Coastal area management Town of Darien

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

DARIEN (TOWN OF)

COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

HT
393
.C8
D32
1984

N.-
c

Dept. of
PhP
`R9 Coord.1c
castal m h

Nil A 6PT-E - -
13@ FEB!IUARY 7,1984t., -

w w,
4orlh: Y
3.

w
Sl T-A L: A R E-A'@`-,@-`,M
NAQJ@-Mg
777.

-@,Zvv

@,M
,V.mg
4. 314@

IL
7

gi ti

-TOWN
-OFDAR

.1. I-A
IG AN6-20N'
m I
IN
ING
Alt
@X.

to
Ji

iZw;

:j7

MUNICIPAL COASTAL PROGRAM

Photo: Darien Historical Society-

77: @ _@ @T: - -

Whaleboat "MIDDLESEX"

This document was financed in part by a grant through the Office
of Coastal Zone Management, National oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce under the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and was prepared in coopera-
tion with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's
Coastal Area Management Program.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Lloyd M. Wilson, Chairman
A. Wyman Procter, Jr.
Edmund F. Schmidt
Carol L. Davis
Robyn Hogin
Franklin E. Penn

Former Members:
Frank A. Anselmo
William C. Bieluch, Jr.
Daniel Shea

REPORT PREPARED BY:

Authors and Direction -
Raymond D. Nurme, Planning and Zoning Director
Whitney Tilt, Executive Director, Long Island Sound Task Force
Mapping -
F. P. Clark Associates - Rye, NY
Layout -
Michael E. Roark, Assistant Town Planner
Editing -
Catherine Shea, Summer Intern
Franklin E. Penn, Commission Member
Lloyd M. Wilson, Commission Member

With grateful contributions by many interested persons
within the Town of Darien and the continual assistance of
the staff of the.Coastal Area Management Unit of the
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 7, 1984 EFFECTIVE: FEBRUARY 19, 1984

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report presents an inventory and analysis of Darien's
coastal resources, together with a comprehensive review of the
various elements of a Municipal Coastal Program. Based upon the
findings from these studies, recommendations are advanced for
amendments to the Town Plan of Development.

The study is set forth in eight chapters as follows:

1. Background of Municipal Coastal Area Management Program

Review of the history of the legislation establishing the
Federal Office of Coastal Zone Management; implementation by
Connecticut under Public Act 79-535; establishment of the
Darien Coastal Boundary; procedures for the mandatory
Coastal Site Plan Reviews; development of the municipal
program.

2. Land Use and Development of the Darien Coastal Boundary

Actions taken under existing Town Plan of Development; cur-
rent land use and environmental regulation; application of
subdivision regulations to the Coastal Boundary; analysis of
current land values; existing land use patterns.

3. Coastal Resources

Overview of the fourteen CAM Program coastal land and water
resources, as found in Darien.

4. Detailed Resource Data for Coastal Zone

Inventory analysis of the 16.5 miles of Darien coast, divided
into sixteen geographical areas with summary and conclusions
for each area.

5. Identification of Coastal Issues

Discussion of the major issues facing Darien which require
either administrative action, capital expenditure, enforce-
ment of existing regulations, or further study. Included in
this chapter are discussions and recommendations for:
improvement of boating opportunities; coastal hazard and
flood damage prevention; preservation and enhancement of
tidal wetlands with special reference to seven critical areas
requiring special effort and permanent protection; shell-
fishing policies for both recreational and commercial
activities; dredging policies for new or existing navi-
gational channels; protection and enhancement of wildlife
habitats; proposal for reclamation of Tokeneke Trail marsh,
protection and preservation of the shoreline through public
and quasi-public ownership, open space declarations, and

conservation easements; improvement and expansion of physical
and visual public access; identification and control of sedi-
mentation and erosion; policies for controlling coastal
structures and filling; mitigation of coastal development
impacts; management of tidal ponds, and preservation and
enhancement of cultural resources.

6. Proposed Amendments to Plan of Development

Discussion of seven objectives to be incorporated in the
updated Town Plan of Development: improve physical access to
Long Island Sound; preserve and enhance visual access; expand
recreational boating opportunities; improve recreational
shellfishing opportunities; preserve and protect key shore-
line resource areas; enhance degraded natural systems;
improve educational opportunities.

7. Proposals for Revising Local Regulations

Review of existing regulations: specifically Sections
431.11, 482, 486, 488, and 489 of the Town Zoning Regu-
lations; the Town Subdivision Regulations and Coastal Site
Plan Review. Recommendation that no further amendments
needed until updated Plan of Development is adopted and
recodification of Zoning Regulations completed.

8. Summary and Conclusions

High visual, aesthetic, and ecological value of Darien coast-
line; need for educational programs to accomplish objectives
detailed in Chapter 6; use of CAM program for the protection,
preservation and wise management of the existing shoreline
and coastal resources; use of staff and various regulatory
agencies in carrying out respective programs. Also listed
are the additional work elements of the Program: base maps
within Coastal Boundary; resource inventory maps; 35MM slide
inventory with slide presentation and index maps.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary
Table of Contents
Listing of Figures
Page

1.0 Background of Municipal Program 1.

1.1 Legislative Action . . . . . . ... . . 2.
1.2 Description of Darien's Coa;t;l*Boun'd;ry . . . . . 3.
1.3 Intent of Municipal Coastal Program . . . . . . . . 5.

2.0 Land Use & Development of Darien's Coastal Zone . . . . . 7.

2.1 Existing Town Plan of Development . . . . . . . . . 9.
2.2 Current Land Use and Environmental Regulation . . . 124
2.3 Subdivision Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.
2.4 Non-Residential Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.
2.5 Existing Land Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.
2.6 Existing Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.

3.0 Coastal Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.

3.1 Overview of Resource Base . . . . . . . . . . . . 22.
3.2 General Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24.
3.3 Bluffs and Escarpments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24.
3.4 Rocky Shorefront . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25.
3.5 Dunes and Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26.
3.6 Tidal Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27.
3.7 Freshwater Wetlands & Watercourses . . . . . . . . 29.
3.8 Intertidal Flats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31.
3.9 Coastal Hazard Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32.
3.10 Developed Shorefront . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33.
3.11 Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33.
3.12 Shorelands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34.
3.13 Shellfish Concentration Areas . . . . . . . . . . 35.
3.14 Coastal Waters & Estuarine Embayments . . . . . . 37.
3.15 Air Resources & Air Pollution . . . . . . . . . . 39.

4.0 Detailed Resource Data for Coastal Zone . . . . . . . . 40.

4.1 Five Mile River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42.
4.2 Contentment Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49.
4.3 Fish Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.

Table of Contents (continued)

Page

4.4 Scotts Cove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55.

4.4(a) Contentment Island Cove . . . . . . 55.
4.4(b) Tokeneke Brook . . . . . . . . . . 59.
4.4(c) Tokeneke Trail Cove . . . . . . . . 62.
4.4(d) Delafield Island Cove . . . . . . . 65.
4.4(e) Salem Straits . . . . . . . . . . . 68.

4.5 Sargent's Cove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72.
4.6 Long Neck Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76.
4.7 Pear Tree Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78.
4.8 Darien River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81.
4.9 Gorham's Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86.
4.10 Noroton Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90.
4.11 Holly Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94.
4.12 Noroton River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98.

5.0 Identification of Coastal Issues . . . . . . . . . i02.

5.1 Improvement of Boating Opportunities . . . 103.
5.2 Coastal Hazard/Flood Damage . . . . . . . . 107.
5.3 Preservation and Enhancement of Tidal
Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109.
5.4 Maintenance of Recreational Shellfish
Opportunities and Establishment of
Commercial oystering Policy . . . . . . . . 111.
5.5 Local Policies on Dredging of New
and Existing Navigation Channels . . . . . 112.
5.6 Protection and Enhancement of Wildlife
Habitat . . . . . . * * - . . . . . 114.
5.7 Project Analysis and Propo@als f@r
Specific Coastal Areas . . . . . . . . . . 115.
5.8 Protection and Preservation of Shoreline 115.
5.9 Improvement and Expansion of Physical
and Visual Public Access . . . . . * 1 117.
5.10 Identification and Control of Erosion
and Sedimentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118.
5.11 Establishment of a Policy for Coastal
Structures and Filling . . . . . . . . . . 120.
5.12 Mitigation of Coastal Development Impacts - 122.
5.13 Management of Darien's Tidal Ponds . . . . 123.
5.14 Preservation and Enhancement of
Cultural Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . 126.

6.0 Proposed Amendments to Plan of Development . . . . 128.

6.1 Improve Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129.
6.2 Protect, Preserve, and Enhance Visual
Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129.

Table of Contents (continued)

Page

6.3 Expand Recreational Boating Opportunities . . . . 130.
6.4 Improve Recreational Shellfish Opportunities
and Maximize Commercial Operations . . . . . . . 130.
6.5 Preserve and Protect Key Shoreline
Resource Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131.
6.6 Improve Natural Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131.
6.7 Provide Substantially Improved
Educational Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . 131.

7.0 Proposals for Revising Local Regulations . . . . . . . 133.

7.1 Zoning Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134.
7.2 Subdivision Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137.
7.3 Inland Wetland Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . 138.
7.4 Coastal Site Plan Review . . . . . . . . . . . . 138.

8.0 Summary and Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141.

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1. Coastal Boundary Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.
2. Coastal Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.
3. Plan of Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.
4. Zoning Map . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . 14.
5. Non-Residential Land Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18.
6. Regulated Wetlands and Watercourses . . . . . . . . 30.
7. Study Areas Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41.
8. Five Mile River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47.
9. Contentment Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51.
10. Fish Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54.
11. Scott's Cove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56.
12. Contentment Island Cove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58.
13. Tokeneke Brook , , * * , * . * * * , * , * , * 61.
14. Tokeneke Trail Cove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64.
15. Delafield Island Cove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67.
16. Salem Straits Cove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71.
17. Sargent's Cove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75.
18. Long Neck Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77.
19. Pear Tree Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79.
20. Darien River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84.
21. Gorham's Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89.
22. Noroton Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.
23. Holly Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97.
24. Noroton River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99.
25. Flood Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108.

Snowy Egret

1.0

BACKGROUND TO MUNICIPAL PROGRAM'

-2-

1.1 Legislative Action

In 1972, Congress passed the Coastal Zone Management Act. This
action was taken in response to a growing recognition of the
need to protect the Nation's shorelines. The legislation applied
to all thirty coastal states plus five coastal territories and it
offered the specific opportunity and financial support to develop
and establish comprehensive management programs for-their respec-
tive coastal areas. The basic goals and objectives set forth
were to:

- Identify, protect and enhance critical coastal
resources

- Better coordinate governmental activities which affect
coastal areas

- Encourage meaningful local governmental participation
in the coastal management process

- Build strong working partnerships between the states
and the Federal Government in the management of coastal
areas

- Strengthen ongoing governmental programs, streamline
coastal regulatory processes, and consolidate coastal
permitting activities.

The first step was to form an agency at the federal level to
organize and administer this new program. Accordingly, an office
of Coastal Zone Management was established within the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. Department of
Commerce. It was the mission of this office to deal with each of
the coastal states and territories, and assist them in imple-
menting the Coastal Zone Management Act.

The State of Connecticut began its Coastal Area Management
Program (CAM) in 1975, in response to the initiative provided by
the federal action. Approximately four years were spent in
developing and promoting a State program and, in 1979, a final
proposal was completed by the Coastal Area Management Unit of the
State Department of Environmental Protection. Their work ulti-
mately led to the adoption by the General Assembly of the re-
quired enabling legislation during the 1979 session.. The new
legislation, Public Act 79-535, became known as an "Act Con-
cerning Coastal Management", and its fundamental purpose was to
implement a comprehensive coastal management plan within the
State of Connecticut. The new legislation became effective on
January 1, 1980, and pertained directly to all 36 coastal commu-
nities within the State.

Connecticut's CAM Program specifically identified two major
shortcomings within existing management systems being followed
currently within the State. These were:

-3-

- a lack of coordination among agencies having juris-
diction over coastal concerns.

- an inadequate consideration of natural resource
capacities in the process of reviewing and permitting
coastal activities.

In an attempt to rectify these situations, the Act set forth
statewide policies to guide both conservation and development of
coastal resources. It also defined the coastal area, and de-
tailed the regulatory system to be followed in the coastal areas
of Connecticut. The established policies were to be considered
by all communities in the development and implementation of their
respective local programs. Further, it was mandated that local
communities institute a procedure which incorporated what were
termed "Coastal Site Plan Reviews" within their permitting pro-
cesses. These Reviews were intended to require each coastal com-
munity to consider all impacts of development proposals upon
coastal resources, within the defined coastal boundary area.

Immediately following the effective date of Connecticut's Coastal
Area Management Legislation, the Darien Planning and Zoning Com-
mission assumed its responsibilities for coastal planning and
program administration. Necessary procedures were established to
process Coastal Site Plan Reviews, and work was initiated on pre-
paring the necessary amendments to the Zoning Regulations for
allowing the processing of Administrative Permits.

1.2 Coastal Boundary

The required coastal management systems, and implementation of
the established coastal policies, apply primarily to an area
which is delineated by a thousand-foot setback from the mean high
water line, or a thousand-foot setback from tidal wetlands or
other coastal resources, whichever is the farthest inland.

The State authorized local municipalities to refine this Boundary
if they chose to do so. It was specified that the geographical
area encompassed by the State-establ i shed Boundary could not be
reduced, but a community was permitted to realign the precise
lines to follow physiographic or geographic features. This per-
mitted realignment which avoided administrative difficulties in
determining whether a use or activity was, or was not, within the
defined Coastal Boundary.

This option was pursued by Darien shortly after the legislation
was put into effect. The Planning and Zoning Commission con-
ducted the necessary analysis to refine the local boundary and
held the requisite public hearings to review it with interested
townspeople. It was determined that both the amendments and the
refinements were necessary to facilitate the processing of CAM
Permits within the community. The redesigned Boundary followed
centerlines of existing streets, centerlines of streams and water
bodies, and property lines where no other reasonable alternative

NCIMH

WALE N FEU
COASTAL BOUNDARY MAP momm!"B""g6mmimm"im-mm-
Town of Darien, Connecticut
I WA r N RMTERS

. . ........

Ica

i' L

AR
YZ

7i.

COASTAL BOUNDARY MAP
FOR
DARIEN,CT.
WAIIING DATE-6/17/90
CAM OF ManM 1 0
t4k-
@@-T@@Lfv'j. PAC
PRO SCIM
@F.GEND

ADOPTED
Darien planning and zoning Commisslop I
Adopted Coastal Boundary Line
A:v
0 Area IncIfuded Within Coastal Boundary
ChIllrean
FIGURE

-5-

was available. The new Boundary was subsequently approved by the
Commissioner of the DEP and was put into effect officially on
August 14, 1980.

Local planning and zoning commissions and zoning boards of appeal
are required to review all development proposals within this de-
fined Coastal Boundary on a case-by-case basis to determine that
coastal resources are being properly protected, and to determine
that there is consistency between the proposed activity and the
applicable coastal goals and policies.

1.3 Intent of Municipal Coastal Program

As stated above, this State coastal management approach involved
a mandatory Coastal Site Plan Review system. It also incorpo-
rated procedures for the voluntary preparation of a Municipal
Coastal Program.

Coastal Site Plan Review:

The State legislation required each community's Planning and Zon-
ing Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals, to review any appli-
cation falling within the defined Coastal Boundary under speci-
fied CAM procedures. The intent was to determine if involved
coastal resources are capable of supporting that particular proj-
ect without sustaining any major negative impacts. These agen-
cies are also responsible for determining if the proposed use or
activity is suitable for the particular coastal location.
Authority is given to approve, deny, or attach conditions to any
approval of the applicant's proposal. Also, a review of consis-
tency with the coastal policies set forth within the Coastal Area
Management Act is specifically required. The legislation autho-
rized municipalities to exempt, by regulation, various minor
development activities within the Boundary as well. These may
include additions to existing homes, or even the construction of
a new house, where it is not located within 100 feet of a tidal
wetlands area or a beach. Darien took advantage of this authori-
zation, and adopted such a procedure on March 10, 1980. The
Town's objective was to allow such minor activities to be pro-
cessed as quickly as possible, while still maintaining adequate
control within Darien's valuable Coastal Boundary area. During
the first year, some 50 Administrative Permits were handled in
this manner.

Municipal Coastal Program:

The State CAM legislation authorized and supported a reasonably
flexible voluntary planning program. The intent was to enable a
coastal community to undertake necessary inventories, analyses,
and policy development which would lead to desirable revisions to
the community's Plan of Development, and adoption of necessary
amendments to the local zoning regulations and other land use
controls. This program is designed to provide a long-range plan
for coastal development and conservation within the community,

-6-

and guidance for coastal property owners and developers relative
to the community's position on coastal matters. In its initial
phase this planning work involved the identification of major
coastal-related problems and issues facing the community. Subse-
quent work is designed to meet those specific needs. Implementa-
tion of the Municipal Coastal Program occurs primarily through
the existing regulatory and development programs at the local
level within the Coastal Site Plan Review process.

Ultimately, the Town Plan of Development must include full consi-
deration of:

- coastal problems and issues
- the nature and location of coastal resources
- future water-dependent development opportunities
which exist within the Coastal Boundary

This report, together with all the work involved in its prepara-
tion, comprises Darien's effort to establish a sound coastal man-
agement system for the protection of the Town's most valuable
physical asset, its shoreline.

q:'A

. ........... .
..........
......... .

wl,

Blue Crab

2.01

LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL ZONE.

...... .....
F-I

L-4

........... 5.7
....... . .... ---w- . -
...........

COASTAL BOUNDARY MAP FOR
DAR IEN CT.
HEARING DATE*6/17/80
I)ATE OF ADWnM fllylf 0

STAN PAC
c,oMmIss,a)0'J.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROM-noN

ADOPTED li@ Ad
Darien Planning and Zoning Commission
Ar

Chairman a I-e-

-9-

2.1 Existing Town Plan of Development

The Plan of Development currently in effect was adopted by the
Planning and Zoning Commission on December 1, 1967. In many
respects, this original comprehensive plan has become outdated
and obsolete. However, much of what is contained within this
document pertaining directly to the Town's coastal areas is still
valid and this CAM Program is designed to augment and expand much
of that earlier, more general thinking.

The document declares that: "Particular attention should be paid
to conserving the character and natural beauty of the shoreline,
interior streams, and other areas of natural beauty through regu-
lation of development." Several other sections of the Town Plan
also strongly recommend similar types of action to protect and
preserve the Town's key resource areas, first and foremost of
which is the shoreline area.

The Plan suggested several options available to communities for
achieving this. These included:

- the preservation of open spaces by acquiring the
title to such lands

- the receipt of open space lands as gifts from private
individuals or organizations, or their acquisition by
such private interests which would maintain it as
open space themselves

- the establishment of permanent open space areas
through the subdivision review process

- the acquisition of certain legal rights or interests
in open space land. For example, the Town could
retain the sole rights to develop such parcels, or
could obtain scenic, drainage or other types of ease-
ments to preserve key lands against development.

It should be noted that many of the coastal policies and recom-
mendations set forth within that 1967 Plan have been implemented
as proposed. For example:

- the Town has acquired additional shoreline area.

- valuable open space lands have als "o been secured
through gifts from private individuals, such as the
conveyance of marshland within, and in proximity to,
Scott's Cove. Private property owners have conveyed
such lands to the Land Trust of Darien in accordance
with the recommendations.

C. )k

LEGEND

RESIDENTIAL
TWO OR MORE ACRE$ PER FAMILY

ONE ON MORE ACRES PER FAMILY

TWO FAMILIES 00 LESS PER ACRE
m THREE FAMILIES ON LESS PER ACRE I?
FIVE FAMILIES OR LESS PER ACRE

BUSINESS
:
ETAIL

ERVICE

OFFICE

SPECIAL COMMERCIAL

PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC

PUBLIC SCHOOL

TOWN HALL

CHURCH
PLAN
FIRE DEPARTMENT

LIBRARY
POLICE DEPARTMENT FREDE
POST OFFICE 10 PLANN
PRIVATE SCHOOL TRAFFIC CIRCULATION

OTHER FACILITIES LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAYS

CEMETERIES MAJOR STREETS a a 0

PARKS AND RECREATION SECONDARY STREETS
..........
PLAYGR OUNDS LOCAL STREETS
PLAYFIELDS MAJOR INTERSECTIONS NEEDING
IMPROVEMENT
PUBLIC PARKS AND RESERVES RAILROAD AND LIMITED ACCESS
PRIVATE RECREATION AREAS HIGHWAY LANDS

- following adoption of the 1967 Plan, the Town Sub-
division Regulations were amended to require that a
40 minimum of 10% of the land involved within a sub-
division be set aside as permanent open space. In
many instances, this open space has involved coastal
resource areas which have been deemed to be of par-
ticular importance to the community.

- the Town has established procedures to encourage the
granting of conservation, scenic, and other types of
easements designed to permanently preserve and pro-
tect fragile areas including, in particular, the
types of lands defined within the Plan.

The existing Town Plan also set forth more specific objectives,
many of which have been implemented over the past fifteen years.
For example, it was recommended that Weed Beach Park be
expanded. The Plan referred to needs to increase the beach area
in a northerly direction, provide more parking facilities, expand
the picnic facilities, and do other related work to improve
access to, and enjoyment of, this shoreline area by all towns-
people. Most of this work has been completed.

Another example of a specific recommendation which has been im-
plemented was to provide improved boat launching facilities at
Pear Tree Point Park. Again, additional land was acquired, and a
modern, convenient boat ramp replaced the marginal facility in
existence at the time the Plan was prepared.

As another objective, the Plan recommended that, "The narrow
bankside strip fronting on the Darien River, along the westerly
side of Pear Tree Point Road from Ring's End Bridge, southerly to
Pear Tree Point Park, and except for the peninsula containing
several residences, should be acquired to preserve the view and
great scenic beauty of this waterway." A substantial section of
this strip of land has since been acquired, and will assure that
the superb water views continue to be available to the towns-
people, and that a portion of this strip can be available for
passive recreational purposes.

Another 16,150 feet of shoreline has been permanently protected
through the use of conservation easements, open space declara-
tions, or other similar means. The vital distinction is that the
latter designations do not, in most cases, incorporate any public
access, and could not have been secured had they.provided for
such.

A comprehensive revision of the Town's official Plan of Devel-
opment is now underway. The work performed under this Municipal
Coastal Program will be part of this effort, and proposals will
be integrated within the Town Plan.

_12-

2.2 Current Land Use and Environmental Regulation

Except for the very small Neighborhood Business (NB) commercial
area of White Bridge, on the Five Mile River, all of Darien's
Coastal Boundary is zoned under residential categories. Most of
this area is within the Residential - One Acre (R-1) District.
This relatively low density requirement has been a major factor
in the protection of the Town's valuable coastal resources.

There are non-residential uses or activities which are deemed
under "Special Permit" procedures, to be compatible with the
Town's residential areas. They include facilities such as pri-
vate recreational clubs and churches. These have not had any
major, adverse impacts on the coastal areas, and only eight
Special Permit uses are located directly on the shoreline. Of
these, five provide water-oriented recreational uses. The
remaining uses are a religious retreat, and two non-conforming
uses, including a restaurant and a gasoline service station.

The Commission believes that Special Permit types of uses are
being adequately controlled largely through the use of the exten-
sive and detailed findings which must be made prior to granting
any such new use, or an extension of an existing one. The imple-
mentation of improved environmental regulations has made this
level of control even more effective.

Significant progress has been made over the past decade in estab-
lishing improved regulations on activities conducted within what
is now recognized as the Town's Coastal Boundary. A major step
was taken in 1973, when the Planning and Zoning Commission
adopted a new section for its Zoning Regulations entitled,
"Section 486." Special Regulations for Protection and Conserva-
tion of Land, Wetlands, Watercourses, Tidelands, Flood Plains and
other Natural Areas." These Regulations govern all activities
within a prescribed distance of either the Mean High Tide line,
or the mean waterline, as specified. In the case of coastal
areas, the regulated area applies to a strip 100 feet wide along
the Mean High Tide line. Activities covered include excavation;
earth removal; regrading; filling; other alterations of the natu-
ral contour; dredging; obstruction; channeling; piping; any type
of pollution; and the construction of any form of structure.

In the spring of 1981, the Planning and Zoning Department began
to develop a coastal area management planning program and empha-
sis was placed on planning as the major thrust of Darien's
efforts. one of the basic reasons for this was that the Planning
and Zoning Commission had already been processing permits for
development activities within the shoreline area as part of the
1973 regulation. Since that time, the Town has been requiring
the issuance of a Special Permit for all activities within 100
feet of Mean High Tide. Under CAM, the jurisdictional area has
been increased significantly, and the process, together with its
critical concerns along the water's edge, has continued, but with
some procedural modifications.

-13-

In order to gain approval for conducting shoreline-related acti-
vities, it is necessary to submit a formal application to the
Planning and Zoning Commission. The degree of detail required
must be consistent with the type of activity being proposed. For
example, in the case of a major project it is necessary to sub-
mit, along with the letter of application, detailed site plans,
environmental impact assessments, necessary hydrological or other
engineering studies, and other related work. The Planning and
Zoning Commission then processes the application through a public
hearing, and is required to make a series of declared determi-
nations. In addition to the findings required by the regular
Special Permit procedures outlined in the Zoning Regulations, the
Commission must also find specifically that the proposed regu-
lated activities will not adversely affect the natural resources
of the town, or the environmental character of the surroundings
of the site. These findings are made formally before any Special
Permit can be approved under this section of the Zoning Regu-
lations. In granting any such Special Permits, the Planning and
Zoning Commission attaches necessary limitations or conditions
which it deems necessary to conserve and protect the soil, water,
air, vegetation or other natural attributes of the site and its.
general area. Conservation restrictions, or easements, are one
of the principal tools used by the Commission to provide for the
permanent protection of particularly fragile or valuable natural
areas.

Two other major sections have also been added to the Town's
Zoning Regulations. These two new sections involve the Coastal
Area Management requirements, which were put into effect on March
10, 1980, and the Flood Damage Prevention Regulations, which were
made effective on December 28, 1980. Both of these were imple-
mented in response to established Federal programs, but the
design of the requirements, and the method of administering them,
are totally consistent with the recommendations of the Town
Plan. other minor amendments have also been made to the Town's
Zoning Regulations to help achieve improved protection and
preservation of key resource areas. The Coastal Area Management
Program will significantly assist by providing definite direc-
tion, based on predetermined resource conditions or values.

ZONING MAP

D0A-5

R-1/2

Y,
J,

R-1

r-A

ZONE

T Is NAP is tar general reference purposes only and a ONE-F)Ut
12
% not an official map. The Official Boning NAP. at I ONE-P
is on,!ile in the office of the Planning --.L At-1/3 ONE
Comm n. Ot4E:FAM
&:d ;c&nlien; i 40 R-1/3 PAM
1 ONE-FAH
PARXING
DOR-S MIGNE
DOR-1 DzS1GNE
Na NEIGHBO
D:-2 'DESXGNE
TOWN OF DARIEN D -1 DESIGNE
or, OFFICE
DC DESIG14E
CED CENTRA
Sla SZRVIC
re PLMNE1

HOIE: For order
SectLon 3

_15-

2.3 Subdivision Regulations

The major amendment to the Town's Subdivision Regulations, accom-
plished since the adoption of the Town Plan, has been the incor-
poration of requirements for the preservation of open space land
as part of any subdivision involving a land area equal to or
greater than, three times the minimal lot size for the zone in
which it is located. In such situations, it is required that the
property owner dedicate, as a permanent open space preservation,
land not less in amount than 10% of the aggregate area of the
subdivision tract. This procedure has been followed consistently
by the Planning and zoning Commission since March 18, 1973. it
is noted specifically in the Regulations that dedicated open
space land must be provided in addition to all land required by
both the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations in meeting minimal
lot, street, accessway, or other development requirements. Also,
it may be required in addition to any other lands which are pro-
tected under conservation restrictions. The opening statement in
the open space section of the Subdivision Regulations reads, "An
essential purpose of these Regulations is the preservation and
conservation of land in a natural condition for perpetuity, in
order to create buffers against noise and air pollution, and to
protect natural environmental systems, vegetation, wildlife, cli-
mate, scenery, natural history, areas of archeological signifi-
cance, residential privacy, and natural resources, including, but
not limited to, edges of watercourses, lakes, and ponds, wherever
they occur within Subdivisions." This purpose has been achieved
directly.

In virtually all cases, the Commission has required that open
space declarations and conservation easements be used to protect
natural shoreline areas. Legal instruments establishing the own-
ership and maintenance responsibilities of the open space areas
have been made a part of the subdivision application, and each is
specifically approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission to
meet particular needs. They are then filed in the Darien Land
Records to become permanent, binding conditions.

With some modification, it is assumed that the land use regula-
tions currently in effect will be sufficient in a legal/technical
sense to carry out the objectives of the Coastal Area Management
Program. The effective application of these regulations will
benefit from the detailed data on resources furnished by this
coastal area study.

-16-

2.4 Non-Residential Land Use

As noted in Section 2.2, only eight privately held and two public
non-residential uses are currently located directly on the shore-
line. of these, five private and two public provide access to
Long Island Sound for recreational purposes. These uses are
described below and their location is shown on Figure 5:

1. Tokeneke Beach Club, Butler's Island
- private social/recreational club
- 5.04 acres, 680 feet of shoreline
- sand beach, floats, bathhouses, sailing program
- clubhouse with dining room
- swimming pool
- 17 tennis courts
- parking for 143 cars
- 325 member/families

2. Noroton Yacht Club, Noroton Bay
- private yachting club
- 2.23 acres, 570 feet of shoreline
- clubhouse
- docks, piers, launch, drydock storage
- 3 tennis courts
- parking for 100 cars
- 200 member/families

3. Darien Boat Club, Darien River
- quasi-public boat club, open to all Town residents
- 0.48 acres, 650 feet shoreline
- club building
- accommodations for 259 boats, average boat length
20 feet
- parking as part of Pear Tree Point Park (limited)
- 525 members, waiting list for boating facilities

4. - Young Men's Christian Association, Holly Pond
- full YMCA facility
- sailing program, other water-related activities
- 7.344 acres, 795 feet shoreline
- parking for 126 cars
- 5,000 members, 60-65% adults

5. Noroton Bay Association, Noroton Bay
- residential association beach
- 0.7 acres, 904 feet shoreline
- sand beach, wharf, sailing program
- no on-site parking
- 90 member/families

The remaining private uses are:

6. Convent of St. Birgitta, Scott's Cove
7. Twin Faces Restaurant, Holly Pond
8. Chevron Service Station, Five Mile River

-17-

Public facilities on the shore include:

9. Weed Beach Park
- public beach and related facilities
- 22.2 acres, 1,810 feet shoreline
- bathhouse, concession stand
- parking for 250+ cars
- 6 tennis courts, 5 paddle courts
- picnic area and related facilities
- sailing program

10. Pear Tree Point Beach Park
- public beach
- 6.9 acres, 850.feet shoreline
- bathhouse, concession stand
- parking for 240 cars
- boat launching ramp
- small picnic area

NON-RESIDENTIAL
LAND USES

ir
JA

Ln j

9
l.TOKENEKE BEACH
2-NOROTON YACHT CLUB
&DARIEN BOAT CLUB
4.DARIEN YMCA
5.NOROTON BAY ASSOCIATION
6.CONVENT OF SAINT BRIGITTA
7. TWIN FACE'S RESTAURANT
8. CHEVRON SERVICE STATION
9. WEED BEACH
10. PEAR TREE POINT ...

