The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) recently awarded the Mattapoisett Land Trust (MLT) just over $80,000 to complete a comprehensive study of the tidal marshes west of Mattapoisett Neck Road by June 30, 2024. The study will explore conditions in nearly 250 acres of saltmarsh, currently one of the most degraded salt marshes in Buzzards Bay, according to data from the Buzzards Bay Coalition.
Researchers will use field studies as well as computer modeling to evaluate future marsh conditions in light of increasing rain and wind storms and sea level rise. The final product will be a saltmarsh habitat restoration plan describing current and future conditions in the marsh and feasible restoration actions to help restore healthy ecological function within the marsh.
There are many partners working on this saltmarsh study: Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Town of Mattapoisett, as well as the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Project, Buzzards Bay Coalition, Plymouth County Mosquito Control and CZM’s Coastal Habitat and Water Quality program. Much of the technical work will be completed by Woods Hole Group and Greenman Pederson, Inc. working as subcontractors to MLT.
A public meeting will be held before the conclusion of the study to discuss study findings and restoration actions identified by researchers. Please follow the Mattapoisett Land Trust’s website to learn more about the study and future public meetings.