Haw River State Park Master Plan

2010·12.1 MB·English

HAW RIVER STATE PARK
Master Plan
April 2010
Division of Parks and Recreation
Departmentof Environment and Natural Resources
North Carolina
Documentpreparedby:
Swanson andAssociates, P.A.
Carrboro, N.C.
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY HAW RIVER STATE PARK MASTER PLAN 65
1
SUMMARY OF MASTER PLANNING PROCESS 3 Introduction 65
Master Planning Process 3 Program of Use 65
Community Input Process 3 Master Plan Overview 66
Resulting Capital Projects 4 ParkTrails Review 67
PropertyAcquisitions 5 The Greater Park- Public UseArea 67
SITE CONTEXTAND HISTORY 7 ParkAccess 67
Circulation 67
Site Description 7
Cultural Resources 7 TVirsaiitlohreCaednstearn.dDay UseAreas 7700
LandAcquisition History 10
MaintenanceArea 70
Circulation /Accessing the Park 12
RECREASRTteIagtOieoNnaAanlLdLRRaEengSdiOoUnUsaRelCTrEaiSl ASyNsDteVmIsSIaTnAdTOIpONen Space Planning 111524 NGTerenowtupaInnCtdearmTprrpaeiitlnievgreCTarmaiplgsraonudnBdoardwalks 777122
Mountains-to-Sea Trailhead 72
Programs and Visitation Summary for Backpack Camping 73
The Summit Environmental Education Center 15
RangerResidences 74
EnvironmentalEducation Program 15
Separation ofActivities 74
Conference CenterAmenities 16
The Summit Environmental Education Center 74
Visitation 16 Entry Sequence, VehicularCirculation andParking 74
Recreational Opportunities 16 Campus Pedestrian Circulation 77
Interpretation 16 EnvironmentalEducation Shelter 77
EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE 18 Youth Cabins 77
Existing Park Facilities and Internal Circulation 18 EnvironmentalEducation Program/Classroom Building 77
Buildings and Structures Inventory 21 Canopy Walkway. . 78
Roads and Utility Inventory 25 Robins NestLake Vicinity 78
Existing Roadsand Trails 25 Managed Open Field 79
Existing ParkingAreas 26 Observatory 79
Existing WaterSystems 27 ParkLighting 80
Existing SewerSystems 27 Interim Public Day Use 80
ExistingElectrical System 28 SeasonalStaffHousing 80
Existing Gas/OtherFuel Systems 28 OtherElements 80
Existing Telephone System 28 New Trails 80
Existing Satellite Provider/Cable Provider. 28 RelocatedMaintenanceArea 82
Pond and Dam Inventory 29 Connectionsto Regional Trails and the Larger Context 83
NATURAL FEATURES 30 Protection Plan 85
Introduction 30 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN IN A STATE PARK MASTER PLAN 87
Topography 33 PROPOSED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS WITH COST ESTIMATES 91
Elevation 35
PHASING PLAN 92
Slope 37
STAFFING REQUESTS 93
Aspect 39
Hydrology 40 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 95
Geology 45 RESOURCESAND REFERENCES 96
Soils 51 APPENDICES 99
Flora and Fauna 55 AppendixA- Summary ofCommunity Input and
SITEANALYSIS SUMMARY 61 Public Comments 99
Conservation and Sustainable DevelopmentValue 61 Appendix B - State ParksAct 99
Shaping the Plan forthe Park 61 Appendix C - Existing Utilities Map for
Park Purpose Statement 61 The Summit Main Campus 102
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Parks and Recreation
Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor Lewis R. Ledford, Director Dee Freeman, Secretary
Greetings to friends and supporters ofHaw River State Park.
Haw River State Parkwas authorized in 2003, one ofthe first created through the New Parks foraNew Century initiative. Its natural resource base is the
headwaters ofthe Haw River, one ofcentral North Carolina's most vital river systems, andthe park is located nearone ofthe state's largest population centers.
The fortunate acquisition ofconference facilities from the Episcopal Diocese-which immediately began serving asThe Summit Environmental Education Center
-was quickly followed bythe addition ofundevelopedproperty, including 692 acres from Bluegreen Corp. in 2007. Throughout this acquisitionprocess, the state
parkhas enjoyedremarkablepublic support from the GeneralAssembly, stakeholders, local governments and the local community.
The prospect ofdeveloping traditional state park amenities alongside a busy environmental education and training centercalled fora masterplan to guide our
course. In essence, a masterplan is ablueprint forthe long-term development offacilities and recreation opportunities and forprotection ofnatural resources.