_19-

2.5 Land Values

During the 1960's and early 1970's, coastal properties were not
in demand as they are today. Values of shoreline properties
skyrocketed in the late 19701s, and it can be anticipated that
they will continue to increase.

In 1967, at the time the original Plan of Development was
adopted, one-acre building lots located directly on, or in imme-
diate proximity to the shoreline, were being sold for approxi-
mately $75,000 to $80,000. A relatively modest home on a third-
or half-acre lot with a coastal orientation, such as those
located in Noroton Bay, was selling for $70,000 to $75,000. A
more substantial home, such as one located on Butler's Island,
cost in the range of $150,000 to $200,000.

Since that time, values along the shoreline have multiplied five-
fold. For example, remaining one-acre building lots on the
water's edge now command whatever the market will bear.
Depene.ing upon location, a one acre building lot on the water's
edge would now command from $350,000. to more than a million
dollars. That same modest home located in Noroton Bay is now
selling for more than $225,000, and the more substantial home is
now costing over one million dollars.

The presence of Long Island Sound and the shoreline areas also
have other significant effects on property values. For example,
where a view of Long Island Sound is available from the property,,
it is estimated that something in the order of 10% to 25% of
added value can be applied. Accordingly, it can be made clear
that protection of views from interior properties, and protection
of coastal resources which are directly part of shoreline proper-
ties, are of particular significance to individual owners, since
anywhere from 20% to 50% of their investment may be involved.
Bulkheading, docks, piers and related types of facilities can
also add substantially to the value, so there is a fine balance
between needs to preserve and desires to develop the shoreline.
This only accentuates requirements for a sound data base on spe-
cific resource areas and needs.

In a more general sense, the inclusion of a portion of Long
Island Sound within Darien adds to the overall property values of
the community. The existence of the Town beaches and boating
opportunities, together with visual access, are reflected in all
home prices. Consequently, the need to properly address coastal
issues from an economic perspective is not restricted solely to
shoreline property owners. The Sound has much to do with the
quality of life in Darien and thus, its land values.

-20-

2.6 Existing Land Use

Within the defined Coastal Boundary are 1,802 acres of land. Of
this total, the following numbers of acres are allocated to spe-
cific land uses:
Acres
Single family 1,136.0
Local road right-of-way 234.2
Vacant (including islands) 223.9
Permanent open space 47.5
Agriculture 40.5
Public parks/recreation 25.2
Two family 23.0
Semi-public institution 22.0
Private recreation/preserves 11.7
Public/private school 8.8
Highway right-of-way 4.7
Miscellaneous uses 14.5

Total acres 1,802.0

As can be noted, the dominant use within the Coastal Boundary is
single-family residential, occupying 64% of the total land base.
Much of the 13% of the still-vacant land involves wetlands, steep
slopes and other areas having restricted development or use
opportunities.

Hard-shell Clam

3.0

COASTAL RESOURCES

-22-

3.1 Overview of Resource Base

The Town of Darien has long appreciated the value of its shore-
line. While it has been recognized that the coastal areas pro-
vide a very valuable and fragile natural resource base, the Town
has not had the expertise available to make a comprehensive in-
ventory and, consequently, adequate analyses of specific resource
areas have not been made. Accordingly, it was concluded that
such an effort would become the major part of Darien's municipal
Coastal Program planning effort.

It is a declared policy of Coastal Area Management to preserve
and enhance coastal resources in accordance with the policies
established under the Act. Coastal resources are defined as "the
coastal waters of the state, their natural resources, related
marine and wildlife habitat, and adjacent shorelands, both devel-
oped and undeveloped, that together form an integrated terres-
trial and estuarine ecosystem." (Source P.A. 79-535, sec. 3(7)).

In order to meet the requirements of the State CAM Act, and
establish the necessary inventory of coastal resources within the'
Town of Darien, a shoreline survey was undertaken during the Sum-
mer of 1981. This survey was instrumental to the preparation of
four work products: 1) the Darien Coastal Area Management
Report; 2) four Darien Coastal Resources Maps: Five Mile River,
Scotts Cove, Darien River, and Holly Pond; 3) three volumes of 35
mm color slides which depict the entire shoreline as of October
1981, and are keyed to the Coastal Resources Maps; and 4) a
working knowledge of coastal issues and problems.

The Planning and Zoning Department engaged the services of the
professional staff of the Long Island Sound Task Force of the
Oceanic Society to make this inventory, and to participate
directly in the development of the Town's Municipal Coastal
Program. The consultants walked along the intertidal shore, on
rock shorefront and in cordgrass marshes wherever possible, docu-
menting such factors as the precise locations of tidal marshes,
noting potential impacts upon nearby shellfish areas, and docu-
menting in detail the location and type of every structure
located along the Darien coast. Areas particularly valuable for
habitat purposes were also identified, along with areas which
were considered to be particularly fragile. Where access was
otherwise impossible or damaging to the habitat, a 14-foot Zodiac
was used.

Another part of this inventory process involved the use of exist-
ing aerial and infrared photography, together with the Darien
Planning and Zoning Commission's base maps. The inventory in-
volved a complete on-site analysis, and the photographing of the
entire shoreline, beginning above the White Bridge over the Five
Mile River on the Darien-Norwalk town line, and proceeding
approximately 16.5 miles west along the coast to the Noroton
River on the Darien-Stamford town line.

-23-

Thirty-five mm color slide film was used. The purpose of doing
this was twofold. First, these slides could be used in public
presentations on coastal concerns and secondly, they would prove
to be an effective tool in the enforcement of the Town's regula-
tions over coastal areas. Another consulting firm, F. P. Clark
and Associates, was engaged to map all the resource data on sec-
tional base maps of Darien's coastal areas. Index maps for the
slide inventory were also prepared as part of this second phase.
A complete record now exists of all facilities and resource con-
ditions as of the summer of 1981.

During the performance of this work, efforts were pursued to dis-
cuss coastal issues and needs with various interests within the
community. Basedin part upon the findings made from the inven-
tory, certain problems and opportunities were reviewed with
appropriate Town Officials and involved townspeople. This
approach helped in identifying issues needing early attention.

Previous plans prepared by the Town which applied to shoreline
areas and conditions were also reviewed in detail, and work was
specifically designed to address issues raised by these docu-
ments. The intent of the CAM effort was to take this prior work
and incorporate it into this program centered specifically on
shoreline areas. This more comprehensive approach provided a
solid base for necessary amendments to the Town's Plan of Devel-
opment regarding changes needed on the Town's land use controls
and, most importantly, for improving day-to-day actions necessary
to protect Darien's shoreline and taking advantage of oppor-
tunities as they appeared.

The Connecticut Coastal Area Management Program specifically de-
fines fourteen different coastal land and water resources:

3.2 - General Resources
3.3 - Bluffs and Escarpments
3.4 - Rocky Shorefronts
3.5 - Dunes and Beaches
3.6 - Tidal Wetlands
3.7 - Freshwater Wetlands and Watercourses
3.8 - Intertidal Flats
3.9 - Coastal Hazard Areas
3.10 - Developed Shorefront
3.11 - Islands
3.12 - Shorelands
3.13 - Shellfish Concentration Areas
3.14 - Coastal Waters and Estuarine Embayments
3.15 - Air Resources and Air Quality

-24-

The status of these coastal resources within the Town of Darien
is as follows:

3.2 General Resources

The coastline of Darien, directly on the northern shore of Long
Island Sound, extends in an east-west orientation only 2.7 linear
miles. However, if one were to walk the actual shoreline the
distance involved expands to approximately 16.5 miles. This is
due to a variety of features typical of the New England glaciated
coast. Viewed from the middle of the Sound, the major coastal
feature in Darien is a line of rock bluff and escarpment. There
is the major rock bluff toward the easterly Town border, guarding
the approach to the Five Mile River. Rock bluff and modified
escarpment extend from there to the westerly tip of Contentment
Island. Directly to the west is the mouth of Scott's Cove
(approximately 0.4 miles wide) which is studded with rock
islands, and forms a break in this rock wall. The coast then
continues in a southwest direction with another stretch of rock
bluff and modified escarpment, reaching a terminus into the Sound.
at Long Neck Point. This rocky aspect continues along the wes-
terly shore of Long Neck Point, across Darien Harbor, to the
entrance to Holly Pond. This "armor plating" accounts for a
third (approximately 5 miles) of the actual coastline, and allows
the remainder of coastal habitat areas to flourish.

Behind this protection from storm surge and wind-driven waves lie
several extensive tidal marshes, ranging from vast cordgrass
(Spartina alterniflora) stands fringed with a hint of high marsh
(dominated by S. patens), as found in Scott's Cove, to luxurious
mats of high marsh complete with a seaward complement of alterni-
flora, as found on the southeastern shore of Holly Pond. In
addition to the marshes, sand beaches, cobble beaches, and wooded
shoreline, all exist within the coves and estuaries, and in
breaks in the rock face.

Major natural features of the Darien coast include the Five Mile
River, Scott's Cove, Ziegler's Cove, the Darien River, Gorham's
Pond and Holly Pond. The Town has approximately five miles of
rock bluff and escarpment; 76 acres of tidal marsh; 0.3 miles of
sandy beach and numerous islands ranging from small rock out-
croppings, exposed only at low tide, to larger vegetated islands
such as the Fish Islands.

3.3 Bluffs and Escarpments

"Naturally . eroding shorelands marked by dynamic escarpments or
sea cliffs which have slope angles that constitute an intricate
adjustment between erosion, substrate, drainage, and degree of
plant cover." (P.A. 79-535,sec.3(7)(A)).

@25-

Using CAM Coastal Resource maps (Base Map: U.S.G.S. 7 1/2 minute
quads) together with on-site inspection, it was established that
Darien lacks sections of true escarpment, as defined under CAM.
Historically, natural escarpment was probably found along both
shores of Long Neck Point, however, these areas are now stabil-
ized through the use of seawalls and revetments, redefining the
area as "modified escarpment."

The term "modified escarpment" is used as a catch-all for coastal
areas marked by unconsolidated slopes which have been stabilized
or altered in some manner. Along the Darien shoreline, modified
escarpment is found interspersed between rock shorefront and
beach front. Depending on the definition, many other areas of
.Darien could be considered modified escarpment. For example,
many of the areas delineated on the CAM Coastal Resource maps as
regulated tidal wetlands are bands of alterniflora (cordgrass)
backed by a seawall or revetment. The lower tidal range of the
area is tidal wetland, while the upper range is modified escarp-
ment. Backed by some form of shoreline protection, this cord-
grass band is the single most common coastal resource found.

For the purposes of this study, these marsh/seawall areas will be
covered in the Tidal wetlands section of this report. However,
it should be emphasized that the actual shoreline has been modi-
fied by the placement of a seawall or revetment. Such shoreline
structures, if properly designed, control shoreline erosion and
drainage, while the cordgrass band offers marsh habitat to vari-
ous marine life and wading birds, and also affords the seawall
some protection from wave energy.

Primary concerns in escarpment and modified escarpment areas are
erosion, unregulated building, construction of poorly designed
seawalls and revetments, and lack of required maintenance.

CAM sets forth the following policies appropriate for considera-
tion in Darien,:

1. Manage coastal escarpments so as to preserve their
slope and toe.
2. Disapprove uses that accelerate slope erosion.

3.4 Rocky Shorefront

"Shorefront comprised of bedrock, boulders, and cobbles that are
highly erosion resistant, and are an insignificant source of sed-
iments or other coastal landforms." (P.A. 79-535, sec 3(7) (B)).

As stated above, the Town of Darien presents a southern exposure
which is predominantly rocky shorefront. Broken by the mouths of
coves and rivers, this rocky shorefront ranges from solid- rock
bluff, as found at the western side of the entrance of Five Mile

-26-

River, to individual rock outcropping as found on the southern
slope of Pratt Island. There are five major rocky shorefronts;
the south shore of Butler's Island; the south shore of Content-
ment Island; the south and east shores of Great Island; the south
and east shores of Hay Island; and the south, east, and west
exposures of Pratt and Nash Islands.

The presence of these rocky shorefronts enables the tidal
marshes, mudflats and sandy coves to exist and allows the rich-
ness of habitat found elsewhere along the Town's coastline.

The rocky shorefronts serve several important functions. Among
these, they: resist erosion, form attachment substrate for
marine organisms such as blue mussels, barnacles, and rockweed;
and provide food and refuge for a number of coastal shorebirds.

The rock bluffs and promontories also offer spectacular views of
Long Island Sound, Long Island, and the surrounding areas. In
some cases, the bluffs rise approximately 50 feet, offering dra-
matic views from both the water and the bluff.

Because of the natural protection they offer the shoreline and
their erosion tolerance, rocky shorefronts do not raise the same
management concerns as other resources like tidal marshes and
escarpment. Management concerns for these rocky shorefront areas
would include: 1) establishing setbacks from the head of the
rock area for all building; 2) preserving vegetation on top of
rocky bluffs and adjacent to rocky shorefronts; 3) discouraging
construction of steps, ramps, and docking facilities in these
exposed areas, because they ruin the natural appearance of the
shorefronts, and are subject to storm drainage; and 4) where con-
struction is involved, encouraging use of materials and design
which blend well with their surroundings. Finally, it should be
noted that in many cases throughout Darien, rocky shorefront is
backed by stands of hardwood forest on lightly developed or
undeveloped properties. These areas form important roosting
areas for wading species of birds such as the black-crowned night
heron, snowy and common egret, and blue great heron. In addi-
tion, the rocky shorefront backed by hardwoods can give the
boater and resident alike the feeling of being "in Maine" without
ever leaving Darien. This is considered by many to be an impor-
tant quality of life factor.

3.5 Dunes and Beaches

"Beach systems including barrier beach spits and tombolos, bar-
rier beaches, pocket beaches, land contact beaches and related
dunes and sandflats." (P.A. 79-535, sec. 3(7)(C)).

-27-

There are approximately eight distinct and separate sand beaches
to be found along the Darien shoreline. Each of these is located
between or behind rocky shorefront and/or islands, and none can
be considered a major beach. However, the three largest beaches
are used actively for recreation. Pear Tree Point and Weed Beach
are Town beaches for public use, while the third, Tokeneke Cove,
is reserved for use by members of the private Tokeneke Beach Club
and the riparian owners.

While Darien lacks true barrier beaches and dunes, the Town does
have several examples of offshore islands with associated beaches
found in their lee. A good example of this is the Fish Islands,
where the largest island provides protection to a pocket beach on
Contentment Island. In addition, several tombolos (sandbars con-
necting an island with mainland or another island) are found in
Scott's Cove and other coastal areas.

The main focus of CAM policies on Darien's existing public
beaches centers on their protection and enhancement as an impor-
tant recreational opportunity for the Town's residents. In
addition, the beaches also serve as reservoirs for transported
sand and act as buffers against coastal flooding and erosion.

Pear Tree Point Beach and Weed Beach form the two major public
shore access points for the entire Town. As described later in
this report, they are used for both active and passive recrea-
tion. In addition, Weed Beach is used for educational purposes
by the Darien Nature Center in their programming for local school
groups and others. Both beaches are part of dynamic systems.
Weed Beach lies at the mouth of Holly Pond and faces its larger
counterpart, Cove Beach recreational area in the City of
Stamford. Pear Tree Point Beach is located at the head of Darien
Harbor and the entrance to Darien River. Smaller than Weed
Beach, it is nevertheless part of a dynamic system subject to
alongshore and littoral drift, and sedimentation from upstream.
Unlike the Holly Pond outlet, the Darien River cut at Pear Tree
Point is an active navigational channel which requires regular
maintenance dredging.

Many of the smaller pocket beaches and sandbars provide valuable
feeding areas for certain shorebird species. While no nesting
activity was recorded during the coastal survey, the use of area
beaches as nesting grounds cannot be discounted.

3.6 Tidal Wetlands

"Tidal Wetlands means 1wetland' as defined by CGS Section 22a-
29." (P.A. 79-535, sec. 3(7)(E)).

The Connecticut General Statutes referred to above define "wet-
land" as follows: "those areas which border on, or lie beneath

-28-

tidal waters such as, but not limited to, banks, bogs, salt
marsh, swamps, meadows, flats or other low lands subject to tidal
action, including those areas now or formerly connected to tidal
waters, and whose surface is at or below an elevation of one foot
above local extreme high water, and upon which may grow or be
capable of growing some, but not necessarily all of the follow-
ing: salt meadow grass (Spartina patens), spike grass (Distich-
lis s2icata), black grass (Juncus gerardi), saltmarsh grass
(Spartina alterniflora) saltworts (Salicornia europaea, and Sali-
cornia begelovii), Sea Lavender (Limonium carolinianum), salt-
marsh bulrushes (Spirpus robustus ... 11

(The listing of vegetation goes on to name dozens of other spe-
cies of wetland, or hydrophilic plants).

As the definition clearly illustrates, a tidal wetland is com-
prised of distinctive vegetation. To delineate wetland bound-
aries is to outline vegetation types. Darien has a wealth of
tidal wetlands along its coastal zone. Three distinct types may
be found: 1) the Spartina al tern if lora/S. patens marsh, 2) the.
Spartina alterniflora cordgrass band marsh, and 3) the Spartina
alterniflora open marsh.

The alterniflora/patens marsh can be referred to as the "textbook
marsh." The cordgrass extends from the approximate low tide line
to the approximate high tide line (note: while tide tables are
fond of the terms "mean low water" and "mean highwater", in
reality such a measurement is extremely variable and difficult to
determine). Above the cordgrass marsh, patens or salt meadow
grass grows to the elevation of spring high tide. While the
cordgrass marsh is comprised of only a single vascular plant spe-
cies, the high marsh is represented by sea lavender, salt marsh
bulrush, saltwort, and other halophytic vegetation. Alterni-
flora/patens marshes are found in Five Mile River, Scott's Cove,
Darien River, and Holly Pond.

The alterniflora cordgrass band marsh has already been discussed
in the section on modified escarpment. This habitat normally
consists of a band of cordgrass which extends from the mean low
water line to either: 1) beginning of modified escarpment, i.e.
seawall, revetment, manicured lawn, etc; or 2) bank vegetated by
phragmites or other naturally occurring upland vegetation. This
cordgrass band is the most common shoreline feature found in
Darien.

The alterniflora open marsh is characterized by a large expanse
of cordgrass without the associated patens or high marsh.
Examples of this type of marsh are found in Delafield Island
Cove, Five Mile River, and Coon Point Marsh. In these cases,
small strips of patens marsh can often be found, but they are
irregular and small in size. The Delafield Island marsh is the
largest area of tidal marsh within the Town of Darien.

-29-

Geographical survey maps dating from 1836 and other evidence
strongly suggest that tidal marshes were once more abundant than
at present. For example, tidal marsh once extended unbroken from
behind Hay Island, (when it was a true island) along the entire
shoreline of Scott's Cove to connect directly with the Five mile
River. Currently, there are no fewer than thirteen different
marshes found throughout this area, without including the cord-
grass band marsh. Fill operations, like those that connected Hay
Island, Great Island, Delafield Island, Contentment Island, and
Butler's Island with the mainland, have broken the tidal marsh
into smaller disassociated systems.

Tidal marshes contribute in many ways to the marine and human
environments. Marshes act as feeding grounds, nursery areas, and
habitat for the majority of estuarine species in Long Island
Sound. They act as storm buffers, retain and detain storm water
runoff, and help filter sediment and other organic material from
the water column. In addition, tidal marshes form scenic vistas
for visual access; are valuable educational centers; and offer
passive recreational opportunities such as wildlife photography.

The most impacted marsh in Darien is the Tokeneke Trail marsh.
Here, the construction of a causeway with tidal gates to restrict
tidal range has caused the marsh behind the causeway to become
overrun by phragmites. The reduced tidal flushing has decreased
the area of marsh regularly inundated by the tide, hence allowing
the invasion of the reed grass. In place of an alterniflora/
patens marsh, there is an alterniflora/phragmites marsh. Remnant
areas of patens can be found throughout the phragmites stand.

Darien still enjoys a greater percentage of its tidal marsh heri-
tage than most other Fairfield County coastal communities. The
preservation of existing tidal marshes together with restoration
of degraded wetlands form the major goals of Darien's Municipal
Coastal Program.

3.7 Freshwater Wetlands and Watercourse

"Freshwater wetlands and watercourses means 'wetlands and water-
courses' as defined as CGC Section 22a-38." (P.A. 79-535, sec.
3(7) (F))

The definition of "wetland" under the Connecticut General Sta-
tutes was described within the Tidal Wetlands description.
However, freshwater species such as cattails (Typha latifolia)
pickelweed (Pontederia cordata), blue flag (Iris versicolor) and
chairmaker's rush (Scirpus americana) would be examples of fresh-
water indicator species listed under the Statute.

"Watercourses" can be interpreted to include rivers, streams, and
creeks which drain water from inland water bodies and wetlands
into Long Island Sound.

-d

LIU

DESIGNATED INLAND WETLANDS

WATERCOURSES

RESVIATED
Tidal Marsh Soils (00mumED""DALINETLAW STATUTE&

r----
Designated Tidal Wetlands (for reference purposes only)

ADOPTED EFFECTIVE: 3. IM REVISED EFFECTIVE:
5)t" -Y 14,14- - CHARMAN. TOWN
INLAND WEILMOS COMMISSION

INLAND WETLAND COMMISSION PLANNING
PPr-,l 11'ATFn NAIFTI Amnq Amn NAIATF

-31-

from east to west, the Town has the following watercourses:
Five Mile River; Tokeneke Brook, which drains through a series of
several ponds before reaching its outlet into Contentment Island
Cove; two small streams which feed into the Tokeneke Trail marsh;
Goodwives River, which flows into Gorham's Pond; Stony Brook,
which also drains into Gorham's Pond; and the Noroton River.
Numerous other small creeks and springs drain into the coastal
waters, especially during heavy rainfall and extended wet
periods.

Aside from Holly Pond, which is considered part of the coastal
environment, a number of other smaller ponds have been impounded
to restrict tidal ebb: Tokeneke Brook Pond; "Candlewood Lane
Pond"; "Great Island Pond"; and Gorham's Pond. These ponds vary
widely in salinity, which is a direct result of the amount of in-
undation by regular tidal cycles. In turn, the level of inunda-
tion is a result of the method of impoundment; i.e. dam, func-
tioning or nonfunctioning tidal gates, and so forth.

It is the intent of CAM to protect, preserve, and maintain fresh-.
water wetlands and watercourses by minimizing their disturbance
and pollution, and preventing damage from erosion, turbidity and
siltation. Consideration of flood protection, water supply,
benefit to wildlife, recreational opportunity, and aesthetics
should also be part of this process.

The watercourses of Darien provide for stormwater storage and
drainage. Any alterations to a watercourse may affect its abil-
ity to provide drainage, with resulting flood damage. Also, the
freshwater input is vital to the continued productivity of
Darien's coastal waters and Long Island Sound itself. Inland
wetlands and riverine systems are highly productive, and provide
habitat and food for a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial
life.

3.8 Intertidal Flats

"Very gently sloping or flat areas located between high and low
tides composed of muddy, silty and fine sandy sediments and
generally devoid of vegetation." (P.A. 79-535, sec. 3(7) (D)

Intertidal flats are a very common feature of Darien's coastal
area. These include mud flats found throughout the tidal marsh
systems, and the flats flanking dredged channels and intertidal
areas associated with natural tidal and riverine systems.

Intertidal flats are extremely important habitat areas for shell-
fish, and valuable feeding areas for shorebirds, waterfowl, cer-
tain mammals during low tide, and many finfish and invertebrates
during high tide. While the value and role of tidal marshes have
been extolled in recent years, the contribution of the intertidal
flats has been largely overlooked. For example, efforts to re-
store or enlarge a tidal marsh system have often been attempted

-32-

at the expense of adjacent tidal flats. Intertidal flats may
suffer irreversible or significant impact from any one of the
following: dredging and channelization; discharge of pollutants
from sewage outfalls, marine vessels' discharges, or "non-point"
sources; construction of tidal gates, dams or groins which alter
or restrict tidal flow, tidal range, or sedimentation rates;
overfishing of shellfish populations; and salt marsh creation
projects.

In Darien, intertidal flats are largely used for shellfish har-
vesting and bait collecting. Both hard-shell clams (Mercenaria
mercenaria) and the soft-shell (Mya arenaria) are commonly found
in the Town's tidal flats. The razor clam is also found in the
mud flats while blue and ribbed mussels are more commonly found
in association with rocks and the tidal marsh. In addition, clam
worms (Nereis sp.) are commonly found in the flats, and are a
popular bait for a variety of finfish. The recreational take of
shellfish is currently restricted to Scott's Cove, with the col-
lection of worms and clams for bait not being restricted.

while several species of terns, gulls, and waterfowl such as
black and mallard ducks will be found feeding on intertidal
flats, certain species of shorebirds rely heavily on these flats
for food. Species of plovers, sandpipers, and herons all use
Darien's intertidal flats during some part of the year. Greater
yellowlegs, black-bellied plovers, semipalmated sandpipers, snowy
egrets, and black-crowned, great blue, and white herons were all
seen feeding on the intertidal flats at some point during the
coastal survey.

The Town's intertidal flats must be recognized as valuable
coastal assets. Established CAM policies should manage the flats
as shellfish habitat, while preserving them as feeding areas for
a wide variety of animal life. In addition, coastal uses mini-
mizing changes in natural current flow and distribution of sedi-
ments should be encouraged, while uses that accelerate erosion or
cause significant despoilation of tidal flats should be
discouraged.

3.9 Coastal Hazard Areas

"Those land areas inundated during coastal storm events, or sub-
ject to erosion induced by such events, including flood hazard
areas as defined and determined by the National Flood Insurance
Act, as amended (U.S.C. 42 Section 4101, P.L. 93-234) and all
erosion hazard areas as determined by the Commissioner." (P.A.
79-535, sec. 3(7) (H))

Tidal flooding along Darien's coast is caused by storms, with the
extent of flooding dependent on the tidal cycle and the velocity
and direction of the wind. Coastal storms, with onshore winds
timed with a high tide, will cause the greatest degree of
flooding. All areas adjacent to watercourses within the Town are
also subject to flooding.

-33-

The greatest floods on record were caused by heavy winds, rain-
fall and hurricanes. The hurricanes of September, 1938 and
October, 1955 caused heavy flooding along the entire north shore
of Long Island Sound. Lesser coastal storms, such as the one
that occurred in October 1979, also cause a great deal of damage,
and must be a major consideration in managing coastal areas.
(See Section 5.2 for additional discussion.)

3.10 Developed Shorefront
"Developed Shorefront" means those harbor areas which have been
highly engineered and developed, resulting in the functional
impairment, or substantial alteration of, their natural physio-
graphic features or systems. (P.A. 79-535, sec. 3(7)(1)).
Under CAM, the stated policy is to promote, through State and
local planning and development, the use of existing developed
shorefront for marine related uses including, but not limited to,
commercial and recreational fishing, boating, and other water-
dependent commercial, industrial, and recreational uses.

Darien has little or no developed shorefront as covered under
this definition. There are areas within the Town that have
undergone extensive engineering but the residential nature and
existing land use would more likely bring them under the term
of "modified escarpment" than "developed shorefront.11

Areas such as Weed Beach and Pear Tree Point Beach, the Noroton
Yacht Club, the Darien Boat Club, the Tokeneke Club, and those
locations offering good visual access can logically be deemed as
developed shorefront in terms of water-dependent use, as well as
being covered under their more obvious coastal resource
definitions.

The issues of improved recreational boating, shellfishing, and
other public access will be discussed later in this report
(Section 5.0).

An important aspect of this discussion on coastal management is
the enhancement and proper maintenance of waterfront owned by the
Town for use by its residents. In addition to shoreline already
in Town ownership, such as Pear Tree Point and Weed Beaches, the
Town should be prepared to evaluate the purchase of waterfront
property which would improve or expand such uses, if it were to
become available.

Darien does not really have, and does not need, "developed shore-
front" along any part of its shoreline. Therefore, Darien's CAM
Program should be desiged to reflect this position.

3.11 Islands

An island is defined under CAM as land surrounded on all sides by
water. The Town of Darien has numerous islands along its entire
shoreline. These islands range from small outcroppings, with

-34-

little or no vegetation other than algae, to large multiple-acre
tracts that have long since been connected by causeways or fill
to the mainland which, therefore, can no longer truly be consi-
dered islands under this Act. Examples of areas that were his-
torically islands, but are no longer, include: Hay Island, Great
Island, Contentment Island, and Butler's Island.
The largest true islands currently existing in the Town of Darien
are the Fish Islands; a series of five islands lying south of
Contentment Island. Unlike many of the islands in Long Island
Sound which have come under increased development pressure as a
result of their appeal for high-priced development, these islands
are relatively small in size, and offer little or no development
opportunity.

Under CAM, the stated policy is to manage undeveloped islands in
order to promote their use as critical habitat for the bird,
plant, and animal species indigenous to such islands, and which
are increasingly rare on the mainland. In addition, the policy
is to maintain the value of undeveloped islands as a major source.
of recreational open space. The islands off Darien, ranging from
small rock outcroppings to large islands with marsh and upland
vegetation, are widely used as feeding and nesting sites for many
bird species at various times of the year.

Examples of these species include, but are not limited to: snowy
egret, great blue heron, American egret, ruddy turnstone, black-
bellied plover, double-crested cormorant, common tern, and two
species of gulls. As development pressure increases on the main-
land, these islands become increasingly important for nesting and
feeding habitat. The majority of the islands off Darien's coast
should be managed exclusively for wildlife habitat because their
small size makes other development impractical. With the pos-
sible exception of the privately-owned Fish Islands, which in-
clude a sandy beach on the northern-most island, these islands
offer few recreational opportunities, although some are used dur-
ing the hunting season for the placement of blinds, and jump-
shooting for a variety of waterfowl species.

In addition to offering valuable wildlife habitat, these islands
afford the mainland immediately inshore of the island protection
from wind and wave action. In some instances, the shoreline
opposite these islands consists of a sandy beach that offers an
abrupt contrast to the adjacent shore. These important aesthetic
components of the Darien shoreline are in places more evocative
of coastal Maine, rather than an area some 50 miles east of New
York City.

3.12 Shorelands

Shorelands may be defined as those land areas within the Coastal
Boundary, exclusive of coastal hazard areas, that are not subject
to dynamic coastal processes, and are composed of typical upland
features such as bedrock, drumlin and hills. For the Town of

_35-

Darien, shorelands would include all areas inland of the high
tide mark, and south of the Coastal Boundary not covered else-
where in a coastal resource definition. Under CAM, the policy is
to regulate shoreland use and development in a manner which mini-
mizes adverse impact on adjacent coastal systems and resources.
The majority of shoreland located in the Town of Darien has
little or no link to the coastal resources of the Town because of
topography or other isolation from the actual coastline.

Since the majority of the shorelands in the Town are reserved for
residential use, shoreland policy should center on mitigation of
impacts from erosion, new development, runoff into wetlands, and
loss of open space which visually enhances the shoreland area,
along with other concerns normally covered under the municipal
planning, zoning, and subdivision permit processes.

In the case of a proposed major development within the shoreland
area, the potential impact on adjacent wetlands or other coastal
resources would require consideration under the Coastal Site Plan
Review process. Where this was considered to be significant, an.
application would have to be rejected or modified to protect the
coastal resources.

Excluded from the definition of shorelands are coastal hazard
areas. Those hazard areas of greater significance are covered
under Section 3.9 of this chapter.

