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Natural Factors Report
Montague is a town made up of a wide variety of diverse natural
features. These ecologically significant areas range from a riverfront,
farming environment, to steep, forested upland communities.
Topography
Montague has three very distinct areas of topography. Along the
Connecticut River, which makes up the western edge of the town
lies mainly flat lowlands. These areas, because they are lowlands,
also contain most of the major wetland areas. The eastern portion
of the town is made up of a steep ridgeline, which runs through
the town. Because of the steep topography, this area is mainly
unbuildable and uninhabited making it a great asset to Montague's
greenway plans. The third area of distinct topography is the
Montague Plains. This area, like the lowlands, is mainly very
flat. But unlike the lowlands, the Plains are not wetlands but
rather a sandy/gravelly area.
Rivers and Wetlands
The main water features of Montague make up most of its borders.
Mainly the Connecticut River, which makes up most of the western
border, is a great asset to the town for recreation, wildlife
conservation, history, and many other reasons. Barton Cove in
the northern portion is a great recreational area as well as
a habitat for wildlife. Lake Pleasant and Green Pond are two
water bodies in the interior of Montague. These areas are of
great importance because they are protected watershed areas.
In addition to those mentioned, there are many other smaller
rivers and streams. These will all become vitally important in
the greenway development process because many of them are significant
wildlife corridors or provide great opportunities for trails.
In the state of Massachusetts, by law, there is a two hundred-foot
buffer of protected land around these water features.
Designated wetlands of Montague are mainly located in the lowland
flood plains of the Connecticut River. These areas are also protected
from development by state and federal law.
Vegetation
Most of the vegetation patterns in Montague coincide directly
with the topography. Most of the lowland areas are open space,
much of which is used for farming. The vegetation that exists
in this area is mostly of the wetland variety. The eastern ridgeline
areas including the Montague Pains area is mostly forested. Much
of the forest in the eastern portion is under conservation as
State Forest areas.
Soils
Montague has two very distinct soil areas. The first being the
areas along the Connecticut River. These are said to be some
of the best soils for farming. Glacial deposits, combined with
seasonal change in water level provide thin layers of differing
soil types that when mixed (tilled) offer almost perfect fertility
for farming. The second distinct soil area is that which makes
up the Montague Plains. This unique area of excessively well
drained, sandy/gravely soils are very much like the scrub oak
pine barrens of Cape Cod.
Wildlife Habitats
Most of the major wildlife habitats of Montague are centered
along the Connecticut River. There is a State fish hatchery roughly
halfway up the Montague border and a "fish ladder"
further upstream. The Discovery Center also participates in many
programs including the preservation of bald eagle habitats that
are located in the area. Montague is seriously exploring the
idea of "eco-tourism" as a major draw to the area.
In addition to these specific areas, there are several distinct
wildlife corridors in Montague. The first being the Connecticut
River for its migration patterns of fish. The second being the
Saw Mill River in the southern portion of Montague. This river
will become important in the development of a greenway system
because the meanderings of the Saw Mill provides opportunities
for wildlife corridors to come directly through some of the surrounding
neighborhoods.
In Conclusion
This natural factors study has determined that Montague can be
divided into three very distinct ecological areas. The first
being the western, lowland, river community with its open areas
of farmland. The second, the Montague Plains with its distinctive
soils and ecology. And lastly, the eastern, forested ridgeland
with its incredible potential for trails. All of these diverse
areas will combine with other features and must be considered
in the development of a greenway for Montague.
Cultural Assessment
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