Environment: 2 Views of Human Impact on the Water

This post will be a short one. 

Recently, I was at the mouth of the Merrimack River in Newburyport, MA and I ran across two views of human activity that displayed our impact on waterways, and on the environment in general. Washed up on the riverbank (and very close to the open ocean) was trash of all sorts - but mainly bottles (mostly plastic, some glass). These had been lost, or more likely, discarded into the water or left on the beach for a high tide to wash away. As this is the mouth of a substantial river, some of the detritus could have floated downstream from several upstream communities.

Washed up trash at the mouth of the Merrimack River

This trash ran on for 50 yards at least, with clusters of items every few feet. When I saw this, I thought of every instance of thoughtlessness each item represented. I was disgusted. 

Very close nearby, I noticed some sections of the dunes that had been roped off, and within these areas, grasses had been planted as part of a dune restoration effort. These efforts have become common along coastlines, and especially on barrier islands, which Plum Island is. The driving force behind these efforts is often as much about saving property (beach houses in this case) from the ever encroaching ocean and increasingly severe storms, as it is about improving the environment. Nevertheless, it is an example of humans working with nature to recreate natural environments that will benefit many species, including our own.

Dune restoration grass plantings adjacent to the Merrimack River

Now, consider these two images of areas literally feet from each other. Then, think about the different motivations (or lack of motivations) that led to each result. It isn't hard to see which actions led to which conditions.

I'm confident the trash on the riverbank will be cleaned up before beach going season is in full swing in these parts. This particular area is popular with families and fisherman - who surf cast for striped bass. What I have no confidence in, however, is that the trash will be cleaned up by the same people who left it - or that more won't follow.  

Please, don't pollute. Don't make someone else, or something else, suffer the consequences of your actions. It's often easier to tear something down or apart than it is to build it. So, do the hard thing, do the right thing. Be part of the solution, not a source of the problem.

And, for all of you who are doing the right thing - thanks!

- TB on the Water
            

Travel: Plum Island Sound - A Natural Beauty

I have the good fortune of living in close proximity to a truly beautiful and protected body of water and adjacent lands defined by Plum Island to the east, and the Great Marsh to to the west. The body of water between the two is Plum Island Sound, which is the outlet of the Parker River, the Rowley River, and the Plum Island River (which also connects, via Plumbush Creek, under the Plum Island Turnpike Bridge, to the Merrimack River). Most of Plum Island, and a large portion of the marsh west of the sound is encompassed within the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. According to their website, the refuge contains some 4,700 total acres, with 3000 of these comprised of marshland. This area is abundant with paddling opportunities (read my post Paddle Trip: The Plumb Island River from Plumb Island), and with some pretty amazing wildlife.

On a recent trip, Tim (see my post An Unexpected Adventure) and I spotted a roosting raptor that appeared to be a bald eagle, several seals hauled out on a dry patch of marsh (and with shiny, curious heads bobbing in the water to keep an eye on us 😉), multiple species of waterfowl, and possibly the strangest thing I've seen in salt water - a beaver. If you told me before this trip that beaver use marsh saltwater creeks to travel, I wouldn't have believed you - and yet, it swam nonchalantly right past the two of us. I've also seen deer, horseshoe crabs (ancient, alien looking creatures), and, until the beaver sighting, my most unusual salt water discovery: a snapping turtle. Keep in mind this is also an area known for arctic snowy owls and is a nationally recognized area to view migrating birds - especially at the nearby Joppa Flats.Then, there's the fishing. Striped bass are abundant in the sound when they're running, and bluefish and groundfish species (flounder, sole, etc) are available - primarily on the eastern side of Plum Island, which is open to the Atlantic.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

There are several kayak put-ins in the area, on the Parker and Rowley Rivers, on Water Street near Joppa Flats on the Merrimack River, and, for a fee, near the gate entrance to the Plum Island section of the wildlife refuge. The refuge itself has a gravel road that runs its' full length, and there's a state park at the southern tip with beach access. There are also boarded walkways off the road that provide access to views of the sound, or that meander through the dunes to the open ocean side.The refuge charges a per day fee, or you can buy an annual pass. You can also use your National Park pass should you have one. 

You can rent kayaks at Newbury Kayak and Canoe on the Parker River in Newbury, and also at Plum Island Kayak in Newburyport. Ask them about local conditions, though. Currents on the Merrimack River can be treacherous, and the mouth of the river is considered one of the most dangerous on the east coast. There's a Coast Guard station located near the mouth of that river because of the dangerous conditions (Newburyport is the birthplace of the USCG). Even the lesser rivers like the Parker and Rowley can have challenging currents depending on the tide. Explain your experience and comfort level and they should direct you where to go. Or, consider a group tour if it's available. 

With proper planning, the waters of Plum Island Sound offer a fantastic opportunity to paddle through protected coastal lands and waterways - and to view abundant wildlife. Birds of all kinds, seals, deer, fish, and possibly odd visitors like beavers or snapping turtles all make their home here. Wear bug protection, especially during the vicious "greenhead" fly season (see my post Essex Bay - A Northeast Massachusetts Gem), and bring a map - the various creeks can be visually confusing, especially at lower tides. 

Parking can get a little tricky midsummer, and for good reason. Folks recognize a good thing when they see it. But, don't be discouraged. With some persistence, the natural beauty of Plum Island Sound and its environs are there for your enjoyment. Afterward, you can explore Newburyport or Amesbury (farther upriver on the Merrimack) for a bite to eat and one of the many locally brewed beers (like the offerings at Silvaticus Brewery & Taproom)..

- TB on the Water