Chapter 3: Natural Resources

Overview

Ogunquit is home to a variety of significant natural habitats, plant species, and wildlife that are important for the Town and the whole region. Its abundant natural resources, including the Ogunquit and Josias Rivers, estuary, sandy beach, dunes, coastal wetlands, forests, and undeveloped areas, are vital to the town’s identity and make it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.

While the inland portion of the Town contains important wildlife habitat,significant vernal pools, and forested land, the Town’s most prominent natural resources are along its coastline and include the beach, dunes, the estuarine system associated with the Ogunquit River and the rock formations that can be seen from the Marginal Way.

Rather than an exhaustive list of all the natural resource features of Ogunquit, the following section highlights those considered to be of significance to both the community and the region. The section also outlines various organizations that contribute to managing these resources and makes note of some of the recreational opportunities afforded by the town’s natural spaces. Additionally, it presents regulatory measures the Town has taken, such as Shoreland Zoning Ordinances, and non-regulatory measures including educational outreach, to protect critical and important natural resources.

Wildlife and Plant Habitat

Within the Town, there are several critical natural resource features which contribute to the rural nature of the community. Data and maps developed through the Beginning with Habitat program (BwH), which is sponsored by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) and the Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP), summarize natural areas, high-value plant and animal habitat, and critical resources that are significant for ecological and community health. They show biodiversity within Ogunquit, which can be an indicator of the environmental health of the community. The BwH maps and data serve as excellent planning tools for land use planning, conservation, and when reviewing development proposals.

Within the Town, there are several critical natural resource features which contribute to the rural nature of the community.

Two portions of Town, the northwestern area and the area around the Ogunquit River estuary and beach system, are mapped ‘Focus Areas of Statewide Ecological Significance’; a designation based on an unusually rich convergence of rare plant and animal occurrences, high value habitat,

and relatively intact natural landscapes (Map 1). The Focus Area Designation is intended to draw attention to places of special habitat in hopes of building awareness and garnering support for land conservation by landowners, municipalities, and local land trusts.

Map 1: Focus areas of statewide ecological significance and conserved lands in Ogunquit. Source: Beginning with Habitat
BwH’s “Plant and Habitats” map depicts a hierarchy of habitats and shows the mapped location of various species as well as their status under State and Federal wildlife protection programs. BwH maps illustrate a wide range of high-value plant and animal habitat present in Ogunquit. Large assemblages of rare plants and plant communities are found in and along the barrier beach system in Ogunquit. Ogunquit Beach and adjacent portions of the Ogunquit River are mapped coastal wetlands supporting shorebird habitat, including piping plovers and least tern; tidal waterfowl and wading bird habitat; and shellfish growing areas. There are wild brook trout priority areas (spawning areas) in and around Perkins Cove, Josias River, inland portions of the Ogunquit River and its tributaries, and coastline areas adjacent to the Marginal Way.
Large, relatively unbroken blocks of undeveloped habitat are present in Ogunquit, especially west of Interstate-95. These areas can support wildlife with large home ranges, such as moose, deer
and fishers, as opposed to suburban species such raccoons and skunks. Unfragmented blocks and connectors between blocks offer valuable opportunities to protect habitat connectivity and

preserve a wide range of species in a rapidly developing landscape, both locally and regionally. Implications for ecological health and wildlife diversity in the face of development pressure and sprawl in these locations may be an important planning concern for the Town.

There are no mapped Great Ponds within Ogunquit, but there is considerable riparian habitat along wetland complexes within the Town and along the Josias and Ogunquit Rivers and their tributaries. Riparian habitats and buffers function as critical travel corridors for wildlife and contain 75% of all the species diversity in Maine. Several mapped significant vernal pools are within the town boundary, including one adjacent to an inlet of the Ogunquit River near the intersection of Route 1 and Captain Thomas Road, and clusters of

Piping Plover Photo: Matthew T. Rainey

pools in the northwestern portion of Town and the southwestern portion along the York border.

