 15% slopes (PbB
and PbC)
50 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
51 Prime farmland soil information obtained from http://nesoil.com/prime1.html on March 13, 2009.
52 Important farmland soil information obtained from http://nesoil.com/important.html on March 13, 2009.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-3
Pittstown silt loam, 2 – 8% slopes (PtB*)
Raynham silt loam (Ra)
Ridgebury fine sandy loam, 0 – 5% slopes (RdA)
Ridgebury fine sandy loam, extremely stony, 2 – 8% slopes (RgB)
Rock outcrop-Hollis complex, 3 – 25% slopes (RoD)
Scarboro and Birdsall soils (Sb)
Scio very fine sandy loam, 2 – 5% slopes (ScB*)
Scituate fine sandy loam, 3 – 8% slopes (SeB*)
Scituate fine sandy loam, extremely stony, 3 – 8% slopes (StB)
Sudbury fine sandy loam, 2 – 8% slopes (SuB*)
Swansea muck (Sw)
Udorthents, sandy (Ua)
Udorthents, loamy (Ud)
Udorthents, wet substratum (Ue)
Udorthents, refuse substratum (Uf)
Urbanland, 0 – 15% slopes (Ur)
Urban land-Boxford complex, 0 – 3% slopes (UxA)
Water (W)
Walpole sandy loam, 0 – 5% (WaA)
Whitman fine sandy loam, extremely stony, 0 – 5% slopes (WhA)
Windsor loamy sand, 3 – 8% slopes (WnB**)
Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 3 – 8% slopes (WsB*)
Of the soils occurring in Cohasset listed above, Table 4-1 depicts the ten most
prevalent (by acre) soil types within Cohasset. There are no prime farmland soils
within the “top ten” list, although important farmland soils are present.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-4
Table 4-1: Ten Most Prevalent (by Acre) Soil Types within Cohasset
Soil Name Acres % Total
Hollis-Rock outcrop-Charlton complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes (HrC) 1881 30%
Rock outcrop-Hollis complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes (RoD) 576 9%
Charlton-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes (ChC) 517 8%
Charlton-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes (ChB) 343 6%
Swansea muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes (Sw) 281 5%
Ridgebury fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony
(RgB)
201 3%
Freetown muck, ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes (Fp) 198 3%
Newport silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes (NpC)** 183 3%
Freetown muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes (Fm) 162 3%
Newport silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes (NpD) 161 3%
Other 1730 2%
Source: Adapted from USDA NRCS, Norfolk County Web Soil Survey
(www.websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/)
The most dominant soil type in Cohasset is HrC, which is described as “gently
sloping and strongly sloping soils and areas of exposed bedrock on hills and ridges
where the relief is affected by the underlying bedrock…The shallow, somewhat
excessively drained Hollis soil is on the tops of ridges or is near rock outcrops. The
very deep, well drained Charlton soil is in low pockets and saddles. Stones and
boulders 10 inches to 10 feet in diameter cover 0 to 15% of the surface.”
Additionally, depth to the seasonal high water table occurs at greater than 6 feet
with HrC soils. Slope and shallow bedrock depth are the main development
limitations associated with HrC soils.53
RoD soils are generally unsuitable for development, mainly due to prevalent
bedrock exposures.54 Seasonal high water and wetland characteristics associated
with the mucky soils (Sw, Fm and Fp) also represent significant development
constraints. Seasonal high water and slow to very slow permeability represent the
main limitations of RgB soils, especially with regard to installation of septic
systems, although development can be accommodated with consideration of
mechanisms to avoid water damage.55 Seasonal high water and slow permeability
are also constraints for NpC and NpD soils.56
53 http://nesoil.com/norfolk/HrC.htm viewed online March 25, 2009.
54 http://nesoil.com/norfolk/RoD.htm viewed online March 25, 2009.
55 http://nesoil.com/norfolk/RgB.htm viewed online March 25, 2009.
56 http://nesoil.com/norfolk/NpC.htm and http://nesoil.com/norfolk/NpD.htm viewed online March 25, 2009.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-5
4.1.3 Topography
“As noted above, glacial action created Cohasset’s rocky shoreline, ponds, and
marshy depressions.” The rocky topography prevalent in Cohasset produces many
small changes in elevation, while more significant changes in elevation due to the
town’s glacial past create a ranging topography that includes features from coastal
estuaries to inland hills. “A number of the oval, rounded hills known as drumlins,
which were also created during the retreat of the glaciers, can be found in the
vicinity of Route 3A. These include Turkey Hill, Scituate Hill, Deer Hill, Bear Hill,
James Hill, and Walnut Hill. Turkey Hill, on the border with Hingham, is the
highest point in Cohasset at 187 feet above sea level.”57
Image 4-2: Topographic features of Cohasset. Courtesy of Google Maps online.
4.2 Landscape Character
Refer to the Unique Features Map (Required Map 5) in conjunction with this section.
Cohasset is home to distinctive landforms, unique natural environments, and areas of
scenic interest. Distinctive landforms include the previously noted drumlins, as well as
ledge outcroppings and boulders throughout the Town.
Cohasset’s generally rocky shore also contrasts with the sandy beaches that are generally
more common in the South Shore region.
57 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-6
Image 4-3: Glacial erratic, Photograph obtained from The Trustees of Reservations website
(www.thetrustees.org/pages/392_whitney_and_thayer_woods.cfm)
The Town’s landscape is characterized by a diversity of natural environments, ranging
from uplands to freshwater areas to tidally influenced areas, including 6.12 miles of
coastline. 58 Forested areas and wetlands are discussed in greater detail in Section 4.4.
The various distinctive landforms and unique natural environments create areas of scenic
interest in Cohasset. Particularly scenic vistas include those along Jerusalem Road and
Atlantic Avenue, as well as from Forest Avenue heading toward the ocean, as well as the
views of Lily Pond and Aaron River Reservoir more inland. The reversing falls at Cohasset
Harbor are especially unique, and very popular with regional kayakers. In 2017, Cohasset
passed a Scenic Roads Bylaw. The first proposals for designation are expected to be
brought forward in 2018.
4.3 Water Resources
Refer to the Water Resources Map (Required Map 6) in conjunction with this section.
4.3.1 Watersheds
According to MassGIS, Cohasset is located within two major watersheds: Boston
Harbor and South Coastal. North Cohasset and those areas draining to Great
Swamp, Turkey Hill Run, and Rattlesnake Run, which all flow to Straits Pond or
the Weir River, are located within the Boston Harbor watershed. The remainder
and majority of Town lies within the South Coastal watershed, which includes areas
that drain to Lily Pond, the Aaron Reservoir, Brass Kettle Brook, Little Harbor, the
Gulf River, and the Atlantic Ocean.
58 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-7
4.3.2 Surface Waters
Cohasset contains both salt and freshwater resources. In addition to the Atlantic
Ocean, saltwater bodies include Cohasset Harbor, Little Harbor, the Gulf River
estuary, and Straits Pond.59 Straits Pond lies within the northernmost portion of
Cohasset, within the Weir River Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)
and is located in both the Towns of Cohasset and Hull.60 Straits Pond is an
Outstanding Resource Water due
to its location within an ACEC.61
Straits Pond is described in further
detail in Section 4.6.4.
The Gulf River estuary is located
in the southeastern portion of
Cohasset, within both the Towns of
Cohasset and Scituate, and
includes salt mashers, tidal flats,
and other lands subject to tidal
action.
The major freshwater bodies
within Cohasset consist of the
Aaron River Reservoir, Lily Pond,
Sanctuary Pond, Treat’s Pond,
Aaron River, Bound Brook, Peppermint Brook, Herring Brook, Brass Kettle Brook,
James Brook, Turkey Hill Run, Richardson’s Brook, and Rattlesnake Run.62
Smaller ponds, streams, and seasonal wet places are also present throughout the
Town. Note that Lily Pond and the Aaron River Reservoir are surface drinking
water supplies. Therefore, Lily Pond and the Aaron River Reservoir, as well as the
streams and wetlands tributary to these surface waters, are Outstanding Resource
Waters.63 James Brook runs through Cohasset center, the most densely developed
portion of Town, where it passes through a culvert under the village center and
emerges south of Elm Street and drains into Cohasset Cove.64
59 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
60 Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. “Weir River.” ACEC Designations. 30 Jan. 2009
<www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/acec/acecs/l-weiriv.htm>.
61 Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards [314 CMR 4.00].
62 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
63 Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards [314 CMR 4.00].
64 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
Image 4-4: View of Moors Rock off Jerusalem Road,
photograph courtesy of Karen Quigley
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-8
4.3.3 Water Supply & Aquifer Recharge Areas65
Two surface water supplies provide potable
water for Cohasset: Lily Pond (DEP
Drinking Water Supply ID# 065-01S) and
the Aaron River Reservoir (ID# 065-02S).
The 52-acre Lily Pond contains a maximum
capacity of approximately 79 million gallons
of water, while the maximum 479 million
gallons of water available in the Aaron River
Reservoir, which is 136 acres in size,
supplements the Lily Pond supply during
high water demand.
The watershed associated with these surface
water supplies encompasses 5,892 acres, of
which only 40% is in Cohasset. The amount
of water available for use in Lily Pond and
the Aaron River Reservoir without
detrimental repercussions is 4.06 million
gallons per day (gpd), whereas Cohasset’s
average daily demand is approximately
820,000 gpd. During maximum demand
times (summer), Cohasset utilizes up to 1.8
million gpd. Cohasset also conducts the sale
of water to Hingham and Scituate.
In addition to these surface supplies, the
Cohasset Water Department also manages
one well field. The proximity of the Sohier
Street Wells (ID# 065-03G) to the recently
re-established Greenbush rail line resulted in
their abandonment. However, the Ellms
Meadow Well field (ID# 065-02G) was
reactivated in 2007 and has been approved
for a maximum 170,000 gallons per day
(gpd) withdrawal.
It is anticipated that the existing water supply will meet future water demands for
at least the next 20 years.
65 Norfolk RAM Group. “Where Your Drinking Water Comes From.” Cohasset Water Department Consumer
Confidence Report Map. 30 Jan. 2008, 17 Feb. 2009 <http://www.cohassetwater.org/pdf/2008CCRMap.pdf>.
Water Supply Protection Area Definitions
Public Water Supply Protection Areas are
defined in the Drinking Water Regulations at
310 CMR 22.02.
Interim Wellhead Protection Area (IWPA)
For public water systems using wells or
wellfields that lack a Department approved
Zone II, the Department will apply an interim
wellhead protection area. This interim
wellhead protection area shall be a one-half
mile radius measured from the well or wellfield
for sources whose approved pumping rate is
100,000 gpd or greater.
Zone I The protective radius required around
a public water supply well or wellfield. For
public water system wells with approved
yields of 100,000 gpd or greater, the
protective radius is 400 feet.
Zone II That area of an aquifer which
contributes water to a well under the most
severe pumping and recharge conditions that
can be realistically anticipated (180 days of
pumping at approved yield, with no recharge
from precipitation).
Zone A The land area between the surface
water source and the upper boundary of the
bank; the land area within a 400 foot lateral
distance from the upper boundary of the bank
of a Class A surface water source; and the
land area within a 200 foot lateral distance
from the upper boundary of the bank of a
tributary or associated surface water body.
Zone B The land area within one-half mile of
the upper boundary of the bank of a Class A
surface water source, as defined in 314 CMR
4.05(3)(a), or edge of watershed, whichever is
less.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-9
4.3.4 Flood Hazard Areas
Areas within Cohasset that are subject to inundation by the 100-year flood elevation
are depicted on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) community panels 2502360002B, 2502360004C, and
2502360005B dated September 29, 1986, July 2, 1992, and September 29, 1986
respectively. Note that a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) dated October 27,
1999 also exists for panel 2502360004C. A Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and
accompanying Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps (community panels
2502360002 and 2502360004) are also available for the Town of Cohasset. The
study and floodway maps are dated September 29, 1986 and provide more specific
base flood information for most coastal and tributary rivers within Cohasset.
Because of Cohasset’s extensive river and tributary system, many flood hazard
areas are spread throughout the town. The areas subject to flooding depicted on the
FEMA maps generally include the basins of James Brook, Brass Kettle Brook,
Bound Brook, Turkey Hill Run, Rattlesnake Run, Aaron River, the Gulf River, Lily
Pond, Straits Pond, Aaron River Reservoir, and portions of tributaries thereto. Also
refer to Section 4.7.4 Chronic Flooding.
The following is excerpted from the Flood Insurance Study:
“Due to its coastal New England location, Cohasset is highly
susceptible to northeasters...northeasters often last long enough to be
accompanied by at least one high tide, which results in the most severe
flooding conditions…
In addition to flooding, damaging waves may result in areas with
sufficient fetch length, water depth, and exposure to winds. The outer
coastline from the Cohasset-Hull town boundary to the White Head
section of Cohasset Harbor is susceptible to damaging waves.
Seaward of the western side of Pleasant Beach is an ancient river
channel which extends from the beach to approximately 1,500 feet
offshore. The depth of water at this channel is significantly deeper than
at other parts of the beach. These greater depths are a pathway for
higher wave energy to reach the shore. The result is more overtopping
and seepage at this part of the dune than at other sites in the system.
Inland riverine flooding is also a major concern in Cohasset. During
peak runoff seasons and high intensity storms, inland flooding occurs
along Turkey Hill Run and in the downtown Pleasant Street area where
James Brook passes through a long culvert…”66
66 Flood Insurance Study Town of Cohasset, Massachusetts Norfolk County, dated September 29, 1986. Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-10
In addition, Cohasset Harbor and the lowland shores of Little Harbor are subject to
flooding and velocity hazards (wave action). In 2018, the Town of Cohasset was
awarded a Municipal Vulnerability Program (MVP) Grant through the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts to become a proactive planning community.
Cohasset has partnered with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and
the Cohasset Center for Student Coastal Research (CSCR) to bring together
community members and citizens to comprehensively identify and prioritize steps
to reduce risk and improve resilience throughout Cohasset. The plans will analyze
future climate projections, including heat, drought, inland flooding, and sea level
rise. Potential impacts will be considered to public and private infrastructure,
vulnerable populations, natural resources, public health, and the local economy.
This work will tie into the revised Harbor Plan currently being worked on by the
Harbor Committee.
4.3.5 Wetlands
Wetlands provide a variety of important functions, including 1) the protection of
public and private water supply; 2) the protection of groundwater supply; 3) flood
control and storm damage prevention; 4) the prevention of pollution; 5) the
protection of fisheries and shellfish; and 6) wildlife habitat.
Cohasset contains many wetland types from coastal (including beaches, dunes, salt
marshes, tidal flats and rocky intertidal shores) to inland (deciduous, coniferous and
mixed forested swamps, scrub-shrub swamps, freshwater marshes, and wet
meadows) as well as mixed saltwater/fresh water resources such as estuaries and
brackish areas.
Saltwater wetlands are located in the northern and eastern portions of Cohasset
bordering on the Gulf River estuary, parts of Cohasset Harbor, Straits Pond, and
portions of Little Harbor. Major freshwater wetland areas include:
The Great Swamp,
The area between Lily Pond and the Aaron River Reservoir,
Brass Kettle Brook and Bound Brook,
Breadencheese Swamp (near the town transfer station and former landfill,
north of Cedar Street),
Jacob’s Meadow (adjacent to James Brook between South Main Street and
Elm Street),
Eighteen certified vernal pools, and
Ellms Meadow (adjacent to James Brook between Cushing Road, James
Lane and the MBTA Railroad).67
67 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-11
4.4 Vegetation
4.4.1 General Inventory68,69
Cohasset falls within the central
hardwoods dominated Southern New
England Coastal Plains and Hills sub-
ecoregion, which is topographically
variable with granites, schist and gneiss
bedrock types present. The Natural
Heritage & Endangered Species Program
(NHESP) has classified the natural
communities of Massachusetts; these
classifications can be used to determine
what vegetative community types are
present at a given location. Natural
Community locations can be reported to
NHESP in order to increase its existing
database. NHESP updated the
Classification of Natural Communities in
June 2016.
NHESP has also identified “Priority Natural Vegetation Communities,” which
represent the most critical conservation areas with regard to biodiversity in
Massachusetts. No Priority Natural Communities have been identified in Cohasset.
NHESP organizes vegetation community types into three systems: Terrestrial,
Palustrine, and Estuarine, all of which occur in Cohasset. Specifically, within the
three broad categories, Riverine, Coastal, and Upland Forest natural community
systems occur in Cohasset. Within these subcategories, the follow specific
vegetative communities occur in Cohasset:
Coniferous, deciduous, and mixed deciduous/coniferous upland forests
(Terrestrial).
Herbaceous, shrub and tree riverine natural community systems
(Palustrine).
Brackish tidal wetland, coastal bank/beach/dune, coastal forest, maritime
shrubland, saltmarsh, tidal flat, and rocky shore coastal natural community
systems (Estuarine).
68 Swain, P.C., “2016 Classification of the Natural Communities of Massachusetts,” Version2.0. Natural Heritage &
Endangered Species Program, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Westborough, MA..
69 Office of Geographic and Environmental Information, “MassGIS,” Metadata for NHESP Natural Communities,
May 2017<www.massgis.state.ma.us>.
Natural Communities are groups of
plants and associated animals
classified and described by their
dominant biological and physical
features. Natural Communities are
assemblages of species that recur
together in particular
environmental conditions.
Name types have
1. Characteristic plant species that
usually occur in that type of
community,
2. Physical structure (e.g. forest,
grassland, shrubland,)
3. Specific physical conditions (e.g.
nutrients, degree of wetness, salt,
climate)
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-12
Refer to Section 4.4.2 for additional detail regarding Terrestrial areas in Cohasset,
and to Section 4.4.5 for additional detail regarding Palustrine and Estuarine areas
in Cohasset.
4.4.2 Forest Land
Cohasset has over three thousand acres of forested land. Remaining sizable tracts
of forested land within Cohasset include:
Wompatuck State Park
Whitney and Thayer Woods
Turkey Hill
Wheelwright Park
Great Brewster Woods
Barnes Wildlife Sanctuary
Cornelia and Richardson White Woods
Wooded portions of Cohasset Country Club
Turtle Island and vicinity
Reeds Corner and vicinity
Walnut Hill and vicinity
Adjacent to Deer Hill
Water Department parcels around Lily Pond
Brass Kettle Brook area off King Street
Oak and white pine are the dominant species within Cohasset’s upland forests. In
addition to the dominant oak-white pine forested communities identified
throughout Cohasset, several smaller forest communities have been identified
within specific areas of Town: 70
“Significant understory stands of American holly exist in Wheelwright Park,
Whitney and Thayer Woods, and north of Lambert’s Lane” as well as on the
Holly Hill Farm and Cornelia Richardson White Woods property. Oak-
hemlock-white pine forests are generally distinguished by the presence of
eastern hemlock and “can be found in moist lowland areas, particularly parts
of Wompatuck State Park and east of Bound Brook.”71
Coastal forest communities are located proximate to Richardson’s Brook, within
Wheelwright Park, and off Atlantic Avenue between Little Harbor and Cohasset
Cove.
70 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
71 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-13
“In addition to the woodlands in parks and protected conservation areas, both
mature and successional forest lands exist in scattered stands throughout the
areas such as the edges of the Turkey Hill meadows.”72
4.4.3 Public Shade Trees73
Massachusetts regulations define public shade trees as all trees within a public way
or on the boundaries thereof including trees planted by the tree warden (or a private
organization acting with written consent of the tree warden) for the purpose of
improving, protecting, shading, or ornamenting the public way. M.G.L. ch.87
§§1,7. Street trees line North and South Main Street, Highland Street, Oak Street,
Pond Street and many of the roads throughout Cohasset. The Town of Cohasset
has a Tree Warden. Cohasset does not have a Public Shade Tree Inventory. It is
unclear if there have been any public shade tree planned plantings in Town since
2010. The Cohasset Garden Club planted trees on the Town Common in 2017. A
goal should be added to assess the need to replant trees that have been removed
and/or plant new public shade tree plantings and the possibility for obtaining funds.
4.4.4 Agricultural Land
Cohasset does not have a significant inventory of land used for growing agricultural
products or raising livestock, although there are a number of “backyard barns” and
a significant associated horse population. The majority of agricultural areas in
Cohasset are subject to Conservation Restrictions.74
Holly Hill Farm, a non-profit organic farm, represents the only significant working
farm in Cohasset. Holly Hill Farm’s mission is to promote organic agriculture and
responsible stewardship of the environment. They offer educational programs,
including summer camps, for children and adults regarding sustainable farming,
sell organic products at the Cohasset Farmer’s Market and at their own farm stand,
and help supply local food pantries with fresh produce. The farm, including 140
acres of trails that connect to Wheelwright Park, is open from dawn to dusk to the
general public.
4.4.5 Wetland Vegetation
The most prevalent forested palustrine vegetation community within Cohasset is
red maple swamp. A mixture of trees generally coexist within the red maple swamp
community and include yellow birch, black gum, white ash, white pine, American
elm, hemlock, pin oak, and swamp white oak.75 Examples of red maple swamps
within Cohasset include Great Swamp and forested wetlands bordering on Brass
72 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
73 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
74 Personal communication, Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee, May 28, 2009.
75 Patricia C. Swain and Jennifer B. Kearsley, “Classification of the Natural Communities of Massachusetts,” Draft
Version 1.3. Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife,
2001.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-14
Kettle Brook. Atlantic white cedar may have historically dominated the Great
Swamp, as well. Atlantic white cedar was harvested by colonial settlers in the 17th
and 18th centuries as a durable wood, but as a consequence, is now a rare wetland
community type in Massachusetts.76
Non-forested palustrine vegetation communities within Cohasset include scrub-
shrub swamps, freshwater marshes, and wet meadows. Shrub swamps in Cohasset
are dominated by buttonbush. Although less common in Cohasset, open wet
meadows and cattail marshes are present along lower Bound Brook, on the
Richardson White property, and within Ellms Meadow.77
Tidally influenced wetland (estuarine) communities include beaches, dunes, salt
marshes, tidal flats and rocky intertidal shores. Of these, only salt marshes exhibit
significant vegetation, although seaweeds are likely present at the lower reaches of
beaches and rocky intertidal shores, and dunes likely contain salt tolerant species
such as beach grass, beach plum rose, and poison ivy. Salt marshes are dominated
by salt meadow and saltmarsh cordgrass, however many of Cohasset’s salt marshes
have become populated by common reed, an invasive species (refer to Section
4.7.8). Additionally, Cohasset contains several eelgrass beds, discussed in greater
detail in Section 4.4.7.
4.4.6 Rare Plant Species
The population status of rare plants and animals in Massachusetts is described using
three categories: 1) special concern; 2) threatened; and 3) endangered:
Special concern species have either experienced a decline that could
threaten the species without intervention, or whose populations are so
small, localized, or dependent upon specialized habitats that they could
become threatened.
Threatened species are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable
future.
Endangered species are in danger of extirpation from Massachusetts.79
A relatively small area of Cohasset’s land is mapped as Priority and/or Estimated
Habitat.
Priority Habitat (PH) is the geographical extent of habitat for all state-
listed plant and animal species.
Estimated Habitat (EH) depicts the geographical extent of habitat of state-
76 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
77 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
79 Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. “Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.” 11 Feb.
2009 <www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/nhesp.htm>.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-15
listed rare wildlife.80
Refer to Section 4.5.4 for information pertaining to state-listed rare wildlife species.
Table 4-2 lists the most recent rare plant observations. These state-listed plant
species are protected pursuant to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act
(MESA).
Swamp dock (Rumex verticillatus), a threatened species, was found along Bound
Brook below Beechwood Street during research for the 1997-2001 Cohasset Open
Space and Recreation Plan, and is currently listed by the Natural Heritage &
80 Office of Geographic and Environmental Information. “MassGIS.” Metadata for NHESP Priority and Estimated
Habitat. Sep. 2008, 17 Feb. 2009 <www.mass.gov/mgis/laylist.htm>.
Image 4-5: NHESP 2017 Priority Habitat of Rare Species and Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife.
Viewed online at http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/map_ol/oliver.php on October 5, 2018. Priority
Habitat of Rare Species are depicted in yellow. Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife are depicted in
green
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-16
Endangered Species Program (NHESP) as occurring in Cohasset with a most recent
observation date of 2002.81, 82 Rare plant species observed historically in Cohasset,
such as seabeach dock (Rumex pallidus) and adder’s-tongue fern, both threatened
species that were observed in Cohasset in 1876 and greater than 25 years ago,
respectively; or that presently exist in neighboring communities, such as American
sea-blite (Suaeda calceoliformis), a special concern species that was observed in
Scituate in 1987, as well as pale green orchid (Platanthera flava var. herbiola), a
threatened species observed in Hingham and Scituate, may also grow in Cohasset.83
Table 4-2: Rare Plant Species within Cohasset84
E = Endangered T = Threatened SC = Special Concern
Taxonomic Group Scientific Name Common Name MESA Status Most Recent
Observation
Vascular Plant Ophioglossum
pusillum
Adder's-tongue
Fern
T Historic
Vascular Plan Maloxis unifolia Green Adder’s
Mouth
T 1928
Vascular Plant Rumex pallidus Seabeach Dock T 1876
Vascular Plant Rumex verticillatus Swamp Dock T 2013
Source: Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. October 1, 2008
4.4.7 Unique Natural Resources
The Town of Cohasset contains both unique coastal and inland natural resources.
Unlike neighboring communities, which exhibit sandy coasts, the majority of
Cohasset’s coastline consists of rocky intertidal shores. Another unique coastal
natural resource is eelgrass beds. Unusual inland/freshwater communities include
vernal pools (discussed later in Section 4 of this report).
Eelgrass
Cohasset’s unique natural resources include an eelgrass vegetation community.
“Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a subtidal marine angiosperm, or ‘seagrass,’ that
grows in temperate waters, often forming extensive underwater meadows. Eelgrass
beds are highly productive communities, and are ecologically important because
they act as a nursery, habitat, and feeding ground for many fish, waterfowl, and
invertebrates. As such, eelgrass beds, as well as other seagrasses, often have
become the center of resource management initiatives to protect them.”85 Eelgrass
mapping projects have been undertaken by DEP and the Environmental Protection
Agency. Although DEP mapping available online (comparing the extent of
81 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
82 http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/mesa_list/rare_occurrences.htm viewed May 2018.
83 http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/mesa_list/rare_occurrences.htm viewed May 2018.
84 http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/town_lists/town_c.htm#cohasset viewed May 2018.
85 Joe Costa, “Eelgrass in Buzzards Bay,” Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, 18 Feb. 2009
<www.buzzardsbay.org/eelgrass.htm>.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-17
eelgrass in 1995 and 2001, see right) indicates that eelgrass is present within
Cohasset Harbor, later surveys indicate that, as of 2006, the formerly lush eelgrass
meadow is no longer present within the Harbor.86 One of the suspected causes is
untreated effluent from the Gulf River.87
4.4.7.1 Value and Assessment history
The ecological and economic importance of the seagrass, Zostera marina (eelgrass)
in coastal waters of the western Atlantic is widely known. As far back as the 16th
and 17th centuries Z. marina was recognized for its value in sustaining waterfowl,
providing habitat for fisheries, substrate for shellfish, and as a crucial component
of sediment and shoreline stabilization. Humans harvested eelgrass for use as
86 Phil Colarusso, Marine Biologist, Environmental Protection Agency, telephone correspondence, 1 October 2009.
87 Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee, 2018
Image 4-6: DEP Eelgrass Mapping Project, Cohasset Harbor.
Map 17 South Coast. Viewed on March 26, 2009 online at
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/maps/eelgrass/cohasset_harbor.htm .
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-18
insulation, filler materials in bedding, and as compost for agriculture (Cottam 1934;
Cottam and Munro 1954; Wyllie-Echeverria et al. 2000). Concern for the loss of
these valuable services was magnified in the 1930s when the “wasting disease”
decimated a large fraction of the North Atlantic populations of Z. marina, including
populations in Massachusetts (Rasmussen 1977; Short et al. 1988). This large-scale
decline led to a coast-wide reconnaissance of eelgrass abundance and numerous
local investigations that continued for nearly three decades (Cottam 1933; Addy
and Aylward 1944; Dexter 1953; Cottam and Munro 1954). However, it was not
until the 1980s when the first attempts were made to quantitatively map seagrass
distribution and abundance (MA DEP 2010).
4.4.7.2 CSCR Documentation of Cohasset Eelgrass Beds88
Student and staff from CSCR (the Cohasset Center for Student Coastal Research)
documented the distribution of abundance (percent coverage) of eelgrass beds in
2016 and 2017 during the summer months. Students collected 634 data points as
pictured below. Data collected included percent abundance, tunicate coverage, and
sediment composition. Samples were examined in the lab for presence / absence
of wasting disease, presence of reproductive shoots, number of shoots, and length
of longest shoot.
Image 4-7 displays the data as proportional points; larger points equal greater
percent coverage.
Image 4-7
Image 4-8 displays the same data in the form of a heat map that signals greater
densities.
88 Jack Buckley CSCR
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-19
Image 4-8
It is important to note that CSCR student documentation is very well aligned with
that of professional scientists and professional engineers. Two examples illustrate
this point and are critical pieces of evidence that CSCR documentation is to be
valued.
The MA Dept of Environmental Protection eel grass map tool (2013) pictured
below (Image 4-9) illustrates the Commonwealth’s most recent eel grass map for
the greater Cohasset Harbor. Image 4-10 illustrates (at a smaller scale) the current
density and shape of the same eel grass bed. Note the similarity of contours.
Image 4-9 Image 4-10
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-20
The Commonwealth’s most recent report assessing the distribution and abundance
of eel grass beds in Cohasset, the Twelve-Year Mapping and Change Analysis of
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) Areal Abundance in Massachusetts (USA) Identifies
Statewide Declines (Costello and Kenworthy), determines that Cohasset’s beds
have slightly declined in abundance since 2017. CSCR data suggests it may have
grown.
