Help BLT Save the Herring Run
1.17 acres in Marstons Mills
BLT is leading the charge to raise $335,000 to preserve a critical 1.17-acre parcel at the headwaters of the Marstons Mills River. This irreplaceable parcel located off Flume Avenue will complete the protection of the fishway that leads herring to their spawning grounds in Middle Pond.
BLT has applied for a state grant and requested funding through the Town’s Community Preservation Act. We still need to raise $100,000 to complete the project by January 2012.
Herring play an important role in the ecology of the marine, estuarine and freshwater systems. Birds such as osprey, herons and endangered roseate terns feed heavily on herring. Maintaining a healthy, robust population is essential for the balance of the ecosystem.
Environmental benefits of the 1.17-acre Herring Run Property:
- It is at the headwaters of the Marstons Mills Herring Run.
- It is the last remaining undeveloped parcel along the herring run.
- It will allow permanent access for maintenance of the run.
- It has 190’ of frontage on wetlands that front on the herring run.
- It has 100’ of frontage on Middle Pond where there are many rare species.
- It abuts town-owned open space along the herring run.
- It falls within the Zone of Contribution to the COMM Wellfields (GP Zone) just upgradient from the Hayden Wellfields.
- It protects the water quality of Middle Pond, the herring run, the Marstons Mills River and the greater 3-Bay watershed.
- It links to and continues an existing walking trail.
Also see Resources - Late Summer 2011 for more information about the Herring Run.
