HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-17-2015 - 4a - Presentation - N.C. Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) Statewide Master Plan 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 17, 2015
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Presentation — N.C. Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) Statewide Master Plan
DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
and Recreation (DEAPR)
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
MST Master Plan — Excerpts and Maps David Stancil, 245-2510
Adopted County P&R Master Plan Rich Shaw, 245-2510
Recommendation
2015-2020 CIP Project Page
PURPOSE: To receive a presentation from staff of the N.C. Division of State Parks on the
recently-completed Statewide Master Plan for the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST).
BACKGROUND: The North Carolina Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) is a continuous off-road trail
that will link Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey's Ridge
State Park on the Outer Banks. A flagship project of the North Carolina State Parks System,
currently there are over 600 miles of the planned 1000+ mile route open for use.
In 2014, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation contracted with consultants to complete a
statewide Master Plan for this trail. The goals of the master plan are to promote completion of
the MST across the state by engaging stakeholders, confirming the guiding vision and
established corridor for the MST, defining segments within the statewide MST corridor,
gathering and consolidating information about each segment, creating an approach to prioritize
further work along the MST, providing centralized web-based content about planning efforts that
can be updated as progress along the MST continues, and developing an initial set of tools to
assist trail planning partners.
Segments of the planned MST traverses Orange County, entering in southwestern Orange
County at the Haw River (and the Haw River Trail) and continuing northeast onto lands around
the Cane Creek reservoir owned by the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (Segment 11). The
trail would then continue north to the Orange County Upper Eno Preserve (Seven Mile Creek)
lands, before entering Hillsborough along the Town's Riverwalk and heading eastward into Eno
River State Park and Durham (Segment 12).
Refinement of the current options for the trail, with an initial focus on the stretch between Seven
Mile Creek Natural Area and Occoneechee Mountain, is part of a proposed internal master
planning effort tentatively slated for next spring. Both the Orange County Parks and Recreation
2
Master Plan 2030 and the Orange County Capital Investment Plan (CIP) contain plans for trail
identification and construction over the next 10-15 years.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving this presentation.
Funding will be needed for trail easement acquisition and eventual construction in future years.
The FY 2015-20 CIP currently includes $500,000 in FY 2019-20 for the MST.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this agenda item:
• GOAL: ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes
and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of
environmental laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that no
group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental
consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or
policies.
The establishment of the segments of the trail in Orange County in future years promotes an
environmental policy that provides public open space that is accessible to all persons.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the presentation
from the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation, and provide direction and instruction to staff as
needed.
SEGMENT 11 : Southwest Orange County Planning 3
Description Mid-Term Long-Term
From:Alamance County line
To:Hillsborough(I-40/I-85 south of Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area)
Mebane - ENO RIVER This segment runs from the Haw River Trail at the Alamance/Orange County line to
TU the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area just near Hillsborough. The trail is
Haw River 111 bDt undeveloped with a considerable amount of public land available at the Orange
rM/ Water and Sewer Authority(OWASA) and the Seven Mile Creek Preserve.
�� covneechee Stat NA
_ ' Planning Strategies
Seven Mile
j Z UJ Creek Preserve The Orange Count Parks and Recreation Master Plan(adopted November 2014
Q C7 - � g Y ( P )
- Q addresses the current status of the MST and the need for detailed alignment
Q planning in Orange County.Current planning in Orange County is focused on
Q ❑ w completing gaps between Hillsborough and Durham County. Planning for the
trail on OWASA property will occur in the future.
..� OWASA Opportunities
OWASA landholdings and Seven Mile Creek offer future route opportunities.
Completion of this segment is an opportunity to connect Eno River State Park,the
Hillsborough River Walk,Occoneechee Mountain,and Seven Mile Creek Preserve.