3.13 Shellfish Concentration Areas

"Shellfish concentration areas" are defined as actual, potential,
or historical areas in coastal waters in which one or more spe-
cies of shellfish can be found in significant quantities. Under
this definition, most of the southwestern shoreline of the State
of Connecticut may be considered a shellfish concentration area
since one or more species of shellfish is likely to be found in
significant concentrations, either currently or historically. The
interface between freshwater and seawater which is typical of the
estuarine environment, and found consistently from Westchester
County through Fairfield County, is extremely conducive to the
culture of shellfish. Species of commercial importance that are
commonly found include the hard-shell clam (Mercenaria mer-
cenaria) and the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). In
addition to these species, the razor clam and soft-shell clam are
found in the offshore waters of Darien but are not considered
commercially important.

The eastern oyster is largely a commercial shellfish species,
while the hard-shell clam is both a commercial and recreational
species. The commercial oyster beds, commonly marked by bamboo
stakes, are largely leased and cultivated by Tallmadge Brothers
of Norwalk. These beds typically lie in deeper waters than those
easily accessible to the recreational shellfishermen. Such beds
are found off Pratt Island, the western shore of Long Neck Point,

-36-

Great Island and the entrance to Scott's Cove, and the southern
shore of Contentment Island. These areas rely largely on the
artificial "seeding" carried out by Tallmadge Brothers.

Statistics on annual harvesting in the waters of Darien are not
available, but the oyster industry in Connecticut is the largest
fishery on Long Island Sound, and has grown greatly in the last
several years due to improved water quality and long-term commit-
ment by the industry.

Some conflicts have occurred between the commercial oystermen and
the Town of Darien. These conflicts have been largely restricted
to noise complaints (when the oyster boats are operating during
their early morning hours close to shore), and to concerns about
potential impact resulting from a lack of knowledge of the oys-
tering operation. For example, some townspeople are concerned
that the oyster boats are poaching on private land when in fact
they are working land apparently franchised to them by the Town
and the State years ago.

The target of most recreational shellfishing is the hard-shell
clam, also known as -- depending on size -- the "little neck",
"cherry stone" and "quahaug" clam. The hard-shell clam can be
found along the Darien shoreline in various concentrations; how-
ever, because of domestic sewage, the only area certified as
11clean" in the Town is Scott's Cove. As with the oyster, esti-
mates of hard-clam harvest from a recreational standpoint are not
available. Discussions with shellfishermen have indicated that
although their efforts are increasing, their take is decreasing.
These are the classic symptoms of an overfished or poorly managed
resource. Still, this is only hearsay, and is not supported by
any kind of research or data. Discussions with the State of
Connecticut's Acquacultural Division indicate a willingness to
cooperate with the Town of Darien in establishing a shellfish
management plan for the Scott's Cove area and expanding shell-
fishing grounds in the Town. This would involve a complicated
process because of the need to certify the water quality of the
water overlying any shellfish bed. Further investigations of the
opportunities to open up the area off Weed Beach should be ini-
tiated by the Town because these areas lie adjacent to the City
of Stamford's shellfish beds. Therefore, the certification of
water quality would not be as complex as it would be in the case
of the Darien or the Five mile Rivers. From a biological stand-
point, shellfish concentration areas are also areas- of high pro-
d'uctivity for a variety of marine life, including important
finfish species such as flounder. Clam habitats such as mud-
flats, when exposed at low tide, are important feeding areas for
a number of shorebirds and wading birds.

Because shellfish are filter feeders, they are highly susceptible
to environmental degradation, especially in the form of domestic
sewage contamination. Harmful organisms, such as the hepatitus

-37-

virus, or bacteria causing gastrointestinitus, are readily picked
up by filter-feeding organisms. While no damage may occur to the
shellfish, if they are harvested, the person eating the shellfish
will very likely become ill. Public knowledge of health factors
involved in consuming shellfish, as well as knowledge of areas
where shellfish can safely be harvested, are important aspects of
shellfish management.

In the discussion of shellfish beds in Section 5.4, following,
Darien should move toward the establishment of a shellfish com-
mission or similar body that would deal with both commercial and
recreational shellfish management, and would work closely with
the newly-established State of Connecticut Shellfish Commission.

It is interesting to note that there is a cooperative agreement
between the City of Stamford and the Town of Darien concerning
shellfish. Because the City of Stamford receives municipal sew-
age from the Town, Darien is obligated to provide requesting
Stamford residents with one half the number of permits allocated
to Darien residents for shellfishing within Darien waters.

3.14 Coastal Waters - Estuarine Embayments

Coastal waters may be defined as those waters of Long Island
Sound, and its harbors, embayments, streams and creeks which con-
tain a salinity concentration of at least 500 parts per million
under low flow*stream conditions. In addition, coastal waters
are divided into two definitions: "near shore waters", which
comprise those waters and their substrates lying between mean
high waters to a depth approximated by the 10 meter contour, and
"offshore waters"t comprising those waters and their substrate
lying seaward of a depth approximated by the ten meter contour.
An estuarine embayment may be defined as a protected coastal body
of water with open connection to the sea, in which saline
seawater is measurably diluted by freshwater, including tidal
rivers, bays, lagoons and coves (P.A. 79-535, sec. 3 (7) (G)).

The importance of these waters, and their environmental quality,
is undeniable for the Town of Darien. Recreational boating,
swimming, and gathering of shellfish, as well as the aesthetic
and visual quality of the coastline, are dependent on these
waters. Connecticut CAM finds and declares the pollution of the
waters of the State is inimical to the public health, safety, and
welfare of the inhabitants of the State; is a public nuisance; is
harmful to fish, wildlife and aquatic life; and impairs domestic,
agricultural, recreational and other legitimate beneficial uses
of the water. CAM concluded that control and elimination of
water pollution is in the public's best interest, and is declared
a matter for legislative determination.

The role of protecting estuarine waters falls largely on State
and Federal agencies. The certification of shellfish beds is
carried out by the Connecticut Department of Health. The control

-38-

of industrial pollution discharges is carried out by the Depart-
ment of Environmental Protection's Water Compliance Unit, and is
overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Control of
pollution generally concentrates on two broad categories: "point
pollution" sources, and "nonpoint pollution" sources. Point pol-
lution sources may be defined as those activities such as the
discharge of industrial wastewater, where the discharge is con-
trolled and placed under permit. Point pollution may also
include discharges from boats, and disposal of dredged spoiled
material. Darien lacks any known point pollution sources.

Non-point pollution is much more difficult to identify and
control. This includes leaking septic fields, disposal of motor
oil into local storm drains, illegal dumping, and other chronic
discharges into coastal waters. As a result of'the largely resi-
dential nature of Darien's coastline, the major non-point pollu-
tion source would likely be leaking septic fields and municipal
sewer tie-ins. Darien is also subject to pollution sources out-
side its own Town waters because of the estuarine nature of Long
Island Sound, and because it shares coastal waters with the.
Cities of Stamford and Norwalk in the cases of the Noroton River
and the Five Mile River respectively.

Currently, Darien's coastal waters are among the cleanest in wes-
tern Long Island Sound. Certain areas of concern within these
waters, however, have been identified. They include, but are not
necessarily limited to: the upper reaches of Holly Pond which
shows degradation from historical pollution sources along the
Noroton River, and contains a historical record of those sources
in its sediments today; and areas such as Ziegler's Cove, which,
because of high boating pressure during the summer, may become
temporarily degraded as a result of sanitary waste discharge. As
indicated in the previous chapter, particularly within the
Scott's Cove area, any expansion of shellfishing opportunities
would rely heavily on improvement and maintenance of clean
estuarine waters.

Darien's role in assuring clean coastal waters has two facets.
The first is the awareness, monitoring, and enforcement of State
and Federal water quality standards. The second is more local in
nature. It involves local enforcement of existing water quality
regulations, and a realization that Darien's water quality is
closely linked to that of Stamford, Norwalk, and other adjacent
estuarine communities. The State does not have a comprehensive
coastal water quality testing regimen at this time.

This makes it difficult to assess the overall trend and condition
of Darien's coastal waters. Where appropriate, the Town of
Darien and other coastal towns should recognize this deficiency,
and move towards the establishment of a State-wide or Sound-wide
coastal water-quality monitoring effort.

Essentially, all tributaries flowing through Darien into Long
Island Sound within the Coastal Boundary fall under the
definition of coastal waters containing a salinity concentration

-39-

of at least 500 parts per million during low flow stream con-
ditions. Continued enhancement and protection of these aquatic
systems are also essential to continued vitality in the coastal
zone. Specific concerns about dredging, sedimentation, struc-
tures, and filling are addressed separately in Sections 5.5, 5.10
and 5.11 of this report.

High water quality is necessary for full utilization and enjoy-
ment of Darien's Long Island Sound waters. These waters provide
a habitat for a variety of marine organisms: both those with
obvious commercial significance, and those that play a very
important role in marine food chains and productivity. In many
cases, these same areas provide significant habitant as spawning
and feeding grounds for shellfish and finfish. From a social
standpoint, Darien's location on Long Island Sound contributes
directly to its high standard of living, which in turn is
directly linked to the high aesthetic and recreational values of
the Sound's waters. Their degradation would not only cause loss
of recreational opportunities such as swimming, boating, water
skiing and shellfishing, but would also likely lead to the loss,
of coastal land values, and a subsequent lowering of Darien's
quality of living.

of all the coastal resources included in this section, the pro-
tection and enhancement of coastal waters are the most difficult,
both as a result of the size of the resource (extending from the
Atlantic Ocean to the upper watershed of the Five Mile River) and
the numerous overlapping political and governmental agencies that
are involved in the maintenance of water quality. In addition to
environmental concerns, economics plays a very important role in
determining both water quality and the feasibility of imple-
menting adequate water protection programs.

3.15 Air Resources and Air Pollution

Air pollution means the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one
or more air pollutants, or any combination thereof, in such quan-
tities, and of such characteristics and duration as to be, or be
likely to be, injurious to public welfare, to the health of
human, plant or animal life, to property, or as unreasonably to
interfere with enjoyment of life and property.

While it cannot be denied that air quality plays an important
role in the quality of life in the Town of Darien, air resources
and air pollution were not directly considered as part of this
study. The major origin of air pollution in the Town of Darien
is derived from automotive sources, mainly commuting.

The presence of water-dependent industry, coastal recreation, and
other direct uses of the coastal area do not affect air quality
in any major fashion and, therefore, are not chief concerns of
this program.

--40-

Piz

Diamondback Terrapin

4.0--

DETAILED RESOURCE DATA FOR COASTAL SECTIONS

STUDY AREAS

cl
00

so
15
J .. .........
.44

00
00 0:
1. FIVE MILE RIVER
2. CONTENTMENT ISLAND 00
3. FISH ISLANDS
10
4.CONTENTMENT ISLAND COVE 12.DARIEN RIV
5.TOKENEKE BROOK 13.GORHAM'S
6.TOKENEKE TRAIL COVE 14.NOROTON R
7.DELAFIELD ISLAND COV* 15.HOLLY PON
E
8.SALEM STAITS COVE 16.NOROTON E
9.SARGENT'S COVE
r to
10. LONG NECK POINT
ll.PEAR TREE POINT

_42-

For the purposes of this study, and in order to identify major
natural systems, the Darien coastline has been divided into the
following geographical areas:

4.1 - Five Mile River
4.2 - Contentment Island
4.3 - Fish Islands
4.4 - Scott's Cove
4.4 (a) - Contentment Island Cove
4.4 (b) - Tokeneke Brook
4.4 (c) - Tokeneke Trail Cove
4.4 (d) - Delafield Island Cove
4.4 (e) - Salem Straits Cove
4.5 - Sargent's Cove
4.6 - Long Neck Point
4.7 - Pear Tree Point
4.8 - Darien River
4.9 - Gorham's Pond
4.10 - Noroton Bay
4.11 - Holly Pond
4.12 - Noroton River

4.1 Five Mile River

The tidal portion of the Five Mile River lying within the Town of
Darien's Coastal Boundary extends approximately one mile on a
north-south axis, from just north of the White Bridge on Tokeneke
Road, to the mouth of the River at the southwestern corner of
Butler's Island. The full shoreline involves more than 2 miles
of land, and incorporates a variety of freshwater and estuarine
habitat. The watershed of the Five Mile River originates in
Westchester County, New York and flows south through New Canaan,
Norwalk and Darien. The entire drainage basin is 12.3 square
miles in area with flow levels ranging from a high of 265 cubic
feet per second in the spring, to a range of 1.9-6.0 cubic feet
per second during low flow periods. The coastal portion of the
River is heavily used as a marina and mooring basin. During the
summer, some 500 boats, along with all services associated with
boating (i.e., fuel, marine supplies, provisions), are located
on the Rowayton shore.

The mean tidal range for the Five Mile River estuary is 7.2 feet,
with a mean spring tide of 8.3 feet. The flood encroachment area
is calculated under the National Flood Insurance Program to be
approximately 15 feet above mean sea level within this area.

The coastal portion of the Five Mile River is estuarine. Fresh
waters from the upper reaches of the River mix with marine waters
from Long Island Sound. Changing values for fresh water input,
tidal velocity, and on-shore wind lead to variations in salinity
and sedimentation rates. These fluctuations lead to the develop-
ment of the estuarine community. While the entire waters of Long
Island Sound may be considered estuarine, it is the fresh water/
marine water interfaces, such as the Five Mile River, where estu-
arine habitats are most prevalent.

-43-

An ecological analysis of this area was undertaken by Professor
William Nearing and his associates in 1972. Their findings
showed that the tidal marshes associated with the Five Mile River
were highly productive, especially when compared to other marshes
along the Atlantic seaboard. The productivity of the Five Mile
River marshes was found to equal or exceed other viable marsh
sites. Twenty different species of plants were found in the
area, and the list of associated marsh fauna included more than
thirty species of mollusks, crustaceans and birds. The report
concluded that the marshes and adjacent mudflats along the south
of the River were ecologically viable, and they contributed sig-
nificantly to the marine productivity of the adjacent estuarine
and coastal waters of Long Island Sound.

Along another line, a Federal navigation project is maintained
within the Five Mile River. The existing channel, authorized in
1888, provides for a depth of 8 feet extending 6,000 feet up-
stream to the White Bridge. However, the upper 700 feet was
de-authorized in 1978, and the actual depth and width of this
part of the channel varies. Historically, maintenance dredging.
of the Five Mile River has entailed the removal of 47,700 cubic
yards of material. The project was last dredged in 1968, and is
scheduled for its next maintenance in the near future. The Corps
of Engineers, New England Division, projects the need for four
projects during the period 1985 to 2035, with an average volume
per project of 70,000 cubic yards. Knowledgeable boaters esti-
mate the depth and width of the existing channel to be 7 feet
deep and 100 feet wide.

The Five Mile River Commission exercises control over project
applications for dredging, the number of vessels moored, and the
number and placement of mooring buoys. This Commission is com-
posed of four individuals -- two from Darien, and two from the
City of Norwalk -- and concerns itself with the pollution, con-
servation, and navigation of the Five Mile River. As part of the
process of preparing this report, a meeting was held with the
Five Mile River Commission. They concurred that it would not be
desirable to dredge the Darien side of the River, due to the
existing boat congestion and the need to maintain the natural
condition of the marsh which offers the benefits of flood pro-
tection and habitat value.

The uppermost portion of the River, lying within the Coastal
Boundary, is largely freshwater in nature and extends 500 yards
south from the point where the Conrail railroad tracks cross the
River to a riprap dam situated approximately 350 feet upstream
from White Bridge. This section consists of two branch streams
of the Five Mile River that join just north of the dam to form a
small pool. The stream beds are largely gravel and cobble in
nature, and the streams, especially the western branch, are dry
during low-flow periods. The surrounding upland areas are
largely vegetated slopes backed by private residences. Topo-
graphy is such that most of this area has little flood potential
except at the highest flows.

-44-

The *coastal nature of the Five Mile River begins downstream of
the riprap dam. While some tidal mixing of fresh and estuarine
waters may occur in the pool behind the dam, it is south of the
dam that true marine nature is evident.

From the dam to the White Bridge (the southern-most of the two
spans crossing the River at this point), the Five Mile River is
characterized by sand/mud sediments with stony banks. The Darien
side lacks any development on the shoreline, with shrubs and
other vacant lot vegetation occupying the upper shoreline, and
boulder/riprap occupying the tidal zone. During the inspection,
� good deal of green algae was present in the riverbed along with
� few fiddler crab burrows.

The River from the White Bridge south could be considered a true
river from a navigation/marine perspective. As one stands on the
White Bridge and looks south, one sees either an extensive area
of tidal creek and mudflat, or a body of water from shore to
shore, depending on the stage of the tide. Nowhere else in
Darien, with the possible exception of Scott's Cove, can such a.
startling example of tidal influence be seen.

This section of Five Mile River south of White Bridge may be
divided into four sections; upper estuary, Five Mile River marsh,
Tokeneke marsh and river mouth.

The upper estuary is dominated by a residentially developed
shorefront, typically including a lawn extending to some form of
shoreline protection. The protection structures range from con-
crete or masonry sea walls to riprapped revetments. Seaward, the
intertidal area is covered by alterniflora, or cordgrass, a marsh
fringe which may vary from 1 to 10 feet in width. In the center
of the River, a mudflat extends from just south of the White
Bridge for a distance of approximately 400 yards.

South of the White Bridge, the shoreline is dominated by a stone
abutment for the bridge which extends 200 feet before turning
westward along a small drainage creek. A gas station lies
immediately inland of this portion, and the riverbed contains
numerous pieces of automotive debris and other litter. This is
one of the few areas along the entire Darien shoreline where com-
mercial development is adjacent to the shoreline. The stone
abutment ends at the head of a small tidal creek and storm drain
outlet. A fringe of alterniflora is backed by stone riprap. The
lot immediately south of the first tidal creek was vacant at the
time of inspection.

Approximately 225 feet south of the first inlet is a second inlet
which also terminates at a drainage ditch. This second inlet is
used during the boating season as a mooring area for boats which
lie on the mud during low tide. Along the southern shore of the
inlet, heavy riprap is in place protecting the slope of a private
home. The inlet consists of a vegetated upland with cordgrass
fringe, and muddy bottom sediments. Along the southern edge, a

-45-

riprap revetment begins, and swings south at the base of a house
built immediately adjacent to the tidal zone. This revetment
shows signs of erosion which the owner claims is due to tidal
action and muskrat burrowing activity. South of this location,
the shore is dominated by a large stand of phragmites. One hun-
dred and eighty feet further downstream is a third inlet which
extends some 100 feet inland.

At this location, Five Mile River swings eastward and narrows
slightly. The shore downstream from the third inlet is lawn with
a small dock and boat ramp. The remaining distance to the point
is vegetated upland with sparse areas of cordgrass fringe. .

on the point, the shore is riprapped with a dock. South of the
point, the Darien side of the River opens up into a small cove.
The northern edge is primarily cordgrass with scrub upland. The
middle portion of the cove is a masonry or seawall fronted by
cordgrass fringe and gravel sediments. The southern portion is
cordgrass with upland vegetation behind. The River swings to the
south at this site.

The next area of the Five Mile River marks the head of navi-
gation: i.e., the upper limit of the navigation channel and
northern limit for most vessel traffic. From this area south,
the Darien shore is marked by docks of various sizes and
construction.

Six major docks are found along the next 300 yards of shoreline.
The docks are well maintained and serve private residences. They
reach out into or near the navigation channel edge. The shore-
line is characterized by a cordgrass fringe backed by seawall or
revetment. Between the first and second dock, one property lacks
structural shoreline protection. The fifth and sixth docks are
backed by large rock seawall, and the southern-most dock extends
250 feet back into the northern corner of the Five Mile River
marsh -- a major cordgrass marsh system on the Darien shore.
This marsh is in sharp contrast to the Rowayton shore, which is
heavily developed for commercial and boating uses. The marsh and
associated mudflats extend north-south for approximately 530
yards, and lie between the navigational channel and the Darien
shoreline, a distance between 65 and 200 yards. As the Nearing
report stated, this marsh is an important part of the Five Mile
River system. In addition to its biological importance, its role
in reducing wake wash from boats and other wave action, along
with its scenic value, cannot be underestimated.

Five Mile River Road parallels the shore for-most of the marsh's
length. This offers one of the best scenic views in the Town of
Darien. The shoreline is primarily seawall fronted by the cord-
grass marsh. The marsh itself is marked by tidal creeks and mud-
flats and a number of boats are haphazardly moored in it. One
vessel was found tethered to a telephone pole.

-46-

Although this marsh is one of the most extensive in the Town, it
lacks the associated high marsh or patens marsh typical of many
other systems. This is most likely the result of historical
grading and land extension resulting in the lack of high inter-
tidal ground suitable for patens growth and associated plant
life. The southern border of the marsh swings eastward, and the
shoreline returns to the seawall/private dock appearance. In
addition to seawalls, a number of rock outcroppings are found in
this area. From the southern border of the Five Mile River marsh
to the entrance of the Tokeneke marsh, there are five docks and
two groins perpendicular to the shoreline. The property on the
upper portion of this shoreline segment has a cordgrass fringe
backed by a low seawall, and a narrow segment of patens marsh
which is backed in turn by a seawall. The middle segment is
rocky in appearance with natural rock formations linked together
with seawalls. As the shoreline approaches the Tokeneke Creek
entrance, the foreshore becomes sandy, and a small sand beach is
found at the northern entrance to Tokeneke marsh.

Extending west from Five Mile River, the drainage creek for-
Tokeneke marsh extends 275 yards before opening up into the marsh
proper. The creek averages some 50-75 feet in width. Beginning
on the sandy point, the northern shore is predominantly cordgrass
with upland vegetation behind. Three docks in various stages of
repair occupy the northern shore. As the creek opens up into the
marsh, the cordgrass is bounded by a patens marsh. Patens marsh
is found inland of the cordgrass throughout the marsh, though not
in a continuous band.

Tokeneke marsh consists of approximately 6.23 acres of cordgrass
marsh and some 2.66 acres of adjacent patens marsh. No obvious
freshwater drainage enters this marsh system, though a freshwater
pond does lie a short distance to the northwest. Both the
patens and alterniflora marshes appear to be healthy and produc-
tive, and a variety of marsh-related life was observed, including
fiddler crab, mud snails, and the snowy egret. The patens marsh,
however, has been ditched for mosquito control. Human impact on
the area included two dock/float structures, some erosion on the
south shore of the creek, several abandoned vessels in the creek,
and the presence of composition.clay from tennis courts deposited
in the southwestern corner of the marsh. Discussions with two
riparian land owners in the area indicated street flooding prob-
lems due to the lack of drainage, especially during high tide
coinciding with heavy rainfall. There was also interest shown in
dredging the marsh creeks to allow access at other than high
tide. Presently, even shallow draft vessels are largely
restricted to the main'stream of the creek and only at high tide.

The southern shore of the inlet creek to Tokeneke ma rsh is again
predominantly cordgrass, backed by upland vegetation and private
home development. Two docks reach out into the intertidal zone,
and a "boathouse" also extends into the intertidal area. Some
erosion is present along the creek bank, and several abandoned
boats are present eyesores. At the junction of this creek and
Five Mile River, a wooden bulkhead is in poor repair.

-47-

J
FIVE MILE RIVER

AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

REVETMENTS AND GROINS
ZZ

SEAWALL

0 BOAT RAMPS

SHORELINE STRUCTURE
(E) FLOATING
SEMI-PERMANENT

SET PILINGS

COASTAL BOUNDARY

MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

(D
LOW MARSH ROCK
Lj HIGH MARSH VEGETATED ROCK

SAND PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS

ojov%oO EXTENT OF MAFIHNE
INFLUENCE

ROWAYTON

w s
+
IFIGURE 8-

-48-

The 'lower reaches of Five Mile River (eastern end of Butler's
Island) are bordered by a mixture of sand beach, fronted by
fringes of alterniflora, rock outcroppings, and shoreland pro-
tection structures. At the southern junction of Tokeneke Creek
and the Five Mile River, the coastal appearance is degraded by
the presence of bulkheads in disrepair, abandoned power boats,
and shoreline erosion. Just to the south, a massive riprapped
and filled area exists which is inconsistent with the
surroundings.

Downstream of this riprapped area, the shoreline largely consists
of cordgrass fringe backed by small bands of sand and some form
of shoreline protection. In three places along this portion of
the shoreline, stone or concrete groins have been placed out into
the intertidal zone. One hundred yards north of the mouth of the
Five Mile River, a gazebo is placed on top of a rock outcropping.
A small sandy cove lies south of the structure just inside the
river mouth. At several places along this portion of the shore,
low seawalls have been breached by coastal storms with sand and
shells evident inland of the structures. While the River is
largely a protected body of water, this lower western shore is
its most exposed area. At the confluence of Five Mile River and
Long Island Sound, the western shore rises to approximately 35
feet above mean sea,level.

Summary and Conclusions - Five Mile River

1. Because of the hydrology and extent of the Five Mile River
watershed, water quality of the estuarine section of the
River is largely dependent on activities upstream. Protec-
tion of inland wetlands lying in the watershed, erosion
control, and other mitigation measures will be extremely
important to the future quality of the estuary.

2. Maintenance dredging of the harbor should be restricted to
the existing federal project. Disturbance of any of the
existing marshes by dredging should be avoided.

3. Proposed legislation to end any further Federal funding for
this dredging project may have a significant impact on the
Five Mile River. The recreational nature of this harbor
will make funding of 25%-50% of the dredging project a
major financial burden on the individuals involved.

4. Regardless of the status of the Federal Marine Sanitation
Device legislation, efforts should be undertaken and main-
tained to ensure that holding tanks aboard moored vessels
are not discharged into the River. Because of the small
area, the large number of vessels involved, tidal regime
and poor circulation, even minute amounts of discharge
could have significant effects on ambient water quality.
Public education of the boaters involved should prove help-
ful in this effort.

-49-

5. The Five Mile River marsh must be recognized as a major
component of the Five Mile River ecosystem. Dredging and
other projects having a major impact should not be consi-
dered for this area.

6. The practice of hauling boats across marsh areas ' and of
tying small boats to stakes and telephone poles, are not
deemed to be a major problem, but they do have adverse
effects on marsh vegetation and general shoreline
appearance.

7. An investigation of the extent and severity of existing
flooding along Butler's Island Road and Manor Drive should
be undertaken.

8. The Darien side of Five Mile River remains residential with
a shoreline that is largely stable. Use of the shoreline
is limited to small boats and sailboats which gain access
via beach or dock structures. The River is heavily con-
gested with boat traffic, with access and services mostly.
limited to the Rowayton (Norwalk) shore.

9. The Town of Darien has a major stake in the development of
the facing shoreline. Because visual access, mooring
access, marine-related supply facilities, and other such
businesses are in Rowayton, the course of development there
will directly (e.g. lack of marinas or gas docks) or in-
directly (e.g. visual appearance) affect Darien.

10. The City of Norwalk is involved in the CAM process. One of
the developments advanced as part of this program involves
the creation of a Marine-Commercial zoning category which
would prohibit the development of non-water dependent uses
along the Rowayton shoreline. This approach should be
actively supported by the Town of Darien.

4.2 Contentment Island

This area extends from the entrance to the Five Mile River west-
erly to the tip of Contentment Island. With a shoreline of some
1.1 miles, this coastal region is marked largely by the presence
of rock bluff, rocky shorefront, and two sandy beach coves. This
location's exposure to strong winds and storm waves precludes the
location of private docking facilities except in the two coves
that break the rock relief. The area can be further subdivided
into three distinct subsections:

- southern coast of Butler's Island
- Tokeneke Club cove
- southern coast of Contentment Island

The southern shore of Butler's Island is marked by rock bluff and
rocky shorefront. Running west from Five Mile River for approxi-
-mately 200 yards, a rock bluff rises some 40 feet above mean sea
level. This bluff is modified in places by masonry work, which

-50-

part of a home development. It changes to rocky shorefront along
the remainder of the 500 yards of exposed coast, Even here, the
low points and various other places have been fortified and modi-
fied by masonry work. Along most of this section a line of boul-
ders and rock protect the toe of the bluff and rocky shorefront.
At the western point, this intertidal protection is lacking, with
a masonry seawall being the primary coastal structure. A dere-
lict concrete and steel dock is the only obvious structure, other
than masonry work done as part of the landscaping. Potentially,
the dock structure could prove to be a safety hazard, and it does
degrade the coastal appearance of this area.

Butler's Island and Contentment Island are now divided by a cove,
lined with sandy beach. The area is dominated by The Tokeneke
Club, a private association of 305 member families. This cove
was once directly linked to the Tokeneke marsh behind it as a
front beach and storm water spilling area. The Club has fortified
the hind beach area, but it is still prone to flooding.

At the southwestern tip of Butler's Island, the eastern shore of.
the cove is marked with an alterniflora fringe. Rocky intertidal
and seawall protection exist landward. Approximately 100 yards
to the west, this habitat is altered, becoming sand beach. At
the head of the cove, the sand beach is up to 100 feet in width
at low tide. Two groins have been erected in an apparent attempt
to stabilize the beach. Judging from evidence on the aerial
photographs, no major along-shore transport of sand is obvious.
The larger of the two structures mentioned projects into the
Sound approximately 100 yards beyond midtide. At its end, there
is a swimming platform for use by Club members. The other struc-
ture extends only to low water. The existing sand beach con-
tinues to the west approximately 500 feet, and connects to
natural rock. A cordgrass/rock fringe takes over again on the
western shore, with several bedrock outcroppings present along
its length. A secondary cove lies behind the western point of
the larger one. Protected by rock outcroppings and a man-made
breakwater, this cove has a small sand beach at its apex. The
breakwater, designed to look like part of the rock point, demar-
cates the western point of Tokeneke cove, and the beginning of
Contentment Island's southern exposure.

The cove is used for mooring of several small boats, largely
restricted to outboards and small centerboard sailboats. In
addition, the offshore waters are regularly farmed for oysters by
Tallmadge Brothers of Norwalk.

Contentment Island's border is largely comprised of rocky shore-
front. A maximum elevation of approximately 25 feet is reached
midpoint along this 800-yard coastline. The shorefront is broken
in numerous places by tiny coves and beaches measuring only a few
f eet across. This area is largely in a natural state, with
existing residential development allowing the bluff and the vege-
tated berm to remain. However, one major case of erosion is pre-
sent. In this area there is no rocky shorefront, and storm

CONTENTMENTASLAND

Lj AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN
ROCK
- REVETMENTS AND GROINS VEGETATED ROCK

- SEAWALL
PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS

(D BOAT RAMPS

--4 SHORELINE STRUCTURE U TL
(E) FLOATING LOW MARSH . . ...
@SEMI-PERMANENT HIGH MARSH .....
....... ...
SET PILINGS
COASTAL BOUNDARY SAND

MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

-.0

Scale in Feet

200 0 200 400

-52-

action and existing land uses have established an exposure of
unconsolidated material. It is unclear from field investigation
whether the existence of rough cobble is natural, or has been
dumped onto the site in an attempt at erosion control.

The exposed bedrock and uneven bluff character changes some 200
yards before the end of Contentment Island. At this point the
topography flattens, and a cove with associated sandy beach pre-
vails. The mouth of the cove is 150 yards wide, and protects a
beach area of similar size. Currently, this beach is protected
landward by low sea walls, and is used as part of a private resi-
dence. During the summer months, this cove is cordoned off by a
buoy area, apparently to prevent any encroachment by boats.

The continued existence of this cove is, in part, due to the off-
shore Fish Islands, which lie approximately 170 yards offshore,
and offer protection to both the small cove and the entrance to
Scott's Cove. The passage between the Fish Islands and Content-
ment Island is posted with a six knot speed limit to prevent wake
damage.

Summary & Conclusions - Contentment Island

1. The fortified nature of this atea restricts water access
uses to the coves along its shore, but allows excellent
visibility of the Sound and Long Island to land owners
because of its relatively high elevation.

