Management plan for Odiorne Point State Park

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

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MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR
ODIORNE POINT STATE PARK

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MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR
ODIORNE POINT STATE PARK

Prepared for

Division of Parks and Recreation
Department of Resources and Economic Development
State of New Hampshire
Concord, New Hampshire

Prepared by

The Thoresen Group
Planning Consultants
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

May 1986

The New Hampshire Coastal Program provided a grant for the preparation of this
Management Plan which was financed in part by the Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972, as amended, administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal
Resources Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

US Department of Commerce
NOAA Coastal Sery!=, Center Library
2234 Sout'Zl
C h a r I e s t o n, bl.'# C L" W-4.'I'

Hay 29, 1986

Wilbur LaPage, Director
Division of Parks and Recreation
Department of Resources and Economic Development
P. 0. Box 856
Concord, NH 03301

Dear Mr. LaPage:

The Thoresen Group is pleased to submit the attached "Management
Plan for Odiorne Point State Park."

The Management Plan was developed over a period of five months
with the assistance of an advisory coamttee representing the
pa.rk's sponsors and other interested parties. The Thoresen Group
appreciates the considerable tinie and contributions of committee
members in the development of this Management Plan.

Submitted under separate cover are a base map of Odiorne Point State
W Park on reproducible mylar and the graphics used in public meetings.
Both the Existing Conditions and i1anagement Plan maps, prepared in
color at a scale of 1" = 100', are included in this report as black
and white reductions.

This report contains considerable data which will assist the sponsors
in the management of the park. The !.Ianagement Plan contains recomenda-
-A tions for the inrnediate future and in a 2-5 year time frame.

The Thoresen Group believes that the implementation of this 11anagement
Plan will allow the sponsors to operate the park on a year-round basis
with a suitable Visitor Center in keeping with the park's mission.

Sincerely,

Susan Werner Thoresen
Principal

Table of Contents

PREFACE

I. INTRODUCTION 1

II. EXISTING CCNDITIONS 7

A. Natural Features 7

B. Historic Features 20

C. Military Features 21

D. Other Site Elements 24

E. Visitor Center and Support Facilities 35

F. Staff 37

G. Programs/Interpretation 40

H. Public Relations 43

I. Funding 44

III. MANAM= PLAN 47

A. Natural Features Recommendations 49

B. Historic Features Recommendations 59

C. Military Features Recommendations 60

D. Other Site Elements Recommendat ions 63

E. Visitor Center and Support Facilities 75

F. Staff 88

G. Program 92

H. Public Information and Relations 95

I. Funding 98

J. Management Agreements 101

APP=IX A. 104

APP=IX B. 121

Preface

The development of this Management Plan for Odiorne Point State Park was
funded by a grant from the New Hampshire Coastal Program, administered
by the New Hampshire Office of State Planning. The Division of Parks
and Recreation of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic
Development saw the need for such a management plan for this fragile and
beautiful site that it owns along the New Hampshire seacoast.

The Division of Parks solicited interest from qualified consultants to
assist in preparation of this Management Plan. After review of the
proposals, the Division of Parks hired The Thoresen Group in
mid-Decerrber 1985 to prepare the plan.

The Thoresen Group worked with several consultants as subcontractors
during the course of this project. G & Underwood, Engineers, Inc., were
hired to prepare a large scale base map of the site. Aerial photography
was flown in December and a new base map of the entire 137 acre site
east of Route 1A was developed by the engineering firm. 'Etoile H.
Holzaepfel, a consulting landscape architect, worked with The Thoresen
Group throughout the project. She participated in Working Group
meetings, conducted site visits, developed graphic material and maps for
the report and public meetings, and conducted interviews. Dr. Clotilde
Straus served as a consulting botanist and provided her expertise to the
natural features section of the plan, especially plant identification
and management needs. Caroline Macdonald served as researcher and
administrative assistant in helping to produce the planning document.

The Thoresen Group also worked extensively with an advisory committee,
called the Working Group. They provided valuable insight and
contributed their knowledge and opinions to help shape this Management
Plan. Members, appointed by the Division of Parks, were as follows:

Wilbur LaPage, Director, Division of Parks, DRED
Malcolm Thonus, Park Planner, Division of Parks, DRED
Richard MacLeod, Seacoast Park Manager, Division of Parks, DRED
%Julia Steed Mawson, Visitor Center Director, Marine Education
Specialist, Marine Science Extension Service, UNH
kJoanne Cassulo, Principal Planner, CZM, Office of State Planning
Chuck Gibilisco, Education Director, Audubon Society of NH
Thonxts Arter, Naturalist, Seacoast Chapter of ASNH
,Louise Tallman, Historian, Driftwood Garden Club and Rye
Conservation Commission
iElizabeth Greene, State Representative, Town of Rye
Howard Crosby, UNH Marine Docent and Friends of Odiorne Point,
Inc., (Chair of the Working Group)

The Working Group's role is further discussed in the Introduction.

I. Introduction: Mission, Goals and Objectives

Odiorne Point State Park in Rye is a large and environmentally sensitive
State-owned park strategically located on New Hampshire's short
seacoast. It provides unique educational and interpretive opportunities
not available elsewhere on the seacoast.

In order to protect this park resource and provide for its reasonable
use, the Division of Parks and Recreation decided to develop a
Management Plan. The purpose of this report is to create the Managemnt
Plan for 0diorne Point State Park. The plan is designed to be used by
the Park's principal sponsors: the Division of Parks and Recreation,
Department of Resources and Econcn-dc Developmient, State of New Hampshire
(DRED); the Maxine Service Extension Program, University of New
Hampshire (UNH); and the Audubon Society of New Hampshire (AMH). It is
considered to be a working document covering numerous topics related to
managemient needs and is designed to integrate the purposes of the many
user organizations.

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There have been a number of studies prepared about Odiorne Point State
Park in the past. They are referenced in Appendix A as the "Inventory
and Evaluation of Existing Information." This Management Plan builds on
those reports as it delineates the management needs regarding natural

features, historic features, military features, other site features, the
Visitor Center, staff, program, public information, funding and
management agreement needs.

One of the needs this Management Plan addresses is conn=ication among
the many user organizations. The reason this plan is so detailed is to
reflect the critical thinking that went into developing the plan. 'Ihis
is the only plan done for Odiorne Point State Park which addresses all
of these management needs and as such it communicates to, and reflects
communication from, each sponsor, as well as other interested park
pa.rticipants.

Throughout the contract, the consultants received input from a variety
of sources. During the course of the contract, the Working Group,
described earlier, met with the consultants on a frequent basis. Two
public meetings were held: one in February to discuss the proposed
mission statement and preliminary goals and work on developing
objectives; and the other in April to discuss the existing conditions
and preliminary management plan. The consultants prepared and
distributed press releases about the meetings, a press data kit on the
park as well as feedback sheets for the audience. The audience
participated in both meetings and follow-up letters and comments were
received and reviewed.

The meetings with the Working Group allowed mwbers to express a variety
of opinions about issues of concern. Considerable time was spent
developing and refining the goals and objectives for the park, which in
turn served as the desired results and as evaluation criteria in
developing the Management Plan.

Committee members also contributed background data and insight into the
existing conditions of the park as well as management needs. The
committee process allowed the airing of controversial issues. A
concensus was formed on a number of important issues during the project.
Thus, the process of developing this Management Plan served to improve
communications and, in most cases, resolve concerns amng the various
sponsoring organizations concerned with the future of the park.

Mission Statement

One of the first tasks of the consultants and the Working Group was to
develop an overall Mission Statement for Odiorne Point State Park. The
Mission Statement reflects the purpose, tone, and philosophy of the
park. It sets the framework within which goals and objectives are
developed and the park is managed and operated. The following -Mission
Statement was developed for Odiorne Point State Park.

The purpose of Odiorne Point State Park is to provide a well-
maintained and managed, year-round interpretive park which
protects the unique natural and built features on the site,
interprets the wide range of natural and cultural history

through informational and educational programs which foster greater
awareness of and appreciation for the natural and cutural history
and environment of the seacoast, and offers other compatible
Goals recreational opportunities.

After reviewing preliminary goals and objectives culled from the reports
in Appendix A as well as interviews and conversations with members of
the Working Group, park users and other interested parties, goals and
objectives were developed. They were further refined after the first
public meeting, due to the excellent audience participation. The goals
serve as the broad direction for the park and the objectives reflect
desired actions in order to meet the goals.

Goal 1: Management. To manage the Park based on clear direct-Lon and
good communication, with adequate physical facilities, staff
and funding.

Objectives/Activities

1. Establish a management agreement between the State of New Hampshire
and those agencies or groups desiring to make a commitment to
Odiorne Point State Park including the University of New Hampshire,
Audubon Society of New Hampshire, Friends of Odiorne Point, Inc.,
the Driftwood Garden Club of Rye, and any other appropriate
interested agency or group. The agreement shall include a long
term financial coamitment in writing from all park sponsors which
will address staff, facility and site needs and individiual
responsibilities.

2. Establish an annual work plan which divides responsibilities
between appropriate agencies and includes a semi-annual evaluation
of its implementation.

3. Increase park staff to adequate level to address park operating,
resource management, and educational and interpretive program
needs. Park personnel may include the park manager, the visitor
center director, park gatekeepers, park maintenance and security
personnel, interpretive/educational staff, student interns,
docents, and other volunteers. They may be employees of any of the
management agencies.

4. Provide adequate funding to address existing maintenance needs of
the Russell B. Tobey Visitor Center for 1986 operation and stablize
the building for future use.

5. Hire architect to design new Visitor Center or compatible addition
to the existing center based on Visitor Center space and use needs
as delineated in the Manageakent Plan and related research, a
structural and space analysis of the Russell B. Tobey Visitor
Center and Battery 204, and funding paxameters.
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6. Seek higher level of park funding in the State legislature to
address operating and capital (for example Visitor Center) needs
in keeping with this Management Plan.

Goal 2: Resource Protection. To protect natural resources and cultural
history within the Park.

Objectives/Activities

1. Research and update as needed and map the location of plants,
including rare plants, and other unique natural and cultural
resources which should be protected. Review every ten years. (The
location of rare features may be kept in a confidential file at the
site and, in order to protect them, not be shown on a public map.)

2. Develop a rescue program for areas where ra-re features are in
danger of disappearing and implement as a priority.

3. Develop criteria for implermnting management decisions based on the
formula: "Does it contribute to the natural, historical,
educational aspect of the Park?"

4. Maint ain existing trails, complete segments of the perimeter trail
which have disappeared, and provide one obvious trail to/frorn the
sandy beach and the perimeter trail.

5. Develop a grounds maintenance program with the participation of all
sponsors and implement it.

6. Keep the sandy beach on Little Harbor as is.

7. Repair stone walls and stairs in visible locations.

8. Research and obtain designation at a National Natural Landmark
based particularly on the drowned forest and rocky shore.

9. Evaluate and in-plement as needed further protection of the drowned
forest.

10. Research the cultural history of Odiorne Point, including
archeological research, and prepare a nomination to the National
Register of Historic Places.

Goal 3: Education/ Interpretation. To expand educational and
interpretive programs including marine environment, ecology,
geology, prehistory and built history (early settlement,
farming, seasonal residences and World War II) as well as
seacoast resources and environment.

Objectives/Activities

1. Prepare and show a continuous slide program to serve as an
introduction to the park.

2. Establish an area in the park to display and interpret the history
of the park such as native American, early settlement, resort and
military use.

3. Establish an area in the park to continue the current natural
science progTams on an expanded year-round basis for schools and
groups.

4. Prepare new self guided brochure using new trail map to be
distributed at the park entrances, Visitor Center or in a mail box.

5. Interpret Portsmouth coastal harbor defense history by printed
material, slide program and/ or oral history mans and relate Fort
Dearborn history to other seacoast fortifications.

6. Develop an archeology program in the park.

7. Protect and interpret Battery Seaman, Battery 204 and Plotting Room
in the long term when there is adequate park staff by opening at
least one of them for an occasional use for an interpretive walk
with a guide.

Goal 4: Resource Utilitzation. To provide optimum year round
opportunities for visitors to participate in all
activities appropriate to the park.

Objectives/Activities

1. Investigate the need to provide separate, safe bus parking and
recommnd an appropriate area, if needed.

2. Do not increase parking capacity without full documentation as to
need, a complete environmental assessment, and a public meeting.

3. Encourage cross country skiing in appropriate conditions.

4. Develop appropriate programs that protect and utilize the resources
of the Hotin Tract.

5. Add gatekeeper to North Park Entrance by Seavey Creek entrance.

6. Sponsor off-site field trips to study the coastal envirom),--nt of
the area around the park including Atlantic Ocean, Little Harbor
and the salt marsh ecosystem.

Goal 5: Public Information. To develop a continuing program of
information generation about the Park, its resources and the
Seacoast.

Objectives/Activities

1. Develop a public information program to inform the public about the
progress in implementing the Management Plan through brochures,
press releases, radio, etc.

2. Design a public information and relations program based on and
coapatible with the park's natural and cultural resources,
and promote existing and new program through newsletters, media,
brochures, etc.

3. Prepare a new self guided walking tour brochu. re on the park, its
natural resources and cultural history, and the need to protect
them.

4. Increase park presence at the park entrances by distributing
brochure, displaying daily activity announcement (tide, bird
sighting, field trips) and pointing out the Visitor Center.

5. Prepare permanent park location maps at a scale of no less than
1"= 100' and place at both park entrances and either Frost Point or
Battery Seaman.

6. Provide a library and reference material relating to Odiorne Point
State Park for use by visitors in the Visitor Center, such as a
reading room.

7. Develop a researcher (educator)-in-residence program with public
informational responsibilities.

8. Interpret to raise the visitors' awareness about possibilities in
natural science and history and not provide all the answers.

11. Existing Conditions

Odiorne Point State Park is located in the Town of Rye, New Hampshire.
It borders the Atlantic Ocean, Little Harbor, Seavey Creek, Route 1A and
ends at the area known as the Drowned Forest. There is a small segment
of four acres across Route 1A from the main park which is part of the
park as is the 110 acre Hotin Tract which is located west of Route 1A
between the pa-rk and Wallis Sands State Park. The Hotin Tract consists
of a salt marsh and upland forest and was not studied as part of this
Management Plan.

The contract for the development of a Management Plan was let in
December 1985 and aerial photographs were immediately taken in order to
prepare a new base map. However, the conditions for both aerial
photography and site evaluation were not ideal given the time of year
and weather. Most of the site work including field checks of the new
map was done in the period of January to March, 1986, although the
consultants all have had experience with the pa-rk in other seasons. The
consultants also interviewed members of the working group individually
and others knowledgeable about the park in determining the existing
conditions of Odiorne Point State Park. The aerial and site photographs
contained in this section were taken in April 1986 by The Thoresen
Group.

The following three pages contain the Existing Conditions Maps shaving
the northern, central and southern parts of Odiorne Point State Park.
The original maps were done at a scale of 1"= 1001 and are on file with
the Division of Parks and Recreation. The text which follows contains
references to features which are on the maps.

A. NATURAL FEATURES

The borders of Odiorne Point State Park contain a number of diverse
natural resources which make the park unique, including a tidal creek
eco-system with salt marshes and mud flats, a tidal harbor and sandy
beach, a rocky shore along the Atlantic Ocean, and a drowned forest at
the southern border indicative of changes in land and the Atlantic Ocean
over many centuries.

There are two primary sources for data on natural features at Odiorne
Point State Park: the "Odiorne Point State Park Natural Science and
Historical Studies" (NSHS) edited by Annette B. Cottrell and the "Water
Quality Management Plan" (IVCVP) for the Town of Rye, NH, prepared by
Wright-Pierce Engineers. Both reports are described along with other
resouce material in Appendix A.

The NSHS is a significant site specific report describing in detail
natural science and historical studies at the park. Prepared in 1973 by
volunteers under the direction of Mrs. Cottrell, much of the data
remains valid today. Individual authors are specifically cited in the

text following. In general, the reports provided a point of departure
and the findings were referenced, not repeated, in this report.

The WqIP contains a good data base on natural resources including a
number of maps which contain natural resource data related to the park
which are summarized below. The report indicates that most of the park
is composed of glacial till. The area south and west of the park drains
out from Berry's Brook into Seavey Creek into Witch Creek and Little
Harbor. The park contains a considerable amount of floodplains and both
tidal and fresh water wetlands. There are archaeological, historical
and architectural resources (historic sites and areas of high
archaeological potential) identified in the maps. There is a nearby
public water supply area with the City of Portsmouth providing service
to Seavey Creek on the north and the Rye Water District providing
service to Pollock Drive on the south. A location of nearby major
non-point sources of water pollution or waste water is the boat mooring
basin in Little Harbor.

Within the park much of the land has been altered due to, first, the
development of an early settlement, a hotel and seasonal residences and
their support structures and gardens, and then, more extensively, the
development of Fort Dearborn in the early 1940s. The soils map prepared
by the Soil Conservation Service and reproduced here indicates that much
of the site consists of filled land with wetlands and tidal marshes
remaining plus one soil type, Shallow-to-Bedrock, which is suitable for
development. However, the map does not indicate that within one segment
of the Shallow-to-Bedrock, naffely north of Frost Point Road, there also
is filled land with several military structures. This generalized map
serves to point out that the natural resource conditions have been
disturbed, but specific site reseaxch may yield additional, more
specific data.

0 ElShallow-to-Bedrock 61B,61C
Wetland 33A, 197
OTidal Marsh 497
QBeach, Cobbly 757
Filled Land 299
11114 fill'!
Scale: 1"=1,0001
Source: SCS Soil su -ey
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Town of Rye

Because the park encompasses or abuts a number of significant natural
resources, an understanding of them is necessary to aid in park planning
and management. Beginning at the northern end, the following describes
the general condition of the natural features. The aerial photograph
below, taken at low tide, shows the northern part of the park from
Little Harbor and Seavey Creek to the Atlantic Ocean in the background.

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Estuary. A coastal estuary is made up of the waters and wetlands at the
mouths of coastal streams and rivers. Thus, the northern boundary of
the park encompasses portions of the Little Harbor estuary as can be
seen in the above photograph. Estuarine environments are noted for
their organic and mineral nutrients which provide a food source for the
young of many species. For information on the offshore birds as well as
the other bird habitats at Odiorne Point State Park, see "Birds of the
Odiorne Point Area," (NSHS) by Arthur C. Borror.

Although Little Harbor is not on the scale of the Great Bay Estuary, it
is nevertheless a significant natural resource which is affected by
development adjacent to or near it. The State of New Hampshire through
its coastal program has demonstrated an interest in shoreland protection
in the seacoast. The Town of Rye has two overlay districts in its
zoning which offer some protection, a Wetlands Conservation District and
a Flood Hazard District, but does not have a specific Shorelands
Conservation District. The Town has zoned the park "Public Recreation."

Salt Marsh. Most of the area across from the park on Route 1A as well
as much of the Hotin Tract is a salt marsh. However, within the park
east of Route IA there is only a small salt marsh bordering the north
entrance parking area by Seavey Creek. The salt marsh not only provides
a habitat for a variety of species but also stores nutrients for the

estuarine environment and aids in flood control. The salt marsh is a
tidal wetland. The perimeter trail from the north parking lot to Frost
Point crosses a small section of the salt marsh which extends almost to
Route 1A. The trail is often wet and sometimes flooded near the
entrance where it crosses the marsh for it impedes drainage of this
small section of the marsh as can be seen in the photograph below. The
trail then continues along the border of the marsh before it turns east.
Otherwise, there is no trail on the salt marsh. For more information on
the salt marsh, see "The Odiorne Point Salt Marsh" (NSHS) by Phelps
Laszlo and Wallace Blanchard.

Sand and Pebble Barrier Spit. This small spit serves as the Seavey
@reek/Witch Creek/Little Harbor border of Odiorne Point State Park. It
is composed of sand, pebbles, and sediment which are transported by wave
action and tidal currents. It serves as a protective barrier for the
salt marsh. Pedestrian access is off the perimeter trail by the north
parking lot.

Open Woods.. Between the North Park Entrance and Frost Point Road is a
forested area called open woods in the "Floristic Study and Plant
Communities of the Odiorne Point Area," (NSHS) by Clotilde Magnant
Straus. (For information on plant species throughout the park see this
article.) This forested area is the only mature forest in the park.
Primary species are white pine, oak, shagbark hickory and others.
Access is limited since there is no road access and the only nearby
trail is the perimeter trail. There are some stone walls within and
near the forest. Forests and other natural areas provide a habitat for
birds and mammals. For information on mammals, see "A Survey of the

Mammals of Odiorne Point State Park" (NSHS) by Richard R. Tardif.

Sandy beach. This small beach serves as a buffer between Little Harbor
and the shoreland. It is protected somewhat by the Frost Point jetty at
the entrance to Little Harbor and the rocky shore. There is a small
area with dunes at the site. Access to the beach is via small boat or
trails from the north parking lot or Main Park Entrance. There are no
picnic tables, restrooms or trash receptacles at or near the beach. For
information on marine life along the sandy beach and rocky shore, see
"Guide to the Intertidal Life of the Odiorne Point Area: The Rocky Coast
and Western Sandy Beach," (NSHS) by Margaret Ann Mills. `Ihe sandy
beach, Frost Point, rocky shore, fresh water marsh and Battery Seaman
can be seen in the aerial photograph below.

7:7,

Foye-Whitcorrb Field. Located west of the Heritage Garden (described
following) near the open woods, the Foye-Whitcomb field contains
remnants of earlier residential landscaping including flowering shrubs
and herbaceous plants. Other weedy species are beginning to encroach
on the fields.

Heritage Garden. The Heritage Garden was established in the 1920s by
the Whitcombs at the site of the George Frost house built in 1760. It
is in the northern end of the park near the Plotting Room. This garden
is the most intact garden remaining on the site and is presently
maintained by the Driftwood Garden Club of Rye. The garden is bordered
by a stone wall and hedge. It contains a variety of roses, grapes and
other plants. There are small signs identifying the species though no
sign identifies the gardens. However, the garden is referenced on the
"Trail Map and Historical Notes" brochure.

Rocky shore. Much of the eastern border of the park along the Atlantic
Ocean is considered a rocky shore. The perimeter trail fades out along
the rocky shore. Rocky shores, like wetlands, serve as a nutrient rich
environment for intertidal life. They also protect the shore from
erosion in storm. Two concerns have been voiced about the public use
of the rocky shore: the possibility of personal injury due to climbing
in a slippery environment, and the desire of park visitors to collect
marine life for souvenirs. The interpretation of the rocky shores is a
signficant feature of the marine interpretive program at the park.
Visitors are being educated not to harvest the maxine environment and
take personal care when visiting the shore. Additional studies related
to interpretation of the rocky shore include: "Marine Algae," by Arthur
C. Mathieson; "A Preliminary Survey of Bryophyte Flora at Odiorne Point
State Park," by Elizabeth M. Sherrard; and "Geology of the Odiorne Point
Area," by Marland P. and Katharine F. Billings (NSHS).

Fresh Water Marsh. The fresh water marsh is located between Battery
Sean-an and the Atlantic Ocean. There is a small trail on the north side
of it. The marsh has changed in character from a salt water marsh to a
fresh water marsh, although with an unusually high tide it can be
brackish. It has the potential to revert to a salt water marsh if the
rocky shore is significantly breached. Like other wetlands, the fresh
water marsh varies in its water retention. For further information on
the fresh water marsh and the pond, see "Freshwater Algae" (NSHS) by
Hannah Croasdale.

Fresh Water Pond. This pond resulted from World War II construction
when gravel was removed from the area. The pond borders the bike trail.
Access and views are difficult due to the high cyclone fencing and tall
hedge buckthorn added along the trail and extensive wetlands vegetation
and ground cover including poison ivy around the remainder of the pond.
The steep trail down the backside of the former gravel pit ends before
the pond. The pond serves as a bird habitat and, in 1986, green herons
nested there according to Elizabeth Phinney.

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Fields - Middle Area. In the middle area of the park between Frost
Point Road and the fresh water pond, there are open fields which include
renmants from residential landscaping including sizeable trees lining
the interior park trail and several foundations and stone walls. There
are several small trails in this area connecting the interior park trail
to the bike trail north of the pond. Part of the fields on the southern
end are beginning to be lost due to encroaching sumac.

Thicket - Middle Area. The thicket is an area running parallel to and
behind the rocky shore and moor between Frost Point and Battery 204. It
has a dense understory and limited overstory with scattered trees, tall
shrubs and herbaceous plants. It provides a natural wildlife habitat as
it is not very accessible to the park visitor.

Moor. Inland from the rocky shore and north of the Visitor Center is an
area designated a moor by Mrs. Straus. It once contained sev,--,ral
varieties of berry plants. It has become overgrown with sumac (like
other areas) causing other native species to disappear. This natural
succession has been allowed to continue unchecked by park management.

Fields - Main Park Entrance. There are open fields on both sides of the
Main Park Entrance. The fields on the northern side have been rmwed on
an annual or occasional basis which allows for the development of wild
flowers but keeps woody plants under control. Near these fields close
to the Marvin fountain are remnants of residential landscaping such as
lilacs, day lilies, arborvitae, blue spruce, Akebia. quinata, yews and
lilies-of-the-valley.

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Part of the fields on the southern side have been mowed to keep the
grass short. This allows greater pedestrian use in the area with the
greatest need and overflow paxking in the mowed area directly adjacent
to the park entrance. On the southern side near the bike trail, there
is a meadow with raxe mountain mint which first appeared about 6-8 years
ago according to Mrs. Straus, as well as black-eyed Susans. The poplars
are beginning to encroach on the small meadow. There are also a number
of mature trees such as maples, mountain ash and willows near the Main
Park Entrance, Route 1A and the bike trail which have dead limbs and
need pruning. There does not appear to be a set mowing plan to
designate when open fields should be mowed.

Residential Landscaping Remnants. In the southern area of the park,
there are plants which reflect the earlier residential era of Odiorne
Point. Examples include pines, ornamentals, and roses as well as sorm
native species. Some of these are overgrown and need pruning. There
has been damage to some of the roots of the pine trees.

Ledges - East. The ledges east of the parking lot are generally exposed
or with a thin layer of soil. The shrubs and plants found in this
fairly open habitat are prinwily native coastal species with some
encroaching sumac. While the character of the ledges is changing, many
of the native species remain.

Ledges - West. The ledges are surrounded by thickets in this area of
the park. They contain oak, maple, pitch pine and shadb-ush in a mixed
forest stand, which provide a screen from Route 1A, visually sepaxating
the most densely used part of the park from the highway. There is one
trail through the ledges which is overgrown and slightly eroded at the
bike trail connection.

Pebble Barrier and Barrier Swamp. This low lying area at the southern
border of the park is between the playground area, drowned forest, Route
1A, and the southern trail. It has wetlands and barrier character-
istics. Note on the existing conditions map its low topography.

Drowned Forest. The drowned forest, noted on sow maps as the sunken
forest, is located in the cove at the southern border of the park. The
New Hampshire Department of Transportation controls the land and small
parking areas adjacent to it on Route 1A. SturTps can be seen at low
tide. This unusual geological feature, along with the drowned forest at
Jenness Beach in Rye, may qualify as a National Natural Landmark.
Access to it is from both the park and adjacent parking lots. Although
the parking lots have boulders to prevent vehicle access, off road
vehicles have been successful in reaching the drowned forest and the
park. For further information on the drowned forest, see "The Drowned
Forest at Odiorne Point State Park," (NSHS) by Donald H. Chaprmn as well
as "Sea-Level and Crustal Movements Along the New England-Acadian Shore,
4,500-3,000 B.P." an article by W. Harrison and C. J. Lyon.