1 k f Large Landholdings Stream/River Corridors x Staff Resources
'
OWASA x Public Land Sidewalk/Bicycle Network Federal Property
M `��, � .,
. F L ry Local Planning Floodplain/Wetlands Abandoned RR ROW
z Challenges
_�iI Local planning is needed to identify the alignment between OWASA property
_- Chapel Hill and the Seven Mile Creek Preserve.How to best cross I-85/I-40 is another planning
54 Y consideration.
HAW RIVER N
TRAIL - iparrboro Stream/River Crossings x Coordinating Easments Local Planning
�; 7 x Detailed Alignment Urbanized Corridor Federal Property
Miles
x Major Roadway Crossing Floodplain/Wetlands
Legend
MST Status 0 County Boundary Interstate Segment Details Potential Section Sponsors(s):
Constructed _
Designated State Park NC Route`� Orange • _
Planned Route(1/4 mi. buffer) Open Space —US Route •
d Adjacent Segment Institutional Major Hydrography OWASA
Key Properties:OWASA Triangle Area RPO,
Segment Start Municipal Boundary ----- Proposed Trail MPO,Friends of the MST,Approximate Length:19 mil=M
and End Points State Boundary — Other Trail DPR
Designated Segments within Planning Segment:None
SEGMENT 12: Eno River
® Mid-Term Long-Term
Description
X;V, From:Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area(Hillsborough)
To:Falls Lake/Neuse River
i This segment follows the Eno River from the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area in
Hillsborough through Hillsborough,Occoneechee Speedway and sections of the Eno River
State Park to join the MST at Falls Lake.
T •_ y,�J
LUg T4 Planning Strategies
(D Q Durham is working to complete minor trail gaps.Hillsborough is moving forward
Eno 2
State Pak River 01 4 with later phases of their River Walk.Orange County's priority is completing the trail
between Hillsborough and Durham County.Land protection specialists with DPR are
Hillsborough qL 0 4 working with prioritized needs to make connections within the State Parks system.
Opportunities
. J Much of the remaining trail to be completed in Orange County can be accommodat-
s O-Mtn FALLS ed within Eno River State Park.Trail partners are actively coordinating to complete
70 + orNEUSE� this priority segment. Friends of the MST Eno River Task Force is ready to assist in
building remaining sections of the trail within the park.
SW ORANG I r
� * _ Large Landholdings x Stream/River Corridors x Staff Resources
MW r • Public Land Sidewalk/Bicycle Network Federal Property
91 ! �•I ke Local Planning Floodplain/Wetlands Abandoned RR ROW
4
{ fur m� Challenges
r Eno River crossings may be needed,including a safe way to cross at or near Pleasant
70 Green Road.Crossing US 70 is an identified obstacle.
' � f
• 1s Ot r x Stream/River Crossings x Coordinating Easments Local Planning
v
Chapel ill Detailed Alignment x Urbanized Corridor Federal Property
�= l a
�f Carrb000 -2— 0 7 v Major Roadway Crossing Floodplain/Wetlands
- ..r Miles
Segment Details
Legend Constructed Trails:Occoneechee
MST Status 0 County Boundary Interstate Mtn.State Natural Area, Occo- Potential Section Sponsors(s):
Constructed neechee SReedway Trail,Hills- Durham City/County,Hillsborough,
Designated State Park NC Route`� borough RiverWalk,West Point Orange County,Eno River State Park
Planned Route(1/4 mi. buffer)= Open Space —US Route �7it on the Eno,Horseshoe Park
1-� Route Alignment:Eno River Ad( ional Planning Stakehc ters:Eno
dAdjacent Segment = Institutional Major Hydrography River Association.Durham-Chavel
Key Properties:E . River State . .. . MPO,Friends of
Segment Start Municipal Boundary ----- Proposed Trail Park, Occoneechee
and End Points State Boundary — Other Trail Area, Occoneechee
Designated Segments within Planning Segment:Portions of trail within
Eno River State Park in Durham County
5
Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan
CHAPTER 10-Goals, Objectives, and Recommendations 10
One area of future collaboration that seems particu- future school projects and codifying joint facility
larly well-timed is that with the school systems. The usage arrangements (some of which already exist).