2. The majority of the area is highly fortified and resistant
to erosion. However, in at least one segment, erosion is a
relatively severe problem, and flooding and associated
damage are of concern in the low-lying areas.

3. Tokeneke cove is heavily used for swimming by a private
association, and some small boat access and mooring is
present.

4. Tokeneke cove bottom lands are used for the commercial har-
vest of oysters, and the beds are marked by stakes. Con-
cern has surfaced recently over the extent of Town-leased
grounds in the cove, noise from auxiliary pumps, and the
oyster boat's proximity to shoreline properties. These are
cited by residents as key problems. The actual harvesting
of oysters has no apparent adverse impact on either the
cove's water quality or productivity.

4.3 Fish Islands

The Fish Islands are a group of privately-owned islands lying 170
yards off the southwest corner of Contentment Island. Seen at
low tide, there appear to be two main islands surrounded by scat-
tered rocks. At high tide, however, the eastern island appears
to be three separate islands. They are connected by sand shoal,
but there is no continuation of vegetation among the three.

-53-

The largest of the Fish Islands is the one most inland. A sand
beach is situated on the northwest corner, and this area has long
been a favorite picnic spot for boaters. Some impact from the
activities of visiting boaters is evident. Litter, fire pits,
and minor disturbances to the high marsh were visible. A
recently constructed, stone-encased "No Trespassing" sign is sit-
uated on the Island. The remainder of the island offers a com-
plete variety of marine habitat. Beginning with low marsh mixed
with rocky intertidal, the habitat moves to high marsh with open
water "Ponds". A stand of phragmites claims the hind marsh, and
an upland area complete with a few hardwood trees dominates the
center of the island.

The middle island in this archipelago is dominated by intertidal
vegetation, which is visible on this stepping stone to the third
island.

Dominated by exposed rock with a cluster of hardwoods centered in
its middle, the third island is -the outermost of all the Fish
Islands. Both high and low tidal marsh are found there.

To the west of these three islands lies the "second" island.
Unlike the islands described above, this one lacks obvious upland
habitat, and is instead dominated by marsh vegetation scattered
amongst the rocks.

Other multiple-rock outcroppings surround these Islands. The
main benefit from this group is for bird-roosting habitat, espe-
cially at high tide when feeding activities of many species are
restricted. Birds likely to be found on these islands include
two species of gull, four species of heron, the common tern,
ruddy turnstone, and double-crested cormorant.

Summary & Conclusions - Fish Islands

1. The main characteristic of the Fish Islands is intertidal
vegetation. On two of the islands, associated upland habi-
tat is present.

2. The major land use is recreational, with the existing sand
beach on the largest island attracting visitors via boats
for picnicking, swimming, and related activities. The land
is posted.

3. Both the Fish Islands and the smaller outlying rocks are
important habitat for numerous shore and coastal bird spe-
cies which utilize them heavily for feeding and roosting.

4. Structural development on any of these islands is imprac-
tical, and would require major engineering, fill, and
bulkheading.

FISH ISLANDS.

:7'
I-A
v 11
. . . . ....
'y f-. - -C";

4 4.

..................... .
'7 r

> A

I r

v T
v -7 v

LOW MARSH

HIGH MARSH

SAND
SHORELINE STRUCTURE AREA
@ FLOATING
Scale in Feet
(D SEMI-PERMANENT ROCK REVETA
(K) SET PILINGS
VEGETATED ROCK SEAWA
COASTAL BOUNDARY
0 200 MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS BOAT R

-55-

4.4 Scott's Cove

This area is the most irregular of any coastal segment along the
Darien shoreline. A complex array of tidal marsh, mudflats, in-
lets and open water lies behind the opening to Scott's Cove,
which stretches a little over 400 yards from the tip of Content-
ment Island to the eastern edge of Great Island. Several islands
and exposed rocks narrow this opening further. Behind this stony
entrance, 5-1/2 miles of protected cove unfold. This Cove can be
further broken down into five smaller segments.

4.4 (a) - Contentment Island cove
4.4 (b) - Tokeneke Brook
4.4 (d) - Tokeneke Trail cove
4.4 (d) - Delafield Island cove
4.4 (e) - Salem Straits cove

4.4 (a) Contentment Island Cove

This section of the Town's shorefront includes 1.3 miles of the'
northwestern shore of Contentment Island, and 0.45 miles of the
Tokeneke shore. At the head of the cove, a brackish water pond
exists which receives salt water at high tide, and is fed by an
upland watershed via a series of ponds and the Tokeneke Brook.

Starting at the tip of Contentment Island, the coast is oriented
on a north-northeast axis. The first 200 yards are characterized
by low sloping bedrock and a cordgrass fringe, protected on the
landward side by seawall. The adjacent upland areas are just
above mean high tide. To the north, a point of exposed rock is
connected by a sandbar to a long finger island which juts into
the Cove. The island is comprised mainly of rock and cordgrass,
with some phragmites, alder, and upland vegetation at its cen-
ter. From this point north, the coast is under the protection of
the Cove, and the cordgrass fringe becomes wider with less
exposed bedrock being visible. The shore redirects to the north-
east and extends some 700 yards to terminate at the high marsh
system. The coastal resources involved along this section are
largely mudflats and "hummocks" of alterniflora. Along the
shore, cordgrass forms an unbroken border, and in most cases,
seawalls lie landward. Contentment Island Road runs alongside a
stretch of this shoreline, providing good visual access to
Scott's Cove.

As this inlet narrows, the cordgrass stands become more dominant
and, at the apex of this inlet, an extensive high marsh system
exists. Covering approximately 3.50 acres, this high marsh bears
the parallel scars of mosquito ditching. Likely once part of a
larger'system that extended approximately 200 yards to the north,
this patens marsh appears to be highly productive, and forms the
most extensive patens marsh to be found anywhere in Scott's
Cove. A fringe of phragmites lines the upland borders of the
marsh, and an access road forms its northern border.

Core

0
fit,

GREAT ISLAND

Long Islond Sound

... . .. .......

SCOTT'S COVE

LOW MARSH ROCK AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN --4 SHORELINE STRUCTURE
a.". In rum r: HIGH MARSH VEGETATED ROCK - REVETMENTS AND GROINS FLOATING
E CS) SEMI-PERMANENT
0 800 400 000 SAND PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS - SEAWALL CC) SET PRINGS
COASTAL BOUNDARY

-57-

Facing this apex, the opposite shore widens to a point 230 yards
into the southwest. This shore exhibits similar vegetation to
the facing shoreline, but inland of the cordgrass fringe, a band
of high marsh extends to the point. Inland areas are dominated
by hardwood forest.

The coast then orients again to the north. The band of patens
marsh tapers out, while the fringe of cordgrass continues. A
masonry stonewall protects a residence on this point. A pocket
patens marsh separates the distinct headlands on this spit of
land. The northern part of this land is exposed bedrock, sur-
rounded on three sides by marsh, and on the fourth by water. In
studying the aerial maps, it seems likely that this high point
was once an island, with no upland connection to the mainland.
Historically, a salt marsh system would likely have covered the
entire hind-shore.

The cove then narrows to its articulation with the Tokeneke Brook
system. Portions of the eastern shore of this cove have been
modified quite heavily, and are among the most heavily impacted
shorelines in Darien.

The lower half of the eastern shore is dominated by.grey birch.
This is the largest stand of birch found along the coastline of
Darien. Comparisons of field observations against various base
maps suggest that this shoreline was straightened and back-
filled. The stand of birch is divided by a tidal inlet, with a
small patch of patens and a bank of phragmites at its head.

The upper half of the eastern shore is a mixture of cordgrass,
phragmites, dock structures, seawalls, and some eroding banks.
At the head of the cove, a dam maintains the water level of the
pond upstream. The water of this pond is saline by virtue of the
fact that marine water does flow into the pond at high tide. The
pond is a popular place for fishing and crabbing.

The western shore of this cove is largely comprised of alterni-
flora fringe, with wooded upland behind. Two docks are con-
structed within this zone. At the point where the cove doglegs,
the shore is walled, and a sizable dock is maintained. The cove
then continues to widen into Scott's Cove. Most of the coast in
this area is uniform habitat with a cordgrass band stretching to
the high tide mark, and upland vegetation continuing inland. Two
small pocket marshes can be found along the lower edge which were
likely to have once been directly linked to the Tokeneke Trail
marsh. Development upland of these two marshes has obstructed
the freshwater inflow, but the tidal marshes continue to exist.
In addition, a major mudflat extends seaward of this area by some
270 yards.

off this point to the west, a bar connects a small island. The
presence of peat suggests that this once supported alterniflora,
but none is currently visible.

CONTENTMENT ]SLAND

COVE

171

Lj AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN LOW MARSH
REVETMENTS AND GROINS U HIGH MARSH

- SEAWALL SAND

0 BOAT RAMPS

ROCK
--I SHORELINE STRUCTURE
I& FLOATING VEGETATED ROCK
CA) SEMI-PERMANENT . .....
Q SET FILINGS
PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS
COASTAL BOUNDARY

MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS
N

Scale in Feet
w

209 0 200 400 600

IFIGURE 12-1

-59-

Summary & Conclusions - Contentment Island Cove
1. This area supports the largest patens marsh in Scott's
Cove. Extensive areas of mudflat and alterniflora hummocks
are situated to the south of this marsh. on-site inspec-
tion and comparison with a 1953 topographic map of the area
suggest that the entire area once supported a much greater
area of alterniflora. Reasons for the loss of cordgrass
standing stock are not obvious, because existing uses
present no obvious conflict.

2. An area in the upper portion of the cove shows signs of fill
and shoreline straightening. The filled area is low and any
development would require flood hazard protection, as well
as other extensive measures.

3. The predominant shorefront use of this area is for docking
and access to small power and sail vessels. Eight dock
structures exist in the area, with much of the shoreline
stabilized by revetment or seawall.

4. Three sizable islands are located in this cove. They are
largely utilized for roosting and feeding by shorebirds.

5. The cove receives freshwater via a series of ponds and the
Tokeneke Brook. The watercourse's water quality is an im-
portant contributor to the cove's health.

4.4 (b) Tokeneke Brook

Tokeneke Brook is a fresh water tributary to Contentment Island
cove and Long Island Sound. Smaller than the Noroton, Goodwives,
and Five Mile Rivers, the Brook is nonetheless an important
coastal and inland feature for the Town of Darien.

Tokeneke Brook consists of a series of ponds connected by a small
brook running north-south. While the watershed of Tokeneke Brook
covers a sizable portion of eastern Darien, the major portion of
the system can be seen south of the Conrail railroad tracks from
which it flows through 8-10 different ponds before ending up in
Contentment Island cove and Long Island Sound. From a Coastal
Boundary perspective, the portion of Tokeneke Brook lying within
the primary coastal boundary is that section south of Tokeneke
Road. However, the portion of the Brook considered in this re-
port is that section felt to be somewhat influenced by tidal
cycles: Tokeneke Brook just north of Old Farm Road south to
Contentment Island cove.

Lying just north of the point where Old Farm Road bisects
Tokeneke Brook is a dam that impounds a small pond upstream.
Upstream of this dam, the vegetation shows no relationship to
coastal and marine habitat.

-60-

Moving south from the dam, the brook makes a short dogleg, and
passes under Old Farm Road where it opens up into an irregularly
shaped pond that stretches north-south with a short branch ex-
tending to the east, and another extending west. For the sake of
description, this pond is called "CrossRoad por&'. The pond
measures 430 yards north-south overal-L-w-ith'--the two branches ex-
tending 70 yards east-west from the main axis.

The character of the pond's shoreline is largely lawn extending
down to the shore with little or no shoreline protection evi-
dent. The areas immediately south of old Farm Road bridge and a
residence on the western shore are the only areas where seawall
or revetment is present. In several areas along the pond's bor-
der, stands of phragmites are found. A few isolated areas of
erosion were evident. This erosion was most likely caused by the
feeding of waterfowl, and use of haul out areas. According to
the National Flood Insurance maps, this pond is not in a high---"
flood hazard area, though some flooding would occur along the
pond's border. Tidal flux and estuarine mixing in this pond
appear to be minimal.

At the bottom of the Cross Road pond, as the Tokeneke Brook
passes under Cross Road, there is a causeway and culvert system.
South of the causeway, the brook again opens up into a pond
system.

The pond is apparently nameless, but as a result of the number
of children who crab there, the pond was termed "Crab Pond."
Crab pond is narrowest at its northern apex from which it widens
into a boot-like southern portion. It extends 300 yards in a
north-south direction and expands from 9 to 130 yards at its
southern end.

Unlike Cross Road pond, the entire margin of Crab pond is sea-
walled. At high tide, Crab pond and Contentment Island cove are
linked with the pond receiving a regular flushing of marine
waters. The dike at the tail of the pond does maintain the water
level, however, and while the tidal flux in the Contentment
Island cove will measure an average of 7.2 feet, the Crab pond
will rise and fall inches instead of feet. The salinity of the
pond is also lower than that found in the cove. The pond is sur-
rounded by private residential homes on all sides except on the
southeast corner, where a causeway for Contentment Island Road
crosses between Crab pond and another pond. There is no obvious
link between the two ponds, and the smaller pond has a lower
salinity. As indicated in Crab pond's name, the pond is inha-
bited by a population of blue crab. These crabs are not abundant
in the western Long Island Sound areas, and are largely re-
stricted to ponds such as this because of the crab's ability to
survive cold winters in the fresher waters. In addition to the
blue crab, the pond has a number of small fish like the chub. A
filamentous algae abounds, especially towards the end of summer.

6 1 -

cr
TOKENEKE BROOK

1p.

50-

.10

-'T

AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

- REVETMENTS AND GROINS

- SEAWALL

(D BOAT RAMPS

kwoftmo EXTENT OF MARINE
INFLUENCE

ss SHORELINE STRUCTURE

FLOATING

SEMI-PERMANENT

SET PILINGS

COASTAL BOUNDARY

MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

ROCK
LOW MARSH
W*

P
Scale in Feet U HIGH MARSH VEGETATED ROCK
G)
200 0 200 400 600 SAND PHRAGMITES COMMUNi

FI -GU E -1 -3@

-62-

South of Cross Road, the flood hazard area increases with a 100
year flood hazard extending through the area between Five Mile
River and Tokeneke Brook, except for the highest elevations.

4.4 (c) Tokeneke Trail cove

The Tokeneke Trail cove covers an area from the point of land
south of Tokeneke Trail, moving west to the southwest tip of
Delafield Island. This area includes one small inlet, Tokeneke
Trail cove itself, and a phragmites marsh which lies north of the
cove.

Tokeneke Trail point is actually two separate points, split by an
inlet which once served as a drainage outlet for the Tokeneke
Trail marsh. The eastern point of land is protected by a revet-
ment. This shoreline protection extends into the inlet which
serves as a mooring place for a private residence. At the head
of the inlet, the land elevation rises to about 25 feet on the
eastern shore. The western point is exposed rock with sand beach
behind. A seawall is maintained landward of the beach, and a
mudflat extends south. From this point, the shoreline extends
north into the cove. The eastern head of the cove is bedrock,
while the remainder of the 334 yard shoreline is seawall. A
small patch of cordgrass grows seaward of a portion of seawall,
and two docks provide water access for residences. At the head
of the cove is the Tokeneke Trail causeway and its restricted
flow sea gates. A floating dock is also tethered to the
causeway.

Behind this causeway is a phragmites marsh of some 7.3 acres.
Displaying vegetation typical of tidal marsh with restricted
tidal range, this marsh has a center of open water, a fringe of
cordgrass, and a dominant stand of phragmites. In scattered
areas throughout the phragmites, remnant areas of patens can be
found. The reed, however, has displaced the patens, associated
marsh flora, and cattail, on the freshwater fringe.

The tidal range within the marsh is approximately 3.5 feet, while
the Cove experiences a tidal range of 7.2 feet. The restriction
of tidal flow has not affected the cordgrass (though its position
has moved down towards the mouth of the marsh), but it has
altered the vegetation type in the upper tidal range. The phrag-
mites growth has several problems associated with it: (1) in
late summer and fall it stands 8 to 10 feet tall, blocking visual
access to the open marsh and Scott's Cove; (2) when mature and
dry, reed grass is flammable and will burn readily; and, (3)
phragmites does not offer the quality nesting and feeding habitat
for the variety of wildlife that a natural salt marsh does.

Investigation into the possibility of increasing tidal flow and
restoring this marsh has been initiated. Conversations with Mr.
Thomas Steinke, Conservation Director of the Town of Fairfield,
reveal that measures can be taken (and have been taken in
Fairfield) which will rehabilitate. the marsh into its natural

-63-

state, and still afford a similar degree of storm surge
protection as is offered now.

This marsh drains two watersheds; one which runs roughly parallel
to Arrowhead Way for approximately a mile upstream, and another
small creek which drains a small pond some 250 yards upstream.
Major drainage to the east of the marsh is achieved through the
sea gates under the causeway, but another small creek drains the
high tide water off to the southeast, and into Contentment Island
cove.

An osprey nesting platform is located in the eastern portion of
this marsh. Given the extent of phragmites invasion, and the
lack of visual access to major feeding grounds, it is unlikely
that a pair of fish hawks would nest on the platform. Currently,
no ospreys are known to nest in Fairfield County. However, in-
creased nesting success in the Connecticut River area, and numer-
ous local sightings of pairs in the spring and fall, make future
nesting in the area highly possible.

Moving back into Tokeneke Trail cove, the western border is
largely in a natural state, although two docking platforms are
maintained for private access. A fringe of cordgrass runs nearly
continuously along the coast, and two patens marshes lie behind
the cordgrass fringe. One is a small pocket marsh approximately
70 yards downstream from the causeway, while the other is larger
high marsh occupying some two-thirds of an acre in the center of
the cove. A boat launching ramp was once built through the mid-
dle of this marsh, and the remnants of gravel roadtop and wooden
bulkhead are still visible. No recent use of the ramp was
obvious, and access to the road has become overgrown. South of
the ramp, a rock upland interrupts the marsh, which curves around
it, to rejoin the cove some 100 feet downstream. At the mouth,
the marsh is again lost as the topography rises. Rock out-
croppings and upland vegetation dominate the southeastern portion
of Delafield Island.

At low tide, the cove is exposed mudflat, except for a small ser-
pentine channel that drains the Tokeneke Trail marsh. The mud-
flats off the Delafield Island patens marsh show signs of marsh
peat, suggesting that the growth of cordgrass was once more ex-
tensive. Existing marsh appears to be healthy and productive.

Exposed to Scott's Cove, the southern edge of Delafield Island
runs some 300 yards in an east-west orientation. This portion of
the coast is predominantly comprised of bedrock outcropping, sea-
walls and broken fringe cordgrass. Seawalls run the entire
length of the Island, and three docks are maintained. Centered
along this exposure is a small sand beach. At the tip of Dela-
field Island, a small island lies 80 yards to the south. At low
tide, a subsurface stonewall connecting the Island to the main-
land becomes apparent. The purpose of this wall is not clear,
but it is a hazard to boaters not familiar with the area.

-64-

TOKENEKE TRAIL COVE

AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN C Oss

- REVETMENTS AND GROINS

- SEAWALL

0 BOAT RAMPS

SHORELINE STRUCTURE
(D FLOATING
@) SEMI-PERMANENT
@ SET PILINGS
COASTAL BOUNDARY

MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

ROCK

VEGETATED ROCK

PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS

LOW MARSH
U HIGH MARSH 8

SAND

�R

C
C",

Scale in Feet

200 0 200 400 600
IFIGURE 1_4@ S

-65-

Summary & Conclusions - Tokeneke Trail cove

1. The feasibility of restoring the Tokeneke Trail marsh should
be studied further. The dominance of phragmites obstructs
visibility, presents a fire hazard, and degrades the
quality of wildlife habitat.

2. The marsh is being used occasionally for educational purposes
by invitation. Restoration would significantly improve its
educational value.

3. Restoration of marsh through increased tidal flow may cause
the loss of some "usable" property. Such loss will have to
be mitigated.

4.4 (d) Delafield Island cove

Delafield Island cove is roughly semi-circular, with approxi-
mately 0.75 miles of shoreline, 16.2 acres of mudflat and alter-
niflora marsh, multiple pocket patens marshes, and one sizable
island. The defined boundaries of the cove begin at the end of
Delafield Island, and move in a half circle to a spit of land
jutting out towards an island.

The dominant characteristic of this cove is the cordgrass marsh.
An estimated 71-80% of the cove's area is alterniflora, while the
remainder is mudflat and tidal creek. The transformation of this
cove from low tide to high tide is striking. At low tide, it is
exposed mudflat and cordgrass with most of the creeks clear of
water. However, at high tide, the cove is transformed into open
water with just the tops of the cordgrass breaking the surface.
This low marsh is the largest in volume and standing stock of any
alterniflora marsh to be found in Darien.

The shoreline is quite varied. Behind the foot of Delafield
Island, the cordgrass marsh grows to the edge, and seawalls pro-
tect the upland. Approximately 270 yards from the point, a pock-
et patens marsh claims a small point of land. Some 33 yards
east, the access road to Delafield Island is located adjacent to
the cove. Riprap has been placed on the edge of the road, and
runs 280 yards in an arch to the north. In between the riprap,
where available soil and correct tidal elevation are found, small
patches of marsh glasswort and sea lavender are found growing.

At the point where the road leaves the coast, another patens
marsh is found. Stretching some 100 yards, this high marsh is
the largest inside Delafield Island cove. This stretch of patens
is broken twice by small tidal inlets. Behind the patens, sev-
eral stands of phragmites mark the higher ground. A large rock
rises 35 feet above the cove. Here, the patens narrows into a
thin, at times broken, border. On the northern side of the rock
outcrop, the cove drops into another small inlet. The band of
high marsh widens at the apex and again narrows at the next
point. Situated just behind the point, what is apparently a
wooden sun deck has been placed in amongst the alterniflora.

-66-

The rock point marks the start of another inlet at the head of
the Delafield Island cove. The eastern shore of this inlet is
marked by a cordgrass-upland interface. At the top of the inlet,
a small dock is maintained. West of this dock, a high masonry
stonewall rises to the elevation of a residence. In front of the
home, small patches of phragmites are found. South of the wall,
the slope lessens and another patens marsh occupies a small isth-
mus of land. Running the length of shore to the next promontory,
a field stone wall is situated at the high tide line. Another
very narrow band of high marsh exists precariously where eleva-
tion and suitable soil coincide. Typical of most points of land
in this cove, the topography rises to 25 feet above mean sea
level, as solid bedrock lies exposed. A residence has been con-
structed atop this rock and on the western shore of this head-
land, a dock serves the residence. Further along the property, a
boat ramp bordered by seawall is also to be found.

From this point on the character of the shoreline changes. Run-
ning east-west, a seawall approximately 80 feet long has been
subjected to erosion from behind, likely the result of storm.
waves breaching the wall and carrying off the smaller backfill.
The stonewall terminates to allow a small stream to drain, and
then continues to the south. A large stand of phragmites runs
approximately 270 yards on a north-south axis behind the sea-
wall. Inland of the reed-grass, the elevation rises to 50 feet
above mean sea level. The area between the toe of the slope and
the seawall has been filled and four dock structures are keyed
off of it. Historically, the channel east of this wall has been
maintained by dredging. Currently, this area is the deepest in
the cove, but remains navigable by most vessels only at high
tide. Approximately 200 yards down this segment of coastline, a
major "landscaping" project has been undertaken on the slope.
The natural groundcover has been stripped off, leaving the soil
and rock fully exposed. No apparent attempt to stabilize the
slope was made during the 1981 growing season. Aside from the
erosion of the thin topsoil, and the striking contrast with the
surrounding slope, the likely use of fertilizers to landscape
this slope may adversely impact the marsh further. Denuding a
slope of this type would not appear to give the landowner any
clear benefit, since the face of the slope is not visible from
the house, so the reason for doing this is unclear. However, the
residents of the remainder of the cove do have a direct view of
this slope, and a lot of money and effort will have to be spent
before the slope is properly stabilized and "landscaped".

The western border of the cove is a narrow rocky isthmus which
stretches toward an island. A dock is located on the tip of the
point. The island has upland vegetation, and a small pocket of
patens marsh is located on its northern exposure. Cordgrass
marsh extends west and north from the island.

Delafield Island cove is heavily used by waterfowl as a feeding
station and roosting area. Large numbers of black ducks rely on
the cove for food and open water protection. Canada geese and
mallards move into the marsh in large numbers for the night.

--67-

DELAFIELD ISLAND COVE

mV @Ip,,

AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

REVETMENTS AND GROINS

ROCK
SEAWALL

VEGETATED ROCK
(D BOAT RAMPS
SHORELINE STRUCTURE PHRAGMiTES COMMUNIS
FLOATING LOW MARSH

SEMI-PERMANENT
Q SET PILINGS Lj HIGH MARSH
oco Scale in Feet
ASTAL BOUNDARY SAND
MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS
200 0 200 400 600

FF-IGURE 15 1.

-68-

During the winter, waterfowl numbers increase, with the above
species being joined by buffleheads, American widgeon, and other
winter migrants. The island and much of the cordgrass marsh are
under the protection of the Nature Conservancy. Their protection
and limited access restrict hunting pressure to the open water
fringe.

Potentials for increasing boating access were discussed with area
experts. It was generally felt that providing deep water (for
sailboats) access for private docking facilities would be ex-
tremely expensive, impact a large area of marsh and mudflat, and
provide limited benefit (i.e hundreds of cubic yards of dredging
for a few riparian landowners' boats).

Summary & Conclusions - Delafield Island cove

1. This area supports the largest cordgrass marsh in Darien,
and every attempt should be made to preserve the integrity
of the marsh system.

2. The cove represents important waterfowl habitat.

3. Private landowner practices, such as installing sun decks in
the intertidal zone and denuding upland areas for no appa-
rent reason, should be controlled through regulation,
enforcement and public education.

4. Several proposals have been advanced for dredging this area
to permit improved navigation, and to help control "silting
of the marsh." However, dredging would bring limited bene-
fits; it would in fact have adverse effects on the marsh--
such as erosion-and would increase boat traffic within the
area.

4.4 (e) Salem Straits cove

The Salem Straits cove is located in the western quarter of
Scott's Cove. Its 1.9 mile long coastline incorporates one major
tidal inlet, and a tidal pond. The southern boundary of this
cove is the northern shore of Great Island.

As found in the rest of Scott's Cove, the dominant shoreline
characteristic of Salem Straits cove is a cordgrass fringe with
upland vegetation behind. Interspersed along this shoreline are
seven distinct patens marshes. In addition, several islands,
rock bluff, and an artificial dike are found within this area.

The first 300 yards of Salem Straits cove are composed primarily
of cordgrass fringe, backed by upland vegetation. At the notch of
this circular portion of shoreline is a stand of phragmites.
Several rock outcroppings occur and one small sand beach is
found. Two docks serve private residences.

-69-

From this point, the coast has been modified to form a tidal pond
regulated by a concrete weir structure. While the structure is
not well maintained, it does serve to restrict the tidal range
inside the pond. The extent of the range rise and fall was not
ascertained, nor is the date of construction and prior use of
this site known. The perimeter of the pond is cordgrass. No
docking structures were observed during the field examination,
but the aerial photographs show some form of float structure
existed as of April 1980, when the flight was made. One small
patens pocket does exist near the northern apex of the pond, and
the rear backs two stretches of patens marsh to the west, con-
nected with the Salem Straits elbow marsh system. During the
field examinations, numbers of kingfishers and snowy egrets were
observed diving and stalking the edges of the pond, suggesting
that it is inhabited by small fry, minnows, and chubs.

From the tidal pond's entrance to the south, the coast turns
rocky, and at the point rises to rocky bluff. From here, the
cove turns west to form a tidal inlet which reaches some 575
yards to the west, where it angles to the north another 265
yards.

The first 170 yards of this "elbow" marsh's northern coast is
rocky shorefront. Two docks are maintained from this shore. A
narrow, broken fringe of cordgrass inhabits the toe of this rock
slope.

The next 350 yards of shore are patens marsh, broken by rocky
vegetated points. Along the entire coast, cordgrass lines the
intertidal zone. Three separate patens marshes are found, each
occupying the head of three distinct coves found in this section
of the inlet. The majority of this coast is not bordered by
development. This undisturbed nature might well account for the
frequent sightings of ospreys roosting in a patch of dead trees
on one of the rocky vegetated points. This area has good poten-
tial for siting of a platform to induce osprey nesting. A dock/
boardwalk structure has been constructed over the largest high
marsh. The patens on either side of the boardwalk appears to be
healthy and stable.

The final 300 yards of the northern shore of this coast, leading
to the "elbow", is predominately cordgrass fringe, with the adja-
cent upland consisting of a small embankment vegetated by planted
grasses and/or hardwoods. Two docks provide access to the
water. As the point is rounded to the north the shoreline
remains similar for the first 100 yards.

From this point north to the apex of the elbow marsh, and south
along the first 150 yards of opposite shoreline, the major
coastal habitat is cordgrass fringe, backed by a strip of patens
marsh. At the head of the marsh inlet, the patens is f urther
backed by a stand of phragmites. Other small stands of phrag-
mites are also scattered along the remainder of this coastal
section. Three docks obtain access across the line of marsh.

-70-

Midway down the western shore, a large area of marsh has been
denuded by frequent feeding of waterfowl. This practice has com-
pletely exposed the sediment, and has caused concern among neigh-
boring residents. Attempts have been made to get the landowners
to restrict or cease feeding, but the activity continues.

Below the patens marsh, the shoreline returns to cordgrass fringe
backed by vegetated upland, until the watercourse angles east
back towards Scott's Cove. At this point, the coastal character
changes.

Running some 450 yards along the shore of the elbow marsh inlet
is an artificial dike berm some 5 feet above mean high tide.
This berm is broken in two places by culverts. Erosion has
occurred around these pipes, and water floods behind the berm at
mean high tide or higher. Covering several acres behind this
berm is a patens marsh, fringed by meadow. grasses typical of a
freshwater or brackish water wetland; phragmites are also found.
Preliminary studies would suggest that the patens' existence is
borderline due to low salinity. Numerous signs of muskrat
feeding in this area suggest a sizable population of the
rodents. In the eastern portion of this meadow, a platform has
been erected apparently for ospreys, but the platform has become
overgrown, and is now useless for nesting fish hawks.

At the eastern border of this meadow, the coastline becomes
rocky, consistent with the opposite shoreline. Here are numerous
rock outcroppings, cordgrass fringe, rocky islands, and two
patens marshes. This section of coast is not developed for water
access or residential purposes. It stretches roughly 460 yards
east-west, and the eastern edge marks the northeastern corner of
Great Island. In the middle of this segment, an island lies
north-south and is some 100 yards long. Adjacent to this is a
large mudflat system, curving away to each side toward the hind
shore. Behind this island, on the mainland, are two marsh sys-
tems. Both are protected by the island and shallow mudflats.
Several other small rock islands lie off the northern shore of
Great Island. This northern portion of the Island is heavily
used by several species of water birds including the snowy egret,
common egret, and great blue heron. They roost in trees along
the coast during the hightide periods, when feeding activity is
low.

Summary & Conclusions - Salem Straits cove

1. Because of the low density of development along a large por-
tion of this shore, numerous patens marshes are found, along
with a diversity of other habitat.

2. The area forms important roosting and feeding habitat for
water-dependent birds, including herons and egrets. The
requent sightings of ospreys in this area suggest that the
area is attractive to their needs as well. The potential
ffor erecting a nesting platform should be considered.

