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Surface Water
The landscape
of Charlestown is peppered with fresh water ponds, rivers,
and wetlands (as a part of the Pawcatuck Watershed).
The southern coast is lined by a barrier beach that
provides the border between salt water ponds and the
Atlantic. Some of the main threats
currently affecting Charlestown's
surface water resources include: algae
blooms and high amounts of bacteria due to inadequate
or failing septic systems in densely developed coastal
neighborhoods.
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River systems
The Pawcatuck River is
the predominant riverine system. (Click
here for more background.)
It is a riverine system within the parameters
of the National
Wetlands Inventory (NWI)classification system.
Freshwater ponds
There are 88 freshwater
ponds within Charlestown. These ponds add to Charlestown's
aesthetic and recreational quality.
Forested and shrub wetlands
Scattered across Charlestown
are 167 forested wetlands and 101 shrub wetlands.
Deep
Pond/ Schoolhouse Pond Complex
The Natural Heritage Program recognizes this coastal
plain pondshore as an exceptional habitat. The
delicate balance of the habitat has been categorizes
as vulnerable to the degradation of water quality.
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View from
King's Factory Bridge
(click map
to enlarge)
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Great
Swamp/ Kingston Pine Barrens
These two sites are home to a variety of rare plants
and animals.
Fisheries
and Hunting Resources
Recreational fishing is seen in Charlestown for
both warm and cold water species.
Saltwater fisheries in the town offer shellfish and
finfish for commercial and recreational fishing.
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