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The Plymouth Pinelands

Photograph by Karen Lombard
A Nature Conservancy biologist holds a Red-bellied Cooter

Why the Conservancy Selected
This Site
The greater Plymouth area hosts some of the most significant natural ecosystems in the Northeastern United States. Outwash from the last of numerous glacial periods left thick deposits of sand and gravel, providing the geologic foundation for globally rare pine barrens. This fire-adapted forest is home to a host of rare species found almost nowhere else in the world. Interspersed among the 20,000 acres of pine barrens are dozens of remarkable coastal plain ponds. In addition to supporting the federally endangered Northern Red-bellied Cooter (formerly known as the "Plymouth Redbelly Turtle") and globally rare plant communities, these ponds are windows on the Plymouth/Carver Sole Source Aquifer - the largest drinking water aquifer in Massachusetts.

Threats
The pace of development has increased tremendously in the Plymouth area.  Large-scale development proposals and an increase in the number of new homes are altering the quality of life for residents. Southeastern Massachusetts' population is expected to grow by an additional 200,000 people in 20 years, leading to the fragmentation of Plymouth's forested areas.

These population increases have serious secondary impacts, including the depletion of the water table by water supply wells and the potential pollution of the aquifer. Development also leads to the suppression of natural wildfire, necessary to maintain the pinelands' rare habitats.  Damaging recreation, such as off-road vehicle use on pond shores and in fragile pine barrens, is also on the rise.

Plants
Plymouth gentian, New England boneset, golden hedge hyssops, pitch pine-scrub oak barrens, coastal plain pondshore communities

Animals
The federally endangered Northern Red-bellied Cooter is a star attraction in the  Plymouth pinelands. With less than 200 of these federally endangered turtles remaining, the Massachusetts Chapter joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program to assist in nest site creation and nest monitoring, and habitat protection.

Our Conservation Strategy
Our conservation strategies for the Plymouth Pinelands include:

  • Working with partners to prevent further development and fragmentation of pine barrens and coastal plain pond shores, through purchases or conservation restrictions
  • Partnering  with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the expansion of its Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Educating fire departments, state officials, and residents on the methods and ecological benefits of prescribed fire and work to increase the acreage of controlled burning.
  • Working directly with cranberry growers on conservation alternatives and sustainable options as they consider the disposition of their lands.
  • Developing a better understanding of the ecology of coastal plain ponds and pine barrens.
  • Working in partnership with agencies and individuals to ensure the recovery of the federally endangered Northern Red-bellied Cooter.
  • With all stakeholders, developing a common vision and unified management plan for the future of this landscape. 
  • Working with local conservation partners to enhance their ability to protect and restore ecologically significant land.
  • Educating residents and visitors about our unique natural communities.

What TNC Has Done/Is Doing

  • The Chapter continues to conduct prescribed burns in the pitch pine scrub oak barrens in over ten years in partnership with the State Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Town of Plymouth, including 150 acres in 2003.
  • In 2003, TNC and partners created a team of local volunteers to act as "Pond Watchers" at area ponds. The volunteers conduct monthly tests on water quality and quantity and report on results.
  • The area’s coastal plain ponds have long been thought of as "windows" on the Plymouth/Carver Sole Source Aquifer. Recognizing the need for aquifer protection across town boundaries, the Conservancy received a grant to help establish a Plymouth/Carver Sole Source Aquifer Committee in partnership with the Southeast Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD).
  • The persistent decline of wholesale prices in the cranberry industry has further increased the need for the Conservancy's presence. To alleviate financial pressures, cranberry producers are selling their agricultural land, leaving it vulnerable to development. The Conservancy is currently working in partnership with other conservation and community groups to ensure the protection of substantial portions of this land.

Preserves in the Plymouth Area:
Black Pond
Halfway Pond Island

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