French River Connection SHORELINE SURVEY

This page was last updated on: March 3, 2008

In 2005, we divided the river between the Connecticut border and Greenbrier Park in Oxford into 12 sections of approximately one-half mile each in order to conduct a shoreline survey. By the end of 2007, each section had been documented, and all that remains is to combine the written material with a mapping strategy which will produce a user-friendly document.

The Shoreline Survey is a program designed by Massachusetts Riverways. Participants walk or paddle the stream, or both, noting such items as water clarity, composition of the bottom, characteristics of the banks, and wildlife. They note the width and character of the stream corridor, problem areas, and assets along the river. Notes are taken on data sheets and on maps. When all the data has been gathered and documented, participants use their findings to produce an action plan for preservation and wise use of the river corridor.

The Shoreline Survey documents such items as this infestation of invasive purple loosestrife near Perryville dam which forms a destructive monoculture. Documenting it is the first step of including its removal in an action plan.

Turtles survey the surveyors in a cove in south Oxford. The shoreline survey Action Plan not only addresses problems to be corrected, but assets to be protected.

In 2008, we will complete documentation of our findings and with a grant from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation Land and Water Stewardship Fund, produce an Action Plan for the river