Plant Comnunities. A great deal of Odiorne Point State Park has been
disturbed by man for farming, sunner residences and most extensively for

construction of the military structures of Fort Dearborn in World War
II. The vegetation reflects this disturbance, particularly iii the
upland areas where one finds open fields, remnants of former gardens and
orchards, and thickets of shrubs, vines and scattered trees, including
many introduced species. The extensive shoreline of the park provides a
variety of habitats for plant communities that are composed chiefly of
native species and show little evidence of disturbance by nun. There is
presently no system for periodically updating park records on natural
resource changes, or a central location for keeping such records
together and accessible to the public. Mrs. Straus has c@-)ntinued to
keep an updated personal record of losses from and additions to the
plant list (NSHS).

Some plantings such as the bittersweet and other woody plants on the
Frost Point Road side of Battery Seaman we2e introduced to camouflage
the facility. However, these plants and other invasive species are
encroaching on established plant communities and eliminating them. The
concern is not that all areas need to be maintainted and controlled as
is, but rather that some areas should be so designated in order to
maintain a diversity of plant species. Because this has not been done,
sumac and poison ivy are rapidly spreading into many areas of the park
and choking out the existing plant communities. The mjoor near the
Visitor Center to the north has already been altered, perhaps
permanently, and other areas, such as the ledges near the main parking
lot, are in danger of losing their native species. The lack of a
concensus and management plan has resulted in a decrease of variety in
the plant communities.

A current area of concern regarding the diversity of plant ccm-minities
within the park centers on the issue of natural succession versus
maintenance of existing plants and control of invasive species. To
date, paxk management has favored natural succession. Until 1986, only
the Heritage Garden has been designated for maintenance and control, and
that appears to have occurred due to the dedication of the Driftwood .
Garden Club and particularly Louise Tallman. Maintenance of the garden
has meant mowing, cutting undesired species and adding appropriate rose
species to the garden. Several other areas were designated for
maintenance and control on encroaching species beginning in May 1986.
They include the ledges and open meadow in the southern area, the fields
in the middle, and the Foye-Whitcorrb field.

There also has been no clear concensus as to whether certain areas of
the park should be mowed and how frequently. There has been no n-exing
plan. Fields exist near the Main Park Entrance and are nxwyed. Most of
the reminder of the park is left in its natural state of succession.
Thus some of the characteristics described in earlier research at
Odiorne Point State Park no longer exist.

Earlier residents added trees such as sugar maples along entrance roads
in several areas of the paxk. The State has added a nunter of trees by
the paved entrance road to the Visitor Center. There is no apparent
landscape design in the plantings and the trees follow a road only used

by the staff. The landscaping does not serve to delineate and define
the park entrance and Visitor Center. The rerminder of the park appears.
relatively unchanged in terms of landscape additions since World War II.

B. HISMRIC FEATURES

Native American Indians were the first humans to occupy the lands at
what is now Odiorne Point State Park as evidenced by arrowheads,
pottery, and other artifacts. Odiorne Point is known to be tile area of
the first docurented European settlement in New HarTshire. Lavid
Thomson came from England in 1623 to establish a plantation for engaging
in the conTmrce of fishing and trading. The exact location where he
erected his "great house" is uncertain. It may be across from the park
on land west of Route 1A presently owned by Ralph Brown or within the
park near Route 1A and opposite the Ralph Brown property. For further
information, see "Odiorne Point: Highlights of History," (NSHS) by
Louise H. Tallman.

During the decade from 1623 to 1633, the settlement at Odiorne Point
became well-established, engaging in fishing and farming. In 1660, John
Odiorne purchased homestead land that remained in the family until the
Army acquired it for the development of Fort Dearborn in 1942. His land
enconVassed much of what is today Odiorne Point State Park as well as
the Ralph Brown property. Other significant eighteenth century land
owners within the present park were John Foye and George Frost. Frost
purchased land along Little Harbor and erected a house there in 1760.
From his ownership has conne the name for Frost Point.

During the nineteenth century, Rye evolved gradually from a farming to a
sumier resort commmity. Frost Point was the site of one of the
fashionable hotels built during this era. Known as the Sagamore House,
the hotel was built in stages. It reached its grandest size and
elegance in 1870 only to burn the following year. During the last
quarter of the nineteenth century and well into the twentieth centU7_7Y,
the park was the site of a nurrber of large sunmr houses. Several of
the land owners drew up plans to subdivide their property for house
lots, though none were implemented. Residential occupation of this area
cam to an abrupt end with the onset of World War II. `Ihe Army began
development of Fort Dearborn and took over the homes an the site.

Frost Point. Very little archeological research has been carried out in
the park. Much of the park has been disturbed, pa-rticulax--y during
construction of the batteries and auxillaxy structures for Fort Dearborn
during World War II. Preliminary investigation found evidence of early
native American use of the Frost Point area. For further information
see, "The Archaeology of the Odiorne Point Area" (NSHS) by Eugene D.
Finch and Frederick Johnson.

Stone Walls, Gates, Foundations. Foundations, cellar holes and stone
waiis from many of the earlier residences exist within the park, though
none are identified by signage. There are several cellar holes near

Frost Point Road. Others were disturbed by the construction of Fort
Deaxborn. A number of the stone walls and cellar holes are well
can-cuf laged by the dense understory. There are t-,,Ao stone entrance gates
along Route 1A near the Main Park Entrance which appear to mark a
semi-circular entrance drive to the Marvin estate.

Fountain. Another historical example from the I'vlarvin estate is a
dolphin fish fountain in a six foot high stone semi-circulax wall with
built-in seats adjacent to the former extensive gardens. It is near the
Main Park Entrance off the interior trail. The condition appears good
although the fountain is not working. There is no interpretive signage.

Sugden House. The Sugden House is a Colonial Revival, former sumer
house constructed of stone in 1920 for the Robert I. Sugden family.
Presently it serves as the Russell B. Tobey Visitor Center which was
f ormerly call6d tbjgLN#tur& Center - It is the only --exanple remaining- of. pki---
a sunTner home in the entire _p_@@ as Well tLs the only enclosed structure
on the site currently suitable for Visitor Center use. The attached
garage dates from a more recent period.

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The Sugden House is significant for its historical associations and its
interesting construction of indigenous stone. Constructed as a seasonal
home, it was used during World War II as a headquaxters, mess hall and
f ire control room and later in the 1950s it was used as an airmn I s *
baxracks. Then in the 1970s, it served as the residence of the park
manager, prior to becoming the Nature Center. In 1985, it was nwned the
Russell B. Tobey Visitor Center in honor of the State's first director
of parks.

The 1@ story stone building is inventoried, along with the military
features described in the following section, in the report ''Fort
Dearborn at Odiorne Point State Park" by The Thoresen Group et al. The
Sugden House has water leakage problem on the walls and near the
chiTmey. The responsibility for maintenance rests with the Department
of Resources and Economic Developrent of the State of New Harrpshire.

Since the State has acquired the property, the Sugden House has received
new wiring, a new roof, a number of new windows, and other interior
changes including removing changes made by the Air Force when the
building served as a barracks. A discussion on the building's use as
the Visitor Center is in Section E.

C. MILITARY FEATURES
Odiorne Point State Park contains severaf former World War II military
structures including, in the northern end of the park, Battery Seaman,
the Plotting Room, a Com-nand Post, a Reservoir and Pumping Room and
underground storage tanks and, in the southern end of the park, Battery
204 and four separate gun mounts. All of the above mentioned structures
with the exception of the Command Post and gun mounts are within what
appear to be earthern hills. The entrances to these structures have
been sealed by the Parks Division with large boulders, concrete and fill
since the mid 1970s. Securing these structures from vandals and nuking
them safe for park visitors has been a costly expense and an ongoing
major concern of park staff. The following specific features are
described beginning with those located in the northern section of the
park.

Plotting Room. This World War II structure located north of Frost
Point Road between the road and the north parking lot is a smaller
structure than the two batteries. The two entrances are largely blocked
by boulders. There are trails over the battery, the top of which
provides an excellent view of the salt marshes to the west of the park.
As is true with the other batteries, there are various ventilation
shafts which can be found on top of the Plotting Room and are a safety
hazard. There is no interpretation signage on the Plotting Room. There
is a trail around the base of the Plotting Room.

Reservoir and Pun-ping Room. Located adjacent to Frost Point Road, the
entrance to this small storage facility is on the north side and is not
particularly obvious. It is blocked with large stones. A lid on the
room is sealed, although vandals have opened it in the past. There is a
trail over the room connecting it with Frost Point Road and the Plotting
Room.

Underground Storage Tanks. There are also several underground storage
tanks, which have been drained, on the same side of the road across from
Battery Seaman near a connecting trail to the perimeter trail . The lid
of one was not on in April 1986, thus revealing the interior ladder and
bottom of the tank and a potential safety problem.

Battery Seaman. Battery Seaman is the 6401 long battery on Frost Point
Road. There are three sealed entrances off of Frost Point Road and two
on the ocean side which held 16" guns during World War II. The fill
that has been placed in the entrances to Battery Seaman is unattractive.
While the Frost Point Road side entrances are not as obvious due to the
understory growth and setback from the road, the oceanfront entrances

are an obvious eyesore. The dirt mounds are nnunded up to the interior
entrance and lack sufficient grading and landscaping. Steel girders
from the gun mounts are hanging in places. The gun mount area serves as
an informal shelter and gathering place. The view from the top of
Battery Seaman encompasses Little Harbor, New Castle, Kittery Point and
the Isles of Shoals. There is no directional or interpretive sign on
the battery or on top of it. Access to the top is via trails or stairs.
The stairs at Battery Seaman are not particularly obvious along Frost
Point Road and some steps are missing. They do provide an option to the
sommhat eroded trails which have appeared over the battery. There are
well used trails from both ends of the battery and a wide trail which a
car can use which goes up the oceanside of the battery. (Park personnel
periodically patrol the northern end of the park by vehicle and the Rye
police also have access from the locked gate on Frost Point Road. The
consultants have observed a motorcycle on top of the battery as well.)

Another problem which remains is the concern over safety. At the
present time, it is possible for someone to fall off the top of the two
gun emplacements. There are no guard rails and the paths from the top
of the battery to the overhangs are sormwhat steep and eroded. However,
a contract is out to fence the two gun mounts with a protective rail
similar to that used at Fort Stark. The fire control and battery
connond station on top of Battery Seaman is the subject of considerable
graffiti which appears to be whitewashed annually. Although the Parks
Division does an annual cleanup of the park, this area in particular
seem to collect broken bottles and litter on a continual basis which
provide a hazard and reflect a lack of ongoing park maintenance
particularly in the off-season. In the peak season, there is a weekly
cleanup by a toll attendant from June 20 - Labor Day.

It is difficult to evaluate the existing condition of the battery
without going into it. Vandals have excavated the entrances on the
oceanside a number of times, resulting in numerous attenpts to seal the
battery. In 1983, the consultants with the park manager visited Battery
Sean-an by crawling via an excavated tunnel into the battery. The
interior, in general, appeared to be dry. Concern has recently been
voiced that a sealed battery is more likely to deteriorate due to salt
water evaporation than a ventilated battery. It is worth noting that
these batteries were built to withstand attack and their condition
should remain solid for years.

Conrinand Post. This small structure of f the connecting park maintenance
road near Frost Point Road was well camouflaged, but the cement
structure is now largely exposed because the State has cut back much of
the plant growth around it, thus making it obvious to the casual
visitor. The structure is open and is subject to graffiti and some
undesirable visitation. There are some safety problems behind the
structure with exposed vents. The Comnand Post was formerly identified
as the Security Building.

Battery 204. Battery 204, located near the Main Park Entrance and
parking lot, receives considerable use. It provides a scenic view of

the site that many visitors enjoy. The battery has cement steps and
also a hand railing. Formerly, the State had an observation lookout on
top of the Battery 204 Observation Tower which was removed due to its
vandalization. Yet again over the winter a vandal has broken into the
sealed Observation Tower on top of Battery 204. It is a serious safety
problem because the tower contains a direct, dangerous drop into the
mid-level of the battery. The interior 1loor door of the.tower was
sealed in March 1986 so visitors cannot drop down to the battery. The
lookout still needs to be secured.

The interior of the battery was checked for vandalism and storage of
discarded goods prior to sealing the floor door in the observation tower
in March 1986. Copies of the War Department floor plans for Battery 204
provided by Robert D. Zink, military historian, in January 1986
illustrate the interior design of the battery. The floor plan of
Battery 204 is slightly different from that of Battery 213 shown in the
Fort Dearborn report, particularly due to the presence of the
observation tower in Battery 204. The room dimensions, however, are
very similar with a few variations of up to one foot and the combination
of two rooms into one.

Approximately six feet of cement slab, three to five feet of colTpacted
fill and six inches of topsoil cover Battery 204. The earth covering

.W.

. . .... ....

Battery 204 also has serious erosion problems with the trails and paths
over it. Adjacent to the stairs, the tracks appear to indicate that
cars or at the very least motorcycles or motorized vehicles have
attempted to drive up the battery. This erosion may date to prior to

the installation of the parking lot wood guard rails when vehicular
access was easier. Park visitors were observed parking by the paved
entrance road and climbing up the battery by the wood guard rail or
parking in the parking lot, going over to read the nicely done, large
interpretive sign, and then climbing up the battery over the west
entrance. There also is significant erosion at that site with part of
the cement slab over the battery now revealed. The trail down the north
side of Battery 204 is also eroded. It appears to be a favorite of
children, large and small, who use it for cross country skiing in the
winter and running yeax-round. Most then cross the paved road toward
the oceanfront perimeter trail, thus creating a potential safety problem
with any vehicle using the road. There is no fencing or landscaping in
place to discourage the use of these paths or stop erosion.

Gun Mounts. There are also remnants of four gun mounts at the southern
end of the park in the picnic area. One is exceptionally well
camouflagued with plantings and shrubs around it. Another is partially
covered by the paved loop trail. The one closest to the ocean (and
drowned forest) has an exposed base on the water side but appears to be
in no imminent danger of collapse. The fourth appears to be in good
condition.

D. OTHER - SITE ELEN=S

The following describes the additional site characteristics of Odiorne
Point State Park beginning with the north park entrance.

North Park Entrance. A secondary entrance to Odiorne Point State Park
is located at the far north end of the park adjacent to the Route 1A
bridge over Seavey Creek. This entrance is not identified by any park
signage. There is, however, a sign for an historical marker with an
arrow pointing to an area near the parking lot in both directions. The
historical marker is not in the parking lot but rather is behind a fence
between the entrance and Seavey Creek. There is no vehicular parking
near the marker.

There is no toll booth to control access and collect visitor's fees from
park users entering the park at this point. The entrance road is
approximately 12 feet wide and has large ruts and grading problems. It
is not wide enough for two cars. The entrance connects to a parking
area that can hold approximately 60 cars.

The parking lot is over 80' wide. There is a graded area to Seavey
Creek which allows boat launching at high tide. The launching area is
partially blocked by a few large boulders on the northern side which
also serve to protect the adjacent salt marsh. The parking lot is
particularly used by those who wish to explore the northern end of the
park including the beach and use the limited boat launching area. There
is one trash receptacle in the parking lot and no picnic tables or
restroom facility. The photograph on the following page shows the north
parking lot.

........ ...

...........
x... ........ 1:
.. .... ....

Frost Point. There is a breakwater or jetty maintained by the Army
Corps of Engineers at Frost Point. There has been limited archeological
research in this area which indicates evidence of earlier native
American civilization. The road pattern dates from the residential
period. Adjacent to Frost Point are some rare species of plants on
ledges. There is concern park visitors may disturb these plants because
the perimeter trail is not clearly defined in the area. There is no
interpretive signage at Frost Point and no picnic or restroom
facilities.

Main Park Entrance. The main entrance to Odiorne Point State Park is
located in the southern portion of the Park. Two similar signs alert
drivers on Route 1A that they are approaching the Odiorne Point State
Park entrance. One sign is approximately 800 feet to the south on the
east side of Route 1A and states the entrance is in 800 feet. The other
sign is approximately 1400 feet to the north on the west shoulder of
Route 1A, although it states the entrance is 1000 feet. The entrance is
identified by a sign on the east side of Route 1A which states "Odiorne
Point State Park." A small sign attached to the main sign adds "Russell
B. Tobey Visitor Center." No significant landscaping or additional
signage is present to help identify the Main Park Entrance. There is
good sight distance in both directions along Route 1A where the entrance
drive intersects it.

The entrance drive is paved up to the point where it enters a
gravel-surfaced parking lot. A small wood frame toll booth is located
in the middle of the entrance drive approximately 250 feet from the
intersection with Route 1A. This allows adequate roan for the stacking

of cars on busy days as they wait to pay the visitor's fee. The 81 high
x 8' long x 6' wide toll booth including a porch has no foundation and
therefore is a temporary or moveable structure. The width of the road
and the placement of the toll booth tend to encourage parking along the
entrance road.

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

The entrance drive proceeds directly toward Battery 204, which blocks
any views of the0Visitor Center or the ocean. The visitor entrance
drive makes a 90 turn to the south where it enters the parking lot. At
this turn, a paved road also continues ahead east axound Battery 204 to
the Visitor Center. This second road is for use by authorized personnel
and is usually chained off. However, when open it does cause some
confusion among park visitors as to where they are permitted to drive
and park. There are no signs designating public parking.

Pa.rk visitors park in three undesignated areas along the entrance road:
on the paved entrance drive on the southern side - head in, and on the
northern paved side - parallel, and on the eastern side by Battery 204
between the paved eastern road and the designated parking lot - head in
parking on the ground. However, there are no signs prohibiting parking
in these areas and the signage placed by the paved drive implies parking
by Battery 204. Visitor Center staff also paxk on the lawn by the
garage.

In previous winters, over twenty cars have been observed parking in the
entrance area, in part because the main parking lot was not plowed. In
the winter of 1986, parking was available in the parking lot.

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Many cars were observed parking on the lawn in several locations in
March, 1986, resulting in obvious tire indentations in the lawn, and
cars were parked on the entrance road when there was ample parking
available in the obvious parking lot. During the spring season when
school busses bring students to visit the park and its Visitor Center,
busses have also parked on the unpaved axea between the toll booth and
the paved parking lot.

Main Parking Lot. The main parking lot is approximately 3401 by 60' and
contains a low wood guard rail around three sides. Between the end of
the paved entrance driveand the guard rails on the western and eastern
sides is an undesignated area which appea-m to be used also for parking.
There are two small paved handicapped parking axeas. One is on the
eastern side closest to the Visitor Center and the other is on the
southern side closest to the restrooms. Along the eastern side of the
parking lot is a paved walkway. The lot is mostly gravel, contains ruts
and skid marks, and cannot be lined.

The main parking lot is located in close proximity to the playground,
restrooms, and picnic area but a rather long walk to the Visitor Center.
The entire parking lot holds approx"tely 75 cars, although the method
of parking may decrease the capacity. The guard rails contain a break

1. According to the Town of Rye's 1985 Master Plan, there are 400
parking spaces at Odiorne Point State Park. The Plan cited the Town
,of Rye Municipal Coastal Inventory and Assessment report done in
1979 by the Southeastern New Hazrpshire 11@-g-ional Planning Conudssion
as the source. Even with the addition of the north parking lot, the
actual designated parking capacity is about 135 cars.

approximately every sixteen feet, thus encouraging cars to park two to a
guard rail. However, there was no signage to encourage this and the
reality did not reflect this occurring.

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

The consultants have observed 20-50 caxs parked in the main entrance
area and lot on numerous occasions. According to park personnel, a
maxinm of 30 school busses have parked at Odiorne Point State Park in
the spring. A car needs approximately 9-10 feet in width, while a
school bus needs about 12 feet in width. Most school busses are 37-39'
long. A 601 deep lot gives them only 21-24' to maneuver. At the time
school busses use the lot, there are also cars since the park is open to
the public. Thus, the parking lot appears to be adequate except for bus
parking. Parking in undesignated areas, however, is a constant problem.

Parking_Capacity. Determining the land carrying capacity for park
visitors was not part of this project. However, if the park visitor
capacity is equal to the parking lot capacity, then the park capacity
varies considerably. The main entrance paxking lot has a capacity of 75
cars which at 3 persons per car translates into 225 people. If only
school busses parked head-in and no other parking was allowed on the
western side, the parking lot capacity for busses would be about 28. If
the parking lot had 28 busses, at an elementary school capacity of 70
people, there would be 1960 people. At an adult capacity of 46, there
would be 1288 people. Again, with no marked spaces, the capacity is
often smaller.

In addition, the 60 car north parking lot could hold 180 people.
Furthermore, the staff can park along the paved Visitor Center drive to
increase the parking capacity. Thus, the park capacity ranges from
about 400 to 2140 depending on the type of vehicle. Even at the busiest
times when the school busses are at the site, there has not been a
report of feeling crowded.

Picnic Area - Group. The group picnic area is well defined by an old
stone wall. There are two signs on the entrance wall which mark the
area for group use and state park regulations. The signs are old,
faded, and difficult to read. A new group use sign is scheduled to be
installed this Spring and the regulation sign is to be removed. The
stone wall is deteriorating and in need of repair. At least four areas
are broken through and crumbling, with two on the northern side, one on
the ocean side and one on the southern side.

The only proper openings in the stone wall are on the west side towards
the parking lot and restrooms. There is a stone stairs with steps on
both sides of the wall to give access to the ocean side. However, the
ocean 11walk' on the ocean side of the wall has broken segments of a
former walk, numerous rocks, and unsafe conditions. Picnickers and
other visitors interested in viewing the ocean or walking along the
shore climb on and over the stone wall.

low

Ott.
10
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The lawn within the group picnic area is sunken and poorly drained with
standing water and mud during wet seasons of the year. Up to one third
of the area can be under water. The Rosa rugosa hedge inside the stone
wall has been partially destroyed and needs some replanting if it is to
persist. The rather uneven grade within the group picnic area does not
provide many level sites for picnic tables. The slope away from the
ocean's edge together with the stone wall block most views of the ocean
from within, particulaxly when people are seated at picnic tables.
There are several coal pit containers and trash containers in this
picnic area.

Picnic Areas - Other. Other individual picnic areas are located
primarily in the southern end of the park. In general, they are

convenient to parking, the paved loop trail, the restrooms and, for
some, the playground. One is by the Visitor Center.

Individual picnic sites provide attractive views of the park and ocean's
edge. Two on the loop trail axe designated for handicapped use and are
paved. Picnic tables are located through the area, some with ocean
views, others with interior views. Concrete pipe basins designated for
coal disposal and trash bins with trash bags hung frorn wood posts were
located throughout the area. Trash was found in many of the coal
containers throughout the picnic area in Maxch. The trash containers
which are damaged axe scheduled for replaccemnt. There are no public
grills.

Playground. The playground is located at the southern end of the park.
It is well-sited in term of access to the restrooms and the picnic
area, though there is some concern that it is too close to the main
paved loop trail. The play structures are limited to four swings and
two standard slides constructed of metal. There is no enclosed swing
for use by infants. The current playground is quite small, not creative
in design and not very attractive. It is heavily used much of the year.
The photo below was taken in March.

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Fencing. A great variety of fencing materials has been used throughout
the park. This is particularly evident along the bike path and Route 1A
where there are old stone walls, wood guard rails, guard rails with
heavy metal railing, and cyclone fencing of two different heights.
There are also three different types of gates blocking the three park

entrances: covered chain, chain link, and wood rail.

Most of the fencing appears to be in good condition, although the fence
at the northern entrance has been damaged. Wood rail fences like that
at the main entrance gate are scheduled for the north entrance gate and
Frost Point Road. Most of the cyclone fence is four feet tall. It
obscures the view of the park as seen from Route 1A, while the low guard
rails do not. Cyclone fence blocks a fourth entrance to the park which
was between Frost Point Road and the north parking lot, resulting in no
vehicular access to that part of the park. Therefore, the paved bike
trail has been used for limited vehicular access for park mowing and
maintenance. The cyclone fence between the bike path and the fresh
water pond is about six feet tall which interferes with views of the
pond from the only location where it is visible. 'Ihe cyclone fences
provide an easier area for vines to grasp than the low wood guard rail
fences and hence they are mre difficult to clear and maintain. They
are also wre easily vandalized than the guard rails. 'Ihe photo below
shows the entrance gate to Frost Point Road and adjacent fence.

-bb:

There are no clear park boundaries. The diversity of materials used
fails to identify clearly the extent of the park and the location of the
park entrances. There is wood guard rail fencing delineating the main
entrance and boundaries of the parking lot, but none exists at the north
entrance to identify the park and parking lot. There is only a cyleone
fence and chain gate. The wood guardrail fencing on the main paxk
entrance road is only on the north side thus allowing expanded parking
everywhere there is no guardrail.

Signage. Although some of the signs have been mentioned in other
sections, it is useful to address the entire topic as a whole. Indeed,
part of the problem may be that that has not occurred in the past given
the existing park signage. Also, different governmental bodies have
placed different signs, particularly along Route 1A. The following are
observations about the current conditions:

- No signs identify the north park entrance and parking lot.
- No signs are in parking lots with map of park and information to
orient visitors to location of park facilities and features.
- No signs indicate entrances to trail system.
- No signs identify or interpret primary natural and historic
features except sign at main entrance paxking lot describing
World War II Battery 204.
- No signs identify area views.
Sign for visitor/interpretive center is low, small, barely
visible and has different wording than sign on entrance post and
two different signs on the building.
- Posts for apparent new sign are placed even further back from
parking lot - less visible from most of parking lot and high
sign has potential to block view.
- Bike trail signs are at extremes of park, but few are within.
Odiorne Point historical marker is at wrong location.
- Temporary signs are posted about hunting and park closure at
dusk.
- Signs are inconsistent in materials, design, and names used for
buildings and features.

Examples of signs are shown in the photographs on the following page as
well as in this section of the report.

Trails '. The present trail system at Odiorne Point State Park seem to
be extensive enough to provide good access to nearly all areas of the
pa.rk. There are a variety of types of trails: the paved bike trail, the
paved loop trail, the park perimeter trail, the park interior trail, and
a variety of small connecting trails. The main trails can be seen on
the Existing Conditions Map. All unpaved trails require periodic
clearing and grading, and some need widening in some places to maintain
a four foot width.

The paved bike trail begins at Seavey Creek bridge in the north and
continues within the park roughly paralleling Route 1A to the parking
lot inimdiately south of Odiorne Point State Park. Built by the NH
Department of Public Works and Highways as part of the proposed seacoast
Route 1A bike trail, it is maintained by the Parks Division within the
park.

There is a paved loop trail around Odiorne Point which provides
handicapped access in the southern area of the park plus a paved trail
from the main parking lot to the Visitor Center. Handicapped users can
also use the paved bike trail as do walkers. The condition of the paved
trails appears to be good.

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as well as the Main Park Entrance sign in the background.

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One largely interior trail is wide enough for vehicles to use for
maintenance and security work. This interior park trail runs from Frost
Point Road around (and up) Battery Seaman to almost the Main Park
Entrance. Park vehicles reach the beginning of the interior trail in
the south via the movable park entrance gate. The guard rail along the
main entrance road contains a small break which allows pedestrians'
access. However, the entrance to the actual trail which begins across
the field is not clearly defined.

The trail along the park perimeter goes from the north parking lot via
Frost Point to the paved road at the main entrance. There are places
where the trail disappears or needs definition. Particularly along the
rocky shore near both the intersection with the park interior trail and
near Frost Point, the trail fades into rocks and is not very safe or
passable. Also, near the Frost Point segment, there are rare plants
growing on the ledges. The lack of trail definition could cause visitors
to disturb them.

There are several bushwhacked trails between the sandy beach and Frost
Point Road as well as between the park interior trail and the bike
trail. The trail through the fresh water marsh is narrow but appears
appropriate. A trail through the thicket in the southern section
connecting to the bike trail near the southern boundary is quite
overgrown. The trail connecting the restrooms and the Visitor Center is
not clearly identified by signage and/or appropriate entrance fencing.

