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Trustee Matters Informational Articles DID YOU KNOW THAT...
DID YOU KNOW THAT… Governor Andros first created the position of the town trustees in 1676 by issuing a patent (similar to a deed or land grant) to the Town of Southold? The reason this early government felt it imperative to establish these positions is the fact that they recognized the importance of our wetlands and other resources they provide to our Town. Not only does a healthy estuary provide us with a valuable shellfish industry but it also provides recreational activities for our town residents, helps to filter pollutants from road run off, reduces flooding from storms and retains the aesthetic value of our local waterways for all to enjoy.
Town Trustees are the caretakers or stewards of these valuable assets. We inspect proposed permit applications for any “change, alteration or activity” that a Southold Town resident may want to make within 100 feet of the estuary, tidal wetland, fresh water wetland, beach, or bluff. Our team determines whether the activity will affect the well being of the estuary, shoreline or immediate bay bottom. Then, at our monthly meeting, which is open to the public, we vote on each permit application. All our decisions are made with the fundamental principles about the estuary foremost in our minds. *The Trustees of Southold Town, will be presenting the public with these brief informational articles on a regular basis. We hope it communicates some of the issues you have elected us to deal with in regard to maintaining the town’s valuable resources. We thank you for your support, Town Trustees: James King, Peggy Dickerson, Jill Doherty, Dave Bergen, Bob Ghosio Jr.
DID YOU KNOW THAT...
Driveways or walkways
that are built or reconstructed within 100’
of the wetlands or open waters require a Southold Town Trustee permit? The
Board has re-written the Wetland Code to make this a simpler process to
complete by going through an “administrative review” procedure instead of a
full permit procedure. This reduces the cost and the paperwork, thereby
making it easier to obtain a permit. These driveways or walkways are
required to be of pervious materials; for example: stone, gravel, sand, or
shell. The minimum setback from the wetland boundary for the installation of
a walkway or driveway is at least 50 feet depending on the configuration of
the lot. The REASON pervious
materials are required is to allow rainwater to permeate into the ground
rather than run off into our creeks and waterways. Rain, especially heavy
down pours, allows for the flow of oils, fertilizers, debris, animal waste,
and other contaminants into our fragile ecosystems. Oil suffocates the larva
stage of many marine organisms like shellfish and horseshoe crabs.
Fertilizers cause an imbalance of nutrients which can cause an algae bloom
similar to the brown tide. Animal waste adds bacteria, which contaminates
shellfish. One might ask what
difference does a small driveway make, but small changes can make a
significant difference when it comes to the environment.
DID YOU KNOW THAT... the Trustees regulate Phragmites? Yes, it is an indicator of a wetland area, a marine or freshwater wetland habitat that is protected by law. If you have Phragmites growing in your yard and you want to trim it call the Trustee Office. They will determine if you need a permit. They will look at the plants and determine if it is ok to trim them to 12”. It is unlawful to mow Phragmites to ground level. This will also encourage other native plants to grow in around it.
The REASON that Phragmites is a protected plant is because it indicates a wetland area; its massive root system helps to filter water into our creeks, and it does provide habitat for wildlife. It grows everywhere, in wetlands, along the side of roads, and in any disturbed area. Phragmites or Common Reedgrass is an invasive plant that was introduced to the east coast of the United States, hundreds of years ago, on ships that were transporting goods and used it for packing material. Phragmites has the distinctive plumy or feathery flower clusters, 6” – 12” in length; they turn from reddish to silver to tan in color. The plant sends out long, horizontal runners and can spread rapidly. It is found along the upper edges of a marsh, especially where there has been disturbance. Dense reedgrass replaces Spartina alterniflora, or Cordgrass, the green grass you see growing right in the water along the bogs and in the intertidal zone.
The Trustees and Cornell Cooperative Extension, as well as organizations all along the East Coast, have been involved in wetland restoration projects where Phragmites is removed and the more valuable wetland plant species are planted. These projects do require permits, and must be done carefully so there is not damage to the marsh.