Such aplan shouldbe an organic document that evolves as the park grows and knowledge is gained about the resources andpublic use. It is also frequently atthis
pointthat a statepark's characterbegins to take shape. Its purpose and goals are clearly defined, and its identity crystallizes.
With this new masterplan, Haw River State Park enters a new phase that will help us realize the vision ofourpartnership with supporters ofthe park, the local
community and generations offuture visitors. Swanson andAssociates, P.A., a Carrboro-based landscape architecture firm, developed this plan in full consultation
with state park staffand withthe community, through a public meeting andcomment period. The result is a long-range, attainable plan that balances recreation
opportunities with ouroverriding mission as stewards ofthis remarkable natural resource.
At all our state parks, we are committedto ourmission ofprotecting natural resources, educating ourvisitors about those resources andproviding quality outdoor
recreation opportunities. Haw River State Park offers us an outstanding opportunity to realize those goals. That commitment, the continued support ofourpartners
andthoughtful planning will combine fora lasting legacy.
Sincerel
NORTH CAROLINA
Lewis R. Ledford STATE ]>\RKS
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1615 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1615
Phone: [phone] • FAX: [phone] • Internet: www.ncparks.gov
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Haw River State Park is situated along the Haw River in its ofthe N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation is to manage Haw
headwaters region in the northern Piedmont Province ofNorth River State Park as one park with two components, these being:
Carolina. The park lies on the shared boundary ofRockingham 1) the greater park, to serve traditional park uses, educational
and Guilford counties, north ofthe city ofGreensboro, and is a programs, and connection to state and regional trails including
key destination on the state's Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The length the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and 2) The Summit Environmental
ofriver in the park and vicinity is defined by relatively broad Education Center, to continue as a center for environmental
floodplains for the region as well as significant lengths ofwetlands education, conference center, and training facility within the
stretching along the river corridor. Several high quality natural greater area ofthe park.
communities in and around the park property also distinguish the
park with a number ofdiverse scenic experiences within short The park's primary
distances from one another including piedmont oak-hickory forest, interpretive themes are
floodplain swamp, and early successional field. connecting with nature
and the value ofwetlands
The park was authorized by the General Assembly ofNorth along the headwaters of
Carolina for addition to the state parks system in 2003. In 2005, the Haw River. Secondary
the N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation purchased and took interpretive themes include
possession ofthe astronomy, cultural
Summit Episcopal history, "green practices"
Center, a retreat and and sustainable living,
conference center and wildlife and plants
formerly owned ofPiedmont forests.
by the Episcopal Additional secondary
themes may be developed
Diocese. This facility
is now operated in the future as the park Wetlands at Haw River State Park
as The Summit grows.
Environmental
Education Center, A thorough site inventory and analysis was performed as a
the first residential component ofthis planning process. Through this process, the
environmental project consultant and other stakeholders in the park gained a
education center better understanding ofthe opportunities and constraints within
operated by the N.C. Robins Nest Lake in autumn the park and how these might influence land conservation and
Division ofParks and protection ofnatural resources, site planning and development
Recreation. The park has since grown in size with the assistance ofnew and improved facilities that will support the current
ofpublic and private conservation partners, adding several other interpretive themes.
parcels ofland to bring the current park holdings to 1,374 acres.
The master plan for Haw River State Park provides for further
The general study area for this master plan was identified between conservation and protection ofthe Haw River's unique lands and
U.S. 29 to immediately west ofWitty Road, and generally bounded natural resources while establishing a blueprint for long-term
on the north by U.S. 158 and to the south by N.C. 150. The intent development ofpark facilities, recreation, and environmental
education opportunities.
1
The masterplan proposes specific project opportunities relating to Since planning is a dynamic process, the availability ofmore
traditional park uses primarily on an area ofexisting park property detailed information over time may result in a final built product
noted in the master plan as the Church Street Section. The plan that is different than that depicted in this plan. This plan presents
for this area ofthe park includes circulation and access elements, a balanced approach for a clear development plan and guide for
a visitor center, day use areas including picnic shelters and future activities and recreational opportunities. It also seeks to
trailheads, group camping areas, a looped hiking trail system, and meet the mission ofthe state parks system to conserve and protect
facilities for maintenance and operations functions, among others. the park's significant resources and provide for environmental
education opportunities about the natural heritage ofthis park.