SALEM'STRAITS COVE

g",
AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN 4

- REVETMENTS AND GROINS

- SEAWALL

(D BOAT RAMPS

Q"
SHORELINE STRUCTURE
@ FLOATING
SEMI-PERMANENT S"
SET PILINGS

COASTAL BOUNDARY

MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

ROCK

VEGETATED ROCK

PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS I

LOW MARSH
L] HIGH MARSH

SAND

-72-

3. Erosion, due to feeding activities of waterfowl, should be
examined, and the effects on the adjacent marsh mitigated.

4. Marsh area on the northern edge of Great Island should be
stabilized, with marine water inflow maximized, and the in-
let points stabilized against erosion.

4.5 Sargent's Cove

This section of the Darien coastline runs from the northeastern
tip of Great Island to the southwestern edge of Hay Island.
Viewed from the east, Sargent's Cove extends only 0.8 linear
miles on a north-south axis, but the actual coastline covers a
distance of approximately 2.7 miles. This portion includes a
deepwater harbor, a large mudflat/cordgrass marsh, one brackish
pond, and a large section of rocky shorefront.

The eastern end of Great Island runs 360 yards in a north-south
direction. The majority of it is rocky shorefront, with small
pockets of cordgrass found where protection from direct easterly
exposure is offered by offshore rocks. The rocky shorefront
rises some 5-10 feet above mean high tide and is topped by
hardwoods.

The exception to this rocky nature occurs approximately one-third
down along this coast. Here, an offshore island gives protection
from the east and a small cove is situated behind with a cord-
grass fringe backed by a horseshoe patch of patens. In addition
to the patens, salt marsh bulrush was found growing in the Cove.
While this bulrush likely grows elsewhere in the Darien coastal
zone, this was the only location discovered during the survey.

From the southeastern tip of Great Island, the shore opens up in-
to Sargent's Cove. Directly inside the northern shore, a small
cove occurs which has been utilized as a salt water swimming pool
and bathing beach. A rock dike has been constructed in the in-
tertidal zone. This maintains the water level behind, with the
basin being inundated at high tide. Behind the pool is a sand
beach. At the eastern end of the dike, concrete steps and a
11sunning area" have been constructed. when this area was sur-
veyed, the pool held a small school of menhaden, several window-
pane flounder, oysters, red-beard sponge and several other spe-
cies of marine life. It could not be determined whether this
life occurred naturally, or was placed in this "aquarium".

The southern flank of Great Island is predominantly rock bluff,
ranging from 10-25 feet in height above mean sea level. At one
point, a masonry wall has been placed atop the rock bluff just
south of the main house, otherwise the bluff and other shorefront
are unbroken. Small patches of cordgrass exist in areas where
some protection is offered.

Toward the back of the Cove, the coastline has been modified into
a major docking area, together with associated off-loading area

-73-

and access causeway. Riprap has been placed at the toe of the
causeway, and continues along the facing shore of the docking
cove, terminating as a groin on the opposite point. on the far
side of this point, a marine railway is in place.

Upland of the railway is a storage building for boats. A small
patch of cordgrass occupies the intertidal. This leads into
another small cove which terminates at a dike. Behind the dike,
a pond is maintained. The waters of this pond are brackish, sug-
gesting that some limited tidal flow exists between the pond and
the Cove. No obvious tidal line was observed. A look at the
1835 topographic charts for this area suggests that Great Island
was once a true island, connected to the mainland via a marsh
system. On-site observations indicate that this portion of the
island was likely once connected with the wetland system to the
north (Salem Straits cove).

The southwestern shore of this small cove is riprapped at the
high tide line, and a small patens marsh with cordgrass fringe
can be found. The riprapped shoreline continues for another 100
yards. South of this shore, a slight depression has allowed a
sand beach to form at the back of Sargent's Cove. The remaining
130 yards to the entrance to Coon's Point marsh is cordgrass
fringe with cobble and numerous rock outcroppings.

Between Long Neck Point and Hay Island is another marsh/mudflat
system. At the center of this marsh is an island with access
provided by a wooden causeway. The northern shore of the marsh
is cordgrass fringe, with upland vegetation immediately inland.
The western shore of the marsh is divided at regular intervals by
seven docks, four of which are quite long (about 200 feet) in
attempting to reach the main channel of the marsh. While the
docks are generally well-maintained, they provide access only to
small shallow-draft vessels as the majority of the marsh is
exposed mudflat during the ebb tide.

The southern edge of the marsh, running along the northern shore
of Hay Island, is characterized by cordgrass fringe. The south-
western portion of this fringe fronts on artificial fill, an
access causeway, and phragmites, while the northeastern fringe
is backed by hardwood vegetation.

The majority of the marsh is mudflat. The standing stock of
alterniflora is restricted to shoreline fringe and the coast of
the center island. The island also has a patens which runs along
the eastern edge. While no obvious explanation was apparent, the
low ratio of standing cordgrass to mudflat suggested that some
form of impact such as ice action, poor flushing, or boating and
related activities may have been responsible for reduced produc-
tivity of the marsh.

The southern shore of Sargent's Cove proper is dominated by cord-
grass fringe, accompanied by rock outcroppings and upland
vegetation.

-74-

Hay Island is occupied by a single residence. As a result, the
northern shoreline is relatively undisturbed. However, there is
one major stand of phragmites some 30 yards east of the Coon
Point marsh entrance. In addition, the cordgrass fringe and rock
outcrop character is broken by one cove, where a small beach
exists. Directly offshore, a small vegetated island offers pro-
tection to the cove.

Sargent's Cove, also known as Ziegler's Cove, and marked as such
on nautical charts, is a popular mooring and rafting-up area for
boats, especially on the weekends. This results in several im-
pacts: overcrowding of boats with the resultant litter and low-
ered water quality; disturbance of riparian owners in the area;
and, as a general result, adverse impact on the marine life.
Preliminary results from ongoing Coastal Energy Impact Studies
being conducted by the Oceanic Society suggest that some form of
stress exists during the summer period. Samples taken during
this period exhibit pioneering organisms, while samples taken
during the fall and early winter show a more stable marine com-
munity. While boating cannot be directly indicted for this
impact, it is likely to be at least partially responsible.
Sargent's Cove is one of the few natural deep water harbors in
the area, and as the popularity of sailing increases, pressure on
this Cove will also be likely to increase.

The eastern edge of Hay Island is largely rocky shorefront, with
small coves formed behind the protection of bare rock outcrop-
pings. Unlike Great Island, Hay Island lacks the high rock
bluffs. Instead, the island is an average of 10 feet above mean
sea level with the highest elevation found along the southwestern
shore.

A sand beach occurs on the lower third of the eastern shore. As
is typical, an offshore island guards its entrance. Directly
south of the beach, a large rock outcropping juts into the
Sound. To the southwest of this point, another cove forms. A
patens marsh has developed with cordgrass seaward, and with an
inland border formed by riprap. The cove is approximately 75
yards across, and the shore reaches out to another rocky point.
Again, the coast falls away from this point, and another small
patens marsh is found. Cordgrass seaward and riprap landward
mark its boundaries.

Some 150 yards in from the southeastern tip of Hay Island, a sea-
wall has been constructed to protect an access road. From this
point, the next 230 yards of coastline is rocky shorefront. The
southwestern extent of this shorefront is marked by a patch of
cordgrass.

At this location, the natural features of Hay Island cease and
man-made features dominate. A breakwater 130 yards long has been
@onstructed to protect the causeway leading to the Island. An
irregular system of open water, cordgrass, patens, and phragmites
has formed between the breakwater and the stone causeway.

-75-

SARGENT'S COVE

GREAT ISLAND

10
'o

C
AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

REVETMENTS AND GROINS

SEAWALL

C BOAT RAMPS

--4 SHORELINE STRUCTURE
FLOATING
(j8 SEMI-PERMANENT
(g) SET PILINGS
COASTAL BOUNDARY

MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

ROCK
Q
VEGETATED ROCK

PHRAGkVTES COMMUNIS
HAY ISLAND
LOW MARSH

HIGH MARSH

SAND

C
N

Scale in Feet

200 0 200 400 600

FIGUIRT-177

-76-

An additional 100 yards of rip rap has been placed at the toe of
the causeway, south of the breakwater. The narrow gap between
the riprap and the masonry work of the causeway is occupied by
gravel and some high marsh vegetation. A cordgrass fringe exists
seaward of the riprap. At the point where the causeway turns
west, the shoreline drops to the south, and the coastline of Long
Neck Point begins. At the articulation of the two, a sand beach
has been formed with a stand of phragmites landward.

Summary & Conclusions - Sargent's Cove

1. Impact of boating on the natural systems of the Cove, and
the adjacent landowners, should be investigated further.
Possible mitigation measures to be pursued include designa-
tion of the area as a special anchorage, with enforcement by
the Town Harbor Master.

2. Coon Point marsh shows a low ratio of standing growth to
mudflat. Further study should be made into the historical
density and distribution, along with identification of.
possible causes.

4.6 Long Neck Point

This point of land represents the Town of Darien's deepest pene-
tration into Long Island Sound. From its junction with Hay
Island along its eastern shore to the point itself, it stretches
north-south for 900 yards. Long Neck Point's western shore
covers a slightly longer distance to the mouth of the Darien
River. As Darien's southernmost portion of land, it is also the
most exposed to the wind and wave action of the Sound. Unlike
the bedrock fortification protecting Great Island, Butler's
Island and Contentment Island, Long Neck Point is largely made up
of glacial till; a non-stratified mixture of boulders, gravel,
sand and clay. As a result of this geological composition, sea-
walls, riprap and other shoreline protection structures are obvi-
ous coastal features along the Point. The elevation of Long Neck
Point is variable, ranging from approximately 10 feet above mean
sea level at the tip to about 50 feet at the north-central
portion. The Point's shoreline totals some 1.4 miles.

Beginning at the juncture where the Hay Island causeway passes
inland, the coast swings into the south. The entire eastern ex-
posure is bordered by some form of seawall or revetment. The up-
land portion is cultivated lawn and landscaping.

The coast redirects slightly to the west and is straight for the
next 400 yards. Here, a seawall marks the approximate high tide
mark and a sand beach forms an intertidal margin some 25 yards
wide. Two docks are found in this area. One of them, approxi-
mately 20 feet long, is marked on nautical charts as maintaining
a private navigation marker. The final 300 yards to the point is
again a combination revetment and seawall. A narrow cordgrass
fringe lies seaward of the riprap. Approximately three-quarters

-77-

LONG NECK POINT

APEA TREE
911YT BEACH

OINT oAD

Y.4

w
z
.0 Q
LONG NECK POINT

C
Q
AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

- REVETMENTS AND GROINS

z
- SEAWALL 0

16 &OAT RAMPS

--4 SHORELINE STRUCTURE

FIOATING
SEMI PERMANgNT N
u I pajr4GS
COASTAL BOUNDARY

MUCIFLATS AND CHANNELS

ROCK
s

VEGETATED ROCK

PHRAGAAITES COMMUNIS
LOW MARSH Scale in Feet
U HIGH MARSH 209 0 200 400 600

SAND
-WO -AQ@

IFIGUPX 18-1

-78-

of the way down the eastern shore of Long Neck Point, the coastal
features turn from gentle slope to modified escarpment, and then
moderate to flat ground at the end of the Point.

The combination of revetment and seawall continues around the
Point onto the western exposure. Some 170 yards north, a short
breakwater interrupts the revetment, and a small beach has formed
behind the breakwater. Landward, a seawall marks the beach's up-
land boundary, and to the north a massive dock has been con-
structed. The dock consists of a breakwater, topped by an
accessway, and at the end is a concrete docking leg. North of
the dock a seawall continues and a large building has been built
out over the water. Continuing up the western shore, the seawall
is reinforced by revetment for approximately 220 yards.
offshore, a rock pile island exists which was likely formed by
the dumping of extra rubble or similar action. one dock is main-
tained from this coastal portion. The type of seawall used
changes at this point to concrete blocks. Cordgrass fringe grows
in the intertidal area at the lower portion of this property, and
a sand beach forms around the base of another substantial docking
structure. Some erosion is evident in the block wall. The cord-
grass fringe continues northward in front of the concrete block
wall. The northern end of this wall has collapsed and rock
rubble has been placed in the breech. A small drainage gully
divides the property here. The lot to the north utilizes the
riprap/seawall combination and maintains a stairway for access to
the narrow band of beach that fronts the property.

Above this beach, a cordgrass fringe can be found. The small
beach band becomes wider behind the protection of cordgrass, and
widens around the base of two docks. The dock to the south has
been removed recently, and only the rock stanchions are in
evidence. The dock directly to the north has been maintained.

Summary & Conclusions - Long Neck Point

Because of Long Neck Point's exposure to Long Island Sound, the
maintenance of revetments and seawalls, along with the control of
erosion, are major concerns. The shoreline survey revealed that
shoreline protection structures were mostly in good condition;
however, certain segments were in need of maintenance. Failure
to do so promptly, and properly, will likely lead to continued
loss of seawall with erosion, and damage to inland areas likely.

4.7 Pear Tree Point

The beach at Pear Tree Point is one of two public beaches within
the Town of Darien. The associated Darien Boat Club is the only
"Town" boating facility. It is a quasi-public organization and
offers the largest number of slips of any boating facility within
the community.

-79-
J-A "
AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

REVETMENTS AND GROINS

SEAWALL

(D BOAT RAMPS

SHORELINE STRUCTURE

FLOATING
(1) SEMI-PERMANENT
(g) SET PILINGS
COASTAL BOUNDARY
MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

TREE
BEACH
LOW MARSH ROCK -A

'HIGH MARSH VEGETATED ROCK

SAND PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS
S

PEAR TREE POINT

Scale in Feet
E

200 0 200 400 600

-@ 1 19

-80-

Pear Tree Point Beach consists of two stretches of sand, one that
runs east-west some 100 yards, and the second that reaches north-
south approximately 150 yards, representing a beach area of 2.75
acres. Between the beach fronts, two breakwaters have been con-
structed to stabilize the sand. A building providing restrooms
and changing rooms is also located between the sand faces. Land-
ward of these beaches is a parking lot with a capacity of 240
spaces. This parking lot is also used by the Darien Boat Club
and the public boat launching ramp. At the height of the summer
season, this beach is heavily used by townspeople, and is also
open to the general public for a fee. Residents displaying a
beach sticker are allowed unlimited use of the park.

The beach itself needs to be replenished on a regular basis. The
last nourishment project was carried out in 1980 and entailed the
placement of 900 yards of sand.

Directly to the north of the beach area is the Darien Boat Club
facility. This marina accommodates 244 boats, most of them power
boats, with an average length of 20 feet. The demand f or boat
space at the Club far outstrips current supply, and expansion of
these facilities ranks among the most important coastal concerns
in Darien.

A 1967 plan for expansion was designed to increase boat dockage
by approximately one-third. If such expansion were to be under-
taken, it would likely involve the dredging of the marsh system
directly to the northeast of the Boat Club. This system cur-
rently shows signs of stress as a result of its proximity to the
adjacent marina. Litter and other debris, along with signs of
reduced productivity (possibly from oil contamination) were visi-
ble during the shoreline inventory. In addition to the required
dredging, the shoreline along Pear Tree Point Road would have to
be stabilized against erosion from increased wake wash and other
wind/water action. Other concerns from expansion of this facil-
ity would include greater pressures on existing parking facili-
ties; disposal of dredged material from the improvement project;
future maintenance dredging; and control of sedimentation from
upstream and from Darien Harbor. This sedimentation occurs at
two major areas; the docking basin, and the "gut" between the
Darien Boat Club and the western shore of the Darien River.
Preliminary investigations would suggest that the major source of
sediment for the docking basin is upstream from the Darien River
and Gorham's Pond, while the "gut" is likely to receive sediment
largely from the along-shore movement of sand from the Pear Tree
Point Beach and other areas within the Darien Harbor area. A
recent February 1982 permit request to the Corps of Engineers and
the State DEP calls for the maintenance dredging of the berthing
basin, approximately 65 yards by 315 yards, to the depth of minus
six feet mean low water. The permit request calls for the remo-
val by clamshell dredge of approximately 8,000 cubic yards of
sand and silt for disposal at an open water site in Long Island
Sound.

In addition to the docking facilities of the Boat Club, there is
also a Town-owned boat ramp located directly to the east of the
Club. While exact figures on the number of boats using the ramp
are not available, it receives heavy use during the boating sea-
son and is the only public boat ramp in Town. The parking of
vehicles, along with their boat trailers, places an increased
burden on the available parking at Pear Tree Point.

Summary & Conclusions - Pear Tree Point

1. Parking facilities for the Beach and Boat Club are the sin-
gle major factor restricting increased use of the area.

2. As a result of the boat ramp, trailers are left in the park-
ing lot. The combined length of tow vehicle and trailer
causes additional strain on those already overused
facilities.

3. As Darien's public beach facilities are placed under in-
creased demand, it is imperative that the Town continue to
assess this demand and take all feasible measures to meet
the requirements.

4. Expansion of the Darien Boat Club docking facilities should
be considered.

5. Further study should be undertaken of the hydrological
regime and sedimentation patterns in order to determine
appropriate actions for managing Pear Tree Beach, Darien
Boat Club's "gut", and the mooring basin directly inside the
Point.

4.8 Darien River

The Darien River is a portion of the watercourse between Gorham's
Pond to the north, and Darien Harbor to the south. Extending
north-south some 1,140 yards, the Darien River drains into
Gorham's Pond, along with the Goodwives River and Stony Brook,
which also drain into Gorham's Pond. The Darien River has three
major marsh systems along its banks. It is navigable by shallow
draft vessel to Ring's End Landing at its northern extreme, and
exhibits a wide range of habitats and uses.

Beginning at the southeastern shore of the River, just north of
the Darien Boat Club, the eastern bank is dominated by a cord-
grass patens marsh which extends 230 yards to the north. The
lower portion of this marsh is a cordgrass intertidal portion,
connected to a patens marsh on the higher ground. As mentioned
in the previous section, this marsh shows some signs of stress
from its proximity to the Darien Boat Club. The upper portion
is a cordgrass fringe and shoal which form a small haven. shore-
ward of this system, the land rises to Pear Tree Point Road.

North of the marsh, the coast narrows to a cordgrass fringe which
borders a high stonewall that rises to the road. A landing juts

-82-

out into the River, protected by a seawall and riprap. From this
point, the shore jogs to the east. The coast comprises largely
vegetated slope, broken in places by rock outcroppings and some
riprap.

The vegetated character of the slope is altered after some 150
yards by a house that has been constructed within the intertidal
zone. The remainder of the property is protected by revetment to
the north. Cordgrass fringe continues for 50 yards to the peak
of a small cove. The coast swings to the west, as the land forms
a peninsula. The southern edge of this peninsula is cordgrass
fringe, with a stonewall behind it. A single dock is constructed
on the shore. The western end of the peninsula is bulkheaded
with a dock maintained in the middle of the seawall, and the
northern shore returns to the cordgrass fringe backed by a short
section of riprap in the middle. At the northeastern edge, a
small seawall has been constructed.

The final 300 yards of the Darien River's eastern shore is cord-
grass, backed by a short bank of upland bordering Pear Tree Point'
Road. At a point approximately two-thirds of the way north, a
small parking area has been provided off the road. A scenic view
of the River is offered, but some erosion does exist along the
shoreline.

The head of the River, known as Ring's End Landing, consists of a
concrete and stone causeway/tidal gate and residential buildings
which lie between the River and Ring's End Road. The tidal gates
regulate the waters of Gorham's Pond, and water from the Darien
River goes into the Pond only at high tide. The buildings
located at Ring's End Landing are situated behind a stone
seawall.

There is a great deal of concern over the silting of Gorham's
Pond, especially at the articulation of the Pond with Stony
Brook. As a management measure, the tidal gates at Ring's End
Landing are opened on occasion to aid tidal flush, and to help
relieve silting. However, this action raises concern downstream,
especially at the Darien Boat Club, over increased sedimentation
from the flushing actions upstream. The extent of sedimentation
and siltation in the River is estimated by a former harbor master
to be occurring at the rate of approximately 2 1/2 inches per
year.

The western shore of the Darien River features a more diversified
range of habitat and shoreline features. South from Ring's End
Landing, the first 250 yards of shore is predominately cordgrass
fringe, backed by vegetated slope and cultivated lawn. A dere-
lict dock, float, and maintained dock are located within this
zone. In several locations, the slope leading down to the River
has been used for dumping of toppings and other rubbish,

Directly downstream, a shoreline extension project has been con-
structed. This project consists of a seawall projecting out into

-83-

the River, with a floating dock attached. The area behind the
seawall has been backfilled, brought up to grade, and made into
lawn. The shoreline directly downstream of this site resumes the
more natural vegetated slope character of the shore upstream. A
single dock is found in the downstream area.

Approximately 75 yards south of the extension, the shore is
interrupted by a large stand of phragmites. A dock is maintained
amongst the reed grass.

From this point, south to the mouth of the Darien River marsh,
the shoreline is cordgrass fringe with riprap directly behind. A
short breakwater of sorts is constructed out into the cordgrass.
Here, the shoreline opens out into a major marsh system.

The Darien River marsh covers approximately 7.1 acres. At the
mouth, it is some 280 yards wide, and stretches approximately the
same distance back into the marsh. Three distinct branches occur
of f the main marsh. The main marsh is predominantly mudflat,
with the cordgrass largely restricted to the edges, and one berm
which protects the marsh entrance.

The northern shoreline is cordgrass fringe, with a band of high
marsh behind it. The width of this patens marsh varies. At a
point directly behind the protecting arm of cordgrass, a dock has
been constructed across the patens and low marsh. The materials
appeared to be quite new at the time of the survey, and it is
probable that the work was performed without proper permits. An
area of marsh immediately to the west has also been disturbed,
but the cause was not identified.

The shore gently curves toward a minor inlet. A small dock is
located at the entrance, and an upland meadow is directly behind
the coast. The inlet contains cordgrass, patens band, and two
small docks. Several stands of phragmites are scattered here; a
stonewall lies on a northern shore; and a tidal inlet also can be
found. The entrance is quite narrow, spanning only a few yards.

The western shore of the marsh continues to be occupied by cord-
grass fringe and a narrow band of high marsh. A dock has been
constructed, along with a low stone wall. The shoreline then
curves into a second inlet. The mouth to the inlet is cordgrass
up to a stone dike. Behind this dike, patens marsh has developed
over 0.68 acres. Inland from the marsh, a stand of phragmites is
evident. East of the entrance to the patens marsh is a low
stonewall and an old dock.

A third marsh is found on the southern shore of the Darien River
marsh. The marsh occupies one-half of the lower shoreline. it
is likely that this marsh once totally bisected the wooded penin-
sula to its east. However, a causeway to provide access to the
wooded point now cuts the marsh in two. This third marsh is
approximately 1.36 acres in size and drains into the Darien River
marsh through one tidal inlet vegetated by cordgrass.

*
-84-

C
DARIEN RIVER
A

A 0

20
C
*%
ob

AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

REVETMENTS AND GROINS

SEAWALL

0 BOAT RAMPS
C

it SHORELINE STRUCTURE
w FLOATING

SEMI-PERMANENT
(9) SET PILINGS
COASTAL BOUNDARY
MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

ROCK

C VEGETATED ROCK

PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS
E

LOW MARSH
(0)
HIGH MARSH
Scale iii Feet SAND

200 0 200 400 600

ffIGURE 20

-85-

The remainder of the southern shoreline is characterized by cord-
grass fringe and a band of high marsh backed by hardwood forest
which continues out to a point which marks the southeastern
boundary to the Darien River marsh.

The next 250 yards of shoreline of the western coast of the
Darien River is uniform, with a narrow cordgrass band backed by
hardwood forest. This forest serves as an important roosting
area for wading birds, in particular, the black-crowned night
heron. Dozens of these birds were sighted in the hardwoods dur-
ing the high tide. In addition, a pair of ospreys were seen
utilizing a standing dead tree on several occasions during the
shoreline survey. At the lower end of this wooded shoreline, a
landing has been constructed of stone and fill. It does not
appear to be used, as it is overgrown with weeds and other
vegetation.

From the landing, the shoreline opens up to form another major
marsh system. The cordgrass fringe widens and funnels into an
inlet backed by patens. The tidal inlet reaches north to the
causeway that serves the wooded peninsula. This marsh system
backs directly on the marsh described on the southern shore of
the Darien River marsh. The patens marsh runs approximately 75
yards south from the causeway, and is approximately 100 feet at
its widest point.

The cordgrass and adjacent mudflats reach from the tidal inlet,
which bisects the patens marsh southeast some 110 yards, and
widens to 180 yards at the mouth of the marsh. A single dock is
found in this marsh inlet. The western shore of the lower marsh
is marked by a narrow band of high marsh consisting largely of
alder, and the southern entrance to the marsh is dominated by a
large growth of phragmites.

The remaining 220 yards,Ito the mouth of the Darien River is pre-
dominantly cordgrass fringe, broken by four dock structures and
backed by stands of phragmites, stone riprap,and open land. On
the point, a sand beach is backed by seawall. At this location,
the River is barely 25 yards across at mean low tide and directly
faces the Darien Boat Club.

Summary & Conclusions -_Darien River

1. Siltation of the "gut" and the Boat Club mooring basin is a
major issue. It is thought that the opening of the tidal
gates at Ring's End-Landing to alleviate. sedimentation in
Gorham's Pond leads to increased silting of the lower River.
Sources of siltation and sedimentation rates for the River
and Gorham's Pond will require further study.

2. The Darien River poses several examples of what shouldn't be
done within the coastal zone, such as: building directly in
the intertidal zone; allowing the collapse of seawalls
through lack of maintenance; construction of non-permitted

_86-

work in tidal marsh; and so forth. While these have not
overwhelmed the natural character of the River, they are
nonetheless illustrative of mistakes that mustn't be repeated
in the future.

3. The tidal marshes located mid-way along the western shoreline
of the Darien River are significant natural systems. Signs
of impact, disturbed patens areas, and new docking structures
are present. Any further infringements should be properly
controlled.

4.9 Gorham's Pond

From the Ring's End Road causeway and tidal gates to the dam just
north of Goodwives River Road, Gorham's Pond extends north-south
approximately 0.8 miles. Gorham's Pond is the second largest
tidal pond in the Town of Darien, behind Holly Pond.

Gorham's is fed by the Goodwives River to the north and Stony
Brook midway along its western shore. The southern border of'
the Pond is formed by a stone causeway and tidal gate which
restricts the outflow and inflow. This, in turn, restricts both
the tidal range and the circulation.

All of Gorham's Pond, a portion of the Goodwives River, and the
lower segment of Stony Brook lie within the primary Coastal
Boundary. However, the "coastal" character of the area is fur-
ther restricted. For the purposes of this report, the coastal
segment of the Goodwives River is a short section from the top of
Gorham's Pond north 100 feet above the bridge on Goodwives River
Road where the placement of a riprap dam prevents any tidal
action or saline water intrusion upstream. on Stony Brook, the
"coastal" character extends westward from its confluence with
Gorham's Pond to a point 50 feet upstream of the bridge on old
King's Highway South, where a small rock dam marks the termina-
tion of coastal influence. It should be noted that the true
coastal character from a sense- of marine vegetation, marine
fauna, and other factors is even more restricted to the lower
portion of Gorham's Pond.

Beginning at Ring's End Landing, on the southern border of
Gorham's Pond, a stone causeway extends 100 yards roughly east-
west. on the causeway's eastern end, a tidal gate and spillway
control the water flow. These gates are still operative, and are
occasionally opened to reduce sedimentation in the Pond.

The timing and extent of these openings are a disputed issue
because residents along the Pond would like to see the tidal
gates opened more often, while interests along the Darien River,
including the Darien Boat Club, feel that opening the gates
causes increased sedimentation downstream of the Pond. When the
gates are not open, the water flow is regulated with marine
waters entering the Pond only at high tide.

-87-

Moving north along Gorham's western shore, the land/water inter-
face is characterized by private residences with lawns extending
to the shore and some shoreline protection in place. These open
lawn areas are separated by wooded areas with no man-made shore-
line protection.

The shoreline between Ring's End and the mouth of Stony Brook is
primarily forested upland with small areas of marine vegetation
found along the shore. Only at the southern edge of this seg-
ment, between the Ring's End causeway and the home located imme-
diately north of Ring's End Road, does any substantial shoreline
protection exist. The overall character of this part of Gorham's
Pond is upland vegetation broken in two places by lawns of pri-
vate homes. Approximately 600 yards upstream of Ring's End is
the mouth of Stony Brook. Offshore of this area lies major
shoaling caused by sediments from Stony Brook settling in the
quieter waters of Gorham's Pond. In some places the shoal is ex-
posed, while in others, the water is only inches deep. Miscel-
laneous debris is trapped there, including tree limbs and metal
objects of all sorts. The area is unsightly, but used by a vari-'
ety of wading birds as a roosting area with some feeding likely.

Moving westward into Stony Brook, the shore is bordered with
large rocks along the bank. The bottom of Stony Brook here is
sandy. Some 65 yards upstream of the confluence, Stony Brook
opens up into a meadow. The flora present here is largely fresh-
water in nature, with cattail and purple loosestrife among the
dominant vegetation. Shortly after the meadow opens up, Stony
Brook splits into two branches which merge again some 50 yards
upstream. Just north of this merging point, Stony Brook passes
under old King's Highway South. A short distance upstream of the
bridge, Stony Brook passes through a series of riffles which mark
the study's inland boundary.

From the mouth of Stony Brook, Gorham's Pond narrows northward
towards its confluence with Goodwives River. Immediately north
of the entrance to Stony Brook is a rocky point followed by a
seawall, extending 120 yards, backed by lawn. North of the sea-
wall, the shoreline returns to upland vegetation on a small
point, followed by another home with a lawn and no seawall in
front. A fringe of patens and bulrush is found along the shore-
'line border. Upstream of this area, a stretch of upland habitat
reaches some 125 yards before being broken by another small lawn
area. At this point, the Pond narrows to a narrow neck of water
measuring approximately 75 feet across. Along the western shore,
upland forest dominates the shoreline for 275 yards. In a few
small areas some wetland vegetation is present, but the shore is
primarily broken by rocks with vegetated slope. After this
wooded segment, the western bank opens up to another lawn. Here
the shoreline jogs and narrows, forming the mouth of the
Goodwives River. A stand of phragmites is located on the western
corner. From this point, the Goodwives River Road bridge is only
100 yards northeast.

-88-

The extent of the coastal influence ends 100 feet further up-
stream, as a result of a masonry stone dam. The banks on both
sides of the River between the dam and bridge are primarily up-
land vegetation.

Extending south from the Goodwives River Road bridge, the eastern
bank of Gorham's Pond resembles the western bank with two major
differences: 1) the upper portion of the eastern shore is
steeper in slope and 2) the Goodwives River Road extends in close
proximity along the entire length of the Pond's eastern bank.
Subsequently, the character, along a major portion of the eastern
bank, is dominated by the road. Moving south from the bridge
along the eastern bank, the shore consists of wooded bank for 350
yards. At regular intervals, private homes are located at the
top of the bank. As a result of the steep embankment and narrow-
ness of Gorham's Pond at this point, little visual access is
main-tained, and formal physical access is provided at only one
point along the southern portion of this stretch. At this point,
a set of stairs leads down to the water. Some 350 yards south of
the Goodwives River Road Bridge, the Pond opens up, and the slope'
of the eastern bank moderates. Here a house is located close to
the shoreline and a large stand of phragmites extends along the
southern edge of the property.