E. VISITOR CENTER and SUPPORT FACILITIES

Russell B. Tobey Visitor Center (Sugden House). The Visitor Center is
sited at the ocean's edge allowing panoramic views of the ocean,
shoreline, and Isles of Shoals. The two locational drawbacks of this
site are its lack of visibility from the main entrance drive and parking
lot and its distance of more than 350 feet fran the main parking lot.
The Visitor Center can be seen from only a few parking places near the
entrance walk. The dominant building view from the entrance drive and
parking lot is the restroan facility, not the Visitor Center. There is
one small, low sign near the parking lot indicating a visitor-
interpretive center, and there are two large posts closer to the center
which indicate that another sign is forthcoming. However, neither sign
site is very visible from most of the parking lot. There are no other
directional signs pointing to the Visitor Center. Landscaping is needed
to enhance and delineate.the walk from the parking lot to the Visitor
Center as well as the trail connecting the Visitor Center and t-he
restroom facility.

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The Visitor Center contains 3,114 square feet on the first floor and
1,259 square feet on the second. Although the 112 story building appears
to be in good condition, it is in need of repairs. The garage roof was
repaired in 1985 and the ceiling was repaired. The stone walls,
however, leak badly into new windows and doors and they need extensive
waterproofing. The electrical system does not met the federal code for
public meetings. The windows and doors are not tight and rmny need
replacement. Heating is not adequate. There is no wall insulation.
(The State remved the insulation installed by the military because it
was not in keeping with the historic character of the building.)
Storage space is limited. There is little work space and privacy.
There is no handicapped access to the second floor. The ceiling height
of the second floor, due to the gabled roof, restricts mover%nt and use.

. . . . . . . . . . .

The entrance to the Visitor Center is via the 8j' wide enclosed porch.
There are four entrances off the porch to the interior; three are in
use. To enter the interpretive area, the visitor goes through a 161 x
324' exhibit roan which has been used for slide prog7,ams or other
introductory purposes. Lighting is not adequate, the space is limited,
and the floor plan allows little flexibility in use. The interpretive
area contains two rooms, one being 24' x 321 and the other 111 x 18.21.
Between the two rooms are two restrooms. In the remainder of the
downstairs, there is a small reservation area by the back door and a
storage area and office in the garage.

In general, much has been accomplished in a limited space. The present
structure is too small to accommodate current users and the downstairs
does not offer any roan for expanding park programs. However, the
upstairs space could have its load capacity analyzed, plumbing added,
and roof height addressed, if feasible in keeping with the building's
character, and its area be divided and soundproofed, which might
increase use.

Restroom Facility. Built in 1971, it is a free standing, barrier free
building with separate women's and men's room. It appears to be in
excellent condition and well maintained. The women's room contains four
regular stalls, one handicapped stall and two sinks. The men's room
contains three urinals, one regular stall, one handicapped stall and two
sinks. There are no showers.

There is a paved walk to the building off the loop trail. The restroom
is visible from the parking lot due to the direct view from the entrance
drive to the parking lot and the limited landscape screening of the
facility. There are no signs indicating the facility from the Visitor

.36

Center, although it can be easily seen from the mowed trail.

Maintenance Facility. There is no maintenance facility or permanently
designated maintenance storage area at the site. The garage of the
Sugden House has served for the storage of the maintenance equipment on
a temporary basis, for example, lawn mowers, as well as Visitor Center
equipment storage space. At the present time, the seacoast park
maintenance equipment is stored at the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion garage
off Little Harbor Road in Portsmouth. Because the batteries are sealed,
they cannot be used for equipment storage. (In some parks with similar
batteries which are dry, they are used for equipment storage.)

Park Manager Residence. Although the Sugden House served in the past as
the caretaker residence, there no longer is an on-site residence for a
park caretaker. A park manager residence can provide a continual park
presence.

F. STAFF

There is no full time, year-round staff assigned solely to Odiorne Point
State Park. The only staff member with year-round park responsibilities
on-site is the seacoast park manager who is responsible for all State
parks and historic sites in the seacoast on a year-round basis. The
marine education specialist who serves as the Visitor Center director
has year-round educational responsibilities but is not responsible to
Odiorne Point State Park on a year-round basis.

The following describes the position, hours, season and funding source
for staff members of Odiorne Point State Park. Several volunteer
groups with commitments to the park are also cited. In the first group
are those paid positions which are based at or work in the park.

Seacoast Park Manager. The seacoast park manager spends approximately
20 percent of his time year-round on Odiorne Point State Park, the
largest park on the New Hampshire seacoast. His responsibilities range
from opening and closing the park daily in the off season when the park
staff is small, to meeting with the Visitor Center director and the
Friends of Odiorne, Inc., to supervising and managing the park staff, to
developing budgets, to supervising park repairs, to working with local
authorities such as the Town of Rye police. The seacoast park manager
spends about 1-2 hours daily in the off season at Odiorne Point State
Park. The position is funded by the State of New Hampshire, Division of
Parks, Department of Resources and Economic Development.

Visitor Center Director (Marine Education Specialist). The director of
the Russell B. Tobey Visitor Center works almost full time at Odiorne
Point State Park from April to October. Three quarters of her time
year-round is allocated to the park. Her office is at the University of
New Hampshire which funds the position using Sea Grant monies. In the
off-season she occasionally visits the site for program planning
purposes or field trips. She develops, coordinates, and evaluates all
programs; supervises, coordinates, and trains naturalists and
volunteers; trains student interns and teachers and the docents; works
with the Friends of Odiorne Point, Inc.; and writes grant applications
to increase support of the Center's programs.

Park Personnel. There are two gatekeepers funded by the State who work
overlapping TO5 hour weeks in the summer frorn June 20-Labor Day. On the
weekends in good weather, they work from May 1-June 20 and from Labor
Day to Columbus Day. The gatekeeper not on duty at the toll booth does
a park pick-up on a weekly basis along the major trails and may mow
lawns.

Program Personnel. There are two summer naturalists who serve as
program personnel from June to Labor Day. The Audubon naturalist is
funded by the Audubon Society of New Hampshire. 'Ihe Audubon Society of
New Hampshire started the first Nature Center program at Odiorne Point
State Park and in earlier years funded two summer naturalists. The
second naturalist recently has been funded using available funds from
Sea Grant, the State, local foundations and donations of the Friends of
Odiorne Point, Inc. and the Seacoast Chapter of the NH Audubon Society.

Maintenance Mechanic. The maintenance mechanic works a total of 40
hours a week. The position.,is funded by the State. He covers Odiorne
Point State Park, Wentwor-th-Coolidge Mansion and Grounds, Fort Stark,
Fort Constitution, Jenness Beach, Wallis Sands State Park, and Rye
Harbor State Park. He works weekends from mid-May to June 20, full time
from June 20 to Labor Day, and part-timie from then to Columbus Day. He
spends at the most 10 hours a week at Odiorne Point State Park.

Mowing Crew. The mowing crew works for the State and mows Odiorne Point
State Park along with all other seacoast parks. They bring the
equipment with them, but sometimes store it overnight in the garage of
the Visitor Center. The mowing crew spends about two to three days a
month at Odiorne Point State Park.

Park Patrol. The park patrol is a security force of the Division of
Parks and is based at Hampton Beach. It began in 1985. They patrol
Odiorne Point State Park on an irregular basis averaging about one hour
a day in the summer.

Laborer. A part-time laborer works off season at Odiorne Point State
Park to open and close the gates and check the property to enable the
Seacoast Park Manager to take days off including vacation days. In the
past, a part-time mechanic fulfilled this role during the off-season.
The laborer is a State employee.

The following positions are based in Concord or Durham but contribute
time to Odiorne Point State Park on an ongoing basis. There are other
staff members of the three agencies who also contribute time to the
park, including the directors and finance managers of the three
sponsoring agencies, but are not included in this discussion because
they are not considered operating staff with specific Odiorne Point
State Park responsibilities.

State Park Planner, DRED. The State park planner supervises site
planning, development and management. At Odiorne Point State Park, the
park planner determines the species to be protected, managed or added,
areas to be mowed and frequency, and the location of trails and parking.
The planner directs park staff who implement the site plan.

Audubon Society of New Hampshire Education Director. The Audubon
Society of New Hampshire Education Director provides program direction
to the park staff and communicates to the Society's members information
about park programs.

Public Information Officer, DRED. The public information officer
provides communications and public information about the park. A small
amount of time is allocated.

Secretary. There is a year-round secretary funded by the Sea Grant
Marine Education Program at UNH who is assigned to work half-tinle, on
Odiorne Point State Park at the University. For the Visitor Center, the
secretary provides some support on areas like scheduling, brochures, and
material used in the marine education program.

Communication Staff, Marine Program. Funded by the Sea Grant Marine
Education Program at UNH, the writer-editor and communications director
write and edit publications and press releases related to Odiorne Point
State Park and distrbute them to State-wide media.

Marine Docent Director (Marine Education Specialist). The marine docent
director is an employee of the University of New YEFVshire. The
position is funded with Sea Grant monies. The marine docent director is
responsible for training the volunteer marine docents who work at
Odiorne Point State Park and other seacoast locations.

The following groups serve as volunteers at Odiorne Point State Park on
an ongoing basis.

Marine Docents. The approximately 20 marine docents work from mid-April
to early June on a weekday basis working with the school program at
Odiorne Point State Park. They also work in the summer and on a more
limited basis in the fall to supplement the staff of the Visitor Center.
'Ihe docents contribute about 2000 volunteer hours to the park. Their
travel costs are paid'by Sea Grant.

UNH Student Interns. Approximately 6 to 8 students are trained from
January to March and then serve as interns in April and May working with
the school groups. If funding is available, they work after the
University term is finished until mid-June.

Portsmouth RSVP. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program volunteers
provide staff support for the Visitor Center.

Driftwood Garden Club. The Club maintains the Heritage Garden near the
ting Room including mowing the area, planting and pruning. The Club
contributes about 8 hours to the park on a monthly basis.

Seacoast Chapter of the Audubon Society of New Hampshire. Members of
the Seacoasat Audubon Society lead approximately 12 field trips within
the park, offer a variety of program, and provide some limited
financial support.

Friends of Odiorne Point, Inc. This newly formed non-profit
organization provides advisory and financial support to the Visitor
Center staff and program and the park. It has hired a fund raising
consultant to assist in developing a membership drive and increasing the
base of support.

G. PROGRAMS/INTERPRETATION

There are a variety of program offered at the Russell B. Tobey Visitor
Center (formerly known as the Nature Center). The programs have varied
over the years depending on the funding and resources available. The
first several years that the park was open, the Massachusetts Audubon
Society and the Audubon Society of New Hampshire developed the program
and operated the Nature Center (which was in a different building and
location). As funding became available through the Sea Grant program at
the University of New Hampshire, the University took on a greater
program role at Odiorne Point State Park and the Audubon Society

maintained a smaller role. University students as marine education
interns have provided program assistance and staff support for the
spring program annually. The Division of Paxks did not sponsor any
program staff at Odiorne Point State Park until the last year when it
contributed a small amount to the salary of the second naturalist.

In 1985, over 8,000 visitors cane to the Visitor Center. Much of the
program focus is marine education on the rocky shore and intertidal area
since that is unique to the site. A pilot program is scheduled in 1986
on the salt marsh. The primary marine education programs are described
below. Both "Through the Looking Glass" and "A Wave of Concern" are
offered during the school year and include teacher training. The intent
is to bring students to Odiorne Point State Park and increase their
awareness of the coastal environment. The photo below shows the student
interns assisting procuring sea water in the Spring for use in the
Visitor Center sea tanks.

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

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

Offered since 1978, "Mrough the Looking Glass" is an in-service teacher
training program, designed to train teachers to lead effective field

trips to Odiorne Point State Park. The conceptual focus is on the rocky
shore with pre-trip preparation, on-site field work, and post-trip
follow-up. The first year the teacher works with the director and
attends a mandatory pre-trip workshop. Marine docents then give an
in-class presentation for paxent-aides and teachers. At the Visitor
Center, the teachers and parent-aides assist the staff with the
classroom activities. In the second year, the teacher attends a
refresher workshop, invites a marine docent to the classroom, and brings
the students to the Center for a short visit. In year three, the
teacher does not have to return to the Center for further training;
she/he has received sufficient training to be a leader and can lead
her/his class on site field trips. About 3,000 students, 150 educators
and 450 parent-aides paxticipate in the program each spring coming from
New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

The Visitor Center can handle 8-10 groups a day for a half hour program
and one group for a 3 hour program which is offered on Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Fridays. According to the Visitor Center director, about
45 percent of the teachers are now in stage 3 of the training program,
i.e., on their own. In 1986, the Visitor Center charges $75.00 for a
three hour program including a mandatory teacher workshop and an
outreach visit to the classroom prior to the classroom visiting the
park, and $15.00 for a half hour Visitor Center program. An information
packet called "Alone on the Shore: Survival Packet for Educators" is
available which includes the "Through the Looking Glass Teacher's Guide"
and other classroom materials at a cost of $7.50.

"A Wave of Concern" is a New Hampshire coastal issues curriculum
designed for high schools and junior high schools. The curriculum
developed by the Marine Education Specialist is intended to foster the
development of critical thinking skills and resource protection values.
The program focuses on coastal issues and involves concepts,
decision-making, research, role playing and evaluation skills.

An exhibit was also developed on coastal issues for the Visitor Center.
Also, an all day program to introduce educators to the "critical issues
that challenge our coastal corridor" called "Coastal Issues: A Wave of
Concern," was held in May 1986 at the Urban Forestry Center with a fee
of $12.00. The program is cosponsored by the New Hampshire Coastal
Program of the Office of State Planning and the Gulf of Maine Marine
Education Association.

"Summer by the Sea" is the name for the summer programs at the park.
Offered since 1973, there are prearranged group programs on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Thursdays, weekday children's programs, and slide and
film programs on the weekends, evening lectures, several mini-courses,
weekend walks, and coastal mini-tours. The weekday group programs are
entitled "Down by the Water" with a focus on the ecology of the rocky
shore. About 1,080 visitors participated in this program in July and
August in 1985.

The weekday children's program began to be offered in 1978, was cut back
in scope in 1983 due to staff and funding constraints, and is scheduled
to resume in 1986. The children's program is designed for children from
3 to 12 years of age with program ranging from "Tidepools for Tots" to
"Seaside Detectives" to conceptual program on habitats for older
children.

The weekend programs vary from year to year but are designed for the
adult/family audience. Approximately 740 visitors attended 31 field or
lecture program and 12 slide programs in 1985 which ranged from
"Birding for Beginners" to an "Early History of Odiorne Piont" to "A
Salt Marsh Celebration." The Visitor Center director arranges programs
and field trips on various subjects, particularly those related to the
"Natural Science and Historical Studies."

The program staff has primarily consisted of people trained in marine
science or natural science. There has been some concern expr(--ssed that
there have been few staff members with historical, archeological,
military science or botanical training. However, there have been
professional conumity resource people with various expertise who have
participated in "Summer by the Sea" programs. It is logical that the
sponsoring agencies would provide staff with the expertise of that
agency and would present program with that orientation.

H. PUBLIC RELATIONS

Public Relations encompasses brochures, advertisements and
communications.

Brochures. A number of yea-rs ago, a small self-guided park brochure was
prepared by Julia Steed Mawson. It has been the only brochure available
to the public. The map in the brochure "Trail Map and Historical Notes"
is conceptual and contains inaccuracies. `Ihe text provides a nice
historical overview of the site, but contains little mention of the
natural features. A small number of brochures were distributed at the
toll booth in 1985, however, there was not a sufficient quantity to give
the brochure to all visitors.

A Seacoast brochure on State parks and historic sites was prepared by
the Division of Parks in late 1985. Distribution is scheduled off-site
and at the toll booth in 1986.

Annually a brochure entitled "Sumear by the Sea" is prepared by the
Visitor Center staff. It announces weekday group programs and Saturday
and Sunday slide programs, films and field trips. The brochure is
financed by the UNH Sea Grant Advisory Program and is available at the
park and other locations. Also, the "Through the Looking Glass
Teacher's Guide" is printed annually and revised occasionally.

The "Tidepool Times," an informational newsletter on the marine
environment, is written and sent to educators and is available to the

general public at the Visitor Center. The editor of the "Tidepool
Times," Debbie Coulon-be, has also written the Seaside Naturalist which
is a book version-of the "Tidepool Times."

Advertisements. The State of New Hampshire undertook, in 1985, an
extensive radio advertising program which included an advertisement on
seacoast fortifications in State parks. Advertisements focused on the
"Year of the Parks" celebrating the 50th anniversary of New Hanpshire
State Parks. One special 50th program was at Odiorne Point State Park.

Articles about events at the paxk are submitted weekly to local and
regional media announcing the programs. All sponsors have provided
newspaper articles and public service announcements.

Conm=ications. Because this is a park with three partners, internal
comnunications are extremely important. The three park sponsors have
established a good working arrangement over the years, although there
does not appear to be any signed written management agreement among the
three parties. There is, however, a draft of a management agreement for
the Visitor Center between the State and University which contains a
discussion on the role of the Audubon Society (as well as the Friends of
Odiorne Point, Inc.). Informally, the State has the responsibility for
maintaining and operating the park and the University of New Hampshire
and the Audubon Society of New Hampshire have the responsibility for
generating the program.

Two examples of communication problems in 1985 among the sponsors were
the decision to rename the Nature Center the Russell B. Tobey Visitor
Center as part of the 50th Celebration without consultation among the
sponsors and the confusion among the sponsors over the decision to
charge no park admission fee for the Celebration. On the other hand,
the annual park planning meetings and this project are examples of good
communication among the sponsors and interested parties since all had
the opportunity to participate in the development of this management
plan and voice their concerns.

A second area of concern is the communications between the park staff
and the visitor. The visitor's first impression of the park occurs at
the park entrance. Little or no information regarding the Visitor
Center, special activities, tide information etc. is distributed at the
park gate. There was some concern expressed that the gatekeepers as the
most visible representatives of the park are not sufficiently informed
about the park and its activities and all staff would benefit from a one
day park training retreat. There is no park site map at any location.
Park activities are posted on the bulletin board within the Visitor
Center.

I. FUNDING

Tracking down the funding of Odiorne Point State Park is not easy.
There are three park sponsors who provide funding. Their budgets do not

necessarily reflect the actual operating costs of OPSP. For example, a
number of the expenses of personnel have to be allocated on a percentage
basis. Table 1 shows the park expenditures of the three agencies.

In the Parks Division budget for Odiorne Point State Park, in the twelve
year span between 1973 and 1984, income ranged from $1,364 in 1973 to
$9,415 in 1984. The expenses fluctuated from a low of $21,324 in 1974
to a high of $55,841 in 1984. The expense figures axe misleading. The
State allocates entire salaries for personnel to various parks. The
park manager is allocated to the Odiorne Point account although he
spends at most one fifth of his time there. In 1984, an assistant park
manager was also allocated to Odiorne Point when again no more than 20
percent of his time was spent there. Furthermore, the maintenance
mechanic was included in the budget when perhaps 25 percent of his time
was spent there. The gatekeepers were correctly allocated. However,
the mowers were allocated to Wallis Sands and the security to Hampton
Beach. No staff in Concord were allocated to Odiorne Point S-1,ate Park.
Therefore, to get a correct picture of the park staff allocations for
Odiorne Point, it is necessary to compute estimated percents from
various budgets.

At the University of New Hampshire, it is necessary to allocate the
percent of time spent by the Visitor Center director, the marine docent
director, the secretary (and any other personnel allocated to the park)
and related expenses.

At the Audubon Society of New Hampshire, the amount of time of'the
education director as well as the summer naturalist needs to be
allocated.

In addition, approximately 2500 volunteer hours are donated to the park.
Estimated at $6/hour, that value is another $15,000. Thus, the 1985
cost of operating Odiorne Point State Park is $79,000 and most people do
not consider that even "bare bones."

For discussion purposes, the table on the following page shows the
estimated costs of operating OPSP in 1985.

TABLE 1: ODIORNE POINT STATE PARK OPERATING BUD 1985

Parks and Recreation Division, DRED

Staff $12,000
Employee Benefits 3,000
Other Expenses 7,000
22,000
UNH Staff 25,000
Employee Benefits 6,250
Other Expenses 6YO00
37,250

Audubon Society

Staff 39000
Employee Benefits 750
Other Expenses 1,000
4,750

TOTAL CASH COST $64,000

Volunteer Staff 15,000

GRAND TOTAL $79,000

The operating budget (Table 1) does not reflect the park's capital
expenditures.

Capital expenditures by DRED over the years have included the restroom
facility ($50,000 in 1971), and parking lots and trails ($10,000 in
1975). It has been estimated that over the years the State has spent in
excess of $20,000 sealing the military structures. The State also has
spent money on repairs and renovations in the Sugden House including the
roof, some windows, and part of the second floor flooring, some of which
were in the current capital budget. Also, item like the addition of
cyclone fences, wood guard rails and the bike trail along Route 1A do
not appear to be in the DRED budget and probably were in the DPWH budget
as capital item.

111. Management Plan

1he purpose of this Managenient Plan is to provide policy and operational
guidance in the future utilization of Odiorne Point State Park. The two
basic areas of consideration in developing a management plan for Odiorne
Point State Park were the site needs and the administrative needs. Site
considerations were the following: natural features, historic features,
military features, other site features, and the Visitor Center and
support facility needs. Administrative needs were the following: staff,
programs and interpretive needs, public relations, funding, and
management agreements. In addition to these areas of consideration,
there were important assumptions made with regard to the park, its
mission, management, and development.
This Management Plan was developed under the assumption-that Odiorne
Point State Park would be operated on a year-round basis in keeping with
the mission statement and goals and objectives established during the
course of this study and described in Chapter I. The Management Plan
makes inmediate (one year) and long range (two to five years)
recamTwndations for Odiorne Point State Park. The management plan
developed for the immediate future assumes the level of staff planned
for 1986. The management plan developed for the long range (two to five
years) assumes a year-round Visitor Center and staff. The Management
Plan assumes that once the five year management plan is implemented, the
management needs will remain ongoing and relatively stable unless the
park is greatly expanded. In other words, this plan assumes that at the
end of five years and thereafter, Odiorne Point State Park will be
managed and operated at a level in keeping with the mission statement.
The park, of course, will continue to evolve. New programs my be added
and different features may be interpreted. However, the park will
continue to be operated at least at the level established by year 5.

Odiorne Point State Park has been the subject of numerous studies (See
Appendix A) with different perspectives. No doubt the Nylen "Master
Plan" and the Cottrell "Natural Science and Historical Studies" have
been the most influential in terms of park planning. The differing
perspectives of these two reports with an emphasis on development of a
grand scale park versus protection of the existing park resources remain
to a lesser extent in 1986. If the State provides adequate staff and
funding to manage and operate the existing park east of Route 1A, then
there appears to be support for enlarging the park to include land west
of Route 1A which is contiguous to the park. However, the consultants
do not believe that the re-routing of Route 1A is needed or necessarily
desired frorn the perspective of encouraging use and understanding of the
existing or expanded park, and the consultants do not believe that it is
desirable to substantially relocate now or in the future the Main Park

Entrance for a nunber of reasons which are further discussed later in
this section.

This Management Plan was designed to address the area east of Route 1A.
The management needs of other areas of the park were specifically
excluded in the request for proposals. However, in the overall context
of the park, it is important to recognize that the State does own a
small parcel of land contiguous to the paxk west of Route 1A closer to
the North Park Entrance and it also owns the Hotin Tract which is
between the south park boundary and Wallis Sands State Park and is not
contiguous to Odiorne Point State Park. The State may also acquire a
long term lease of White Island, which is part of the Isles of Shoals,
and include that island in Odiorne Point State Park. Therefore, in the
context of park planning, the entire expanded park has to be considered
in term of resource management, administrative needs, and traffic
circulation issues. The management and program use of the Hotin Tract
and White Island will require additional operating and capital
expenditures. Basically, if the park boundaxies a-re expanded,
administrative resources also need expansion.

Another assumption that is important to consider is that the three
sponsors will remain at Odiorne Point State Park. All three have
coapiled a track record at the park. The State has carried the capital
expenditures, maintenance and support staff expenditures. The Audubon
Society of New Hampshire established the initial Nature Center and has
continued to contribute to the interpretive program. The Marine Program
at UNH has used Sea Grant monies to establish and operate an educational
program using the site and the Visitor Center. If the sponsoring
agencies do not remain involved at the park, the scope of the program
and Visitor Center needs may change, but the philosophy of the park
would remain the same.

In developing a Management Plan for Odiorne Point State Park, the
consultants have attempted to delineate the assumptions and air the
positions of interested parties so that the decision makers are well
informed as to the options and implications of the Management Plan.
There are many interests at the park and many reflect a particular,
sometimes conflicting, viewpoint. Numerous people have contributed
hundreds of hours to protecting specific resources or educating others
about the park. A number have developed a feeling of "ownership" of the
park's resources, in part because a Management Plan had not been
developed earlier and the park staff and budget has not been adequate to
meet the park's needs. Hence, this document is designed not only to be
a working Management Plan to be used by the three sponsors and park
staff in their ongoing park management and planning, but it is also
designed to document to the public and the three sponsors the need to
provide an adequate staff and budget.

The first part of this chapter focuses on the management of the park
east of Route 1A and follows the general format of Chapter II, Existing
Conditions, That is, the discussion begins at the northern boundary of
the park and continues south. The inr@ediate (1 year) options for each

site feature are discussed first, followed by the long range (2-5 years)
options for each site feature.

'Ihe three site maps contain a number of reconuiendations for the
northern, middle, and southern segments of the park. The maps of the
park have been reduced from the scale of 1"=1001. The large scale maps
have been given to the Division of Parks and Recreation for use at
Odiorne Point State Park.

A. NATURAL FEATURES RECOMMATIONS

Throughout Odiorne Point State Park, the desired end result is the
protection and management of natural features. In specific areas, this
may mean benign neglect, and in others, aggressive management. When the
natural features have been left to develop, changes in some of those
features have occurred due to natural succession. There is nothing
wrong per se in natural succession. It is not realistic or desirable to
expect that the entire site be managed to prevent natural succession.
What is desirable is that representative segments reflecting different
features be managed in order to keep a variety of species and habitats
reflecting the different conditions that have occurred at the site.

Because many of these natural features have not been subject to a
Management plan, the protection and management of rmst are considered an
immediate priority. Beginning in the north, both immediate and long
range options are discussed below by feature and are noted on the maps.

Immediate (Year 1)

Salt marsh. 'Ihe salt marsh by the north parking lot should be protected
by improving the drainage of the perimeter trail which bisects it and
not adding another trail within or through it. Care should be taken in
program use of this small marsh.

Sand and Pebble Barrier Spit. This spit should be protected by not
adding any trail to it and not interpreting it in signage at the north
entrance site. Supervision of other dredging in Little Harbor is needed
to assure that the spit is protected and that dredge material from Witch
Creek or Seavey Creek is not added to the spit. It is natural that the
spit will change over the years and, if so, additional protective
management may be needed.

Sandy Beach. This beach should be left as is, but one trail from the
beach to Frost Point should be widened to four feet to encourage
interior access along a designated trail and discourage use via
bushwacked trails. There should be no trash receptacles at the beach
thus encouraging visitors to carry out their trash. However, there
should be trash receptacles at both the North Park Entrance and the
Frost Point Road-Battery Seaman intersection which can easily be

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MANAGEMENT PLAN ODIORNE POINT STATE P

serviced by park maintenance vehicles. Small boat access to the beach
should continue to be allowed.

Foye/Whitcomb Field. This field contains remnants of earlier
residential landscaping including flowering shrubs and herbaceous
plants. The fields should be mowed seasonally to encourage wildflowers.
Species worthy of protection should be designated and encroaching
species should be removed. The State should invite interested parties
to walk the site, suggest site specific species worthy of protection,
and, if desired by the parties, participate in a management agreement to
maintain the field.

Heritage Garden. A written management agreement is needed between the
State and the Driftwood Garden Club if the Club is to maintain and
develop the historic character of the garden. A small interpretive sign
about the gaxden should be added in keeping with the existing small
signs identifying species. If at a later date the Driftwood Garden Club
no longer desires to manage the gaxden, the Club should provide the
State with a management plan for the garden and the State should manage
it. A list of the plants in the garden should be on file in the Visitor
Center.

