By Nicholas Warner, UHI Research Intern

During 2023, Urban Harbors Institute began working with the Town of Mashpee to create a harbor plan.  Among the town’s priorities were (1) understanding the location and number of docks and piers along the shoreline, and (2) measuring the extent to which these structures overlap with wetland buffer areas. While docks and piers are important for allowing homeowners to access the water, there can be impacts on the natural resources (e.g., shading of the marsh, altering shellfish habitat) and navigation. 

To address these issues, UHI mapped and measured all residential docks and floats in Mashpee. UHI visually identified docks and floats, by systematically scanning the coastline using satellite imagery data and GIS mapping software. Measurements such as length and area (Figure 1) were compiled for each structure. These properties were then matched to license and permit information found in the online registry of deeds and through the Department of Environmental Protection’s records.  

The Town can use this license data to inform management of vulnerable wetlands and to promote compliance with the state’s Public Waterfront Act.  

An example of a measurement of dock length (blue) perpendicular to land.