For the next 170 yards of Gorham's Pond's eastern shore, the
Goodwives River Road parallels the shore with the band of vegeta-
tion averaging 40-90 feet between the road and the pond. One
residence is squeezed between the shore and the road. The banks
are relatively steep veget@kted slopes. South of this section, a
peninsula juts out opposite the mouth of Stony Brook. A seawall
rings most of the peninsula, while a patens salt marsh dominates
the southern edge. Three homes occupy this peninsula.

The shore then returns to border the Goodwives River Road, and
continues in this fashion to the Ring's End causeway. The shore-
line is vegetated slope gradually moderating to the south. Some
65 yards upstream of the causeway and tidal gates, a stone sea-
wall begins which forms part of the causeway structure.

The vegetated slopes which dominate the majority of the eastern
shoreline are extremely prone to erosion as a result of their
grade and proximity to Goodwives River Road. In several places,
the slopes have been used for disposal of tree and other organic
debris. While existing erosion is light, care should be taken to
avoid stressing the slopes.

Conclusions - Gorham's Pond

1. Because of the tidal gates, Gorham's Pond has little
.tidal flux, resulting in relatively few shoreline pro-
tection structures, restricted circulation, and reduced
coastal habitats such as intertidal flats.

-89-
it

;?Oqo
,GORHAM'S POND

AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN
REVETMENTS AND GROINS

SEAWALL

(D BOAT RAMPS

SHORELINE STRUCTURE
Q
(3) FLOATING
(1) SEMI-FERMANENT
(g) SET FILINGS
COASTAL BOUNDARY
MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS

ROCK LOW MARSH

VEGETATED ROCK
L HIGH MARSH

PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS SAND

%-*4m,0EX'f EN'r OF AAAR IN E
I N F L U,,@'N C E

SCale in Feet
W+-

0
20MON on@- - @-
200 400 600 .40

@U @PX2 @l

_90-

2. Sedimentation within the Pond, especially at the mouth
of Stony Brook, is extensive, causing many residents
concern. Means of correcting this situation should be
studied, keeping in mind possible adverse consequences
in the Darien River.

4.10 Noroton Bay - Weed Beach

Noroton Bay stretches generally from the mouth of the Darien
River south to include Nash Island and Pratt Island. The western
end of Noroton Bay extends to the entrance of Holly Pond. The
coastline is largely characterized by fortified shoreline, backed
by private residences. A private yacht club and private residen-
tial beach/recreation facility are found in this area. While the
straightline distance barely measures-one-half mile east to west,
the actual shoreline twists and turns to cover more than 1.8 sta-
tute miles.

To the west of the Darien River "gut", a sand beach has formed.
This beach, 150 yards east-west, is a continuation of the beach
formed in the "gut", and is stabilized by three wooden groins
which cut the beach at right angles. These, in turn, are
anchored to a seawall that runs the length of the beach. At the
western end the shore swings south, and at the angle the seawall
ends, leaving sand beach backed by slightly higher ground
inland. South of this angle, the sandy character of the inter-
tidal zone continues for the next 250 yards, but the coast is a
myriad of seawall, boat railway, bulkheaded boat launch areas,
and mooring areas. The first part of this shore is seawall, with
two groins placed in the intertidal. South of this area is the
Noroton Yacht Club complex. Beginning at a groin, this area has
a boat railway, boat ramp, small beach, revetment which turns
into bulkhead, six finger docks (during the boating season), a
larger sand beach (used for bathing), and a long pier (100+
yards). The Club is private, with 200 member-families. They
maintain a fleet of 200+ boats averaging 22 feet in length, con-
sisting largely of sailboats. The demand for dry storage area
and mooring space out in the Harbor outstrips current supply.

From the Yacht Club pier, the shoreline opens into a cove. The
northern shore of this cove is dominated by five docks, and two
wooden groins. A small privately-owned sand beach exists to the
west of the Noroton Yacht Club. The next property is seawall
fronted by riprap, and followed by a section of seawall and three
permanent docks. Towards the head of the cove ' the intertidal
area becomes a sand beach which continues into the northeast
corner of the cove. A small stand of phragmites occupies the
corner. Two docks are constructed in this section.

The inner, or western, shore of the cove is riprapped with three
dock structures extending from the shore. The lower third of
this shore, and most of the southern section, is a cordgrass
marsh. This marsh is backed by an access road to Nash Island on
the western shore, and upland vegetation on the southern shore.

_91-

In addition to the marsh which extends approximately two-thirds
of the way along the shoreline, a large dock has been built, and
to the east cordgrass fringe is found. The point is marked by
two groins at right angles to each other. The remainder of Nash
Island faces Noroton Bay and Long Island Sound.

The eastern face of Nash Island is seawall fronted by sand beach,
cordgrass fringe, and rock outcroppings from north to south
respectively. A house has been built out over the intertidal
zone in this section.

The southeastern corner of the Island is marked by a stonewall
that extends into the intertidal zone and is topped by a wooden
gazebo.

The general nature of Nash Island, and its southern shore in par-
ticular, is rocky. Because of its exposure to the Sound, the
southern shore is heavily fortified, utilizing natural bedrock
features and masonry. The entire shore is backed by a seawall.
The foreshore character begins as cordgrass fringe, while the
western end is fortified by both revetment and seawall. Several
rocky points have been incorporated into the defenses. Offshore,
numerous rock outcroppings and small islands exist.

The western face of Nash Island is also seawalled, but the inter-
tidal area is sandy. In the middle of this shore, a rocky spit
reaches into the Sound, terminating as an island. The residence
on the southwestern tip maintains a stairway to the water. The
western shore continues around into a small cove.This cove and
the cove behind the Noroton Yacht Club are separated only by the
construction of a causeway. The southern shore of this cove is
marked by revetment and seawall, and at the head of the cove a
sand beach has formed. Landward of the beach, riprap has been
placed. The northern shore of the cove is seawall, fronted by a
narrow strip of fine sediment beach and a cordgrass fringe. This
shore is tipped by a large section of exposed bedrock which forms
the southeastern tip of Pratt Island.

The northwestern shore of Pratt Island is seawall, fronted by a
rocky intertidal zone and cordgrass fringe. This continues to
the point where the coast meets Nearwater Lane. Here, the shore
has been riprapped for approximately 80 yards to protect the
roadway. A long pier (120 +/- yards) is located here as part of
the Noroton Bay Association beach facility.

The shore between the Noroton Bay pier and t he entrance to Holly
Pond (1000 yards +/-) is sand beach. A privately-owned stretch
100 yards long occurs directly north of the pier. A rock and
wooden bulkhead breaks the continuity of the beach. Behind this
structure, a ramp has been constructed and two small patches of
cordgrass grow seaward of this section.

The beach, now Weed Beach, then continues uninterrupted for an-
other 250 yards to where it is broken by a rocky point with up-
land vegetation. A short breakwater has been constructed to its

NOROTON BAY

OR
LA,

WEED BEACH

AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN ROCK
IQ
REVEIMENTS AND GROINS VEGETATED ROCK (D
SEAWALL
@!!Z PHRAGMITES COMMUNtS
C, BOAT RAMPS

---4 SHORELINE STRUCTURE LOW MARSH
(6) FJOAUNG
Sem@,FERMANWI r. HIGH MARSH @j
SET polmGs SAND
COASTAL BOUNDARY

mUDFLATS ANDCHANNELS

Scale in Feet

200 0 200 400 600

-93-

north and a cordgrass marsh lies in a low area off its end. The
sand beach continues from this point and runs north. A rock
jetty is the o *nly major obstruction breaking the next 70 yards.
In addition to the recreational usage of this area, Weed Beach is
used for field trips by the Darien Nature Center to teach Darien
school students about coastal ecology and intertidal marine life.

A final stretch of beach is located in the inlet to Holly Pond.
Here, a sand shoal has built up on the Stamford shoreline (this
area is part of Stamford's Cove Beach, and it is also used for
recreational purposes). The Darien side is characterized by sea-
wall fronted by sand beach, and further fronted by stands of
cordgrass. A short rock jetty angles out from the eastern third
of this shoreline. This shore runs 250 yards to the east to the
entrance of Holly Pond which is marked by a long tidal gate which
regulates the water level in the Pond.

Returning to the easterly end of this coastal section, the Darien
Harbor lies south of the Darien River. It is bordered by Long
Neck Point on the east and Noroton Bay and Nash Island on the
west. Though the Harbor is considered a rough water harbor
because of its exposure, more than 140 boats are moored within
this special anchorage. Currently, the harbor can be considered
full because any expansion would have to occur to the south,
exposing the moored vessels to even greater wave and wind dis-
turbances. Since more than 75% of Darien's boats are located in
Darien Harbor, including the Darien Boat Club, there is a great
deal of interest in exploring various means of expanding the
mooring/slip capacity. one such means, presented in the 1966
Town Harbor Advisory report, proposed the construction of a
breakwater off the tip of Long Neck Point to provide protection
from the southeast.

The area of Westcott Cove, off the western shore of Noroton Bay
and Weed Beach, is utilized to a limited extent as a mooring
area. Because of its exposure and multiple rocks and shoals
which are situated in the area, it is doubtful that this location
could ever serve as a major boat basin. However, consultation
with area boating experts has disclosed that the construction of
a boat ramp in the Weed Beach area would greatly assist the park-
ing problem at Pear Tree Point. Aides to navigation would have
to be placed and maintained to guide boaters in and out of the
offshore area opposite Weed Beach.

Summary & Conclusions - Noroton Bay

1. Darien Harbor is extensively used as a special anchorage for
boats from the Town. Means to expand the harbor should be
investigated further, including potential expansion of off-
shore mooring capacity and increased docking facilities.

2. The feasibility of constructing a boat ramp in the Weed Beach
area should be studied.

-94-

3. The Weed Beach area is important not only for public recrea-
tional purposes but also to the Darien school system for
educational purposes. Easy access combined with conditions
of this intertidal area, make it the best location in Darien
for this purpose.

4.11 Holly Pond
Holly Pond is a large bo@y of water whose tidal fluctuation is
controlled by a set of tidal gates at its southern boundary. The
gates have not been properly maintained, and have fallen into
disrepair. Freshwater flow into Holly Pond is derived from the
Noroton River at the Pond's northern limit. The Noroton River
drains a watershed approximately 7360 acres in size, beginning in
New Canaan and flowing south 4.7 miles into Holly Pond.

Holly Pond assumed its current character in 1960, following the
construction of the tidal gates. As a result of the gates, water
level has been stabilized with the tidal range, reduced to 2.5
feet. The reduced circulation in the Pond, and the pollution'
loading via the Noroton River, often result in algae blooms in
late summer. According to local residents, the smell and poor
appearance can become "unbearable" during these periods. Cur-
rently, the Pond is used for limited fishing, gathering of shell-
fish for bait only, and small boat recreation.

Access into the Pond from Westcott Cove is limited to shallow
draft vessels during extreme high tide. Waterskiing is a popular
sport in Holly Pond, though restricted to the southern end due to
shallow conditions.

In addition to the recreational use of the Pond, it is heavily
used by waterfowl, domestic and wild, and especially mute swans
whose numbers often reach several dozens during the winter.
Mallard and black ducks inhabit the area during the summer, while
shovelers, hooded mergansers, buffleheads, pintail, American wid-
geon and several other species of waterfowl can be seen during
the migratory periods and winter. Holly Pond forms the southern
border between Darien and Stamford. on the Stamford side, the
southern edge is largely recreational (Cove Park) along with pri-
vate residences located on the water. The majority of the mid
and northern coastline is modified and bordered by a roadway with
some private access to a few small docks. A scenic overlook
located halfway along the Pond's western border is extensively
used by local residents to enjoy the view, and feed the pigeons
and waterfowl.

Beginning at the dam at the southern end of Holly Pond, the
Darien coastline runs northeast for some 850 yards. The shore-
line is characterized by a narrow.sand beach backed by a seawall
or revetment for the first 260 yards. The latter section is
backed by vegetated slope. The shoreline shifts to the east for
170 yards and opens up to form a series of small coves. The
edges of the southernmost cove are cordgrass fringe with vege-
tated upland. A sizable and highly productive patens marsh is

-95-

found at the head of this cove. It covers 1.77 acres, and is
bordered to the south by Brush Island Road. The eastern and nor-
thern edges of the marsh are marked by broken stands of phrag-
mites. The eastern shore of the cove reverts to broken cordgrass
fringe, with several stands of phragmites in evidence.

Midway along the eastern shoreline between coves, a revetme 'nt is
maintained with a small dock immediately to the north. North of
the dock, another small cove is found. Here, the dominant
coastal feature is high marsh. Larger than the marsh system to
the south, this one also appears to be healthy and highly produc-
tive. Bounded on the east by Nearwater Lane, this marsh is under
the protection of the Land Trust of Darien. It consists of two
"horns"; the eastern horn is capped by a growth of phragmites,
and is bisected by a tidal creek with cordgrass, while the
western horn is shorter and served by a single narrow tidal
ditch. The spit of land that forms the western border of the
cove is marked by cordgrass band, patens strip, and upland vege-
tated by bentgrass and sumac. The western shore of the spit is
characterized by bayberry and alder, fronted by cordgrass.

From the spit, the shoreline runs north marked by cordgrass
bounded by upland. On the next point of land, the cordgrass
fringe is backed by seawall which continues around the point into
another series of coves. To the east of the seawall, a dock is
nstructed, and approximately 100 feet further on, the cordgrass
fringe fronts a patens marsh. This marsh is approximately 75
feet at its widest point, and it extends in an arch some 85
co

yards. The marsh is backed by phragmites, shrubs, and lawn. To
the north of the marsh system, the cove is fed by a stream system
under Nickerson Lane. From the mouth of the stream the western
shore is cordgrass fringe. As the shoreline curves to form an-
other cove, the point is fortified by revetment, and a dock is
located off the point.

The revetment continues around the point and, as has been found
at the head of the previous three coves, there is a high marsh
system located on the northeastern corner. This system is the
smallest of the four marshes, covering barely 150 feet of shore,
with a maximum width of about 60 feet. The northwestern corner
of the cove is protected by a revetment, and the western shore is
characterized by a cordgrass fringe and secondary growth upland.
At the tip of Beach Drive, a sand beach has formed between the
seawall and low water. From this point, the shoreline runs
approximately 250 yards north-northwest and is dominated by sea-
wall with a single lot protected by riprap. From the riprap to
the apex of the inlet, a cordgrass fringe is found. The opposite
shore is fortified by revetment and lacks cordgrass. A gazebo
has been constructed on the point off Lighthouse Way.

Proceeding up the shoreline from the point, a small beach and
dock lie immediately to the west, while the next two properties
have a narrow beach in front of a- revetment. To the northwest,
the shoreline is also protected by a revetment," and within

-96-

approximately 70 yards a small cove is formed. The southwestern
portion is protected by revetment, while the northwestern is
wooden bulkhead. Three docks are located here. The wooden bulk-
head continues around the Seagate Road point some 150 yards, and
a dock is found just before the end. Scattered patches of cord-
grass lie directly seaward of the bulkhead. Another inlet is
found in this general location. The southeast shore of the inlet
is marked by the wooden bulkhead, with a connected dock; the
interior portion lacks shoreline protection and a large stand of
phragmites is located there. The area in front of the phragmites
is used to haul out small boats, and thus is devoid of vegeta-
tion. The head of the cove has a storm drain with associated
seawall, and the opposite shore is marked by scattered cordgrass
with phragmites lying directly inland.

From this point, the next 300 yards is marked by riprap that has
been placed along the shore. The area in front of the Darien
YMCA property has a narrow gravel beach seaward of minor riprap.
A dock and concrete boat ramp are maintained in this section.
Northwest of the YMCA, the Weed's Landing coastline is vegetated
slope with remnants of a stonewall in front. Since the conclu-
sion of the shoreline survey in October 1981, the southeast expo-
sure of this point has been regraded with the construction of a
seawall and outfall. Moving northwest off the point, the first
100 yards is predominantly vegetated slope, with a narrow sandy
intertidal area. A small creek drains into Holly Pond, and the
grade modifies to become a narrow intertidal beach which is
backed by lawn for the next 100 yards, and an outfall is located
in this section. To the northwest, a seawall and dock have been
constructed. A small pocket of patens marsh measuring some 75
square feet is located between the seawall and water.

Holly Pond narrows in this location to approximately 150 yards
between the Stamford shore and Darien. The Pond continues to
narrow gradually to the mouth of the Noroton River, some 550
yards upstream, where the Boston Post Road crosses the waterway.
Holly Pond is extremely shallow within this area and even shallow
draft vessels have problems navigating it.

Moving west from the patens marsh, the shore consists of cord-
grass fringe with some riprap in place, protecting the toe of
vegetated slope for 70 yards. Further on, a seawall with a dock
is in place. The wall extends some 85 yards, except where it is
broken by Catalpa Street, and a short revetment guards the end of
the street. The northern end of the seawall turns inland, and
the next property is sandy beach with a dock constructed in the
middle. Patches of cordgrass grow scattered through this area.
The next property is protected by a long seawall (extending
approximately 190 yards) which moves gradually inland, and the
northern portion is fronted by a large stand of phragmites. The
shoreline jogs here, and is dominated by a large parking lot and
restaurant building which lie directly alongside the water-
course. The final yards to the Boston Post Road bridge are con-
crete seawall.

-97-

HOLLY POND
40

ROAD

w
0
L AREA Of SFECIA( CONCERN

A(WMINTS AND GIOINS

SIAWAU
R, 6OAT RAMPS 0 C)
SMORELINE STRUCTURE

COASTAL
MUDRAIS AND CHANNELS

w K ZWE
ROCX

VEGETATED *oCK

pN#AGMOJS COMMUNIS

tow MARS"

N$Gh MARS"

SAND

4r
164
I- --------- 9t

scaj. in Fleet

0 200 400 600

IFIGURE 2T

_98-

Midstream in the upper stretch of Holly Pond is a mudflat which
is exposed by the change of tide. It is one of the few areas so
exposed in Holly Pond, due to the small tidal fluctuations.

Summary & Conclusions - Holly Pond

1. Holly Pond suffers significant sedimentation, and the
Pond's circulation is extremely limited by the inopera-
tive tidal gates. In addition, the water quality of
the Noroton River, along with the warm water tempera-
tures due to the shallow and sluggish nature of the
Pond cause algae blooms in the summer. The Pond's pro-
ductivity, along with the development of future use
scenarios, will be a primary focus of this Coastal
Area Management Program.

2. Due to the Pond's nature, boating is restricted to
shallow draft boats, and even these are largely limited
to the southern end of the pond.

3. Holly Pond does have the potential for increased use as
a small boating area involving canoes and small sail-
boats. In fact, a sailing school on the Pond has opened
recently on the Stamford side, and the Darien YMCA
operates a similar program. Serious consideration
should be given to restrict such use to sail and low-
power boats only.

4. Holly Pond serves as a major resting area for migrating
and resident waterfowl. The large number of mute swans
presents a problem as a result of their aggressive
behavior towards other waterfowl and their sizable con-
tribution to the organic loading present in the Pond.

5. The four tidal wetland systems found in the south-
eastern portion of Holly Pond are highly productive,
scenic, and should be considered important parts of the
natural resources in Darien.

6. Darien should initiate planning with Stamford on the
future of Holly Pond. The direction taken by Stamford
in establishing its Coastal Area Management Plan is
particularly important within this area.

4.12 Noroton River

As mentioned under the Holly Pond section, the Noroton River is a
relatively small river running south from New Canaan 4.7 miles to
drain into Holly Pond and Long Island Sound. The River drains a
watershed of approximately 7,360 acres. Recent flow data are
lacking since the United States Geological Survey ceased its
monitoring efforts. Data collected by the U.S.G.S. for the
period 1964-65 gave a peak flow of 160 cubic feet per second and
a mean flow of 6.38-7.71 cubic feet per second. Water quality
for the Noroton River varies according to season and flow.

-99-

NOROTON RIVER

LOW MARSH

H
5H MARSH
IG

SAND q

ROCK

VEGETATED ROCK
PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS t4
--I SHORELINE STRUCTURE
(8) fLOATtP4G
SEMI-PERMANENT

SET PluNGS
COASTAL BOUNDARY
31
MUDFLATS AND CHANNELS
rl AREA OF SPECIAL CONCERN

- REVETMENTS AND GROINS

- SEAWALL

0 BOAT RAMPS

S
W*

Scale in Feet
141,
L-JEL--ANL -------m
200 0 200 400 600

JFIGUiE-274

_100-

A study done for Holly Pond in 1973 stated that the two largest
sources of pollution for the River were industrial discharges
from companies bordering the Stamford shoreline, and seepage from
septic fields and tanks on the Darien side. Moves toward control
of industrial discharges along with proper sewering and mainten-
ance of septic fields has improved the water quality, though
problems still exist.

The Noroton River forms the border between Stamford and Darien.
The Coastal Boundary in Darien encompasses the lower 570 yards of
the River. Coastal character is lacking chiefly due to small
tidal influence and the,principally freshwater outflow. Coastal
influence is further restricted to the portion of the Noroton
River between Holly Pond and the southern entrance to the bridge
under Interstate 95 where the concrete foundation forms a low
dam.

Moving upstream under the Post Road bridge, the Darien side
(eastern bank) is characterized primarily by rocky shore backed
by wooded fringe. The river bottom is sandy with numerous
rocks. Some tidal rise and flow is evident. Residential devel-
opment is present, but for the first 180 yards it does not extend
to the river bank. Brookside Drive borders the lower 80 yards of
the eastern shore of the Noroton River, followed by a number of
private homes. Some 25 yards before the tunnel under Interstate
95, a lawn extends to the shoreline, and a stonewall is
maintained.

At the southern entrance of the 1-95 tunnel, concrete and steel
debris is found in the river bed. The tunnel itself consists of
three massive concrete culverts extending the width of the high-
way (some 100 yards). At the northern entrance to the culverts,
a variety of litter and debris is present, including tree limbs
and bed mattresses.

Between the 1-95 culverts and the Coastal Boundary (approximately
275 yards), the Noroton River is somewhat deeper and slower
moving, due in part to the damming action of the 1-95 culverts.
The banks consist primarily of shrubs, trees, and some vacant lot
vegetation. No residential development exists along this segment
of the Darien shore and a narrow shrub-covered band is backed by
Brookside Drive. One area of fill is located just north of 1-95,
and erosion from this site is evident.

Conclusions - Noroton River

1. The water quality of the Noroton River plays a critical role
in the environmental health of Holly Pond. Attempts to im-
prove Holly Pond must focus on maintenance and improvement
of this quality.

2. The Noroton River poses some flood hazard to the surrounding
area, especially as a result of rainfall and freshwater run-
off. The culvert under 1-95 forms a potential bottleneck

-101-

greater amounts of water behind the northern side of the
Interstate with subsequent flood damage.

3. The area of fill located north of 1-95 should be stabilized
to prevent further erosion and sedimentation of the Norton
River, and the area along the River in this section should
be restored. Additional concerns such as protection of
existing aquifers, oil spill from parking areas, and related
matters also need to be addressed fully.

wo,

-103-

5.0 Identification of Coastal Issues

The following discussion attempts to focus potential policy
actions on specific problems and issues deemed to be of greatest
importance by the coastal management study team.

The issues outlined in this chapter cover a broad range of
coastal resource and land use conflicts. Many of the individual
issues identified will need additional study to be properly
addressed. Some require administrative change alone, while
others will require capital expenditures, stronger enforcement
actions and other financial considerations.

The listing outlined here is not complete. It is understood that
there are numerous other conflicts, potential problems, and paro-
chial concerns that may be of interest to a single user group or
coastal land owner.

5.1 Improvement of Boating Opportunities

That part of the CAM Program which explored options for expanding
and improving boating opportunities within the Town of Darien,
identified the following specific proposals as deserving of addi-
tion planning and engineering study. These proposals include:

- Providing an additional boat launching ramp to expand
boating access and opportunity for the townspeople. It is
essential that the provision of such a ramp be pursued,
especially since alternative opportunities are so limited.

- Establishing a launching ramp for boats of 17 feet or less
at Weed Beach. Trailer parking facilities could be pro-
vided in the vacinity of the paddle courts or on a longer
range basis near the sewage treatment plant. In combina-
tion with the existing ramp at Pear Tree Point, this
second facility should satify even the long range need for
launching ramps.

That part of the CAM Program which explored options for expanding
and improving boating opportunities within the Town of Darien
identified the following specific proposals as deserving of addi-
tional planning and engineering study. These proposals include:

- Exploring further all proposals for expanding facilities
at the Darien Boat Club including the Club's recommenda-
tion for increasing docking facilities from 244 to approx-
imately 325 spaces.

- Pursuing the following long range objectives and needs
with appropriate State and Federal agencies. These
include:

Improving the capacity and safety of the Harbor.

-104-

Establishing a special anchorage control system for the
section of shoreline within, and in proximity to,
Sargent's (Ziegler's) Cove to eliminate or at best
minimize overuse and abuse resulting from transient
mooring activities.

Improving the regulatory process governing the con-
struction of individual docks to assure that coastal
resources are being protected as fully as is practical.

These conclusions and recommendations were based, in part, on of
the following findings:

Five Mile River Area

- Approximately 500 boats are currently docked or moored
within the area.

- The existing channel is 100 feet wide, and is under-
Federal maintenance.

- This anchorage is already severely congested, particularly
with regard to access in and out of the channel at the
mouth of the River.

- It would not be desirable to dredge the Darien side of the
River due to both the existing boating congestion, and the
fact that the existing marshes are more valuable as wild-
life habitat and flood protec'tion.

- Use and development of both sides of the River should be
better regulated to achieve the respective objectives of
each community, and the purposes of CAM.

Tokeneke Club Shoreline Area

- Potential anchoraqe to the south of the Tokeneke Beach
Club is too exposed to offer any real value for safe boat
mooring facilities.

Scott's Cove

- Providing boating facilities within Scott's Cove should be
prevented in order to protect and preserve this important
environmental area. The risks involved in developing
boating facilities are far too great relative to possible
ecological damage.

- Public education, zoning enforcement, and necessary regu-
lations must,be strengthened in order to prevent construc-
tion of improper docks or other shore structures that
would damage the natural shoreline.

-105-

Ziegler's Cove

- The Cove is considered to be an exceptionally good harbor
but limitations are imposed by restricted or nonexistent
access to its shoreline. No practical action is apparent
for modifying this situation in the near future.

- It may be desirable to establish a special anchorage area
within the Cove, under the jurisdiction of the Town Harbor
Master to control visiting boats. Heavy use by transient
vessels during the boating season creates severe pollu-
tion, noise, and other problems.

Noroton Bay/Weed Beach

- The Noroton Bay area has critical problems relative to
exposure, and poor protection (if boat mooring or dockage
areas. This area has limited potential for improved
mooring facilities due to the extreme r@sk involved in
keeping a boat along the westerly shoreline of the Bay.

- As stated, a launching ramp could be provided at Weed
Beach to relieve some of the pressure for the launching of
boats of 17 feet or less. The parking facilities are
larger than at Pear Tree Point Beach, and the access to
the shoreline is workable. Some expansion of parking
facilities, particularly for the storage of boat trailers,
could be provided at this facility. In addition, naviga-
tion channels ensuring safe water access to and from Weed
Beach need to be provided.

Darien Harbor

- More than 75% of Darien's boats are moored within the
Darien Harbor and Boat Club areas.

- The Darien Harbor currently has 140 boats moored offshore,
starting in the "gut area" north of the Boat Club.

- The Harbor is considered to be full in terms of its cur-
rent mooring capacity. The only additional mooring areas
that are available would be further offshore in the
rougher waters, which are subject to storms with three-
to-five-foot waves.

- The Darien Harbor is considered to be an exposed rough
water harbor.

- The Town has not experienced a serious hurricane in many
years (since 1955), so the potential damage from having
additional boats moored further offshore cannot be readily
assessed.

-106-

- A February 1966 report, prepared by the Town Harbor Advi-
sory Commission, indicated that it would be desirable in
the future to create a barrier offshore to protect Darien
Harbor.

- The Town should consider seeking the assistance of the
Corps of Engineers in doing a feasibility study on
providing such a barrier.

Darien River

- The Darien Boat Club currently accommodates 244 boats at
its docks. The average length of a member's boat is 20
feet.

- The Club's 1967 expansion plan sought to increase the boat
boat dockage capacity by approximately one-third.

- A possibility would be to dredge the marsh northeast of
the Boat Club in order to increase the capacity of the
docks, and to improve access from the Town boat launching
ramp. The following problems would have to be solved
before any action could be taken:

� Adverse effects from the loss of tidal marsh.

� Stabilization of the Pear Tree Point Road shoreline.

� Provision of permanent sedimentation and erosion con-
trols for protecting this area.

� Severely restricted off-street parking and vehicular
access conditions.

� Funding of dredging and spoil disposal, particularly
in view of the large amount involved.

- A study of the effects of sedimentation transport and the
continual filling in of the "gut area" below the Darien
Boat Club is needed.

- Siltation and sedimentation within the River is a severe
problem. This has been estimated by a former harbor mas-
ter to occur at the rate of approximately 2 1/2 inches per
year.

Miscellaneous

A complete public education program, necessary regula-
tions, and other needed actions should be instituted in an
attempt to limit the number and type of scattered,"indivi-
dual docks. Concurrently, it will be essential to improve
other boating facilities needed to serve the townspeople.

-107-

There is a strong need to publiicize and enforce zoning
requirements and other local regulations governing the
storage of boats on individual residential properties dur-
ing the off season.

5.2 Coastal Hazard/ Flood Damage

The storms of Autumn 1955 dramatically emphasized the need for
requirements to protect Darien's flood prone properties from the
effects of periodic inundation. Subsequent to that event, incre-
mental improvements were made to the Town's planning and regula-
tory programs, relative to flood hazard considerations. Data and
specific conditions determined from the major storm of October
1955 served as the basis of these measures. While these actions
certainly improved flood protection, they could not adequately
resolve the many problems centering on flooding potentials and
flood damage prevention. The data were still incomplete and
quite often decisions had to be determined by local experience or
on assumptions. Darien's situation in this regard was not
unique, but rather common to the experience of most communities.

In recognition of the harmful effects of flooding in terms of
loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, and many
other results, the Federal Government through the Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and later, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) , developed and implemented a
comprehensive program to address these needs. This effort to
establish workable data and carry out comprehensive regulatory
programs was directly part of the Federal Flood Insurance
Program.

on December 28, 1980, the Town of Darien adopted its first set of
formal regulations governing land use and development in flood
prone areas. This action was taken by the Planning and Zoning
Commission in direct response to the federal initiative, pursuant
to Title 44, Chapter 1, sections 59-75 of the Federal Register.
Essentially, the program designates regulated areas within Darien
and specifies requirements for any activities to be undertaken
within those areas. Such regulated areas are set forth on the
official Flood Insurance Rate Map and on the Flood Boundary and
Floodway Map, both of which are on file with the Planning and
Zoning Department.

The cited maps also provide data on floodways, 100-year storm
floodprone districts, 500-year storm floodprone districts, and
other related factors including specific flood level elevations
in critical areas. This information is applied in the adminis-
tration of the regulatory program. The application of particular
standards is based on the relationship of proposed activity to
the specific location and may include: required elevations to be
adhered to; needs for precise engineering design; the incorpora-
tion of special site development features; or other such
measures.

--108-

FLOOD MAP
(EXAMPLE)

ME,
7

M.c

ME c

ME C

ME 9 271 7'
ME .

-10
ME

ME.
AMPS

ME. ME c

v
ME.

Me c
Z=1 c M.