Rocky Shore. The perimeter trail fades out as it approaches the rocky
shore. Trail definition is needed both near Frost Point and in the
middle section of the park where the park maintenance road intersects
with the rocky shore trail. At the Frost Point location there are plant
species which need protection. Thus, the siting of the trail should
include participation by a botanist in order to route the trail away
from unique species. The placenient of a location map at the Frost Point
area should also help with the trail definition in this area.

Fresh Water Marsh. The fresh water marsh provides another type of
habitat. The small trail through it should be kept small to discourage
use and not be widened to four feet unless the use and demand is
sufficient to warrant a wider trail. For the most part, this plan
recommends that trails be maintained at a four foot width except in
areas with a fragile environment such as this marsh.

Thicket - Middle Area. This area should be managed to maintain the
wildlife habitat. The poison ivy and sumac encroaching on the trail
adjacent to the thicket should be controlled.

Fields - Main Park Entrance. The fields on the north side by the park
entrance should be mowed on a monthly basis to encourage wildflowers but
still allow park vehicle access to the maintenance trail. The entrance
to the interior trail should be mowed weekly to indicate the trail
entrance. The fields on the south side should be mowed weekly to allow
overflow parking as needed. When the parking entrance and lot
improvements are made, the long term management of the fields should be
further addressed.

Residential Landscaping Remnants, Picnic Area. The living remnants vary
within the picnic area with specific features needing protection or
maintenance (e.g. ornamental gardens). For example, the roses along the
stone wall and near the restroom facility need attention including
possible replanting. In addition, a nurrber of pine trees have exposed
roots and may need topsoil added. The placement of picnic tables should
encourage a traffic pattern which minimizes erosion. Hence, the trees
with potential problem need to be designated so that the tables can be
placed in appropriate locations. Some ornaiaental species and garden
areas may need pruning or additional maintenance. The park staff should
walk the site with interested parties, designate the problem areas that
need attention, and take action to address the problems.

Ledges - East. The ledges contain a variety of coastal native species
which should be protected and, later, interpreted. 'Ihe area between the
parking lot and Visitor Center should be managed by delineating which
species to protect and which to control. (See discussion on plants
following.) Another consideration is cutting to increase the visibility
of the Visitor Center from the parking lot.

Ledges - West. The ledges on the southwest end of the park contains one
trail that connects the bike trail near the southern park boundary to
the area near the playground. The location for the trail should remain
and not be moved. The trail needs grooming to a four foot width near
the park trail entrance. The trail should be slightly rerouted as it
slopes down a small hill near the bike trail to encourage use and
address the erosion.

Pebble Barrier and Barrier Swamp. There is a short trail from the
playground to this area. Pedestrian traffic in the south boundary area
should be encouraged on the thicket trail, not through this more
sensitive environment.

Drowned Forest. The State (DRED) should develop a management agreement
with DOT (formerly DPWH) concerning the two parking lots adjacent to
the southern boundary of Odiorne Point State Park. Traffic from these
lots can have an adverse impact on the drowned forest. The placement of
additional large boulders is needed to prevent vehicular access to the
park via the drowned forest.

Plant Conmmities. There are numerous types of plant conTmmities within
the park: native species, remnants of residential landscaping, World
War II camouflage plantings, and park landscaping along or near entrance
roads. It is a given that the park cannot control the growth of all
species. Odiorne Point State Park is not a formal garden park but
rather is an informal "natural" area park with a seasonal home and
camouflaged military structures which give the park diversity.

In this section specific plant conumnities in specific areas are
recomiended to be managed and in some cases rescued. Their exact
locations should be confirmed on-site with park personnel including the
State park planner, park manager, maintenance and mowing crew chief, and

Visitor Center director. Both Clotilde Straus (native species and rare
species) and Louise Tallman (landscape gardens) should be consulted in
their areas of expertise. Mrs. Straus is providing a current list of
plant species to be kept at the Visitor Center in 1986.

The Foye-Whitconb field has reanants of residential landscaping with a
variety of cultivated species. Here sumac and poison ivy can be cut
back and poisoned where they encroach on species such as lilacs which
provide an historic record of earlier residents. Otherwise, the field
can be mowed once a year in October.

The open field south of Frost Point Road, between the interior trail and
Route 1A, should be mowed annually in the fall. 'Ihe growth of the fruit
trees should be encouraged. There are ornamental shrubs in remnants of
a garden which should not be n)owed. The Frost Point area should be
maintained as an open meadow and be mowed annually.

On the southern side of the Main Park Entrance is a grassy meadow near
the bike trail with mountain mint which should be protected. Because
the poplar are beginning to encroach on the meadow's edge, they should
be cut back once at this time. The meadow should not be mowed. A small
wood guard rail fence may need to be installed to prevent the mowing
crew from accidently eliminating these species. 'Ihe Main Park Entrance
fields should be mowed several times a month near the road and in the
fall in the area behind the everygreens.

In the picnic area, the roses should be protected by pruning and
eliminating encroaching shrubs. The pink Odiorne Rosa rugosa, "pink
Grootendorst," needs rescue in the group use area and could be
transplanted to another area. The "Sir Thomas Lipton" white Rosa rugosa
can be preserved in the group use area and also be planted near the
Visitor Center. Rosa rugosa could be added to Battery 204 to assist in
erosion control.

On the ledges between the Visitor Center and restroorn facility, the
following significant species should be protected:

Herbaceous species of particular interest

Anaphalis margaritacea -Dearly Everlasting
Antennaria neodioica Ladies' Tobacco
Antennaria Parlinii Ladies' Tobacco
*Lycopodium tristachy-um Ground Pine
*Lycopodium. obscurum Round Branch Ground Pine
Potentilla tridentata Three-toothed Cinquefoil
Sericocarpus asteroides White-topped Aster
Solidago bicolor Silver-rod
Solidago nemoralis Goldenrod
*Spiranthes gracilis Slender Ladies Tresses

Rare species, not in the sense of "rare and endangered," but being
fairly rare for the area and "single-stations" for the park.

Stable, typical native shrub species

Amelanchier canadensis Shadbush (Juneberry)
Amelanchier stolonifera Shadbush (Juneberry)
Gaylussacia baccata Huckleberry
Lyonia ligurtrina Male-berry
Myrica pensylvanica Bayberry
Pyrus melanocarpa (Aronia) Black chokeberry
Pyrus floribunda Aronia) Purple chokeberry
Vaccinium angustifolium Low Sweet Blueberry
Vaccinium corynbosurn High-bush Blueberry
Viburnum recogniturn Arraw-wood

These low to moderately high shrubs have outstanding scenic value when
in bloom, are bee-productive, and have outstanding bird-population value
when in fruit. A maximum of two foot trails (as still visible now) can
be encouraged with no maintenance needed except for the sumac (and some
juniper) eradication and control discussed with the State Park Planner.
Sun*ac should be cut and poisoned at the stern to control its growth and
encourage the growth of other native species.

The basic mowing schedule is as follows-

Fall 2x/Yr Monthly 2x/.Month
Foye-Whitcont Field X
Frost Point Road X
(Fresh pond field)
Frost Point Meadow X
Trails - Poison Ivy/Sumac X
Interior Park Maint.Trail X
Main Park Entrance Fields
by road X
behind evergreens X
Main Trail Entrances X
Picnic Areas X

Long Range (Years 2-5)

Estuary. The protection of the Little Harbor estuary is of State and
local interest. The State owns waterfront property in Rye, Portsmuth,
and New Castle and thus is in a position to demonstrate protective use
along the estuary. Shoreland zoning can be adopted by local governments
to protect the estuary from unsuitable nearby development.

Public concern about waterfront access including both boating access and
beach access should only increase as development pressures continue to
increase on waterfront property such as marinas. The State (Parks,
Marine Services, Fish and Cram, Transportation, and the Office of State
Planning) and local governments (Portsmuth, Rye and New Castle) need to

develop a shorefront management plan for the Little Harbor estuary to
allow needed public access in appropriate locations and protect unique
natural resources. 'Ihe City of Portsmouth at Pierce Island provides the
only sizeable public boat launch area in the Little Harbor estuary and
there are tidal difficulties in using that site. This plan suggests
that the State consider the purchase of appropriate property or
easements to guarantee boating access to the Little Harbor area. Mere
is some contention that the Frost Point area would be a better boat
launch location than Seavey Creek. However, this Management Plan does
not recommend that the Frost Point Road area of Odiorne Point State Park
become a marina or be used for boat launching because it will negatively
alter the character of the entire northern end of the park. The Seavey
Creek boat launch is at the North Park Entrance and has less impact on
the park than the Frost Point alternative.

Open Woods. The open woods area of the park can only be managed on
foot. There is no vehicular maintenance trail in this area and none is
recommended. It can be managed by occasional cutting to remove dead,
diseased, or problem trees and allow continued forest growth. The State
should establish a management agreement with the Urban Forestry Center
to manage the small woods with the objective being to retain the health
and characteristics of this climax forest.

Fresh Water Pond. As with a number of natural features, there are
conflicting desires in terms of management of the resource. This
manmade pond is now obscured from view by the fence along the bike
trail, the lack of interior trails and the steep bank of the pond. It
is therefore conducive to being a habitat for nesting birds. Since the
pond presently is not managed, its habitat may change. This plan
recommends that a lower fence be placed along the bike trail. Also, the
tall hedge buckthorn shrubs (Rhamnus frangula) planted by DOT along the
pond edge next to the bike trail should be removed. Not only do these
hedges obscure views of the pond, but since they are not a native
species of shrub they will be an undesirable addition to the seed pool
of the park's plant species.

Moor. Much of this area has been permanently altered in character due
to encroachment by sumac and other weedy species which have eliminated
the pre-existing coastal native shrubs. In a State park with a variety
of natural features, it is impossible to control natural succession in
all areas. A small area of the moor near the Sugden House should be cut
and cleared of sumac to allow an improved northern view and the
re-establishment of native species. This sumac control program then has
to be done annually. The State should work with a botanist to identifv
any native species at the specific control site so that the sumac
management is site specific.

Fields - Main Park Entrance. When the Alain Park Entrance road and
parking lot are addressed, appropriate landscaping should be added to
the fields near the road to increase the entrance definition. Long
range plant recommendations follow under "Plants."

57 -

Ledges West. If the existing parking lot is expanded toward Route 1A,
it would have an adverse impact on the thicket adjacent to the existing
parking lot (see parking alternative discussion, Section D). The
existing trail through the ledges and thicket should be expanded to
contain an interpretive loop. This provides another interpretive
experience for those unable to hike the entire park.

Drowned Forest. The drowned forests at Odiorne Point and Jenness Beach
may be eligible for National Natural Landmark status. This should be
pursued by the State since it controls both Odiorne Point and Jenness
Beach. A former staff member of the Office of State Planning initiated
this preliminary documentation. While there may be other features
worthy of the status, including the rocky shore at Odiorne Point State
Park, the drowned forest appears to be unique. Interpretive and
protective signage about the drowned forest should be added in the park
overlooking the forest and possibly in the two parking lots overlooking
the forest.

Plant Communities. The mowing schedule established in the immediate
plan remains in the long range, but should be reviewed and revised
annually. The primary long range plant needs concern landscaping the
Main Park Entrance drive to the main parking lot, the new or expanded
Visitor Center, and the restroom facility.

The entrance drive landscaping should serve to help define the visitor
parking. The plantings should allow the ocean view to remain. Since
the site has had native and ornamental species, the State has some
flexibility in choosing plant species which thrive at the site. The
following are suggested for consideration to define the entrance drive:
1) the native, graceful shrub Shadbush (also known as Shadblow); 2) a
collection of lilacs; and 3) flowering cherries and plums.

The restroom facility visually is the dominant building from the parking
lot. This is due not only to location but also to the lack of plantings
to blend the building into the landscape. The Rosa rugosa roses,
lilacs, yews, or bayberry could be planted here. The site has a
northern exposure which would indicate that hardy plants or shrubs are
needed.

The Visitor Center landscaping should complement the Visitor Center. It
may be desirable to remove the existing pavement in front of the Sugden
House and replace it with a walkway and appropriate landscaping. Should
this be done, a suitable hard surface for group activities should be
provided. A few shadbush in a random pattern could be added. The
native species collection (wildflowers) by the entrance should be
labelled and added to annually. The path from the parking lot to the
Visitor Center should be landscaped. Gardens with different species
could be placed along the path. Formal gardens, however, are not
recommended. In general, this plan recommends that any new landscaping
be selected from existing park plant species or low flowering shrubs
which withstand coastal weather. It is recommended that the Visitor

Center landscaping be done at the same time as the Visitor Center
improvements. Once the Visitor Center alternative is selected,
the walkway landscaping could be addressed.

B. HISIORIC FEATURES RECONMMATIONS

The desired end result is the protection and interpretation of historic
features of the park. Many of these features from the period of
European settlement to World War II no longer remain and hence only the
remnants can be protected or interpreted and the period can be
interpreted in the Visitor Center and in brochures. This plan does not
suggest that every stone wall needs to be interpreted, but rather that
these remnants be left as a resource for exploration and further
research as funds become available. There are areas where specific
recommendations are made.

Immediate (Year 1)

Stone Walls/Foundations/Entrance Gates. These remnants of earlier
settlements should be left as is and only be repaired if safety measures
so dictate. One exception is the stone walls in the group use area.
The walls have deteriorated or been vandalized in a number of places in
this high use picnic area. People walk on the walls, and the shorefront
walk in front of the walls is broken up. It is important that the walls
be repaired and maintained in keeping with the style and structure of
the present wall. Prior to repairing the walls, fill should be added to
the area and the drainage problem corrected. The wall on the northern
side of the group use area may become more like a retaining wall as a
result of the filling.

Sugden House. This section describes the building needs. Visitor
Center needs are addressed serparately in Section E. Repairs and
renovations should be in keeping with the historic character of the
house. The State has already installed in 1986 some new windows and
repaired floorboards in the upstairs of the Sugden House. Another
immediate need to address is the sealing of the rock walls and the roof
near the chimney to prevent water leaks from occurring. Exterior
lighting and security improvements need to be considered. A suitable
heating system is needed even for seasonal use.

Long Range (Years 2-5)
Frost Point/Odiorne Po'int Archeology. There has been little
archeological research at Odiorne Point State Park. The State should
allocate monies to new, more cost effective technology for identifying
prehistory areas and the early European settlement areas so that site
specific research can occur. There are a number of foundations and

cellar holes which can be further researched. Money for archeological
field research should be included during analyses of sites for possible
parking, Visitor Center, or major trail construction.

Fountain. The dolphin fish fountain is located slightly off the min
park maintenance trail which probably is an advantage because it has not
been a target of vandalism. This plan recommends that the fountain be
interpreted in a brochure but not with a site sign.

Sugden House. The Sugden House should be preserved as a separate house
or incorporated into an expanded Visitor Center. The Sugden House does
not meet all the needs of a Visitor Center. The plan recommends a
year-round Visitor Center. If the Sugden House, with an addition, were
to remain the Visitor Center, it would have to be winterized and the
summer seasonal character of the structure would be altered. It my be
possible to re-use the space in the Sugden House in a different manner.
However, it should be recognized that the space does limit the programs.
The Sugden House could remain as a program facility which remains
seasonal in character and operation if there is a separate year-round
Visitor Center. The Management Plan recommends that the interpretation
of the settlement and cultural history include the Sugden House since it
is the only remaining example of a seasonal summer home in the park.

C. MILITARY FEATURES PYLUt=ATIONS

Most of the recommendations for the military features are long range
because the consultants believe that additional staff is needed at the
park prior to using the military features in any way different than used
presently. The State has spent a considerable amount of money in
sealing all the large structures and they continue to have to spend
money repairing the holes caused by vandals trying to seek access.
Nevertheless, the cost of opening the structures and maintaining
adequate staff in each open structure for security and interpretive
purposes is not deemed realistic or feasible in the time frame of this
plan. There are, however, specific recommendations for the immediate
and 2-5 year time frame.

Immediate (Year 1)

Battery Seaman. There are three immediate concerns which need to be
addressed at Battery Seaman: safety fencing over the gun mounts,
graffiti/vandalism, and daily safety/litter patrol. Protective fencing
is already on order to be installed over the two gun mounts at Battery
Seaman. The concern is to provide, at the least, a small rail which
would allow someone to stop a fall should the person slip down the
camouflaged hill over the gun mount.

The management of graffiti and vandalism has been, and no doubt will
remain, an ongoing problem until the park personnel presence is much

higher. Beginning in 1985, graffiti is greywashed annually. Vandalism
into the battery has to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Due to
the long range recommendations, expenditures to address vandalism should
be evaluated in terms of cost.and effectiveness because another approach
is suggested in the next phase.

A daily, and at times, hourly safety/litter patrol is needed in the
park, particularly in the middle and northern areas which are subject to
less visible supervision. Battery Seaman is a favorite target for
vandalism. The staff can use park vehicles for the patrol on a regular
basis but a presence on foot allows the staff to add an interpretive
presence to the site. A horse patrol could be considered. The staff
should have walkie-talkies or a commmications link to the Visitor
Center and Rye police. Patrols of two persons are preferable for safety
reasons. Trash recepticles should be added near the Frost Point Road
and Battery Seaman location, the two gun mounts, and the control tower.
Trash should be picked up regularly during the high use season including
trash from the control tower area.

Conymnd Post. The Command Post has become something of an
(un)attractive nuisance." The removal of the sumac resulted in a
visible unattractive building off of the interior park trail which is
attractive to some undesirable elements. Therefore, the use of the
building should be carefully monitored and documented. The relatively
shallow vent hole behind the building needs to be filled. The building
needs greywashing annually. The front of the building could be
landscaped with native species.

Battery 204. Already in 1986, the floor door in the observation tower
has been opened by vandals and resealed by the State. The hole opened
into the tower remains to be repaired. It has been vandalized in the
same location previously. In addition to fixing the tower again, this
plan recon7nends that the erosion problems be addressed in the imue-diate
future. There are quite a few areas over the battery which have erosion
problems. Of particular concern are those facing the parking lot near
the west entrance and also the stairs. This erosion gives an imediate
first impression about the park which is not positive. New loam,
reseeding and possible fencing or plantings are needed. The trail down
the north side may need a turn added to discourage the visitor from
running straight down it and across the road without stopping.
Landscaping and signage need to be added to encourage the use of stairs.

Long Range (Years 2-5)

The re-use of the military structures was discussed in soma detail in
the report "Fort Dearborn at Odiorne Point State Park." Given that
background, the availability of additional material on the construction
of the batteries, and the manageiment needs at the park, the following
long range recommendations are made.

Plotting Roorn. The Plotting Room is sealed by large boulders which do
allow access to determined people. This Manageiment Plan views the

access problem as less severe than at the two batteries and, therefore,
a lower priority. If the problem of access continues, the Plotting Room
should be resealed with earth covered by 4-6" of reinforced concrete.
Due to its location and size, this military structure is not suitable
for park use in terms of a maintenance facility, Visitor Center or
interior military interpretation area. The Plotting Rom should be
identified, interpreted via brochures, and interpreted via signage and
exhibits at the Visitor Center and possibly at Battery Seaman as
discussed below.

Reservoir and Pumping Room. This World War II structure should remain
sealed and be interpreted in a brochure. If there are vandalism
problems in the future with the entrance or lid, they should be
addressed in a more permanent manner. The State should consider placing
a flat metal interpretive marker in the ground, perhaps replacing the
existing lid, which would identify and interpret the room. The marker
would only be visible to people who took the trail over the room. If
people knew what the mound was, perhaps it would be less likely to be
vandalized. If this marker is successful and not vandalized, then a
similar marker could be placed on top of the Plotting Room.

Battery Seanran. Battery Seaman, the largest battery at the park, has
the most useable interior space in terms of re-use as a Visitor Center
or maintenance facility. Located on Frost Point Road in the northern
section of the park, it contains about 19,000 square feet including a
500 foot corridor with 7,900 square feet. While the opening of Battery,
Sean-an and use as either of these alternatives are feasible, the
management and site implications are discussed in Section E.

This Management Plan recommends that Battery Seatnan, for the most part,
remain sealed. It does recam)end, however, that some improvements be
made within the 2-5 year planning period which could be made in years 2
and 3. While the entrances to the battery off of Frost Point Road are
relatively well camouflaged, the two gun mount entrances facing the
ocean are not. This plan recommends that the Frost Point Road side be
left as is, but that the two gun mounts be: 1) cleared of the dirt and
debris; 2) the corridor be resealed with a steel door or similar method;
3) the steel girders be either refixed in position or removed; 4) the
Battery and adjacent natural areas be interpreted with appropriate wall
signage; and that 5) both areas be landscaped, several picnic tables be
placed under the gun mount and trash containers added. There should be
daily trash pickup in the sunrier. Battery Sean-an should also be
interpreted in brochures and within the Visitor Center. On the top of
Battery Seaman, there should be a sign identifying views from the
battery, e.g. Forts Stark, Foster and Constitution, the Isles of Shoals,
Piscataqua River, Little Harbor, etc. This sign could be metal and
mounted flush with the ground like a sun dial.

Comnand Post. The small conynand post should be interpreted by an
identification sign and in the brochure. While military historian
prefer keeping buildings on site so that the military history can be
correctly interpreted, others have concerns about park visitor safety

and structures which attract undesirable elements. If necessary,
consistent with the documentation discussed in the inmdiate needs, the
building could be sealed or demolition could be considered.

Battery 204. Battery 204 contains about 3,671 square feet on one floor.
There is an observation tower with interior access via two steep sets of
stairs with a connecting walkway. There are 19 rooms, the largest of
which has 759 square feet. Battery 204 is sealed at all of its
entrances including the tower. The consultants have not been inside
this battery but have visited similar batteries. The possible use of
Battery 204 as either a Visitor Center or maintenance facility is
discussed in Section E.

This plan recommends that, when there is adequate staff, Battery 204 be
reopened and that steel doors be repaired, if they exist, or added which
are similar to those at Fort Foster to allow the walk-through
interpretation of this battery on a scheduled basis, for example, once
or twice a week. This plan recoffae-nds that the lower floor entrance to
the observation tower also be sealed because the stairs are not safe for
public use. The battery should be interpreted by signage and in
brochures. This plan recamx--nds that an area view sign be added to the
top of Battery 204 similar in design to the one recaamnded for the top
of Battery Seaman but pointing out different views. Additional
appropriate landscaping should be incorporated on and around the battery
as needed.

Gun Mounts. In the long range, there is one gun mount closest to the
drowned forest which may need to have an erosion problem addressed.
However, the need does not appear inininent. The gun mounts could also
be interpreted in signage with a ground mounted sign on one of the gun
mounts. The visitor could be asked to notice the location of the four
gun mounts, one of which is not very visible. 'Ihe gun mounts can also
be interpreted in a brochure.

D. G= SITE EMMNTS PXMAIRMATIONS

In this area of the management plan, a nurrber of site conditions are
described which are significant but are not natural, historic or
military features of Odiorne Point State Park. The discussion includes
both site specific features such as park entrances and generalized
conditions such as fencing. One of the main problems with the park is
its lack of unity and identity as a park. Hence the management plan
focuses on addressing this problem. Basically, the innediate
recommendations can be undertaken within the next year, and those
requiring larger expenditures or staff are assigned to later years.
The description begins with the northern area of the park.

Immediate (Year 1)

North Park Entrance. The North Park Entrance needs identification that
it is Part of Odiorne Point State Park. Entrance signs need to be added
indicating that this is the North Park Entrance and that the Main Paxk
Entrance and Visitor Center are 3/4 miles ahead (or 3600 feet.) The
entrance gate needs to be replaced with a gate similar to the Main Park
Entrance gate. The entrance road needs to be widened and graded. A
11 toll booth at the entrance to the pa-rking lot needs to be added as
well as staff to take tolls. The toll booth should have a
com = ications link with the Main Park Entrance and the Rye Police.
A park location map should be placed at the North Park Entrance at a
scale no smaller than 1" = 100'.

The 801 x 3001 parking lot appeaxs to be adequate for 60 cars or 30 cars
with small boat trailers. If the parking lot is used near capacity, its
size may allow a reconfiguration of parking spaces which would allow
greater capacity. For example, if only cars use the lot, parking can be
allowed down the middle in a row. If the lot is expanded, it should
only be expanded in the direction of Route 1A to avoid encroachment on
the salt marshes. The lot should remain a gravel lot. The boat launch
area may need to have a few large boulders moved closer to the salt
marsh. A port-a-john should be added for the summer season since the
restrooms at the park are very distant. 'Ihe drainage problem of the
perimeter trail leading from the parking lot should be addressed as was
mentioned earlier.

Frost Point. The trails in the Frost Point area need definition.
Entrance fencing can be added to the beach and to the perimeter trail by
the beach and by the rocky shore. Due to the location of rare species
of plants on the ledges, the actual location of the entrance along the
rocky shore should be coordinated with a botanist. A park location map
similar to the maps to be placed at the North Park Entrance and Main
Park Entrance should be placed at Frost Point near the interior park
trail intersection. There should be a management agreement with the
Army Corps of Engineers regarding the maintenance of the jetty.

Main Park Entrance. The general location should remain for the Main
Park Entrance. Recommended improvements to this entrance are in the 2-5
year plan. Brochures, information on special events at the Visitor
Center, and parking directions should be distributed at the toll booth.

Main Parking Lot. The main parking lot is about 60' x 340'. It is not
adequate to hold school busses which are 37-391 long. The marine
education program during the school year attracts up to 30 school busses
at a time which creates a parking problem particularly for the peak
period of May and early June. Busses need at least a depth of 80' in
order to park and turn easily. In the immediate plan, the State will
have to continue to allow busses to park on the grass field by the Main
Park Entrance when the current lot is full. If there is staff on duty,
extra busses can be directed to park at the North Park Entrance.

The main parking lot is gravel (except for a total of four paved
handicapped parking spaces in two locations). It therefore cannot be
lined to space cars or busses. A gravel lot needs regrading on an
annual basis if it is subject to considerable use and abuse (e.g.
wheelies) which occur when there is little supervision. Other
recommendations are in the long range section.

A park location map should be added by the parking lot near the paved
entrance trail to the Visitor Center. Additional signage for the
Visitor Center and restroom facility may be needed near the southern
border of the lot.

Parking Capacity. This plan does not determine a land carrying
capacity, but it reconuiends that one be established. A land carrying
capacity would determine the desired numbers of visitors the park could
hold at one time which would not adversely affect the park's natural and
historic resources.

This plan does look at the relationship between parking, program and
number of visitors. In the spring, up to 30 busses a day holding up to
70 elementary age children (2100 children) plus additional people from
cars visit the park at once. A maximn of ten school groups can use the
present Visitor Center a day. Neither the main parking lot nor the
Visitor Center can handle the current demand. However, a bus parking
capacity cannot be implemented until there is an adequate level of staff
to enforce the parking plan.

When there is a year-round Visitor Center and staff, the program and use
can be spread out through the year. A bus parking capacity is suggested
based on the Visitor Center capacity in the long range. In the short
term, if there is Main Park Entrance staff in the spring, excess busses
can be directed to the north parking lot or be allowed on the lawn.

Picnic Area - Group. The group picnic area within the stone walls
provides a unified area which is near the restrooms. The site needs
improvement to correct the drainage problem in the northeast section.
Fill is needed and the area needs grading. The stone walls should be
repaired in a number of places since this is a heavily used area and the
walls are breaking apart in a number of spots.

