The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management is seeking
creative proposals to farm roughly 25 acres in the Ellisville Harbor State
Park, in Plymouth, Ma. The land is five miles north of the Cape Cod Canal
on the Atlantic Coast, and is within Ellisville Area of Critical
Environmental Concern.
SITE DESCRIPTION: The site is regarded as one of the finest remaining sites
reflecting early agricultural use along the Massachusetts coastline.
There are two fields totaling 25 acres classified as Plymouth/Carver
complex B slopes. Some small areas lack to psoil. The site includes
approximately five acres of Christmas trees. Water for irrigation is available.
USE AND MANAGEMENT: Creative proposals are sought for a long-term lease
which may include year-round housing, use of other farm buildings and a farm
stand. Low-impact practices, will be required. The use and management may
include ways to address public access, educational and retail issues.
Salt hay was harvested until the 1950s and may be resumed. The farm was used
for pasture, chickens and vegetables until 1962.
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES: Plymouth experienced rapid growth in the 1980s, and has
few or no farm stands. The surrounding sections are residential and
affluent. There is citizen interest in this park plan. Historic field crops
included potatoes, pumkins, turnips, onions and corn.
SOIL DESCRIPTION: Plymouth soils typically have three inches of a black, very
friable, loamy coarse sand. Subsoil is about two feet thick. The upper
portion is dark brown, very friable, gravelly, loamy coarse sand and grades
with depth to a light, yellowish brown, loose, gravelly coarse sand.
The substratum extends to a depth of 60 inches or more. Plymouth soils are
excessively drained, droughty soils that have a water table greater than six
feet below the surface. Permeability is rapid in the subsoil and very
rapid in the substratum. Carver soils have similar profile and have very
rapid permeability.
CONTACT: To request a RFP, Andy Backman, MA Dept. of Environmental
Management, 100 Cambridge St., Rm 1404, Boston MA 02202. For more information
contact Barbara Hopson, MA Department of Food & Agriculture, 142 Old Common
Road, Lancaster, MA 01523. 508-792-7712.