The history of efforts to preserve and protect the Ash Creek tidal estuary which borders the city of Bridgeport and the town of Fairfield in Connecticut. The Ash Creek Conservation Association was formed in 2003 to continue the efforts of many to protect this rare healthy tidal estuary in an urban area.

1. Conservation Efforts
in Ash Creek
Ash Creek
Conservation
Association, Inc.

2. Our Mission
 To preserve and protect one of the few
remaining tidal estuaries in an urban area in
the United States that provides an important
habitat for migratory shorebirds, oysters and
other shellfish, and an opportunity to
educate the public about this amazing,
fragile, and extraordinarily beautiful
ecosystem which has been self restoring
itself for more than 50 years.

3. Our Objectives - #1
 To educate the public and
Bridgeport/Fairfield residents of the
significance of tidal estuaries such as Ash
Creek in their crucial role as delicate
environments for the maintenance of bird,
fish, and plant life

4. Our Objectives - #2
 To educate about the potential source of
pollutants whenever there is human activity
in the area. For example, marinas and boat
usage increase toxins, affect nutrients, and
have an impact on the ecology of the Creek.

5. Our Objectives - #3
 To advocate for the restoration and
protection of the Ash Creek tidal estuary
from ill-planned encroachments and
development which could significantly harm
the ecological balance of nature in the area.

6. Our Objectives - #4
 To work for identification and designation
of especially sensitive areas in the Ash
Creek tidal estuary for special protection.

7. Our Objectives - #5
 Obtaining designation of the Ash Creek
estuary as an Important Birding Area
(IBA).

8. Our Objectives - #6
 To develop sites and a trail along the Ash
Creek tidal estuary for visitor observations of
the variety of species of birds that visit and
nest there each year.

9. Our Objectives - #7
 To encourage ecologically friendly uses of
Ash Creek and aesthetic enjoyment for the
people who live, work, and play in and
around it, including kayaking, canoeing, bird
watching, photography, painting, walking or
hiking and discourage destructive uses of
Ash Creek, including power boating and
docks.

10. History and Background
 To understand our organization’s mission
and objectives, we need to take quick trip
back in time to the early 1900’s…

11. Ash Creek Wasn’t Valued in the Past
 “Upriver to the Post Road bridge, is an
estuary-traversed marsh, of no good to
anyone. If this area could either be made
into a safe inland pond or a suitable yacht
basin, people innumerable, from both
neighboring communities would be
benefited.”
Bridgeport Telegram, 1952

12. Notice that the tidal wetlands have
been eradicated completely…
Great Marsh Island as a
“Rich Man’s Paradise”

13. Replacing the tidal estuary with an
inland lake…
Inland Lake with Dam

14. 1977 Aerial View of Ash Creek

15. First Ash Creek Association
 Formed in 1967 to preserve natural
shoreline of Ash Creek and prevent fill and
water pollution, preserve the remaining
marshlands as a home for wildlife
 They were catalyzed into action by a zoning
permit on Livingston Avenue to fill in part of
Ash Creek
 Gathered the support of legislators and
conservation groups throughout state

16. The first Ash Creek clean up…
Removed 28 Tons of Trash from Ash Creek

17. The entire community pitched in…

18. We Owe a Lot to Their Efforts
 Active for about 20 years (1967 to 1987)
 Like us they…
 Worked closely with the Connecticut Audubon
Society and CT Conservation Association
 Fought long legal battles with state agencies
Without their efforts, we would not
have an Ash Creek to protect today

19. Thanks to Their Efforts
 Ash Creek is one of the last healthy tidal
estuaries in an urban area in the United
States
 It has been self-restoring itself for the
past 50 years because of the clean ups and
prevention of fills & development
 Serves as a defacto wildlife sanctuary for
nesting and migratory birds, shellfish, and
finfish

20. Did You Know…
 Ash Creek is one of the key stopover areas
on the Eastern seaboard for palearctic
shorebirds
 Some migrate from the Arctic Circle to
Argentina
 Mudflats provide the food
 Natural surroundings provide rest – afraid of
docks and development
Ash Creek is one of the last 15 stopovers for
migratory shorebirds left in Connecticut