While Ogunquit has no lakes or ponds infested with invasive aquatics, the invasive green crab is present in tidal rivers and the shoreline. Ogunquit also has invasive vegetation, including bittersweet, knotweed and several others. Ongoing education and outreach about invasive species have increased citizen knowledge about the threats that invasives pose, but additional public education is needed.

It is worth noting that while the beach system is a highly important and popular resource, the northwestern part of Ogunquit is environmentally significant because of its relationship to the surrounding towns and the Mount Agamenticus region. The significance of this area of Ogunquit is important to consider for regional environmental health and conservation efforts. Ogunquit values its natural places and wildlife and follows strict State and local regulations regarding filling or altering wetlands and compliance with zoning setbacks in connection with land development. The Town actively partners with natural resource management agencies and organizations to protect and preserve natural resources. For example, the Town works in collaboration with the Piping Plover and Least Tern Recovery Project to protect habitat for these important bird species. This is a cooperative effort, with Maine Audubon working in partnership with the MDIFW, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, and local municipalities to protect and conserve these rare Maine shorebirds.

The northern part of Ogunquit is environmentally significant because of its relationship to the surrounding towns and the Mount Agamenticus region.

Dunes and Shorelands

Ogunquit’s barrier beach system is a critical natural resource as, well as cultural asset and economic driver, within the Town. Coastal dunes are a buffer against wind erosion, wave overtopping and tidal inundation. They also provide a source of sand to replenish the beach and a habitat for birds, small mammals and insects. The dune system at Ogunquit Beach is moderately vegetated, has no houses and protects the estuary on the Ogunquit River.

Ogunquit’s barrier beach system is a critical natural resource, as well as cultural asset and economic driver, within the Town. It is one of the only stretches of largely undeveloped barrier beaches in the State.

The Main Beach, Footbridge Beach and North Beach complex is one of the only stretches of largely undeveloped barrier beaches in the State and is owned by the Town, which is unique among southern Maine’s sandy beaches. The southwestern end of Main Beach has a municipally owned beach parking lot and several commercial buildings, including hotels, and a section of seawall around that developed area. The barrier beach and a border strip around the adjacent tidal inlet of the Ogunquit River and associated marsh are zoned as Resource Protection through the Town’s Shoreland Zoning Ordinance, meaning the area is currently protected from development. Local shoreland zoning ordinances are consistent with state guidelines, specifying setbacks for structures, permitted uses and lot coverage. Ogunquit’s Shoreland Zone encompasses lands lying within 250 feet of the normal, mean high-water line of any river, the upland edge of a coastal wetland, including all areas affected by tidal action, the upland edge of a freshwater wetland, and all land areas within 75 feet of the normal, mean high-water line of a stream.

Maintaining the integrity of Ogunquit’s coastline is important from an economic standpoint as well as for quality of life. While the Town’s barrier beach system is not directly at-risk of development due to current zoning, its health and function are threatened by water quality issues from upstream development, as well as by erosion, sedimentation, and sea level rise. The health of the beach system is vital for wildlife and natural resources and is paramount to the local economy and municipal fiscal health. A 2022 regional economic resilience planning study conducted by SMPDC found that visitation to Ogunquit’s beaches generated over $2 million annually in parking fees alone, which represents roughly 21% of the municipal operating budget in Fiscal Year 2021. In Ogunquit, 1.6 feet of sea level rise, the amount the Maine Climate Council recommends the state prepare for by 2050, is projected to reduce the townwide dry beach by about 42%.

The Maine Geological Survey (MGS), through the State of Maine Beach Profiling Project and Maine Beach Mapping Program, conducts annual monitoring and profiling of Maine’s beach and dune systems. In its State of Maine’s Beaches in 2022 report, MGS noted

that Ogunquit Beach, in the short-term, experienced strong growth, or accretion, of its dune and beach; the mean dry beach width stayed about the same over the year. The report found that from 2020 to 2021, dry beach width decreased near the river and increased along most of the beach. The MGS report reveals that, over time, some areas of Ogunquit’s beaches are eroding

while some are accreting. Over the longer-term,

While the Town’s barrier beach system is not directly at-risk of development due to current zoning, its health and function are threatened by water quality issues from upstream development, as well as by erosion, sedimentation, and sea level rise.