Although the picnic area is adjacent to the ocean, the ocean cannot be
seen when one is seated at a picnic table. The pipe containers for
coals and trash receptacles should remain. The outdated signs should be
replaced with signs in the same style as the main park signs. The
tables should not be anchored to allow the flexible placement for
groups -

Picnic Areas - Other. This plan recommends keeping the picnic tables
spread through the area with clusters near the restroom. facility and
playground area since these areas are also widely used by groups. The
tables should be placed near the anchored trash containers and coal
storage pipes. However, they should not be anchored or placed on

permanent pads, because visitors appear to like the flexibility of
arranging their tables to fit their needs and the park staff can change
the table placement. The existing handicapped picnic tables serve that
purpose. The rest should be placed away from any fragile areas (like
exposed pine roots) but in manners to capture views.

Fencing. Fencing serves a number of purposes in a park including park
definition and safety. The immediate fencing need is for safety
purposes, namely the placement of low protective fencing over the two
gun mounts at Battery Seaman. The second need is to have the three park
entrance gates be of the same material as the Main Park Entrance gate to
increase the identity, improve the condition and appearance, and
decrease vandalism.

Signage. Like fencing, signs help unify and give definition to a park.
When signs are of diverse materials, sizes and shapes as they are at
Odiorne Point State Park, they reflect a lack of park definition and
multiple agency coordination. There are signs at the park placed by the
Division of Parks, the Highway Department, Fish and Came Department, and
possibly the Audubon Society of New Hampshire.

The Parks Division has ordered and placed a number of new signs in
recent years, including military and historic identification signs. The
most widely read sign is the interpretive sign by Battery 204.

Throughout the park (and State park system), signs should be of the same
material and style. This is both an immediate and long range need.
Management agreements with the various agencies should include signs -
their content, material, and placement.

The immediate priority is to add a North Park Entrance sign and support
signs, as was discussed earlier. The Visitor Center signs should
contain the same name. The planned large new sign should be placed
close to the parking lot replacing but slightly higher than the existing
small sign, so that it is visible upon entering the lot and yet does not
obscure the view. The small sign could be reworded and placed at the
entrance to the trail connecting the loop trail and restrooms to the
Visitor Center.

A new park location map sign should be made similar to the types in ski
areas using the map produced as a part of this plan as the base. Three
signs should be built and placed at the two entrances and at Frost
Point. The signs should be consistent and rrade of durable material.

Trails. The main park interior trail should ren-ain at road width. Most
of the other designated trails should be 4' wide at a minimum. There
are sorm small trails which can remain as is, such as the narrow trail
through the fresh water marsh and the connecting trails to the bike
trail. The paved bike trail and paved loop should continue to be
maintained to encourage bike and handicapped use of the park.

The perimeter trail by the North Park Entrance needs to have the salt
marsh drainage problem addressed. A culvert could be added. One short

trail close to Frost Point from the sandy beach to Frost Point needs to
be defined. The perimeter trail needs to be defined by Frost Point to
protect the rare plants on the ledges and show the trail entrances, near
the sand dunes to protect the dunes, and along the rocky shore, by the
intersection with the park interior trail to address the rocky uneven
paths. Erosion needs to be addressed on parts of the trails @f both
batteries by either redirecting the trails, or adding loam and
landscaping with appropriate shrubs like blueberries or rugosa roses.
The southernmost trail fran the playground to the bike trail needs
widening. Along trails, poison ivy and sumac should be cut back. Cross
country skiing can be encouraged in the winter on the trails.

Long Range (Years 2-5)

North Park Entrance. After the Visitor Center is completed and the park
is operating on a year-round basis, the North Park Entrance should be
evaluated in terms of year-round toll taking. If the tolltaking is
seasonal, a toll booth similar to the one c urr ently used at the Main
Park Entrance is adequate. If the tolltaking is year-round, then a
small permanent structure with heat and a public restroom are needed. A
bike rack similar to those in Market Square in Portsmouth should be
added to allow bikers to lock their bikes.

Frost Point. This is an area of potential archeological interest in
early native American history. Archeological field work should occur
prior to the disturbance of any significant records of land use.

Main Park Entrance. The Main Park Entrance is in need of improvenkent.
The general location is appropriate, but the road alignment needs to be
slightly changed, the toll booth needs to be upgraded to in-prove the
first impression of the park, a turnaround for buses and cars needs to
be added to permit the safe exit of vehicles which don't want to pay or
when the parking lot is full, the pavement needs to be replaced, and
additional wood guard rails and landscaping are needed to give the
entrance definition, a positive sense of arrival and purpose.

The present entrance is a direct outgrowth of the World War II military
road alignment with the paved road around Battery 204 to the Sugden
House. Although the Sugden Road appears to be the main road, it is now
merely a staff access road. The current entrance drive encourages
parking on the lawn by Battery 204 and on the entrance drive itself.
The location of the toll booth in term of distance from Route 1A is
well placed.

The diagram on the following page illustrates the present alignment and
the proposed entrance realignment as well as four bus parking
alternatives which are discussed in the following section. With the new
alignme-nt, the emphasis is placed on the visitor. The realignment
coupled with the parking inprovements should decrease the current
parking problems. Landscaping to emphasize the visitor's road and
parking should be added.

I
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ODIORNE POIN7'

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ODIORME POIMT STATE PAIIE(r tZ

Main Parking Lot. With a year-round park, and indeed, even with a
seasonal park that caters to school children, adequate room for a
limited amount of safe bus parking should be provided. The logical
location for this bus parking is near the Visitor Center and highest
axea of use. This management plan suggests that the final location of
bus parking as well as the Visitor Center be incorporated into the
architect's physical master plan and that a public meeting be held to
ascertain public preferences before the final choices are made.

This plan suggests that the bus parking capacity in the long range be
linked to the new Visitor Center capacity and be established at 20
busses. The parking capacity is discussed in the section following.
This plan suggests that there are four bus parking options to consider:
the deepening of the lot toward Route 1A on the southern end to
accommodate 20 busses (2401 of length would be deepened) with the
reminder of the lot remaining as is; or the addition of a separate bus
parking lot to accommodate 20 busses (three possible locations). These
options are illustrated on the preceding map.

Option 1 has combined bus and car parking. It probably is a less
expensive alternative. It requires moving the wood guard rail and
expanding into the ledge area of the park. The walk around the parking
lot could be expanded to the west side if crossing the lot is a safety
issue. This option would have an adverse impact on the pitch pines,
native shrubs and ledges bordering the parking lot.

Option 2 is a separate bus parking lot off of the main parking lot
tucked within the wooded area in the ledges and thus is camouflaged from
Route 1A and the main parking lot. This location may be slightly more
expensive to build but would not require extensive landscaping costs.
However, it would have an adverse impact on the pitch pines,
huckleberry, native shrubs, and forested area closest to the entrance.
The open grass gives a feeling of spaciousness which would be lost if
the lot was expanded. The Committee views this as the least desirable
alternative.

Option 3 is north of the entrance drive. It separates the busses from
not only the cars but also the picnic area, restrooms and visitor
center. Therefore, the bus visitors would need a location map and trail
from the lot to the three immediate areas of need or interest. The site
is extremely visible from Route 1A and thus would require extensive
landscaping. The first thing a visitor sees at Odiorne Point State Park
should not be parking, let alone bus parking. The soil has been
disturbed in this area so there are no plant species to save.
Landscaping from Route 1A could be a berm of flowering shrubs near the
road, pines, hemlock, a few crabapples, or other varied species selected
from among those already existing in the park.

Option 4 is a separate bus parking lot off of Sugden Road between the
two main park trail heads. It would require cutting into the poplar and
aspen stand. The lot could be planted with appropriate trees or shrubs.
The picnic area and restrooms are not visible from this location, but it

Main Parking Lot. With a year-round park, and indeed, even with a
seasonal park that caters to school children, adequate room for a
limited amount of safe bus parking should be provided. The logical
location for this bus parking is near the Visitor Center and highest
area of use. This management plan suggests that the final location of
bus parking as well as the Visitor Center be incorporated into the
architect's physical master-plan and that a public meeting be held to
ascertain public preferences before the final choices are made.

This plan suggests that the bus parking capacity in the long range be
linked to the new Visitor Center capacity and be established at 20
busses. The parking capacity is discussed in the section following.
This plan suggests that there are four bus parking options to consider:
the deepening of the lot toward Route 1A on the southern end to
accommodate 20 busses (240' of length would be deepened) with the
remainder of the lot remaining as is; or the addition of a separate bus
parking lot to accommodate 20 busses (three possible locations). These
options are illustrated on the preceding map.

Option 3 is north of the entrance drive. It separates the busses from
not only the cars but also the picnic area, restrooms and visitor
center. Therefore, the bus visitors would need a location map and trail
from the lot to the three imnediate areas of need or interest. The site
is extremely visible from Route 1A and thus would require extensive
landscaping. The first thing a visitor sees at Odiorne Point State Park
should not be parking, let alone bus parking. The soil has been
disturbed in this area so there are no plant species to save.
Landscaping from Route 1A could be a berm of flowering shrubs near the
road, pines, hemlock, a few crabapples, or other varied species selected
from among those already existing in the park.

Option 4 is a separate bus parking lot off of Sugden Road between the
two main park trail heads. It would require cutting into the aspen
stand. The lot could be landscaped with appropriate trees or shrubs.
The picnic area and restrooms are not visible from this location, but it

would be near all of the Visitor Center alternatives discussed in
Section E except Alternative 4.

While the location of parking is related to the Visitor Center location,
it is important that this issue be addressed as soon as possible
because adequate, safe bus parking is needed now. The State can hire an
architect to do the Visitor Center and related site analysis and design
including parking and then put out to bid the parking improvements.
There are two Visitor Center locations in the main entrance a-rea which
could conflict with the parking alternatives and those alternatives
appear to be the least desirable.

This plan also recommends that the main parking lot be paved and lined
because it is easier to maintain. The lot should be slightly expanded
on the west side near the entrance to reflect the de facto parking.
Adding wood guard rails and landscaping the entrance to the parking lot
will eliminate many of the problems.

Parking Capacity. There is no need to establish a parking capacity
based on cars alone. Cars are not the problem. They hold an average of
three people. The success of the marine program has created a need to
address bus parking. As more teachers have been trained, more
classrooms use the park without using the Visitor Center thus increasing
the need for adequate, safe bus parking.

This Management Plan suggests that the bus parking be linked to the use
of the new Visitor Center and be lirrdted to 20 busses with a reservation
systern established as the park moves into a year-round operation. Each
of the twenty busses then has the opportunity to use the Visitor Center.
It is assumed only four groups will be in the active interpretation/
education area and the remainder will be for the audio presentation and
passive interpretation area. Staff are needed to implement the
reservation system and to direct the parking. A sample reservation
system sheet is in Appendix B. Excess busses could go to the North Park
Entrance. If there are no busses, cars can park in the bus space.

If the land carrying capacity indicates the park has too many visitors,
then the busses and education program should be limited to the desired
number. This Management Plan suggests a decrease in bus parking
capacity from its current level because a year-round park can spread out
the interpretive/ educational programs over a longer time period which
will have less of an adverse impact on the park's natural resources than
a concentrated seasonal approach.

The year-round park should have a parking capacity based on the
parking for 20 busses and up to 75 cars in the main parking lot(s) plus
60 cars in the north parking lot. On the following page is a chart which
shows the linkage of park visitors with parking capacity. In Option 1
with busses, the main parking lot car capacity is 49 and in Options 2, 3
and 4 is 75. In Option 1 without busses, the car capacity is 75 and in
Options 2, 3 and 4 is 95. Another 60 cars can park in the north parking
lot. Based on these figures, park capacity is calculated as follows:

PARK CAPACITY BASED ON PARKING

Main Park Entrance North Park Entrance Total

Busses Cars Cars Only Cars Only Cars - Busses
Only & Cars

Option 1
Vehicles 20 49 75 60 135 - 129
People 1400 147 225 180 405 - 1727

Options 2,
3, and 4
Vehicles 20 75 95 60 155 - 155
People 1400 225 285 180 465 - 1805

If cars only parked in the area designated for busses, the visitor
capacity would be about one quarter of the capacity that can occur when
busses use the park. In option one, there would be fewer total vehicles
when the busses use the parking lot, but there could be over four tinnes
as many people. In options 2, 3, and 4, there would be the sam number
of vehicles since it assumed that the lined bus parking lot could only
handle the saim number of cars. Again the visitor capacity about
quadruples when bus parking occurs in place of car parking. It should
also be noted that if excess busses park in the north parking lot, then
the bus capacity figures could easily double and the car figures would
decrease. Hence the determination of the land carrying capacity could
dramtically affect the number of busses allowed at one tixne at Odiorne
Point State Park since it is the busses, not the cars, that allow a
large number of park visitors.

Picnic Area - Group Use. Adult or mixed age groups are two of the
types of visitors attracted to the park. For planning reasons, such
groups presently reserve the group use area and the meting area in the
Visitor Center and would probably reserve a shelter if one were
available for group use. A reservation basis requires staff time, but
it assists the park management in planning and supervision.

In the long term, a shelter should be considered in the group use area
either on the northwest side or outside of the designated area. The-
northwest location has the least impact visually on the current group
use area. The shelter should be open such as the shelters at Stratham
Hill Park or Fort Foster and contain a grill suitable for group use.
While some people suggest that a park such as Odiorne does not need to
provide an amenity such as a shelter, others suggest that user groups
which come because of the location and group use area, also should have
their needs addressed. A shelter serves both as sun and rain
protection. Some people can enjoy the park and group experience but
cannot sit in the sun. This plan suggests that only a group use shelter
is desirable, not individual shelters such as at Four Tree Island.

School groups generally have children bring their awn lunches, do not
need the grill, and can use the busses for shelter in inclerwnt weather.

Picnic Areas - Other. The picnic area in the southern section should
meet the visitor's needs. In the northern area, a few picnic tables can
be added near the North Park Entrance, Frost Point and Battery Seaman
under the gun mounts and possibly on top with trash receptacles nearby.
The placement of picnic tables should be near the interior park trail to
increase supervision and litter maintenance and decrease vandalism
opportunities.

Playground. This plan recommends the construction of a new playground
slightly to the north of the existing playground. It should be set back
further from the loop trail. The entrance to the playground could be in
cement with aninal prints cast in the cement trail. The playground
should be primarily made of wood. The playground should compliment not
dominate the site. This plan suggests that an appropriate simple, low,
wood theme play structure be built perhaps symbolizing the earlier use
in the park such as a fishing boat, fish flake racks, and/or a stylized
wood frame salt box house. Short wood posts can be placed to delineate
a sand box in the shape of a whale. Another alternative is purchasing
appropriate play structures. The present playground should then be
dismantled and reseeded with loam.

Fencing. Fencing should be used to define and unify the park. The
cyclon-e fencing along Route 1A gives the appearance of a milita-ry
institution, not a park. The approximately 2,000 linear feet of cyclone
fencing should be replaced with a low wood guard rail fence which
matches the fence near the Main Park Entrance. While this may appear to
be a frivolous item, it is not. The park is defined by its fencing and
entrance(s). The mixture of fencing at Odiorne reflects a lack of park
definition and ownership. It gives a negative impression of the park.

A much smaller project is to replace the high cyclone fencing by the
fresh water pond with a lower, wre attractive fence which does not
obscure the view from the bike trail.

Fencing of the wood guard rail variety can also be used to define the
entrance to trails. It has been used at the entrance to the park
perimeter trail north of Battery 204. It has been used to define but
partially block the two entrances to the southernmost trail. The wood
guard rail on the northern side of the Main Park Entrance road has a
cutback in one location to encourage pedestrian access, but there is no
indication then where the interior park trail begins. Trail entrance
fencing should be used at points where the trail is unclear, e.g.
between the Visitor Center and restrooms, at the entrance to the
interior trail, at the intersection of the park perimeter and interior
trails, at the Frost Point intersection, and perhaps at the desired
sandy beach access point.

Signage. Signs serve a number of purposes: welcome, orientation,
regulations, identification and education. Their uniformity of design

and materials helps interpret the park. Limited examples of all types
of signs are now at the park, but the placement of some is counter
productive and the design, materials and wording are diverse. On the
other hand, others are well placed. Additional signage is needed.

Concern has been expressed that vandals damage signs, such as markers
for interpretive trails. While it is possible to write a self guided
interpretive trail brochure without markers, signage can and should be
part of the park's interpretive experience. Therefore, a number of
specific signs and/or locations are suggested in this plan.

The Odiorne Point historical marker should be moved from its obscure
location near Seavey Creek behind the fence to a site near the middle of
the park. It should be placed so that cars can pull over and read it.
An alternative location is the south boundaxy parking lot. While
Odiorne Point appears to be a generic name for the entire area, the
current placement is misleading. It is believed by historians that the
first European settlers' "great house" was on the Ralph Brown property
or within the park opposite his property.

Also at the southern boundary and, more importantly, within the park,
there should be an interpretive sign for the drowned forest. If the
National Natural Landmark becomes a reality, an appropriate sign would
have to be added.

Area view signs (see earlier discussion) should be placed on top of
Battery Seaman and Battery 204, the two best viewing locations in the
park. In the ground signs are suggested because they do not obscure the
view and are more difficult to vandalize. The two signs will not be
identical because the views are not. Therefore, each sign has to be
custom designed and placed.

An information kiosk would be a welcome addition at the main park
entrance, and possibly the North Park Entrance as well. The kiosk
should be designed by a professional in keeping with the Visitor Center
and site plan and could contain information such as: the park location
map, tide tables, park activities announcements (field trips, meetings,
space reservations), and an invitation panel ("come on") regarding the
Visitor Center. This is particularly important if the Visitor Center
remains distant from the parking lot.

Signage within the two batteries should explain the military
significance of the buildings and support buildings. The signs at
Battery Seaman should be placed high on the gun mount walls.

In general, the natural resources can be best interpreted by brochures.
The fresh water marsh could be interpreted by a sign under one gun mount
at Battery Seamn or along the rocky shore neax the marsh and connecting
trail. Because this area is open and may be less likely to be
vandalized, it might be a suitable location to field test this type of
interpretation. For the most part, signs placed in obscure locations
tend to get vandalized and hence they are not recommended.

Trails. This 1@lan suggests the addition of only a few trails. In
general, the trail system is adequate, but always needs ongoing
maintenance. In the nofthern section, the connecting trail from the
park interior trail on Frcst Point Road and the park perimeter trail
near the fireplace by the sandy beach needs maintenance. Also the beach
trail or access point near Frost Point needs definition to encourage
park access in one locaton.

The middle section of the park also may need slight trail iniproven,-nt in
the area between the park interior trail and the bike trail. The small
trail by the foundations is not likely to be a high use trail, but i-@
could provide another interpretive experience at the site and also
provide the opportunity to view the fresh water pond as does the small
trail through the open field. This plan does not reconraend cutting a
new or wider trail to view other areas of the pond.

In the south, the plan reconr@ends the addition of an interpretive loop
to the southern trail. The thicket and ledge areas contain a variety of
species suitable for interpretation. The current trail for most
visitors goes nowhere. A loop trail could have appropriate small
interpretive signage similar to that in the Heritage Garden.

E. VISITOR CENTER &M SUPPORT FACILITIES

The desired end result is a Visitor Center and park facilities which
encourage an appreciation of the park's resources in keeping with the
mission statement of the park. At the present time there are two park
facilities in operation: the Russell B. Tobey Visitor Center located in
the Sugden House and a separate restroom facility located in the picnic
area. Mere is no maintenance or caretaker facility. The two buildings
are open and operated on a seasonal basis. Immediate building
improvements for the Sugden House were discussed earlier. There a-re,
however, several Visitor Center concernswtiich should be addressed in
the tm)ediate future.

Lmjeediate (Year 1)

Russell B. Tobey Visitor Center. The primary capital need identified in
this Management Plan is an adequate Visitor Center. This plan assumes
that regardless of the ultimte location of the Russell B. Tobey Visitor
Center, the Sugden House and Battery 204 will remain and be interpreted
in keeping with their historic period. The Sugden House was built as a
seasonal residence. It does not contain sufficient square footage, has
space flow inadequacies, and necessitates the program adapting to the
space. There are similar concerns with Battery 204 in tem's of use as a
Visitor Center.

The three sponsors in the imediate future should develop and sign a
management agreement for Odiorne Point State Park which describes their
working relationship and commitments to funding and staff over a mininn
period of five years.

The fifth year and years thereafter should reflect the operation of a
year-round park and Visitor Center. The role of the Friends of Odiorne
Point, Inc. should also be delineated in a written agreement.

This management plan assumes that there will remain a need for a year-
round Visitor Center with both passive and active interpretive exhibits
and program, sponsored by the three agencies. Each agency brings
resources to the park: park resource and recreation management and
protection, University education, marine and Sea Grant resources, and
community and conservation resources. While the needs of the park
indicate the ideal program direction and Visitor Center needs, it is
important to the park's long range operation that the three sponsors
continue to have a conTnitment to the park. If that sponsor corrmitment
is lacking, and there are no other potential sponsors willing to fill
the void, then the space needs and design of a Visitor Center should be
altered. The State could then opt to have a smaller year-round Visitor
Center, such as those found in many State and national parks, with no
active interpretation areas. If the State of New Hampshire is going to
provide a suitable facility for use by all sponsors, then the sponsors
should provide the coamitment to contribute to its operation.

Consistent with the sponsors' management agreement, the State should
allocate money in its next budget to hire an architect to design an
appropriate Visitor Center based on space needs and location
alternatives, and integrate bus parking alternatives and other physical
site needs described in this Management Plan. The specific Visitor
Center space needs and location alternatives are described in the long
range needs section following.

Long Range (Years 2-5)

Russell B. Tobey Visitor Center. A visitor center is a multi-purpose,
public use building whose general functions are to meet the visitors'
needs, increase their awareness of the park, and impart an expanded
awareness of the area. Adequate support administrative space is also
very important in a Visitor Center.

Use Needs. Prior to analyzing the existing Visitor Center, the specific
needs for a Visitor Center at Odiorne Point State Park were identified.

Visitor Center Use Needs

- Lobby/Entrance Area
- Restrooms/public telephone/water fountain
- Audio-visual room for rear-projected, continuous slide program
- Meeting room to hold 70 with small kitchen
- Room(s) for passive interpretive displays
- Room(s) for active interpretation
- Small children's area
- Room(s) for educational program
- Library/reference room

- Storage room(s)/coat closet
- Dark room/workrooms/running sea water system area
- Staff office(s)/volunteers' workroom
- Conference room
- First Aid roan/lounge

Some of these needs may be grouped in one space with combined uses.
Some are public spaces while support spares are private. They can be
combined into general areas as follows: lobby/reception/passive
interpretation, restrooms, assembly/auditorium, active
interpretation/education, and administration.

Space Flow. The location of these areas within the Visitor Center is
important because the resulting traffic pattern affects staff needs and
the visitor experience. In general, public spaces should be separate
from private work spaces. The public entry axea should have adjacent
restrooms which are often the visitor's first priority. The
audio-visual area should be near the entrance area and be easily
supervised. Separate types of activities should be in separate areas.
-The visitors and staff should not have to cross and interrupt all the
different use axeas in order to reach their destinations. However, the
different use areas should be easily accessible to the staff and
visitors.

The space flow diagram of the present Visitor Center is below.

Admin.

Interpret. Upstairs
Assembly

Assembl

Lobby

PRESENT VISITOR CENTER SPACE F101V DIAGRM.1

The present Visitor Center has the following circulation problem the
restrooms are distant fran the entrance, the interpretive U-shaped lobby
has multiple interior access doors, all traffic to the interior mus t go
through the audio-visual roan and then the active interpretation room,
thus disrupting the program(s), and the staff office is in the garage
along with sundry storage and work materials. The small staff
reservation area in the hall has innediate visitor access and the
upstairs meeting roan is not barrier free and has a low ceiling.

As part of this Management Plan, four other space flow alternatives were
considered. The relative size of the space in term of Visitor Center
needs was also considered. Based on the desired uses and relationships
at Odiorne Point State Park, this Management Plan recamn-nds the Visitor
Center reflected in the space flow diagram shown below:

Education
Active Interpretatio

Administration

Lobby/
Infonmtion/
Passive Auditori
Interpretati

Main Entrance

Visitors

Staff

REMDAENDED VISITOR CENTER SPACE FLOW DIAGIWI

Square Footage Needs. This Management Plan suggests the following
square footage by area based on the Visitor Center holding the capacity
of one elementary school bus of 70 children in the reception,
auditorium, and education/active interpretation areas at the same time.

Square Footage
Area Total

Reception/Information/Passive Interpretation 2,000
Lobby 70 x 9 sq.ft./person 600
Exhibit 70 x 14 sq.ft./person 1,000
Circulation 400

Auditorium - 70 Seat 1,000
Auditorium 70 x 10 sq. ft./person 700
Kitchen 100
Circulation 200

Restrooms 500
Men 200
Women 200
Circulation 100

Education/Active Interpretation 2,500
Public Use Space 70 x 20 sq. ft./person 1,400
Workroom 600
Circulation 500

Administration 2,000
Staff Offices 550
Conference Room 150
Research/Library 150
First Aid/Lounge 200
Storage Areas 550
Circulation 400

TOTAL USE 6,400
TOTAL CIRCULATION 1,600

GRAND TOTAL 8,000 8,000

An 8,000 square foot building should be considered the minimum desired
square footage needed to accommodate passive and active interpretive
needs. Circulation criteria suggest that 25 percent of the building
space be so allocated. If there was no active interpretive area, then
the reception/lobby/passive interpretation/education area should be
increased to 3,000 square feet and the Visitor Center would have a total
of 6,500 square feet.

There are 4,373 square feet in the current Visitor Center including the
porch, garage and upstairs. The current use corrpares with the proposed
needs as follows.
79

VISITOR CENTER: CURRENT AND PROPOSED USE AREAS

Use Proposed Current Percent of
Sq.Ft. Sq. Ft. Proposed

Reception/Passive Interpretation 2,000 807 40.4

Auditorium/Asserrbly 1)000 1,557 155.7

Restrooms 500 160 32.0

Education/Active Interpretation 2,500 968 38.-Z,

Administration 2,000 879 44.0

TOTAL 8,000 4,373 54.7

This square footage analysis is slightly misleading because it includes
the square footage of the U shaped porch, the audio room with a sizeable
stone fireplace and five doors, a reservation area in the hall, storage
and workrooms in the garage, and an upstairs which does not have
sufficient height to allow adults to stand along the room's perimeter.

There is another structure within the main entrance area which has been
mentioned as a possible Visitor Center. Battery 204 has 3,671 square
feet. There are 19 room in the battery; only one has sufficient square
footage (759) to met public needs in a Visitor Center. Unfortunately
this room's location in the middle of the battery does not facilitate
interior public traffic flow. It is not considered feasible to enla-rge
the small rooms by removal of interior walls given the type of military
construction. It, too, does not meet Visitor Center needs.

The only structure within Odiorne Point State Park which presently
contains sufficient square footage for a Visitor Center is Battery
Seaman on Frost Point Road. The structure has about 19,000 square feet
of space, 7,900 of which is the corridor which connects the two gLm
mounts. The 1971 Master Plan includes a design for a Visitor Center in
Battery Seaman. There are 20 rooms plus the 500 foot long corridor,
many of which have sufficient size to allow appropriate Visitor Center
activities. Re-use alternatives are further described in the 1983 Fort
Dearborn study.

Both the present Visitor Center and Battery 204 would require sizeable
additions and all three would require extensive renovation and
winterization in order to meet year-round Visitor Center needs. The
State should consider the long term maintenance and staff costs in the
design of the building. This plan suggests that an energy efficient
building with low maintenance cost designed around a minimum operating
staff level may cost the State more to build and/or renovate, but less
to operate. Also, it is important that the Visitor Center have a good

security system and that there be adequate lighting from the building to
the parking area. The long range concern here is maintaining an
adequate operating budget and the Visitor Center should be designed with
that criterion in mind.

Cost Estimate. It is estimated that an 8,000 square foot building will
cost between $520,000-$600,000 based on a square foot cost ranging
between $65 and $75. (See Repair and Remodeling Cost Data, 1985, R.D.
Means Company.) The incorporation of an existing structure should
lessen the cost, but not substantially since each structure has large
areas which should be discounted in terms of meeting the space needs of
the Visitor Center. In other words, the use of two of the existing
structures would require an addition which together exceeds the total
amount of desired square footage, and the third structure already
exceeds the needed space. The cost of the Visitor Center should be
bonded in the next capital budget. Thus the year-round Visitor Center
should be in operation in year 5, and could be earlier.

