The Buzzards Bay Coalition, in partnership with the Dartmouth Conservation Commission and Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, is protecting flood zones at the head of the Slocums River and along Little River Road for climate adaptation purposes.
The 10-acre field on Little River Road is owned by the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Last month, Dartmouth’s Select Board approved a conservation restriction to be held by the DNRT. Its protection is critical to the health of the Bay as it will secure space for salt marsh migration in response to rising sea level.
The 2.5-acre Davoll Field also has inherent climate resilience value. In June, the annual Dartmouth Town Meeting voted to contribute to the purchase of the property and its permanent protection through a Conservation Restriction to be held by the town Conservation Commission. Its conservation will protect Russells Mills village from flooding and storm damage associated with this low-lying site while enabling the migration of salt marsh at this critical head of tide location.
Conservation will also improve water quality in the Slocums River by eliminating the septic system from a residence on the existing floodplain, which will protect fish and wildlife habitat in the Slocums River.