addition of a playing field at Smith Middle School is Mutually beneficial design standards for new school
an example of this. As the Twin Creeks District Park facilities may enable greater use by the public of the-
and Educational Campus comes to fruition in the se important recreational assets.
next 10-15 years with multiple schools co-located
Renewal of the Orange County Conservation
with a 96-acre park, opportunities for "cross-
„ Alliance, an annual meeting of conservation partners
pollination would appear to be numerous between
including Triangle Land Conservancy, Eno River
the schools and the park.
Association, Duke, UNC, Eno River State Park and
Opportunities to work more closely with the Orange OWASA, should enable coordinated future planning
County Schools—both in the design of future schools and the identification of joint opportunities among
that may be able to serve community and education- these agencies and institutions.
al needs, and in the construction and operational
sharing of recreational facilities — would greatly Finally, regarding collaboration with private firms,
enhance both community recreation and school the County should complete its "partnership
purposes. The Intergovernmental Parks Work template" to identify mutually beneficial partner-
Group's Community Use of School Facilities issue ship arrangements and use this as a tool to explore
paper notes the opportunities that could be served working with existing and future employers to find
by such cooperation. Co-location of the Soccer.com ways where private investment and sponsorships
Center and Gravelly Hill Middle School is one exam-
ple of such a result, and collaboration on future aux- 4.The Vision—Trails,Connectivity and Access
iliary gymnasiums, playing fields at schools, and One of the stronger messages resulting from the
schools in proximity to parks (such as Blackwood Community Needs Assessment surveys was the
Farm) are opportunities that should be seized to desire among residents for more hiking, walking and
optimize the investment of public dollars. There may biking trails. Nationally and locally, walking and
also be an opportunity for a new school park near hiking are popular modes of outdoor exercise and
Mebane. Notably, both school systems recently up- fitness, and biking is a popular recreational outlet as
dated their facility use policies to allow more oppor- well as for meeting exercise goals. Whether they are
tunity for coordinated usage for recreation purposes. located within a park, or for connecting parks and
Finally, there are opportunities to work more closely open spaces (also strongly supported in the surveys),
with large public and private institutions, such as residents are interested in seeing the County in-
Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA), N.C. crease the availability and accessibility of trails.
A
1'
State Parks, UNC and Duke to meet future recreation Recommendation #5: Develop a Master Plan for `>
needs. Sponsorships and capital investment partner- the Orange County Segment of the Mountains-to- d
ships should also be explored with the private sector, Sea Trail,and Work Towards Its Completion
which benefits from safe and healthy outdoor The NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST for short) is a
exercise and recreational areas and may be a willing part of the North Carolina State Parks system that
partner. connect Clingman's Dome at 6,643 feet along the
The County should schedule a meeting with the North Carolina-Tennessee border to Jockey's Ridge
other local governments within the county to discuss State Park on the Outer Banks and Atlantic Ocean.
future joint capital funding and possible memoranda The trail is a multi-modal route, meaning that it may
of agreement for such purposes. A similar meeting be a paved greenway as it runs through an urban
with the two school systems could identify ways of setting, or simply a five-foot-wide natural surface
incorporating recreation needs into planning for path in rural areas.
10-8
6
Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan
CHAPTER 10-Goals, Objectives, and Recommendations 10
Portions of the MST have already been built on and strong support for completing the trail by some
publicly owned lands around the state, and through of the trail proponents.The State has begun a master
the use of other trails and connecting greenways. planning effort which will help refine the proposed
Other segments have not been built, and this has led trail segment.