21. Did You Know…
 Oysters have a high mortality rate – easily
smothered by silt stirred up by powerboats
 Commercial oyster growers rely on Ash
Creek for seed oysters – very rare to find
shallow water oyster bed – Bureau of
Aquaculture considers Ash Creek to be a
precious resource for seed oysters
Lower part of Ash Creek is a
state designated natural oyster bed

22. Present Ash Creek Association
 16 year interval between associations
 April 2003, the Ash Creek Conservation
Association (ACCA) was formed
 The group was catalyzed into organizing by
Ganim’s plan for a 50’ dock on Ash Creek
 ACCA believed the delicate ecological balance that
exists in lower Ash Creek could be disrupted by the
presence of docks and powerboat activity

23. Why We Fight Docks in Ash Creek
 Shoreline equivalent of urban sprawl –
development destroys the fringing tidal wetlands
and the natural beauty we all enjoy
 Given the shallowness and small size of this tidal
estuary, the impact of powerboats have more
impact than in other settings
 Presence of manmade structures along with noise
and motion from powerboats disturb migratory and
nesting birds

24. Dock Accomplishments
 Reduced Ganim 50’ dock to 31’
 Reduced Mears 85’ dock to 35’
 DEP initially denied 60’ Toner dock and
made a historic ruling that the DEP must
now consider the use of docks in making its
decisions, i.e. powerboat usage
 Update: after denying dock as a result of DEP
Adjudication Hearing process, DEP agreed to go to
mediation with Toner and allowed the 60’ dock

25. Other Accomplishments…
 Great Marsh Island ownership transferred from
developers to land trust & open space
 Prevented utility bridge across Ash Creek (cables
went underground)
 Habitat repair of Ash Creek sand spit after dredging
destroyed vegetation, ACCA volunteers planted
32,000 beach grass plugs
 Ash Creek Clean Ups – Spring & Fall since 2003
 Appointed to Rooster River Watershed Steering
Committee (2013) & Fox Street Pedestrian Bridge
Committee (2013)

26. Ash Creek Master Plan…
 86-page Ecological Master Plan developed for the Ash
Creek Tidal Estuary in 2012 by Steven Danzer, Ph.D., who
has his doctorate in Natural Resources and is also a Soil
Scientist as well as Professional Wetland Scientist and Bryan
Quinn, RLA of One Nature, LLC, ecological services and
design. Provides scientific data and ecological
recommendations. Funding for this project was provided by:
 The Watershed Assistance Small Grants Program, conducted in association with
the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection under
Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The small grants program is administered by
Rivers Alliance of Connecticut.
 The Fairfield County Community Foundation
 In-kind donations from Dr. Steven Danzer and Bryan Quinn, RLA

27. Events Sponsored in 2013…
 March 4 – Ecohistory of Ash Creek (using aerial
photos from 1938 to the present scientific investigators
will discuss the changes to Ash Creek over the years
based on historical records)
 April 20 – Spring Clean Up of Ash Creek
 September 21- Fall Clean Up at Ash Creek
 October 6– Audubon Bird Walk at Ash Creek –
migratory shorebirds and birds of Ash Creek

28. Events Sponsored in 2012…
 April 7– Spring Clean Up at Ash Creek
 October 6– Fall Clean Up at Ash Creek
 December 5– Ecological Master Plan for Ash Creek -
Two ecological consultants presented the their findings
and recommendations - Steven Danzer, Ph.D., a Soil
Scientist as well as Professional Wetland Scientist &
Bryan Quinn, RLA of One Nature, LLC, ecological
services and design. Funding for this project was
provided by:
 The Watershed Assistance Small Grants Program, conducted in association with
the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection under Section
319 of the Clean Water Act. The small grants program is administered by Rivers
Alliance of Connecticut.
 The Fairfield County Community Foundation
 In-kind donations from Dr. Steven Danzer and Bryan Quinn, RLA