ME a

. -7@ t
A@v A Unnu FLO" almuct

li FIRM
FLOOD J=NCE 11T;

ME 'i D.A- @ I ": N.
-6 1 CON NECTICL
-G- 111IFFILD rOLIP

T-1

090005 00
W REV
raN, NOVEMBER 17

FIGUREE-T-5]

_109-

of direct relevance to Coastal Area Management is that aspect of
the FEMA program covering the Long Island Sound shoreline and re-
lated areas within the Coastal Boundary. Specific zones have
been determined as "coastal high hazard areas" and criteria have
been developed in full recognition of a flood prone area's expo-
sure to high velocity waters, including but not limited to,
hurricane wave wash. Within Darien, the minimum base flood
elevation along the shoreline is 12 feet above mean sea level.
Incorporating wave velocity factors, this minimum elevation
exceeds 17 feet above mean sea level in certain areas. Signifi-
cant segments of the shoreline are subject to heavy flooding.

Consideration of coastal hazards, as outlined on the Flood Insur-
ance Rate Map, is pertinent not only to regulatory purposes but
may also be applied directly to project and program planning.
Examples would include proposals to expand boating opportunities;
design and construction of shoreline structures; establishment of
permanently protected areas under Conservation Easements; or the
reclamation of a tidal marsh.

Darien's flood damage prevention program is continually being
improved and refined as flood prone areas are being reinven-
toried. Reinforced by other programs, such as Coastal Area
Management, necessary land use controls are being strengthened,
planning objectives clarified, and public education activities
expanded.

The policy set forth by CAM states that the planning process must
consider the potential impact of coastal flooding and erosion
patterns on coastal development in order to minimize damage to,
and the destruction of, life and property and reduce the neces-
sity of public expenditure to protect future development from
such hazards.

The regulations promulgated under Section 489. of the Darien's
Zoning Regulations largely address these concerns of CAM.

5.3 Preservation and Enhancement of Tidal Wetlands

The Town of Darien has a richness of tidal wetlands, varying from
narrow banks of alterniflora (cordgrass) lying between low tide
and upland areas, to alterniflora/patens marshes covering several
acres of shorefront. More than 76 acres of tidal wetlands exist
within the Coastal Boundary of Darien. This estimate does not
include the cordgrass bands which are among the most common fea-
tures of the coastline. While the Town has been able to preserve
a greater portion of its tidal wetlands than other towns in
Fairfield County, fill operations and other developments have
claimed a sizable share over the past 150 years. While accurate
measurement is impossiblef it seems likely that only 30% of the
historical wetlands exists today.

_110-

Recommendations to preserve and enhance Darien's tidal wetlands
include the establishment of a firm policy to prevent any further
loss- This can be implemented as follows.

Education

� Educate coastal property owners on the intrinsic value of
wetlands, the legal framework protecting wetlands, and the
regulatory process with which people must comply in order
to alter or develop wetlands.

� It is contended that the majority of coastal property
owners do not fully understand the importance of wetlands
resulting in development without permits, and the allow-
ance of other changes which adversely impact wetlands.
Landowners must understand the regulatory system and its
benefits in order to comply properly.

Regulation

Included in the recommendations for preservation and enhancement
of Darien's tidal wetlands are the enforcement of existing regu-
lations, in cooperation with the State Department of Environ-
mental Protection and the Corps of Engineers. Work performed
without a permit, or work completed beyond permit specifications,
should be required to be removed entirely and its impacts miti-
gated. Althouth it is believed that existing regulations are
sufficient to provide the needed protection, efforts should con-
tinue at the municipal level so that Town officials will fully
understand the existing regulatory framework, and can respond in
an appropriate manner to landowners' inquiries and permit
applications.

When work is permitted on, above, or adjacent to regulated wet-
lands, the design and placement of the work should reflect a
state-of-the-art understanding of construction within such
areas. For example, the proper placement of deck slats can per-
mit sufficient light to reach wetlands vegetation, thus pre-
venting loss of plantlife beneath docks and piers.

Restoration

The feasibility of restoring wetlands areas such as the Tokeneke
Trail marsh must be determined. Improving tidal range and natu-
ral flushing action will result in the destruction of phragmites
grasses, and the gradual return of patens grasses to the marsh.
This restoration or rehabilitation would lead to a more valuable
scenic and wildlife habitat; a decreased fire hazard and mosquito
breeding environment; increased educational value; and ulti-
mately, to higher land values for adjacent properties.

in the future, as historical wetlands areas are being considered
for redevelopment, their restoration to truly functioning tidal
wetlands should be considered.

_111-

Identification and Preservation of Significant Tidal Wetlands

While the value and benefit of tidal wetlands cannot be given a
minimum size, several relatively large tracts of wetlands still
exist within Darien. These must be carefully and specifically
defined, and precise procedures for their protection must be set
forth in cooperation with the State Department of Environmental
Protection. Available opportunities to permanently protect such
areas under open space declarations, conservation easements, or
similar means should be pursued in all cases.

Wetlands systems considered suitable for special effort and per-
manent protection include:

A. Five Mile River marsh
B. Tokeneke Beach Club marsh
C. Tokeneke Trail marsh
D. Contentment Island marsh
E. Delafield Island marsh
F. Darien River marsh
G. Holly Pond marsh

The interrelated nature of coastal resources must be recognized,
and wetlands policies and actions must be coordinated with poli-
cies on dredging, erosion control, water quality, and shellfish
resources.

5.4 Maintenance of Recreational Shellfish opportunities and
Establishment of Commercial Oyster ng Policy

The Town of Darien currently permits recreational harvesting of
shellfish in only one area: Scott's Cove. Management of this
resource, by the Town, is limited to the issuance of shellfish
permits. The permits are available to residents of the Town of
Darien and by special agreement to residents of Stamford. This
agreement, which is not widely recognized, limits the number of
permits issued to Stamford residents to one-half of those issued
in Darien.

The nearshore waters of Darien are also utilized for commercial
oyster growing. The jurisdiction line for Darien extends in a
straight line from Bell Island Point in Norwalk, west to Content-
ment Island's extreme southern point, west to Long Neck Point,
and then due west to Shippan Point in Stamford. All shellfish
found inshore (north) of this line are. under the jurisdiction of
the Town of Darien; those found offshore to the State line are
under management of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture,
Aquaculture Division.

Concern has recently surfaced on the use of Town waters by com-
mercial oyster companies. Excessive noise and exhaust pollution
have been cited specifically as problems. These complaints led
to a search of records to determine the 'extent of all leased or
franchised grounds within the Town's waters, but failed to turn
up any information.

-112-

A meeting with Tallmadge Brothers of Norwalk, the leading oyster
growing company in the area, clarified many of the questions con-
cerning the commercial grounds. The majority of Tallmadge's
ground is franchised and maps are historically recorded with the
Town. Tallmadge stated its willingness to work with the Town in
establishing the locations of existing grounds; working with a
local shellfish commission, if organized; and preventing further
coastal landowner conflict by keeping vessels well-muffled and
out of inshore embayments in the early morning hours.

Actions required by the Town to enhance shellfish resources in-
clude the following:

- investigate potentials for expanding the number of areas
available for recreational Shellfishing. Since Scott's
Cove has extremely limited access, locations such as Weed
Beach should be considered as possible alternative sites.
For example, the City of Stamford permits shellfishing off
Cove Beach on a conditional basis and something comparable
may be allowed in Darien.

- establish a management plan in consultation with the
Connnecticut Department of Agriculture's Aquaculture
Division. This would include an assessment of the current
resource, evaluation of proposed management techniques to
enhance and expand the resource, and determination of
regulatory measures required to ensure continued
protection.

5.5 Local Policies on Dredging of New and Existing Navigation
(f-hannels

It is the declared policy of the Connecticut Coastal Area Manage-
ment Act to: encourage the maintenance of existing federal navi-
gation projects; discourage new federal improvement dredging
projects; and disallow new dredging within tidal wetlands areas,
except where no alternative exists.

The Town of Darien must formulate a set of policies on dredging
which clarify how and where existing channels will be maintained;
which areas could be subjected to future improvement dredging,
such as an expansion of the Darien Boat Club; and which areas
should not be dredged, either publicly or privately, such as
Scott's Cove.

The Town of Darien plays only a marginal role in the actual issu-
ance or denial of a dredging permit. It is the Corps of Engi-
neers, New England Division, and the Connecticut Department of
Environmental Protection who issue or deny a permit to dredge and
dispose of the material. However, the Town does have a large
stake in the outcome of dredging projects, especially when new
work involves tidal wetlands, wildlife habitat, shellfish concen-
trations or other valuable resource areas. The Town should
endorse the State CAM policies on dredging, and determine a

-113-

suitable balance between these policies and the need to provide
for water dependent uses and recreational boating interests.

Darien shares one federal maintenance project with the City of
Norwalk' and that is the Five Mile River channel. No improvement
of this channel is planned, and no other federal improvement/
maintenance project is likely within the Town. Much of this is
attributed to the fact that, in the past, federal maintenance
work was 100% federally funded. Now new legislation is being
advanced which would require state and local cost-sharing, and
this will obviously alter the viability of any new improvement
project.

Five Mile River is a small recreational harbor. The impact of
cost-sharing on the harbor is not fully understood at this time,
but there will most likely be an increased hardship on the users.
The Five Mile River Commission and the two involved communities
should begin to examine alternatives to 100% federal funding for
continued maintenance of the harbor channel. Because of the
nature of the River, and the existing federal project, there is
little need for additional dredging of private channels linking
the federal channel with private docks and businesses.

The other major area of dredging activity involves the lower por-
tion of the Darien River. Sedimentation from Gorham's Pond and
upstream, together with littoral drift along Noroton Bay, cause
the cut at Pear Tree Point to shoal regularly. The largest con-
centration of boats in the area lies directly behind the Point,
at the Darien Boat Club. This area is the second largest main-
tenance project in Town, being the major facility for small boats
of 20 feet in length or less.

Other dredging activity relates to private permits. Many ripa-
rian owners seek to dredge areas like the Tokeneke Cove marsh and
Scott's Cove to enable them to bring larger craft into private
docks.

By way of illustration, an expansion of the Darien Boat Club may
call for removal of some 45,000 cubic yards of material, with a
loss of one to two acres of adjacent wetlands. As a result, the
Club would then be able to accommodate an additional 60 to 80
vessels. In contrast, a Scott's Cove project of similar size
could impact 5 to 10 acres of marsh through removal and/or ero-
sion, while the benefit from the dredging project may be
restricted to one or a few dock owners served by the channel.
Another contrast is that, in the case of the Boat Club, the
improvement project expands an existing marine use. In Scott's
Cove, the dredging project would create a new usage, since only
shallow draft vessels can navigate it currently, and even then
only at high tide.

Economic disposal of dredge material is critical to dredging
operations. In the Darien area, two methods are used; open
water disposal and upland disposal. If the material is

-114-

relatively clean, and suitable as fill or beach nourishment, up-
land disposal at an appropriate site should be endorsed. For
other material, especially sediment which has been enriched
organically, open water disposal should be followed. A recent
designation of a western Long Island Sound disposal site gives
Darien a reasonable choice on the latter option.

5.6 Protection and Enhancement of Wildlife Habitats

other recommended policies set forth in this section call for the
protection and enhancement of tidal wetlands, shellfish beds, and
mudflats. If these policies are implemented properly, they will
also serve to protect wildlife habitat. For example, mudflats
managed as recreational shellfish-beds also serve to provide val-
uable feeding grounds for shorebirds and wading birds. Preserv-
ing tidal wetlands for flood control values also assures habitat
for a wide variety of marine life.

In addition to these general areas, several locations within
Darien's Coastal Boundary also serve as valuable wildlife habi-
tat, especially for birds. The areas cited in this report repre-
sent sites specifically noted during the survey as being
important habitats for specific species. These are:

The Fish Islands, other offshore islands and exposed rocks

- feeding and nesting areas for large numbers of shorebirds
and other coastal species

- valuable to migratory species during the spring and fall
migrations. Species include: ruddy turnstone, double-
crested cormorant, black-bellied plover, common tern,
snowy egret, great blue heron and green heron.

Great Island, north shore

- roosting area for snowy egret, great blue heron, great
egret, and other species of wading birds..

Juniper Road peninsula, Darien River

- roosting area for black-crowned night heron.

Salem Straits inlet

- excellent potential for osprey nesting area. A pair of
fish hawks were seen frequently in the area during the
fall migration.

Holly Pond

- valuable nesting area for large numbers of waterfowl,
especially during migration. Species which have been
sighted include: shoveler, American widgeon, hooded

-115-

merganserr pintail, and green-winged teal. The large num-
ber of mute swans on the Pond poses problems because of
their aggressiveness against other waterfowl, and because
they degrade water quality. Some form of control should
be considered, but it may be met by a strong, negative
reaction from the public.

Currently, the feeding of waterfowl poses a problem in at least
one area. Such feeding establishes an artificial relationship
which should be discouraged.

5.7 Project Analyses and Proposals for Specific Coastal Areas

Certain potential projects have been identified and analyzed as
being desirable for the improvement of Darien's coastal resource
base.

A specific program should be undertaken to reclaim the Tokeneke
Trail marsh as a viable marshland area. It would become more
suitable as habitat, and consequently, more valuable for conser-
vation and educational purposes. Steps required in achieving
this would include:

- determining the precise extent and amount of tidal
fl ushing action needed to enable the re-establishment of
the patens marsh in lieu of the extensive phragmites
growth currently within the project area.

- conducting necessary engineering analyses of the factors
applying to the control gates at the Tokenene Trail
causeway, specifically 'with regard to allowing the
requisite flushing action to occur within the marsh.

- establishing the most suitable means of eradicating the
existing phragmites growth within the marsh.

- developing preliminary cost estimates of necessary
actions.

5.8 Protection and Preservation of the Shoreline, Particularly
Lands wiE@hin 100 Feet of Mean High TTd-eand Areas of
Special Concern.

The Town of Darien has been establishing and implementing mea-
sures to protect and preserve critical shoreline areas since
1973. Lands of special concern include marshes, beaches, wild-
life habitats, and similar important resource areas. These pro-
grams have now been reinforced and expanded by the enactment of
the State's Coastal Area Management Act.

Basic policies being pursued center on permanently protecting as
much of the Town's coastal resources as possible. Methods used
in the past, and required for future success in carrying out
these policies, include:

-116-

Public ownership

Public ownership of Darien's shoreline consists of two beach
areas, and the strip of shoreline south of Ring's End Landing.
The Town should be prepared to acquire important coastal resource
areas through outright purchase whenever possible and appro-
priate. In turn, it is incumbent upon the community to practice
conservation and protection in a manner consistent with the
declared policies of the Coastal Area Management Program.

Ownership by Non-Profit Organizations

At the present time, two important marsh areas are owned by the
Nature Conservancy. Both of these properties were donated by
,private landowners, and such an arrangement provides a fully
acceptable alternative to public ownership, particularly with
regard to the permanent protection of vital resource areas. The
Land Trust of Darien is also involved directly in ownership or
control of coastal resource areas, offering yet another
alternative.

Open Space Declarations

Permanent protection of resource areas is also achieved through
formal open space declarations. These offer a sound and workable
alternative to public or quasi-public ownership since protection
and preservation can be achieved while enabling actual ownership
to be retained by private property owners. Specific arrangements
are flexible, and may, for example, involve an abutting lot
owner, or a neighborhood association. Very often, this system is
more acceptable to private parties. Such declarations are rou-
tinely required as part of subdivision approvals.

Conservation Easements or Restrictions

Conservation easements offer yet another approach to permanently
protecting valuable shoreline resources. These essentially in-
volve a deed, covenant or restriction covering a specific area of
land, and can provide several advantages. They can:

be used in conjunction with a particular ownership
arrangement or open space declaration to better assure
that resource conservation and protection needs will be
met. Basically, this is achieved by virtue of the grantee
having a third party interest in the future of the area.
For example, the Town Conservation Commission, which is
the recipient of a large number of these easements, could
file a civil action if the terms of the easement were not
complied with. This offers an effective enforcement tool.

offer increased flexibility, since no conveyance of land,
or establishment of a separate parcel need be accom-
plished. Accordingly, the entire lot or parcel can be
used, subject to the terms of the easement, e.g. the

-117-

easement area may apply to the satisfaction of a rear yard
setback.

involve easements designed and implemented to achieve spe-
cific needs, or to allow certain exclusions. Such ease-
ments are oftentimes easier to negotiate with an
individual property owner.

Further comments on this issue are as follows:

- Over the past decade, about two and one-half miles of
Darien's shoreline have been placed under the protection
of conservation easements, accounting for approximately
15% of the total shoreline. These easements were accom-
plished through individual efforts, as well as through
formal actions on subdivisions, special permits, and
related types of matters.

- As opportunities become available, the resource analyses-
conducted as part of the Municipal Coastal Program will be
used to specifically identify and prioritize resource
areas which should be placed under permanent protection.

- With the identification of specific data and needs and a
program laid out in advance, it is anticipated that com-
parable success can be achieved over the next decade rela-
tive to improving the protection and preservation of
coastal resources.

5.9 Improvement and Expansion of Physical and Visual Public
Access

Physical Access

- In accordance with the adopted Plan of Development, the
former "Ross property", adjacent to Weed Beach, was
acquired by the Town in 1975.

- Also, in direct response to the recommendations set forth
within the Plan, the Town acquired the strip of land
between Pear Tree Point Road and the Darien River, immedi-
ately south the Ring's End Bridge. Whereas the Ross pro-
perty was purchased, this strip was conveyed as part of a
subdivision approval process. It provides limited access
for fishing and passive recreation, such as painting or
photography.

- A continuing policy should be maintained that, as sound
opportunities for expanding public ownership through pur-
chase or charitable donations occur, the Town should be
prepared to take positive action.

-118-

Visual Access

- Visual access to Long Island Sound is an important amenity
which contributes strongly to the quality of life in
Darien.

- Visual access across key segments of the shoreline,
available from public streets or public lands, is
restricted to seven locations, six of which are under some
form of permanent protection. These include:

. terminus of the public portion of Five Mile River Road
(public street)
. Long Neck Point Road across Sargent's Cove (existing
visual easement).
. Pear Tree Point Beach (public land).
. Pear tree Point Road at Ring's End Landing (public land)
. Goodwives River Road at Gorham's Pond (unprotected)
. Weed Beach (public land)
. Nearwater Lane across Holly Pond (conservation area).

- A 700 foot plus strip of shoreline was conveyed to the
Town in 1981 as part of a subdivision approval, in accor-
dance with the recommendations of the Town Plan. This
assures permanent protection of the views over the upper
reaches of the Darien River, together with the limited
public access to the shoreline area mentioned above.

- The Town's first visual easement was secured in 1980, as
part of a subdivision review. It permanently protects a
favorite view from Long Neck Point Road over Sargent's
Cove, and across the Sound.

- As workable opportunities become available, the Town
establish permanent protection of the three public visual
access locations:

� Goodwives River Road overlooking Gorham's Pond and the
Ring's End Bridge
� Pear Tree Point Road overlooking the central portion of
the Darien River, generally opposite Juniper Road
Five Mile River Road

5.10 Identification and Control of Erosion and Sedimentation

The shoreline between Greenwich and Norwalk, including the coast-
line of Darien, is considered to be the most irregular segment of
Connecticut's coastline. A good indication of this irregularity
is given by a comparison of the shoreline length measured lin-
early between the Byram River and the Norwalk Harbor. While the
area stretches only 15 linear miles, there is a total of 68.9
miles of shoreline. This is also seen in Darien with approxi-
mately 2 linear miles compared to 16 miles of actual coastline.

_119-

The nature of the coastline, sediment sources, littoral trans-
port, and wave energy dissipation are all significant factors in
determining the amount of erosion and sedimentation likely to
occur. Erosion and sedimentation are important for several
reasons. Highly erodible areas are not only prone to loss of
property and potential loss of life, but they also act as sedi-
ment sources for the coastal area which in turn may fill in wet-
lands, alter littoral transport, and generally degrade the
coastal appearance of the area. Sedimentation can have a direct
impact on coastal bodies of water. In the Town, both Holly Pond
and Gorham's Pond suffer serious sedimentation problems in
certain areas.

As mentioned in another section of this report, the geology of
Darien is extremely varied. Viewed from offshore, the linear two
miles of shoreline consist mainly of rocky shorefront and escarp-
ment, with one major drumloid feature found in the form of Long
Neck Point. Behind rock "shields", such as Butler's Island,
Contentment Island, Great Island, and the Pratt Island area are
resources which are more sensitive to erosion such as beaches,
salt marshes, and mudflats.

The rocky headlands suffer the least pronounced erosion of any
portion of the coastline of Connecticut. While the bluffs on the
north shore of eastern Long Island may suffer losses of up to
four feet per year, the majority of shoreline along the Darien
coast suffers little or no noticeable erosion on an annual
basis. Hence, significant shoreline alteration within a short
period of time is rare for this area. On the other hand, exten-
sive changes arising from artificial filling of tidal areas are
common. In addition, the development of sensitive bluff and
modified escarpment areas with poor shoreline protection and/or
land development practices will account for isolated areas of
erosion.

The coastal resources in Darien most prone to erosion are the
beach areas. This erosion is chiefly a response to longshore
currents, and exposure to wind and wave action. A good example
of this erosion can be seen at Pear Tree Point Beach which is
continually being reduced in size because its sand is transported
into the "gut" near the Darien Boat Club, or lost to the outer
Noroton Bay area. This necessitates regular nourishment of this
beach. Conversely, the western side af the "gut" undergoes con-
tinuing maintenance necessitating physical removal of the sand to
facilitate navigation.

Historically, as areas along the Darien coastline have been
developed, a large number of shoreline structures have accom-
panied that development. As a result, structural stabilization
plays a major role in the erosion and sedimentation process.
Very often, the structures are beneficial, well designed, and
facilitate shoreline usage. However, in many cases, these same
structures can be poorly designed, detrimental to existing natu-
ral processes, and very often become a public safety hazard.

-120-

many of the structures that were built years ago failed to uti-
lize good design and proper materials and, with the high cost of
maintenance, have fallen into disrepair. These structures are no
longer affording shoreline protection, but instead are both eye-
sores and safety hazards.

There are two basic techniques for controlling erosion. They may
be separated into "structural" alternatives and "nonstructural"
alternatives. Structural alternatives are often costly to build,
expensive to maintain, and afford little long-term protection
against shoreline processes. Nonstructual alternatives avoid the
use of structures by looking toward placement of sand fill, con-
trol of land use in the adjacent upland area, and the restoration
of historical natural areas.

The most important erosion and sedimentation control for the Town
of Darien will likely come down to one item - education. Many of
the erosion problems witnessed in Darien are small in scale and
are the result of landowners practicing unwise disposal prac-
tices, such as tossing topping and other yard debris over the
head of a cliff or denuding an entire steep slope in order to
landscape; and even feeding waterfowl extensively on sensitive
wetland areas. These practices are not done with the intent of
creating erosion but rather, they are undertaken as a timesaving
or "out of sight, out of mind" philosophy. An educational pro-
gram directed at the coastal landowner which emphasizes the
importance of controlling sedimentation and erosion by wise use
of construction and maintenance of shoreline structures will be
the most important method of preserving Darien's coastline, and
will avoid the piecemeal destruction of the shore.

5.11 Establishment of a Policy for Coastal Structures and
1@@

Under the Coastal Area Management Act, the policy for coastal
structures and filling obliges municipal, state, and federal
agencies to require that structures within tidal wetlands and
coastal waters be designed, constructed, and maintained to mini-
mize adverse impacts on coastal resources, circulation and sedi-
mentation patterns, water quality, and flooding and erosion. it
also requires the reduction of the use of fill to the maximum
extent practicable, and the reduction of conflicts with the
rights of adjacent landowners.

This policy is of major concern to the Town of Darien because of
the large number of private structures and fill activities that
exist. There are numerous examples throughout the Town where
private landowners have constructed or maintained poorly designed
structures, or have carried out fill operations that have
adversely impacted the marine environment, while imposing a
safety hazard to Town residents.

There is a general misconception among private landowners that if
the applicant were to go through the proper permitting processest

-121-

their dock or other coastal structure application would be
denied. This perception is erroneous because, ideally, the
coastal permitting process is designed to take into account good
design, and proper material use, maximum coastal resources pro-
tection, and public safety. Under optimum conditions, the above
scenario would read that the landowner interested in building a
structure should go to the local town hall to receive guidance on
what permits and design were necessary. After receiving neces-
sary federal, state or local permits, he would then employ a
marine contractor to do the design work and construction. The
facility would be built, taking into account such things as light
penetration to the underlying vegetation, thereby causing minimal
impact on the adjacent wetlands. The structure would also with-
stand coastal storms and winter ice, therefore greatly reducing
its maintenance schedule-. Darien's policy on coastal structures
should emphasize that coastal construction embody the best avail-
able design and material use, rather than emphasizing the rejec-
tion of the right to Darien's landowners to have access to the
waterfront.

The actual permitting process in the State of Connecticut is com-
plex, and poorly understood by most coastal landowners. In most
cases, the Corps of Engineers is responsible for regulating
structures in the navigable waters of the United States. In
addition to the Corps of Engineers, the Connecticut Department of
Environmental Protection has control over Connecticut's water
quality certification and tidal wetlands. The Town plays a local
role through its planning and zoning regulations and Coastal Site
Plan Review. Although moves are being taken to streamline the
permitting process, a potential applicant is often confused, and
believes that even if the permit is accepted, it would take years
for the request to receive approval.

The Town of Darien, in an effort to simultaneouly alleviate this
confusion and protect its coastal resources, should consider a
two-stage program. The first part would entail the education of
coastal landowners on the specifications of Federal, State, and
local regulations: What activities do and do not require
permits; what is the definition of maintenance versus new con-
struction and expansion; and finally, enable the landowners to
recognize that it is in their best interest that this permit
system be applied.

The second stage of this program would be directed toward those
individuals who, when given the above information, would rather
work outside the permit process than be faced with the bureau-
cracy and possible denial of their project. This second program
would call for the identification of all existing structures as
of a certain time frame. Much of this work has already been com-
pleted under this program. once existing structures are identi-
fied, riparian owners would be made aware that, on an annual
basis, an inspection would be conducted of the coastline. Where
structures were identified, and found to have been constructed
without a permit, action would be taken against the owner.

-122-

Again, it should be emphasized that this action would not be
undertaken for legal or regulatory satisfaction as much as for
protection of the sizeable investment of riparian owners in their
coastline. Said annual inspections would involve a minimal
expense since the ground work has already been laid, and would
obly necessitate a single man-day or two to carry out. Only when
those interested in breaking the law are fearful of enforcement
of those same laws will coastal structures and filling be con-
trolled and regulated in the Town of Darien. Failure to control
this aspect of the program would render ineffective the entire
Municipal Coastal Program. Lack of enforcement will manifest
itself in the "nickel and diming" of Darien's valuable coastal
resources, such as tidal wetlands, mudflats, and sand beach.

The term "fill" is also important in the coastal zone. It encom-
passes a range of activities from beach nourishment to "shoreline
extension projects". Generally, beach nourishment is low in im-
pact and high in public benefit. Shoreline extension is often
done for a single owner's benefit and the general public's loss.
Much of Darien's historic wetlands have already been subject to
fill. A recent survey of the shoreline showed several cases of
improper or illegal fill operations which resulted in erosion and
sedimentation impacts; loss of wetland vegetation and its asso-
ciated benefits; loss of mudflats and their associated benefits;
and even obstruction of navigation. Aspects such as coastal
hazard zones, sedimentation and erosion impacts, impact to adja-
cent wetlands and mudflats, and direct impact to water quality
will all have to be considered in granting either the exemption
or passage of a Coastal Site Plan Review.

In addition to increasing the awareness of the riparian land
owner of his or her rights and obligations in carrying out the
construction of coastal structures and fill operations, it is
paramount that Town officials charged with enforcing and managing
these structures, along with the persons who will make up the
coastal site plan review process, be fully aware of the regula-
tions for determining which coastal structures and filling opera-
tions are permissible, and which should be denied.

5.12 Mitigation of Coastal Development Impacts

The impacts associated with coastal development in the Town of
Darien are difficult to clarify and quantify. Under CAM, the
policy is to insure that the development, preservation, or use of
the land and water resources of the coastal area proceed in a
manner consistent with the capacity of the land and water re-
sources, without significantly disrupting either the natural
environment or sound economic growth. Obviously, one person's
view of what is a manner "consistent with the capacity of the
land" may be very different from another's. In f act, the terms
"development" and "preservation" can be totally contradictory.
The goal of Darien's coastal plan will be to resolve conflicts
between opposing uses of the shoreline adjacent to marine and
tidal waters. This will be done by giving preference to those

-123-

uses that minimize adverse impacts to natural coastal resources,
while providing long term, stable economic benefits.

Currently, the shoreline of Darien is typified by one acre resi-
dential zoning with single-family homes, sizeable lawns, tracts
of woodland and generally, a spacious uncluttered coastal shore-
line appearance.

In a few areas, however, buildings have been built out into the
intertidal zone; areas have been sealed off from their neighbors;
refuse has been tossed over cliffs; and seawalls have been
allowed to collapse. These are all forms of unwise coastal
development, though they are quite different from coastal devel-
opment impacts found in cities such as Norwalk and Stamford.

Coastal appearance is perhaps the most difficult coastal para-
meter to determine. Typically, most people will agree that the
type of building permitted on the coastline makes a definitive
impact on the character of that coastline. However, the problem
begins when one tries to qualify exactly what is a good coastal
appearance, and what is a bad one.

For the Darien coastline, a two-story wood-frame building set
back from the head of a bluff, with a mixture of native and orna-
mental vegetation, might well be deemed attractive coastal
appearance. Conversely, a building made of steel and glass ris-
ing three stories above that same bluff, with all the large trees
removed to afford a 180-degree view, would likely be deemed
detrimental to that same coastal appearance. The individual
landowner, however, may well prefer a glass and steel structure
over a two story wooden frame home. The paradox of this argument
is that few of the coastal landowners would argue that one of the
most attractive features of the Darien coastline is a relatively
sparsely developed shorefront which is elegantly maintained with
residential homes blending with natural surroundings.

In determining the general coastal development of the Town of
Darien, and minimizing coastal development impacts, the deci-
sions of the Planning and Zoning Commission, along with the find-
ings of the municipal Coastal Site Plan Reviews, will be the most
important aspects of controlling and regulating coastal develop-
ment in the future. To do their job effectively, the applicable
Coastal Site Plan Review agency must be fully aware of its
responsibilies, and have a solid comprehensive knowledge of the
coastline in their town. A familiarity with the coastal zone
management statutes (what they say, and just as importantly, what
they don't say) is equally important. A full history of past
decisions will also be requisite in adding consistency to
Darien's coastal land use decisions.

5.13 Management Of Tidal Ponds

Tidal ponds are a common feature along the glaciated Northeast
coastline. They are typified by an open or regulated inlet to

-124-

seaward, and a freshwater inflow from the upland area. In
general, they are shallow embayments with relatively undisturbed
circulation, allowing sunlight to penetrate the water to the
bottom which supports dense beds of filamentous algae. Left in
their natural state, tidal ponds are extremely productive areas
for shellfish, algae, and a variety of wildlife that feeds
directly on various food sources. However, in southwestern
Connecticut, an undisturbed salt pond virtually no longer exists.
Instead we find salt ponds that are fortified by seawalls, and
controlled by a series of dams and tidal gates. Darien has three
salt pond systems: the small Crab pond/Cross Road pond system,
Gorham's Pond, and the largest, Holly Pond.

