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Our Projects > Survey of the York River > Summaries WildlifeMany observers indicated that they either saw fish, wildlife or birds during the river survey, or knew that these frequented their segment area. The details of each of these are indicated in the segment listings, with a summary in the attached matrix. The descriptions varied widely by segment and observer; some observers noted wildlife from the past year, others only what they saw on the survey day. Some observers were clearly more skilled in identification; accordingly, this section is a very informal inventory. Salt pannes were noted along Ramshead Point. Fish habitat in particular was noted by the observers in the following areas:
VegetationSpecific
species that were noted included:
Conservation Land - Current & Potential
Recreational Access - Current & PotentialObservers both recognized current river recreation and access, and suggested additional potential access points. Hunting and fishing related recreation was reported:
Resources
Clam flats were noted in York River #10B. York River Potential ProblemsInvasive Plants - PhragmitesPhragmites is a native reed that can form a dense monoculture, pushing out resident vegetation, particularly in disturbed areas. It is often thought of as an indicator of a disturbed/degraded salt marsh, although it occurs naturally along the edges of salt marshes, where the water is only brackish. An abundance of Phragmites may indicate a tidal restriction or other disturbance. Locations:
York River Segments #1, #4, #5, #9, and #9A. Not noted
in survey, but present in #8.
Loosestrife
also occurs along the York River in isolated areas, but was not
noted in this survey. Loosestrife is much more readily identified
by volunteers in late summer, when its purple blooms are very
distinctive.
Erosion
In contrast, some observers consciously attributed erosion to natural causes or indicated that erosion was only slight. "Non-eroding banks" were specifically noted along Southside Brook. "Only minor erosion" in Segment York #8. "Natural erosion from tidal action" in York #1. See matrix for an overview of erosion and related observations. Pipes & Swales
Trash & DumpsAlthough survey observers did not find much trash along York River, a few spots were particularly troublesome, including a couple dumping sites along York River Tributaries:
Smaller, floatable trash was noted in three segments: Surveyors noted relatively little highway related trash in Segment #6 along I-95 and Route 1, perhaps because of the river's tidal action. Floatable trash including pallets, buoys, and empty antifreeze bottles were mentioned in Tributary #2. Road trash such as bottles, paper, and aluminum cans is a problem at Beech Hill Road crossing of Rogers Brook. Landowner Practices
DamsSurvey observers noted 7 dams as part of this survey, 6 of which are old and unused. The 7th is the dam for Boulter Pond, owned by the Kittery Water District.
Other Water District dams were not noted in the survey, because
these dams are further up tributary streams than our observers
went. The Water District dams are better known, and are marked
on maps. However, they may still form barriers to fish passage,
may create water quality problems with low dissolved oxygen from
bottom-release reservoirs, and may not release sufficient flow
year-round to support a healthy river system.
Water Quality - Non-point SourcesIn addition to the pipes, from which any output might degrade water quality, the survey observes also notes specific areas in which water quality from non-point sources are of concern. These included: Matrix SummariesWildlife - Mammals
Wildlife - Birds
Wildlife - Fishes
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Erosion
was noted in nearly all segments. The degree to which this erosion
is natural, as a result of the daily tidal flow, as opposed to
caused by increasing development, is a matter for further study.
In some cases, specific structures such as a bridge, culvert,
or swale were contributing to or perhaps causing the erosion.
Below
is the list of pipes and swales observed during the survey:
Abutting
landowners to the river can have a great effect on river health
- either positive or negative depending on their practices, especially
around yard and lawn care. Abutting landowners to the York River
and tributaries are a mix of residential, agricultural, and commercial.
Survey observers noted some areas where yard waste or other debris
was thrown into the river or piled along its banks. Clearing
of vegetation, possibly in violation of shorelane zoning ordinances,
was also noted.