The MGS report reveals that, over time, some areas of Ogunquit’s beaches are eroding while some are accreting.

between 2007 and 2021, the dune along the parking area south of the Beach Street bridge grew 2 to 4 feet per year, then eroded about the same amount, while north of the Norseman Hotel, the dune grew 2 to 3 feet per year. During that same time period, the beach along the Ogunquit River (near the bridge) grew 3 to 6 feet per year, with most growth concentrated near the inner spit where growth reached 16 feet per year. Farther south, the beach eroded up to about 10 feet per year. Along the beach until the Norseman Hotel, the beach receded approximately 1 foot per year. North of this, the beach grew between 6 and 10 feet per year. The MGS monitoring data and report demonstrate the importance of the Town participating in the Maine Beach Mapping Program so that it has local information about short- and longer-term changes along its vital coastline.

While sea level rise threatens inundation of the beach system, it can also facilitate the landward expansion, or migration, of tidal marshes. The Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP) has mapped areas that could support marsh migration with future sea level rise. In Ogunquit, the backside of the barrier beach system and narrow strips along the Ogunquit River estuary have been identified as supporting future marsh migration.

Protecting these areas will be crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of local tidal marshes, which provide tremendous natural benefits and services including wildlife habitat, flood control, and water quality protection. (Map 2)

The community recognizes that some of its critical natural resources, such as beaches, dunes, and estuary, are threatened by overuse, development, and recreational activities. Measures have been taken to prohibit and/or limit pedestrian and vehicle trespassing on the dunes and in the estuary. Town ordinances have been established to keep dogs and bikes out of these sensitive areas. Additionally, the Town has undertaken educational outreach to protect critical and important natural resources. Ogunquit has partnered with Healthy Rivers Ogunquit (HeROs), Maine Healthy Beaches, State Department of

Environmental Protection (DEP), FBE, SMPDC, Wells Reserve at Laudholm, GWRLT, and Town Boards such as the Conservation Commission, Sustainability Committee, and Marginal Way Committee to address natural resource and management issues.

The Town has undertaken educational outreach to protect critical and important natural resources.

Coastline Resources: Marginal Way

A critical natural resource area of Ogunquit includes the entire coastline of the Marginal Way, beginning at Oar Weed Cove in Perkins Cove going northward to the Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort on Shore Rd. The area is further bounded by the low water line and includes approximately 13.9 acres. The Marginal Way path offers one of the most accessible and dramatic panoramas of a rocky coastline in Maine with sedimentary rocks, cross-cutting dykes, and glacial features that represent almost a half billion years of history. The ledges along the Marginal Way are particularly significant because they provide superb exposures of the Kittery Formation, which is tan, graded-bedded, calcareous metasandstone, purple and green phyllite and a profusion of basaltic dikes. This belt of Ordovicivan-Silurian rock extends from Kittery to northeast Bangor. Several early recumbent folds in the metamorphosed sedimentary rocks of the Kittery Formation are well displayed. These folds were

deformed by overturned folds which have developed axial plane cleavage. The numerous basaltic dikes offer excellent illustration of features of dike emplacement such as chill margins, rock dilation and intrusion sequence. In addition, numerous minor faults cut across the rocks; these faults postdate the basaltic dikes. In 2022, Ogunquit’s Marginal Way path was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. The Marginal Way is a paved five-foot wide, public Rock formations seen from Marginal Way footpath located in Ogunquit. The path follows beautiful coastal rocky ledges for approximately 1.25 miles. The picturesque Marginal Way according to the National Register is “locally significant for its association with entertainment recreation and conservation …The property’s donation to the town for public use is a significant example of the preservation of sections