Location. Another concern reviewed during the development of this
Management Plan was the desired location of a Visitor Center. There are
two possible locations: in the northern area off of Frost Point Road or
in the Main Park Entrance area. In either area existing structures
could be used or new structures could be built.

North A. Battery Seaman. The battery could be opened and used as
the Visitor Center. If the battery became the Visitor Center, the park
orientation would change resulting in an increased park presence and use
and less vandalism in the northern part of the park, particularly at
Battery Sean-an. Opening the battery would allow the interpretation of
the largest structure at Odiorne Point State Park. There would also be
an increase in use of the sandy beach and the increased feasibility of a
boat launch in the Frost Point area, which, depending on one's
perspective, would be an advantage or disadvantage. -If Battery Seaman
were the Visitor Center, there would be an increase in both vehicular
and pedestrian use in the area, a parking lot near the Visitor Center
and probably a paved Frost Point Road.

There are a number of disadvantages because a northern Visitor Center
results in a separation of activities within the park. There are
pedestrian circulation problem between the south and north entrances
due to the increased use of Frost Point Road. Other problems include:
the disturbance of wildlife habitat; increased pressure on natural
resources in the middle and northern paxt of the park; separation of the
picnic area from the Visitor Center or relocation of the picnic area to
the Frost Point area; separation of the main intertidal interpretive
area from the Visitor Center; three entrances to the park or a closure
of one or two others; security and supervision problems of two
structures (Battery Seaman and the Sugden House) in very different
locations which would increase staff needs; design of the Visitor Center
program and use based on the structure versus design of the structure

based on the program and needs; the long, expensive distance for the sea
water system; and most probably higher operating costs.

North B. New Building. Another alternative is building an appropriate
Visitor Center on Frost Point Road near Route IA. While a nunter of the
same concerns apply as with Battery Seaman, the location closer to Route
1A and the smaller size would have less of an adverse impact on the
site. Either the Plotting Room or Battery Sean-an could be opened for
interpretation, if there was adequate staff for supervision. However,
the other concerns regarding the Sugden House and relationship with the
primaxy use area remain. Furthermre, this location would particulaxly
be difficult and expensive to have a sea water system.

Because these two alternatives in the northern end of the park result in
such a major shift in orientation in the park, they are not deemd
appropriate as the site of a Visitor Center. Therefore, most of the
attention is then placed on the southern area. The map on the following
page shows four possible placements of an addition to either the Sugden
House or Battery 204 and four sites for a new Visitor Center. The four
locations for an addition are as follows: A) on the south side of the
Sugden House near the garage; B) on the north side of the Sugden House
near the garage; C) on the north side of Battery 204 near Sugden road.;
and D) on the east side of Battery 204 near the Sugden House. The four
possible new sites are as follows: 1) near Route 1A by the Main Park
Entrance; 2) across from Battery 204 on the north side of the Sugden
road; 3) across from Battery 204 on the south side; and 4) on the south
side between the restroom facility and the parking lot. There are
advantages and disadvantages to each location.

Sugden House. The Sudgen House serves as the current Visitor Center.
Its building needs were discussed earlier as were its existing square
footage, use and space flow. The Sugden House is a good location for a
Visitor Center because it is near the Main Park Entrance, the ocean and
primary activity and use area of the park. Also, it is near the picnic
area, restroom facility and paved loop trail which address handicapped
needs. There are two possible locations for an addition to the Sugden
House which would give the Visitor Center adequate space.

Addition A. Sugden House. The first location for a Sugden House
addition is to the front and west of the building. The garage, which is
of wre recent vintage, may or may not be kept as a part of this design.
The building itself would remain largely intact with an addition
connecting it. It is possible for the new building to contain the
reception/passive interpretation, assembly, and administrative areas and
the existing building contain the active interpretation/education areas.

The advantages of this addition are that it would increase the
visibility of the Visitor Center from the parking lot although the
distance would remain and it would continue to use the only remaining
seasonal house at the park. Furthermore, the space flow and useage of
the existing building would improve with the addition. A sea water
system to this building should be the least costly because it is closest

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to the ocean. The addition would capture the southern exposure, thus
encouraging an energy efficient design. The disadvantages of this
addition are that, depending on the actual design, it could block the
initial view of the Sugden House from the parking lot. The historic
character of the interior of the Sugden House would be altered when
winterized. The upstairs of the existing building would still not be
appropriate for public use, unless the roof were raised which would
additionally alter the historic character of the house.

Addition B. Sugden House. The second location for a Sugden House
addition is to the rear and west of the building. It may be possible to
reorient the use of the Visitor Center with the entrance via the garage
area, bathroom in the small exhibit space, the audio-visual room in the
main interpretive room, a corridor added connecting the entrance via the
bathroom/meeting roan area to the porch and present audio room where
passive exhibits could occur, the exit being from the porch, and new
active interpretive/administrative space via the small office room.
This does not quite met the desired space flow pattern, but it could be
possible. This is only one possible alternative that an architect
should consider when analyzing designs for an addition.

An advantage of the second alternative addition is that it has less of a
visual impact on the existing building because the addition is to the
rear. The disadvantages of this alternative remain the continued low
visibility of the Visitor Center (due to the building location and
distance from the parking lot), the permanent and major alteration of
the historic structure, an upstairs which lacks head room and is not
barrier free, and the necessity of designing the program around the
space. It also may be a disadvantage that the use of the space may need
reorganization in order to meet Visitor Center needs. The advantages of
these two alternatives are that the Visitor Center is close to the ocean
and the sea water source, that the existing building is guaranteed to be
maintained and used, the capital costs may be lower than other
alternatives, and the operating costs my be lower due to the sea water
system costs.

Battery 204. Battery 204 is ideally situated for a Visitor Center
location because it is near the Main Park Entrance, parking lot, picnic
area, and main interpretive area. The top of the battery provides an
excellent view of the southern end of the park. However, the re-use of
the World War II structure presents the following problem : the room
configuration cannot be changed other than room be made smaller; most
of the room do not come close to being large enough to meet Visitor
Center needs; the interior is noted for being damp with ventilation
problem; there is no feasible public access to the observation tower
from the battery; an addition would be needed to meet the Visitor Center
needs; the incorporation of Battery 204 into the Visitor Center may not
be cost effective compared to other alternatives; and the interior space
may not present the environment desired for staff and storage space in a
Visitor Center.

Four addition alternatives were reviewed. However, two of the
alternatives were eliminated after preliminary review. Adding an
addition on the west side of the battery by the parking lot was
eliminated because even though it would be very visible, it would
corTletely disrupt the existing parking lot and require the addition of
a new parking lot in another location. `Ihe alternative of an addition
on top of the 6' cement slab roof of the battery was eliminated because
the World War II character of the battery would be changed, an elevator
would be needed, and the public would be limited in viewing and
interpreting the interior. Two alternatives are further addressed.

Addition C. Battery 204. If an addition was added to the north and the
interior of the battery was used, the Visitor Center would be visible
from the Main Park Entrance drive, be near the main parking lot, and
probably near bus parking. The addition could be tucked into the
backside of the battery changing the appearance at one side, but the
in*Vact on the site might be less than an addition in another location.
An addition in this location would have the advantage of being near the
main park trails as well as the Sugden House which would encourage the
use of both. Views of the ocean could be increased by selective cutting
in the area known as the moor.

The addition might allow the interior interpretation of a military
battery depending on the Visitor Center use allocated to the existing
battery. The disadvantages of an addition in this location are the road
to the Sugden House would need to be changed, the northern site
orientation is not conducive to energy efficiency, the southern view is
blocked by the battery, the other interior use concerns would remain,
and the sea water system could be costly to install although the
underwater-like environment may be particularly appropriate for an
aquariu-n type of exhibit.

Addition-D. Battery 204. If the addition was between Battery 204 and
the Sugden House, it would be less visible from the main parking lot and
entrance drive. The site was disturbed previously and is relatively
open for an addition. The Sugden road might need slight alteration, the
southern view and greater energy efficiency would be captured, but the
interior use problen-s would remain. Ihis location for an addition is
slightly closer to the ocean for the sea water system than Addition C.

When the State hires an architect to design a new Visitor Center, the
alternative additions and uses described above and elsewhere in this
report should be evaluated as part of the design process. The following
four locations are suggested for consideration as possible sites for a
new Visitor Center.

New Location 1. This site has the advantage of being visible from Route
1A and is closer to the expanded park's center and the park interior
trail. The site was previously disturbed with military structures and
now primarily is an open field. The location would tend to increase
usage of the Visitor Center and reorient usage of the park. The
disadvantages of the site are that it lacks views of the ocean, it is

distant from other widely used park facilities like the picnic area,
restroom facility, playground, Sugden House and rocky shore, it would
require relocating parking close to the Visitor Center, and it is the
most distant of any of the Main Park Entrance alternatives from the sea
water source. Its distance from the Sugden House and Battery 204 would
increase the supervision needs of both structures which would remain and
could be interpreted.

New Location 2. This site adjacent to Battery 204 on the north has the
advantage of being highly visible from the Main Park Entrance road and
possibly from Route 1A. It is near both Battery 204 and the Sugden
House which would facilitate the passive interpretive use of both
structures. It is near the head of both of the two main trails. Views
of the ocean might be possible if the moor area is selectively cleared.
Bus parking could be added in the general area. The disadvantages axe
that it is more distant from the picnic area and playground, it has very
limited exposure and views to the south due to the battery, the Sugden
road may need to be altered, and the site may create circulation
problem.

New Location 3. This site adjacent to Battery 204 on the south has the
advantage of good visibility frcrn the Main Park Entrance'road and
existing parking lot. It has good views of the southern part of the
park with a southern exposure and protection from the north. Its
location also facilitates the interpretation of Battery, 204 and the
Sugden House, although it would block the already lin-lited view of the
historic building from the parking lot. The site is close to the picnic
area, restroom facility, and playground, and fairly close to the park
perimeter trail entrance. The disadvantages of the site are that it is
not visible from Route 1A, it is not very close to the entrance of the
main interior trail, and it may have an adverse impact on the native
shrub com=ity in the ledges adjacent to the site. Also, it would
require the relocation of the paved trail to the Sugden House, and the
sea water system might be more costly to install due to the increased
distance from the ocean.

New Location 4. This site at the southern end of the parking lot has
excellent visiblity from the Main Park Entrance drive into the parking
lot. It is close to the parking lot, picnic area, playground, and
restroorn facility, rocky shore and drowned forest. The disadvantages
are in some ways the same as the advantages. The site's problem is that
it crowds an area of the park which already receives considerable use.
Perhaps it would be possible to incorporate the existing restroom
facility into the new Visitor Center and add a restroom facility, for
example, in the garage of the Sugden House, which would be used
seasonally. This fourth location also has the disadvantage that it is
farthest from the main trail system, it blocks the playground area from
the group use area, and the site itself has drainage problems which
would have to be addressed.

The question is, "Which alternative is best in the long range?" This
Management Plan spells out the needs and the alternatives. The answer
to the question should be prepared by an architect working with
representatives of the three sponsors. The State of New Hampshire has
the responsibility of funding the building, but as long as the
responsibility for operating the park is shared, then this plan suggests
that all three sponsors have input into this important decision.

Restroom Facility. The restroom facility itself meets seasonal park
needs and its location is good in terms of the picnic area and
playground. The year-round Visitor Center would have a restroom which
meets year-round needs. The only problem with the restroorn facility is
that its siting is too prominent in terms of the Main Park Entrance
drive and parking lot. This Management Plan has already discussed the
long range need to landscape the northern side of the restroom facility
in order to blend it into the site. If new Visitor Center location 4
discussed above is implemented, then the restroom facility should be
re-evaluated in terms of use and location. If location 4 is not
selected, the landscaping of the restroom facility should occur in year
2 or year 3.

Maintenance Facility. It is not part of this Management Plan to
evaluate the maintenance facility needs of all the seacoast parks. The
maintenance equipment for all parks is presently housed in the garage at
the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion in Portsmouth. The consultants have
heard the desire expressed to move it to a more central location such as
Odiorne Point State Park, perhaps in the Frost Point Road area near
Route 1A. Neither the Plotting Room nor the Battery Seaman are
appropriate to use as a maintenance center due to the structures'
design and location and to maintenance center needs. If DRED decides to
relocate its park maintenance facility, any location within the heavily
traveled part of Odiorne Point State Park or bisecting the natural area
would have an adverse impact on the park because of traffic and the type
of work involved. This Management Plan suggests that it is preferable
to locate the seacoast park maintenance facility outside the min part
of Odiorne Point State Park.

There is a need, however, to consider the temporary storage at the park
of some outdoor maintenance equipment such as nowers. The problem is
that the park mowers are moved from location to location. When they are
at Odiorne Point State Park, they stay several days and need a place to
be stored overnight. There also may be a need to store site specific
equipment at the park such as one vehicle for maintenance, security and
emergency use, and garden equipment like rakes, clippers, and chain saw.
These outdoor equipment needs should be included in the Visitor Center.
Indoor maintenance needs such as storage or work rooms should also be
within the Visitor Center. This Management Plan does not believe there
is a need for a separate facility to address these needs, especially
since a small section of Battery 204 could be used to meet the outdoor
needs if there is not adequate storage rocrn in the Visitor Center.

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Park Manager Residence. With a year-round park in operation, it my be
expedient for the State to have a park manager residence at the site to
increase the park presence and add security. This residence could be
assigned to another staff person such as the caretaker. For the safety
of the caretaker, that residence would also have to be carefully sited.
Basically there are two options if a park manager residence is desired:
1) locate it near the Visitor Center or 2) locate it near Frost Point
Road and Route 1A.

Location 1. The Sugden House has been used as a caretaker residence in
the past. It would be feasible to have an apartment on the second floor
of the building (1,257 square feet) for use by the caretaker. This
approach is similar to that used by the Society for the Protection of
New Hampshire Forests in its Conservation Center in Concord and the
Urban Forestry Center in Portsmouth, both of which have on-site
caretakers living near their visitor centers. Another alternative in
this area is a separate building which would have some privacy and
separation from the Visitor Center and possibly be located closer to
Route 1A.

Location 2. Currently, the northern part of the park has less park
supervision and use. While there are concerns over vandalism and safety
in the area, others are concerned about increasing visitors in the area.
The park manager residence should be sited in this area close to Route
1A off of Frost Point Road. This allows supervision over the road and
gate. The location of the house would not have a major impact on the
site. (Archeologists should be consulted over the location since there
may be old foundations in this area which should be evaluated.) The
disadvantage of the location is that it does not allow easy supervision
over the Main Park Entrance, especially the Visitor Center, although
supervision by vehicle can occur via the interior park maintenance
trail.

Security systems. Unfortunately, Odiorne Point State Park is located in
an area which is becoming increasingly urban in character. The staff in
general desires to have two people on duty within the Visitor Center or
on-site, particularly in the northern area. Security system should be
installed at the Visitor Center, Sugden House, Battery 204 and Battery
Sean-an's gun mounts and be connected to a security system at the park
manager's residence. Park staff should have walkie talkies. Permitting
the walking of dogs on leashes in the off season should be considered
from the north parking lot.

F. STAFF

This Management Plan was developed under the assurrption that the park
would be operated on a year-round basis with the participation of the
three sponsoring agencies: the State of New Hampshire Division of Parks
(DRED), the Audubon Society of New Hampshire (ASNH), and the University
of New Hampshire (UNH) Sea Grant Extension Program (formerly called
Advisory Program). The State would continue to have operation and

maintenance responsibility since it owns the site. It also, in the long
range, would share in program responsibility. It was further assumed
that program participation from UNH and the Audubon Society of New
Hampshire would continue. It was assumed the type of program at the
pa.rk and the maintenance and operation needs would continue and be
expanded. The management agreement between the three sponsors should
address those assumptions.

Throughout this plan there are recommendations for immediate action.
For the most part, they have been predicated on the existing level of
staff. In the Existing Conditions section of the report, the staff was
described for 1985. Staff include both those who work at the park and
those who do park related work but are based elsewhere. That staff
totaled approximately 19 part-time people, 12 of whom were funded by
DRED, four by UNH, two by ASNH and one by multiple sources. There were
no employees allocated full time to Odiorne Point State Park. 'Ihe
University's employees had the largest time allocation. There were also
about 40 volunteers, about half of whom were UNH marine docents.

Immediate (Year 1)

This Management Plan assumes that in the immediate future the park will
remain operational on a seasonal basis. One concern which should be
addressed in the immediate future is staff training for all park
personnel. All park employees are important to the visitor and need to
be informed about the park, its history, and where signficiant features
are located. The first impression the visitor receives is from the
gatekeeper who collects the toll. Since the gatekeepers also serve as
park patrol, it is important that they, along with the Visitor Center
staff and volunteers, be well informed as to these basic points in good
public information and relations. An operations manual may be desired
to assist in employee communications and park operation.

The second immediate need is to increase the park staff or the hours of
existing staff. The three sponsoring agencies have increased their
level of staff for 1986. Changes over the existing paid staff described
earlier are indicated here.

Gatekeepers. With the development of the North Park Entrance including
the addition of a toll booth, two gatekeepers need to be added. They
may be seasonal or year-round employees depending on whether the North
Park Entrance is open year-round. The addition of the gatekeepers who
will work overlapping hours, will be to increase the park presence in
the northern end of the park since gatekeepers also patrol the trails,
pick up litter, and answer visitor questions.

ASNH Naturalist. 'Ihis is a new part-time program position designed to
give.both professional assistance in program development and supervision
of the ASNH suffrker naturalist at Odiorne Point State Park. This
position increases and lengthens the commitment of the Audubon Society
to the park. The position is based at the park on a scheduled basis.

UNH Visitor Center Program Assistant. This new program position, funded
by Sea Grant, is designed to increase marine science program assistance
to the marine education specia"list who serves as the Visitor Center
director. The position mans another paid person assists the director
in the spring at the Visitor Center by leading programs to augrmnt the
efforts of the volunteers and student interns who serve as staff.

Mowing Crew. The mowing crew should increase their time spent at
Odiorne Point State Park in keeping with the mowing schedule established
earlier. At the beginning of the season, the mowing crew should met
with the Seascoast Park Manager to review the plan and walk areas of
specific concern.

Paxk Patrol. The supplemental park patrol should continue as needed to
insure that the park is adequately patrolled. While the gatekeepers
will also serve a patrol function, the park patrol is particularly
needed at dusk and possibly in the early morning.

The following three groups also provide volunteer assistance at the park
in maintenance, program, and financial support. Changes from the
existing volunteer groups are described here.

Driftwood Garden Club. The Club nay want to consider also maintaining
the Foye-Whitcorrb field which is near the Heritage Garden.

Seacoast Chapter of the Audubon Society of New Hampshire. The Seacoast
Chapter is one of the ongoing users of the site for field trips and
meetings. It should be encouraged to continue to support the park by
providing financial and program contributions.

Friends of Odiorne Point, Inc. The Friends were recently
re-established and can be a positive volunteer group to assist the park
and the Visitor Center in addressing park needs. The Friends need to
develop and sign a Management Agreement with the State in regard to
their purpose and responsibilities. All of the sponsors should be
info=,ed as to their purpose and program. When a group establishes
itself to assist a park or historic site in raising monies the owner
could otherwise not raise, the owner still must retain responsibility
for the decisions made regarding fund-raising and expenditures of funds
to insure that they meet the needs of, and are in keeping with, the
park. The purpose of fund-raising and allocation of monies by priority
should be decided by all parties prior to the group raising monies.
Thus, all parties will support the effort and be pleased with the
result.

Long Range (Years 2-5)

In the long range at the time that the Visitor Center and park are
operational year-round, the needed level of park personnel is a minimLn
of 12 full time and 10 part-time personnel, some of whom are seasonal
employees (sumieer). It is possible to have a smaller full time
component of eight with 14 seasonal employees initially and only operate
90

the North Park Entrance seasonally. New or revised park employee
positions are discussed as follows.

Seacoast Park Manager. The Seacoast Park Manager should have a park
planning, management and supervisory role at Odiorne Point State Park.
In the long range, this position should have less time allocated to the
park, about ten percent, but it should be at a higher level of decision
making and management.

Odiorne Park Manager. This is a reconnended new position which would be
full time, year-round. The Odiorne Paxk Manager should supervise and
direct all park staff, manage the site including the Visitor Center,
manage and implement the Management Plan under the supervision of the
Seacoast Park Manager, and serve as a liaison with park volunteer
groups. The Odiorne Park Manager has the ultimate responsibility for
managing and operating the park and its program. The Odiorne Park
Manager should have experience in park management, program development,
budgeting, and community relations. The position should be funded by
the State.

Odiorne Park Program Director. The program director should be a full
time, year-round position. The program director plans on-site and
outreach program, develops and directs the interpretation and education
programs and exhibits in the Visitor Center, trains the interpretive and
volunteer program staff, and coordinates the overall program with the
Odiorne Park Manager. The program director should have experience in
park interpretation and education, particularly in marine education and
natural science, since they are the dominant programs at the site. The
position should be funded by UNH given current patterns, but could be
funded by another sponsor.

Park Personnel. Six full time positions may need to be funded by the
State on a year-round basis. The six personnel cover the two park
entrances and the Visitor Center reception/passive interpretation area,
with two allocated per area. In addition to public relations and
information responsibilities, these personnel have park patrol and
litter pickup responsibilities. It my not be cost effective to collect
admissions frorn late fall to mid spring. If the North Park Entrance is
only seasonal, then four positions should be year-round and two could be
seasonal.

Naturalist. This is one of two full time year-round staff program
positions. If the naturalist is funded by the Audubon Society of New
Hampshire in keeping with its past and current involvement at the park,
it would give a year-round presence to the Audubon Society on the
seacoast. The naturalist would work on passive interpretive exhibits
and in the active interpretation/education program.

Historian/Archeologist. This is a new full time, year-round program
position which should be funded by the State. This is the one program
area where there has not been professional staff to develop programs.
The historian/archeologist should cover prehistory, settlement history

and military history interpretation. The position should work on both
passive interpretive exhibits and active interpretation/education.
Outreach to other seacoast parks would be possible.

Seasonal Naturalists. The two positions should be funded by UNH and the
Tu-dubon Society of New Hampshire for the sunrfer.

Secretary. The secretary should be a full time, year-round position
based at the park and be funded by UNH and DRED since much of the work
involves scheduling and assisting in program development.

Volunteer Coordinator. With a year-round park relying on numerous
volunteers, it may be necessary to have a paid person coordinate, train
and schedule all of the volunteers. The Volunteer Coordinator should
work pa-rt-time, year-round. The position could expand upon the marine
docent director's activities which are funded by Sea Grant.

G. PROGRAM

This Management Plan did not analyze the existing program or its
management. It did explain the programs presently offered at the park.
Various people interviewed offered suggestions for additions to the
program. Concern was also expressed that the program had a heavy marine
orientation at the expense of other interests in the site.

There is a logical reason for the marine and natural science progTams.
Both build on the natural resources which are unique to the site. Both
programs are sponsored and funded by individual agencies which reflect
the program's orientation. If other agencies with a particular
expertise offered to sponsor and fund a specific program at the park,
and if it was in keeping with the park's mission, no doubt the State
would consider allowing it as well.

From a management planning perspective, the program does have an impact
on the site and site planning. The active interpretation/education
program is the reason that schools and school busses come to Odiorne
Point State Park. The success of the program has increased the number
of visits to the site. The concern over park capacity is directly
related to the program. The school program draws hundreds more visitors
a day than the park does on its own. The consultants have observed that
some of the people most protective of the "fragile" envirorffrent at
Odiorne Point State Park want to limit the number of visitors and not
expand the parking lot to accamiodate busses, but also strongly support
the marine and natural science education program and the Visitor Center.

Inmdiate (Year 1)

This Management Plan reconmnds that the current program continue with
the participation of all three agencies. If other agencies make
proposals to offer prograns, or otherwise use the park, all three
sponsors should be consulted. Furthermore, a delegate from all three

agencies should meet with the architect to discuss program space needs
in the Visitor Center.

An immdiate program need is to fund an oral history research program.
It is important to tape, and possibly video-tape, interviews with former
summer residents, coastal harbor defense veterans, and seacoast
residents knowledgeable about the park. Tim is particularly important
because som of these people signficant to the park are well over 70
years of age.

Long Range (Years 2-5)

The program in the lon g range should continue to address the marine
environment, ecology, geology, natural science, prehistory, and early
settlement, farming, seasonal residences and World War II history. In
order to address year-round program needs, the staff must be increased.
Therefore, prior to the time of construction of the Visitor Center, the
Odiorne Park Manager should be hired and the program staff should shift
to a year-round basis in order to plan the interpretive program and
exhibits. The State should also add the historian/ archeologist to the
program staff so that the staff reflects the main interpretive needs of
the site.

The sponsors should also continue to hire consultants with site specific
expertise to assist in the preparation of exhibits on various features
of the site described in the "Natural Science and Historical Studies''
and other work. This can be done on an annual basis with different
exhibits prepared for different seasons or years to increase interest
in, and repeat visits to, the Visitor Center.

The existing program offered at Odiorne Point State Park can be
expanded to a year-round basis. While the shore exploration may be
curtailed in winter, there are other features which can be interpreted
throughout the year with the emphasis being the changes which occur in
the seasons. The Forest Society at its Conservation Center in Concord
has offered floodplain field trips in the fall, winter and spring, and
some schools com visit each season.

The new program at the park should not only be located within the
Visitor Center and park, but also may reach out into the seacoast
community. The introductory audio-visual program should be designed to
ask questions but not to provide all answers about the park. Slide
program about the park focusing on a particular feature can be given to
both adults' and children's groups both on and off site. Interpretive
exhibits developed for the park can also be designed to be displayed in
appropriate locations outside the park. Brochures, the updated "Natural
Science and Historical Studies" and other publications described in
Section H can continue to be distributed in a variety of locations
including area libraries.

If Battery 204 is opened, it would allow the interpretation of the
interior of a battery from World War II. Depending on whether it is

part of the Visitor Center, its interpretation may vary. Oral history
gathered from veterans, former park property owners and renters, and
other seacoast residents can be used in interpreting this battery and
the development of Fort Dearborn. Military documents, scrapbooks, and
artifacts can also be used in interpreting the defense of Portsmouth
harbor. The exhibits should be displayed in the Visitor Center, but the
battery can have its room labeled with appropriate signage. The
interpretation of Battery 204 should also include its relationship with
Battery Seaman and the other coastal fortifications.

If the Sugden House is not used as part of the Visitor Center, it may be
used on a seasonal basis for additional program. The upstairs may be
used as a caretaker's residence. The downstairs could be interpreted as
an example of a seasonal residence. The construction of the building
could be interpreted. Examples of other former seasonal homes as well
as the Sagamore House could be interpreted through exhibits, photographs
and oral history.

The historian/archeologist can direct field research at the site. A
program could be offered around a sunrer "dig," which could be tied to
UNH or Strawbery Banke's program. There are numerous foundations and
sites to investigate.

The program should focus on the unique aspects of the park and
complement, not duplicate efforts of nearby parks and museum. Other
program or interpretive suggestions include panel exhibits rotated on a
seasonal basis showing conservation principles. A soil exhibit with
profiles showing the different layers of soil and examples of the
several types at the site could be constructed. A water exhibit showing
how a fresh water marsh turns brackish, or a shorefront becomes
polluted, or the effects of water erosion could be done. The Little
Harbor estuary could be interpreted. The forested area could be
interpreted in term of forest management, wood products, renewable
resources and wildlife habitat. Tree and plant species could be
interpreted and a cross section of a tree stump could be used for
interpretive purposes. A beehive could be added near or in the Visitor
Center (with outside access) since the ledge area is a favorite bee
habitat. The aquarium could be expanded. Wildlife habitat could be
interpreted and examples of mammals, birds, and reptiles common to the
site could be illustrated. A geology wall could be constructed showing
the different types of rocks at the site. The drowned forest could be
interpreted in term of glacial changes in topography. Undersea
exploration and related equipment, changes in the fishing industry
since settlement times, and harvesting waves for energy could be
interpreted.