29. Events Sponsored in 2011…
 April 9 – Spring Clean Up at Ash Creek
 September 17 – Fall Clean Up at Ash Creek
 October 19 – Why Ash Creek Matters at
Fayerweather Yacht Club, discussion forum with Milan
Bull (Senior Director of Science & Conservation at
Connecticut Audubon), Dr. Jennifer Mattei (Professor of
Biology at Sacred Heart University), and Dr. Steve
Danzer (soil and wetlands scientist). Panel was
moderated by Dr. Kraig Steffen of Fairfield University
(Vice President of the Ash Creek Conservation
Association)

30. Events Sponsored in 2010…
 February 28 – New Neighbors Social at the
Fayerweather Yacht Club, Speaker: Lisa Miro,
Conservation Director for City of Bridgeport
 March 27– Spring Clean Up at Ash Creek
 August 19 – Great Marsh Island Shorebird Hike at
Ash Creek (with Aspetuck Land Trust & led by Milan
Bull of CT Audubon)
 September 25 – Fall Clean Up at Ash Creek

31. Events Sponsored in 2009…
 March 15 – New Neighbors Social at the
Fayerweather Yacht Club
 April 18 - Beach Grass Plantings at Ash Creek
 May 12 – Audubon Bird Walk at Ash Creek with Milan
Bull
 May 16 – Clean Up at Ash Creek
 July 18 – Victory Party at Harborview Market
 September 19 - Clean Up at Ash Creek
 November 18 – Fall Event at Fayerweather Yacht Club
w. Prof. Mark Beekey, Sacred Heart University on
horseshoe crabs & migratory shorebirds

32. Events Sponsored in 2008…
 February 2 – New Neighbors Social at the
Fayerweather Yacht Club featuring Charles Brilvitch on
the history of Black Rock
 April 26 – Spring Clean Up at Ash Creek
 May 15 – Audubon Bird Walk at Ash Creek with Milan
Bull
 May 17 – Project Limulus at Ash Creek
 September 20 – Fall Clean Up at Ash Creek
 October 7 – Public Hearing on Toner Dock
 October 25 – Beach Grass Plantings at sand spit

33. Events Sponsored in 2007…
 March 19 – Ash Creek/Rooster River Watershed
seminar presented by Professor Kraig Steffen, Fairfield
University at Black Rock Arts Center
 March 21 – Ash Creek/Rooster River Watershed
seminar presented by Professor Kraig Steffen, Fairfield
University at Connecticut Audubon Society in Fairfield
 March 24 – New Neighbors Social at the Fayerweather
Yacht Club featuring Charles Brilvitch on the history of
Black Rock
 May 5 – Spring Clean Up of Ash Creek
 July 26 – Audubon Bird Walk with Milan Bull

34. Events Sponsored in 2006…
 January 28 – New Neighbors Social at the Fayerweather Yacht
Club featuring Dr. Art Samuelson on the history of Black Rock.
 March 27 – Backyard Birding & the Ash Creek Ecosystem by
Professor Tod Osier from Fairfield University
 April 29 – Spring Clean Up of Ash Creek
 June 17 – Great Marsh Island Celebration for the preservation of
Great Marsh Island by the Aspetuck Land Trust and Town of
Fairfield with refreshments and a walking tour of Ash Creek led by
Milan Bull.
 October 6 – Utility Bridge public meeting with CL&P and Black
Rock/Fairfield community. Slide show and mock ups by CL&P.
Slide show by ACCA. Q&A followed.
 September 16 – Fall Clean Up of Ash Creek
 November 13 - DEP Public Hearing on Utility Bridge
 December 5 – Victory Party at Harborview for Utility Bridge

35. Events Sponsored in 2005…
 January 27 - Winged Migration large screen showing of DVD at
Connecticut Audubon Society Center in Fairfield – open to public
 April 30 – Spring Clean Up of Ash Creek -for the first year the
clean up on both sides of Ash Creek was coordinated
 September 7 – Bird Tour of Ash Creek was held at 7 PM along
Ash Creek by Professor Kraig Steffen
 September 17 - Walking Tour of Historical Black Rock and
Black Rock's maritime past by Charles Brilvitch will be held at 1
PM this Saturday starting at Harborview Market
 September 24 – Fall Clean Up of Ash Creek which we also
coordinated with Mill River Wetlands Committee