The master plan proposes the expansion ofThe Summit
Environmental Education Center from its current campus toward
the east. Interim public day use access is proposed on this eastern
portion ofthe park
property to provide
public access to the
park until proposed
day use facilities
can be completed
on property to the
west ofThe Summit
Environmental
Education Center.
The plan also
makes specific
recommendations
for improving and
Great Spangled Fritillary expanding existing
facilities, improving
pedestrian safety and experience, as well as establishment ofnew
facilities to support the mission ofenvironmental education. These
include expanded indoor and outdoor covered facilities, including
an environmental education building, multi-use covered shelter,
and a small-scale observatory, among others.
Through the planning process, existing park land holdings
were evaluated andjudged inadequate to support all ofthe full
conservation and recreational program ofuse for the park. Some
facilities, therefore, are considered land-dependent at this time.
These include tent-and-trailer camping, backpack camping,
A
potential multi-use trails, and regional trail connections. detailed
protection plan indicates additional land desirable for the park to
meet recreation and conservation goals into the future.
SUMMARY OF MASTER PLANNING PROCESS The consultant performed a thorough site inventory and analysis in
order to fully understand the opportunities and limitations offered
Master Planning Process by Haw River State Park. The consultant also analyzed usage
trends for the park based on visitation logs kept by park staff.
The purpose ofa master plan is to serve as a guide for protection
and development ofpark resources. It includes an analysis of The North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Plan 2009-2013, prepared
cultural, scenic, recreational, geologic, and natural resources as by the N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation, also was reviewed.
well as site analyses and development recommendations. It also This plan addresses the problems, needs, and opportunities related
considers public demand. to public outdoor recreation in North Carolina based on input from
public meetings, a national survey summarized by the state, and
an inventory ofpublic outdoor recreation areas and facilities in the
state. Table 1 is a condensed summary ofthe 2002-2007National
State Parks System Mission Statement Survey on Recreation andthe Environment discussed in Chapter
II ofthe Outdoor Recreation Plan. Ofthe outdoor recreation
The North Carolina State Parks system existsfor activities with the highest priority ranking, the following appear
the enjoyment, education, health andinspiration of to be compatible with the natural resources ofHaw River State
all our citizens andvisitors. The mission ofthe state Park: walking for pleasure; view/photo natural scenery; picnicking;
parks system is to conserve andprotect representative view/photo wildlife, wildflowers, trees, birds; visit a primitive
examples ofthe natural beauty, ecologicalfeatures area; day hiking; and camping.
andrecreation resources ofstatewide significance; to
provide outdoor recreation opportunities in a safe and
Concurrently, the consultant worked with N.C. Division ofParks
healthy environment; andtoprovide environmental
educational opportunities thatpromote stewardship of and Recreation staffand other stakeholders to refine a program of
the state natural heritage. use for the park. The master plan was developed in response to this
's
program ofuse and the park opportunities.
The master plan is based upon the best mapping data available
For any state park, careful planning is crucial to balancing at the time ofits preparation (See Resources and References).
recreational demands with protection ofthe state's valuable natural This data is not survey quality; therefore, more detailed soil,
resources. In essence, the master plan is a strategy for long-term geotechnology, topographic, floodplain, wetland, ecological and
development offacilities and recreation opportunities, and for other studies may be warranted in future phases ofdesign in order
protection ofa park's natural resources. to fully assess feasibility. Since planning is a dynamic process, the
availability ofmore detailed information over time may result in a
The landscape architecture firm Swanson andAssociates, P.A. of final built product that is different than that depicted in this plan.
Carrboro, N.C. served as the design consultant for preparation
ofthe master plan. Apart ofthe consultant's mission was to Community Input Process
examine the park as a whole and evaluate opportunities and
constraints for new facilities. Swanson andAssociates, P.A. Park neighbors, representatives from local governments and other
explored ways to provide public access to park resources and agencies, and members ofthe general public were invited to
recreation opportunities, connect the park to other existing and participate in a public meeting on October 20, 2009. The meeting
proposed regional trail systems, and improve environmental took place at the Haw River State Park from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
education opportunities and walkability at the existing Summit
Environmental Education Center (The Summit).
Table 1: Percentage of North Carolina Residents The meeting was attended by approximately 119 people, including
Participating in Outdoor Recreation Activities 15 N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation staffand three stafffrom
Summaryofthe2002-2007NationalSurveyonRecreationandtheEnvironment Swanson andAssociates, P.A.