New technology can be used in the passive interpretation area. In
addition to well designed panels, canputers can be used to increase
visitor participation and interest. Self-activated programs can be
developed or purchased which interpret the sea as well as other features
at the site. Tape cassettes interpreting an exhibit or a walk on the
site can be developed and offered for rent. (Requiring a license
deposit for the rental usually solves possible theft temptations.)

The opportunities are unlimited provided there is adequate staff and
funding. Given an adequate operating budget, the staff can develop
these exhibits and seek funding for special exhibits or program .
However, outside funding should supplement not support the basic level
of staff and program which is the responsibility of the sponsors.

A rear-projected audio-visual slide program should be prepared prior to
the opening of the Visitor Center. It should contain an introduction to
the park citing the park's historical development and resources which
can be found through park exploration. It should be no longer than 10
minutes and need little staff participation. Ideally it should conclude
with last slide showing the view from the exit of the Visitor Center or
a view from the windows if the screen opens to the view.

H. PUBLIC INFORMATION AND REIATIONS

Public information and relations are an ongoing need at any park. This
management plan looked at three areas of importance: brochures,
advertisements, and coammications. The management plan did not
research and analyze the effect of the public information and relations.
There has been no user survey done analyzing the effect of the material
or determining users' opinions about the paxk. This management plan
makes observations based on the consultants' experience and the con7mnts
made by a number of people interviewed as part of this management plan.

Immediate (Year 1)

Brochures. There are two types of brochures used at Odiorne Point State
PKFk-*one announcing the program and the second an introductory brochure
with a trail map. The brochures have been funded with Sea Grant monies.

The immediate need is to update and republish the "Trail Map and
Historic Notes" brochure. The map should be corrected based on the map
in this Management Plan. The brochure has a "History of Odiorne Point"
which gives a nice overview of the site, but does not relate it in any
way to the trail map. The brochure is an introductory brochure to the
site, not a self guided walking tour brochure. An introductory brochure
should also give information on the park's mission, special features,
hours of operation, and any general rules which should be conveyed to
the visitor, all of which are lacking in the present brochure. This
brochure would be the only site specific brochure given to the public.
It should be distributed by the gatekeeper at both entrances.

Funding is needed to review and update as needed the "Natural Science
and Historical Studies" and reprint the publication. All of the
original authors (who originally donated their time) should be contacted
and asked to participate in the project. Their original material should
be appropriately noted. The publication should be available to the
public in area libraries and at the Visitor Center and it should be sold
to the public.

Advertisements. Each sponsor places its own axticles in the newspaper
about activities it is sponsoring at the park. This arrangement should
continue but be included in the sponsors' management agreement. Area
media should continue to receive informational articles about activities
in the park.

Communications. The first need is to develop and sign a management
agreement among the three sponsors. This has been referenced a number
of places and is viewed as a high priority. Management agreements which
are needed are further discussed in the last section of this plan. 'Ihe
annual park planning meeting should be continued.

The second high priority is to continue and increase staff training.
The entire staff should have an annual staff training day in the spring
focusing on key interpretive features of the park. It is important that
the staff from the different agencies know each other, the park's and
agencies' purpose, and their own responsibility at the park. It is
particularly important that all park personnel in contact with the
public have a basic level of knowledge about the park, especially the
gatekeepers who meet the visitor first. The gatekeepers should welcome
and direct the visitor to the parking lot, Visitor Center, restroom
facility, picnic area, and trails. A personnel manual for all staff
would be a valuable asset for coordinating staff.

Third, the park should have location maps based on the map in this
Management Plan placed at the two entrances to the park and at Frost
Point. The map could have the trails color coded indicating the bi-ke
trail, the paved loop trail, the park perimeter trail, the park interior
trail, and other small trails.

Long Range (Years 2-5)

Brochures. In year 2, the emphasis should be on developing a self
guided walking tour brochure based on the location map, natural,
historical and military features, and area views. There has been
considerable discussion about the use of trail markers and vandalism.
The consultants believe it is possible to design a self guided walk
without specific trail maxkers. However, it should be recognized that
trail markers, like numbers on rocks or wood posts, do assist the
visitor. Without trail markers, it may be necessary to add additional
trail definition.

The first new brochure prepared should provide a glimpse into the
multiple features of Odiorne Point State Park. Features it could point
out include: the salt marsh, open woods, sandy beach, Little Harbor,
Heritage Garden, Plotting Room, Frost Point, Battery Seaman, fresh water
marsh, Atlantic Ocean, Isles of Shoals, rocky shore, Command Post,
thicket, fish fountain, Battery 204, Sugden House, gun mounts, drowned
forest and ledges. Data in the Existing Conditions (Chapter 2) and the
"Natural Science and Historical Studies" could be used. The brochures
should be primarily designed for the regular park visitor, not the

school visitor who has the benefit of being in an organized group. The
brochures can also be used by the cross country skier.

The second tier of self guided brochures should focus on either specific
sites or features. For example, the new interpretive loop trail in the
southern end could have a small trail guide. The trail could have
identification signs like those used in the Heritage Garden. This type
of brochure would need plant identification drawings to assist the user.
A whole series of brochures could be researched and written on different
features based on the updated "Natural Science and Historical Studies"
as well as other research. This approach encourages multiple visits and
seasonal visits. For example, one day the visitor may look at the
park's brochures and exhibits related to animal life. Another day, it
may be habitats. On a third visit, intertidal life. The following,
militaxy history. Then, settlement history or plant species or
prehistory. This is not a new idea in terns of education at the park,
but it has not been translated into self guided walks available to the
visitor.

The third tier of brochures should focus on the interconnectedness of
Odiorne Point State Park to the seacoast. This is particularly relevant
in the areas of settlement history, military history and marine
resources. However, there are other features which could be the subject
of an area brochure. Thus, there would be a seacoast settlement
brochure, which would also direct the visitor to other historic
resources. The coastal harbor defense brochure would also include other
fortifications along the Piscataqua, River. The marine resource brochure
would include the area from the Isles of Shoals to Great Bay to the Gulf
of Maine. 'Ihese area brochures encompass both New Hampshire and Maine
sites and should be a cooperative project.

Advertisements. When Odiorne Point State Park is operated on a year-
round basis, th re will be a need to increase the advertising related to
the park. The intent is to spread the programs and use throughout the
year. Because the marine program is bi-state, there may be a desire to
increase the use of the park program in southern Maine.

Entrance Fee. Many seacoast people already use the park in the off-
season. A New Hampshire park visitor's pass should be promoted in the
seacoast at this time. It is important to the State that the park be
supported locally. Residents are not used to paying in the off-season
so the year-round membership (visitor's pass) should be at a reasonable
fee. A non-resident higher entrance fee could be considered.

Commications. With a year-round staff, the training can take place in
the off-peak time of year, such as winter. However, suffneer enployees
will still need an orientation session.

I. FUNDING

There are two methods of funding at Odiorne Point State Park: operating
and capital. The operating budget is provided by the three sponsors.
The capital budget is provided by the State of New Hampshire. Because
three different agencies have been involved, it has been difficult to
determine the actual expenditures at the site. Federal funds and
foundation grants have been used by several sponsors and other
departments of the State of New Hanpshire (which may not be recorded in
operating or capital budgets of the three sponsors) and positions have
been allocated to the park which don't reflect the actual staff time
allocations.

Inyriediate (Year 1)

On an annual basis the sponsors should determine the annual budget,
staff and work plan so that everyone is informed. The park budget
should be viewed as a cooperative budget. The State should also provide
its capital work plan and budget which mans that several State agencies
need to cooperate in its preparation.

Long Range (Years 2-5)

The budget of the park should be in keeping with the mission statement.
In the course of developing this Management Plan, a number of staff
alternatives have been discussed. There is considerable frustration at
the current lcyw level of staff support, particularly on the part of the
State. The State has many employees who spend sorm time at the park,
but the overall time comnitment in the operating budget is minimal.
There is concern that the federal funding of the Sea Grant program my.
be cut and drastically affect the park in the long run. The budget
suggested below is considered appropriate, yet still minimum in
operating the park on a year-round basis.

PROPOSED YEAR 5 ODIO11NE POINT STATE PARK BUDGET

Staff $200,000
Employee Benefits (Ca25%) 50,000
Operating Costs 50,000

TOTAL $300,000

This budget for yeax 5 reflects the operation of a year-round park and
Visitor Center. This budget could translate into a substantial increase
in expenditures among all three park sponsors. In addition, about
$35,000 in time is anticipated to be donated by volunteers. The budget

is consistent with the staff needs discussed earlier, but does not
reflect capital needs which are discussed later. Operating costs were
budgeted as follows: program including supplies $20,000; advertising/
brochures $4,000; fuel $4,000; electricity $2,000; telephone $2,000;
maintenance $5,000; interior equipment and replacement $5,000; and
exterior equipment and replacement $8,000.

The operation of a year-round park at Odiorne Point State Park assumes
that revenue will increase substantially as well. The visitor figures
used by the State are very misleading for Odiorne Point State Park
because they only show the time that the State collects a toll, nameely
the summer and on some weekends. The big user of the park, the schools,
do not pay any fee to the State. They do, however, pay a fee for the
education program at the Visitor Center which goes into the UNH account.
This is another area which must be addressed in the sponsors' management
agreement.

None of the sponsors has an unlimited supply of monies. The park did
not come with an endowment like the Urban Forestry Center did.
Therefore, it is important that a budget be established that is
realistic. While it is conceivable that the DRED share of the budget
could be reduced slightly if the North Park Entrance is operated only
seasonally, the basic budget needed represents a substantial increase
over the present level of funding. If the park is going to operate in
keeping with its mission, the three sponsors have to show good faith to
themselves and the public that they will fund this budget. It cannot be
expected that groups, like the Friends of Odiorne Point, Inc., will
raise money to address the needs of the basic operating budget. There
is little sense in building a new Visitor Center or expanding the
existing one if an adequate operating budget cannot be maintained.

The major capital expenditures needed are the responsibility of the
State. However, at least two of them are directly related to the
program offered by the sponsors. If the active interpretation/education
program did not exist at the site, then the existing Visitor Center
would require less extensive expansion to meet year-round needs and
there would be no bus parking needs. This is not said to indicate that
there should be no active interpretation/education program on the site.
On the contrary, this Management Plan recognizes the importance and
success of the program as well as the New Hampshire legislative mandate
vis-a-vis UNH and the park and the long standing, early commmitraent of
ASNH to the park. However, all three sponsors should recognize that the
capital expenditures are related to the program and the sponsors should
have a strong commitment to maintaining and expanding that program in
order for the State to justify the increase in both operating and
capital expenditures.

The capital expenditures outlined on the following page do not include
those being addressed in 1986. Expenditures planned in 1986 include
protective fencing at Battery Seaman, trail improvements, signage,
special landscape work in the area known as the ledges, and in-proven-beents
to the North Park Entrance.

ESTIMATED IMPROVEMENT COSTS AT ODIORNE POINT STATE PARK 1987-1989

Subject Amount

Main Entrance / Parking Lot $50,000
Improvements

Assorted Small Fencing/Signs $10,000

Battery Seaman Improvements $20,000
Gun Mount Clearing/
New Interior Sealing

Sugden House Improvements $50,000
Security/ Electricity/
Windows/ Repairs

Battery 204 Improvements $20,000
Removing Seal/ Probably
New Doors/ Electricity/
Ventilation

Visitor Center $560,000
8,000 sq.ft. ($70/sq.ft.)

Professional Services for Vis. Ctr. $60,000
Analyze Sugden House/
Battery 204/ Design
Visitor Center, Main
Entrance road and parking
lot improvements, and
related site planning

Route 1A Guard Rail Fencing $35,000
2,000 linear feet

North Entrance Restroom/Entrance $25,000
Booth/ Improvements

Contingencies at lMo $75,000
Construction Costs

GRAND TOTAL $905,000

The design analysis of the Visitor Center requires access to Battery 204
and related expenditures of opening one door to the battery to allow
inspection and analysis. Main Park Entrance improvements should occur
following the completion of the Visitor Center and site design analysis.
The sponsors should also budget for new exhibit construction for the
year-round Visitor Center.

100

J. MANAGEV1ENT AGREEMENTS

As this Management Plan was developed with representatives from various
interests at Odiorne Point State Park, it became obvious that there was
a need to develop written management agreements among the sponsors and
between the Parks department and other users at the site. While this
can be viewed as time consuming, bureaucratic paperwork, it is needed so
that all parties understand their responbilities at the park.

Odiorne Point State Park is viewed as "private turf" by a number of
individuals and organizations who have contributed long hours to the
park. As was obvious in both public meetings, some of these individuals
can articulate the concerns of a particular need well, but do not
necessarily see the entire park needs or relationship between the
con4)eting needs. In part because the State has not exhibited financial
commitment in terms of operating staff to the park, various groups or
individuals have assumed responsibility or "ownership" of the park or
pa.rticular resources. As a result, individuals protect their resources
and the sponsors are often not even privy to their work or research.
Furthermore, the sponsors are not even privy to each other's work.
Indeed, much of the data is not even stored at the site because there is
inadequate staff office, storage and work space.

Friends groups provide citizen participation and support for parks.
From a management perspective, such groups require constant
participation by management level staff. That is not to say that these
groups are not desired, but they do cost the sponsors personnel time.
If the management staff does not participate, decisions could be made
which are not in keeping with the mission of the park.

There are a number of conTnissions advising the State on specific
properties. Each advisory commission or committee needs ongoing staff
participation which is difficult given the small number of management
level park personnel in Concord and the seacoast. Therefore, the State
should be congnizant of the demands placed on existing staff each time a
new "Friends" organization is created.

There may be opposition to having various users develop and sign
management agreements. However, if the management agreements are simply
designed and executed in a tiffely fashion, the users should realize and
support the overall purpose. A management agreement should be viewed as
a lease: it protects both parties.

Immediate (Year 1)

The top priority is the development of a management agreement among all
three sponsors: the Division of Parks and Recreation Services (DRED),
the marine and sea grant program (UNH) and the Audubon Society of New
Hampshire (ASNH). The agreement should include the park's mission
statement and goals, the assignment of sponsor responsibilities, the
allocation of staff, the allocation of funding, the long term commitment
of the sponsor to the park, liability and other insurance, and

101

non-conpliance with the management agreement. The development of the
agreement should include the directors of the agencies and the highest
level staff person at the site. It is important that both the
management and operational staff participate in and have ownership of
the agreement. The agreement should be reviewed annually and updated as
needed as part of the annual park planning among the three sponsors.

After this key document is developed, the State should then develop
management agreements with the other park users and support groups.
These agreements should be in keeping with the sponsors' management
agreement. The consultants reconmend that the State be responsible for
all of the other agreements since they are the owner, but that the other
two sponsors receive a copy of the agreements and that a copy be placed
on file in the Visitor Center.

The following specific agreements are recommended between the Parks
division of DRED and:

Friends of Odiorne The agreement should focus on the
Point, Inc. role and responsibilities of the
non-profit group in term of
missionjund-raising purpose and
expenditures of monies. All three
sponsors should have representation
on the Board of the Friends of
Odiorne, Inc.

Driftwood Garden Club The agreement should focus on the
maintenance of the Heritage Garden
and Foye-Whitcorrb field if desired.
A copy of the garden data should
be kept at the Visitor Center.

Seacoast Chapter Audubon The agreement should focus on the
Society of New Hampshire role and responsibilities of Seacoast
Audubon Chapter at the park.

N.H. Fish and Game The agreement should focus on whether
seasonal waterfowl hunting should
be allowed between Frost Point and
Seavey Creek.

Urban Forestry Center The agreement should focus on the
(or Division of Forest and management of the climax forest near
Lands, DRED) Seavey Creek.

Marine Services (DRED) The agreement should focus on the
needs of the boat launch area and
fees to be charged. It does not
appear that there is a need for
Marine Services to nonage the boat
launch since it is a small part of
the North Park Entrance.

102

DCFr (Department of The agreement should focus on Route
Transportation) (formerly 1A access, the south boundary parking
DPWH) lots by the drowned forest, and the
type and placement of signage and
fencing along Route 1A. The
historical marker should be moved to
an appropriate location where it can
be easily read.

Army Corps of Engineers Me agreement should focus on the
maintenance of the Little Harbor
jetty and dredging Little Harbor
and Seavey Creek vis-a-vis the park.

Other Groups/Individuals All groups or individuals desiring to
carry out research at the park or use
it on a regular basis should have an
agreement.

Management agreements are a written form of communication. They can
always be altered at the request of and agreement among the parties.
They are particularly needed in a situation like this where there are
multiple sponsors and interests and it is very easy for communication
not to occur. Particularly with a limited staff with multiple needs and
limited budget, time has to be set aside to develop management
agreements, plan programs, and train staff.

This Management Plan is a working document. It is designed to give the
sponsors and interested readers a comprehensive view of the management
needs at the park. It is designed to contain specific work elements
which can be accomplished in the immediate future. It spells out the
implications of the mission statement and goals in terms of the site,
staff, program, public information and funding in the long range. It is
hoped that this document provides a better understanding of the park and
its needs which will allow the sponsors to increase their funding and
support for this unique park in the State of New Hampshire.

103

Appendix A: Inventory and Evaluation of Existing Information

A number of reports and mewranda have been prepared relative to Odiorne
Poont State Park and Fort Deaxborn. Books about Rye also contain data
about the earlier settlermnt at Odiorne Point. While Odiorne Point is
the southernmost point at the Park and Frost Point is the northernmst
point, Odiorne Point has been used by many to describe the entire
peninsula..

A sumary follows regarding each book, report, or memoranda. At the end
of the summary, initials indicate where the resource may be found. None
of the materials are presently kept at the Visitor Center. However,
nmny are located in the Rye libraxy, Portsmouth Public library, the
University of New Hampshire marine program office, the Recreation
Services Office of DRED, the Office of State Planning, and the Audubon
Society of New Hampshire. Copies owned by The Thoresen Group are also
noted should other sources be unavailable. The Portsmuth Athenaeum
also has copies of miany books relating to local history.

The Rye Public Library keeps a book shelf on Rye history in it reading
roan. In addition to the books on Rye, there a-re notebooks with plant
inventories and historic inventories prepared by Louise Tallman. The
Fort Deaxborn study is kept behind the librarian's desk. Annual Reports
of the Town of Rye are kept in a bookcase in the reading room.

The Portsmouth Public Library has these books and reports in four
possible locations. Books in circulation are in the stacks. Other
books, often old and/or historic, are kept in the Portsmuth room and
may not be checked out of the Library. Som books are in both places.
If reports are not in the card catalog, they can be in two other places:
the State circulation file or the vertical file. The Fort Dearborn and
the Cottrell reports were in the vertical file. The OSP Nov Hampshire
Coast Program EIS was in the State document file.

The Committee asked that the review and assessment be kept short in the
summary of reports. The Conmittee recognizes that all these reports are
resources for either resource protection, inanagement or interpretation.
People who are interested in these books, reports or data can use this
summary to further their research.

Frank R. Bean, DRED, "Land Utilization Study - Present and
Potential, Fort Dearborn, Rye, N.H., Present and Potential Use of
State Land at Fort Dearborn (Preliminary)," undated c. 1963.

At the time of this report, the State had a full tim maintenance m=
living at the Sugden House. Entrance to the park was on a reservation
basis. The boat launch site was established. A tennis court Nvas in the

104

middle of the site. Frost Point was considered to have "the most
potential for future development than any other area." Battery Seamn
is suggested to be an "historic shrine."

"If the park is properly developed, the facilities it will offer patrons
include swimming and beaching, picnicing, athletic activities such as
tennis and horseshoes, nature study, sight-seeing, can-ping, relaxation,
eating facilities, toilets, recreation fields for just "fooling around,"
boating, educational structures such as an oceanic laboratory, and
historical shrines conu@amrating the founders of New Hanpshire, the
settlers of New Hampshire, and the Harbor Defense for the Second World
War. In addition, all sorts of exhibits illustrating various activities
and industries of the State. A monument dedicated to the founders of
New Hanpshire in 1899 can be moved from its present location in the
cemetery west of Route 1-A to its appropriate location near Odiorne's
Point."

This reports indicates that the park's potential is increased by its
relationship to Route 1A. (DRED)

Frank R. Bean, "Historical Significance of Fort Dearborn, Rye, N.H.
circa 1963.

This is a 3 page history of the area, giving a brief overview of the
periods of European settlermnt and World War II. (DRED)

Annette B. Cottrell, Editor, "Odiorne Point State Park Natural
Science and Historical Studies, " 1973.

This report contained articles on geology (Marland P. and Katherine F.
Billings), the drowned forest (Donald H. Chapman), algae (freshwater-
Hannah Croasdale and marine- Arthur C. Mathieson), bryophyte flora
(Elizabeth M. Sherrard), plants (Clotilde Magnant Straus), intertidal
life (Margaret Ann Mills), salt marsh (Phelps Laszlo and Wallace
Blanchard), birds (Arthur C. Borror), maomals (Richard R. Tardif),
archeology (Eugene D. Finch and Frederick Johnson), and history of the
Odiorne Point area (Louise H. Tallman). The report contains
considerable background material and a number of maps referencing the
data. Each section was prepared by an authority in the field. A number
of the reports indicated that additional data or research was needed
since the changes were ongoing.

The report played a significant role in the State's planning for Odiorne
Point State Park due to its documentation of the extensive natural and
historic resources in the park and the need for protection and
preservation. The report encouraged the developmnt of a less intense
park than planned at that time. The report has served as a resource
manual for a nurrber of the brochures, manuals and exhibits which have
since been prepared. (There has been concern expressed by som of the
authors, who did this work as volunteers, that their work has not been

105

properly acknowledged by subsequent people who have used the data and
maps.) The report provides reference material for interpretative and
educational programs at Odiorne Point State Park. Some areas need
updating due to the ongoing natural resource changes at the park or the
availability of additional research data. (PPL,UNH, DRED, ASNH, TTG)

Department of Resources and Economic Development and Office of
Comprehensive Planning, 1977 New Hampshire Outdoor Recreation Plan,
1977.

This report contains data on outdoor recreation on a community basis and
includes a recreation inventory and guidelines for the outdoor
recreational facilities in New Hampshire. There is no natural areas
inventory data sheet specifically for Odiorne Point Park though there
was one included for the Isles of Shoals. The 1977 acquisition (for
$20,000) of 200 acres of tidal ma-rsh adjacent to the park on the
westerly side of Route 1A was noted as being a "logical visual extension
of the park environment and a primary element in the park's natural
resource interpretation program." The report also defines the criteria
for areas being designated as National Natural Landmarks; these criteria
included the land having "outstanding geological formations or features
significantly illustrating geologic processes" and being "an ecological
community significantly illustrating the process of succession and
restoration to natural conditions following disruptive change." Odiorne
Point State Park was not at the time of the report being considered as a
potential national natural landmark. (OSP, DRED, TIG)

Department of Resources and Economic Development, Program of
Utilization, 1959 and Revised Program of Utilization, December 31,
1973.

The State initially prepared a program of utilization in 1959 as part of
its acquisition of Fort Dearborn. The first program envisioned Fort
Dearborn as a Public Recreation Area with a small boat marina, picnic
area north of the plotting room, observation areas on top of the two
batteries, a group use area in the central portion of the site, and a
can,ping area across Route 1A on property not owned by the State. It
envisioned a considerable level of activity and facility development.

Following the Per Nylen "Master Plan" in 1971 and the Annette Cottrell
edited "Odiorne Point State Park Natural Science and Historical Studies"
in 1973, the State prepared a Revised Program of Utilization which
reflected a changed emphasis to protection of the natural resources, day
activities with a picnic area, trails, nature study and scenic views and
little developiment in a more intensive use. The northern area was to be
left in its natural state although Battery Seamen might be used in the
future. No marina or athletic fields were suggested and day group use
was suggested in the south end of the Park. An administrative and
maimtenance facility site was suggested west of Seavey Creek.

106

Recognition was to be given to the "original settlement site ... adjacent
to the surplus property." Although camping was eliminated from the
program (on land adjacent to the site), the program still anticipated
future land acquisition for resource protection and park development.
The program acknowledged the University of New Hampshire's interest in
using Fort Dearborn for academic and scientific purposes but said those
activities would occur outside the federal surplus property and be
compatible with the primary purpose of public outdoor recreation. The
revised program of utilization is an important statement which reflects
the State's desired direction of OPSP. (OSP, DRED, TIG)

Michael Donovan, Master Plan 1985, Town of Rye, 1985.

The Master Plan identifies Odiorne Point State Park as part of Rye's
unique coastal resources with its rocky shores, wetlands, and scenic and
unusual natural areas. The Plan's major goals which relate to OPSP
are to maintain the present character of Rye's coastal areas, preserve
and protect Rye's wetlands, preserve and protect Rye's unique scenic and
natural resources, and preserve Rye's heritage. Concerns which were
voiced included beach access, beach erosion, adequacy of comfort
facilities along the coast, pedestrian walkway plans for the entire
coast, and the extension of the Odiorne Park bike path. The Plan not
only stressed the regional responsibility that Rye has as a provider of
regional recreation and as a protector of regional natural resources,
but it stated that the "...importance of state participation ... cannot be
over emphasized" both in the development of a recreation plan and in the
protection/preservation of natural resources. The report also noted the
effects and pressures put on the Town of Rye with regard to the heavy
seasonal traffic, the overcrowding of beaches and shoreland, the need
for additional police protection, and the extra burden placed on the
waterways and level of water pollution. The report reflects the Town's
desires which are in keeping with the revised Program of Utilization.
(RL, TTG)

Susan E. Hardy and Laurence Morris, Interns, Massachusetts Audubon
Society, "Sumnary and Evaluation of the Nature Center Odiorne Point
State Park, First Suamr," 1973. (Sponsored by the Audubon Society
of New Hampshire.)

The two interns developed a program based on the Natural Science and
Historical Studies book. 'Ihe Nature Center was operated in the old
firehouse building during the sumi-er. The interns reconnended for the
future "more children's exhibits and participatory games, a library and
reading center, slides and/or weekly evening movies, repair to and
expansion of the building, a large permanent sign on the nature center,
bird feeders, shrubs, organic garden and mini-trail around the center,
and running water and restrooms." The report contained copies of
several newspaper articles (written by the interns) and Richard R.
Tardiff's "A Survey of the Manmls of Odiorne Point State Park, Rye,
NH." Tardiff found or considered probable the following manTmls-

107

opossum, shrew, mole, bat, rabbit, chipmunk, woodchuck, squirrel,
beaver, mice, vole, muskrat, rat, porcupine, fox, raccoon, fisher,
weasel, mink, skunk, bobcat, and deer. He noted that moose and black
bear were possible as well as whales, porpoises, seals and dolphins
which moved along the New Hampshire coast. (ASNH,TIG)

W. Harrison and C.J. Lyon, "Sea-Level and Crustal Movements Along
the New England-Acadian Shore, 4,500 - 3,000 B.P.," 1963.

The report investigated the remains of three drowned forests including
Odiorne Point. `1he forest site consists of the remains of a largely
coniferous stand whose short stumps and fallen logs are found within a
small cove ... partially protected by offshore ledges ... rooted in a firm
woodland peat." The authors concluded the trees were killed by
submiergence rather than infrequent storm waters. (There also is a
drowned forest at Jenness Beach. The date of the forest was documented
by Isotopes, Inc. Radiocarbon Measuremnts.) The report is significant
because it identifies a unique resource of the Park which may qualify as
a National Natural Landmark. (UNH, TTG)

Lt. Col. Wilbar M. Hoxie, "Fo"rt Dearborn: Keystone in the Harbour
Defenses of Portsmouth," 1970.