The picturesque Marginal Way according to the National Register is “locally significant for its association with entertainment, recreation and conservation.”

of Maine coast for public use during a period of rapid coastal development.” Historically several Native American tribes hunted, fished, and grew crops in this area. It is assumed they traveled along this path for many years, moving from ocean cliffs to inland fields and pastures. A priority for the Marginal Way is to ensure safety for all pedestrians using the path. The Town is committed to ensuring that encroaching vegetation, erosion, drainage issues, climate change risks and storm damage risks are mitigated, and necessary repairs are done. Map 3 Conserved lands in Ogunquit. (Source: Wells Reserve) Additional information about the Marginal Way can be found in the Historic and Archeological Resources, Recreation, Economy, and Transportation Sections of the Comprehensive Plan.

Existing Conservation Lands

There are pockets of conserved land scattered throughout Ogunquit (Map 3). Conservation land is owned and managed by several different entities. The Town itself owns 250 acres of land, including the 142 acres of beach and land off Berwick Road which includes approximately 7 acres of conservation land.

GWRLT actively manages conserved lands within the community. The 22-acre Beach Plum Farm is a local treasure providing not only conservation value but a community garden. The Payeur Preserve and Kirkpatrick Woods provides 55 acres of protection for the Ogunquit River Watershed. More than half the Preserve abuts a 35-acre parcel, off Berwick Road, and is marked by stone walls surrounding the historic “Joe Maxwell Field,” including a double stone-walled cattle path. The land contains vernal pools and an open wetland meadow into the Leavitt Stream headwaters. The remainder of the Preserve is 20 acres of forested land just west of the Maine Turnpike and within Great Works’ Mt. Agamenticus Focus Area. This parcel contains the headwaters of Quarry Stream. Both Leavitt and Quarry streams are tributaries to the Ogunquit River. Plans include a possible wildlife-viewing platform in the meadow and augmenting the existing walking path beginning at the existing dog park, which is frequented by many community members. In addition, the Town owns 40 acres north of the Payeur Preserve, which is referred to as Bassett land.

The GWRLT purchased, with monetary assistance from the Town of Ogunquit, the Old Boston Land on North Village Road. This 157-acre parcel of land is the largest remaining undeveloped property in the Town with over 2,000 feet of frontage on the Ogunquit River. Its woodlands, wetlands, historic foundations, and cemetery will provide for outdoor recreation and protect water quality. It will be managed by GWRLT and Ogunquit has easement rights to the land. The Hilton-Winn Preserve is owned and managed by the York Land Trust and comprises 175 acres in total, 38 acres of which are in Ogunquit. The area provides significant conservation and recreational value in the northern part of the town on both banks of the Ogunquit River.

Threats to Natural Resources

Threats to natural resources can include man-made problems, such as development pressure, overuse of the estuary and dunes, non-source pollution, and discarded trash which poses a danger of entrapment and ingestion to wildlife. Natural threats include invasive wildlife and plant species, such as knotweed, bittersweet, floribunda rose, purple loosestrife, and green crabs, the last of which pose an ecological and economic threat to the region due to their destruction of the essential nursery habitat of many native and sought-after fish species. Climate change also poses significant threats to natural resources.

As mentioned previously in this chapter, Ogunquit has no lakes or ponds infested with invasive aquatics, but the invasive green crab which can harm the clams is present in tidal rivers and the ocean. Natural resources along the Ogunquit River Watershed are further threatened by stormwater and erosion.

Ogunquit has no lakes or ponds infested with invasive aquatics, but the invasive green crab which can harm the clams is present in tidal rivers and the ocean.

Scenic Vistas

Ogunquit has a myriad of scenic areas, including:

OgunquitBeach is a 5-mile stretch of white sand and is consistently voted in the top 10 beaches in the US. Ogunquit has one of the best reliable surfing “breaks” at the mouth of the Ogunquit River on the east coast. There are three public access points to the main beach with parking and restrooms facilities.

