On June 21, 2017, the completion of an important island stabilization and endangered tern habitat restoration project on Bird Island was the focus of a gathering of federal, state, and local officials in the Town of Marion, Mass.. Rising 10 feet above sea level, Bird Island has experienced erosion which drastically reduced critical nesting habitats for one of the largest populations of federally endangered terns in the country and threatened the historic lighthouse on the island (built in 1819). For well over a decade, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) within the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has been working with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Town of Marion to stabilize the island, increase tern nesting habitat, and protect the lighthouse.
Bird Island hosts critically important nesting habitat for approximately 1,100 nesting pairs of federally endangered Roseate Terns. "This island is one of only three major Roseate Tern colonies in North America and one of two in Massachusetts," said MassWildlife Director Jack Buckley. "The Bird Island population represents 30% of the entire North American Roseate Tern population and 60% of the state's population. It's no surprise that this project is one of the highest priority restoration efforts on both the state and federal level." In addition, 2,500 pairs of Common Terns, a state listed endangered species, also nest on Bird Island. Over many years, the low lying graveled areas where terns prefer to nest began to flood and the amount of usable nesting space began to shrink. As the interior island areas flooded, former tern nesting areas turned into salt marsh, unsuitable for tern nesting. The more aggressive Common Terns responded by displacing Roseate Terns on the limited remaining nesting areas. Continued erosion also threatened the lighthouse and island itself.
To address these problems, the seawall around most of the island was redesigned and rebuilt to address projected sea level rise and reduce erosion. Gravel fill suitable for tern nesting raised the low areas, replacing the salt marsh habitat and adding additional tern nesting area. Native plants providing shade for terns were planted. A natural gravel road and pad around the lighthouse will physically support equipment needed to maintain the lighthouse.
Due to the size and nature of this project, federal, state, and local partners contributed funding, in-kind services, and a conservation easement conveyance. The total cost of the project was over $5.1 million. The USACE, through its Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program, contributed 65% of the cost, planned, designed, and provided federal oversight of the project. "This has been a long, challenging, but ultimately satisfying experience," said Adam Burnett, USACE Project Manager. "Beginning with our feasibility study in 2002, designing and pulling together the funding partnership and working through two cold weather construction seasons, we have accomplished the goal of a restored and protected island habitat for the terns. It's not often we are able to see the benefits of a project so soon after construction completion. It's gratifying to see thousands of terns this spring nesting and hatching chicks."
On the state level, investment in the project was nearly $1.8 million. The New Bedford Harbor Trustee Council (consisting of the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) invested $714,310. "Funding from the Council came from a settlement with the parties responsible for PCB contamination in 1993. This funding is designated to restore natural resources harmed as a result of that contamination, including terns," said Steve Block, New Bedford Harbor Council Coordinator. "Since 1999, the Council has provided funding to support the restoration of Common and Roseate Tern populations and the nesting habitat they need. We're very pleased to support the Bird Island project and other tern stewardship efforts on Ram and Penikese Islands."
Capital funding of $1,031,320 came from the Department of Fish and Game and $50,000 of in-kind staff time on the project was provided by DFG and MassWildlife. The Town of Marion provided valuable assistance through the Harbormaster's office. In addition, the town approved the conveyance of a conservation easement of the Bird Island property over to DFG/MassWildlife, ensuring protection and management of wildlife and public access in perpetuity.