This report contains data on the early fortification of Portsmuth
Harbour as well as the development of Fort Dearborn. It also contains
anecdotes about some of the people who served in the coastal harbor
defense. Fort Dearborn was named for General Henry Dearborn "a native
of Hampton, born 1751, who settled in Nottingham to practice medicine"
who later served on General Washington's staff, as well as representing
his district in Maine in Congress, and under President Jefferson, as
Secretary of War. This report is more detailed than the fortification
component in the Cottrell report and can be used in military
interpretation. (DRED, TTG)

Arthur D. Little, Inc., "Recreational Boating Needs Assessment and
Expansion Feasibility Study for the Tidal Waters of New
Hampshire, " 1981.

The report provides an inventory of available docks and mooring areas
along the New Hampshire coast, determines the demiand for boating
facilities, and recommnds where new or improved facilities could be
developed. It suggested a potential marina off Frost Point using up to
three acres of OPSP. It also suggested the relocation of the Witch
Creek launch rarrp, adding parking spaces, and realigning moorings. The
report argues that the potential disruption of-the marine environment
and critical habitat areas in Little Harbor would be avoided or
mitigated. The report reflects the desire of the boating coumunity to
use the northern part of Frost Point. It is not compatible with the

108

revised Program of Utilization. (DRED, Port Authority)

National Park Service, "Visitor Facility Building Requirements,"
undated, copy provided by Audubon Society of New Hampshire.

The article reviews the steps to designing a visitor facility. Steps
include: 1) master plan indicating building location, 2) interpretive
prospectus indicating detailed building requirement for lobby, exhibit
room, audiovisual room, and other areas, 3) program needs based on
interpretive prospectus, 4) exhibit plan and audiovisual plan, and 5)
visitor center design.

Basic architectural design criteria include: 1) unique and individual
solution in haxmony with park character site which satisfies building
requirements, 2) design should grow from landform and not dominate
landscape, 3) use regional materials and echo forms but not echo period
architecture, 4) total concept should have consistent architectural
unity, 5) building should have emtional impact, particularly interior,
6) integrate interior and exterior space to create exciting, rMving
scene, 7) sculptural relief adds rhythm and repetition, and 8) color
very important, second only to location and design. (ASNH)

Nature Center Division, National Audubon Society, "A Proposal for A
Marine Nature and Conservation Center for Fort Dearborn State Park,
Rye, New Hampshire," November, 1962.

This 1962 proposal describes the purpose and general objectives of a
nature center in four areas: educational, scientific, cultural and
recreational. It calls for a "dynamic program in natural history and
conservation education." There are a number of general program
suggestions ranging from field trips to school visits to live animals to
films, workshops, hobby clubs, discussion, special needs programs and
weekend courses. The 1962 estimated capital costs including a new
building of 2,500 square feet ranged for $22,000-$42,250 and the
operating costs (of the visitor center) ranged from $10,250 to $18,800
for a yea-r-round program.

The New Hampshire Audubon Society should be the sponsor of the Nature
Center. An advisory committee (with representatives of schools, scouts,
service, civic, garden, sportsmen's and business clubs, town recreation,
Division of State parks, and government and conservation agenices)
"should help with administration." The proposal recommended: that there
be clear park purpose and objectives, that the program consider the
"competition" for the land and that recreation uses not be close by the
Center, that camping be allowed only if connected to the program, that
the parking lot close to the Center accomodate 50 cars, that collections
of natural objects "be held to a strict minimun", that a master plan for
the nature center area be prepared, that the University of New Hampshire
education department have practice teaching at the Center, that a

109

special program for hotel guests be developed, that a Women's Guild be
organized to raise funds, and that a small out-of-state fee be charged
for the center's activities.

The 9 page illustrated appendix has a detailed list of conservation
principles and their supporting ideas on interpretation which remain
valid 25 yea-m later. Areas covered include general conservation, and
specific resources such as soil, water, forest, fish and wildlife,
geology and minerals, and educational facilities. (DRED)

No author, "Visitor Center Design," provided by Audubon Society of
New Hampshire.

A visitor center is a "public use building" with one objective being "to
provide adequately a service to the public." The visitor wants warmth,
friendliness and freedom from decision. First, satisfy creature
comforts. Secondly, provide purposeful help and guidance.

Three possible placements for the visitor center axe: 1) at or near
park entrance, 2) between entrance and destination, and 3) terminus.
About 20 percent of park visitors visit the center. Placement affects
the number of visits.

The report contains square feet criteria for public spaces. They were
given as follows:

Lobby 12 sq. ft. per person per hour
Waiting Room 20 sq. ft. per person per hour
Rest Area 20 sq. ft. per person per hour
Reading Room 20 sq. ft. per person per hour
Auditorium 9sq. ft. per person per hour
Exhibit Rooms 20 sq. ft. per person per hour

In addition, space for staff offices must be provided and 25 percent of
the total square footage should be allowed for space circulation in
calculating the total square feet. (ASNH)

Per Nylen, "Odiorne Points, Rye, New Hampshire, Master Plan
Report," January 1971.

The Master Plan study considered the optimum location and extent of the
va.rious recreational facilities in a multi-use park including adjacent
water and land which is outside the present park boundary. It analyzed
natural and historic resources. The report reconTrended that the park be
designated an historic and preservation area and utilization of the park
emphasize natural and historic awareness, education and research. It
recamiended acquiring an additional 550 acres of land, relocating Route
1A, and having vehicular access via Seavey Creek. It further
reconriended that most buildings at the site be removed, archeological
surveys be undertaken, and based on their results, that an early

110

settlement be recreated. It recommended the re-use of Battery Seaman
as a visitor center and that a docking facility be north and west of
Seavey Creek bridge. The reports reflects a multi-use park which is not
consistent with the Revised Program of Utilization. (DRED, TM)

Office of State Planning and the Department of Resources and
Econoudc Development, "New Hampshire Outdoors," 1983.

This plan was prepaxed to continue New Hampshire's eligibility to
participate in the Land and Water Conservation Fund program. The report
contains data on recreation supply, demand and need in New Hampshire,
the roles of various governments including a description of their
responsibilities and programs, and lists of programs which have been
funded. It states that the value of Fort Dearborn when it was
transfered was $182,000, the Rye Air Force Station was attributed no
value, and the Gap Filler annex was valued at $6,000. These three
parcels make up most of Odiorne Point State Park. The report contains
criteria of use in estimating commmity recreation demand and standards
per 1000 people. It shows the State perspective on outdoor recreation.
(OSP, TM)

Office of State Planning (NH) and NOOA, "New Hampshire Coastal
Program Ocean and Harbor Segment and Final Enviromnental Irrpact
Statement," 1982.

The report outlined a comprehensive management plan for coastal lands
and waters in New Hampshire. The publication summarizes the
responsibilities of State agencies and authorities. Of particular
relevance to OPSP are a number of policies: "l) protect-and preserve
submerged lands under tidal and fresh waters and wetlands from
despoliation and unregulated alteration; 8) preserve and develop
unusual scenic, scientific, historical and recreational areas and
facilities for the public, expand facilities within ... to achieve maximun
benefit and increase the value for the tourist and resident; 9) promote
use and conservation of historical, archeological, architectural and
cultural heritage; and 17) establish and maintain an academic base of
excellence in marine related education, research and service activities
within New Hanpshire". The revised Program of Utilization appears to be
compatible with this report. (PPL, OSP, TTG)

Office of State Planning (NH), "New Hampshire State Parks Policy
Plan," Draft, May 1986.

The Office of State Planning has developed a statewide parks policy plan
for New Hampshire. The report builds on the Legislature's 1985 Sunset
report, the Division of Parks and Recreation parks condition report, and
a series of public meetings held in conjunction with the State Parks
50th Anniversaxy in 1985. State policies include the State park systern

seeking "public input" and responding "to public needs in making
management decisions," coordinating its "activities and responsibilities
with other providers having complementary responsibilities in the areas
of recreation and resource protection" (p.18); "protecting the best
examples of the State's natural heritage within the State park system,
providing "for the optimum recreational activities within the State park
systern," protecting "historic properties with special significance"
(p.32); operating parks "as a service to the public," and generating
"within practical and reasonable limits, income" (p.48). (DRED)

Langdon B. Parsons, History of the Town of Rye, NH., 1905.

The book contains an early history of Rye from its settlement until
1903. It noted that by 1688 the population of Rye was around 100 and
that by 1773 it contained 842 people including 19 slaves. It discussed
the early settlement at Odiorne Point. Chapter 1 discusses the David
Thomson settlement settlement at the Pannaway plantation in 1623.
Odiorne Point according to New Hampshire records of 1704 was known as
"Rendezvous Point" at least until the Revolutionary Wax. Sawmills owned
by the Odiornes by Seavey Creek bridge burned in 1862. If a bridge or
rnills; were built prior to 1652, it cannot be proved because the
Portsmouth selectmen destroyed town records, "an audacious and
indefensible a piece of official rascality as ever was perpetrated."
(p.20) The summer resort activity at Odiorne Point is described
including the transfer of properties to various owners. The report
contains data of use in interpretation of Rye history as it relates to
Odiorne Point State Park.
(RL, PPL)

Philip E. Reynolds, PhD., "Conservation Master Plan for the Town of
Rye, NH,", 1978.

The conservation master plan describes the key natural resources in Rye.
The Bellyhack Bog, an important natural resource in the northern part of
Rye, drains out via Berry's Brook into Seavey Creek and Witch Creek. Of
the 8300 acres of land in Rye, in 1978 the Town had "protected 130 acres
of mostly wetlands." The Town of Rye instituted wetlands zoning in
1977. The protection of natural resources is consistent with the
revised Program of Utilization. (RL)

Lyman V. Rutledge, Ten Miles Out (3rd Edition), 1956.

The Isles of Shoals are a part of the Town of Rye. From the nearest
point in Rye, the islands are 6j miles out. White Island Light is at
42058" latitutde and 70037' longitude. The lighthouse is 85' high and
dates from 1865. The island is six acres and is connected to the 4 acre
Seavey Island at low tide. There is some question whether Seavey is a
separate island. (This book is included because White Island may become
part of Odiorne Point State Park.) (RL, PPL)

112

Rye Junior High School, "A Handful of History 1623-1980,11 1980.

The report contains a capsule history of Rye on different subjects
prepaxed by the students. It stated that at the Odiorne Point
settlement called Pannaway in 1623, there was a brick fort. Another
student stated that "the bunkers at Odiorne are one of the main
attractions." A third said the "State filled the bunkers for safety."
The report gives a student perspective on Rye and indicates the
educational potential and interest in OPSP. (RL)

Carol F. Smith, "New Hampshire Endangered Species Program Common
Tern Management and Research Project," 1982.

The New Han4)shire Endangered Species Projram is cooperatively
administered by the New Hampshire Audubon Society and the New Hampshire
Fish and Game Department. The Common Tern is facing a loss of prime
nesting habitat and problems including predation, tidal flooding,
vandalism and human disturbance. Prime seacoast nesting sites are the
Back Channel Islands (the closest site to OPSP) and the Seabrook and
Hampton Harbor. The back channel program is an example of specialized
wildlife managemnt to increase survival. Though the tern is not
nesting at OPSP, the report indicates the concern of keeping natural
areas for nesting sites and birding which is consistent with the revised
Program of Utilization. (ASNH, OSP, TIG)

Southeastern New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission, "Economic
Impact of Certain Shoreline Users on the New Hampshire Coastal
Zone," 1975.

There are 12 miles of sandy beach and 7500 acres of tidal marsh in New
Hampshire. The study surveyed users on the sandy and non-sandy areas
and analyzed the results grouped by day users and vacationers. The
study found that non-sandy areas (e.g.OPSP) appeal to day users who have
families with or without children or are in organized groups and to
vacationers without their children, or in groups, or as single people.
Coastal NH residents spend less money at the sites than others, Beach
users spend more than non-beach users. Problems identified in non-sandy
areas include: cleanliness, parking, bathhouses (lack thereof), and
rules (too many). The study also contained a business survey which
determined the most desirable type of seacoast development in descending
order of priority as: museums, uarinas, public parks/picnic areas,
children's playgrounds, fishing pier, year-round residences, public boat
launching areas, roads and highways, seasonal residences, bird and
wildlife sanctuaries, restaurants, and theatres/movies. The report is
one of the few shoreline user studies. It provides some overall
perspective on the types of users and development (or lack) desired
which can be applied to MET. (TIG)

113

Julia M. Steed and Dr. John E. Carroll, "Project S.U.N.: An
Envirom-ental and Interpretive Plan for Odiorne Point State Park,"
1977. (S.U.N. is for Student University Naturalist.)

The report defines goals and philosophies regarding the park and its
environmental programs, describes the history and current use of the
park, identifies park and conmmity needs, assesses the suitability of
the park as an environmental resource center, makes recom-endations for
future program, and prepares a list of resources and literature
pertinent to the park and its program. The "Friends of Odiorne Point"
was formed in 1970 "to help raise funds and stir public interest for
Park preservation..." The major park problem identified were:
vandalism, visitor abuse, com=ication problem between contributing
organizations, lack of continuity in sum-er program from year to year,
lark of sufficient time, funding and personnel for existing program,
and lack of a four season program. In 1976, the "majority of visitors
to the nature center were families or ogranizations from the nearby
area. I f

The report stated that "the rationale for the existence of the
environmental center ... must be more deep seated than just recreation if
park planning is... future oriented. A basic function of the park's
programs ... expose the visitor to a philosophy of living ... based on
ecological principles ... presented ... through ... examples and focus of the
programs themelves." The report suggested that the interpretive
program "illustrate basic concepts about the biological system
emphasizing the relationship between man and the marine environment,"
and provide information, encourage commmity involvenent, and foster an
awareness of stewardship both within and outside the park.
Environmental interpretation should include: the park's social and
natural history, the seacoast park system and natural history of coastal
habitats, marine awareness program, and "grass roots" program to
various alternatives in living. Because "lack of sufficient funds has
been a major stumbling block to program development," the report
advocated conrmnity involvement and specifically volunteers, as "one way
to circumvent the staffing problem." Student naturalists could be hired
as interns for the interpretive center in exchange for university credit
(Project S.U.N.). The report suggested a year-round program. Much of
the report's concerns remain valid today and the philosophy is
consistent with the revised Program of Utilization. (UNH, TrG)

Louise Tallman, "Ecological Succession at Odiorne," 1985.

The memorandum focuses on the continuing ecological changes occurring at
the park. It notes that the plant list cormiled in 1972 "expresses a
moment in time," and needs updating. Precise locations are needed for
ra.re plants. Some areas need intensive mowing and others annual mowing
in order to maintain permanent open area. The Odiorne Point Rose, which
may be unique to the park, is worthy of protection. The ni--morandum
contains recoamndations which need to be considered in keeping with
resource protection at OPSP. (DRM, TM)

114

Louise Tallman, "Preservation-Restoration Proposal for the
Foye-Whitcorrb Field, Odiorne Point State Park," 1978.
"Post-mortem," January 1986.

The objective of the proposal is to maintain species diversity in one
section of the park. "'Ihe proposal is to maintain as field an area
about 100 feet across, located at the northwest part of the old
Foye-Whitcomb field." The area is bounded on two sides by stone walls
and on the south and east by woody shrub and tree growth. The area
contains lilac, myrtle, a pear tree, crab apple and other assorted
plants. Invading plants included blackberry, bittersweet and Buckthorn.
"Mowing this site to enable original materials to survive would require
a once-a-year mowing of the 100 foot circle.... It may by now (1986) be
impossible to attempt this particular rescue." It "should be feasible"
to rescue the Odiorne Point Rose located east of the restrooms. This
memorandum focuses on one area of the park and emphasizes maintaining
species diversity in keeping with resource protection at OPSP. (DRED,
TIG).

Louise Tallman (no author stated), "The Heritage Garden," 1976.

The memorandum describes the heritage garden located within Odiorne
Point State Park in the northern area near the Plotting Room. The
garden dates from an earlier estate. The Draftwood Garden Club has
worked with the Division of Parks to "rescue" the garden. The c lub has
identified woody plants to be encouraged and discouraged within the
garden, park garden plants to be used, cultivated materials of interest
near the garden, wild herbaceous plants to be encouraged, tolerated,
and/or featured, and roses both within the garden and the park. "Old
roses were selected as the feature specimens to go into the Heritage
Garden." Some grape vines were removed and roses were added to the
ga-rden in 1976. The report reflects the action of a private club
project in a public park to address a need not identified in early
research. (DRED, TTG)

Malcolm H. Thomas, "Parks 1985: A Report on the Condition and
Trend of New Hampshire State Park Properties," Department of
Resources and Eocnomic Development, pp. 97-99.

The report contains a three page analysis in the 1984 condition of
Odiorne Point State Park. 'Ihe comments indicate that in the Division's
judgement, "acquisition of the remaining portion of the historic lands
of 1623" and "dead-ending the present highway at the south end of the
park property and redirecting through traffic to the much shorter route
provided by Marsh Road and Brackett Road... is essential to achieving
the level of parkland integrity and recreational enjoyment which such a
premier park potential deserves. "

Below are specific recomme-ndations:

115

Route 1A Relocate to Marsh & Brackett Road
Park Entrance Keep until Route 1A changed
Bike Path DPWH - maintain pavement
Boat Launch Area Widen road, resurface (gravel), add gravel and
culvert to trail
Trail Network New treadway improvements & ongoing maintenance
program, trail patrol program, extensive
woodland management along trails and at vista
points
Grassed Areas Need complete rehabilitation project and annual
turf management
Parking Area Pave and stripe, extend 2001 to southwest
Playground Equip. Replace with commercial wood equipment
Toilet Building Add landscaping
Picnic Sites Add compacted gravel pads and anchored tables
Entrance Sign Add new masonry and wood sign
Toll Booth Need masonry and wood landscaped island
Bus Parking Need separate area
Public Use Grounds Need tree and shrub planting program and
ongoing landscape management program
Nature Center Construct 3 level facility enclosing Battery
204 with top level being viewing area
South Boundary Add fieldstone masonry wall to eliminate
Area vehicular access.

(DRED,OSP)

The Thoresen Group, etal., "State Coastal Properties Project: Part
II: Fort Dearborn at Odiorne Point State Park," 1983.

The report focuses on Fort Dearborn at Odiorne Point State Park. The
report describes the history of Fort Dearborn, an inventory of and the
discussion on the current use of the remaining Fort Dearborn structures,
and a discussion of re-use alternatives. The report recommended that
the State interpret the three New Hampshire coastal harbor defense parks
(Fort Constitution, Fort Stark and Fort Dearborn) in a coordinated
manner with emphasis being placed on the uniqueness of each site.
Regarding Odiorne Point State Park, the report recommends that the State
increase the operations staff, undertake prehistoric and archeologic
research at the site, evaluate with the Audubon Society and University
of New Hampshire their long range interpretive and physical space needs,
and develop a master plan with policy guidelines and a long range
development plan.

Regarding the Fort Dearborn structures, the report recommends the State
address identified safety concerns, that the earth mounded structures
remain sealed until above stated OPSP recommendations are addressed,
that concrete stairs be added to the Battery 204 tower, that other
military structures remain as is but be further interpreted, that
Battery 204 eventually be re-used as a coastal harbor defense exhibit
and/or for park storage, and that the State in the long range consider a

116

walk through in pait of Battery Seaman. The report contains several
additional interpretive recommendations on coastal harbor defense,
brochures, directional plaques, brochure distribution, trail marking,
oral interpretation and tapes. The report provides background data
which can be used in the interpretation of Fort Dearborn and the
Piscataqua Harbor Coastal defense. TTG and DRED continue to receive
additional military data of use in future interpretation. (RL, PPL,
UNH, DRED)

Town of Rye, "Special Report on Fort Dearborn State Park," December
16, 1970?

The four page report described the development plans for Fort Dearborn
State Park as presented by Per Nylen and discussed town and individual
concerns ranging from decreasing the Town's tax base, to continuing to
allow hunting of water birds in the Route 1A to Brackett Road area if
that area was acquired. The authors of the various "natural science and
historical studies" were cited. (DRED)

United States of America and the State of New Hampshire, Deed,
February 7, 1961.

"In consideration of the continuous use and maintenance of the
premises ... as and for public park and recreational purposes" and for
$91,000, the State of New Han-pshire through the Department of Parks
purchased the land of Odiorne Point State Park. There were conditions
attached for a period of twenty years, including biennial reporting to
Department of Interior. (DRED)

University of New Hanpshire, Marine Program and State of New
Hampshire, Division of Parks and Recreation, "Memorandizn of
Understanding," Unsigned draft copy, c. 1985.

The State owns and operates through the Division of Parks and Recreation
ten coastal properties. The Marine Program of the University of New
Hampshire "plans, develops and conducts a wide spectrLirn of
marine-related research and educational projects which require access to
a wide variety of coastal environmeents." The mamrandum documents "the
bases for these mutual efforts."

Areas included are: project development, facilities management, program
managen@ent, personnel, reviews and reports. Basically, projects may be
developed jointly. Facility management is the responsibility of the
owner of the site. Program management is the responsibility of the
agency assigned program management responsibilities. Both agencies are
responsible for related employees, volunteers or contractors. Annual
reviews on each project go to both agencies. (DRED, UNH)

117

University of New Hampshire, Marine Program and State of New
Hampshire, Division of Parks and Recreation, "Draft Memorandum of
Agreement Odiorne Point State Park Visitor Center." 1985.

The subject of this draft memorandum between the University of New
Hampshire Marine and Sea Grant Programs and the New Hampshire Division
of Parks and Recreation is the operation of the Russell B. Tobey Visitor
Center. Although the draft cites the role of the Audubon Society of New
Hampshire as the third sponsor, it does not include the Audubon Society
of New Hanphire in the agreement.

The draft defines the program mission of the Visitor Center: preserve
and protect the park's natural resources, interpret natural and social
history of the park and New Hampshire's marine resources, and provide a
knowledge base on aquatic resources for citizens. The sponsors "strive
to expand and maintain the interpretive and educational opportunities of
this unique coastal site" and "recognize... (that) the dominant use of
this entire property should focus on low intensity use through
education, recreation and research."

The draft discusses administration and basic agency responsibilities.
"The UNH Marine and Sea Grant Program provide principal leadership ...
development and oversight of all programs and exhibits of the Center ...
a marine education specialist ... serves as the Director of the Visitor
Center... (is an) employee of the University ... coordinates the activities
of all agencies involved at the Visitor Center." The University of New
Hampshire Sea Grant provides secretarial, administrative and volunteer
support (marine docents).

The Audubon Society of New Hampshire provides a summer naturalist and
direct funding for programs. The ASNH also provides technical support
(Education Director), public relations and volunteer support (Seacoast
Chapter).

The New Hanrpshire Division of Parks provides technical and public
relations support through its Public Information Officer. 'Ihe Division
is responsible for "development, construction, maintenance and upgrading
of the physical facility including all structures, utilities, trails and
grounds." They also control access and security including fire and
burglary protection systems.

"1he Friends of Odiorne, Inc. serve in an advisory and support role for
the three major sponsors of the Center." `Iheir function is to identify
Visitor Center needs, "assist in the development of appropriate
recommendations to meet these needs and to seek community support for
the Center, including financial support."

Each sponsor pays its own staff and provides staff liability coverage.
The State has property insurance for the site and liability insurance
for the visitors. The University has a Visitor Center account to
receive income from sales of publications, royalties received, donations
and user fees. The Friends of Odiorne, Inc. also have their own
account.

118

The Director of the Visitor Center coordinates all communications and
promotional activities; chairs a yearly program/planning meeting with
all sponsors, representatives of the UNH Marine docent program and
Friends of Odiorne, Inc.; coordinantes program evaluation; prepaxes an
annual report; and otherwise keeps the sponsors informed. The draft
indicates that the Visitor Center will be "staffed by no less than two
individuals during any day of operation." (DRED, UNH)

University of New Hampshire, "Summary of the University of New
Hampshire's Conceptual Thinking Regaxding Odiorne's Point State
Park," January 1971.

This summary reflected "the University's initial input to the long range
plan for the use of this area to be jointly prepared by the Parks
Division of DRED and the University as authorized and directed by the
General Court in RSA Chapter 328:1, 1978." The memorandizn focused on
the University's "marine-oriented educational, research and science
interests" and its "Corridor to the Sea" approach from Durham to the
Isles of Shoals. The University described its activities as: involving
marine oriented educational, research, and service activities of faculty
and students of the physical and life science departments in a park
planned for low intensity, recreational usage. The University defined
"low intensity" as understood to describe that usage in which the Park's
natural beauty will be its primary attraction. The University "is also
interested in Park activities which complements (sic) its own and
focuses (sic) on the unique marine setting." Furthermore, the joint
venture between the University and Parks (DRED) was explored. The
memorandum reflects the University's comnitment to marine programs and
OPSP and is generally in keeping with the revised Program of
Utilization. (DRED, UNH, TTG)

William M. Varrell, Rye on the Rocks, 1962.

The book primarily focused on the history of hotels in Rye, many of
which were destroyed due to fire. The Sagamore House which began as a
boarding house at Frost Point and was destroyed by fire in 1871 was
discussed. Visitors to the Sagarwre House initially came by boat. The
New Hampshire part of the Isles of Shoals was added to the Town of Rve
in 1876. The book noted that Odiorne Point was formerly a flat
woodlands with some summer cottages and barns which were converted
during World War II and camouflaged with land, trees and foliage.
This book is another resource for historic interpretation. (RL, PPL)

Margaret Watkins, Draft Suggested Natural Landmark Form of
Odiorne Point State Park as a National Natural Landmark, c. 1984.

The National Natural Land mar ks Program was established in 1962 to
"identify and encourage the preservation of areas that illustrate the
ecological and geological character of the United States, to enhance the

119

educational and scientific value of areas thus preserved, to strengthen
cultural appreciation of natural history, and to foster a wider interest
and concern in the conservation of the nation's natural heritage." The
application states "Of particular interest for NNL designation are the
drowned forest off Odiorne Point and the site's biological diversity,"
which were further described. The Office of State Planning sent this
nomination form to the National Park Service for a "preliminary
judgement on the merits of this site for landmark purposes and
recomxended boundaries" in September 1984. A NNL would be consistent
with resource protection and the revised Program of Utilization. (ASNH,
OPS, DRED, TTG)

Wright-Pierce, Engineers & Architects and DSI Environmental
Engineers, Water Quality Management Plan, Town of Rye, NH,
January, 1982.

Though this report's primary for-us is on Rye's waterways, water supply
and quality, and water and waste management issues, it provides
background material on Rye with regard to the natural and cultural
environments. It also contains a set of maps which effectively
illustrate certain features of the Rye area, such as topography,
surficial geology, hydrology, floodplains, wetlands, environmentally
sensitive areas, and archeological, historical and architectural
resources. These maps are useful tools in studying Rye in general uld
the Odiorne Point State Park area. The report would aid in natural
resource interpretation and protection, particularly of the adjacent
Seavey Creek ecosystem. (RL, TM)

120

REGISTIRATION FORM
CDIORNE POINT STATE PARK DATE B

NAME OF GROFJP/CONTACT/TELEPHONE
NMETING RWI/ATJDIO

4-7 pm

7:30-9:30 pm

CROUP PICNIC AREA SHELTER

11 am - 2 pm

4-7 pm

BUS PARKING/VISITOR CENTER SCHEDLIE

Active Interpretation/Education

1. (am)

2. (am)

3. (prn)

4. (pm)

Audio Program/Passive Interpretation

5. (9:00)

6. (9:20)

7. (9:40)

8. (10:00)

9. (10:20)

10. (10:40)

11. (11:00)

12. (11:20)

13. (11:40)

14. (12:00)

15. (12:20)

16. (12:40)

17. (1:00)

18. (1:20)

19. (1:40)

20. (2:00)
121

NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CTR LIBRARY I
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