NH Salt Marsh Restoration: Bass Beach Marsh, Rye NH

Location: Bass Beach is located along Route 1A (Ocean Boulevard) in Rye. It is just over the North Hampton town line and lies between Causeway Road to the south and Central Road to the north. The intersection of Central Road and Route 1A is where the Farragut Hotel once stood, and houses a sign for the Abenaqui Country Club, which is located just behind Bass Beach marsh on Old Locke Road.

Background: The objective of this project is to restore wetland function and values of the Bass Beach by restoring adequate tidal flow. During 2002 project partners engaged in a study to understand the natural system and determine the feasibility and extent of a salt marsh restoration project. The study contained three parts.

Part 1 - Flood Study: The first part of this study involved an assessment of potential flood damages from increased tidal flushing to the area. The flood study was completed by the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS).

Part 2 - Wetland Boundary Delineation: The second part of this study involved a wetland boundary identification. Restriction of tidal flow has caused the exotic invasive species Phragmites (common reed) to proliferate on the southwest and northeast sides of the marsh. In addition, historical fill was placed in several areas at this site in the earlier part of the twentieth century. Many unnatural and unconnected pools have formed because of this.

Part 3 - Historical Evaluation of the Salt Marsh: The third part of this study involved a historical evaluation of the salt marsh. This is an estimate of the historical extent of marsh at the site. This was performed in conjunction with the wetland delineation. James Verra & Associates was hired to locate adjacent property boundaries, determine basement and first floor elevations of abutting houses and structures, locate the elevations on specified drainage structures on low points of adjacent roads, and delineate the existing and historic edges of the salt marsh.

Project Goals:

• Installation of a larger culvert under Route 1A to allow increased saltwater to all parts of the marsh.
• To restore/create an adequate system of tidal creeks to convey tidal flow to all parts of the marsh.