The report informs us of“[d]ata for hectares (ha) of seagrass mapped and change
analyses in 33 Massachusetts embayments by region. It reports that “[s]eagrasses
were mapped at three times where t1=1994, 1995, and 1996; t2=2000, 2001, and
2002; and t3=2006 and 2007. Percentage rates of change (μ,%y−1 ) for each site
were calculated over the time interval (t).”
Below is a table excerpted from the report. Note Cohasset’s 45-47 hectares of eel
grass beds and most loss of abundance after a period of positive change.
CSCR student assessment of the eelgrass beds ranges from 42 - 48 hectares,
depending upon how tightly we draws contours around mapped points. The figures
below show a range of calculations performed using GIS tools. An extrapolated
density profile drawn from single points highlights the densest areas (Image 4-11).
Drawing tightly around these contours, the method results in a calculation of just
under 42 hectares. However, as one can see in Image 4-12, there are several
mapped points that fall outside of the 42-hectare area. Drawing contours more
broadly (Image 4-13), CSCR concludes that the eelgrass beds have maintained their
size since 2007 and may indeed have increased to 48 hectares, a positive sign of
growth since DEP calculated its more robust size at 47.35 hectares.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-21
Image 4-11 Image 4-12
Image 4-13
The overall health of the eelgrass beds have remained consistent. Although wasting
disease and tunicates have been documented on the shoots, numerous samples have
indicated healthy reproductive shoots. Additionally, underwater cameras have
documented the presence of a variety of fish dependent upon the habitat for
nourishment and protection. Cohasset eelgrass beds are relatively stable and
healthy and demand preservation and conservation afforded through Open Space
plan mechanisms.
4.4.8 Vegetation Mapping Projects
With the exception of the previously discussed NHESP natural community and
DEP eelgrass mapping, comprehensive town-wide vegetation mapping has not
been completed to date.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-22
4.5 Fisheries & Wildlife
4.5.1 General Inventory
“Cohasset’s forest, wetland, and coastal habitats support a wide range of animal
species. Whitney and Thayer Woods and Wompatuck State Park offer habitat to a
variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. The many acres of contiguous
forest, increasingly rare in urbanized metropolitan areas, permit the survival of
“forest-interior” species such as box turtle, (a species of “Special Concern”),
hermit thrush, black-throated green warbler, and possibly fisher. Because of the
paucity of upland meadows and hayfields in Cohasset, associated grassland birds
and invertebrates are rare or absent. Scrub vegetation in a few locations can
provide habitat for species such as the eastern cottontail rabbit, coyote, black
racer, indigo bunting, and the yellow and black-billed cuckoos.
The rocky ocean coastline, salt marshes along the Gulf River, the tidal and mud
flats of Little Harbor and south of White Head, and the brackish waters of Straits
Pond support diverse communities of marine invertebrates, ocean fish, mollusks,
and birds… However, the once bountiful clam beds in the harbor have disappeared,
but mussels seem to survive.89
…Recreational ocean fishermen catch mackerel, bluefish, and striped bass, the
latter especially near the entrances to the Gulf River and Little Harbor. The only
commercial fishing industry remaining in Cohasset is for American lobster. Clam
harvesting in Little Harbor tidal flats collapsed some 20 to 30 years ago. The tidal
flats near White Head were re-opened for harvesting shellfish after 1996 but closed
temporarily in 2000 for regeneration. Cohasset’s coastal bays, beaches, and salt
marshes provide resting and feeding areas for many migrant and some nesting
ducks, geese, shore birds, and waders, some of whom overwinter in Cohasset.
Some 15 to 20 nesting pairs of least tern [have been observed on Pleasant
Beach/Scott’s Shore in recent years. The Town’s red maple swamps, hardwood
forests, and open fields provide habitat for many other migrant and nesting birds.
Cohasset’s red maple swamps also provide habitat for species such as the star-
nosed mole and wood frog. The shallow ponds common in red maple and shrub
swamps typically have no fish. These ponds and small pools provide vernal pool
habitat for frog, salamander, turtle, and invertebrate species.
Warm-water fish species such as largemouth bass, black crappie, and sunfish, as
well as painted and snapping turtles, northern water snakes, and many common
bird species are found in and around Lily Pond, the Aaron River Reservoir, and
Sanctuary Pond. The brooks and streams that drain from the uplands into the
ocean provide habitat for warm-water fish species, birds such as spotted sandpiper
89 Karen Quigley, Board of Selectmen Liaison to Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee, Town of
Cohasset, email correspondence, 27 September 2009.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-23
and warbling vireo, and stream-breeding amphibians.”90
4.5.1.1 Exemplary Habitats
In 2012, NHESP and The Nature Conservancy's Massachusetts Program developed
BioMap2 to protect the state's biodiversity in the context of climate change.
BioMap2 is a planning tool designed to guide strategic biodiversity conservation in
Massachusetts over the next decade by focusing land protection and stewardship
on the areas that are most critical for ensuring the long-term persistence of rare and
other native species and their habitats, exemplary natural communities, and a
diversity of ecosystems. BioMap2 is also desi gned to include the habitats and
species of conservation concern identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan.
The two main components are Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape. Core
Habitat identifies key areas that are critical for the long-term persistence of rare
species and other Species of Conservation Concern, as well as a wide diversity of
natural communities and intact ecosystems across the Commonwealth. Protection
of Core Habitats will contribute to the conservation of specific elements of
biodiversity.
Core Habitat includes:
Habitats for rare, vulnerable, or uncommon mammal, bird, reptile,
amphibian, fish, invertebrate, and plant species;
Priority Natural Communities;
High quality wetland, vernal pool, aquatic, and coastal habitats; and
Intact forest ecosystems.
Critical Natural Landscapes identifies large natural Landscape Blocks that are
minimally impacted by development. If protected, these areas will provide habitat
for wide-ranging native species, support intact ecological processes, maintain
connectivity among habitats, and enhance ecological resilience to natural and
athropogenic disturbances in a rapidly changing world.
Critical Natural Landscape includes:
The largest Landscape Blocks in each of eight (8) ecoregions; and
Adjacent uplands that buffer wetland, aquatic, and coastal habitats.
Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape, which often overlap, are key to
conserving out state's biodiversity.
In Cohasset, 75.9% of BioMap2 Core Habitat is protected (1,126 acres out of 1,483
90 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2002 -2006, June 2001, Section
4.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-24
acres). 357 acres remain unprotected. In Cohasset, 78.9% of BioMap2 Critical
Natural Landscape is protected (1,307 acres out of 1,658 acres). 351 acres remain
unprotected. Refer to Appendix C for the BioMap2 Report including map for
Cohasset produced in 2012. "
In 2011, the University of Massachusetts Amherst Landscape Ecology Program
completed its first statewide assessment of ecological integrity using the
Conservation Assessment and Prioritization System (CAPS). CAPS is a software
program that aids in assessing the ecological integrity of various communities (e.g.,
forest, shrub swamp, headwater stream) and subsequently, prioritizing land for
conservation. Ecological integrity is defined as the ability of an area to sustain
biodiversity over time. The following CAPS Map depicts the land in Cohasset that
is within the top 50% of land with the highest ecological integrity across the State.92
92 Conservation Assessment and Prioritization System (CAPS) Statewide Massachusetts Assessment: November
2011, Landscape Ecology Program, Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts,
Amherst
Image 4-14: NHESP BioMap. Viewed online at http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/dfg/biomap2.htm.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-25
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-26
4.5.2 Vernal Pools
Vernal pool wildlife communities are very diverse. The pools are typically
ephemeral in nature, with water ponded through the spring but drying by the middle
to end of summer, although some pools do contain water year-round. Such
intermittent drying precludes fish from establishing permanent populations within
these wetlands; many amphibian and invertebrate species rely on breeding habitat
that is free of fish predators. Physical factors such as water temperature, sunlight
exposure, water acidity, and the duration of ponding all effect the type of animal
community inhabiting a pool.93 As of November 29, 2017, Cohasset has 18
certified vernal pools according to NHESP via MassGIS OLIVER. This is twice
the number of certified vernal pools reported in the 2002 Cohasset Open Space and
Recreation Plan. However, based upon MassGIS information, there are an
additional 86 potential vernal pools that may in fact be certifiable. Refer to
Appendix C for information regarding certification of vernal pools.
4.5.3 Wildlife Migration Corridors
Wildlife corridors become increasingly important as natural areas are inevitably
divided by development. In the resulting isolated open spaces, the long-term
survival of various wildlife populations depends upon patch size, the number of
patches, and how isolated each patch is from the next. In order to conserve
biodiversity, it is imperative to maximize both the number and size of protected
individual natural areas, while maintaining bands of undisturbed lands to connect
them.
“Broad forested areas parallel to streams and rivers form natural wildlife
corridors. The Aaron River/Brass Kettle Brook/Bound Brook system forms the core
of Cohasset’s most important wildlife corridor” that links the Aaron Reservoir and
Wompatuck State Park with Lily Pond, Bailey Conservation Land in Scituate, and
the Gulf River estuary system. Additional significant riparian wildlife corridors
include the Gulf River estuary and adjacent woodlands, a tributary stream to the
Gulf River, Rattlesnake Run and associated wetlands, and the stream corridor
flowing to Little Harbor within the Cabot & White Conservation Land. The
opening of Weir River Farm, which lies adjacent to Turkey Hill, to the public by
the Trustees of Reservations in 2000 created contiguous open space connecting
Turkey Hill, Whitney and Thayer Woods, and Wompatuck State Park. 94
In general, the significant areas of contiguous “natural” areas within Cohasset and
adjacent communities are also likely to contain wildlife corridors. Conversely, the
recent reestablishment of the MBTA rail line through Cohasset may have bisected
93 Leo P. Kenney and Matthew R. Burne, A Field Guide to the animals of Vernal Pools (Westborough, MA:
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, 2001).
94 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-27
and thus eliminated former wildlife corridors. Development also has the potential
to fragment corridors.
Although the above-discussion focuses on local wildlife corridors, parts of
Cohasset also play important roles in broader migratory corridors. Specifically,
coastal areas on the South Shore are renowned for their importance to migrating
birds. Essentially, any open space with cover and food is important to migrating
birds, while the waters of Massachusetts Bay proximate to Cohasset provide
important feeding habitat for terns during the summer. The air space above
Cohasset is full of migrating birds, although they may not touch down in Cohasset,
since many of the birds passing through Massachusetts during migration do not
follow narrow routes.
4.5.4 Rare Animal Species
NHESP has recent records for observations of Massachusetts Endangered Species
Act (MESA) listed animal species that include least tern (Sternula antillarum),
umber shadowdragon (Neurocordulia obsolete), mocha emerald (Somatochlora
linearis), and attenuated bluet (Enallagma daeckii). Refer to Table 4-3.
Another rare animal species that has been observed in Cohasset, but not listed by
NHESP, is the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina).95 Rare animal species found
within the adjacent towns of Scituate, Hingham, and Hull provide a guide for the
types of rare species that might be found within Cohasset:
piping plover (Charadrius melodus),
common tern (Sterna hirundo),
arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea),
pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps),
barn owl (tyto alba),
purple tiger beetle (Cicindela purpurea),
wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta),
comet darner (Anax longipes), and
spartina borer moth (Spartiniphaga inops).96
In fact, although not mapped by NHESP as occurring in Cohasset, piping plovers
are believed to be present on Scott’s Shore and Sandy Cove.97
95 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2002-2006, June 2001, Section
4.
96 Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. “Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.” 11 Feb.
2009 http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/mesa_list/rare_occurrences.htm .
97 Karen Quigley, Board of Selectmen Liaison to Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee, Town of
Cohasset, email correspondence, 27 September 2009.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-28
Table 4-3: Rare Animal Species within Cohasset98
E = Endangered T = Threatened SC = Special Concern
Taxonomic Group Scientific Name Common Name MESA Status Most Recent
Observation
Bird Gavia immer Common Loon SC 1922
Butterfly/Moth Cingilia catenaria Chain Dot
Geometer
SC Historic
Butterfly/Moth Eacles imperialis Imperial Moth T Historic
Butterfly/Moth Spartiniphaga
inops
Spartina Borer
Moth
SC Historic
Dragonfly/Damselfly Enallagma daeckii Attenuated Bluet T 2003
Dragonfly/Damselfly Neurocordulia
obsoleta
Umber
Shadowdragon
SC 2004
Dragonfly/Damselfly Somatochlora
linearis
Mocha Emerald SC 2003
Source: Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, https://www.mass.gov/service-details/rare-species-by-town-viewer viewed on November
29, 2017.
4.6 Scenic Resources and Unique Environments
4.6.1 Scenic Landscapes
In an effort to protect this and other scenic drives and vistas in Cohasset, the Town
adopted a Scenic Roads bylaw through Town Meeting in 2017. This confers
protection to the trees and historic stonewalls lining the streets that receive the
designation, which is assigned via a straightforward petition process.
Image 4-15: View from Forest Avenue, photograph taken March 31, 2009
The Atlantic shore contrasts with the intimacy of Little Harbor, with its granite
islands, and the twists and turns of the Gulf River, fringed by salt marshes.
98 http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/town_lists/town_c.htm#cohasset viewed on March 26, 2009.
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Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-29
Image 4-16: View of Little Harbor, photograph taken March 31, 2009
The Town Common, set off by dignified historic buildings, communicates a classic
image of New England calm and simplicity. The Cohasset Town Common is often
considered to be among the finest surviving examples of an original New England
town common.”99
Image 4-17: View of the Town Common, photograph taken June 4, 2009
Turkey Hill, which is nearly entirely surrounded by open space, lies on the
Cohasset-Hingham town boundary and offers broad views of Boston Harbor and
the Atlantic Ocean. Cohasset’s tallest point occurs within the 20 acres of the
Turkey Hill parcel that lie within the town. Turkey Hill was acquired with
cooperation between the Towns of Cohasset and Hingham, The Trustees of
Reservations, the Cohasset Conservation Trust, and the Hingham Land
99 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2002-2006, June 2001, Section
4.
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Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-30
Conservation Trust.
4.6.2 Unusual Features
“Cohasset’s boulders, rocks, and ledges are intrinsic to the town’s character.
Several of the most famous glacial erratics, Rooster Rock, Ode’s Den, and Bigelow
Boulder, are already preserved within Whitney and Thayer Woods by The Trustees
of Reservations.”100
There have been at least two attempts to better protect the rock ledge throughout
town from development, most recently via a proposed Land Alteration bylaw,
which was narrowly defeated at Town Meeting in May of 2017. As of the writing
of this plan, a citizen’s group is actively working to bring a revised version of the
bylaw up to a vote at the next Town Meeting.
Ode's Den is named after Theodore "Ode" Pritchard, who lived under one of the
boulders after losing his home in 1830. Bigelow Boulder is named in honor of the
author of the first volume of The Narrative History of Cohasset. Nearby, the
Milliken Memorial Path was originally planted with flowering shrubs in the late
1920s by Arthur N. Milliken as a memorial to his wife, Mabel Minott Milliken.101
Perhaps Cohasset’s most unusual feature is the reversing rapids under the Border
Street bridge and Cunningham Bridge on Atlantic Avenue. These rapids change
direction with the tide between the harbor and the Gulf River estuary at Border
Street and Atlantic Ocean and Little Harbor at Atlantic Avenue.
Image 4-18: Reversing Rapids, photograph taken March 31, 2009
100 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
101 The Trustees of Reservations. “Whitney and Thayer Woods.” 17 Feb. 2009
<www.thetrustees.org/pages/392_whitney_and_thayer_woods.cfm>.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-31
4.6.3 Cultural, Archeological, and Historical Areas
“The two historic centers of settlement in Cohasset are the village and harbor area,
focusing on maritime pursuits, and the Beechwood area, which was once the center
of the town’s agricultural life. The Town Common and Government Island are
listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Historic Districts and the
Caleb Lothrup House (1821) is a National Register Individual Site. The Town
Common and surrounding historic churches and residences also comprise a local
historic district. The Joshua Bates house, dating from 1695, and a number of 18th
century houses are valuable historic resources. In addition to the colonial and
early national period buildings and sites in Cohasset, the Victorian mansions built
along Jerusalem Road and Atlantic Avenue represent examples of later, significant
historic architectural styles. The drive along Jerusalem Road became famous in the
late 19th century not only for the picturesque views of the rocky shore and ocean,
but also for the substantial homes perched on the rocks. Also listed as a National
Register Individual Site is the Hagerty House, located near Sandy Beach. Built in
1938, the Hagerty House was designed in the international style by Walter Gropius
in association with Marcel Breuer.”102 See Appendix D for State and National
Designated Historic Sites (including information from the Massachusetts
Archaeological and Cultural Information System).
In 1998, the Cohasset Historical Society also published A Quick Guide to Cohasset
Heritage Trail Houses 1695-1816. This guide lists the date of construction, historic
name, address, and a brief description about each of the 94 historic buildings and
their occupants.
4.6.4 Unique Environments
Being on the coast, Cohasset has unique marine and estuarine systems including
salt marshes, tidal flats, and barrier beaches. Cohasset has approximately 160 acres
of salt marsh, 287 acres of tidal flats, and three segments of barrier beach for a total
of 20 acres103. These dynamic systems are valuable for recreation, shellfish, storm
damage prevention, pollution prevention, flood control and wildlife.
4.6.4.1 Bassing Beach
Bassing Beach, owned by Cohasset Conservation Trust, is a ¾ mile long barrier
beach which includes salt marsh and upland forest. Although located in Scituate,
Bassing Beach defines the northwest side of Cohasset Harbor. The property is sited
from the westernmost point to a north-south line about 1,000 feet east of the
breakwater and bounded on the south by Bailey’s Creek and a tidal creek called
Four Score Ditch. Bassing Beach including surrounding tidal flats provides habitat
for a diversity of shellfish such as oysters and clams, birds such as osprey and
102 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
103 January 1985 Inventory by Lloyd Center for Environmental Studies & the Mass. Coasta l Zone Management
Program – Cohasset consists of 6,438.4 acres.
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Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-32
plovers, and wildlife such as deer and rabbits. Bassing Beach provides nesting and
resting sites for many species of shore and migratory birds. In an effort to promote
native wildlife by restoring native vegetation, CCT has held work parties for two
years to remove invasive pepperweed and planted dozens of edible natives such as
beach plums and fireweed. Bassing Beach is a significant recreation resource
popular with beach goers and only accessible by water. There are two cottages on
Bassing Beach owned by the Cohasset Conservation Trust.
4.6.4.2 Straits Pond
The unique (for the greater Boston area) salt marsh ecosystem associated with
Straits Pond (located on the Cohasset/Hull town boundary) forms part of the Weir
River Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). The Weir River ACEC
was designated as such not only for its ecosystem, but also due to development
pressure facing the area.104
The approximately 950 acres of the Weir River ACEC (which include areas in
Cohasset, Hingham, and Hull) support over 100 migratory and resident bird
species, numerous small mammals, and shellfish, which were historically harvested
and which continue to provide a food source for avian populations. A diverse
finfish population, including alewives, smelt, flounder, bluefish, and striped bass,
utilize the marshes and flats within this ACEC as nursery and feeding areas. The
Weir River estuary floodplain also protects adjacent areas from flood damage.105,
106, 107
“Straits Pond is the innermost element of the estuary and the salinity of the water
is increasingly precarious. The pond suffers contamination from runoff and
leaching septic systems, resulting in sedimentation and eutrophication. It is also
subject to increasing residential development pressures in both Hull and Cohasset.
A municipal sewer system was installed in North Cohasset and will improve the
environmental health of Straits Pond, but may further contribute to increasing
development pressure.”108 Straits Pond is currently closed to fishing due to
coliform bacteria. The Straits Pond Watershed Association mission is “to provide
community input to governmental committees and agencies, and to facilitate efforts
to maintain and improve the environmental quality and the beauty of Straits
104 Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. “Weir River.” ACEC Designations. 30 Jan. 2009
<www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/acec/acecs/l-weiriv.htm>.
105 “Straits Pond Watershed Association,” The Weir River Watershed Association, Inc. 30 Jan. 2009.
<http://www.weirriver.org/>.
106 Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. “Weir River.” ACEC Designations. 30 Jan. 2009
<www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/acec/acecs/l-weiriv.htm>.
107 Weir River Estuary Park Committee, “Weir River Estuary Land Protection Plan,” Dec. 2004, 17 Feb. 2009
<www.uhi.umb.edu/pdf_files/WREP_Protection_Plan_final_0202.pdf>.
108 Weir River Estuary Park Committee, “Weir River Estuary Land Protection Plan,” Dec. 2004, 17 Feb. 2009
<www.uhi.umb.edu/pdf_files/WREP_Protection_Plan_final_0202.pdf>.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-33
Pond.”109
Straits Pond tide gates were completed before 2013. The intention was to increase
tidal flushing and control of water flow to from Straits Pond. The structure resides
on the West Corner bridge that is 25% owned by Cohasset, 25% owned by
Hingham, and 50% owned by Hull. Due to the Hull majority and the proximity of
Hull DPW just across the street, Hull DPW controls 100% of the operation and
maintenance of the gates and structure. The only cost sharing there has been in
connection with the phase 1 dam inspection (due every 5 years). The amount was
$5,000 split by the percentages of bridge/dam ownership.
A restoration project through Coastal Zone Management’s Wetland Restoration
Program (in cooperation with others) for Straits Pond began in 2009 and has used
a tidal gate and flushing protocol since 2010 which successfully eliminated the
midge larvae in the sediment by raising the salinity levels. Thus the seasonal midge
infestations have been eliminated. The SPWA is working with the Hull
Conservation Agent to understand the algae phenomenon and has learned that
widgeon grass is now well established in the shallow pond. The grasses grow up
to the pond surface and then continue to grow along the surface. The algae attaches
to these grasses to create the noisome mats that decay and smell.110
4.6.5 Cohasset Cemeteries
Cemeteries located in the Town of Cohasset contain public shade trees, maintained
lawns, and peaceful spaces that contribute to Cohasset’s history and sense of rural
character. A list of Cohasset Cemeteries is provided below: 113
Beechwood Cemetery – Beechwood/Doane Streets
Cedar Street Cemetery – Off Cedar Street between North Main and Hull
Streets (adjacent to the Cohasset Golf Club)
Central Cemetery – North Main Street/Joy Place
Green Gate Cemetery – Jerusalem Road
Woodside Cemetery – North Main Street
109 “Straits Pond Watershed Association,” The Weir River Watershed Association, Inc. 30 Jan. 2009.
<http://www.weirriver.org/>.
110 Dick Avery, email correspondence with Katie Holden, 15, May 2018.
113 Richard Dennis Souther, “Cohasset Cemeteries,” Souther Family Association Home Page, 15 May 2018
<www.geocities.com/Heartland/Estates/9785/cohasset.html>.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-34
4.7 Environmental Challenges
4.7.1 Hazardous Waste Sites
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) maintains a
database of sites in communities throughout the state where oil or other hazardous
material has been released and reported to DEP. According to DEP’s Waste
Site/Reportable Release database, updated through March 18, 2009, the Town of
Cohasset has 99 sites listed (refer to Appendix E), many of which have been
appropriately remediated.114
Wompatuck State Park contains contamination associated with a historic federal
defense facility (the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex). Although the
contamination lies within the portion of Wompatuck in Hingham, it is within the
watershed of Brass Kettle Brook and Lily Pond. Water quality t esting led the Army
Corps of Engineers to conclude that the remaining contamination is unlikely to
migrate toward Lily Pond.115
4.7.2 Landfills
“The town owns a 10-acre landfill within a 44-acre parcel on Cedar Street. It began
operation in the 1940s as an open burning dump. Burning of waste ended in the
early 1970s but the landfill continued to receive municipal solid waste until 1989,
when a transfer station and recycling center were constructed adjacent to the
landfill. Refuse is taken by a private contractor to the SEMASS Resource Recovery
Facility in Rochester, Massachusetts. The landfill capping has been completed.”116
“Cohasset Heights Ltd. (CHL) owns a private landfill at 23 Crocker Lane. Landfill
operations began in 1976 under a previous owner, who sold the property to CHL
in 1982. The landfill was closed in 1998.”117 This facility is located in a former
gravel pit on the western side of Scituate Hill that lies between the Great Swamp
114 Massachusetts Department of Envrionmnetal Protection, “Waste Site / Reportable Releases Look Up,” 21 Fe b.
2009 <http://db.state.ma.us/dep/cleanup/sites/search.asp>.
115 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
116 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
117 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
Image 4-19: Marker of freed
slave in Woodside Cemetery,
photograph taken March 31,
2009
Image 4-19: Cedar Street
Cemetery, photograph taken March
31, 2009
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-35
and wetlands flowing to Brass Kettle Brook. 118 The Water Commission requested
Norfolk Environmental to study the potential contamination of the Lily Pond
watershed by CHL. This effort concluded that contaminants from CHL have
migrated about one-quarter mile from the landfill, to wells 8/8A and wells 7/7A.
The report also stated that further studies would be needed to fully characterize the
pattern of groundwater flow from the landfill. Norfolk Environmental also has
confirmed the existence of two north/south trending bedrock fractures, which could
allow contaminated leachate from CHL to drain toward Brass Kettle Brook, which
is tributary to Lily Pond.119 An expansion to the landfill had been proposed,
however this request was denied, and the landfill is now capped, closed, and
monitored.120
A solar array installation at the town landfill was competed in August 2017 to create
a renewable energy facility. A Post Closure Use Permit was received from
MassDEP during the preparation/permitting. The Town of Cohasset was
designated a Green Community by MassDOER in December 2015 and will
purchase 100% of the electric power from the solar facility for 20 years. The solar
facility will produce power equal to approximately 16% of the Town’s annual
electric load, for which the Town will receive net metering credits to offset electric
costs on various Town accounts. The Town can hope to net $1.6 million in energy
cost savings over 20 years, depending on future rates for net metering credits.121
4.7.3 Erosion/Sedimentation
The majority of the coastline is rocky or contains salt marsh, so erosion along the
shore is not a major problem. However, erosion and movement of the dunes at
Sandy Beach has resulted in issues related to keeping the adjacent roadway clear of
sand. There is an order from the Environmental Protection Agency dictating what
the Town of Cohasset and the Sandy Beach Association are allowed to undertake
with regard to clearing the parking lot and roadway of sand. Sandy Cove represents
one of the few accreting beaches.122 Both Straits Pond and Little Harbor experience
sedimentation from stormwater run-off.
118 Office of Geographic and Environmental Information, “MassGIS,” Metadata for Solid Waste Facility Datalayer.,
17 Feb. 2009 <www.mass.gov/mgis/laylist.htm>.
119 Norfolk RAM Group, “Where Your Drinking Water Comes From,” Cohasset Water Department Consumer
Confidence Report Map, 30 Jan. 2008, 17 Feb. 2009 <http://www.cohassetwater.org/pdf/2008CCRMap.pdf>.
120 Personal communication, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee, May 28, 2009
121 Brochure, CohSolar LLC, 13 Elm Street, Suite 200, Cohasset, MA 2018
122 Karen Quigley, Board of Selectmen Liaison to Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee, Town of
Cohasset, email correspondence, 27 September 2009.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-36
4.7.4 Chronic Flooding
Cohasset has a Flood Control Master Plan. Also refer to Section 4.3.4, Flood
Hazard Areas. Areas of chronic flooding identified include:
Rattlesnake Run at
Jerusalem Road,
Deep Run & Haystack,
Jerusalem Road near
Richardson’s Brook,
North Main near old
Edison Plant,
Sohier Street yards,
Sohier Street at Railroad,
Jerusalem Road
Causeway
Sanctuary Pond at
Outfall Spillway,
Smith Place,
Sandy Beach Road,
The Hollow,
Treats Pond,
Magin Street,
Jacob’s Meadow, and
Stewarts Brook at
Sestito Lane.
In 2016, Town Meeting approved funding to raise the Jerusalem Road Causeway
by two (2) feet to alleviate tidal flooding. The project was completed in 2016.
Generally, development/re-development within flood zone is controlled by
insurance rates and building code/zoning regulations. Additionally, comprehensive
recommendations made by the Flood Control Master Plan may help to reduce losses
due to chronic flooding.123
4.7.5 Growth Impacts
Between 2010 and 2017, the town had lost forestlands and unprotected open space
to residential and commercial development. Refer to Section 3.9 for a discussion
of recent development projects undertaken in Cohasset.
The number of potential buildable lots in Cohasset has increased due to the
expansion of sewer services and changes in private septic technology, as well as
advances in the ability to blast areas of bedrock.
4.7.6 Ground & Surface Water Pollution
Cohasset maintains spill control equipment to address potential oil releases with
potential to affect the water supply, and activities proximate to wetlands and water
bodies are subject to the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission. Several
water bodies in Cohasset are presently polluted, including Straits Pond, where
fishing is not allowed due to coliform bacteria, and Little Harbor, which no longer
contains productive shellfish beds. Stormwater runoff pollutes all water bodies in
Cohasset to some degree. The major contributing factor to the Harbor’s pollution
problem that causes an inability to sustain shellfish beds is the outflow from the
123 Coughlin Environmental Services, LLC, “Town of Cohasset Flood Control Master Plan,” 2008, 17 Feb. 2009
<www.townofcohasset.org/FloodControlMasterPlan.html>.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-2
Gulf River. The properties bordering the Gulf River on all sides in North Scituate
and South Cohasset do not have sewer access and have older septic systems that
drain into the river. Until the two communities can execute a sewer plan to reduce
septic pollution into the Gulf River this condition will continue. One particular area
of pollution is the outfall from Jacob’s Meadow into the harbor.124 Although
proposed, the boat pump-out station noted in the prior OSRP as being installed at
the town pier at Government Island was never constructed. However, Cohasset
does maintain a pump-out boat.125 However, Cohasset’s coastal waters have been
designated as a “No Discharge Area” for boat sewage. The recent expansion of
sewer services will also decrease water pollution, as failing septic systems can
result in significant impacts, including bacterial and nutrient contamination, to
ground and surface water bodies. Additionally, the Stormwater Management
Bylaw will also enhance ground and surface water protection. The Town of
Cohasset has installed over 50 rain gardens to address stormwater runoff and to
educate the public regarding Low Impact Stormwater Management techniques.