DID YOU KNOW THAT… The Trustees require all rainwater to be contained on your land and not be allowed to runoff into the adjacent creek, wetland, Bay or Sound waters, or over a bluff? All homes and additions should have roof gutters running into drywells. The will contain the water so it is filtered back into our groundwater and does not run in to the open waters of the creeks, bay, sound, or any ponds.
The REASON is that when water goes into the creek from a yard it carries with it lawn fertilizers, pet wastes, and other substances, which may come off your house or land. Our creeks used to be completely buffered by extensive wetlands; a large percentage of these have been filled and destroyed. When those substances enter the open water they can cause pollution in the waterway. Fertilizers contain inorganic elements, which cause algal blooms, like the brown tide. Pet waste can add bacteria to the water, which may cause shellfish closures. These are called “non point source pollution”. It isn’t something obvious like a pipe pouring water into the bay. It is difficult to pinpoint but many studies have now shown that there is a big impact from our own yards. We can change this by keeping the rainwater on site and keeping our open waters clean.
DID YOU KNOW THAT… In general, split rail FENCES are prohibited from beaches and wetland areas in Southold Town? If a need is shown for a fence the code requires that the fence be perpendicular to the waterline and that it does not extend to the water’s edge or block the public’s access to our shorelines. The code states that the fence cannot be closer than 10’ from the average high water area. Signs can be posted, but they can be no larger than 12”x12”.
THE REASON that ONLY SPLIT RAIL fences are permitted is to allow for “wildlife corridors”. These are “instinct highways” that animals need to travel. The success of the animals’ life cycles is dependent on specific natural areas for food and laying eggs. When they are stopped from this natural process, their survival can be threatened. A split rail fence allows animals to continue to travel these corridors since they can go under, over or in between these wooden rails.
THE REASON fences are not allowed down to the waters edge is to protect the “rights of the public” to walk our local beaches and enjoy our towns natural treasures that these shorelines provide us all with. Homeowners do have “riparian rights”, that provide them with the “right to access” the water on their property. However, “riparian rights” do not cancel out the “public’s right”. Each “Right” must be respected.
DID YOU KNOW THAT… Chapter 275 of the Southold Town Code protects freshwater wetland areas, which include Vernal Ponds. Any construction or alteration within a 100’ of these unique habitat areas must have a permit from the Southold Town Trustees. Construction within 50’ is often discouraged due to the harm and affect it can have on the plant and animal life that is dependent on these isolated depressions. THE REASON the Southold Town Trustees regulate any disturbance near these ecosystems is because they are very specialized habitats. These areas may look unimportant as they appear in the spring as a “wet puddle” that dries up during the hot summer months; also called Seasonal Wet Areas. However, they have the following extraordinary characteristics:
Ultimately, impacts to these ponds would result in the loss of certain species in our area. When you hear our spring peepers announcing spring, THANK A VERNAL POND!
DID YOU KNOW THAT… All moorings located in Southold Town are required to be permitted? Moorings are anchoring devices that are placed on the bottom of the water with a floating device to secure boats on the surface of the water. No one in Southold Town can place a mooring in the creeks without a trustee permit. Our creeks are filled to capacity with moorings, therefore, there is a waiting list for anyone who would like a mooring. A new mooring chapter for the bays is in progress. There is an informational meeting set for July 18th. The draft can be read on-line (trustee site)
THE REASON that moorings are allowed by permit only is to minimize their impact on shellfish beds, aquatic vegetation, and underwater habitats. The Trustees are protecting the habitats and marine life by limiting the number of moorings placed in Town waters. The Trustees also want to be sure moorings are placed in an orderly fashion to ensure safe navigation for the public at large.
PLEASE NOTE that the Town will soon be surveying the moorings and identifying any moorings that do not have permits. Anyone who owns a non-permitted mooring is encouraged to remove them before the Town takes action. Please call the Trustee office, 765-1892, if you have any questions on this matter.
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