The most stable of these salt ponds, and therefore, relative to
the others the one of least concern is the smallest, "Crab pond/
Cross Road pond." These ponds form a brackish water system with
a resident population of blue crab, chub, filamentous algae, and
so forth. Sedimentation is not the major problem that it is in
the other ponds. This is largely due to stable shoreline, low'
stream flow, and a series of pond/dams that divide the sediment
basins. It should be noted, however, that the tidal connection
with Contentment Island cove is by a dam, and circulation is
restricted to surface water exchange. In addition, the culvert
connecting Crab pond with Cross Road pond greatly restricts cir-
culation. Ideally, a system of tidal gates and wider culverts
should be designed to increase circulation, control sedimenta-
tion, and reduce eutrophication or filling in of this system.

Gorham's Pond, as already mentioned in Section 4.9, shows
advanced signs of sedimentation and shoaling at the confluence
with Stony Brook. Gorham's Pond is an artificially impounded
pond. U.S. Geological Survey maps of 1836 show the Darien River
extending past Ring's End Landing into the Gorham's Pond area.
Since its impoundment, and the subsequent development of Darien's
downtown section, the rate of sedimentation into the upper region
of Gorham's Pond has accelerated, leading to the advanced stage
of sedimentation that now has occurred. Because of the contro-
versy over the opening of the Ring's End Landing tidal gate,
along with the advanced stage of sedimentation, it is unlikely
that the shoaling condition in Gorham's Pond can be alleviated
without drastic measures such as dredging. Other measures of
mitigation, such as increasing the schedule of tidal gate
openings, would help to prevent further shoaling, but would also
likely lead to direct conflict with the downstream users of the
Darien River and the Darien Boat Club. Dredging of the Gorham's
Pond area would be expensive, and appropriate disposal of the
dredged spoil material difficult.

The largest of the tidal ponds, and a perfect case history of an
urbanized salt pond, is Holly Pond. This Pond, originally a free
flowing estuary of the Noroton River, was originally dammed in
1796. A mill was sited nearby which used a paddle wheel to draw
energy from the waters. This dam operated for 142 years before
it was destroyed by the hurricane of 1938. The original dam was

-125-

felt to have been too restrictive to tidal circulation and water-
is flow in the Pond. It is estimated that, prior to the installa-
tion of flap gates, sedimentation was advancing at an average
rate of 1 inch per year over the entire surface of the pond. To
reduce this rate of sedimentation, the flap gates were installed.
Unfortunately, these gates were cemented shut by the accumulation
of debris, and before long they were washed out to sea. In their
place, guillotine type gates were designed which had to be oper-
ated manually. These were installed in 1966, and it is uncertain
whether these gates have ever been operated since their
installation.

An engineering study undertaken in 1973 by Frederick B. Harris,
Inc. gave the following recommendations for the Holly Pond site.
First and foremost was the elimination, to the greatest extent
possible, of all pollution sources from the Pond, the Noroton
River, and its drainage basin. It specifically listed the elimi-
nation of leaking septic tanks from the Darien shore, as well as
the elimination of the industrial discharges located primarily on
the Stamford shore. Secondly, the report recommended increasing
the flushing capacity of the Pond. This would necessitate making
the tidal gates operational. Once the gates were operational, a
monitoring system should be installed in order to evaluate flow
rates and water quality levels. The study further recommended
the lowering of the water level (i.e., increasing tidal range) by
one foot below the level of the dam in order to guarantee suffi-
cient water circulation. This action would expose a larger area
of mudflats, but the Harris engineers felt that increased water
quality would more than compensate for the greater exposure of
mudflats. The study also stated that an increase in tidal flush-
ing of the system would not halt overall sedimentation of the
Pond. Evidence of this shoaling can readily be seen-at the upper
reaches of Holly Pond just south of the Post Road bridge. The
upper third of Holly Pond is very shallow throughout its entire
extent.

In order for the sedimentation and erosion of Holly Pond to be
managed and controlled, a joint effort of the City of Stamford
and the Town of Darien will be necessary. The first goal for
Holly Pond's management should be the repair of the tidal gates
at the Pond's dam. The second should be the undertaking of tidal
studies., current measurements, temperature profiling, adjacent
land use, and recreation opportunities on Holly Pond. Studies
recently undertaken by Oly-Pavia, Inc. for the Sherwood Island
Pond in Westport, Connecticut have recommended extensive dredging
of Sherwood Pond in order to restore the Pond's bottom to a gra-
vel sand surface, and to remove much of the biological enrichment
that exists in the muddy sediment. Sherwood Pond exhibits many
of the same conditions as Holly Pond, therefore similar action on
this Pond may be necessary if it is to be returned to a more
natural condition. Holly Pond is no longer exposed to extensive
industrial facilities, nor is it used as a commercial waterway.
It does, however, receive waters from the Noroton River which did
receive wastes from industrial facilities in the past.

-126-

Recent studies instituted under the Coastal Energy Impact Program
(conducted by the Oceanic Society in cooperation with the Univer-
sity of Connecticut's Marine Sciences Institution) found the
petroleum hydrocarbon distribution observed in August, 1982 sedi-
ment samples to reflect a general absence of foreign sources and
pollution sources in the Pond proper. It went further to suggest
that the sediments at the head of the Pond were heavily contami-
nated by commercial and industrial activity along the Noroton
River. In other words, there were hydrocarbon concentrations
equaling 520 parts per million in sediments that were visibly
oily and smelly. Largely found in 1983 samples was decaying
vegetation which was also relatively contaminated with hydro-
carbon concentrations of 140 parts per million. These relatively
high concentrations are the results of the historical industrial
activity along the Noroton River, which passed the contaminated
sediments into Holly Pond proper, which then acted as a sink for
these substances. In addition, present commercial activities,
and improper disposal of oil, could also be posing additional.
impacts to the Noroton River and Holly Pond. Because of its pro-
tected waters, relatively large water mass, and shallow water
environment, Holly Pond offers recreational opportunities
including, but not limited to, learning to sail, canoeing,
fishing opportunities for youth, board sailing, and if the water
quality improved, swimming. in addition to its use for active
recreation, opportunities for passive recreation such as bird
watching, and simply enjoying the aesthetic views are important
aspects of the public enjoyment afforded by Holly Pond.

Currently, as a result of budget restraints, and lack of coordi-
nation between Stamford and Darien, a likely route will be the
11no action" scenario. This would likely lead to increased sedi-
mentation along the entire Holly Pond area, algae blooms that are
both unsightly and odoriferous, and additional maintenance needs
that would only increase the amount of capital necessary to reno-
vate Holly Pond. It is therefore recommended that the City of
Stamford and the Town of Darien meet to coordinate and discuss
their approach to Holly Pond.

5.14 Preservation and Enhancement of Cultural Resources

Due to the nature of development along the Darien shoreline, man-
made cultural elements are relatively limited. Dominant features
are single family dwellings of varied architectural styles. A
significant portion of these are situated on lots of one acre or
more, enabling much of the natural shoreline to be maintained.
This circumstance offers perhaps the greatest cultural oppor-
tunity for this segment of the coast.

Historically, the most dominant feature on Darien's shore was the
former Convent of the Sacred Heart building, located at the ter-
minus of Long Neck Point. This structure was constructed origin-
ally as a private mansion in 1901, and then was converted into a
religious school in 1924. It served as a well known landmark for
boatsmen on the Sound. In 1972 its use as a religious school was

-127-

discontinued, and the property was subsequently subdivided for
single family detached housing on one acre parcels. An attempt
was made to preserve the main building, but due to a combination
of factors, the efforts were not successful, and the cultural
value of this once prominent landmark has been lost.

Another key landmark within the coastal area is the Ring's End
Landing site, located at the point where the Darien River meets
Gorham's Pond. This landing area was once the center of commerce
in Darien. Its original character has been lost over the years,
but it continues to serve as a reminder of the community's past.
Additionally, this former landing site, together with the adja-
cent bridge, continues to be picturesque, and is frequently
photographed or painted. Efforts should be pursued in the future
to retain as much of the existing character as possible, and thus
assure that future generations of residents can enjoy this link
with Darien's past.

As alluded to earlier, the significant cultural value of Darien's
shoreline may be the result of the restricted nature of it devel-
opment. Other sections of this report have described how major
blocks of the coast continue to be relatively undisturbed, and
consequently much of the natural state remains intact, thus
affording considerable opportunity to study and appreciate the
flora, fauna, and natural processes of these various habitats.

Much of the work done as part of the Municipal Coastal Program
can be applied to expand informational and educational oppor-
tunities on Darien's shoreline. More specifically, the resource
mapping, analyses, and photographic inventory can be used
directly to enable Darien's residents to become more familiar
with the full values of the areas within the Coastal Boundary.
It is an objective of this program to work toward this end.

-128-

0,@Nn*v" M",
45- _-_A2 Poll

OPOSED AMENDMENTS,TO PLAN OF DEVELOPMENt
.-IPA
min. i

-129

The Coastal Area Management Program shall be consistent with the
Town-wide planning program. Objectives considered under CAM will
be included in the Town Plan of Development as it may be revised
and offered for approval in the Spring of 1984. These objectives
would include the following:

6.1 - Improve Physical Access to Long Island Sound.

6.2 - Preserve Visual Access to the Sound and its Related
Coastal Resources.

6.3 - Expand Recreational Boating Opportunities.

6.4 - Improve Recreational Shellfishing Opportunities.

6.5 - Preserve and Protect Key Shoreline Resource Areas.

6.6 - Restore Degraded Natural Systems.

6.7 - Improve Educational Opportunities to Further the
Understanding of the Importance of the Coastal Area.

6.1 Seek Improved Access to Long Island Sound and Associated
Embayments

Inasmuch as the major segment of the shoreline lies within areas
owned and controlled by private associations, whose roads are
privately maintained and thus not available to other residents of
Darien, it is obvious that any additional access to the Sound
must be from Town roads through properties that may be purchased
or received by the Town, or deeded to such non-profit organiza-
tions as the Nature Conservatory or the Darien Land Trust.

- It should be the policy of the Town of Darien to encourage
access for its residents to the waters of Long Island
Sound. This may be accomplished by expansion, development
and effective utilization of Town-owned recreational
facilities or through facilities which may be granted by
gift, easement or otherwise within the coastal areas. Any
such acquisitions shall be consistent with sound resource
conservation procedures and constitutionally protected
rights of private property owners. Nothing in this pro-
gram, nor in the Town of Darien planning and zoning regu-
lations, which may be adopted pursuant thereto, shall be
used to require the granting of any such facility by gift,
easement or otherwise.

6.2 Protect, Preserve and Enhance Visual Access to Long Island
Sound, its Embayments and Coastal Resources in General

Existing views of Long Island Sound and the Town's coastline
which can be seen from Town roads and beaches ought to be
preserved. This will require proper maintenance of these

-130-

properties including, but not limited to, planting and care of
trees and other vegetation.

Land use regulations and Coastal Site Plan Review procedures
shall be used in ways that preserve or improve existing views
should opportunities arise. Such actions should:

- Protect existing property values in shoreline areas

- Resolve cooperation with private neighborhood associa-
tions, as appropriate, to assist in preserving key neigh-
borhood views and vistas for the general benefit of
affected private property owners.

6.3 Expand Recreational Boating Opportunities for the Residents
of Darien

In the achievement of this objective a range of individual
actions within the community should be considered. These may
include:

- Improved protection of the Darien Harbor area, including
the outer harbor, the Noroton Yacht Club area, and the
Darien Boat Club.

- Expansion and improvement of the mooring and docking
facilities within the area of the Darien Boat Club.

- Provision of a boat launching ramp at the westerly end of
the Weed Beach public park area.

- Establishment of a special anchorage control system to
more fully regulate temporary and seasonal moorings within
Darien's waters.

- Assurance of the continuation of adequate boating facili-
ties by the routine identification of areas which require
maintenance dredging, and the provision of community
assistance in securing necessary approvals to accomplish
such work.

6.4 Improve Recreational Shellfishing Opportunities Without
CaTs'ingAdverse Effects on Darien's Coastal Resources

The achievement of this objective will require numerous actions.
Two key steps which must be taken by the Town of Darien are to:

- Establish a Town Shellfish Commission.

- Develop and implement a management program for the shell-
fish resources within the Town.

Following these actions, and based upon the experience gained,
a more extensive program will have to be developed.

-131-

6.5 Preserve and Protect Key Shoreline Resource Areas Including:

Five Mile River marsh
- Tokeneke Club marsh
- Fish Islands
- Scott's Cove/Delafield Island marsh
- Great Island shoreline
- Darien River marsh
- Holly Pond/Brushy Island wetlands
- Salt ponds: Gorham's and Holly

These areas have been preserved and protected to a large extent
over the years by shoreline property owners, as well as by vari-
ous actions of Town agencies and private organizations. it is
anticipated that additional protection can be achieved by:

- More fully monitoring the activities undertaken by indi-
vidual property owners within, or adjacent to, these des-
ignated areas.

- Applying existing land use regulations more effectively
and amending them as necessary to meet current or future
requirements.

- Conducting educational programs to advise individuals of
the importance to both the Town and the individual proper-
ty owner of protecting these critical shoreline resource
areas.

6.6 Attempt to Improve or Restore the Natural Systems within the
Coastal Boundary through Improved Regulation, Public Educa-
tion, and other Appropriate Efforts. Natural Systems which
Might Mer-FiFt such Consideration Include:

- Holly Pond
- Gorham's Pond
- Tokeneke Trail marsh
- Tokeneke Brook
- Cross Road/Crab pond

The enhancement of these systems might require one or more of
several forms of action which could include: the elimination of
of pollution; improved control of erosion and sedimentation;
improved flushing actions by tidal waters; and improved water
circulation patterns.

6.7 Improve Educational Opportunities to Further the Understand-
ing of the Importance ot the Coastal Area.

Recognizing that the unique natural features of the coastal area
of Darien are an essential element in the quality of life in the
Town, additional efforts should be made to inform the citizens of
the Town by the following means:

-132-

Prepare and disseminate information to the residents on
all aspects of coastal area management

Undertake specific projects in the future to inform
coastal property owners, the general citizenry, and spe-
cial interests of various aspects of the shoreline use
and development. These would include dissemination of
information on regulatory programs and their purposes;
general advice on cause and effect of certain actions
within coastal areas; and other related facts.

Design a marine science curriculum for the Darien school
system incorporating the history of the coastline, present
geological makeup of Darien's coast, and the importance of
wise management of coastal resources for future oppor-
tunities. This program could be formed in cooperation
with local educational organizations, such as the Darien
Nature Center.

m C'%. -

PROPOSALS FOR REVISING LOCAL REGULATIONS

-134-

7.0 Proposals for Revising Local Regulations

Since the adoption of the Town's original Plan of Development in
1967, the Town of Darien has taken extensive actions to amend its
zoning and subdivision regulations, and create new ordinances
necessary to achieve the objectives set forth in that Plan. In
addition, the Town has attempted to improve its regulatory pro-
cesses, and to adopt necessary new measures as needs for addi-
tional programs became apparent, or as Federal and State
legislation expands local authority.

An analysis of the Town's current land use regulations confirms
that most of the necessary objectives for regulation have been
achieved, and authority currently exists to carry out the pur-
poses of the Coastal Area Management Program. Various sections
of the Zoning Regulations are entirely consistent with the pur-
poses of CAM and any needed amendments will be made in the
future, should inconsistencies become apparent. Inasmuch as
the Town's Zoning Regulations will be recodified during 1984, it
is anticipated that any necessary modifications to specific lan-
guage; correction of minor inconsistencies among specific sec-
tions of the regulations; and insertion of appropriate references'
to CAM, the Coastal Site Plan Review process, and other appli-
cable programs will be accomplished. Because of this recodifi-
cation, it is not deemed necessary or desirable to make minor
modifications to the Regulations at this time.

The following regulations are in existence, and are directly re-
lated to coastal resources and CAM.

7.1 Zoning Regulations

Subsection 431.11 EXCEPTION FOR PRESERVATION OF SIGNIFICANT
NATURAL, SPECIAL AND/OR MAN-MADE FEATURES AND RELATED OPEN SPACE
AREAS, AND THE SUBDIVISION OR RESUBDIVISION OF LAND.

This subsection of the Zoning Regulations (effective as of June
5, 1977) enables the Planning and Zoning Commission to properly
protect open space, cultural facilities, or related types of
attributes from development under a cluster subdivision type of
approach. The purpose, as stated in the Regulations, is as fol-
lows: "Where the Planning and Zoning Commission shall determine
that significant natural, man-made, or special features exist on
a site proposed for subdivision or resubdivision, the protection
and preservation of which would promote the purposes of these
regulations, the specific area, width, depth, frontage, yard and
coverage requirements established by Sections 410 and 421 of the
Zoning Regulations may be modified to achieve such protection or
preservation. Such action may be taken provided that all plans,
policies or other relevant regulations of the Town of Darien are
adhered to and further, that the terms of this section are met in
full. Applicable features shall include, but not be limited to,
streams, water bodies, shorelands, wetlands, rock ledges, steep
slopes, major trees, views, waterfalls, wildlife habitat, stone-
walls, historic sites, landmarks, or unusual natural features."

-135-

As can be noted in this language, virtually any potential is
covered under this subsection. Accordingly, the approach should
be completely consistent with the purposes of CAM, and the pro-
tection of coastal resources should be achieved through the
Commission's use of this subsection and the Coastal Site Plan
Review process.

Additionally, the purpose of this whole approach is to provide
reasonable flexibility in the division of land and its subsequent
development when, in the judgement of the Commission, such flexi-
bility will insure the conservation or preservation of features
or areas which contribute to, or provide for, the health, safety
and general welfare of the Town. Obviously, this would include
the coastal resources of the community.

Section 482. SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR PROTECTED TOWN LANDMARKS.

The purpose of this special section of the Regulations (effective
April 6, 1975) is to allow flexibility to preserve Darien's cul-
tural heritage. It is recognized that certain structures and
land areas have value as Town landmarks. Their value transcends
the ordinary standards incorporated in the Zoning Regulations,
and it is therefore required that each individual site be consi-
dered a special case. Such Protected Town Landmarks could in-
clude any building, structure, group of structures or natural
features, together with the parcel of land on which it is sited.
In order to define such a landmark specifically, the Planning and
Zoning Commission must determine, on the basis of factual data or
expert opinion, that the landmark possesses a degree of historic
significance, an architectural uniqueness, or cultural value
which, if destroyed or altered, would represent a severe cultural
loss to the community.

As can be noted by the general purposes of this section, a
certain degree of flexibility is permitted to enable unique
landmarks and/or structures to receive protection. Accordingly,
it can be stated that this section of the regulations can be
directly applied to achieving objectives set forth within the
Coastal Area Management Program, e.g. enabling the preservation
of Ring's End Landing.

Section 486. SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION
OF LAND, WETLANDS, WATERCOURSES, TIDELANDS, FLOODPLAINS, AND
OTHER NATURAL AREAS.

This Section of the Zoning Regulations (effective as of July 15,
1973) is also directly applicable to the coastal program. Though
the section was adopted several years before CAM, its essential
purpose is very similar to the key aspects of the CAM program.
While there is some duplication, and a certain degree of overlap
with the Coastal Site Plan Review process, Section 486 and CAM
appear to be totally consistent, and any administrative
difficulties will be resolved as part of the recodification of
the Zoning Regulations in 1984.

-136-

The essential purpose of this section of the zoning regulations
is to preserve and protect the natural resources of the Town in-
cluding land, soil, water, wetlands, streams and watercourses,
shorefront and coastal lands, tidal estuaries, trees and vegeta-
tion, aquifers and watertables, wildlife, areas of scenic beauty,
and areas of ecological importance. This regulation was estab-
lished in recognition of the important inter-relationship among
these resources; the need for a suitable environment for human
habitation; and their importance to the health, safety and gene-
ral welfare of Darien and the larger environment.

Section 486. is a set of environmental protection regulations.
The duplication between CAM and Section 486 pertains in parti-
cular to the 100-feet-wide strip along the landward side of the
mean high tide line.

Subsection 486.2 specifically lists regulated activities within
100 feet of mean high tide including filling, excavation, regrad-
ing, and erection of any structures within this defined area. A
Special Permit approval process is required, and, as part of the
application review system, it is specified that necessary site
development plans, environmental impact statements, specific
analyses, and related materials be submitted as part of the
application. It is required that the Commission ascertain that
the proposed regulated activities will not adversely affect the
natural resources of the Town, or the environmental character of
the surroundings of the site. This negative declaration must be
made before granting any Special Permit. It is also important to
note that in granting a Special Permit, the Commission may attach
any necessary conditions and limitations which it deems necessary
to conserve the soil, water, air, vegetation and other natural
attributes of the site and its environs.

The Section 486 regulations are Darien's "NEPA" (National
Environmental Policy Act). They show considerable similarity to
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for watercourses and the
marine environment. As such they predate CAM both in enactment
and philosophy.

Section 488. COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT

The specific purpose of this section of the Darien Zoning
Regulations (effective March 10, 1980) is to achieve the goals,
objectives and policies of the Connecticut Coastal Area
Management Program as set forth in Section 22a-93-96 of the
General Statutes as amended by Public Act No. 79-535, known as
the Coastal Area Management Act. This section was established in
direct response to the State's action to adopt a Coastal Area
Management Program. It incorporates the necessary provisions
relative to designating a Coastal Boundary; providing opportuni-
ties for administrative exemptions; the establishment of a filing
fee for a Coastal Site Plan Review; and other related matters.
This section is consistent with the purposes of CAM because it
was specifically designed to respond to the enactment of
Connecticut's program.

-137-

Section 489. FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION.

This section (effective as of December 28, 1980) was adopted by
the Town's Planning and zoning Commission in direct response to
the federal initiative developed for the control of flood damage,
and improvement of flood damage prevention.

The specific purpose of this regulation is stated as follows:

"It is the finding of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the
Flood and Erosion Control Board of the Town of Darien that the
flood hazard areas are subject to periodic inundation which may
result, or might possibly result, in loss of life and property,
health and safety hazards, destruction of commerce and govern-
mental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood pro-
tection and relief, and impairment of tax base, all of which
adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare."

Subsection 489.1 declares that the purpose of these regulations
is to protect the citizens of Darien by making provisions for the
preservation, protection, maintenance, or use of flood hazard
and floodway areas.

It is this section of the Darien Zoning Regulations which per-
tains directly to the need to control use and activity within a
flood prone area, including coastal hazard areas. Necessary data
on flood prone areas, wave velocity factors, and other related
elements have recently been assembled by the Federal Government.
All such data are set forth on the official Flood Insurance Rate
map, and also on the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map on file in
the Darien Planning and Zoning Office. As with the other sec-
tions of the Darien Zoning Regulations, this section will be
amended and updated to meet future needs. In addition, flood
prone areas will be reinventoried as necessary. The purposes and
regulations of Section 489 are consistent with the purposes of
CAM.

7.2 Subdivision Regulations

The general, declared policies and purposes of Darien's
Subdivision Regulations are consistent with the purposes of CAM.
For example, the declared policies are as follows:

1. Land to be subdivided shall be of such character that
it can be used for building purposes without danger to
health or public safety;

2. Proper provision shall be made for water supply, sew-
age disposal, storm drainage, and other required utili-
ties;

3. In areas contiguous to brooks, rivers or other bodies
of water subject to flooding, including tidal areas,
proper provisions shall be made for flood protection,

-138-

including effects on neighboring properties and down-
stream areas or properties;

4. Proper measures shall be taken to prevent or minimize
erosion, sedimentation, or other adverse effects on the
natural environment;

5. Proposed streets must be in harmony with existing or
proposed municipal thoroughfares shown on the Town's
Plan of Development as adopted by the Commission;

6. Lots, streets, and related elements must be designed to
protect and preserve natural features, and avoid un-
necessary degradation of the natural environments;

7. In areas deemed proper or necessary by the Commission,
permanent open space reserves shall be established;

8. Energy efficient patterns of development, including the
use of solar or other renewable forms of energy and en-
ergy conservation, shall be encouraged.

In addition, the Subdivision Regulations also specify certain
requirements for the submission of a formal application relative
to environmental analysis, erosion and sedimentation control
plans, provisions for permanently declared open space areas,
provisions for the establishment of conservation easements over
key natural resource areas; and related types of development
regulations. As with the Zoning Regulations, the Subdivision
Regulations have been continually amended and updated to reflect
changing needs, new policies, and Federal and State initiatives.

7.3 Inland Wetlands Regulations

Since September 24, 1973, Darien has had in effect special regu-
lations known as the "Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Regula-
tions of the Town of Darien." These were prepared by the Darien
Inland Wetlands Commission in accordance with the provisions of
"An Act Concerning Inland Wetlands and Water Courses", Section
22A-36 to 45 inclusive of the General Statutes as amended, and
pursuant to a Town ordinance passed by the Representative Town
Meeting.

The administration of this program has been carried out quite
successfully since that time and it is anticipated that require-
ments for full regulation of freshwater wetlands within the
Coastal Boundary can continue to be met under the existing
arrangement.

7.4 Coastal Site Plan Review

In response to the State initiative, Darien was among the first
communities in Connecticut to adopt its own Coastal Boundary map,
and incorporate necessary new language within the Town's zoning
regulations (Section 488).

-139-

Since the adoption of the enabling legislation, the Planning and
Zoning Commission has been improving its regulatory and admini-
strative processes for Coastal Site Plan Reviews. It is antici-
pated that this learning process, together with the incorporation
of coastal site plan review procedures and other aspects of the
Commission's program, will continue in the foreseeable future.
No particular difficulties have been encountered in the past, nor
are any foreseeable in the near future.

If there is one major shortcoming in the regulatory process in
Darien, relative to coastal area management, it is the degree of
overlapping jurisdiction and administrative confusion resulting
from the patchwork manner in which the various sections and sub-
sections of regulations were established and set forth. As
stated in the initial part of this discussion, however, it is
anticipated that all or most of this duplication and related
administrative difficulty will be resolved as part of the Town
Plan of Development update, and the recodification of the Zoning
Regulations. All of this work will be concluded by the Autumn of
1984. Accordingly, it would be a waste of effort and expense to
attempt to address these concerns at this point in time.

A very important aspect of the Town of Darien's ability to better
control the use and development of its shoreline areas is the
work conducted as part of the Municipal Coastal Program. One of
the major difficulties that the Planning and Zoning Commission
encountered in attempting to enforce various regulations on
coastal areas was the lack of any in-depth inventory and analysis
of existing man-made and natural features and areas along the
shoreline. Consequently, whenever an enforcement action was
necessary, three key problems became apparent:

1. No specific inventory was available to prove beyond a rea-
sonable doubt that a structure or man-made improvement did,
in fact, exist prior to the time that the notice of viola-
tion was filed with the property owner.

2. Administrative and formal reviews were conducted without the
benefit of having any advance analyses of coastal resources
and values. Accordingly, most decisions were made on an ad
hoc basis rather than being established in advance.

3. Extensive difficulties often developed between Commission
representatives and individual property owners because of
the lack of adequate data. The professional staff of the
Commission was unable to advise an applicant in advance as
to the key elements of the zoning or site plan reviews, and
how the Commission would evaluate the proposal in relation
to the coastal resources. The work completed under this
Municipal Coastal Program will hopefully alleviate some of
these problems.

Since the entire shoreline has been inventoried, and judgments
have been made as to the value of these various resources, the

-140-

above administrative difficulties can be addressed directly. In
addition, as noted in the issue statements and objective state-
ments contained in this report, certain areas have been desig-
nated for particular concern; or for specific project activities.

Accordingly, it will now be possible to advise an applicant in
advance of the concerns or objectives for a particular shoreline
segment. This ability should significantly improve the regula-
tory process within the Town of Darien, as it pertains to coastal
areas and coastal resources, in particular.

With regard to specific enforcement actions, the Coastal
Resources Maps, in combination with the photographic inventory,
should assist in pursuing any necessary legal action. Specific-
ally, the coastal inventory will enable the Town to establish
beyond a reasonable doubt that a certain situation did or did not
exist at a given point in time (i.e. the Summer of 1982). The
resource inventory should facilitate and improve this aspect of
the regulatory process in many respects as well.

4CI vl

'i0o

Ippl,

Vll-)k@ i0l'l.

800
J9 SUM IMARY AND' CONCLUSIONS

-142-

8.0 Summary and Conclusion

During the course of the establishment of the municipal Coastal
Program for the Town of Darien, one theme has been continually
apparent: the coastline of Darien is of extremely high visual,
aesthetic, and ecological value. When this shoreline is con-
sidered in relationship to the remainder of the Fairfield County
coast, it is found to maintain a natural, relatively undisturbed
appearance, while providing high quality residential oppor-
tunities. The residential zoning, past regulatory performance,
and the concern of riparian landowners have combined to protect
the 16-mile coastline of Darien as a shoreline that is a care-
fully balanced mix of residential development and coastal
characteristics.

While the cities of Norwalk and Stamford face impacts from com-
mercial and industrial redevelopment, the potential impact upon
the coastline of Darien is much more subtle. Piecemeal destruc-
tion of natural habitats because of unwise shoreline structure
placement; the placement of poorly designed coastal structures
that do not fit into the nature of the shoreline, and new areas
of erosion caused by poor management practices are among the
greatest threats at this time to Darien's coastal heritage. As
such, these impacts are not so obvious that they cry out to be
addressed; rather, they are more subtle, and are therefore more
difficult to identify and control.

The design and implementation of this Program should signifi-
cantly assist in achieving these most fundamental objectives for
the Town of Darien's coastal area, namely, the protection, pre-
servation and wise management of the existing shoreline and
coastal resources. The main application of this report, and the
various materials prepared as part of this study, will be its use
by the staffs of the Town of Darien and various State and Federal
agencies. This Municipal Coastal Program will assist appropriate
regulatory agencies in carrying out their respective programs.

It is anticipated that specific efforts will be required in the
near future to disseminate more generalized information to
coastal property owners and general residents of the Town. For
example, the various permitting processes involved in shoreline
activities need to be set forth clearly and succinctly so that
individual persons can better understand who and what is
involved, and why these controls are important.

While Darien is a coastal community and maintains a shoreline of
high quality, the majority of the Town's residents have little or
no direct access to or involvement with the shoreline. In order
to achieve both a greater enjoyment of the shore, and allow its
wise management and protection, a variety of educational programs
need to be developed. These programs would be aimed at: in-
creasing knowledge of the coastline and the importance of coastal
resources; increasing potential recreational opportunities such
as boating, shellfishing and swimming which are available within

-143-

the waters of Darien and Long Island Sound; and explaining the
application and benefits of regulatory programs, wise shoreline
development, and flood hazard prevention. As stated in previous
chapters in this report, a vigorous pursuit of the expansion of
visual and physical access to the shoreline for the residents of
Darien is the paramount objective for increasing the enjoyment of
the coastline, and the recreational opportunities which it
affords.

In addition to this report and its value as a background and
planning document for persons charged with coastal regulation,
additional elements of the completed Municipal Coastal Program
include:

- Base maps of the areas in the Town of Darien within the
Coastal Boundary at a scale of 1" = 2001.

- Resource Inventory Maps (also at the scale of 1" = 2001)
detailing coastal resources such as tidal wetlands, mud-
flats, coastal structures, and other significant natural
and man-made features along Darien's shoreline.

- A slide presentation on the coastline of Darien to be used
for educational purposes by the public school system and
other interested groups and organizations. This slide
program is intended to increase the townspeople's know-
ledge of Darien's shoreline and coastal resources.

- A set of index maps, keyed to the 35 MM slide inventory,
to aid in identifying the precise shoreline location of
individual slides.

- Photographic inventory of the entire shoreline of Darien
using 35 mm color slides.

N@j Vf@j@,[@N@jj@
@ @ll@ @@ @ 11 11 1@ 'Ill
@Jlj@j
I
I lj@f
@ 1
3 6668 14109 2504 _