Cohasset has approximately 40 rain gardens in the Lily Pond Watershed that were
started in 2006 and the plan was to use them as best management practi ces for
stormwater management using natural filtration processes to treat stormwater
runoff. The program was initially financed in part by a Water Quality grant from
EPA. When the project was started, it was assumed it would be maintained by the
Water Department, at no cost to homeowners, or the Town of Cohasset (2007 Water
Quality Report). Unfortunately, through the years, monies for their maintenance
has not been available due to other priorities. An alternate plan for maintenance
was to involve students in community service projects, homeowners living nearby,
and the local garden clubs. There has been a decided lack of interest from the above
entities. A few students worked on the rain gardens under the guidance of a teacher
for two summers but that program was discontinued as interest from the schools
declined, even though there is one garden at the Middle/High School. In the spring
of 2018, the Town will try again to encourage interest in maintaining these rain
gardens since there are town residents who are actively involved in the maintenance
of the traffic islands.
124 Karen Quigley, Board of Selectmen Liaison to Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee, Town of
Cohasset, email correspondence, 27 September 2009.
125 Karen Quigley, Board of Selectmen Liaison to Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee, Town of
Cohasset, email correspondence, 27 September 2009.
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Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-3
4.7.6.1 Drinking Water Supply Protection
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has prepared a
Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) Report for the water supply sources
serving the Cohasset Water Department. The SWAP Report notes that the key
issues for water supply protection are:
Protection of Zone A
Protecting the watershed outside Cohasset
Public education
Control of residential uses that might contaminate the watershed126
The report commends Cohasset for mapping storm drains, conducting a study on
the health of Lily Pond, and taking preliminary steps to develop a lawn care
program. The Water Commission plans to address the protection recommendations
by implementing all the SWAP recommendations and by implementing a Surface
Water Supply Protection Plan that was completed and approved by DEP in 2002.
The complete SWAP report is available at the Water Department website.127
The Cohasset Water Department recommends the following steps for protecting
drinking water supplies:
1. Inspect your septic system every 1-3 years to make sure it is working
properly. Pump out your septic tank as necessary, but at least once every 5
years.
2. Recycle used motor oil by bringing it to the Cohasset Recycling Transfer
Facility or to the store where you bought it. NEVER pour used motor oil
on the ground or down the drain!
3. Dispose of household hazardous waste properly at the next Household
Hazardous Waste Day. NEVER pour hazardous materials down the drain,
on the ground, street, or storm drains. Call the Board of Health at 383-4116
or visit www.ssrc.info to find out when the next HHW day is.
4. NEVER dump grass and yard waste into storm drains. Grass clippings and
yard waste contain nutrients that can promote weed growth.
5. Reduce the use of fertilizers and herbicides on your lawn. Use only slow -
release fertilizers. Have your soil tested to determine how much fertilizer
to apply. Water fertilizers in with a hose and do not apply before a rainfall.
Visit www.nswra.org for more information.
6. Clean your car at a car wash instead of in your driveway. This will prevent
any soaps, polishes, waxes and other chemicals from draining into storm
126 Norfolk RAM Group, “Where Your Drinking Water Comes From,” Cohasset Water Department Consumer
Confidence Report Map, 30 Jan. 2008, 17 Feb. 2009 <http://www.cohassetwater.org/pdf/2008CCRMap.pdf>.
127 Cohasset Water Department, “Cohasset Water and Sewer System Improvements,” 30 Jan. 2009
<www.cohassetwater.org>.
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Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-4
drains and into the water supply.
7. Use water wisely. Avoid over-watering your lawn.
8. Watch out for any activities that might contaminate the water supply, and
report any suspected contamination to the Water Department (383-0057).
the Board of Health (383-4116), or the Fire Department (383-0260)128
The Water Department is performing the following tasks to protect drinking water:
Regularly monitor water quality in tap water and in the surface water and
groundwater of the watershed.
Keep track of known potential sources of contamination within the
watershed and take action to remediate them.
Review all proposed developments in the watershed.
Providing PSAs in water bills to remind people about lawn fertilization and
proper disposal of yard waste especially in the Ellms Meadow wellfield.
Maintaining proper signage identifying the Public Drinking Water Supply
and care of area.
Periodically having the local paper run feature stories about how the public
can assist in the protection of the watershed.
Having all information available on the town website.
Acquire land in the watershed to protect it from development. Propose
changes in bylaws and zoning to protect water quality.
Implement the recommendations of the Water Commission's 2002 Surface
Water Supply Protection Plan and the Source Water Assessment Program
report.129
4.7.7 Impaired Water Bodies
The following waters in Cohasset are listed as impaired based upon the
Massachusetts Year 2016 Integrated List of Waters:
The Aaron River Reservoir – Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
completed for Mercury in Fish Tissue.
The Aaron River Reservoir requires a TMDL for excess Algal Growth and
is listed for Fish Passage barrier and Non-Native Aquatic Plants
Bound Brook requires a TMDL for Turbidity and is listed for the Fish
Passage Barrier.
Lily Pond requires a TMDL for Secchi Disk Transparency and is listed for
Fish Barrier and Non-Native Aquatic Plants.
Little Harbor has a TMDL completed for pathogens
Herring Brook TMDL no Required is listed for flow alteration and exotic
128 “Where Your Drinking Water Comes From,” Cohasset Water Department Consumer Confidence Report Map,
30 Jan. 2008, 17 Feb. 2009 <http://www.cohassetwater.org/pdf/2008CCRMap.pdf>.
129 “Where Your Drinking Water Comes From,” Cohasset Water Department Consumer Confidence Report Map,
30 Jan. 2008, 17 Feb. 2009 <http://www.cohassetwater.org/pdf/2008CCRMap.pdf>.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-5
species
Cohasset Cove has a TMDL completed for pathogens
Cohasset Harbor has a TMDL completed for pathogens
The Gulf has a TMDL completed for pathogens
The Aaron River Reservoir was removed from the Integrated List for mercury.
Cohasset Harbor
During 2007, the Cohasset Harbor Health Committee continued to work with local,
state, and federal environmental agencies to evaluate Cohasset Harbor, identify
possible sources of pollution, and recommend solutions. Monitoring and testing is
conducted by Coastal Zone Management, Massachusetts Bays National Estuary
Program, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of
Environmental Protection. The EPA once again designated Cohasset Harbor as
part of its Clean New England Beach Initiative and conducted targeted testing
upstream in tributaries as well as within the Harbor. Ongoing work is being
conducted through the implementation of a stormwater plan to reduce high bacterial
counts reported in tributaries to Cohasset’s harbors.130,131 A new Harbor
Committee formed in 2017 and is undertaking the production of a Municipal
Harbor Plan. The Committee has held one open workshop facilitated by MAPC in
May of 2018 with a second workshop scheduled for September 2018.132
4.7.8 Invasive Species
In Massachusetts, invasive plants are defined as those that are exotic in origin and
have the ability to out-compete native vegetation.133 Invasive plant species are a
significant threat to biodiversity on land and in bodies of water, and are of
increasing concern within the south coastal region. Although both plants and
animals can be invasive species, the discussion of invasive species within this report
focuses on invasive plant species, as invasive animal species are not likely to be
present in sufficient numbers to pose a serious hazard to Cohasset’s natural
resources.
Generally, invasive plants utilize prolific seed production and/or vegetative
expansion with vines or underground runners, and/or may alter the hydrology, fire
regime, soil, water chemistry, and topography of natural systems to outcompete
native species. Because these species originate from outside Massachusetts, natural
competitors are often not present to check the plants’ growth.
130 Town of Cohasset, “2007 Cohasset Town Report,” 2007.
131 Karen Quigley, Board of Selectmen Liaison to Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee, Town of
Cohasset, email correspondence, 27 September 2009.
132 Director of Planning, Cohasset
133 Invasive Plants in Massachusetts brochure produced by the Town of Orleans Invasive Species Committee
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-6
Common reed (Phragmites australis), is an example of an extremely invasive
perennial grass with low habitat value outcompetes other wetland vegetation, such
as cattails, in many disturbed areas. Examples of common reed colonies in
Cohasset can be found in every salt marsh in town, including in the meadow behind
the Historical Society on South Main Street, on Whitehead Road, 134 and in Treats
Pond.
Image 4-20: Common Reed
Black Swallow Wort is another invasive plant that poses a threat to biodiversity in
Cohasset. By outcompeting native plants such as Swamp Milkweed, it has a
negative impact on Monarch Butterfly populations that rely on milkweed for food
and egg habitat. Additional invasive plant species likely to have significant
populations in Cohasset include:
Eurasian Water-Milfoil
Garlic Mustard
Japanese barberry
Japanese knotweed
Oriental bittersweet
Pepperweed
Purple loosestrife
Winged Euonymus
134 Invasive Plants in Massachusetts brochure produced by the Town of Orleans Invasive Species Committee
134 Open Space & Recreation Committee, Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2017.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-7
While invasive plant species most commonly spread via seed production and/or
vines or underground runners, some species continue to be spread through Cohasset
by human activity. The dumping of lawn cuttings onto undeveloped land is
responsible for the introduction of Japanese knotweed into ecologically sensitive
areas. Further, the composting of invasive species at the Municipal Transfer
Station has led to the presence of Garlic Mustard in nearly every roadside, wooded
area, and conservation area in town.
Invasive plant species are present on various town-owned parcels, and invasive
aquatic plant species are present in Cohasset’s bodies of water. Identification of
existing populations and management actions to remove or control their
populations through a public/private effort would be beneficial, and indeed, such
an effort, focused on the eradication of Garlic Mustard, has been undertaken by
local environmental group Wild Cohasset. The group alerts homeowners to the
plant on their properties and advises about safe removal. Its volunteer weeders
target conservation land and spaces abutting undeveloped land and host an annual
weed-pulling event in May. For public education, the group has produced signage
warning about the dangers of composting the plant at Cohasset’s Transfer Station.
In an effort to combat invasive plant species, in 2006 the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts implemented a ban on the sale and importation of over 140 invasive
plants, including:
Aeginitia
African boxthorn
African couch grass
African feathergrass
Alectra
Alfombrilla
Ambulia
Amur cork-tree
Amur honeysuckle
Anchored water hyacinth
Animated oat
Argentine screwbean
Arrowhead
Asian sprangletop
Autumn olive
Bell’s honeysuckle
Benghal dayflower
Bishop’s weed/goutweed
Black locust
Black swallow wort/Louise’s
swallow wort
Border privet
Borreria
Brazilian satintail
Ancharis/Brazilian
waterweed/Brazilian elodea
Brittle water-nymph, lesser
naiad
Broad-leafed Pepperweed/Tall
Pepperweed
Broomrape
Brownbeard rice/Winged
euonymus
Bushy rock-cress/narrowleaf
bittercress
Cape tulip
Carolina Farwort/fanwort
Catclaw mimosa
Cattail grass/ yellow foxtail
Caulerpa
Chinese waterspinach *
allowed with permit
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory &
Analysis 4-2
Coat buttons
Colt’s foot
Common barberry/European
barberry
Common buckthorn
Common crupina
Common reed
Creeping buttercup
Creeping Jenny/moneywort
Crisped pondweed/curly
pondweed
Crofton weed
Cypress spurge
Dames Rocket
Devil’s thorn
Dodder
Duck lettuce
Eurasian or European water-
milfoil/Spike water-milfoil
European buckthorn/glossy
buckthorn
Exotic Bur-reed
Flowering rush
Forget-me-not
Garlic mustard
Giant false sensitive plant/false
sensitive plant
Giant hogweed
Giant salvina/eared watermoss
Kariba-weed
Goatsrue
Gray willow/rusty willow
Hair rescue/fineleaf sheep
fescue
Hairy joint grass; jointhead;
small carpetgrass
Horned poppy/sea poppy/yellow
hornpoppy
Hydrilla/water-thyme/Florida
elodea
Itchgrass
Japanese barberry
Japanese knotweed
Japanese sedge/Asiatic sand
sedge
Japanese stillgrass/Nepalese
browntop
Jointed prickly pear
Kiawe
Kikuyugrass
Kodo-millet
Kudzu/Japanese arrowroot
Kyasuma grass
Large gray willow
Leafy spruge/wolf’s milk
Lesser celandine/fig buttercup
Liverseed grass
Longstamen rice/red rice
Malabar melastome
Melaleuca
Mile-a-minute vine or
weed/Asiatic tearthumb
Bittervine
Heartleaf hempvine
Miramar weed
Missiongrass
Monochoria
Morrow’s honeysuckle
Mosquito fern
Multiflora rose
Murrain grass
Norway maple
Onion weed
Oriental or Asian bittersweet
Oxygen weed
Pale swallow wort
Parrot feather/water
feather/Brazilian water milfoil
Pickerel weed
Pipiliula
Plume grass/amur silvergrass
Porcelain berry/amur
peppervine
Purple loosestrife
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory &
Analysis 4-3
Red rice
Reed canary grass/ribbon grass
Serrated tussock
Sessile joyweed
Spotted knapweed
Sycamore maple
Tall mannagrass/reed
mannagrass
Tansy ragwort/stinking willie
Tatarian honeysuckle
Three cornered jack
Tomillo
Tree of heaven
Tropical soda apple
Turkeyberry
Variable water milfoil/two
leaved water milfoil
Velvet fingergrass
Velvet mesquite
Water yellowcress/great
yellowcress
Water chestnut
Wetland nightshade
Wild blackberry
Wild chervil
Wild safflower/jeweled distaff
thistle
Wild sugarcane
Wineberry/Japanese wineberry;
wine raspberry
Witchweed
Wormleaf salsola
Yellow floating heart
Yellow iris
Due to their insidious and aggressive nature, the spread of invasive species is often
extremely difficult to control, and complete eradication of existing populations can
be nearly impossible. The sooner that action is taken against invasive species
(preferably prior to the establishment of a large population), the greater the
likelihood of success. Eradication options are species-specific, but often entail
control measures such as mowing, burning, covering with black plastic and
excavation. A last resort is the limited and carefully timed use of herbicides (such
as the injection method for Japanese Knotweed).
Image 4-21: View of common reed infestation in Treats Pond, photograph taken March 31, 2009
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Environmental Inventory & Analysis 4-2
4.7.9 Forestry
Cohasset is not facing forestry issues per se. However, as discussed in more detail
throughout this report, the train corridor has bisected previously contiguous tracts
of forest, and development pressure has also reduced the amount of contiguous
forested land in Cohasset.
4.7.10 Environmental Equity
There appears to be equitable access to Cohasset’s open space and recreational
resources, including geological features, varied topography, vegetation
communities, wetlands, and cultural landscapes. This is achieved through public
parks and land directly owned by the Town of Cohasset, the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, and land owned and managed by the Trustees of Reservations and
other land trusts that permit public access. However, direct access to coastal
Environmental resources appears to be underdeveloped due to private ownership
on the Town’s waterfront and coastal waters.
Section 5.0
Inventory of Lands of Conservation & Recreational Interest
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Inventory of Lands of Conservation & Recreational Interest 5-1
5.0 INVENTORY OF LANDS OF CONSERVATION & RECREATIONAL INTEREST
Open space generally refers to an unbuilt or undeveloped area (without buildings or
highways) that holds significant value either for conservation or recreation. The term “open
space” can refer to a wide range of land uses, such as farmland, playing fields, parks,
cemeteries, and forested area. See Table 5.1 is a listing of open space and recreation
resources located in the Town of Cohasset. Open space and recreation resources are
illustrated on Map 7. Also, refer to Appendix F for the results of the ADA accessibility
study for municipally owned conservation and recreation facilities.
Open Space for the purpose of the 2018 update is defined as both protected/unprotected
and public/private undeveloped and recreational areas. In Cohasset, town owned open
space is either conservation land, municipal land, or public school land. Government and
institutional non-conservation land also contributes to the Town's open space and
recreational resources, but are not protected as such because their use can easily change.
Most contain buildings, but the buildings are generally surrounded by large amounts of
open space and fields. This land is important because it draws visitors for activit ies that
are compatible with conservation and recreation use.
The following section details specifically where open space resources and recreational
amenities are located in the Town of Cohasset.
Open space in a community is valuable for several reasons. Land is a finite resource;
preserving and maintaining open space area helps define community character and
provides habitat areas and corridors for wildlife and plants. In addition, particularly in the
Town of Cohasset, open space protects drinking water supplies.
Open space data was obtained from MassGIS, the Cohasset Assessors Department (non-
taxable lands), and Norfolk Ram, which is working with the Town of Cohasset Water
Department regarding conservation restrictions on land surrounding drinking water
supplies.
The open space and recreation inventory column headings include:
Assessors Map-Parcel: Indicates the Assessor’s reference for the parcel.
Common Name: Typical name used when referencing the property, if available.
Location: Indicates the address, if available, or other locational reference.
Acres: Total number of acres or a close approximation. One acre equals 43,560 square
feet.
Owner: Name of the property owner.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Inventory of Lands of Conservation & Recreational Interest 5-2
Management: Entity responsible for managing the property.
Zoning: Zoning Districts based upon “Town of Cohasset Massachusetts Zoning District
Map” dated March 2002.
Level of Protection: Notes whether the site, if by virtue of zoning, or by the receipt of
state or federal funding, is protected from sale and development. MassGIS notes the
following characteristics about level of protection:
Permanent (In Perpetuity) – Legally protected in perpetuity and recorded in a
property’s deed. Public land is typically in perpetuity if it is owned by the Conservation
Commission, if there is a conservation restriction on the property, if it is owned by a
State conservation agency, if it is owned by a non-profit land trust or if state or federal
monies were used to purchase or improve the property. Private land is in perpetuity if
it has a deed restriction in perpetuity, if there is an agricultural preservation restriction,
or if there is a conservation restriction on the property.
Temporary – Legally protected for less than perpetuity (short-term conservation
restriction) or temporarily protected through a functional use. Example: water district
lands are only temporarily protected while water resource protection is their primary
use.
Limited – Protected by legal mechanisms other than those listed above. Land might be
protected by a requirement of a majority municipal vote for change in status or Chapter
61 land.
Unknown – Should be researched through the property deed to see if any protection
level is listed.
For the purposes of the updated Cohasset OSRP, the levels of protection defined above
have been used.
Public Access: Notes whether or not the site is open to public use.
Public Access Point: Notes where the public may access the site.
Condition: Details in what kind of condition the site or facility is.
Recreation Potential: Indicates whether recreational opportunities exist at the site or
facility, and if so, the type of recreational use.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Inventory of Lands of Conservation & Recreational Interest 5-3
5.1 Types of Open Space and Recreation Land Protection
Conservation lands may be permanently protected through fee-simple ownership or
through a conservation restriction (CR). Conservation and other public and private lands
may be further restricted under an agricultural preservation restriction (APR), to preserve
farmland use in perpetuity. Temporary protection may be through current use programs
(Ch. 61, Ch. 61A, and Ch. 61B). These types of programs/tools illustrating the different
ways open space is protected in Cohasset are described further below as well as tools that
could be used in the future.
Article 97 Protection: Article 97 protects publicly owned lands used for conservation or
recreation purposes. In order for a property to be sold, transferred or converted to a
different use, Article 97 requires a vote of the Town (Conservation Commission, Parks
Department, or other, whichever is appropriate) in which the land use would be changed,
a 2/3 vote at Town Meeting or City Council in support of the disposition, a 2/3 vote of the
legislature in support of the disposition, and compliance with applicable funding sources
must be demonstrated. The municipality must also file an Environmental Notification
Form with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act office.
Conservation Restriction: A Conservation Restriction or CR is a legally binding
agreement between a landowner and a public agency (usually a land trust or a town’s
conservation commission) where the landowner agrees to keep the land undeveloped by
placing permanent limitations on development and on certain uses of the property. Public
access may be permitted but is not required. CRs are permitted under the Conservation
Restrictions Act (M.G.L. Ch. 184) and must be approved by the Secretary of
Environmental Affairs. Conservation restrictions have a number of advantages: (1) they
cost less than a fee simple acquisition, (2) the owner still pays real estate taxes (although
at a lower rate) and (3) the owner continues to maintain the land. Stewardship of CRs
requires periodic property monitoring to ensure the agreements are being upheld.
There are 12 Conservation Restrictions in Cohasset, which have been signed by the state
and recorded at the Registry of Deeds covering over 200 acres. Four (4) conservation
restrictions are held by the Trustees of Reservations, four (4) by the Town of Cohasset,
three (3) by the Cohasset Conservation Trust, and one (1) by the Maxwell Trust.
Easements: An easement is typically listed on a property deed and it allows permanent
access to a property for a specific purpose. It is a right of use, not a right of possession.
Chapter 61: Chapter 61 encourages preservation of agricultural, recreation and forestland
in Massachusetts. Landowners can ensure the long-term protection of their property by
receiving a tax benefit if they agree to the terms of Chapter 61. If an owner wants to take
property out of Chapter 61 designation, the Town can recover the tax benefits given and it
also has the right of first refusal to purchase the property if the land is sold for residential,
commercial, or industrial purposes.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Inventory of Lands of Conservation & Recreational Interest 5-4
As of October 2017, the Town has 12 properties under Chapter 61 designation,
concentrated in 4 areas: the Cohasset Golf Club, the Holly Hill Farm property, a property
off King Street, and properties on Whitehead Road near the harbor.
Transfer of Development Rights: Although not itself a form of protection, Transfer of
Development Rights (TDR) can be used in conjunction with the protection programs
described above to ensure that appropriate and meaningful open space is preserved in
conjunction with development. The Massachusetts Smart Growth/Smart Energy Tool Kit
very simple defines the concept of Transfer of Development Rights as follows:
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR): A system that assigns development rights to
parcels of land and gives landowners the option of using those rights to develop or to sell
their land.
TDRs are used to promote conservation and protection of land by giving landowners the
right to transfer the development rights of one parcel that may be suitable for conservation
purposes to another parcel that may be more appropriate for development. By selling
development rights, a landowner concedes the right to develop his/her property, but the
buyer could use the rights to develop another piece of land at a greater intensity than would
otherwise be permitted.
Prior to implementing TDR in Cohasset, additional information and analysis would be
required. For example, an evaluation of the amount of land area that is available for
protection as “sending parcels,” an assessment of the general acceptability in the town to
increase density in other areas, as well as a determination of the capacity of the town to
administer the technique, would be required. While an increasing number of towns in
Massachusetts have adopted the technique, it may not be appropriate for all.
5.2 Open Space Inventory
The Cohasset Conservation Trust, a nonprofit land conservation trust, has protected over
212 acres in Cohasset, Scituate, and Hull. The Trust has acquired 23 properties
(approximately 164 acres) and three (3) conservation restrictions (48 acres). The
conservation restrictions held by CCT are on Supper Island, Barnes Wildlife Sanctuary,
and a portion of Ingram Park. The properties are Adams Property, Andrus Island, Bassing
Beach, Blake Holmes Property, Breadencheese Conservation Area, Campbell Meadow,
Churchill Conservation Area, Great Brewster and Dean's Meadow, Dormitzer Salt Marsh,
Francis Shore, Giuggio Overlook, Golden Reservation, Ingram Park, James Island, Pegram
Preserve, Pelletier Conservation Area, Remick Salt Marsh, Scott's Shore, Sumner Smith
Overlook, Wheelwright Highlands, Williams Salt Marsh, and Winsor Shores. These sites
provide wildlife habitat and passive recreation (Map 7).
Cohasset has several town conservation properties permanently protected, which include,
but are not limited to: Wheelwright Park, Brass Kettle Brook, and part of Whitney/Thayer
Woods.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Inventory of Lands of Conservation & Recreational Interest 5-5
Cohasset needs to develop a list of Land of Conservation Interest and develop a list of
criteria or a ranking system to assist in identifying priority parcels. This criteria or factors
that enhance Land of Conservation Interest should be vetted by the Open Space Committee
and the community. They will serve as a guide for reviewing a property’s suitability for
protection, but neither ensure nor limit the decision to conserve a property. Boards,
organizations, and individuals should retain discretion over the acquisition process and
may choose to deviate from these guidelines on careful review of a specific proposal.
Cohasset could develop a general guide, which includes the following factors that enhance
Land of Conservation Interest:
Enhances existing or proposed public and private holdings
Links significant public or private open space/natural areas
Preserves or buffers natural areas containing:
o species of unusual merit or special concern
o representative local plant and animal communities
o wildlife habitat, wetlands, streams, or water supply o migration corridors
o screening to adjacent development
Contains historical, geological, or archeological features
Protects scenic vistas or view corridors
Permits existing agricultural practices to continue on land that would
otherwise succumb to development pressures
Provides access to, or is a contiguous area for recreation
Offers educational opportunities to the public
Provides access or opportunities to people with disabilities
Does not adversely affect the organization’s financial and land management
capabilities
Factors that detract from the value of land of conservation interest:
Few conservation/natural resource values remain intact on the property
Presence of noxious weeds, hazardous materials, or contaminants requiring
control
Small size and conflicting adjacent land use
Development of adjacent properties would diminish existing conservation
values
Difficult enforcement or management issues including:
o dangers from land forms
o difficult access to land o multiple ownership tangles
o restrictive deed provisions
o potentially burdensome maintenance issues
Ethical or public image problems for the grantor if the property is accepted.