to the identification and promotion of The County should facilitate the creation of this seg-
alternate routes over the last 25 years - to allow ment and work diligently to undertake a thorough
hikers to traverse the state using roadways and other review of the possible routes through the corridor
temporary corridors until the actual trail could be between the Haw River and OWASA Cane Creek
built. Many of these uncompleted segments are in lands, and between the OWASA Cane Creek lands
the eastern Piedmont region, including Orange and the Upper Eno Preserve. The master plan pro-
County. cess should include public meetings and discussions
Orange County's segment of the trail includes a with landowners about the realities of a natural sur-
planned section through Eno River State Park and the face path through this area, and address security and
Town of Hillsborough's Riverwalk along the Eno other concerns raised. The County may wish to as-
River. This includes sections of trail through sume trail oversight in these areas if amenable to
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area (part of landowners for consistency. Long-distance trails such
Eno River State Park) and through private historic as the MST require "way stations"or nodes along the
properties along the Eno River. Orange County's route where some very basic level services are avail-
Upper Eno Nature Preserve is in close proximity to able (parking, signage, campsite, potable water). The
Occoneechee Mountain and would also host a County and OWASA should look at the possibility of
portion of the trail. (Map 7-2 in Chapter 7 on page 7- creating such a way station at the Cane Creek and
6 shows the planned MST corridor through Orange Seven Mile Creek access areas (on land owned by the
County.) two entities) and developing parking and trailheads
on a select few public roads. Since primitive camping,
As shown in Figure 7-2, the remainder of the MST in water and sanitation facilities are critical for hikers,
Orange County is proposed for a corridor that
the County should identify locations within County
connects the Upper Eno Preserve southwest to parks along the route where overnight camping is
OWASA-owned lands at Cane Creek Reservoir before
allowed.
following Cane Creek to its confluence with the Haw
River at the County line, connecting with Alamance Orange County should find a solution to the MST cor-
County's Haw River Trail (which is also the MST). ridor,whether on private lands, public roads or some
This segment may be one of the more-challenging in combination of the two — so that this important
the state, in that it requires a way to cross from the statewide recreational facility is planned and
Neuse River basin (Eno River and tributaries) into the eventually constructed in harmony with nature. Or-
Cape Fear River basin (Cane Creek, Haw River). As ange County should not become the "gap" in the
such,this section of the trail must travel "cross coun- North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
try," up and over the ridgeline separating these two i
basins, which does not have a natural feature to a
distinguish it. At present, this southwestern segment
of the planned trail is only a one-mile-wide "swath"
on a map, an uncharted section that will need
clarification and refinement. The possibility of finaliz-
ing plans for this segment has generated considera-
ble concern by some property owners in the vicinity
10-9
7
County Capital Projects
Fiscal Years 2015-20
Project Name Mountains to Sea Trail Project Status Approved
Functional Service Area Community and Environment Starting Date 7/9/2013
Department DEAPR Completion Date 2019-2025
Current Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Five Year 6
Prior Years Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Year to
Project Budget Funding 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 Total Year 10
Appropriation
Land/Building
Construction/Repairs/Renovations 500,000 500,000
Equipment/Furnishings
Total Project Budget - - - - - - 500,000 500,000 -
General Fund Related Operating Costs
Personnel Services
Operations 25,000
New Debt Service 120,000
Total Operating Costs - - - - - 145,000
Revenues/Funding Source
Transfer from General Fund 25,000
General Fund-Debt Service 120,000
Grant Funding from State Parks 250,000 250,000
Future Debt Issuance 250,000 250,000
Total - - - - 500,000 500,000 145,000
Project Description/Justification
The NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail, or MST, is a part of the State parks system and would traverse portions of Orange County.This project reflects construction of segments of
the Mountains-to-Sea Trail during 2019 and beyond, as lands are acquired and segments connected.A master plan process has been initiated by State Parks, and will
continue into summer 2015.A master plan is needed prior to any trail construction to specifically identify the trail location and develop a plan for implementation and
operation. Lands would be acquired(voluntarily) using the Lands Legacy Program Funds. (Note:The Seven Mile Creek Natural Area portion of Upper Eno Nature Preserve
includes a segment of the MST).
�Z