Stewardship Manual Town of Dennis Department of Natural Resources Mission To protect, manage and enhance the natural resources within the Town of Dennis while providing services and facilities that provide public access and enjoyment of conservation lands for residents and visitors. To encourage the sustainable use of the town s shellfish, agricultural, and coastal resources.
This manual was written by Nichole Proctor-English, AmeriCorps Cape Cod member 2011-2012. AmeriCorps Cape Cod is a fulltime residential service program committed to addressing the environmental and disaster related needs of Cape Cod s community and fragile natural resources. The program engages the community through service, education, and outreach. Up to 26 service-minded adults are brought on as members to participate in hands-on projects with Cape Cod towns, Barnstable County departments, the Cape Cod National Seashore, the American Red Cross, private land trusts, and other established environmental, educational, and disaster related rganizations in the region. As an AmeriCorps member, each individual is expected to perform 1,700 hours of service over the 10 months of the program. AmeriCorps Cape Cod members serve at individual and group service sites providing environmental, disaster, and community focused services to Barnstable County s 15 towns.
Page 3 Table of Contents Introduction Land Steward s Responsibilities Monitoring and Reporting Guidelines Safety and Liability Appendix A.Contact Information B. Example Observation Form C.Map of Conservation Areas D. Invasive Species Guide E. Manual Agreement and Signature Page A land ethic, then, reflects the existence of an ecological conscience, and this in turn reflects a conviction of individual responsibility for the health of land. -Aldo Leopold
Page 4 Introduction The Dennis Department of Natural Resources would like to thank you for your interest in the Land Steward Program. This program is committed to protecting and conserving the natural resources of the Town of Dennis for public access, enjoyment, and use by current and future generations. Without the assistance of volunteers (such as yourself) this goal would be unattainable. Dennis is home to historic and breathtaking landscapes that attract visitors year-round. Land Stewardship and conservation is crucial if we are to protect and preserve these natural resources. By becoming a Land Steward you are demonstrating your commitment to make a positive and meaningful impact on the fragile environment within your own community. This manual will provide the information necessary for you to begin your journey as Land Steward. Please feel free to contact us at anytime should you have any questions or need any assistance. Thank you for your service, Dennis Department of Natural Resources "Let every individual and institution now think and act as a responsible trustee of Earth, seeking choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will provide a sustainable future, eliminate pollution, poverty and violence, awaken the wonder of life and foster peaceful progress in the human adventure." John McConnell, founder of International Earth Day
Page 5 Land Steward Duties and Responsibilities As a volunteer for the Dennis Department of Natural Resources Land Steward Program, your fundamental responsibility will be concierge and steward to town conservation property. You will be asked to commit a minimum of five days per year (1 year commitment) for conducting property visits, monitoring, reporting and training. The responsibilities of a Land Steward are restricted to the following: Attend one mandatory Orientation and Training workshop. Conduct at least 4 property visits through out the one year commitment. Observe the conditions of the land, including hazards and changes. Submit the Land Steward Observation Form online within 14 days of the property visit. Assist with keeping trails clear and support clean-up efforts. Pick-up small scale trash and litter. Report large scale dumping such as mattresses, cars, furniture, trash and debris, to the Dennis Department of Natural Resources. DO NOT: Construct new trails, post signs, or introduce new plants without approval from the Dennis Department of Natural Resources Remove invasive species without assistance from the Dennis Department of Natural Resources. Use power tools, pesticides or herbicides to perform trail maintenance. Enter into confrontational situations with others who are causing harm to the property or performing illegal activity. * *If you witness dumping, illegal activities, or other potential safety hazards please document vehicle information, location, and/or description of the person or persons. Report to the Dennis Department of Natural Resources and the Dennis Police Department (non-emergency) as soon as possible.