In addition, land-use boards including the Conservation Commission,
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Inventory of Lands of Conservation & Recreational Interest 5-6
Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Health, and the Historical
Commission need to maintain vigilance and communication in administering
the Town
New Assessors Map- ParcelCommon Name Location Acres OwnerMangement (if different from Owner)ZoningLevel of ProtectionPublic AccessPublic Access PointCondition Recreation PotentialD11-55-090 Church Grounds 51 Church St 0.55 Beechwood Congregational Church RA Unknown NoneC4-13-008Arthur Lehr Campgrounds/Wheelwright ParkForest Av 6.00 Cohasset Boy Scouts/Troup 28 RC None YesNorth Main Street or Forest AvenueGood Walking TrailE4-19-020 Central Cemetery Cohasset 3.70Cohasset Central Cemetery/Eleanor Tower CampbellTrustees of CemeteriesRB Limited Yes Joy Place Good Kayak LaunchB3-07-002 Forest Av West 32.40 Cohasset Conservation Trust RCB5-05-003 Albert Golden Memorial Swamp North Main St 4.29 Cohasset Conservation Trust LI Perpetuity Limited NoneC1-10-114 Francis Shore/Rocky Beach Jerusalem Rd 0.30 Cohasset Conservation Trust RB Perpetuity Yes Rocky Beach Swimming/Kayak/ScubaC3-07-043 Fox Run Driveway 170 Forest Av 1.67 Cohasset Conservation Trust RBD4-19-036 Giuggio Overlook 45 Jerusalem Rd 0.61 Cohasset Conservation Trust RB Perpetuity No Jerusalem Road Good OverlookD4-19-040Remick Salt Marsh Conservation AreaJerusalem Rd 1.87 Cohasset Conservation Trust RC/RB PerpetuityD7-52-004 Campbell Meadow Pond St/ C J C Way 3.70 Cohasset Conservation Trust RB Perpetuity Limited NoneD9-50-062 327 Beechwood St 4.51 Cohasset Conservation TrustD9-54-009Barbara Churchill Conservation AreaBound Brook Ln 5.05 Cohasset Conservation Trust RB Perpetuity Limited Kayak/CanoeD9-59-014 Andrus Island Andrus Island 3.02 Cohasset Conservation Trust RB Perpetuity NoE2-22-015 Scott's Shore 429 Atlantic Av 2.38 Cohasset Conservation Trust RC Perpetuity Good Needs Deed ResearchE2-22-016 Scott's Shore Atlantic Av 0.62 Cohasset Conservation Trust RC CausewayE3-24-001AWilliams Salt Marsh Conservation AreaAtlantic Av 4.25 Cohasset Conservation Trust RC PerpetuityE4-28-041 Sumner Smith Property Beach St 0.95 Cohasset Conservation Trust RC Perpetuity No Beach Street GoodE8-52-008A Adams Property C J Cushing Hwy 5.00 Cohasset Conservation Trust RB Perpetuity No No F4-27-081 Great Brewster Park Great Brewster Rd 18.16 Cohasset Conservation Trust RB Perpetuity YesParking at Town HallGood WalkingF4-28-034 Dean Meadows Atlantic Av West 7.73 Cohasset Conservation Trust RC Perpetuity YesParking at Town HallGood Walking TrailF4-29-034 Blake Holmes Property Atlantic Av 2.58 Cohasset Conservation Trust RC Perpetuity NoBlake Holmes PropertyF6-32-043 Pelletier Park Sankey Road 2.00 Cohasset Conservation Trust Perpetuity Yes Trail to overlookF8-35-025 Pegram Preserve 346 South Main St 14.75 Cohasset Conservation Trust RB Perpetuity Water Only GoodF8-46-001 George Ingram ParkBeechwood St/Norman Todd Rd20.00 Cohasset Conservation Trust RC Perpetuity YesParking off Norman ToddGood WalkingG7-35-029 Dormitzer Marsh River Rd 4.70 Cohasset Conservation Trust RB Perpetuity No Good NoneB4-04-021 Cohasset Golf Course 175 Cedar St 50.14 Cohasset Golf Club RC None LimitedB3-03-001 Cohasset Golf Course Lamberts Lane 181.30 Cohasset Golf Course None Winter Winter RecreationG6-37-022 Marina 37 Parker Av 2.60 Cohasset Harbor Marine Inc RB/LI None LimitedF8-46-004 Ingram Park Beechwood St 5.00 Cohasset Land Foundation Perpetuity YesOpen Space Abutting George M. Ingram ParkPossible Recreation2018 Open Space And Recreation InventoryPage 1 of 6
New Assessors Map- ParcelCommon Name Location Acres OwnerMangement (if different from Owner)ZoningLevel of ProtectionPublic AccessPublic Access PointCondition Recreation Potential2018 Open Space And Recreation InventoryD5-15-003 Swim Center 89 Sohier St 3.80Cohasset Swimming & Recreation Trust/Corbett Paul TreasurerRB Limited Yes, Parking Sohier Street Good Swimming B2-02-100X Green Gate Cemetery 754 Jerusalem Rd 0.59 Cohasset Town of RBB4-04-033X Cedar Street Cemetery 215 Cedar St 0.28 Cohasset Town of RCC8-65-008 Pape Reservation King Street 5.50 Cohasset Town of HB Unknown Yes Good HikingC8-65-009 Pape Reservation 301 R King St 6.00 Cohasset Town of UnknownC8-65-010 Pape Reservation King Street 6.80 Cohasset Town of RC Unknown Yes Good HikingD3-15-100 Wheelwright Park North Main St 80.40 Cohasset Town of DPW RA Limited Yes, ParkingNorth Main and Forest AvenueGood Walking/Winter SportsD8-65-001 Whitney Woods King Street 9.10 Cohasset Town of RC LimitedD8-65-006B Pape Reservation King Street 4.01 Cohasset Town of RC Unknown Yes Good HikingE10-53-056 Mill Lane Parcal Mill Ln 0.33 Cohasset Town of RB None Yes Mill Lane Poor Potential E5-18-002 Rec Center 25 Parkingway 1.05 Cohasset Town of DB None Yes Town Parking Lot Good Rec CenterE5-18-033 Paul Pratt Library 35 Ripley Rd 3.71 Cohasset Town ofSchool/DPW/ RecreationRA Limited Yes, Parking Sohier Street Good Playground/courtE6-38-001 Milliken Field Woods Reservoir Rd 6.65 Cohasset Town of RB None Yes NoneE9-50-024 Pine Ridge Road Parcel Pine Ridge Rd 0.62 Cohasset Town of HB None Yes Pine Ridge Road Possible PlaygroundF5-32-021 Veterans Park Border Street 0.34 Cohasset Town of MF None Yes Passive ViewingF6-37-010 Government Island Cohasset Harbor 9.13 Cohasset Town of Town Limited Yes, Parking Parker Avenue Good Water/Winter/OverlookF7-34-052 Windsor Rd 0.55 Cohasset Town of RBB5-74-022 Stump Dump C J Cushing Hwy 2.18 Cohasset Town of DPW None NoE7-41-001 Middle/High School 143 Pond St 18.00Cohasset Town of CMHS/Cohasset Middle High SchoolSchool/DPW RB Perpetuity Yes, Parking Pond Street Good School/BallFieldsA2-01-054 Old Fire Station - Vacant 245 Hull St 0.25 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen DPW DB Unknown Yes Hull Street Good Access to Straits PondA5-75-001 Turkey Hill Turkey Hill Rd 14.73 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Perpetuity Yes, Parking Turkey Hill/GoodA5-75-003 Turkey Hill Turkey Hill Rd 4.25 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Perpetuity Yes, Parking Turkey Hill/GoodB1-09-039 Straights Pond Shore Jerusalem Rd 3.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB None Yes Fishing/LaunchB1-09-040 Straights Pond Shore Jerusalem Rd 3.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Unknown Fishing/LaunchB4-05-048 Recycling Transfer Facility 81 91 Cedar St 19.35 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen DPW RC Unknown YesRecylcing & Transfer FacilityGood Possible RecreationB4-06-003 Great Swamp Rear Forest Av 13.53 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen DPW RB Perpetuity No B4-06-025B Great Swamp Cohasset 10.93 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Perpetuity No Wildlife HabitatB5-74-001X Woodside Cemetery C J Cushing Hwy 4.47 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC UnknownB5-74-001Y Woodside Cemetery Rear North Main St 0.11 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC UnknownB5-74-001Z Woodside Cemetery N Main St/C J Cush 20.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen DPW RC Limited Yes B8-67-002 Watershed Property Howes Rd 2.55 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC UnknownC1-09-024 Black Rock Beach 387 Forest Av 0.29 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Limited Yes Wadliegh Park Good Water Access/BeachC1-09-026 Drainage Jerusalem Rd 0.77 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB None NoneC11-56-048 Watershed Property Beechwood St 0.90 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RA Unknown Yes Beechwood StreetC11-56-049 Watershed Property Beechwood Street 0.02 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Unknown Yes Beechwood StreetC11-56-050 Watershed Property Beechwood St 0.13 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Unknown Yes Beechwood StreetC11-56-052 Wolf Pit Beechwood St 6.72 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Unknown Yes Beechwood StreetPage 2 of 6
New Assessors Map- ParcelCommon Name Location Acres OwnerMangement (if different from Owner)ZoningLevel of ProtectionPublic AccessPublic Access PointCondition Recreation Potential2018 Open Space And Recreation InventoryC11-56-052A Watershed Property Beechwood St 1.50 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RA Unknown Yes Beechwood StreetC12-57-012 Watershed Property Aaron River Road 3.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Unknown Limited C12-57-013 Watershed Property Aaron River Road 6.30 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen Unknown C12-57-014 Watershed Property Aaron River Road 7.20 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen Unknown C12-57-015 Watershed Property Aaron River Road 5.30 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Unknown C12-57-016 Watershed Property Aaron River Road 0.60 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Unknown C2-01S-103 Black Rock Estates Black Rock Rd 0.42 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB UnknownC2-01S-107 Black Rock Estates Black Rock Rd 0.23 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB UnknownC2-01S-109 Black Rock Estates Rear Black Rock Rd 0.21 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB UnknownC2-11-082 Land Locked - Remove Forest Av 0.38 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB UnknownC4-13-001 Barnes Wildlife Area Rear Forest Av 32.13 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen Perpetuity Yes Wheelwright Park Good WalkingC4-13-019 Land Locked 25 Heater Dr 0.84 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB UnknownC6-70-001X Wetlands King Street 4.86 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen HB UnknownC7-65-018 Watershed Property King Street 9.80 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC UnknownC7-72-003 Watershed Property Tippling RK Howes 5.75 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC UnknownC8-65-019 Watershed Property Rear King St 3.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC UnknownD10-54-019 Watershed Property Beechwood St 4.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownD10-54-026 Watershed Property Beechwood St 1.49 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB UnknownD10-56-012 Watershed Property Beechwood St 0.50 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen Unknown Yes Doane StreetD10-56-015 Watershed Property Doane St 2.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen Unknown Yes Doane StreetD11-55-009 Beechwood Cemetery Beechwood/Doane Sts 4.40 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen DPW RA Limited Yes Beechwood Street GoodD11-55-030 Beechwood Ballpark Beechwood/Doane Sts 3.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen DPW RA Limited Yes Beechwood Street Good Ballpark/PlaygroundD11-55-036 Beechwood Common Church & Doane St 0.50 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RA Unknown Yes Doane and Church Good Open SpaceD4-19-042 Joy Place Marsh Cohasset 6.31 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Limited Yes Joy Place Good Views/WildlifeD5-15-001 Sohier St 3.59 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RBD5-15-002 Future Senior Center Location Rear Sohier St 4.06 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Unknown YesSwim Center Parkign LotFuture Senior CenterD5-15-013 Little League Fields 169-185 North Main St 8.85 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB None Yes North Main Street Good BallfieldsD5-39-088 Rear Sohier St 9.46 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RA UnknownD5-40-024 Little League Field Rear North Main St 0.48 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Limited YesD6-39-067 Rear Old Pasture Rd 14.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RA Unknown YesSmith Place/Pleasant StreetUnknownD6-40-002 Osgood School Sohier St 23.17 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen DB Unknown Yes Sohier Street Good School/PlaygroundD6-42-025 Deer Hill Woodlands 210 Sohier St 14.88 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen DPW DB None Yes Deer Hill FieldsD6-42-041 Peppermint Brook Property C J Cushing Hwy 8.72 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Perpetuity Yes Cook Estate Good NoD7-41-070 RT 3a Corrider C J Cushing Hwy 0.42 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Unknown None CJC HighwayD7-41-073 RT 3a Corrider C J Cushing Hwy 0.39 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Unknown NoneD7-41-074 RT 3a Corrider C J Cushing Hwy 0.36 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB UnknownD7-41-075 RT 3a Corrider C J Cushing Hwy 0.38 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB UnknownD7-41-076 RT 3a Corrider C J Cushing Hwy 0.38 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB UnknownD7-41-077 RT 3a Corrider C J Cushing Hwy 0.40 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB UnknownPage 3 of 6
New Assessors Map- ParcelCommon Name Location Acres OwnerMangement (if different from Owner)ZoningLevel of ProtectionPublic AccessPublic Access PointCondition Recreation Potential2018 Open Space And Recreation InventoryD7-42-040 Peppermint Brook Property C J Cushing Hwy 1.08 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Perpetuity Yes CJC Highway Good NoD8-41-001X King St 0.63 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RCD8-59-001 Watershed Property King St 1.40 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC PerpetuityLily Pond WatershedD8-60-001 Watershed Property 339 King St 5.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Perpetuity WatershedD8-60-002 Watershed Property King St 2.45 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Perpetuity WatershedD8-60-003 Watershed Property King St 3.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Perpetuity WatershedD8-65-002 Whitney Woods King Street 5.20 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Limited WatershedD9-54-027 Watershed Property Cohasset 19.02 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC UnknownBeechwood WatershedD9-59-013 Watershed Property King St 2.50 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Unknown WatershedD9-60-007 Watershed Property Rear King St 2.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Unknown WatershedD9-60-011 Watershed Property King St 5.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownE4-19-035 Giuggio Overlook Jerusalem Rd 0.64 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Limited Limited Jerusalem Road Good OverlookE4-28-042 Beach St 0.68 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen Unknown Yes Beach Street Good WalkingE4-28-042A Beach St 0.81 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Unknown Yes Beach Street Good WalkingE5-15-052 North Main St 0.10 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RBE5-18-076 Constitution Park Ripley Road 0.39 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen Unknown Yes, Parking Ripley Road Good Passive RecreationE5-27-001X World War I Memorial 10 North Main St 0.14 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Limited YesE5-27-001Y Town Common 20 North Main St 0.89 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Limited YesE5-27-089 Town Hall 41 Highland Av 1.31 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Unknown Yes Highland Avenue Good AuditoriumE6-38-001X Spring Street Marsh Spring Street 2.03 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RA Unknown Yes Spring Street E6-38-002 Milliken-Bancroft Field Bancroft Wy 1.17 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RBE6-38-003 Milliken Field Bancroft Rd 9.38 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen DPW/Recreation RA Limited Yes, Parking Bancroft Road Good Ballfields/Tennis CourtsE6-38-142X Eleazers Ln 0.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RAE6-48-001X Pond St at Spring St 0.12 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RBE6-48-017 Woodland 100 Pond Street 2.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Unknown NoE7-38-004 Milliken-Bancroft Field Briarwood Ln 2.49 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Limited LimitedE7-38-011A Briarwood Ln 0.70 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RBE7-38-014 Cohasset Middle-High School Briarwood Ln 0.63 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RBE9-50-035 Beechwood St 0.13 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RBF5-30-020 Margin Street Dock Margin St 0.21 Cohasset Town of/Board of SelectmenHarbor DepartmentMF Limited Yes Margin Street Good BoatingF5-32-020 Lawrence Wharf 32 Border St 0.19 Cohasset Town of/Board of SelectmenHarbor DepartmentWB Limited Yes Border Street Good BoatingF6-32-046 Jacobs Meadow Sankey Road 2.80 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RA UnknownF8-47-010 Locust Road Pond Beechwood/Locust Sts 0.39 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RB Unknown Yes Beechwood Street Good Seasonal SkatingG6-37-011 Parker Avenue Ramp 40 Parker Av 2.00 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen RC Limited Yes Parker Avenue Good BoatingX1-61-002 Whitney Woods Beechwood St 2.50 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-002 Turkey Hill Doane St 0.50 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-003 Turkey Hill Doane St 3.80 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-004 Turkey Hill Doane St 6.60 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-005 Turkey Hill Doane St 3.25 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-006 Turkey Hill Doane St 2.25 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-015 Turkey Hill Doane St 3.54 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownPage 4 of 6
New Assessors Map- ParcelCommon Name Location Acres OwnerMangement (if different from Owner)ZoningLevel of ProtectionPublic AccessPublic Access PointCondition Recreation Potential2018 Open Space And Recreation InventoryX1-85-016 Turkey Hill King St 0.75 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-017 Turkey Hill King St 2.75 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-020 Turkey Hill Rear Doane St 1.50 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-021 Turkey Hill King St West 0.29 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-035 Turkey Hill King St 16.74 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-036 Turkey Hill King St 0.72 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-037 Turkey Hill King St 5.20 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-038 Turkey Hill King St 6.78 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownX1-85-047 Turkey Hill Rear Boulder Ln 1.99 Cohasset Town of/Board of Selectmen UnknownD5-40-022 James Brook Woods Rear Sohier St 26.50 Cohasset Town of/Conservation Commission RB Unknown No Sanctuary PondD6-42-026 Deer Hill School 208 Sohier St 15.41 Cohasset Town of/Deer Hill School School/DPW RB Unknown Yes, Parking Sohier Street Good School/PlaygroundE6-38-150 Elms Meadow 22 James Ln 11.10 Cohasset Town of/Elms Meadow Water/Recreation Limited Yes Cushing Street Good Skating - WinterC11-55-150Aaron River Reservoir/Watershed1 Aaron River Rd 22.00 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission RC Unknown Yes Aaron River Road Good Fishing/WalkingC7-72-001 Watershed Property King Street 5.50 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission RC UnknownC7-72-002 Watershed Property King Street 3.00 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission RC UnknownC8-60-012 Watershed Property King Street 2.50 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission UnknownC8-65-007 Pape Reservation King Street 2.15 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission RB PerpetuityC8-65-035 Access Road Old Road 2.00 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission UnknownC8-66-004 Brass Kettle Brook King Street 3.50 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission RC Perpetuity Yes King St Good HikingC8-66-005 Brass Kettle Brook King Street 4.50 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission RC Unknown Yes King St Good HikingC8-66-006 Brass Kettle Brook King Street 9.30 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission RC Limited Yes King St Good HikingC8-66-007 Brass Kettle Brook King Street 20.43 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission HB Perpetuity Yes King St Good HikingD10-54-024 Watershed Property Beechwood St 1.00 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission RB UnknownD10-54-025 Watershed Property Beechwood St 5.50 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission UnknownD10-54-033 Watershed Property 40 Riverview Dr 0.74 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission Unknown Yes Riverview RoadD10-54-100 Watershed Property 345 Beechwood St 0.15 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission Unknown Yes Beechwood Street Good Fishing/LaunchD10-56-014 Watershed Property Doane St 1.00 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission Unknown Yes Doane StreetD10-56-016 Watershed Property Doane St 1.90 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission Unknown Yes Doane StreetD10-56-016A Watershed Property Doane St 4.00 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission Unknown Yes Doane StreetD12-55-052 Easement Church St 1.81 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission Unknown EasementD9-59-011 Watershed Property King St 3.50 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission RC UnknownD9-59-012 Watershed Property King St 5.50 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission RC UnknownX1-85-018 Turkey Hill Doane St 0.81 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission UnknownX1-85-019 Turkey Hill Doane St 1.50 Cohasset Town of/Water Commission UnknownF5-30-015 Yacht Club Gleason Road 0.16 Cohasset Yacht Club Unknown Yes Gleason Road Good BoatingC3-12-001 Richardson White 69.50 Jerusalem Road Trust Perpetuity Yes Wheelwright Park Good WalkingD2-17-053 Holly Hill Farm Jerusalem Rd 22.40 Jerusalem Road Trust Perpetuity Poor MarshD3-11-099 Richardson White 10.70 Jerusalem Road Trust Perpetuity Yes Wheelwright Park Good WalkingD3-16-047 Holly Hill Farm Jerusalem Rd 9.70 Jerusalem Road Trust Perpetuity Yes Jerusalem Road Good WalkingA6-74-020 Turkey Hill C J Cushing Hwy 26.60 Massachusetts Commonwealth ofDivision of Conservation and RecreationUnknownPage 5 of 6
New Assessors Map- ParcelCommon Name Location Acres OwnerMangement (if different from Owner)ZoningLevel of ProtectionPublic AccessPublic Access PointCondition Recreation Potential2018 Open Space And Recreation InventoryB10-01X-01X Wompatuk State Park Wompatuck Pk 861.00 Massachusetts Commonwealth ofDivision of Conservation and RecreationOS Perpetuity Yes, ParkingDoane and BeechwoodGood Camping and HikingB7-01X-001Y Wompatuk State Park Wompatuck Pk 190.00 Massachusetts Commonwealth ofDivision of Conservation and RecreationPerpetuity Yes, ParkingDoane and BeechwoodGood Camping and HikingC6-72-008 State Property Cohasset 2.09 Massachusetts Commonwealth of NT UnknownC6-73-003 State Property Cohasset 2.73 Massachusetts Commonwealth of RC UnknownC6-73-004 State Property 30 Crocker Ln 9.37 Massachusetts Commonwealth of NT UnknownE10-53-074 Vinal Pasture Conservation Area Beechwood St 2.31 Maxwell Land Trust LTD RB PerpetuityE2-24-001X Sandy Beach 353 Atlantic Av 2.90 Sandy Beach Association RC Limited Yes, parking Jerusalem Road Good Beach/SwimmingE3-24-002 Little Harbor Dunes Atlantic Av 1.79 Sandy Beach Association RC None Yes, Parking Sandy Beach Viewing/WildlifeE10-49-030 Wheelwright Conservation Area Beechwood St 2.00 Scituate Town of/Conservation Commission RB Perpetuity YesA2-01-050 Greek Church 811 Jerusalem Rd 1.12 South Shore Hellenic Church Inc RA Unknown NoA2-01-051 Greek Church 819 Jerusalem Rd 0.25 South Shore Hellenic Church Inc RA Unknown NoA6-75-005 Turkey Hill Turkey Hill Rd 5.93 Trustees of Reservations RC Perpetuity Yes, Parking Turkey Hill/GoodB5-74-021 Turkey Hill C J Cushing Hwy 4.47 Trustees of Reservations UnknownB7-79-001 Whitney Woods King Street 4.60 Trustees of Reservations RC UnknownC5-71-016 Bancroft Bird Sanctuary King Street 16.50 Trustees of Reservations RC Perpetuity Yes C7-65-025A Watershed Property 231 R King St 4.80 Trustees of Reservations RC UnknownC7-65-030 Whitney & Thayer Woods King St/Doane St 527.00 Trustees of Reservations RC Perpetuity Yes, Parking CJC Highway GoodE9-49-008 Beechwood St 19.00 Wheelwright Dustin E/Wheelwright Frank Et Al RB/HBTotal Acreage 2934.99Page 6 of 6
Section 6.0
Community Vision
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Vision 6-1
6.0 COMMUNITY VISION
6.1 Description of the Process
The general process undertaken to update the Cohasset OSRP is described in Section 2.2;
however, additional information specific to the public outreach meetings is provided
below.
6.1.1 Public Outreach Meetings
The public participation process for the project included solicitation for comment
in local news media and social media, a widely circulated survey, and a public
forum held on July 26, 2017.
The following entities were specifically invited to the forum and to participate in
the survey. Notice of the meeting was also provided in the Cohasset Mariner,
posted at the Town Hall, and emailed to the heads of all Town Departments.
Advisory Committee
Alternative Energy
Committee
Board of Selectmen
Cohasset Conservation
Land Trust
Cohasset Public Library
Center for Student
Coastal Research
Cohasset Senior Center
Community Preservation
Committee
Cohasset Garden Club
Community Garden
Club of Cohasset
Conservation Commission
Citizens for Cohasset’s Future
Department of Public Works
Historical Commission
Rotary Club
Recreation Commission
Sailing Club
Sandy Beach Association
South Shore Coalition
St. Anthony’s Church
St. Stephen’s
Second Congregational Church
Water Department
Wild Cohasset
The public forum was held the evening of July 26, 2017 at the Recreati on
Department offices on Sohier Street. The focus of the forum was to engage local
residents in a discussion about open space and recreation resources in the
community. The OSRP Committee members made a presentation that included a
discussion of why the OSRP update is important, demographic data, open space
data and open-ended questions to help the audience think about what aspect of open
space and recreation in the community is important.
Due to the small number of attendees at the forum, the meeting was conducted as
round table discussions. Despite the poor attendance, significant input was
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Vision 6-2
provided by attendees, and different issues and discussion topics were raised
including the following noteworthy items raised by attendees.
Importance of preserving the existing character of the Town.
Importance of preserving views and vistas, especially of the ocean.
Importance of preserving trees and dismay at accelerated loss of open space.
6.1.2 Open Space & Recreation Plan Survey
Public outreach for the OSRP update also included an Open Space and Recreation
Survey prepared and distributed by the OSRP Committee and analyzed by B+T.
The survey, meant to gauge how the Town uses the current open space and
recreation lands and to identify priorities and opportunities residents would like to
see acted upon in future.
The survey was conducted between May 24, 2017 and July 25, 2017, with hard
copies distributed at the library, the Senior Center, the Recreation Department
offices, and Town Hall. Web links to the survey were posted on local social media,
the Town’s website and via the Citizens for Cohasset’s Future Facebook page,
among others.
In addition, the survey was available online through links from the Town’s
homepage (www.townofcohasset.com), the Recreation Department’s website
(www.cohassetrec.com), and local social media including Citizens for Cohasset’s
Future’s Facebook page. The online version was offered as a way to reach
additional interested persons and to provide an opportunity for persons other than
landowners to participate in the survey. In addition to typical survey questions
related to open space and recreational issues, participants were asked to provide
open comment.
In total, 189 responses were received, and the data was analyzed by B+T. Analysis
reveals extremely strong support for increased open space protection and
conservation land acquisition.
The survey can be found in Appendix A. Highlights are as follows:
Approximately 96.6% of respondents support the idea of the Town
purchasing additional conservation lands. It is worth noting that the
support for this idea is even stronger than the 91% received at the last survey
conducted in 2009.
Approximately 97.2% of respondents support the idea of the Town
purchasing additional recreation lands.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Vision 6-3
Approximately 84.4% of respondents would support strengthening current
zoning laws in order to better protect open space in Cohasset.
Only 40.1% of respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with current
recreational activities available for teenagers.
The harbor (100%), water-based recreational activities (98.9%) and scenic
views (98.4%) were considered of the highest importance to the
respondents.
The respondents strongly indicated a need for more bike baths, with 76.9%
indicating that current paths are not adequate. Participants also want to see
more boat moorings (57.9%) and conservation lands (50.3%).
The majority of respondents felt that the following resources were adequate,
although a minority felt that the town needed more:
Picnic areas: 38.1% want more
Canoe/kayak launches: 36.0% want more
Tennis courts: 29.1% want more
Athletic fields: 26.7% want more
Places for birdwatching: 24.0% want more
Neighborhood playgrounds: 23.1% want more
Beach recreation: 20.1% want more
Just as with the 2009 survey, of greatest concern to the 2017 survey
participants was the perceived overdevelopment of town and the loss of
small town feel.
6.2 Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals
Cohasset is blessed with a unique geography with scenic vistas, numerous recreational
opportunities, cultural resources and a picturesque small town village center. The citizens
of the town are well informed and proactive in their public advocacy for ecological
conservation and protection and enhancement of access to recreational amenities. The
residents have expressed their concern for the encroachment of new development on the
scenic vistas and character of the town and its quality of life during the public outreach for
this plan and identified the same issues in previous plans.
From this planning process have emerged the following broad goals to guide strategic
action for Open Space and Recreation over the next seven years.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Community Vision 6-4
1. Make protection of open space and the character of the Town a priority in all town-
wide land use decisions, in keeping with citizens’ wishes, to preserve access and
scenic beauty.
2. Protect and maintain the natural environment:
Residents of the Town over the last two OSRPs and during this opinion survey have
consistently voiced their support for all aspects of environmental protection.
3. Improve Recreational opportunity and access:
The survey results and interactive sessions with the public continue to emphasize
continuing to work to provide access, develop walking trails and biking paths and
communicate how all of the recreational resources can best be enjoyed and
maintained.
4. Organizational changes and collaboration:
Due to a lack of resources and unclear lines of responsibility, it has proven to be
very difficult to monitor past plan goals and implement specific objectives.
Residents want town officials to collaborate with town departments to share
planning resources, coordinate information used and to insure that the desired
citizens’ goals are monitored and attained.
The broad goals cited above remain applicable based upon public input gathered during the
2018 update process. Sections 8.0 and 9.0 contain additional information pertaining to
specific goals, objectives, and action items to achieve the overarching goals stated above.
Section 7.0
Analysis of Needs
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Analysis of Needs 7-1
7.0 ANALYSIS OF NEEDS
The Town of Cohasset is a community that has maintained its small-town charm and
celebrated natural beauty since its incorporation in 1770. Since the decline of the fishing
and shipbuilding industries, Cohasset’s natural beauty, open space, and recreational
amenities are greatly prized by its residents, and are in fact what have historically drawn
visitors to the Town. Yet today, Cohasset faces some of the greatest development pressures
to date.
Perhaps because of these pressures, residents are overwhelmingly supportive of the
opportunity to acquire additional undeveloped land parcels and to improve existing open
space and recreational areas. During the course of this update, Cohasset residents have
indicated the desire to create larger patches of open space, to improve wildlife corridors
and to protect wildlife and the environment. They have also noted that advancements in
development methods (easier ledge blasting, expansion of the sewer system) have
threatened areas previously believed to be un-developable, and they have asked the Town
to respond with greater protection of open space. It should be noted that these concerns
are nearly identical to those raised in the last updating of the Open Space and Recreation
Plan, yet the pressures have only increased.
The needs of Cohasset are detailed throughout this report; a summary of some more
prominent needs is provided below. Section 9 contains action items relating to the all of
the needs of Cohasset identified throughout this OSRP update process.
7.1 Summary of Resource Protection Needs
In order to best protect Cohasset’s natural environment, and to respond to the priorities
gleaned from town residents during the update process, a comprehensive investigation of
Cohasset’s current plan populations and ecosystems should be undertaken. This research
will provide an environmental baseline of sorts that will better enable future analysis and
provide standards by which to judge goals and objectives.
7.1.1 Water Resources
Cohasset maintains significant surface water supplies in the Aaron River Reservoir
and Lily Pond, as well as groundwater supplies through its wells. The Town of
Cohasset Water Department has achieved significant protection for these resources
by protecting associated watershed lands, and the Town maintains an awareness of
developments in adjacent towns that may impact Cohasset’s water supply.
Cohasset also recently completed installing multiple rain gardens throughout town
to address stormwater runoff. The Town has recently also completed a sewer
expansion project. Smaller steps that could be investigated to further protect
Cohasset’s water supplies include addressing failing septic systems as quickly as
possible and continuing education of the public with regard to sources of nonpoint
pollution. Additionally, although the majority of Cohasset’s surface water supplies
are surrounded by protected lands, King Street lies adjacent to Lily Pond to the
northeast, and the potential for spills from accidents exists.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Analysis of Needs 7-2
Cohasset boasts a multitude of impressive and scenic waters. Some of these waters,
such as Straits Pond, are impaired, as previously detailed in this report. However,
the Division of Marine Fisheries has established Designated Shellfish Growing
Areas (DSGAs), which represent areas of potential shellfish habitat extending from
the tidal zone to the territorial limit of the Commonwealth. Each DSGA is
comprised of at least one classification area, ranging from approved to
prohibited.139
7.1.2 Potential Designated Shellfish Growing Areas
While much of Cohasset waters remain closed to harvesting shellfishing, it is no
longer true that “shellfish beds in Cohasset’s coastal waters are no longer viable”
(Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2010-2016). There are thriving
shellfish communities in Cohasset Harbor, especially European oysters (Ostrea
edulis) in the lower Gulf River estuary and in the tidal flats near the eelgrass beds
sampled by CSCR.
CSCR students documented the presence of European oysters, eastern oysters, blue
mussels, quahogs, razor clams, steamer clams, and scallops. European oysters
dominate the beds, but the presence of choice restoration species such as eastern
oyster, and blue mussel is encouraging.
Image 7-1 illustrates the spatial distribution of 271 sample points collected during
the summers of 2016 and 2017.
139 MassGIS Datalayers/GIS Database Designated Shellfish Growing Areas – October 2009. Viewed online October
27, 2009. http://www.mass.gov/mgis/dsga.htm
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Analysis of Needs 7-3
Image 7-1
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Analysis of Needs 7-4
Image 7-2: Designated Shellfish Growing Areas from MassGIS
7.1.3 Invasive Species
Conservation lands, and properties abutting them, should be monitored for invasive
species and where found, they should be promptly removed before they establish a
significant population. Existing populations of invasive species should be managed
to prevent further spread if complete eradication is not feasible. Public outreach
and education could result in a reduced presence of invasive species, as citizens
Cohasset
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Analysis of Needs 7-5
could report existing populations, and might also avoid planting invasive or
potentially invasive species if they understood the threat posed by them. This
outreach is crucial, because while Massachusetts implemented a ban on specific
invasive plants in 2006 (see Section 4.7.8), many prohibited plant species are still
easily available for purchase online by those who do not know about the ban, or
those who choose to disregard it. Additionally, existing populations will continue
to spread without aggressive action.
Cohasset should actively enforce its ban on the dumping of lawn debris. This is a
common practice by homeowners and landscapers that endangers the fragile
ecosystem of open space and conservation land in town by spreading invasive
species into vulnerable regions. Signage, fines, and public outreach about the
importance of obeying the ban should all be undertaken.
Finally, educational materials could be developed to teach public works employees
and relevant town board officials (e.g. Conservation Commission) about specific
invasive plant species.
