Loading...
Colchester Bog Natural Area Master Plan
Natural Areas Program
Natural Areas Program
Citations
Altmetric:
License
License
Abstract
This report discusses the vegetation, notable wildlife, soils, hydrology, ownership history, and management objectives, as well as proposing a plan for education and protection.
Colchester Bog was acquired in 1973 and has since faced challenges in preventing damage from misuse and development. A management plan was drawn up shortly after the property was acquired in 1977, but did not advance, followed by rampant misuse. The bog closed to the public in 1991, and monitoring was completed and a boardwalk was constructed over several years. The full extent of the bog was purchased in 1988, the same year the airport landing strip was converted into a park. The 1980s also saw a drawn-out controversy over the treatment of a road that runs near the site. A bike path was constructed in 1994. Several housing developments have threatened the area, most prominently the Brink subdivision that ascended to the courts in 1977.
The bog is home to several endangered species, including Hudsonia tomentosa (beach heather) and Lathyrus japonicus (beach pea). The open bog environment is rare and under threat, making the site a priority for protection and research.
Description
Date
1981-12-18