36. Events Sponsored in 2004…
 January 23 – Coastal Habitat Restoration in Black Rock –
presentation by Charles Brilvitch at Burroughs Community Center
 March 18– Establishing National Wildlife Refuges in
Connecticut presentation by William Kolodnicki, Refuge
Manager, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
(USFWS) at Burrough Community Center
 April 24 – Spring Clean Up of Ash Creek
 September 18 – Fall Clean Up of Ash Creek
 November 19 – Ash Creek’s Importance as a Migratory
Flyway presentation by Milan Bull of Connecticut Audubon
Society at Burroughs Community Center

37. Events Sponsored in 2003…
 April 19 – Spring Clean Up of Ash Creek
 June 10 – Ash Creek Tidal Estuary as a Habitat for Nesting
and Migratory Shorebird presentation by Milan Bull, CT
Audubon, and Ecological History of Ash Creek presentation by
Ed Jones, Fairfield Department of Conservation, at Burrough
Community Center
 September 13 – Ash Creek Bird Walk led by Milan Bull, CT
Audubon
 October 18 – Ash Creek Photography Exhibit & Sale -
fundraiser at Burroughs Community Center

38. Grants Received in 2012
 2012 – $5,000 Fairfield County Community Foundation Grant for
Phase I of Ecological Master Plan for Ash Creek.
 2012 – $5,000 The Watershed Assistance Small Grants Program,
conducted in association with the Connecticut Department of Energy
& Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water
Act. The small grants program was administered by Rivers Alliance
of Connecticut. Grant for Phase I of Ecological Master Plan for Ash
Creek.
 2012 - In-kind donations have also been provided by two ecological
consultants: Steve Danzer of Steven Danzer Ph.D. & Associates
LLC, a professional wetlands scientist, and Bryan Quinn, a
specialist in ecological habitat restoration for Phase I of Ecological
Master Plan for Ash Creek.

39. Grants Received in 2004
 2004 – $5,000 The Watershed Assistance Small Grants
Program, conducted in association with the Connecticut
Department of Energy & Environmental Protection under
Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The small grants
program was administered by Rivers Alliance of Connecticut.
Grant for public watershed education of Rooster River/Ash Creek
watershed
 RESULT – Created public watershed education road show with
PowerPoint presentation and handouts, including information on
stormwater runoff and what residents can do to prevent further
pollution. Program was readapted for use at St. Ann’s School in Black
Rock.

40. Grants Received in 2003
 2003 – $2,000 NE Grassroots Environmental Fund to organize
and participate in DEP hearings against the construction of a 50’
dock in the Ash Creek Tidal Estuary
 RESULT – Precedent setting ruling by DEP to not only reduce size of
dock, but to allow window of time during high tide when boat is allowed
to access the dock

41. Some Memorable Moments…
Bird Tours

42. 2004 Blue Heron Ball

43. Ganim Dock…

44. Ash Creek Art Fundraiser…

45. 2006 Blue Heron Ball…

46. 2006 Utility Bridge Fight

47. Utility Bridge Victory Party…

48. 2008 Project Limulus…

49. Ash Creek Clean Ups - Spring
and Fall Since 2003…

50. ACCA Communications
 e-Newsletter (sign up on our website)
 Website www.ashcreekassoc.org
 YouTube
 FaceBook

51. Click here to sign up for
Ash Creek e-Newsletter
Ash Creek e-Newsletter

52. Ash Creek Website
www.ashcreekassoc.org

53. Click here to go to
Ash Creek YouTube videos
Ash Creek YouTube Videos

54. Click here to become a fan
Ash Creek FaceBook Page
Ash Creek FaceBook Page

55. Key ACCA Presentations…
 Ecohistory of Ash Creek
 Ash Creek Master Plan
It’s not too late to download the
presentations in video or PDF
format, see next two slides

56. Ecohistory of Ash Creek
Video of presentation Ecohistory of Ash Creek – Part I & Part II

57. Ash Creek Master Plan 2012
86-page scientific study of Ash Creek – 2012
(Available for download: Ash Creek Tidal Estuary Master Plan )

58. Thank you