7.1.4 Rare Species
Several of the rare species known to occur in Cohasset have older records of
sightings. Educating citizens regarding what rare species occur in Cohasset and
gathering additional information about existing populations would facilitate
decisions regarding which areas in Cohasset should be protected. Such protection
could include purchasing additional lands, as well as protecting rare species on
existing open space lands by ensuring that recreational use of those lands does not
impact the rare species populations.
7.1.5 Land Resources
Cohasset has approximately 970 acres of open space and recreational lands in the
community. This represents approximately 15% of Cohasset’s total land area
(excluding coastal waters such as Cohasset Harbor). The largest contiguous area
of open space occurs in the southwestern to south-central portion of Town, and
includes state-owned conservation lands. For Town-owned parcels without a
conservation or other deed restrictions, including those under the custody of the
Conservation Commission, the Town could change the designation and use of the
property. Therefore, working to change the temporary level of protection on Town-
owned open space to permanently protect it represents an opportunity to ensure that
these open space areas remain in the future. However, the Town is also reserving
its options on land for future needs, such as police and fire stations or schools.
Conservation of remaining unprotected land should focus on areas that are adjacent
to or connect larger areas of contiguous open space in order to maximize the benefit
to wildlife. Connections to neighborhoods and the ability to walk to open space
areas would also be beneficial for residents. Existing connections and paths should
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Analysis of Needs 7-6
be researched and established so that they are not lost in the future. In addition to
acquiring additional lands, Cohasset should focus on preventing fragmentation of
significant habitats by proposed development.
The Town of Cohasset is experiencing growth in areas that were previously
undevelopable, as previously discussed. The Town has competing needs for the
remaining undeveloped areas for housing, recreation, and wildlife habitat. The land
that is permanently protected will continue to provide a wide range of functions,
including preservation of environmentally and culturally sensitive resources,
buffering developed areas, and providing recreational opportunities, indefinitely.
However, other lands are at risk and these functions may be lost. Overuse at the
Town’s most popular areas may occur and may lead to their degradation without
implementation of management strategies and regular maintenance.
7.2 Summary of Community Needs
As stated in the survey, residents believe that it is important that the Town acquire more
conservation and recreation land. The purchase of development rights to preserve land also
has wide support. Access to the waterfront, increased pedestrian and bicycle paths, and
improved information regarding existing open space and recreation areas were all noted by
residents as needs. Furthermore, the addition of fields to the Town, as well as better
maintenance and improvements to existing fields, are also needs voiced by the community.
Increased cool weather activities are also desirable. Cohasset has also identified various
areas that require upgrades in order to meet ADA accessibility (Refer to Appendix F).
According to the National Park Land Standards, below is a guideline for what types of
amenities a typical community should have in terms of recreation based on its population
size.
Facility Area Needed Units per Population Service Area
Basketball Court 7,280 sq. ft. 1 per 5,000 ¼-1/2 mile
Tennis Court 1 court 1 per 2,000 ¼-1/2 mile
Volleyball 4,000 sq. ft. 1 per 5,000 ¼-1/2 mile
Baseball 1.2 acres minimum 1 per 5,000 ¼-1/2 mile
Football 1.5 acres 1 per 20,000 20 min travel
Soccer 1.7-2.1 acres 1 per 10,000 popularity level
Softball 1.5-2 acres 1 per 5,000 ¼-1/2 mile
Multi-use Court 9,840 sq ft 1 per 10,000 ¼-1/2 mile
Swimming Pool 2 acres minimum 1 per 20,000 30 min travel
Trails 1 trail system per region
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Analysis of Needs 7-7
7.3 Consistency with Regional and State Open Space and Recreation Plans
The Town of Cohasset routinely works with various municipal, state, and regional planning
agencies. The Cohasset 2018-2024 Open Space and Recreation Plan utilizes
recommendations from several of these organizations.
The Cohasset Open Space Committee has reviewed Scituate’s OSRP as it pertains to
municipal regional context. The Town of Hingham is in the process of writing its OSRP
and the Town of Hull will not be preparing an OSRP anytime soon. It is the intention of
the Cohasset Open Space Committee to continue coordinating with Scituate, Hingham, and
Hull on the use of open space plans, initiatives, and shared resources such as Bound Brook,
Straits Pond, and Wompatuck State Park/Turkey Hill/Whitney Thayer Woods.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) has included a land resources protection
component, MetroFuture, in its regional development plan. The Statewide Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is the open space plan for the entire state of
Massachusetts. Cohasset’s emphasis in the 2018-2024 Open Space and Recreation Plan
on environmental health, protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat, and the
promotion of resident awareness of and access to open space and recreational resources is
consistent with both MetroFuture and SCORP.
The Cohasset 2018-2024 Open Space and Recreation Plan contains goals, objectives, and
actions that are consistent with many of MetroFuture’s criteria for land resources
protection. These include lands of conservation interest, Areas of Critical Environmental
Concern, wetlands wildlife habitat areas, areas critical to public water supplies, major
wetlands, scenic landscapes, and major water bodies, rivers, and streams. Cohasset’s plan
focuses on water resources and wetlands, the enhancement of wildlife habitat through
linkage of existing protected lands, and enhanced access to scenic landscapes, particularly
for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as improved public access to the waterfront. These
issues are especially relevant to the goals of MetroFuture.
Cohasset is a member of the South Shore Coalition, a sub-regional group under MAPC,
which also includes the towns of Duxbury, Hanover, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Norwell,
Rockland, Scituate, and Weymouth. The Coalition discusses concerns such as the
Greenbush commuter line project, solid waste, and coastal issues.
Although Cohasset is part of the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) planning
region for the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), it shares
many characteristics with the neighboring Southeastern Region. The 2006 SCORP
recognizes Cohasset for making an important linkage and extension of the DCR
Wompatuck Reservation, with the acquisition of the Whitney Woods Reservation.
Additionally, the SCORP notes that private land trusts are playing important roles in a
number of these towns as well, including Mass Audubon’s work in Belmont, Canton, and
Natick, The Trustees of Reservation’s properties in Hingham and Cohasset, and local land
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Analysis of Needs 7-8
trusts in Dover and Cohasset140. The Cohasset 2018-2024 Open Space and Recreation
Plan addresses a number of SCORP planning recommendations for the MDC Region.
These recommendations include:
Improvement of water-based recreation opportunities
Improvement of opportunities for hiking and cross-country skiing; maintenance of
a balance between conservation and recreation resources
Improvement of maintenance for open space and recreation resources
Encouragement of protection and/or retention of “ancient ways” through an
emphasis on their cultural and historic values
Maximization of state, municipal, and nonprofit agency cooperation in the
protection of ecologically important lands that are connected to maintain ecosystem
integrity.
Publication of existing incentives available to private landowners to allow public
access on private lands including the Chapter 61, 61A and 61B properties, Forest
Stewardship Program properties; encouragement of the donation or sale of
conservation restrictions or access easements; and education of local assessor’s
offices about taxation policies of these programs to ensure assessors honor the
intent of the programs
Provision of access to open space, recreation, and historic properties and sites in
accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
7.4 Management Needs and Potential Changes of Use
Moving forward, in order to ensure successful implementation of the OSRP update,
outstanding communication and teamwork will be paramount between Town boards,
committees, staff and local residents and businesses. In order to set the stage for good
communication, a specific entity in the Town of Cohasset should be assigned to oversee
the implementation of the overall OSRP. The best-suited committees would be the Open
Space & Recreation Committee and the Recreation Commission, which would work
together on a regular basis.
In general, regarding the maintenance of fields and playgrounds, additional funds and
assistance are required. Maintenance of existing facilities should be coordinated with the
applicable Town departments as well as with the groups using the fields, including groups
from other towns. Additionally, the maintenance of potential future facilities should be
considered prior to constructing such facilities.
Open space and recreation lands should be managed to ensure compatible use. For
instance, enforcement of no pet areas in certain recreational facilities (athletic fields, for
example) is lacking. Wompatuck Park has specific sections for walkers, ATV users and
cross-country skiers, which serves as a good example of how to allow multiple uses that
may not be compatible.
140 Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Outdoors 2006 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan, http://www.mass.gov/Eoeea/docs/eea/dcs/massoutdoor2006.pdf, accessed August 3, 2009.
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Analysis of Needs 7-9
The following items are being studied or are proposed for specific properties:
Redesign of the recreation area behind the library to include a non-regulation
playing field, an additional basketball court, and a parking lot. Construction
should be complete by winter 2018.
Relocation of the CHS baseball diamond from Milliken Field.
7.5 Americans with Disabilities Act Review
B+T prepared an inventory of Open Space and Recreation parcels under direct maintenance
or control of the Recreation Department throughout the Town of Cohasset. This resulted
in identifying seven parcels to be included in the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
evaluation. On June 20, 2017, B+T made site visits to the identified parcels to perform the
ADA evaluations in accordance with the guidelines for Open Space and Recreation Plans.
The facilities were reviewed to determine whether the existing improvements, i.e.; trails,
picnic facilities, playgrounds, playing fields, etc. complied with ADA standards. Many of
the parcels that include improved areas such as playgrounds or playing fields, do not
currently conform to the standards due to lack of accessible parking/routes.
Recreation Department, 100 Sohier Street (playground, basketball court, field)
Accessible parking has been added, parking area cracks have been repaired.
Picnic area is located on the pavement for an easy accessible route.
Image 7-3 Image 7-4
Image 7-5
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Analysis of Needs 7-10
Milliken-Bancroft Fields, Bancroft Road (tennis courts, baseball field, field)
Accessible parking is provided. Accessible route not compliant to fields/bleachers.
Stairs at end of field to access field or view of tennis courts. Snack shack is
currently not accessible, however CPC funding has been secured to make the shack
accessible.
Image 7-6 Image 7-7
Image 7-8
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Analysis of Needs 7-11
Beechwood Ballpark, Beechwood/Doane Streets (basketball court, playground,
junior varsity baseball field). Accessible parking spaces lack access aisles and no
van accessible parking space. Accessible parking signs do not comply. No
accessible route to picnic area.
Image 7-9 Image 7-10
Image 7-11
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Analysis of Needs 7-12
Ellms Meadow, 22 James Lane (winter skating pond)
The Water Department has one ground water resource, the Ellms Meadow well-
field (ID#4065000-02G, which is located at 24 James Lane and has been approved
for up to 141,000 gallons per day. Due to this water source, Ellms Meadow can no
longer be flooded for skating purposes.
Image 7-12 Image 7-13
Image 7-14
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Analysis of Needs 7-13
Barnes Ballfields, 169-185 North Main St (baseball fields, softball field)
Accessible parking spaces provided. Accessible routes to bleachers/seating areas
for ballfields are non-compliant. Restroom building is not accessible due to step
up to restrooms as well as changes in elevation of sidewalk surrounding building.
The Little League has applied for CPC funding and is on the Town Meeting
Warrant for the Spring 2018 Town Meeting to address all ADA issues.As of
Septebmer 2018, this is still in the process.
Image 7-15 Image 7-16
Image 7-17
Recreation Center, 55R South Main Street
Consists of a small building for indoor recreation activities. Accessible parking is
lacking, as well as non-compliant doorway threshold. Interior restroom facilities
do not meet all dimensional requirements. (No photos taken inside the building here
due to children being present.)
James Brook Woods, Rear Sohier Street
This was investigated, but no designated entries or facilities were observed.
Section 8.0
Goals & Objectives
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Goals & Objectives 8-1
8.0 GOALS & OBJECTIVES
8.1 Goals
Over the past year, the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee has solicited
the opinions of Town Officials and staff, various Town Departments and Commissions,
and the public at large to develop a broad suite of goals and specific objectives for inclusion
in the 2018 Open Space & Recreation Plan. These community goals and objectives serve
as a major component of this report. The following goals represent large-scale concepts;
the objectives are more closely focused activities. Specific actions to implement these
goals and objectives are detailed in the next chapter, Section 9.0 – Seven-Year Action Plan.
As noted in Section 6.0, the 2018 OSRP states that “Cohasset is well endowed with open
space/conservation areas, recreational facilities, and historic resources. Public advocacy
for their maintenance and preservation is high. Increased information and education are
important ways to ensure ongoing support for open space preservation. An ideal open
space system would protect the water supply and wetlands resources, preserve and enhance
wildlife habitat and biodiversity and protect the scenic character of the town. Recreational
goals include additional access to the waterfront, greater opportunities for walking and
bicycling, and improved access for the disabled.”
The broad goals cited above remain applicable based upon public input gathered during the
2018 update process. Section 9.0 contains additional information pertaining to specific
action items to achieve the overarching goals stated above, and the objectives listed below.
8.2 Objectives
The following broad objectives were developed in support of the goals stated above, with
more specific action items set forth in Section 9.0.
1. Make protection of open space and the character of the Town a priority in all Town
land use decisions, in keeping with citizen’s wishes, to preserve access, Town character
and scenic beauty.
Foster complete buy-in of all Town boards and staff into the objectives of this
Plan and its sister Master Plan and Harbor Plan.
Require an impact and/or Plan-consistency opinion from the OSRP on:
o Subdivision, ANR, and Scenic Road Applications before the Planning
Board;
o Variance requests before the Board of Appeals seeking increased lot
coverage;
o All applications before the Conservation Commission seeking removal or
replication of resource areas or pursuant to the Storm water Management
Bylaw;
o Any other matter or application before the above boards involving clearing
or reduction of pre-existing undeveloped land; and
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Goals & Objectives 8-2
o Any acquisition or disposition of land by the Town.
2. Protect and maintain the natural environment, including:
Protection of wildlife habitats and migration paths.
Protection of wetlands and biodiversity.
Improvement of water quality in the harbor.
Control of invasive species.
Adopt non-toxic landscaping practices.
Make recognition of Earth Day an annual Town-sponsored event, and institute
regular civic cleanup efforts.
3. Improve recreational opportunity and access:
Allow disabled residents access to all recreational venues.
Create more biking paths and safety signage.
Create more mooring space and harbor access.
Increase maintenance and signage for walking paths and create awareness of
usage through a regular town-wide communication program.
4. Organizational changes and collaboration to monitor and achieve these goals:
Improve communication and coordination across Town boards and departments
and have boards and staff take the lead on insuring that the desired citizens’
goals are monitored and attained.
Develop sufficient staff and budgetary resources for the OSRC to fund
programs to achieve specific objectives, and to assure active monitoring of plan
progress.
Section 9.0
Seven-Year Action Plan
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Seven-Year Action Plan 9-1
9.0 SEVEN-YEAR ACTION PLAN
9.1 New Seven-Year Action Plan
The following are the action plan recommendations for the 2018 OSRP, which will be sought to be implemented.
OBJECTIVE 8.2(1): Make protection of open space and the character of the town a priority.
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Develop and maintain a list and priorities
of properties suitable for potential
acquisition or conservation by the Town
and make recommendations. Create a GIS
layer. Open Space and Recreation
Committee, Board of Assessors, Board of
Selectmen, Town Planner
Town Budget
Town Boards and staff to demonstrate
consistent commitment to the objectives of
the Open Space Plan and its sister plans;
making consideration of a particular
decision’s consistency with these Plans a
regular part of deliberations and decision-
making processes. Board of Selectmen, All
Land-Use Permitting Boards, Advisory
Comm., Planner, Conservation Agent,
Building Inspector
N/A
Require an impact and/or Plan-consistency
opinion from the OSRC on all permitting
and land acquisition and disposition
matters before the land use permitting
boards, Board of Selectmen and Town
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Seven-Year Action Plan 9-2
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Meeting. Board of Selectmen, All Land-Use
Permitting Boards, Advisory Comm.,
Planner, Conservation Agent, Building
Inspector, Town Meeting.
N/A
Review Town Bylaws & Regulations
(especially zoning, building, and
conservation) to assess whether they
support the goals of this Plan its sister
plans, and make recommendations to
appropriate boards as necessary. Open
Space & Recreation Committee; Bylaw
Committee; Zoning Board of Appeals;
Planning Board; Conservation
Commission
Town budget to
extent re-writes
outside scope of
Town Counsel
retainer, or to
hire outside
consultant.
Increase public awareness of tax incentives
available to private landowners who
preserve open space and/or that make that
open space available to the public. Open
Space & Recreation Committee, Board of
Assessors
Town Budget
for any print
items beyond
webpage info
Increase public outreach on the value and
importance of open space. Open Space &
Recreation Committee
Town Budget
for any print
items beyond
webpage info
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Seven-Year Action Plan 9-3
OBJECTIVE 8.2(2): Protect the natural environment.
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Create a town database of significant natural
resources, wildlife habitats and corridors,
rare species habitat, vernal pools, and
endangered plant habitat. Include same
within the GIS system. Open Space and
Recreation Committee, Conservation
Commission, Town Planner, Conservation
Agent, Director of Engineering
Town Budget
and Volunteers
Instigate formal identification of state-
recognized resource areas (vernal pools,
habitat areas) for purposes of formal
protection during land use permitting and
obtaining state grants and benefits where
available. Open Space and Recreation
Committee, Conservation Commission,
Town Planner and Conservation Agent.
Town Budget
and Volunteers
OSRC
Committee
created
Grant Sub-
Committee
on 9/25/18
Study and promote appropriate ways to
preserve the unique natural features of the
Cohasset landscape. Open Space &
Recreation Committee
N/A
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Seven-Year Action Plan 9-4
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Develop and maintain a list of properties
suitable for potential acquisition or
conservation restriction by the Town and
make recommendations. Create a GIS
layer. Open Space & Recreation
Committee, Board of Assessors and Board
of Selectmen, Director of Engineering
Town Budget
Support the development of an organic
lawn/turf management plan for all town-
owned properties. Encourage the Town not
to employ toxic herbicides in
environmentally sensitive areas. Open
Space & Recreation Committee, Water
Department, Board of Health, DPW, and the
Town Manager.
Town Budget
and Grants
Revive or expand implementation of Water
Dept.’s Rain Garden Program. Open Space
& Recreation Committee, Water
Department
Water Dept.
Budget, Grants,
and Volunteers
Raise awareness of Earth Day and develop
regular civic clean-up efforts on that day
and at other times. Support initiatives to
protect Cohasset’s environment year round.
All Town Boards and Civic Organizations.
Water Dept.
Budget, Grants,
and Volunteers
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Seven-Year Action Plan 9-5
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Expand and promote opportunities for
volunteers to Adopt an Island, or adopt a
portion of a town field or park for
maintenance. Open Space & Recreation
Committee, Board of Selectmen, DPW
Town Budget
and Volunteers
Explore opportunity to establish a
Community Garden facility. Open Space &
Recreation Committee, Board of
Selectmen, DPW
Volunteers
Support the restoration of shellfish beds,
including developing an Inter-Municipal
Agreement with the Town of Scituate to
reduce phosphate pollution into the Gulf
River. Shellfish Warden; Open Space &
Recreation Committee, Harbor Committee,
Conservation Commission, Board of
Selectmen, Town of Scituate.
Volunteers
Consider bylaw and regulatory changes to
prohibit phosphate and nitrate-generating
uses along Gulf River and other tributaries
to the Harbor, and along other sensitive
bodies of water or wetlands areas and their
tributaries. Open Space & Recreation
Committee, Harbor Committee,
Conservation Commission, Board of
Selectmen, Board of Health.
Town Budget,
Grants and
Volunteers
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Seven-Year Action Plan 9-6
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Consider reviving plan for ocean outfall for
sewer system to reduce fresh water
incursion into the Harbor. Board of
Selectmen, Sewer Commission
N/A
Identify invasive species and organize
selective non-toxic eradication programs
where appropriate. Open Space &
Recreation Committee, Conservation
Commission, DPW
State & Fed.
Govts.
Increase public outreach on the value and
importance of the various resources
discussed in this Subsection. Open Space &
Recreation Committee
Town Budget,
Grants and
Volunteers
Increase public awareness of Scenic Road
Bylaw and encourage wider utilization of
the law by Town Citizens. Town Planner,
Planning Board, Open Space and
Recreation Committee.
Town Budget for
any print items
beyond webpage
info
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Seven-Year Action Plan 9-7
OBJECTIVE 8.2(3): Improve recreational opportunities and access for residents.
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Insure legally required access to all Town
recreational and park facilities for disabled
residents. Board of Selectmen, DPW,
Recreation Commission
Town Budget
and Grants
Study the feasibility of “shared road”
bikeways, walkways and sidewalks with
proper signage for vehicular traffic.
Recreation Commission; Department of
Public Works, Town Planner
Department of
Public Works
Study creation of additional walking trails
on public and publicly accessible private
conservation properties, and add all walking
trails into the GIS system. Identify
historical paths and explore feasibility of
use. Recreation Commission; Conservation
Commission; Open Space and Recreation
Committee, Director of Engineering
Volunteers and
Conservation
Commission
Funds
Increase maintenance (clearing, widening,
board walking where necessary) and
signage (directional, safety, use and access
restrictions, pet restrictions) for walking
paths; develop clear trail markers and trail
maps. Open Space & Recreation
Committee, Recreation Commission
Town Budget
and Volunteers
Improve and maintain current athletic and
recreational fields and areas. Recreation
Commission; Department of Public Works
Town Funds and
User Fees
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Seven-Year Action Plan 9-8
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Continue to monitor the need for
development of new ball fields and play
areas throughout town, and act upon
opportunities as they present themselves.
Recreation Commission
Fundraising
Increase cool weather activities such as
skating areas, warming huts, and lighting.
Recreation Commission
Fundraising,
Town Capitol
Budget Plan
Improve access to our waterways, including
our harbors, ponds, ocean front, launching
ramps and mooring areas. Recreation
Commission; Harbormaster; Harbor
Committee
State Grants
Enforce field use policies, guidelines and
agreements of understanding with all sports
groups. Recreation Commission
Staff Time
Increase town recreational operated
programs for all ages. Insure sufficient
funding and staffing, and appropriate user
fee structure. Recreation Commission,
Board of Selectmen
Town Budget,
Fees
Increase public awareness of the inventory
and amenities of the various recreational
resources of the Town. Recreation
Commission
Town Budget for
any print items
beyond webpage
info
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Seven-Year Action Plan 9-9
OBJECTIVE 8.2(4): Organizational changes
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Retain the Open Space & Recreation
Committee as a standing committee to
undertake review duties stated in these
Objectives and serve as lead monitor of
Plan compliance. Provide a small budget to
implement some of the program proposals
stated in these Objectives. Board of
Selectmen
Town Budget
Insure that this Plan, the Master Plan, and
the Harbor Plan are coordinated and
monitored for implementation and
consistency by town staff and Boards.
Town Planner, Open Space and Recreation
Committee; Master Planning Committee,
Planning Board, Harbor Committee.
N/A
Continue to have positive working
relationships with private conservation
groups on land and conservation restriction
acquisition, and utilize public-private
partnerships to achieve open space and
recreational goals where feasible. Open
Space & Recreation Committee, Board of
Selectmen, Town Manager
N/A
Work cooperatively with state DCR, The
Trustees, Cohasset Conservation Trust and
any other non-town owner of publicly-
accessible open space to insure citizen
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Seven-Year Action Plan 9-10
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
access to these properties, and to integrate
their trail systems into the Town’s publicity
materials and GIS system. Open Space &
Recreation Committee, Board of
Selectmen, Town Manager, Director of
Engineering
N/A
Section 10.0
Public Comments
Section 11.0
References
Town of Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Cohasset, Massachusetts
References 11-1
11.0 REFERENCES
All references used to update the Cohasset Open Space and Recreation Plan have been noted within
the document as footnotes.
Appendices
Appendix A – 2009 OSRP Action Plan
Appendix B – Public Outreach
Appendix C – Cohasset Buildout Summary Information
Appendix D – Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
Information
Appendix E – State and National Designated Historic Sites
Appendix F – DEP Waste Site/Reportable Release Database
Appendix G – ADA Accessibility Forms
Appendix A
2009 OSRP Action Plan
Following is the action plan that was part of the 2009-17 OSRP and commentary on what happened with these
recommendations.
a. Make protection of open space a priority in all town land use decisions
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Retain the Open Space & Recreation
Committee as a standing committee to
advise on the potential impact of proposals
on open space. Board of Selectmen
Volunteers
Comments: The OSRP plan was not officially adopted by the planning board and the Committee became dormant after the plan
was approved by the state, only holding one meeting in 2013. New Committee was formed March 2017 for the 2018 OSRP.
Encourage the Planning Board to resolve
status of the draft master plan for the town.
Open Space and Recreation Committee;
Planning Board
Volunteers
Comments: The 2009 OSRP was never adopted by the planning board or the town, although portions of it were enacted.
Review Town Bylaws (especially zoning,
building, and conservation) to assess
whether they support the goals of the open
space and recreation plan and other Town
planning documents and make
recommendations to appropriate boards as
necessary. Open Space & Recreation
Committee; Bylaw Committee; Zoning
Board of Appeals; Planning Board;
Conservation Commission
Volunteers
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective.
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Consider a balance between natural habitat
and passive recreation when developing
guidelines for the use of open space. Open
Space & Recreation Committee; Recreation
Commission
Volunteers
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective.
Increase public awareness of tax incentives
available to private landowners who
preserve open space and/or that make that
open space available to the public. Open
Space & Recreation Committee; Assessors
Volunteers
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective.
b. Protect the natural environment, including wildlife habitats and wetlands, and preserve Cohasset’s scenic beauty and local
character
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Study and promote appropriate ways to
preserve the unique natural features of the
Cohasset landscape. Open Space &
Recreation Committee
Volunteers
Comments: The Committee did not accomplish this goal, but a group – Citizens for Cohasset’s future drafted legislation addressing
this issue.
Develop and maintain a list of properties
suitable for potential acquisition or
conservation restriction by the Town,
including those that link existing wildlife
habitat, wetlands, open space, and
recreation areas. Open Space & Recreation
Committee
Volunteers
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective.
Designate the Open Space Committee as the
coordinator for open space acquisition for
the town. Board of Selectmen
Volunteers
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective.
Work to acquire selected parcels of open
space using funds from the Community
Preservation Act, grants, and private
funding sources and working with
appropriate town boards and interested
groups and individuals. Open Space &
Recreation Committee; Community
Preservation Committee
Grants,
Donations, CPC,
Town Meeting
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Comments: See Community Preservation Committee Forest Avenue and Ingram Park.
Solicit and support volunteer inventory
projects to identify and monitor the status,
habitat, and distribution of key species such
as vernal pool organisms, state listed animal
and plant species, and forest-interior birds,
and pursue possible grants to fund such
projects. Open Space & Recreation
Committee; conservation
organizations/non-profit groups (with Town
coordination)
Foundations and
Trust Grants
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective
Inventory the status of wetlands, coastal
resources and inland bodies of water. Open
Space & Recreation Committee;
Conservation Commission; Water
Department; Board of Health; Stormwater
Committee
Town
Department
Funds
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective
Generate educational materials on
protection of our local natural environment
and recreational resources. Open Space &
Recreation Committee; Board of Health
Recreation
Department and
Board of Health
Funds
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Support organic lawn/turf management plan
for all town-owned properties. Open Space
& Recreation Committee; Water
Department; Board of Health
Volunteers using
Water
Department
Funds
Comments: The Town Common is the only lawn with a pesticide restriction and organic lawn products are used. Synthetic
fertilizers are used at all other Town maintained playing fields.
Support the restoration of shellfish beds.
Shellfish Warden; Open Space &
Recreation Committee
Volunteers
Comments: The Harbor Committee made several presentations to town boards during the term of the 2009 plan and while there
was broad support for programs to revive the shellfish beds at these meetings no resources were ever committed to the cause. Today
the shell fish beds are still in decline.
c. Improve, protect and increase recreational opportunities for residents
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Study the feasibility of “shared road”
bikeways, walkways and sidewalks with
proper signage for vehicular traffic.
Recreation Commission; Department of
Public Works
Department of
Public Works
Comments: The Town Manager in conjunction with the Planning Board has been discussing the creation of sidewalks and bike paths along
Rte. 3A that could accommodate walkers and bikers with the State. There is grant money available through the state’s Complete Streets
Program, to install sidewalks. The Planning Board is working to participate in this program and discussions are ongoing but no specific
accomplishments during the plan term.
Check on Forest Ave Expansion – Brian J.
Study creation of additional walking trails
on conservation properties. Recreation
Commission; Conservation Commission;
Open Space and Recreation Committee
Volunteers and
Conservation
Commission
Funds
Comments: The Conservation Trust has been maintaining the Great Brewster Woods walking trails and signage and the newly
expanded walking trails in George Ingram Park, the latter of which was built as an Eagle Scout project and funded by CPC.
Eagle Scouts have also been working on trail maintenance in the Whitney Woods and Turkey Hill public lands.
Improve and maintain current athletic and
recreational fields and areas. Recreation
Commission; Department of Public Works
Town Funds and
User Fees
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Comments: Barnes (CYSBA)
Beechwood (Capital Budget)
All Playgrounds will be current and in compliance with ADA by Labor Day 2018.
Study the construction of new ball fields and
play areas throughout town. Recreation
Commission
Fundraising
Comments: The Commission promotes, encourages, and coordinates recreational activities for all citizens of the Town. The
Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the Board of Selectmen regarding the maintenance and improvement
of recreational areas owned by the Town.
Increase cool weather activities such as
skating areas, warming huts, and lighting.
Investigate the possibility of an indoor
swimming pool. Recreation Commission
Fundraising,
Town Capitol
Budget Plan
Comments: A privately owned Indoor Pool is operating on the Cohasset/Scituate line.
Improve access to our waterways, including
our harbors, ponds, ocean front, launching
ramps and mooring areas. Recreation
Commission; Harbormaster; Harbor
Committee
State Grants
Comments: Army Corp. of Engineers dredged the harbor in Fall 2015 and finished in Spring 2017.
Develop and enforce field use policies,
guidelines and a memorandum of
understanding with all sports groups.
Recreation Commission
Staff Time
Comments: This is done annually with Athletic Director and primary users of the fields.