(N.C. DivisionofParksandRecreation, 2008)
Rank Activity Percent The meeting included a presentation ofthe proposed improvements,
maps and renderings ofthe park. Staffand design consultants were
21 WFaamliklyfograptlheearsiunrge 8742.6 available to answer questions. Comments about the plan were
3 Gardening or landscaping 65.4 accepted at the meeting and afterward by letter, e-mail, telephone
4 Driving forpleasure 58.2 and numerous individual conversations.
5 View/photo natural scenery 57
6 Visit nature centers, etc. 52.9 Revisions to the master plan maps were made after careful
7 Sightseeing 52.9 consideration ofpublic comments received. These maps were
8 Picnicking 50 posted on the N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation website for
9 Attend sports events 48.6 additional public review.
10 Visit a beach 44.2
11 Visit historic Sites 43.1 All comments received during the community input process were
12 View/photo otherwildlife 43
thoroughly evaluated and considered through this master plan
1134 VSiweiwm/mpihnotgoiwnialndfloouwtedroso,rtproeoels 4319.9 process. A summary ofall comments received through this process
15 Swimming in lakes, streams, etc. 39.7 is appended to this document (seeAppendixA).
16 Yard games, e.g., horseshoes 38.5
17 View/photograph birds 34 Resulting Capital Projects
18 Bicycling 31
19 Boating (any type) 31 All proposed capital projects in the state parks system are
20 Freshwaterfishing 30.9 individually scored and assigned priority before being added
21 Attend outdoorconcerts, plays, etc. 30.6 to a statewide capital improvements list. These priorities
22 Visit a primitive area 29.8 are periodically re-evaluated. This will be the case for new
23 Day hiking 29.7 infrastructure (roads, utilities, etc.), facilities, or trails at Haw River
24 Running orjogging 28.3 State Park. The time frame for building new facilities will depend
25 Visit a farm 28.2
26 View/photograph fish 26.5 on how each newproject is evaluated and scored inrelationto other
27 Gathermushrooms, berries, etc. 26.3 stateparkprojects.
28 Warmwaterfishing 25.9
29 Visitotherwaterside (not a beach) 24.4 Generally, funding forpark development comes from the Parks
30 Motorboating 22.5 and Recreation Trust Fund, created in 1994 and supported by
31 Boattours orexcursions 21.7 a portion ofthe state's tax on real estate deed transfers. The
32 Drive off-road (any type) 20.7 Parks and RecreationAuthority, an appointed body, allocates
33 Developed camping 20.5 money for capital projects and land acquisition after considering
34 Visitarcheological sites 18 recommendations from the N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation.
35 Snow/ice activities (any type) 17.9
36 Saltwaterfishing 17
37 Mountain biking 15.7
38 Tennis outdoors 148
39 Primitive camping 14.6
40 Golf 13.9
Haw River State Park Master Plan Haw River State Park Master Plan
Public Information Meeting, October 2009 Public Information Meeting, October 2009
Property Acquisitions identified between U.S. 29 to immediately west ofWitty Road, and
generally bounded on the north by U.S. 158 and to the south by
Land acquisition objectives for Haw River State Park include N.C. 150.
protecting water quality and natural resources, buffering these
resources and visitor activities, protecting scenic views, providing The N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation works in conjunction
land for park facilities and recreational opportunities, and with the State Property Office to acquire property. Each transaction
improving park operations. Properties that contain or buffer rare with a landowner is unique and includes an independent appraisal
species, natural communities, high water quality, and natural and approval by the Joint Legislative Committee on Governmental
features are given the highest priority. Protecting the natural Operations and Council ofState. Funding for land acquisition
heritage areas and wetlands along the Haw River is especially generally comes from the Parks and Recreation, Natural Heritage,
important at Haw River State Park. and/or Clean Water Management trust funds. The Parks and
Recreation Trust Fund is described in more detail in the State Parks
Data and surveys from the N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation, Act included inAppendix B.
N.C. Natural Heritage Program, local governments, and N.C.
Center for Geographic Information State Clearinghouse have
been used to identify land in need ofprotection. Where park
land suitable for potential facility development is not currently
available, the master plan includes alternates dependent on
additional property. The general study area for this master plan was
HAWRIVER STATEPARK
Durham
Raleigh
Asheville
BlueRidgeProvince
PiedmontProvince
InnerCoastalPlain
OuterCoastalPlain
StatePark
StateNaturalArea
StateRecreationArea
State Trail
+
StateLake
ft Mountains-to-Sea Trail
Municipality
North
Notto Scale RegionalContext(Figure2) Figure 1: North Carolina Context for Haw River State Park