Plum Island (Massachusetts): Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Sand Dunes, Plum Island, MA.jpg|thumb|right|''Sand dunes'' in [[1908]]]] |
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'''Plum Island, Massachusetts''' is an island located off the [[northeast]] [[coast]] of [[Massachusetts]], [[north]] of [[Cape Ann]] at north [[latitude]] 42°47' by [[west]] [[longitude]] 70°50'. It is a [[barrier island]] approximately 11 [[mile]]s (18 km) in [[length]], the northern portion bordered by the [[Merrimack River]] (in which stands [[Badgers Rock]]), and the southern portion by the Parker River. The [[Atlantic Ocean]] lies to the [[east]], a [[tidal estuary]] to the west. |
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Situated in [[Essex County, Massachusetts|Essex County]], Plum Island is divided between four cities and towns: [[Newburyport, Massachusetts|Newburyport]], [[Newbury, Massachusetts|Newbury]], [[Rowley, Massachusetts|Rowley]] and [[Ipswich, Massachusetts|Ipswich]]. Developed areas of the island, with public [[beach|beaches]], businesses and private residences, lie wholly within the boundaries of Newburyport and Newbury, the latter containing the village of [[Plum Island, Massachusetts|Plum Island]]. The island's pristine largest section is managed by the ''[[United States Fish and Wildlife Service]]'' as the ''Parker River [[National Wildlife Refuge]]'', while the ''Massachusetts [[Audubon Society]]'' operates the ''Joppa Flats Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary''. |
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[[Image:Launching the Lifeboat, Plum Island, MA.jpg|thumb|left|''Launching the lifeboat'', c. [[1910]]]] |
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Like most coastal communities, Plum Island has historically been a popular vacation destination. Several large hotels operated during the late [[19th century|19th]] and early [[20th century|20th centuries]]. Today, there are numerous lodging options for tourists, including [[Bed and breakfast|B&B]]'s, [[inns]], and rental [[cottages]]. In addition, there is a population of year-round residents. |
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Development and changes in Massachusetts law put pressure on the island's [[potable water]] and [[sewer]] capacity. In [[1982]], a report was issued by ''M. Anthony Lally Assoc.'' stating that the island does not have enough potable ground water, and the proximity of ground water supplies to septic systems could create a health hazard. In [[1995]], new state regulations popularly called "Title V," a series regarding subsurface sewerage, became effective, and by August of [[2000]], funding for a new joint water and sewer project serving the Newbury and Newburyport residents was approved. The project broke ground in September of [[2004]], with final phases of construction (excluding street paving) scheduled for completion in September of [[2006]]. |
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[[Image:Sand Dunes at Plum Island, MA.jpg|thumb|right|''Sand dunes'' in c. 1910]] |
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The legislation which initiated the Plum Island water and sewer project also imposed a moratorium on commercial development. Individual house lots may still be developed (although now with substantial limitations), but commercial enterprises will be restricted to those already in existence -- small home-based businesses, two small restaurants, a convenience store, a liquor store, and a charter fishing boat. |
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Plum Island and its surrounding estuaries are a popular destination for [[birders]]. The Parker River basin is on a [[Bird migration|migratory]] route for many varieties of [[bird]]s, as well as a [[Nest|nesting]] area for [[Piping Plover|piping plovers]]. Much of the beach in the ''National Wildlife Refuge'' is closed to visitors during the nesting season, which can last most of the warm months. |
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== External links == |
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* [http://www.plum-island.com/ Plum Island, Massachusetts ''Webpage''] |
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** [http://www.birdingamerica.com/Massachusetts/plum_island.htm Birding America -- Plum Island & Parker River] |
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** [http://lighthouse.cc/plumisland/ Friends of Plum Island Light] |
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** [http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Joppa_Flats/ Joppa Flats Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary] |
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** [http://www.massaudubon.org/ Massachusetts Audubon Society] |
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** [http://parkerriver.fws.gov/ Parker River National Wildlife Refuge] |
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** [http://www.fws.gov/ U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service] |
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[[Category:Islands of Massachusetts]] |
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