Increase town recreational operated
programs for all ages. Recreation
Commission
Staff Funds, Fees
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Comments: The goal of the Recreation Department is to increase and expand all recreation programming on a quarterly basis and
has done so during the life of the 2009 OSRP.
Support Construction of a new Senior
Center. Elder Affairs, Board of Selectmen
Grants,
Fundraising
Comments: Completed, Owned by the Town.
d. Improve maintenance of Town owned open space and recreational resources
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Assess and improve current maintenance
practices for town-owned land. Department
of Public Works
Staff Time
Comments: DPW promoted a new Tree and Park Foreman in 2017 and DPW staff utilization within the past year has improved
for maintenance of Town Lands. Crews are now deployed to areas as groups similar to a landscape company operation to
complete individual areas in faster time with more efficient and aesthetically pleasing results. Operational optimization
adjustments may continue through Summer 2018 based on results.
Determine how much revenue is necessar y
to maintain each recreational facility on an
annual basis and work to ensure funding.
Recreation Commission
Recreation
Department Staff
Time
Comments: The amount of money required to properly maintain the fields is beyond the scope of the users, which include the
Town and the Schools. Major expenses including yearly field maintenance, infield reconstruction and basketball and tennis court
repair require town funding with Capital Budget and Community Preservation funding.
Review and update annually fees associated
with organizational uses of
athletic/recreational facilities and explore
other sources of funding for field care, both
private and public options. Recreation
Commission; Department of Public Works
Recreation
Department Staff
Time
Comments: Recreation Commission has a set fee policy for users of the fields, which is comparable to other surrounding towns.
Increase signage at all athletic/recreational
facilities relative to proper use and care of
facility by users. Recreation Commission;
Department of Public Works
Department
Funds
Comments: Recreation Commission does have signage at its towns fields and facilities.
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Sponsor maintenance programs and work
with local groups (e.g., adopt-a-
park/roadway/traffic island). Open Space &
Recreation Committee; Department of
Public Works
Volunteers
Comments: The Town has no coordinated clean-up programs, but some towns people and private organizations maintain certain
properties and organize periodic clean-ups.
Promote and support public clean-up events.
Board of Health; Open Space & Recreation
Committee
Board of Health
Funds,
Volunteers
Comments: Private groups organize clean-ups at Sandy Beach, Straights Pond, but there are no organized Town programs for
clean-up.
Encourage dog walkers to pick up their pet’s
waste and install stations with bags and trash
receptacles at key open space and
recreational area entrances (including
cemeteries). Mark the locations of these
stations on maps and brochures. Board of
Health
Board of Health
Funds,
Volunteers
Comments: Signage was done, but the bags not maintained No Refill process.
Increase signage prohibiting dogs at athletic
fields and other appropriate locations.
Recreation Commission; Board of Health;
Town Manager
Town Funds
Comments: Signage has been completed at all fields.
e. Develop greater resident awareness of conservation lands and recreational resources
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Develop and publish a guide to open space
resources in town, including hard copy and
online maps and trail guides for recreational
facilities and conservation lands. Publicize
this guide on Town website and in local
newspapers and make copies available at
trail heads. Open Space & Recreation
Committee; Recreation Commission
Volunteers,
Department
Funds, Grants
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective.
Research, locate, document, and publish a
guide to historic cart paths and easements
that are suitable for recreational use. Open
Space & Recreation Committee
Legal
Department
Funds,
Volunteers
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective.
Continue to hold an annual event (such as
the Recreation Fair) to educate residents
about open space and recreation within
Cohasset. Open Space & Recreation
Committee; Recreation Commission;
Conservation Commission
Staff Time,
Volunteers
Comments: Since 2008 the Health and Recreation Fair, has been held with increased participation by the citizens of the Town each
year.
Encourage the purchase of the full GIS
system. Board of Selectmen; Open Space &
Recreation Committee
Town Funds
Comments: The GIS System has been installed and populated.
f. Provide greater access for the disabled at key open space and recreational resources
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Create and adopt a transition plan
designating certain areas for complete or
near-complete accessibility. Recreation
Commission; Commission on Disabilities
Grants, Town
Funds
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective.
Ensure ADA compliance in future
recreation and open space improvements.
Recreation Commission; Commission on
Disabilities
Volunteers
Comments: ADA compliance has been a priority for the town during the 2009 OSRP.
Wider accessible gates at Tennis Courts were installed. Handicap parking spaces added to Rocky and Sandy Beach Lots.
Improvements to all Town Playgrounds in planning stages.
Include information regarding ADA
accessibility of open space and recreation
amenities in materials developed. Open
Space & Recreation Committee; Recreation
Commission; Commission on Disabilities
Staff Time
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective.
g. Implement and monitor Action Plan items
Actions Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Year
6
Year
7
Potential
Funding Source
Completed?
Delegate the oversight of the OSRP to the
Open Space & Recreation Committee.
Board of Selectmen
Volunteers
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective.
Review status of action items every year and
report to the Board of Selectmen. Update
action items as necessary. Open Space &
Recreation Committee
Volunteers
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective.
Maintain an awareness of issues which
affect the Town’s Open Space and
Recreation resources and bring them to the
attention of the appropriate town boards.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
Volunteers
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective.
Provide updates to the residents of Cohasset
about progress on the goals and action items
in this plan. Open Space & Recreation
Committee
Volunteers using
Town Funds
Comments: Committee found that no identifiable progress was made on this objective.
Appendix B
Public Outreach
Open Space & Recreation Committee
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 7:00 pm
Recreation Center
100 Sohier Street
Cohasset, MA
Agenda
7:00 pm Call to Order
7:05 pm Introduction of Members & Review of Charge-Chris Senior
7:15 pm Election of Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary
7:25 pm Open Space Presentation by Brendan Mullaney & Stacy Minihane of
Beals & Thomas
8:15 pm Schedule future meetings
8:20 pm Topics not reasonably anticipated within 48hrs of the meeting
8:30pm Adjourn
Cohasset Open Space & Recreation PlanWhy we need it, what it is, next steps
What is an Open Space & Recreation Plan (OSRP)?•A framework to protect open space, neighborhood parks, outdoor recreation, and critical habitat for wildlife and native plants. •Massachusetts encourages such plans as tools for “thoughtful planning and active stewardship” of land as an important hedge against over‐development
Why is this issue soimportant to Cohasset?The United States is losing open space at a rate of 6,000 acres per day.*As a town, we need to plan for development whilepreserving our precious natural resources. *Source: The Trust for Public Land
What exactly is ’open space’ in this context?Open space = an undeveloped piece of land that has no building or structures on it. Open space traditionally provides recreational opportunities for citizens while preserving scenic views & supporting wildlife habitat.
What is the process of updating our OSRP?Funds for hiring a consultant to update our 2007 plan were approved in Fall 2016.The Open Space & Recreation Committee reconvened Spring 2017.The Committee worked with civil engineering firm Thomas & Beal, the authors of the original plan, to update the existing plan.A survey to town residents is being circulated to solicit public feedback regarding conservation and recreation issues in town. The finalized plan, once adopted by the town, will be submitted to the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services for approval.
Towns with approved OSRPs are eligible for grant money.Previous grants have enabled us to:Purchase conservation land, like the Barnes Wildlife Sanctuary Replace the Border Street culvert & restore adjoining marshProtect the town’s water supply by purchasing land within the watershedInstall rain gardens for storm water run off control
How do open space & recreational opportunities benefit the town’s residents?•Cohasset’s scenic beauty enhances property values.•Green space, nature + recreational opportunities have been scientifically shown to improve the health of those who live nearby.•Cohasset is blessed with extraordinary natural beauty. Preserving open space = preserving our historic character and natural heritage.
How does open space benefit our local environment?•Open space provides habitat for wildlife and native plants and encourages healthy biodiversity.•Climate change is of crucial importance for seaside locations. Each acre of forested open space absorbs twice the carbon of the average car’s annual mileage.
Current conditions: open space by categoryOpen space is classified according to its level of protection from future development. Cohasset’s open space is divided into categories as noted below.Protected permanentlyLimited Protection (e.g.: chapter 61 land, a tax designation to encourage open space)No protectionUnknownOur open space is well distributed through town, with several large clusters. However, it does not provide many wildlife corridors.
Distribution ofopen space
Cohasset open spaceinventoryBlack Rock BeachBrass Kettle WatershedElms Meadow/Duck Pond Great Brewster Woods/Dean’s MeadowIngram ParkPape ReservationSandy BeachTurkey HillWheelwright Park/Cornelia & Richardson White Woods/Barnes Wildlife SanctuaryWhitney & Thayer Woods
What recreation is available in Cohasset?Recreational activities include:BikingBird watchingBoating: kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, sailingCross‐country skiingFishingHikingPicnickingSkatingSnowshoeingSwimmingTeam sports and gamesQuests and Geocaches
What are the town’s recreational needs? Do we need to adjust for populationchanges?Different age groups have different needs for recreation.The town has seen an increase in children and teenagers, which may mean we need additional recreational opportunities for this demographic.
The OSRP Committee is conducting a survey of town’s residents. The survey is ongoing. However, of participants thus far:Would like more bike paths 76%Would support town’s efforts to conserve land 74%Would like more kayak/canoe launches 55%Consider roadside trees very important 70%Consider scenic views very important 85%
The OSRP is setting goals for our town’s future. Do you agree?Among the goals being included:Make protection of open space a priority in all town land use decisions.Protect the natural environment, including native species, wildlife habitat, and wetlands.Preserve Cohasset’s scenic beauty and natural rural character.Improve recreational opportunities for children, teens, and adults.Educate citizens about conservation lands and recreational resources.Improve access for the disabled.Implement and monitor key action items.
Open discussion. It’s your town.What do you want for its future?•Are there additional goals you want to see addressed?•Is Cohasset losing its traditional character?•What open spaces & recreational opportunities do you most value here? What are we lacking? Where are we lacking it?•What age group is underserved in town?•What do you see as the most critical conservation issues facing us?
Thank you!Questions, comments, concerns? Please contact:ppescatore@cohassetma.org
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Cohasset OSRP Survey 2017
Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability. The survey should take approximately
510 minutes to complete. These answers will help in the preparation of the update to the Cohasset
Open Space and Recreation Plan. Thank you for your participation!
1. How old are you?
Mark only one oval.
Under 18 years old
1824 years old
2534 years old
3544 years old
4554 years old
5564 years old
65 years or older
2. How many people, including yourself, live in your household?
Mark only one oval per row.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6+
Children (<112)
Teenagers (1318)
Adults (1964)
Seniors (65+)
3. How many years have you lived in Cohasset?
Mark only one oval.
<1 year
15 years
610 years
1115 years
1620 years
21+ years
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4.Would you support the Town taking the following actions to preserve natural resources and
promote recreational opportunities? Please answer for each item.
Mark only one oval per row.
Strongly Support Support Do Not Support
Purchase of conservation land
Purchase of development rights
Purchase of recreational land
Pursuit of outside funding/grants
for conservation/recreational land
acquisition
Encourage and support
community and regional land
trusts
Encourage conservation by State
agencies
Change zoning regulations to
enhance open space protection
Development of information
campaigns about open space and
recreation resources
5.If you own land in Cohasset, would you support conservation of your land in any of the
following ways? Select all that apply.
Check all that apply.
Donating land to the Town
Selling land to the Town at a bargain price
Selling land to the Town at market rate
Putting conservation restrictions on land
Tax Credit/Tax Reduction
None of the above
I do not own land in Cohasset
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6.Which conservation lands in Cohasset have you heard of and which do you use? Please
answer for all facilities.
Mark only one oval per row.
I use this
place
frequently
I use this place
occassionally
I know of this place,
but have not used it
I do not know of
this place nor use it
Sandy Beach
Black Rock
Beach
Wheelwright Park/
Cornelia and
Richardson White
Woods/ Barnes
Wildlife Sanctuary
Great Brewster
Woods/Deans
Meadow
Whitney and
Thayer Woods
Turkey Hill
Brass Kettle
Watershed
Pape Reservation
Ingram Park
Elms
Meadow/Duck
Pond
7.Have you noticed changes in open spaces in Town, and if so, what changes have you
noticed?
8.If you do not use Cohasset's conservation land and recreational facilities, why not? Select
all that apply.
Check all that apply.
Do not have the information about where they are located
Hard to get to/lack of transportation
Lack of parking
I do not have trail information
Safety concerns
Not handicapped accessible
Other:
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9.How satisfied are you with current recreational programs and facilities for the following age
groups?
Mark only one oval per row.
Very Satisfied Satisfied Not Satisfied Not Important to Me
14 year olds
59 year olds
1012 year olds
Teenagers
Adults
Seniors
10.Are there additional outdoor recreational opportunities or facilities that you would like the
Town to provide for children and/or teenagers? If yes, please specify.
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11.How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all items.
Mark only one oval per row.
Very Important Important Not Important
Rural, small town character,
narrow roads
Sense of community
Scenic views and/or land
Roadside trees and stone walls
Agricultural lands/pastures
Forests
Wildlife
Lakes, rivers, and other water
bodies
Harbor
Townowned recreation areas
(sports fields, playgrounds, parks,
trails, swimming areas, etc.)
Stateowned recreation areas
Privatelyowned recreation areas
Biodiversity, support of native
plants
Control of invasive plants
Waterbased recreational activities
(boating, fishing, swimming, etc.)
Hiking, biking, walking trails,
questing
Organized recreation/athletic
activities (sports leagues,
programs, etc.)
Cultural/art events
Alternative energy (wind turbines,
etc.)
Climate change awareness
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12.Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset based on
adequacy/availability.
Mark only one oval per row.
Sufficient Need more Do not need
Bicycle/pedestrian paths
Neighborhood playgrounds
Conservation areas
Picnic areas
Multipurpose athletic fields
Tennis courts
Beach recreation
Wildlife viewing/birdwatching
Golf course
Boat ramps/launches
Boat moorings
Baseball/Softball fields
Dog walking access
River access for canoes and
kayaks
Fishing/shellfishing
Senior Center
Teen Center/Recreation Center
(Garage)
13.In your opinion, what are the most important issues, challenges, or threats facing the
Town of Cohasset?
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15. Please provide any additional comments or suggestions that you think may be helpful in
preparing the OSRP.
14. What areas of Cohasset do you think could be enhanced by additional open space or
recreation opportunities?
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189
Timestamp
May
15,
2017
May
29,
2017
Jun 12,
2017
Jun 26,
2017
Jul 10,
2017
Jul 24,
2017
0
15
30
45
60
1. How old are you?
34.9%
19.6%
20.1%
21.7%
45-54 years old
34.9%
35-44 years old
21.7%
65 years or older
20.1%
55-64 years old
19.6%
25-34 years old
3.2%
Under 18 years old
0.5%
2. How many people, including yourself, live in
your household? [Children (<1-12)] - Average:
1.60
0 1 2 3 4 5
0
10
20
30
40
2. How many people, including yourself, live in
your household? [Teenagers (13-18)]
- Average: 1.18
0 1 2 3
0.0
7.5
15.0
22.5
30.0
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2. How many people, including yourself, live in
your household? [Adults (19-64)] -Average: 1.99
0 1 2 3 4
0
25
50
75
100
2. How many people, including yourself, live in
your household? [Seniors (65+)] -Average: 1.40
0 1 2 4
0.0
7.5
15.0
22.5
30.0
3. How many years have you lived in Cohasset?
44.4%
10.6%
13.8%
13.8%
16.9%
21+ years
44.4%
1-5 years
16.9%
16-20 years
13.8%
6-10 years
13.8%
11-15 years
10.6%
<1 year
0.5%
4. Would you support the Town taking the following actions to preserve
natural resources and promote recreational opportunities? Please answer
for each item. [Purchase of conservation land]
22.5%
74.2%Strongly Support
74.2%
Support
22.5%
Do Not Support
3.4%
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4. Would you support the Town taking the following actions to preserve
natural resources and promote recreational opportunities? Please answer
for each item. [Purchase of development rights]
46.6%
12.4%
41%
Strongly Support
46.6%
Support
41%
Do Not Support
12.4%
4. Would you support the Town taking the following actions to preserve
natural resources and promote recreational opportunities? Please answer
for each item. [Purchase of recreational land]
30%
67.2%Strongly Support
67.2%
Support
30%
Do Not Support
2.8%
4. Would you support the Town taking the following actions to preserve
natural resources and promote recreational opportunities? Please answer
for each item. [Pursuit of outside funding/grants for conservation/recreati…
11.4%
85.1%Strongly Support
85.1%
Support
11.4%
Do Not Support
3.4%
4. Would you support the Town taking the following actions to preserve
natural resources and promote recreational opportunities? Please answer
for each item. [Encourage and support community and regional land trust…
24.6%
72.6%Strongly Support
72.6%
Support
24.6%
Do Not Support
2.9%
8/7/2017 Cohasset OSRP Survey 2017 - Mon Aug 07 2017
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4. Would you support the Town taking the following actions to preserve
natural resources and promote recreational opportunities? Please answer
for each item. [Encourage conservation by State agencies]
7%
28.5%
64.5%Strongly Support
64.5%
Support
28.5%
Do Not Support
7%
4. Would you support the Town taking the following actions to preserve
natural resources and promote recreational opportunities? Please answer
for each item. [Change zoning regulations to enhance open space protect…
10.2%
19.9%
69.9%Strongly Support
69.9%
Support
19.9%
Do Not Support
10.2%
4. Would you support the Town taking the following actions to preserve
natural resources and promote recreational opportunities? Please answer
for each item. [Development of information campaigns about open space…
9.7%
28.6%
61.7%Strongly Support
61.7%
Support
28.6%
Do Not Support
9.7%
I do not own land in Cohasset
None of the above
Putting conservation restrictions on land
Putting conservation restrictions on land, Tax Credit/Tax Reduction
Selling land to the Town at market rate, Putting conservation restrictions on land, Tax Credit/Tax Reduction
Selling land to the Town at market rate
Tax Credit/Tax Reduction
Donating land to the Town, Selling land to the Town at a bargain price, Selling land to the Town at market rate, Putting conservation restrictions
on land, Tax Credit/Tax Reduction
Selling land to the Town at market rate, Tax Credit/Tax Reduction
Donating land to the Town, Putting conservation restrictions on land
Selling land to the Town at market rate, Putting conservation restrictions on land
Donating land to the Town, Selling land to the Town at a bargain price, Putting conservation restrictions on land, Tax Credit/Tax Reduction
5. If you own land in Cohasset, would you support conservation of your land in any of the following ways? Select all that apply.
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6. Which conservation lands in Cohasset have you heard of and which do
you use? Please answer for all facilities. [Sandy Beach ]
29.8%
68.1%I use this place frequently
68.1%
I use this place
occassionally
29.8%
I know of this place, but
have not used it
2.1%
6. Which conservation lands in Cohasset have you heard of and which do
you use? Please answer for all facilities. [Black Rock Beach]
45.2%
19.7%
34%
I use this place
occassionally
45.2%
I use this place frequently
34%
I know of this place, but
have not used it
19.7%
I do not know of this place
nor use it
1.1%
6. Which conservation lands in Cohasset have you heard of and which do
you use? Please answer for all facilities. [Wheelwright Park/Cornelia and
Richardson White Woods/Barnes Wildlife Sanctuary]
47.1%
10.6%
40.7%
I use this place
occassionally
47.1%
I use this place frequently
40.7%
I know of this place, but
have not used it
10.6%
6. Which conservation lands in Cohasset have you heard of and which do
you use? Please answer for all facilities. [Great Brewster Woods/Deans
Meadow]
38.9%
13.5%
14.6%
33%
I know of this place, but
have not used it
38.9%
I use this place
occassionally
33%
I do not know of this place
nor use it
14.6%
I use this place frequently
13.5%
8/7/2017 Cohasset OSRP Survey 2017 - Mon Aug 07 2017
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6. Which conservation lands in Cohasset have you heard of and which do
you use? Please answer for all facilities. [Whitney and Thayer Woods]
45.9%
23.8%
29.2%
I use this place
occassionally
45.9%
I use this place frequently
29.2%
I know of this place, but
have not used it
23.8%
I do not know of this place
nor use it
1.1%
6. Which conservation lands in Cohasset have you heard of and which do
you use? Please answer for all facilities. [Turkey Hill]
42.8%
8.6%
23.5%
25.1%
I use this place
occassionally
42.8%
I know of this place, but
have not used it
25.1%
I use this place frequently
23.5%
I do not know of this place
nor use it
8.6%
6. Which conservation lands in Cohasset have you heard of and which do
you use? Please answer for all facilities. [Brass Kettle Watershed]
12.6%
31.1%
54.1%
I do not know of this place
nor use it
54.1%
I know of this place, but
have not used it
31.1%
I use this place
occassionally
12.6%
I use this place frequently
2.2%
6. Which conservation lands in Cohasset have you heard of and which do
you use? Please answer for all facilities. [Pape Reservation]
9.9%
22.7%
65.7%
I do not know of this place
nor use it
65.7%
I know of this place, but
have not used it
22.7%
I use this place
occassionally
9.9%
I use this place frequently
1.7%
8/7/2017 copy of [Addon Advanced summary] Cohasset OSRP Survey 2017 - Mon Aug 07 2017
https://awesome-table.com/-KqxQs-0cnkegckYWk4t/view 7/9
6. Which conservation lands in Cohasset have you heard of and which do
you use? Please answer for all facilities. [Ingram Park]
42.5%
16%
36.5%
I know of this place, but
have not used it
42.5%
I do not know of this place
nor use it
36.5%
I use this place
occassionally
16%
I use this place frequently
5%
6. Which conservation lands in Cohasset have you heard of and which do
you use? Please answer for all facilities. [Elms Meadow/Duck Pond]
48.6%
18.2%
28.7%
I do not know of this place
nor use it
48.6%
I know of this place, but
have not used it
28.7%
I use this place
occassionally
18.2%
I use this place frequently
4.4%
opendevelopment
noticed
town
homes
space
land
increased
largehouses
cohassetover
conservation
years
being
character
more
spaces
marked
estate
cuttingtrees
none
storage
less
well
great
woods
along
water
changes
views
park past
ledge
clearcommercial
brewster
very
easy
navigate
going
want
frequent
used
hull
roads
beechwood
trust
amount
construction
much
developments
major
built
poop
whitney
presence
think
data
live
route
developed
trash
trail
need
public
signage
huge
walk
ingram
residences
size
clark
occasionallydestroyed
many
toll
replaced property
boardlooking
acquired
wrong release
granted scituatecitizens
future
done
good
discussing
preservation
passing
scenic
upscale
awareness
known
builders
weak
management
guidelines
money
tempting
findingkeeping
duringacquisition
process
hard
version
facility
preserve
building
high
dwindling
ones
remain
suffering
kids
womoatuck
spray
painting
rocks
visible
bound
brook
trails
residential
encroaching
decrease
unnecessary
constuction
several
tracts
prominent
last
subdivided
eviscerated
biota
without
legacy
increase
subject
loss
bare
restrictions
stopped
allowing
dogs
progressives
trying
exert
buildings
sooo
dense
care
feel
maintained
retain
heavily
pets
losing
sought
build
rain
rate
totally
Do not have the information about where they are located
Do not have the information about where they are located, I do not have trail information
I do not have trail information
Lack of parking
Do not have the information about where they are located, I do not have trail information, Safety concerns
Do not have the information about where they are located, Lack of parking
Do not have the information about where they are located, Lack of parking, I do not have trail information, Safety
concerns
Don't need personally
Safety concerns
Busy elsewhere
Do not have the information about where they are located, Fear of lyme disease
Do not have the information about where they are located, Lack of parking, I do not have trail information
8. If you do not use Cohasset's conservation land and recreational facilities, why not? Select all that apply.
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9. How satisfied are you with current recreational programs and facilities for
the following age groups? [1-4 year olds]
40.3%
9.7%
15.6%
34.4%
Satisfied
40.3%
Not Important to Me
34.4%
Very Satisfied
15.6%
Not Satisfied
9.7%
9. How satisfied are you with current recreational programs and facilities for
the following age groups? [5-9 year olds]
43.2%
8.6%
22.8%
25.3%
Satisfied
43.2%
Not Important to Me
25.3%
Very Satisfied
22.8%
Not Satisfied
8.6%
9. How satisfied are you with current recreational programs and facilities for
the following age groups? [10-12 year olds]
43.9%
12.3%
17.4%
26.5%
Satisfied
43.9%
Not Important to Me
26.5%
Very Satisfied
17.4%
Not Satisfied
12.3%
9. How satisfied are you with current recreational programs and facilities for
the following age groups? [Teenagers]
33.8%
7.6%
26.1%
32.5%
Not Satisfied
33.8%
Satisfied
32.5%
Not Important to Me
26.1%
Very Satisfied
7.6%
8/7/2017 Cohasset OSRP Survey 2017 - Mon Aug 07 2017
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9. How satisfied are you with current recreational programs and facilities for
the following age groups? [Adults]
49.1%
14.7%
15.3%
20.9%
Satisfied
49.1%
Not Satisfied
20.9%
Very Satisfied
15.3%
Not Important to Me
14.7%
9. How satisfied are you with current recreational programs and facilities for
the following age groups? [Seniors]
40.1%
12.1%
17.2%
30.6%
Satisfied
40.1%
Not Important to Me
30.6%
Very Satisfied
17.2%
Not Satisfied
12.1%
moretown
parkskating
programs
great spaceteenssafe
open
kids
need
sports
fields
courtschildren
bike access
outdoorskate
basketball
facilities
runningteen
better
harbor
sidewalks welcome
teenagerscenter
community
tennis
senior
specific
sport
james
island
feel
games
field
done
already
facility
recreational
family
water
areas
opportunities
biking
walking
very
make
needs
library
hikes
programming
small
parents
enough
fight
practice
maybe
such
near
place
towns
camp
beechwood
night
playground
indoor
provide
pool
think
paths
grill
survey
board
nice
spot
love
wish
little
reasonknow
october
races
earlier
options
unspoiled
development
starting
tweens
hull
densityresedent
pump
weekend
dearth
memorial
working
nearby
mess
growing
offered
clubs
team
each
related
times
same
court
time
especially
younger
players
teams
girls
renting
schools
guided
ocean
hiking
roller
blade
groups
marshfield
pick
dairy
webster
catering
responsive
supervision
cost
examples outs
contests
sorts
movie
garden
commons
large
club
contest
rink
limit
land
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. [Rural, small town character, narrow roads]
10.7%
33.9%55.4%Very Important
55.4%
Important
33.9%
Not Important
10.7%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. (Sense of community] Not Important 0.5% Important 19.9%
Very Important 79.6%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. (Roadside trees and stone walls] Not Important 4.9% Important 25.5%
Very Important 696%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. (Scenic views and/or land] Not Important 1.6% Important
Very Important 85.5%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. (Agricultural lands/pastures] Not Important 8.6%
Important Very Important 371% 54.3%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. (Forests] Not Important 2.7% Important 265%
Very Important 70.8%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. (Lakes, rivers, and other water bodies] Not Important 11% Important 22.5%
Very Important 76.4%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. (Wildlife] Not Important 6% Important 29.3% Very Important 64.7%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. [Harbor] Important 8.6%
Very Important 914%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. (Town-owned recreation areas (sports fields, playgrounds, parks,
trails, swimming areas, etc.)]
Not Important
3.2%
Important
29%
Very Important
67 7%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. [Privately-owned recreation areas]
Very Important
21%
Important
414%
Not Important
37 6%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. (State-owned recreation areas]
Not Important
14%
Important
Very Important 53.8%
32.3%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. (Biodiversity, support of native plants]
Not Important
97%
Very Important
Important 51.1%
39.2%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. (Control of invasive plants]
Not Important
8.6%
Important
30.6% Very Important
60.8%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. [Hiking, biking, walking trails, questing]
Not Important
1.6%
Important
225%
Very Important
75.9%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. (Water-based recreational activities (boating, fishing, swimming,
etc.)]
Not Important
11%
Important
27.2%
Very Important
71.7%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. [Organized recreation/athletic activities (sports leagues,
programs, etc.)]
Not Important
8.6%
Very Important
Important 48.6%
42.7%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. (Cultural/art events] Not Important
54%
Important 36.8% Very Important
57.8%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. [Climate change awareness]
Not Important
17.8%
Very Important Important 53.5% 28.6%
11. How important are the following items to you? Please answer for all
items. {Alternative energy (wind turbines, etc.)]
Not Important
16.3% Very Important
46.7% Important
37%
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Bicycle/pedestrian paths)Do not need 3.2% Sufficient
19.9%
Need more 76.9%
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Neighborhood playgrounds]
Do not need
121%
Need more
231%
Sufficient
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Picnic areas]
Do not need
13.6%
64.8%
Sufficient
48.3%
Need more
38.1%
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Conservation areas]
Do not need
2.8%
Sufficient Need more
46.9%
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Multipurpose athletic fields]
Do not need
8.9%
Need more
26.7%
50.3%
Sufficient
64.4%
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Tennis courts]
Do not need
6%
Need more
291%
Sufficient
64.8%
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Wildlife viewing/birdwatching]
Do not need
10.1%
Need more
24%
Sufficient
65.9%
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Beach recreation]
Do not need
4.3%
Need more
20.1%
Sufficient
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Golf course]
Need more
14.5%
Do not need
75.5%
24% Sufficient
61.5%
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Boat ramps/launches)
Do not need
3.9%
Need more
36.3%
Sufficient
59.8%
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Baseball/Softball fields)
Do not need
12.4%
Need more
14%
Sufficient
73.6%
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Boat moorings)
Do not need
5.1%
Sufficient
37.1% Need more
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Dog walking access)
Do not need
11 8%
Need more
57.9%
26.4% Sufficient
618%
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (River access for canoes and kayaks]
Do not need
9%
Sufficient Need more
36% 55.1%
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Senior Center]
Do not need
10.6%
Need more
14.4%
Sufficient
75%
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Fishing/shellfishing]
Do not need
5.7%
Need more
29.9%
Sufficient
12. Please rate the following recreational facility types in Cohasset
based on adequacy/availability. (Teen Center/Recreation Center
( Garage)]
Do not need
5.7%
64.4%
Sufficient
Need more 50%
44.3%
Appendix C
Cohasset Buildout Summary Information
Appendix D
Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Information
BioMap2
CONSERVING THE BIODIVERSITY OF
MASSACHUSETTS IN A CHANGING WORLD
Cohasset
Produced in 2012
This report and associated map provide information about
important sites for biodiversity conservation in your area.