TheMarginal Way, which was recently added to the National Historic Register, is a 25-mile paved cliff walk along the ocean from Perkins Cove to Shore Road close to the downtown area. Benches are available along the walking path. The Marginal Way Committee has an ongoing strategic program to remove invasive plants along the path and replace them with native plants. There is also a Town plan to ensure the safety of pedestrians using the path.

BeachPlum Farm Nature Preserve contains community gardens and a half-mile loop trail leading to the Ogunquit River with a view of the dunes and the Atlantic

Perkins Cove was originally a small fishingcommunity and art colony. Currently, the Cove is a quaint area that consists of shops, restaurants and scenic views and remains an active fishing harbor.

The Ogunquit River is a 9.8- mile tidal river.It flows through the Town of Ogunquit and empties into the Atlantic The Ogunquit River watershed is rich in rare, diverse and endangered plant and animal species.

Goals, Policies and Strategies

Goal

To protect and maintain the Town’s natural environment, habitat and resources including:

Wetlands;
Shorelands,including the beaches and estuary;
Sanddunes;
Wildlifeand fisheries and marine life habitat;
Uniquenatural areas including the Marginal Way; and conservation

Policies:

Toprotect natural resources in the community including wetlands, beaches, sand dunes and wildlife and riparian wildlife
Tocoordinate with neighboring communities, and state and regional agencies to protect shared critical natural resources.
Toensure that the Town follows local shoreland zoning standards and regulatory measures to protect natural

Strategies:

Priority: 1-5 with 1 being the highest priority.

Description	Priority	Responsibility
Monitor, protect, and improve the water quality in natural resources areas such as beaches, wetlands, estuary, and wildlife habitats. Develop an action plan to address significant findings.	1	Town Manager
Analyze the health of the beach system (shoreland, dunes, and estuary) which is vital to the town. Report the results of the analysis to the public and develop a plan to ensure the health of the beach system.	2	Conservation Commission (ConCom)
Continue to protect endangered species such as the piping plover. Develop and distribute public information materials.	3	ConCom
Establish a plan to limit/eliminate the spread of invasive plants on Town land and public access ways, then replant those areas with native plants in conjunction with the Marginal Way Committee. Educate and work with landowners to prevent the spread of invasive plants.	4	Con Com
Create a Natural Resources Manager position.	5	Town Manager
Encourage public/private partnerships to protect natural resources with our partner organizations. The Marginal Way Committee and the Marginal Way Preservation Fund are an example of a public/private partnership.		Town Manager
Increase annual contributions to the Town’s Conservation Land Acquisition Fund to purchase undeveloped parcels that will remain as green space. Add to the Town budget to be voted on by residents.		Select Board
Make information available to those living in or near critical natural resources such as the Shoreland Zones about current tax programs and applicable local, state, or federal regulations.		Town Treasurer
Ensure that all Town land use Ordinances are consistent with Town, State, and federal laws regarding critical natural resources.		CEO
Designate critical natural resources as Critical Resource Areas as provided in the Future Land Use Plan.		ConCom
Continue to monitor subdivisions and developments to identify critical natural resources that may be on site and take appropriate measures to protect those resources, through Town land use ordinances. This may include erosion and sedimentation control, use of native plants, and tree replacement where warranted.		CEO
Continue to require the Planning Board to include, as part of the review process, consideration of pertinent Beginning with Habitat (BwH) maps and information regarding critical natural resources through Town ordinances.		Planning Board
Participate in regional planning with organizations such as Ogunquit River Watershed Steering Committee, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Maine DEP Healthy Beaches, SMPDC, Ogunquit Sewer District, and Army Corps of Engineers around shared critical and important natural resources and water quality issues.		Town Manager
Develop, distribute, and make available on the Town website a guide/pamphlet describing all of Ogunquit’s natural resources.		ConCom
Seek new grants to strengthen and provide resilience to coastline, including the beach, estuary, Marginal Way and Perkins Cove.		Town Manager