The Bridges Swamp Watershed is a collective name for a group of small watersheds draining in York, Maine. It includes several small water courses, ponds, and marshes, and its poorly drained soils cause the region to be prone to flooding in heavy rains and storm surge events.
Facts
Drainage: 6.25 square miles
Drinking water source for: None
Receives wastewater from: None
Significant water features: Short Sands Beach, Long Beach
Watershed Description
The Bridges Swamp Watershed is a collective name for a group of small watersheds draining in York, Maine. It includes several small water courses, ponds, and marshes, and its poorly drained soils cause the region to be prone to flooding in heavy rains and storm surge events. Several areas of significant habitat for rare and endangered wildlife species are found within the watershed and two swimming beaches serve as important tidal wading bird and waterfowl habitat.
The landscape in Bridges Swamp Watershed is a mixture of small forest blocks, a few areas of agriculture, scattered development in the inland areas, and high density commercial and residential development along the coast. The most significant development in the western part of Bridges Swamp Watershed is located along the Blue Star Memorial Highway and the Maine Turnpike. The two swimming beaches are located in these high density coastal areas. The landscape surrounding these beaches is characterized by a high percentage of impervious surfaces, which results in increased flows of stormwater that often drain onto the beach.
Local Information
Towns in Watershed
York
York Rivers Association
A group of citizens, non-profit organizations, local, state and federal agencies working together to protect and restore the rivers of York.
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