This information is intended for conservation planning, and is
not intended for use in state regulations.
Nat
&
Spe
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
ural Heritage
Endangered
cies Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What is BioMap2 – Purpose and applications
One plan, two components
Understanding Core Habitat and its components
Understanding Critical Natural Landscape and its components
Understanding Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape Summaries
Sources of Additional Information
Cohasset Overview
Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape Summaries
Elements of BioMap2 Cores
Core Habitat Summaries
Elements of BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscapes
Critical Natural Landscape Summaries
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Species Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
Introduction
The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game,
through the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s
Natural Heritage & Endangered Species
Program (NHESP), and The Nature
Conservancy’s Massachusetts Program
developed BioMap2 to protect the state’s
biodiversity in the context of climate change.
BioMap2 combines NHESP’s 30 years of
rigorously documented rare species and natural
community data with spatial data identifying
wildlife species and habitats that were the focus
of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s 2005
State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). BioMap2 also
integrates The Nature Conservancy’s assessment
of large, well‐connected, and intact ecosystems
and landscapes across the Commonwealth,
incorporating concepts of ecosystem resilience
to address anticipated climate change impacts.
Get your copy of the BioMap2 report! Download
from www.mass.gov/nhesp or contact Natural
Heritage at 508-389-6360 or
natural.heritage@state.ma.us. Protection and stewardship of BioMap2 Core
Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape is
essential to safeguard the diversity of species
and their habitats, intact ecosystems, and
resilient natural landscapes across
Massachusetts.
What Does Status Mean?
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
determines a status category for each rare
species listed under the Massachusetts
Endangered Species Act, M.G.L. c.131A, and its
implementing regulations 321 CMR 10.00. Rare
species are categorized as Endangered,
Threatened or of Special Concern according to
the following:
• Endangered species are in danger of
extinction throughout all or a significant
portion of their range or are in danger of
extirpation from Massachusetts.
• Threatened species are likely to become
Endangered in Massachusetts in the
foreseeable future throughout all or a
significant portion of their range.
• Special Concern species have suffered a
decline that could threaten the species if
allowed to continue unchecked or occur in
such small numbers or with such restricted
distribution or specialized habitat
requirements that they could easily become
Threatened in Massachusetts.
In addition NHESP maintains an unofficial
watch list of plants that are tracked due to
potential conservation interest or concern, but
are not regulated under the Massachusetts
Endangered Species Act or other laws or
regulations. Likewise, described natural
communities are not regulated by any law or
regulations, but they can help to identify
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Species Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
ecologically important areas that are worthy of
protection. The status of natural communities
reflects the documented number and acreages of
each community type in the state:
• Critically Imperiled communities typically
have 5 or fewer documented sites or have
very few remaining acres in the state.
• Imperiled communities typically have 6‐20
sites or few remaining acres in the state.
• Vulnerable communities typically have 21‐
100 sites or limited acreage across the state.
• Secure communities typically have over 100
sites or abundant acreage across the state;
however, excellent examples are identified
as Core Habit to ensure continued
protection.
In 2005 the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries
and Wildlife completed a comprehensive State
Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) documenting the
status of Massachusetts wildlife and providing
recommendations to help guide wildlife
conservation decision‐making. SWAP includes
all the wildlife species listed under the
Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA),
as well as more than 80 species that need
conservation attention but do not meet the
requirements for inclusion under MESA. The
SWAP document is organized around habitat
types in need of conservation within the
Commonwealth. While the original BioMap
focused primarily on rare species protected
under MESA, BioMap2 also addresses other
Species of Conservation Concern, their habitats,
and the ecosystems that support them to create a
spatial representation of most of the elements of
SWAP.
BioMap2: One Plan, Two Components
BioMap2 identifies two complementary spatial
layers, Core Habitat and Critical Natural
Landscape.
Core Habitat identifies key areas that are critical
for the long‐term persistence of rare species and
other Species of Conservation Concern, as well
as a wide diversity of natural communities and
intact ecosystems across the Commonwealth.
Protection of Core Habitats will contribute to the
conservation of specific elements of biodiversity.
Critical Natural Landscape identifies large
natural Landscape Blocks that are minimally
impacted by development. If protected, these
areas will provide habitat for wide‐ranging
native species, support intact ecological
processes, maintain connectivity among
habitats, and enhance ecological resilience to
natural and anthropogenic disturbances in a
rapidly changing world. Areas delineated as
Critical Natural Landscape also include
buffering upland around wetland, coastal, and
aquatic Core Habitats to help ensure their long‐
term integrity.
The long‐term persistence of Massachusetts
biological resources requires a determined
commitment to land and water conservation.
Protection and stewardship of both Critical
Natural Landscapes and Core Habitats are
needed to realize the biodiversity conservation
vision of BioMap2.
Components of Core Habitat
Core Habitat identifies specific areas necessary
to promote the long‐term persistence of rare
species, other Species of Conservation Concern,
exemplary natural communities, and intact
ecosystems.
Rare Species
There are 432 native plant and animal species
listed as Endangered, Threatened or Special
Concern under the Massachusetts Endangered
Species Act (MESA) based on their rarity,
population trends, and threats to survival. For
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Table 1. Species of Conservation Concern
described in the State Wildlife Action Plan
and/or included on the MESA List and for which
habitat was mapped in BioMap2. Note that
plants are not included in SWAP, and that
marine species such as whales and sea turtles
are not included in BioMap2.
Taxonomic
Group
MESA‐
listed
Species
Non‐listed Species
of Conservation
Concern
Mammals 4 5
Birds 27 23
Reptiles 10 5
Amphibians 4 3
Fish 10 17
Invertebrates 102 9
Plants 256 0
Total 413 62
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Species Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2, NHESP staff identified the highest
quality habitat sites for each non‐marine species
based on size, condition, and landscape context.
Other Species of Conservation Concern
In addition to species on the MESA List
described previously, the State Wildlife Action
Plan (SWAP) identifies 257 wildlife species and
22 natural habitats most in need of conservation
within the Commonwealth. BioMap2 includes
species‐specific habitat areas for 45 of these
species and habitat for 17 additional species
which was mapped with other coarse‐filter and
fine‐filter approaches.
Priority Natural Communities
Natural communities are assemblages of plant
and animal species that share a common
environment and occur together repeatedly on
the landscape. BioMap2 gives conservation
priority to natural communities with limited
distribution and to the best examples of more
common types.
Vernal Pools
Vernal pools are small, seasonal wetlands that
provide important wildlife habitat, especially for
amphibians and invertebrate animals that use
them to breed. BioMap2 identifies the top 5
percent most interconnected clusters of Potential
Vernal Pools in the state.
Forest Cores
In BioMap2, Core Habitat includes the best
examples of large, intact forests that are least
impacted by roads and development, providing
critical habitat for numerous woodland species.
For example, the interior forest habitat defined
by Forest Cores supports many bird species
sensitive to the impacts of roads and
development, such as the Black‐throated Green
Warbler, and helps maintain ecological
processes found only in unfragmented forest
patches.
Wetland Cores
BioMap2 used an assessment of Ecological
Integrity to identify the least disturbed wetlands
in the state within undeveloped landscapes—
those with intact buffers and little fragmentation
or other stressors associated with development.
These wetlands are most likely to support
critical wetland functions (i.e., natural
hydrologic conditions, diverse plant and animal
habitats, etc.) and are most likely to maintain
these functions into the future.
Aquatic Cores
To delineate integrated and functional
ecosystems for fish species and other aquatic
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Species Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
Species of Conservation Concern, beyond the
species and exemplary habitats described above,
BioMap2 identifies intact river corridors within
which important physical and ecological
processes of the river or stream occur.
Components of Critical Natural Landscape
Critical Natural Landscape identifies intact
landscapes in Massachusetts that are better able
to support ecological processes and disturbance
regimes, and a wide array of species and
habitats over long time frames.
Landscape Blocks
BioMap2 identifies the most intact large areas of
predominately natural vegetation, consisting of
contiguous forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and
ponds, as well as coastal habitats such as barrier
beaches and salt marshes.
Upland Buffers of Wetland and Aquatic
Cores
A variety of analyses were used to identify
protective upland buffers around wetlands and
rivers.
Upland Habitat to Support Coastal
Adaptation
BioMap2 identifies undeveloped lands adjacent
to and up to one and a half meters above
existing salt marshes as Critical Natural
Landscapes with high potential to support
inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal
habitats over the coming century.
The conservation areas identified by BioMap2
are based on breadth and depth of data,
scientific expertise, and understanding of
Massachusetts’ biodiversity. The numerous
sources of information and analyses used to
Legal Protection of Biodiversity
BioMap2 presents a powerful vision of what
Massachusetts would look like with full
protection of the land most important for
supporting the Commonwealth’s biodiversity.
While BioMap2 is a planning tool with no
regulatory function, all state‐listed species enjoy
legal protection under the Massachusetts
Endangered Species Act
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
(M.G.L. c.131A) and its
implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00).
Wetland habitat of state‐listed wildlife is also
protected under the Wetlands Protection Act
Regulations (310 CMR 10.00). The Natural
Heritage Atlas contains maps of Priority Habitats
and Estimated Habitats, which are used,
respectively, for regulation under the
Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and the
Wetlands Protection Act. For more information
on rare species regulations, and to view Priority
and Estimated Habitat maps, please see the
Regulatory Review page at
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natur
al‐heritage/regulatory‐review/.
BioMap2 is a conservation planning tool that
does not, in any way, supplant the Estimated
and Priority Habitat Maps which have
regulatory significance. Unless and until the
BioMap2 vision is fully realized, we must
continue to protect our most imperiled species
and their habitats.
create Core Habitat and Critical Natural
Landscape are complementary, and outline a
comprehensive conservation vision for
Massachusetts, from rare species to intact
landscapes. In total, these robust analyses
define a suite of priority lands and waters that, if
permanently protected, will support
Massachusetts’ natural systems for generations
to come.
S
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
pecies Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
Understanding Core Habitat Summaries
Following the Town Overview, there is a
descriptive summary of each Core Habitat and
Critical Natural Landscape that occurs in your
city or town. These summaries highlight some
of the outstanding characteristics of each Core
Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape, and
will help you learn more about your city or
town’s biodiversity. You can find out more
information about many of these species and
natural communities by looking at specific fact
sheets at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
Additional Information
For copies of the full BioMap2 report, the
Technical Report, and an interactive mapping
tool, visit the BioMap2 website via the Land
Protection and Planning tab at
www.mass.gov/nhesp. If you have any
questions about this report, or if you need help
protecting land for biodiversity in your
community, the Natural Heritage & Endangered
Species Program staff looks forward to working
with you.
Contact the Natural Heritage & Endangered
Species Program
By phone 508‐389‐6360
By fax 508‐389‐7890
By email natural.heritage@state.ma.us
By Mail 100 Hartwell Street, Suite 230
West Boylston, MA 01583
The GIS datalayers of BioMap2 are available for
download from MassGIS at
www.mass.gov/mgis.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Species Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
Town Overview
Cohasset lies on the border of the Boston Basin and
the Southern New England Coastal Plains and
Hills Ecoregions. The Boston Basin Ecoregion is an
area defined by a rim of low hills and outlying
hilly suburban towns. The basin itself has low
rolling topography and numerous urban
reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. The flat areas were
once tilled, but are now almost exclusively urban
and suburban developments. The Southern New
England Coastal Plains and Hills Ecoregion is
comprised of plains with a few low hills. Forests
are mainly central hardwoods with some transition
hardwoods and some elm‐ash‐red maple and red
and white pine. Many major rivers drain this area.
Cohasset at a Glance
• Total Area: 6,437 acres (10.1 square miles)
• Human Population in 2010: 7,542
• Open space protected in perpetuity: 1,800
acres, or 28.0% percent of total area*
• BioMap2 Core Habitat: 1,483 acres
• BioMap2 Core Habitat Protected: 1,126 acres
or 75.9%
• BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape: 1,658
acres
• BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape
Protected: 1,307 acres or 78.9%.
BioMap2 Components
Core Habitats
• 1 Forest Core
• 6 Wetland Cores
• 2Aquatic Cores
• 1 Vernal Pool Core
• 8 Species of Conservation Concern Cores**
o 1 reptile, 2 insects, 1 plant
Critical Natural Landscape
• 1 Landscape Block
• 4 Wetland Core Buffers
• 2 Aquatic Core Buffers
• 5 Coastal Adaptation Areas
• 1Tern Foraging Area
* Calculated using MassGIS data layer “Protected
and Recreational Open Space—March, 2012”.
** See next pages for complete list of species,
natural communities and other biodiversity
elements.
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Species Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
BioMap2 Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape in Cohasset
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
S
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
pecies Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
Species of Conservation Concern, Priority and Exemplary Natural Communities,
and Other Elements of Biodiversity in Cohasset
Insects
Damselflies
Attenuated Bluet, (Enallagma daeckii), T
Dragonflies
Umber Shadowdragon, (Neurocordulia obsoleta), SC
Reptiles
Northern Black Racer, (Coluber constrictor), Non‐listed SWAP
Plants
Swamp Dock, (Rumex verticillatus), T
Other BioMap2 Components
Forest Core
Aquatic Core
Wetland Core
Vernal Pool Core
Landscape Block
Aquatic Core Buffer
Wetland Core Buffer
Coastal Adaptation Area
Tern Foraging Area
E = Endangered
T = Threatened
SC = Special Concern
S1 = Critically Imperiled communities, typically 5 or fewer documented sites or very few remaining
acres in the state.
S2 = Imperiled communities, typically 6‐20 sites or few remaining acres in the state.
S3 = Vulnerable communities, typically have 21‐100 sites or limited acreage across the state.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Na
Sp
tural Heritage
& Endangered
ecies Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
BioMap2 Core Habitat in Cohasset
Core IDs correspond with the following element lists and summaries.
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
N
S
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
atural Heritage
& Endangered
pecies Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
Elements of BioMap2 Cores
This section lists all elements of BioMap2 Cores that fall entirely or partially within Cohasset. The elements
listed here may not occur within the bounds of Cohasset.
Core 1452
Wetland Core
Species of Conservation Concern
Northern Black Racer Coluber constrictor Non‐listed SWAP
Core 1472
Aquatic Core
Species of Conservation Concern
Swamp Dock Rumex verticillatus T
Core 1506
Forest Core
Wetland Core
Vernal Pool Core
Species of Conservation Concern
Attenuated Bluet Enallagma daeckii T
Umber Shadowdragon Neurocordulia obsoleta SC
Eastern Hognose Snake Heterodon platirhinos Non‐listed SWAP
Northern Black Racer Coluber constrictor Non‐listed SWAP
Core 1519
Aquatic Core
Species of Conservation Concern
Swamp Dock Rumex verticillatus T
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Species Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
Core Habitat Summaries
Core 1452
A 16‐acre Core Habitat featuring Wetland Core and a Species of Conservation Concern.
Wetland Cores are the least disturbed wetlands in the state within undeveloped landscapes—those with
intact buffers and little fragmentation or other stressors associated with development. These wetlands are
most likely to support critical wetland functions (i.e., natural hydrologic conditions, diverse plant and
animal habitats, etc.) and are most likely to maintain these functions into the future.
The Northern Black Racer is a snake of young upland forests, shrublands such as pitch pine/scrub oak
communities and rock cliffs. Although relatively common, its range appears to be constricting and its
abundance has been declining.
Core 1472
A 49‐acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core and a Species of Conservation Concern.
Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the
river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other
aquatic Species of Conservation Concern.
Swamp Dock is a tall, herbaceous perennial of swamps and wet lowland woods, with numerous,
inconspicuous, drooping green flowers. Swamp Dock is found in water or in places that are periodically
flooded, such as stream and river floodplains, swamps, marshy shores and drainage or irrigation ditches,
and possibly brackish situations.
Core 1506
A 2,415‐acre Core Habitat featuring Forest Core, Wetland Core, Vernal Pool Core, and Species of
Conservation Concern.
Forest Cores are the best examples of large, intact forests that are least impacted by roads and
development. Forest Cores support many bird species sensitive to the impacts of roads and development
and help maintain ecological processes found only in unfragmented forest patches.
This 1,752‐acre Forest Core is the sixth largest in the ecoregion and provides important and relatively
large forest interior habitat in highly developed eastern Massachusetts.
Wetland Cores are the least disturbed wetlands in the state within undeveloped landscapes—those with
intact buffers and little fragmentation or other stressors associated with development. These wetlands are
most likely to support critical wetland functions (i.e., natural hydrologic conditions, diverse plant and
animal habitats, etc.) and are most likely to maintain these functions into the future.
Vernal pools are small, seasonal wetlands that provide important wildlife habitat, especially for
amphibians and invertebrate animals that use them to breed. BioMap2 identifies the top 5 percent most
interconnected clusters of Potential Vernal Pools in the state.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Species Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
Attenuated Bluets are small blue damselflies with exceptionally long abdomens. They inhabit a variety of
types of wetlands.
Umber Shadowdragons are dragonflies that are found on lakes with rocky shores and medium to large
rivers that have relatively little aquatic vegetation. Shadowdragons fly only at dusk when they feed and
mate in a frenzy of activity.
Eastern Hognose Snakes are shy, slow‐moving, thick‐bodied snakes that specialize in feeding on toads,
although they eat other amphibians or other small animals as well. They require sandy soils in their
habitat; both wooded and open habitats are known.
The Northern Black Racer is a snake of young upland forests, shrublands such as pitch pine/scrub oak
communities and rock cliffs. Although relatively common, its range appears to be constricting and its
abundance has been declining.
Core 1519
A 47‐acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core and a Species of Conservation Concern.
Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the
river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other
aquatic Species of Conservation Concern.
Swamp Dock is a tall, herbaceous perennial of swamps and wet lowland woods, with numerous,
inconspicuous, drooping green flowers. Swamp Dock is found in water or in places that are periodically
flooded, such as stream and river floodplains, swamps, marshy shores and drainage or irrigation ditches,
and possibly brackish situations.
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Species Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape in Cohasset
Critical Natural Landscape IDs correspond with the following element lists and summaries.
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
N
S
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
atural Heritage
& Endangered
pecies Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
Elements of BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscapes
This section lists all elements of BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscapes that fall entirely or partially within
Cohasset. The elements listed here may not occur within the bounds of Cohasset.
CNL 731
Aquatic Core Buffer
CNL 732
Coastal Adaptation Area
CNL 745
Coastal Adaptation Area
CNL 749
Coastal Adaptation Area
CNL 751
Aquatic Core Buffer
Landscape Block
Wetland Core Buffer
CNL 752
Coastal Adaptation Area
CNL 753
Coastal Adaptation Area
CNL 765
Aquatic Core Buffer
CNL 793
Coastal Adaptation Area
CNL 811
Coastal Adaptation Area
Tern Foraging Area
S
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
pecies Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
Critical Natural Landscape Summaries
CNL 731
A 73‐acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer.
A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One,
the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river,
by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each
wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the
conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also
include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types.
CNL 732
A 44‐acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Coastal Adaptation Area.
The coastal habitats of Massachusetts are particularly vulnerable to potential sea‐level rise in the next
century, which many estimates suggest is likely to exceed one meter. Therefore, in addition to prioritizing
current coastal habitats, the creators of BioMap2 examined the landward side of salt marshes to determine
where these habitats might move to as sea levels rise. Undeveloped lands adjacent to and up to one and a
half meters above existing salt marshes were identified, and included as Critical Natural Landscapes with
high potential to support inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal habitats over the coming
century.
CNL 745
A 48‐acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Coastal Adaptation Area.
The coastal habitats of Massachusetts are particularly vulnerable to potential sea‐level rise in the next
century, which many estimates suggest is likely to exceed one meter. Therefore, in addition to prioritizing
current coastal habitats, the creators of BioMap2 examined the landward side of salt marshes to determine
where these habitats might move to as sea levels rise. Undeveloped lands adjacent to and up to one and a
half meters above existing salt marshes were identified, and included as Critical Natural Landscapes with
high potential to support inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal habitats over the coming
century.
CNL 749
A 10‐acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Coastal Adaptation Area.
The coastal habitats of Massachusetts are particularly vulnerable to potential sea‐level rise in the next
century, which many estimates suggest is likely to exceed one meter. Therefore, in addition to prioritizing
current coastal habitats, the creators of BioMap2 examined the landward side of salt marshes to determine
where these habitats might move to as sea levels rise. Undeveloped lands adjacent to and up to one and a
half meters above existing salt marshes were identified, and included as Critical Natural Landscapes with
high potential to support inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal habitats over the coming
century.
N
S
BioMap2
Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
atural Heritage
& Endangered
pecies Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
CNL 751
A 4,735‐acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer, Wetland Core Buffer and
Landscape Block.
A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One,
the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river,
by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each
wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the
conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also
include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types.
Landscape Blocks, the primary component of Critical Natural Landscapes, are large areas of intact
predominately natural vegetation, consisting of contiguous forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and ponds, as
well as coastal habitats such as barrier beaches and salt marshes. Pastures and power‐line rights‐of‐way,
which are less intensively altered than most developed areas, were also included since they provide
habitat and connectivity for many species. Collectively, these natural cover types total 3.6 million acres
across the state. An Ecological Integrity assessment was used to identify the most intact and least
fragmented areas. These large Landscape Blocks are most likely to maintain dynamic ecological processes
such as buffering, connectivity, natural disturbance, and hydrological regimes, all of which help to
support wide‐ranging wildlife species and many other elements of biodiversity.
In order to identify critical Landscape Blocks in each ecoregion, different Ecological Integrity thresholds
were used to select the largest intact landscape patches in each ecoregion while avoiding altered habitat
as much as possible. This ecoregional representation accomplishes a key goal of BioMap2 to protect the
ecological stages that support a broad suite of biodiversity in the context of climate change. Blocks were
defined by major roads, and minimum size thresholds differed among ecoregions to ensure that BioMap2
includes the best of the best in each ecoregion.
This 4,541‐acre Landscape Block is the twelfth largest of 62 Blocks in the ecoregion, largely forested but
including over 25% important wetland habitat as well.
CNL 752
A 4‐acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Coastal Adaptation Area.
The coastal habitats of Massachusetts are particularly vulnerable to potential sea‐level rise in the next
century, which many estimates suggest is likely to exceed one meter. Therefore, in addition to prioritizing
current coastal habitats, the creators of BioMap2 examined the landward side of salt marshes to determine
where these habitats might move to as sea levels rise. Undeveloped lands adjacent to and up to one and a
half meters above existing salt marshes were identified, and included as Critical Natural Landscapes with
high potential to support inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal habitats over the coming
century.
CNL 753
A 1‐acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Coastal Adaptation Area.
The coastal habitats of Massachusetts are particularly vulnerable to potential sea‐level rise in the next
century, which many estimates suggest is likely to exceed one meter. Therefore, in addition to prioritizing
Bio
Co
Map2
nserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World
Natural Heritage
& Endangered
Species Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
phone: 508‐389‐6360 fax: 508‐389‐7890
For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
current coastal habitats, the creators of BioMap2 examined the landward side of salt marshes to determine
where these habitats might move to as sea levels rise. Undeveloped lands adjacent to and up to one and a
half meters above existing salt marshes were identified, and included as Critical Natural Landscapes with
high potential to support inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal habitats over the coming
century.
CNL 765
A 70‐acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer.
A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One,
the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river,
by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each
wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the
conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also
include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types.
CNL 793
A 13‐acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Coastal Adaptation Area.
The coastal habitats of Massachusetts are particularly vulnerable to potential sea‐level rise in the next
century, which many estimates suggest is likely to exceed one meter. Therefore, in addition to prioritizing
current coastal habitats, the creators of BioMap2 examined the landward side of salt marshes to determine
where these habitats might move to as sea levels rise. Undeveloped lands adjacent to and up to one and a
half meters above existing salt marshes were identified, and included as Critical Natural Landscapes with
high potential to support inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal habitats over the coming
century.
CNL 811
A 1,545‐acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Coastal Adaptation Area and Tern Foraging Area.
The coastal habitats of Massachusetts are particularly vulnerable to potential sea‐level rise in the next
century, which many estimates suggest is likely to exceed one meter. Therefore, in addition to prioritizing
current coastal habitats, the creators of BioMap2 examined the landward side of salt marshes to determine
where these habitats might move to as sea levels rise. Undeveloped lands adjacent to and up to one and a
half meters above existing salt marshes were identified, and included as Critical Natural Landscapes with
high potential to support inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal habitats over the coming
century.
Terns range widely from their breeding colonies to forage. While the breeding and staging areas for
Roseate, Arctic, Common, and Least Terns were included in the Species of Conservation Concern Core
Habitat for BioMap2, tern foraging areas were included in BioMap2 as part of Critical Natural Landscape.
The extent of foraging habitat for Arctic, Common, and Roseate Terns depends on the size of the breeding
colony. For Least Tern, all shallow marine and estuarine waters within 2 miles of recent colony sites and
up to 1 mile offshore were mapped as foraging habitat.
Help Save Endangered Wildlife!
Please contribute on your Massachusetts income tax form or directly to the
Natural Heritage &
Endangered Species Fund
To learn more about the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
and the Commonwealth’s rare species, visit our web site at www.mass.gov/nhesp.
