Based on Shoreline Surveys of November/December 2000

1. Reporting: Immediate Action
   Report to:
   1. Norwell Conservation Agent: Hay bales and silt fences are submerged in brook where First Herring meets First Parish Road.
   2. Scituate Conservation Commission:

      Old Forge Pump Station: Well 19-22 area

      • Request replanting of native vegetation and remediation of cleared area
      • Lack of buffer from the road and the channelization of the stream
      • Drawdown from wells may affect stream

      Greenbush near Rail Bed

      • Old heating tank sitting in pond/swamp which feeds Clapp Brook near Fitts Mill.
      • Tan Brook has been mislabeled "intermittent" by a botanist. It is perennial.
      • Dumping in Outstanding Resource Waters-Wetlands surrounding rail bed.

2. Short Term Actions:

   1. Trails and Access

      1. Establish a trail through Town owned land to access tributary and First Herring Brook to Pincin Hill and powerline area.
      2. Investigate Tan Brook near Wagner's Brook as a park area with trails
      3. Renovate and improve trail system within Conservation Land abutting Tack Factory Pond

   2. Identify Possible Monitoring Sites-Preparation for Water Quality Monitoring

      1. Use macroinvertebrate and water quality sites established by biologist Fred SaintOurs Jr. (Report attached) for monitoring plan.
      2. Use Powerline East of Maple St. and other pristine sites for baseline.
      3. Establish sites downstream from new/planned development
      4. Establish sites near impaired 303d water bodies.
      5. Develop QAPP and implement water sampling program.

   3. Education-Outreach

      1. Plan a clean-up along Tan Brook, around ponds, and Doctor's Brook near the High School.
      2. Encourage replanting of buffers along landowner property on Wagner's Brook towards Old Oaken Bucket Pond and along rear High School athletic field near tributary. Host program on watershed plantings with DEP specialist.
      3. Educate landowners about runoff from property along First Parish Road, Clapp Road, Pin Oak Drive, and other stream crossing areas.
      4. Educate landowners about herbicides and pesticides in areas that drain into system.
      5. Investigate sand/salt uses in towns.
      6. Collect information useful for residents and area science classes based on the local watershed and supply system.

   4. Mapping and Identifying Tributaries of Watershed

      1. Identify streams on a map that enter into South Swamp under Clapp Road from swamps and wetlands and whether they are perennial.
      2. Identify all tributaries (and associated headwater-wetlands) on a map that enter First Herring Brook from South Swamp and note historical resources.
      3. Identify Tan Brook and Clapp Brook as perennial streams which originate in Hick's Swamp and are tributary to Old Oaken Bucket Pond. Investigate wetlands-headwaters of same.
      4. Identify streams which contribute to First Herring Brook and associated wetlands which originate from Black Pond Swamp.
      5. Identify and map bank contours of water bodies within water supply system.

3. Long Term Strategies:

   1. Public Education & Awareness

      1. Educate landowners about importance of First Herring Brook through ongoing activities, lectures, and the DEP grant project.
      2. Educate landowners about preventing non-point source pollution through information about lawn care practices, buffers and buffer gardens.
      3. Cultivate relationships with local residents and river abutters.
      4. Seek grants to study habitat, macroinvertebrates, and water quality with the guidance of experts.
      5. Plan passive trails and access areas for education and recreation purposes with the Conservation Commission, Scouts, and School Department.
      6. Work closely with the Water Department, Conservation Commission, other town agencies, and environmental organizations to promote meaningful watershed education activities and projects in the community.

   2. Monitor Pipes, Catch basins, and other Storm Water Management Systems in Watershed

      1. Monitor storm drains along First Parish Road and other areas where First Herring Brook overflows and crosses properties.
      2. Educate residents about the town's storm water management system in areas near tributaries by providing outreach and methods such as storm drain stenciling
      3. Encourage DPW and developers to maintain the effectiveness of storm water control systems.
      4. Monitor storm drain and catch basins at end of Eisenhower Lane and other roads which drain into tributaries for sediment and erosion.
      5. Monitor degraded culverts under Clapp Rd.

   3. Acquisition of Open Space

      1. Encourage the purchase of land, conservation easements, and other protective strategies in First Herring Brook watershed.
      2. Monitor local development plans for their impacts on the surface water supply and loss of open space