Page 6 Monitoring and Reporting Guidelines Being a volunteer Land Steward you are committing to visit the property to which you are assigned a minimum of 4 times per year (approximately once every 3 months). On your property visit you will be asked to observe and monitor the property for hazards and changes. It is suggested that you may bring the following items on your property visit: -A copy of the Land Steward Observation form -A notebook and pencils for taking notes -Invasive species, plant, and/or wildlife field guides -Camera for taking pictures -Water, comfortable walking shoes, weather appropriate clothes -Gloves and clippers for pruning vegetation encroaching trails -Trash bag for clearing small volume litter and debris -Tick repellent, Ivy Block, first aid kit, medications you might need -Compass, map, charged cell phone What to look for: -Signs of erosion -Encroachment of vegetation on trails -Safety hazards -Invasive species -Litter and debris -Evidence of wildlife -Trail conditions and signage -Signs of dumping -Vandalism -Significant changes from previous visits -Be sure to inspect property boundaries for encroachment Please remember to submit the Land Steward Observation form online, by mail, or hand deliver to the Dennis Department of Natural Resources within 14 days of your property visit.
Page 7 Safety and Liability All Land Stewards are considered volunteers and no liability insurance exists for participants of the program. As such Land Stewards will not be required to participate in any assignments with which they are uncomfortable. It is expected that you understand the risks and hazards associated with being outdoors and that your physical condition is appropriate for participation in the Land Steward program. Cape Cod is home to deer ticks, poison ivy, poison sumac, mosquitoes, and other pests. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from these hazards. The Cape Cod Cooperative Extension s webpage has resources and information available on deer ticks and disease prevention: http://www.capecodextension.org/natural-resources/ We are enabled to apprehend at all what is sublime and noble only by the perpetual instilling and drenching of the reality that surrounds us. We can never have enough of nature. -Henry David Thoreau
Page A Appendix A Contact Information Please direct all questions, comments, or concerns pertaining to the Land Steward Program to the Land Steward Intern at: Dennis Department of Natural Resources 485 Main Street P.O. Box 2060 South Dennis, MA 02660 Phone: 508.760.6123 Fax: 508.394.8309 Web: http://www.town.dennis.ma.us/pages/dennisma_naturalresources/index Dennis Department of Natural Resources Karen M. Johnson Director of Natural Resources Maryellen Fabiano-Stowe Office Manager Brian Everett Land Management Specialist/Asst. Natural Resource Officer Alan Marcy Shellfish Constable/Asst. Natural Resource Officer Paul Wightman Conservation Agent/Asst. Natural Resource Officer/Deputy Shellfish Constable Nichole Proctor-English AmeriCorps Cape Cod Volunteer- Land Steward Intern
Page B B Example Observation Form Town of Dennis Department of Natural Resources Land Steward Observation Form Property Name Steward s Name Date Steward Parcel ID Please describe the overall condition of the property:has anything changed or improved since your last visit? (Ex: Is there any evidence of dumping, trash, encroachment, or fires?) Do you have any recommendations for the property? (Ex. Trails, signage, invasive species removal, ect.) Did you observe any of the following? If yes, please give a description and locations. Evidence of dumping, debris, or trash? Are neighbors encroaching? Evidence of ATV use? Has any vegetation been cut or removed? Evidence of erosion? Any vegetation unhealthy or dying? Did you see any birds or wildlife? Did you observe any invasive species? Did you observe any potential hazards or threats to the property? Additional Comments: Yes No Comments:
Page c C Map of Conservation Areas
Page E E Invasive Species Guide This guide with provide you a brief look at the invasive species you are most likely to observe on your property visits. Asian Bittersweet Autumn Olive European Privet
Page E E Invasive Species Guide Japanese Honeysuckle Phragmites Multiflora Rose
Page E E Invasive Species Guide Norway Maple Japanese Knotweed
Page E E Manual Agreement Home Phone: Town, State, Zip: Cell Phone: Occupation: Date of Birth: Special Skills or Interests: I have carefully read and understand the (Print Name) duties and responsibilities of being a volunteer Land Steward as stipulated in the Dennis Department of Natural Resources Land Steward Manual. By signing this page I agree to a minimum of four property visits for a one year term and will attend a mandatory Orientation and Training workshop prior to the start of my term. I understand that if my Land Steward Observation form is not submitted properly within 14 days of monitoring a property it will not be counted as a complete property visit. By signing this form I hereby release and will indemnify and hold harmless the Dennis Department of Natural Resources Land Steward Program, its trustees, officers, employees, and agents against any claims, liabilities, judgments, expenses and costs (including attorney s fee) with respect to property damage, bodily injury, or death that might result from my acts or omissions as a volunteer Land Steward. Print Name Signature Date