Appendix E
State and National Designated Historic Sites
Search Results
https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/SearchResults/892c29ce4a5b4ee79f9df0df34e6a43b?view=list[10/16/2018 10:38:39 AM]
Photos Text Name
Cohasset Central Cemetery
Cohasset Common Historic
District
Government Island Historic
District
Hagerty, Josephine M., House
Lothrop, Caleb, House
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Digital Archive on NPGallery
Search Advanced Search Download Center About
Your search returned 7 results, Showing page 1 of 1, Items 1 through 7
List View
Search Results
https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/SearchResults/892c29ce4a5b4ee79f9df0df34e6a43b?view=list[10/16/2018 10:38:39 AM]
Pratt Historic Building
Wilson, Capt. John, House and
Bates Ship Chandlery
List View
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
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FACEBOOK TWITTER NEWS RELEASES YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM FLICKR ITUNES
Ref# Historic Name Other Name(s) Listing Date CityCounty State AddressRestricted Significant Person Architect Request Type Status Secondary Code02001612 Cohasset Central Cemetery12/27/2002 Cohasset Norfolk MA N. Main St. and Joy Place FALSESingle Listed DATE RECEIVED/PENDING NOMINATION02001614 Wilson, Capt. John, House and Bates Ship Chandlery Cohasset Historic Society Museum 12/27/2002 Cohasset Norfolk MA 4 Elm St.FALSE Nicholas, David Single Listed DATE RECEIVED/PENDING NOMINATION06000816 Pratt Historic Building Paul Pratt Memorial Library; Cohasset Free Public Library 9/7/2006 Cohasset Norfolk MA 106‐110 South Main St.FALSE Nichols, Edward; Reddie, MacIvor Single Listed ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION; DATE RECEIVED/PENDING NOMINATION; ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION76000269 Lothrop, Caleb, House5/3/1976 Cohasset Norfolk MA 14 Summer St.FALSE Lothrop,Caleb Unknown Single Listed94000424 Government Island Historic District Minot's Ledge Lighthouse Shore Station, Gulf Island;US Light 5/12/1994 Cohasset Norfolk MA Border St.FALSE Totten, Joseph G.; Alexander, Barton S. Single Listed DATE RECEIVED/PENDING NOMINATION96000058 Cohasset Common Historic District2/28/1996 Cohasset Norfolk MA Bounded by Highland Ave., N. Main St., William B. Long, Jr., Rd. and Robert E. Jason Rd. FALSE Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson; Stutson, JamesSingle Listed DATE RECEIVED/PENDING NOMINATION97000529 Hagerty, Josephine M., House6/4/1997 Cohasset Norfolk MA 357 Atlantic Ave.FALSE Gropius,Walter; Breuer,Marcel Single Listed DATE RECEIVED/PENDING NOMINATION
Appendix F
DEP Waste Site/Reportable Release Database
RTN City/Town Release Address Site Name Location Aid Reporting Category Notification Date Compliance Status Date Phase RAO Class Chemical Type4‐3025746 COHASSET 151 SOUTH MAIN ST GASOLINE STATION 120 DY 03/29/2006 URAM 04/26/2006 Oil4‐3025298 COHASSET 90 GAMMONS RD DAVID WELTMAN 120 DY 10/06/2005 RAO 01/20/2006 A2 Oil4‐3024904 COHASSET JAMES LN ELLMS MEADOW PUMP STA 120 DY 05/27/2005 RAO 05/25/2006 A2 Oil4‐3023702 COHASSET 3 MENDEL RD NO LOCATION AID TWO HR 03/25/2004 RAO 07/13/2009 PHASE II A2 Oil4‐3022601 COHASSET MBTA GREENBUSH LINE SURVEY STA 3 52 089ME 46 75 729MN 1213 03 1227 75 120 DY 02/19/2003 SPECPR 04/23/2004 Hazardous Material4‐3022597 COHASSET MBTA GREENBUSH LINE SURVEY STA 3 51 692ME 46 76 836MN 1164 77 1196 62 120 DY 02/19/2003 SPECPR 04/23/2004 Hazardous Material4‐3022596 COHASSET MBTA GREENBUSY LINE SURVEY STA 3 51 809ME 46 76 450MN 1205 20 1209 10 120 DY 02/19/2003 SPECPR 04/23/2004 Oil and Hazardous Material4‐3022590 COHASSET MBTA GREENBUSH LINE SURVEY STA 3 50 814ME 46 77 923MN 1124 87 1161 23 120 DY 02/19/2003 SPECPR 04/23/2004 Hazardous Material4‐3022589 COHASSET MBTA GREENBUSH LINE SURVEY STA 3 49 325ME 46 78 147 MN 1079 46 1081 07 120 DY 02/19/2003 SPECPR 04/23/2004 Oil and Hazardous Material4‐3022587 COHASSET MBTA GREENBUSH LINE SURVEY STA 3 48 990ME 46 78 218MN 1071 41 1077 85 120 DY 02/19/2003 SPECPR 04/23/2004 Hazardous Material4‐3022585 COHASSET MBTA GREENBUSH LINE SURVEY STA 3 49 584ME 46 78 111MN 1091 03 1097 48 120 DY 02/19/2003 SPECPR 04/23/2004 Hazardous Material4‐3021802 COHASSET 155 KING ST NO LOCATION AID 120 DY 11/22/2002 RAO 09/27/2005 PHASE V C1 Hazardous Material4‐3021678 COHASSET 35 ARROWOOD RD NO LOCATION AID TWO HR 04/12/2002 RAO 06/07/2002 A1 Oil4‐3021613 COHASSET CROCKER LN MHD YARD 72 HR 03/28/2002 RAO 07/18/2007 A2 Oil4‐3021417 COHASSET 255 JERUSALEM RD NO LOCATION AID TWO HR 01/21/2002 RAO 01/24/2003 A2 Oil4‐3021307 COHASSET 380 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY COHASSET PLZ 120 DY 11/16/2001 RAO 05/06/2002 B1 Hazardous Material4‐3020802 COHASSET COHASSET HBR NO LOCATION AID TWO HR 06/15/2001 RAO 08/10/2001 A1 Oil4‐3020078 COHASSET DOANE ST BEECHWOOD DUMP WOMPATUK SP 120 DY 09/28/2000 TIERI 05/28/2002 PHASE II Hazardous Material4‐3019953 COHASSET 55 SOUTH MAIN ST NO LOCATION AID TWO HR 09/20/2000 RAO 01/24/2001 A1 Oil4‐3019935 COHASSET 20B NORFOLK LN NO LOCATION AID TWO HR 09/14/2000 RAO 11/13/2000 A2 Oil4‐3019804 COHASSET 114 BEECHWOOD ST NO LOCATION AID TWO HR 08/04/2000 RAO 03/21/2001 A2 Oil4‐3018896 COHASSET SUMMER AND SOUTH MAIN STS NO LOCATION AID 120 DY 10/28/1999 URAM 11/04/1999 Oil4‐3018793 COHASSET 72 ELM ST NO LOCATION AID 72 HR 09/24/1999 RAO 01/28/2000 A2 Oil4‐3018494 COHASSET 272 BEACHWOOD ST NO LOCATION AID TWO HR 07/07/1999 RAO 09/07/1999 A14‐3018222 COHASSET 181 BORDER ST OTIS AVE TWO HR 04/22/1999 RAO 09/13/1999 A1 Oil4‐3018152 COHASSET 800 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY ROUTE 3A 120 DY 04/01/1999 RAO 03/29/2000 PHASE II B1 Oil4‐3017683 COHASSET 30 CROCKER LN MHD DEPOT RECORDS STORAGE DEPOT 72 HR 12/04/1998 RAO 03/29/1999 A2 Oil4‐3017650 COHASSET CROCKER LN OFF RTE 3A MHD FACILITY #89 72 HR 11/20/1998 RAO 03/29/1999 A2 Oil4‐3017558 COHASSET 217 SOUTH MAIN ST NO LOCATION AID TWO HR 11/11/1998 RAO 10/26/2000 PHASE II A2 Oil4‐3017060 COHASSET 828‐860 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY COHASSET COLLISION CTR 120 DY 07/23/1998 RAO 07/23/1998 B1 Hazardous Material4‐3016914 COHASSET 30 HAMMOND AVE NO LOCATION AID TWO HR 06/14/1998 RAO 03/24/2000 A2 Oil4‐3016805 COHASSET 30 HAMMOND AVE NO LOCATION AID TWO HR 05/15/1998 RAO 02/17/1999 A1 Oil4‐3016596 COHASSET BEECHWOOD ST EASTERN EDISON TWO HR 03/14/1998 RAO 05/12/1998 A1 Oil4‐3015552 COHASSET 21 NORFOLK RD NO LOCATION AID 120 DY 09/19/1997 RAO 09/17/1998 A2 Oil4‐3015519 COHASSET 132 RTE 3A COHASSET GREENHOUSE TWO HR 09/12/1997 RAO 11/12/1997 A2 Oil4‐3015275 COHASSET 828‐860 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY COHASSET COLLISION CENTER 120 DY 07/01/1997 RAO 07/01/1997 B1 Hazardous Material4‐3015084 COHASSET 6 SCHOFIELD RD NO LOCATION AID 72 HR 05/09/1997 RAO 03/12/1998 A2 Oil4‐3015070 COHASSET POND ST @ SPRING ST TWO HR 05/05/1997 RAO 07/07/1997 A1 Oil4‐3014764 COHASSET 1AND3AND5 SOUTH MAIN ST NO LOCATION AID 120 DY 01/23/1997 DPS 01/23/1997 Hazardous Material4‐3014521 COHASSET 40 BORDER ST OLD SALT HOUSE MARINA TWO HR 11/20/1996 RAO 03/27/1997 A2 Oil4‐3014235 COHASSET 25 WOOD WAY DRIVEWAY TWO HR 09/17/1996 RAO 11/15/1996 A2 Oil4‐3014173 COHASSET 231 SOUTH MAIN ST NO LOCATION AID 72 HR 08/23/1996 RAO 02/06/1997 A2 Oil4‐3013576 COHASSET 56‐68 SOUTH MAIN ST NO LOCATION AID 120 DY 03/19/1996 RAO 04/05/1996 B1 Oil4‐3013437 COHASSET 740 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY CORNER OF CUSHING HWY AND BEECHWOOD ST 72 HR 02/09/1996 RTN CLOSED 04/05/1996 Oil4‐3013301 COHASSET 604 JERUSALEM RD RATTLESNAKE BROOK, BEHIND 619 JERUSALEM TWO HR 01/01/1996 RAO 05/08/1998 A2 Oil4‐3013164 COHASSET 740 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY CORNER OF BEECHWOOD & ROUTE 3A 120 DY 11/20/1995 RTN CLOSED 04/05/1996 Hazardous Material4‐3012973 COHASSET 60 SOUTH MAIN ST NO LOCATION AID 120 DY 09/27/1995 DPS 04/05/1996 Oil and Hazardous Material4‐3012361 COHASSET DEPOT CT FMR BROWNS AUTO REPAIR IN ST 120 DY 04/07/1995 RTN CLOSED 11/13/2006 Oil4‐3012337 COHASSET 740 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY EXXON FACILITY #3‐1491 120 DY 04/04/1995 RTN CLOSED 04/05/1996 Oil4‐3011912 COHASSET 740 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY RTE 3A 72 HR 12/01/1994 RTN CLOSED 04/05/1996 PHASE IV Oil4‐3011599 COHASSET 109 SOUTH MAIN ST SPRING & SOUTH MAIN STS 72 HR 09/16/1994 RAO 11/15/1994 A2 Oil4‐3011289 COHASSET 1 PLEASANT ST TARGET INDUSTRIES 72 HR 07/12/1994 RAO 07/19/1995 A3 Oil4‐3010589 COHASSET 13 NORTH MAIN ST NO LOCATION AID TWO HR 02/16/1994 RAO 04/22/1994 A2 Oil4‐3010536 COHASSET 215 SOUTH MAIN ST RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY 72 HR 10/01/1993 RAO 11/04/1994 A2 Oil
4‐3010517 COHASSET 110 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY FMR COHASSET SKATING RINK 72 HR 02/03/1994 RAO 05/16/1994 A1 Oil4‐3010160 COHASSET 155 KING ST RT 3A TWO HR 11/06/1993 RAO 12/10/1993 A2 Hazardous Material4‐3010097 COHASSET KING ST POLE #16/BETWEEN POND ST & SCHOFIELD RD TWO HR 10/24/1993 RAO 01/03/1994 A2 Oil4‐3004776 COHASSET 740 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY EXXON SERVICE STATION 3‐1491 NONE 10/01/1993 RAO 04/04/2002 PHASE IV A2 Oil4‐3004764 COHASSET 55 MAIN ST TEXACO STATION NONE 06/28/1993 TIERI 09/19/2005 PHASE II Oil4‐3004574 COHASSET 100 RIPLEY RD US POST OFFICE NONE 11/25/1992 RAO 08/08/19974‐3004496 COHASSET 754 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY DWYER CLEANERS NONE 07/15/1993 RAO 06/02/2000 PHASE VA24‐3003655 COHASSET 151 SOUTH MAIN ST COHASSET SERVICE STATION NONE 09/26/1991 TIERI 10/24/1997 PHASE II Oil4‐3003481 COHASSET 56 SPRING ST PROPERTY NONE 01/15/1991 RAO 05/01/1996 A2 Oil4‐3003434 COHASSET 395 NORTH MAIN ST EASTERN EDISON COHASSET SUB NONE 07/15/1993 RAO 03/17/1997 A2 Oil and Hazardous Material4‐3002730 COHASSET 190 KING DR GAS STATION FMR NONE 01/15/1992 RAO 07/31/19984‐3002552 COHASSET 44 BORDER ST RESTAURANT NONE 03/09/1988 DEPNFA 05/01/1996 Oil4‐3002542 COHASSET 405 NORTH MAIN ST GASOLINE STATION NONE 04/28/1989 RAO 07/30/1998 PHASE IV A2 Oil4‐3002378 COHASSET 391 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY SUNOCO STATION NONE 01/17/1989 DEPNFA 05/02/19964‐3002328 COHASSET 143 POND ST COHASSET HIGH SCHOOL NONE 01/15/1990 RAO 01/27/1997 A24‐3002233 COHASSET 22 DEPOT CT BROWNS AUTO REPAIR NONE 10/15/1989 RAO 01/31/2012 C1 Oil4‐3001816 COHASSET 828 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY SPENSLEY CHEVROLET NONE 01/15/1989 RAO 07/01/1997 A24‐3001814 COHASSET 40 BORDER ST OLD SALT HOUSE NONE 01/15/1989 DEPNFA 05/14/19964‐3000878 COHASSET 805 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY MITCHELLS REPAIR NONE 10/15/1988 RAO 12/04/1995 A24‐3000566 COHASSET 430 SOUTH MAIN ST J J HENRY CO NONE 01/15/1987 DEPNDS 05/14/19964‐3000521 COHASSET 155 KING ST WEBB NORFOLK CONVEYORFMR NONE 01/15/1987 DEPNFA 07/23/19934‐3000483 COHASSET 827 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY PROPERTY NONE 01/15/1987 LSPNFA 01/17/19954‐0026546 COHASSET VICINITY OF 19 LIGHT HOUSE LN COHASSET HARBOR TWO HR 03/08/2017 ADEQUATE REG 03/08/20174‐0026426 COHASSET 1 RIDGE TOP ROAD RESIDENCE TWO HR 11/17/2016 PSNC 05/02/2018 PHASE II PN4‐0025815 COHASSET 84 WHITE HEAD RD BEACH TWO HR 10/01/2015 PSNC 08/30/2016 PN4‐0024586 COHASSET BEECHWOOD STREET INTERSECTION OF BEECHWOOD ST AND RT 3A TWO HR 06/07/2013 RAO 07/08/2013 A1 Oil4‐0024403 COHASSET 300 SOUTH MAIN STREET POLE #148 TWO HR 02/09/2013 RAO 04/10/2013 A1 Oil4‐0024252 COHASSET 405 NORTH MAIN ST ROBBINS GARAGE 72 HR 10/17/2012 TIER 2 10/15/2013 PHASE IV4‐0023522 COHASSET 137 NICHOLS ROAD TRANSFORMER TWO HR 08/28/2011 RAO 10/25/2011 A24‐0022959 COHASSET 130 DOANE ROAD TRANSFORMER TWO HR 11/08/2010 RAO 01/07/2011 A24‐0022757 COHASSET 391 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HW FORMER SUNOCO STATION 72 HR 07/27/2010 RAO 07/22/2011 A2 Oil4‐0022114 COHASSET 1 TURKEY HILL LN CELL TOWER SITE #871579, & #871578 TWO HR 08/06/2009 RAO 11/24/2009 B1 Hazardous Material4‐0021298 COHASSET 595 JERUSALEM RD RESIDENCE 72 HR 06/06/2008 RAO 08/05/2008 A2 Oil4‐0021279 COHASSET 71 SOUTH MAIN ST RED LION INN TWO HR 05/29/2008 RAO 09/25/2008 A2 Oil4‐0020962 COHASSET 79 LINDEN DR RESIDENCE TWO HR 12/17/2007 RAO 06/11/2008 A2 Oil4‐0020911 COHASSET 194 JERUSALEM RD EQUIPMENT STAGING AREA / RESIDENTIAL TWO HR 11/19/2007 RAO 01/10/2008 A14‐0020453 COHASSET 827 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY MAJESTIC MOTORS 120 DY 04/18/2007 RAO 09/04/2007 A2 Oil and Hazardous Material4‐0020353 COHASSET CEDAR ST COHASSET DPW TWO HR 02/28/2007 RAO 05/02/2007 A2 Oil4‐0020312 COHASSET 270 SOUTH MAIN ST RESIDENCE TWO HR 02/09/2007 RAO 08/30/2007 A2 Oil4‐0020304 COHASSET 405 NORTH MAIN ST ROBBINS GARAGE INC TWO HR 02/06/2007 RAO 12/10/2007 A2 Oil4‐0020178 COHASSET 75 MEADOW LN RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION SITE TWO HR 11/20/2006 RAO 01/18/2007 A2 Oil4‐0020126 COHASSET 132 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY NO LOCATION AID 120 DY 09/08/2006 RAO 05/24/2007 A24‐0019826 COHASSET 2 BROOK ST NO LOCATION AID TWO HR 06/01/2006 TIERI 06/08/2007 PHASE II Oil4‐0019815 COHASSET 132 CHIEF JUSTICE CUSHING HWY NO LOCATION AID 120 DY 05/25/2006 RAO 05/24/2007 A2 Hazardous Material
Appendix G
ADA Accessibility Study
Figures
Map 1 Regional Context Map
Map 2 Environmental Justice Populations
Map 3 Zoning Map
Map 4 Soils and Geologic Features Map
Map 5 Unique Features Map
Map 6 Water Resources Map
Map 7 Conservation and Recreation Lands Map
Map 8 Action Plan Map
PREPARED BY:
BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.
144 Turnpike Road
Southborough, Massachusetts 01772
T 508.366.0560 | www.bealsandthomas.com
Civil Engineers + Landscape Architects +Land Surveyors + Planners +Environmental Specialists
B E A L S + T H O M A S
PROJECT:
OPEN SPACE ANDRECREATION PLAN
COHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
SCALE:DATE:
B+T JOB NO.
B+T PLAN NO.
2155.01
215501P009A
1" = 2,500'OCTOBER 11, 2018
COPYRIGHT (C) BY BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PREPARED FOR:
TOWN HALL41 HIGHLAND AVENUECOHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
TOWN OF COHASSET
FIGURE
0 1,250 2,500 3,750FEET
REGIONAL CONTEXT
1-001
CohassetHarbor
LittleHarbor
TheGulf
Lily Pond
AaronRiverReservoir
Straits Pond
MassachusettsBay
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HULL
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G a n n ettRoadBranch
StreetKilbyStreetChiefJusticeCushingHighwayGannettRoadSohier StreetN
a
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Forest AvenueHa
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Justice Cushing Way
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ushing
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ay NORTHSCITUATE
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COHASSET
ASSORTED SURFACE FEATURES, REGULATORY LIMIT LINESAND IMAGERY (DATED 2013) PROVIDED BY THE BUREAU OFGEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (MASSGIS), COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY ANDSECURITY SERVICES.
Legend
Town of Cohasset
Surrounding Towns
kj Cohasset Village Center
!(îé MBTA Commuter Rail Stations
MBTA Commuter Rail
MassDOT Major Roads
Open Water
Topography (3 meter)
[
PREPARED BY:
BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.
144 Turnpike Road
Southborough, Massachusetts 01772
T 508.366.0560 | www.bealsandthomas.com
Civil Engineers + Landscape Architects +Land Surveyors + Planners +Environmental Specialists
B E A L S + T H O M A S
PROJECT:
OPEN SPACE ANDRECREATION PLAN
COHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
SCALE:DATE:
B+T JOB NO.
B+T PLAN NO.
2155.01
215501P009A
1" = 2,500'OCTOBER 11, 2018
COPYRIGHT (C) BY BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PREPARED FOR:
TOWN HALL41 HIGHLAND AVENUECOHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
TOWN OF COHASSET
FIGURE
0 1,250 2,500 3,750FEET
ENVIRONMENTALJUSTICE
2-002
CohassetHarbor
LittleHarbor
TheGulf
Lily Pond
AaronRiverReservoir
Straits Pond
MassachusettsBay
HINGHAM
HULL
SCITUATE
Åı228
Åı228
")3A
ASSORTED SURFACE FEATURES, REGULATORY LIMIT LINESAND IMAGERY (DATED 2013) PROVIDED BY THE BUREAU OFGEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (MASSGIS), COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY ANDSECURITY SERVICES.
Legend
Town of Cohasset
Surrounding Towns
MassDOT Major Roads
Open Water
Land
Environmental Justice 2010 Populations
Minority
Income
English Isolation
Minority and Income
Minority and English Isolation
Income and English Isolation
Minority, Income and English Isolation
[
PREPARED BY:
BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.
144 Turnpike Road
Southborough, Massachusetts 01772
T 508.366.0560 | www.bealsandthomas.com
Civil Engineers + Landscape Architects +Land Surveyors + Planners +Environmental Specialists
B E A L S + T H O M A S
PROJECT:
OPEN SPACE ANDRECREATION PLAN
COHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
SCALE:DATE:
B+T JOB NO.
B+T PLAN NO.
2155.01
215501P009A
1" = 2,500'OCTOBER 11, 2018
COPYRIGHT (C) BY BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PREPARED FOR:
TOWN HALL41 HIGHLAND AVENUECOHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
TOWN OF COHASSET
FIGURE
0 1,250 2,500 3,750FEET
ZONING MAP
3-003
*Zoning districts are approximate. Zoning boundariesand designations obtained from Amory Engineers, P.C. For officialzoning information, refer to the Town of Cohasset, MassachusettsZoning District Map
CohassetHarbor
LittleHarbor
TheGulf
Lily Pond
AaronRiverReservoir
Straits Pond
MassachusettsBay
DB
HB
RC
RA
NT
RC
RC
RA
RC
RC
RA
OS
RC
HB
LI
RC
RC
RA
RB
HINGHAM
HULL
SCITUATE
Åı228
Åı228
")3A
ASSORTED SURFACE FEATURES, REGULATORY LIMIT LINESAND IMAGERY (DATED 2013) PROVIDED BY THE BUREAU OFGEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (MASSGIS), COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY ANDSECURITY SERVICES.
Legend
Town of Cohasset
Surrounding Towns
MassDOT Major Roads
Land
Zoning Districts
HB - Highway Business
RA - Residence A
RB - Residence B
RC - Residence C
DB - Downtown Business
LI - Light Industrial
WB - Waterfront Business
OS - Open Space
NT - Technology Business
Water Bodies (Zoned Inland and/or
Tidal Water Body)
Water Bodies (Un-zoned Inland and/or
Coastal Water Body)
[
PREPARED BY:
BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.
144 Turnpike Road
Southborough, Massachusetts 01772
T 508.366.0560 | www.bealsandthomas.com
Civil Engineers + Landscape Architects +Land Surveyors + Planners +Environmental Specialists
B E A L S + T H O M A S
PROJECT:
OPEN SPACE ANDRECREATION PLAN
COHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
SCALE:DATE:
B+T JOB NO.
B+T PLAN NO.
2155.01
215501P009A
1" = 2,500'OCTOBER 11, 2018
COPYRIGHT (C) BY BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PREPARED FOR:
TOWN HALL41 HIGHLAND AVENUECOHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
TOWN OF COHASSET
FIGURE
0 1,250 2,500 3,750FEET
SOILS AND GEOLOGICFEATURES
4-004"""""Ð
CohassetHarbor
LittleHarbor
TheGulf
Lily Pond
AaronRiverReservoir
Straits Pond
MassachusettsBay
HINGHAM
HULL
SCITUATE
Åı228
Åı228
")3A
ASSORTED SURFACE FEATURES, REGULATORY LIMIT LINESAND IMAGERY (DATED 2013) PROVIDED BY THE BUREAU OFGEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (MASSGIS), COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY ANDSECURITY SERVICES.
Legend
Town of Cohasset
Surrounding Towns
MassDOT Major Roads
Open Water
Land
Ð AUL Sites
Tier-Classified 21E Sites
"TIERI
"TIERII
Surficial Geology
Sand and Gravel
Till or Bedrock
Floodplain Alluvium
Prime Farmland Soils
Dominant Drainage Class
Excessively drained
Somewhat excessively drained
Well drained
Moderately well drained
Poorly drained
Very poorly drained
Not Classified
[
PREPARED BY:
BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.
144 Turnpike Road
Southborough, Massachusetts 01772
T 508.366.0560 | www.bealsandthomas.com
Civil Engineers + Landscape Architects +Land Surveyors + Planners +Environmental Specialists
B E A L S + T H O M A S
PROJECT:
OPEN SPACE ANDRECREATION PLAN
COHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
SCALE:DATE:
B+T JOB NO.
B+T PLAN NO.
2155.01
215501P009A
1" = 2,500'OCTOBER 11, 2018
COPYRIGHT (C) BY BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PREPARED FOR:
TOWN HALL41 HIGHLAND AVENUECOHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
TOWN OF COHASSET
FIGURE
0 1,250 2,500 3,750FEET
UNIQUE FEATURES
5-005
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")
*Views obtained from previous OSRP mappingof Cohasset**Heritage Trail House properties obtainedfrom document entitled "A Quick Guide toCohasset Heritage Trail Houses 1695-1816"prepared by the Cohasset Historical Society.
CohassetHarbor
LittleHarbor
TheGulf
Lily Pond
AaronRiverReservoir
Straits Pond
MassachusettsBay
HINGHAM
HULL
SCITUATE
Whitney
and Thayer
Woods
Wompatuck
State
Park
Wheelwright ParkÅı228
Åı228
Government Island
Mill River
Marine Railway
Lighthouse
Keeper's Cottage
Ode's Den Rooster Rock
Bigelow Boulder
Split Rock Formation
Big Tipping Rock
")3A
ASSORTED SURFACE FEATURES, REGULATORY LIMIT LINESAND IMAGERY (DATED 2013) PROVIDED BY THE BUREAU OFGEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (MASSGIS), COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY ANDSECURITY SERVICES.
Legend
Town of Cohasset
Surrounding Towns
MassDOT Major Roads
Open Water
Land
Views*
")Special Sites
!(Nat'l Register of Historic Places
^Preservation Restriction
#*Local Historic District
#*NRHP and LHD
Nat'l Register of Historic Places
Local Historic District
Heritage Trail House Properties**
! ! !
! ! !
! ! !Parks
[
PREPARED BY:
BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.
144 Turnpike Road
Southborough, Massachusetts 01772
T 508.366.0560 | www.bealsandthomas.com
Civil Engineers + Landscape Architects +Land Surveyors + Planners +Environmental Specialists
B E A L S + T H O M A S
PROJECT:
OPEN SPACE ANDRECREATION PLAN
COHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
SCALE:DATE:
B+T JOB NO.
B+T PLAN NO.
2155.01
215501P009A
1" = 2,500'OCTOBER 11, 2018
COPYRIGHT (C) BY BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PREPARED FOR:
TOWN HALL41 HIGHLAND AVENUECOHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
TOWN OF COHASSET
FIGURE
0 1,250 2,500 3,750FEET
WATER RESOURCES
6a-006
CohassetHarbor
LittleHarbor
TheGulf
Lily Pond
AaronRiverReservoir
Straits Pond
MassachusettsBay
HINGHAM
HULL
SCITUATE
WEIR
SOUTH COASTAL
Åı228
Åı228
")3A
ASSORTED SURFACE FEATURES, REGULATORY LIMIT LINESAND IMAGERY (DATED 2013) PROVIDED BY THE BUREAU OFGEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (MASSGIS), COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY ANDSECURITY SERVICES.
Legend
Town of Cohasset
Surrounding Towns
MassDOT Major Roads
Open Water
Land
Major Basins
Sub-basins
k Potential Vernal Pools
[´NHESP Certified Vernal Pools
#*Public Water Supply
Medium Yield Aquifers
100-Year Flood
Marsh/Bog
Wooded marsh
Salt Marsh
Tidal Flats
Beach/Dune
[
PREPARED BY:
BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.
144 Turnpike Road
Southborough, Massachusetts 01772
T 508.366.0560 | www.bealsandthomas.com
Civil Engineers + Landscape Architects +Land Surveyors + Planners +Environmental Specialists
B E A L S + T H O M A S
PROJECT:
OPEN SPACE ANDRECREATION PLAN
COHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
SCALE:DATE:
B+T JOB NO.
B+T PLAN NO.
2155.01
215501P009A
1" = 2,500'OCTOBER 11, 2018
COPYRIGHT (C) BY BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PREPARED FOR:
TOWN HALL41 HIGHLAND AVENUECOHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
TOWN OF COHASSET
FIGURE
0 1,250 2,500 3,750FEET
WATER RESOURCES
6b-007
CohassetHarbor
LittleHarbor
TheGulf
Lily Pond
AaronRiverReservoir
Straits Pond
MassachusettsBay
HINGHAM
HULL
SCITUATE
Åı228
Åı228
")3A
ASSORTED SURFACE FEATURES, REGULATORY LIMIT LINESAND IMAGERY (DATED 2013) PROVIDED BY THE BUREAU OFGEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (MASSGIS), COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY ANDSECURITY SERVICES.
Legend
Town of Cohasset
Surrounding Towns
MassDOT Major Roads
Open Water
Land
Areas of Critical Environmental
Concern
Zone I
Zone II
Surface Water Protection Zones
Zone A
Zone B
Zone C
""""""Watershed Resource Area*
Outstanding Resource Waters
ACEC
Public Water Supply Watershed
[
PREPARED BY:
BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.
144 Turnpike Road
Southborough, Massachusetts 01772
T 508.366.0560 | www.bealsandthomas.com
Civil Engineers + Landscape Architects +Land Surveyors + Planners +Environmental Specialists
B E A L S + T H O M A S
PROJECT:
OPEN SPACE ANDRECREATION PLAN
COHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
SCALE:DATE:
B+T JOB NO.
B+T PLAN NO.
2155.01
215501P009A
1" = 2,500'OCTOBER 11, 2018
COPYRIGHT (C) BY BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PREPARED FOR:
TOWN HALL41 HIGHLAND AVENUECOHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
TOWN OF COHASSET
FIGURE
0 1,250 2,500 3,750FEET
7
CONSERVATION ANDRECREATION LANDS
-008
CohassetHarbor
LittleHarbor
TheGulf
Lily Pond
AaronRiverReservoir
Straits Pond
MassachusettsBay
HINGHAM
HULL
SCITUATE
Åı228
Åı228
")3A
3
7
5
1
2
4
6
ASSORTED SURFACE FEATURES, REGULATORY LIMIT LINESAND IMAGERY (DATED 2013) PROVIDED BY THE BUREAU OFGEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (MASSGIS), COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY ANDSECURITY SERVICES.
Legend
Town of Cohasset
Surrounding Towns
MassDOT Major Roads
Open Water
Land
Assessors Parcels
MassGIS Open Space
Conservation
Recreation
Recreation and Conservation
Historical/Cultural
Water Supply
Other
Unknown
Conservation Restriction from Norfolk
Ram
Non-taxable Parcels from Cohasset
Assessors
!(Recreation Facilities
[
PREPARED BY:
BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.
144 Turnpike Road
Southborough, Massachusetts 01772
T 508.366.0560 | www.bealsandthomas.com
Civil Engineers + Landscape Architects +Land Surveyors + Planners +Environmental Specialists
B E A L S + T H O M A S
PROJECT:
OPEN SPACE ANDRECREATION PLAN
COHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
SCALE:DATE:
B+T JOB NO.
B+T PLAN NO.
2155.01
215501P009A
1" = 2,500'OCTOBER 11, 2018
COPYRIGHT (C) BY BEALS AND THOMAS, INC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PREPARED FOR:
TOWN HALL41 HIGHLAND AVENUECOHASSET, MASSACHUSETTS
TOWN OF COHASSET
FIGURE
0 1,250 2,500 3,750FEET
SEVEN-YEARACTION PLAN
8-009""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
Note: Many of the action items for this project are difficult to map as they arenot associated with specific places. Even the attributes shown on the mapmay not represent the entirety of an action item.
For a full list of the action items, see Section 9.0 of the Open Space andRecreation Plan.
CohassetHarbor
LittleHarbor
TheGulf
Lily Pond
AaronRiverReservoir
Straits Pond
MassachusettsBay
HINGHAM
HULL
SCITUATE
Åı228
Åı228
")3A
ASSORTED SURFACE FEATURES, REGULATORY LIMIT LINESAND IMAGERY (DATED 2013) PROVIDED BY THE BUREAU OFGEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (MASSGIS), COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY ANDSECURITY SERVICES.
Legend
Town of Cohasset
Surrounding Towns
MassDOT Major Roads
Open Water
Land
Shellfish Suitability Areas (Objective
8.2(2)-10)
!(Recreation Facilities (Objective 8.2(3)-1
and -5)
MHD and DCR Trails (Objective 8.2(3)-
3 and -4)
Mooring Fields (Objective 8.2(3)-8)""""""""""""Publicly Accessible Non-Town Open
Space (Objective 8.2(4)-4)
[