HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 11-16-2021; 8-c - Approval of Interlocal Agreement Renewal and Master Plan - Little River Regional Park and Natural Area 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 16, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-c
SUBJECT: Approval of Interlocal Agreement Renewal and Master Plan - Little River
Regional Park and Natural Area
DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks
and Recreation (DEAPR)
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Interlocal Agreement Renewal David Stancil, 919-245-2510
Master Plan & Management Plan
Vicinity Map
PURPOSE: To approve the renewal of the interlocal agreement for Little River Regional Park
and Natural Area between Orange and Durham counties, for the jointly-owned park and natural
area, and to approve the Park Master Plan (which includes the Management Plan).
BACKGROUND: Little River Regional Park and Natural Area is a 391-acre park and preserve
situated on the Orange/Durham County line off Guess Road. The two counties acquired the land
jointly in 2001 with the assistance of state/federal grants and non-profit land trust partners — for
which both counties were named Local Government Conservationists of the Year in 2000.
Durham County owns 255 acres of the site, and Orange County is the owner of 136 acres,
including the park entrance and built facilities. As part of an interlocal agreement originally
executed in 2004 and renewed four times since, Orange County operates the park on behalf of
the two counties, with both counties contributing approximately 50% of the cost of the park costs.
The park opened in December 2004.
While the park has been open and operating since 2004, a full and complete master plan for the
park was not created. A plan for the developed areas of the park, created in part with a committee
of area residents, was completed and approved in 2001, but it was not a full master plan. The
interlocal agreement also calls for a management plan for the park to be completed and approved.
With the approach for the need to renew the interlocal agreement in 2019, staffs from both
jurisdictions identified the need to complete these unfinished tasks in time for the next renewal of
the interlocal agreement. With the onset of Covid, and other projects and initiatives, the
completion of these three documents required an extension of time for the interlocal agreement
which was adopted in 2020 and 2021.
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Staff has worked over the last two years to finish these materials and the interlocal renewal by
the end of 2021. The attached interlocal agreement renewal would extend the two counties
working arrangement through December 31, 2026. Both boards of commissioners are also being
asked to approve the attached master plan and management plan (an appendix of the master
plan) to complete the provisions of the interlocal agreement. These documents use the previous
committee work as well as 17 years of "on-the-ground" knowledge gained about the park.
The attached interlocal agreement is essentially identical to the existing document with a few
minor changes (shown in bold on the document). The master plan documents the park as it has
existed and functioned for the last 17 years — as well as listing planned future improvements and
issues for further study that have been long identified and noted in Capital Investment Plans over
the years (including the present FY 2021-26 Capital Investment Plan (CIP).
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the adoption of the interlocal
agreement and master plan/management plan. Future improvements identified in the Master Plan
and funding for these items are identified in the Capital Investment Plan and/or will be considered
in future years during subsequent budget discussions, as these items come to term.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There are no Orange County Social Justice Goal impacts
associated with the renewal of the interlocal agreement and adoption of the master plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The following Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal is
applicable to this item:
• RESULTANT IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AIR QUALITY
Assess and where possible mitigate adverse impacts created to the natural resources of
the site and adjoining area. Minimize production of greenhouse gases.
The 391-acre park and natural area is an important area of forestland and open space, protecting
many natural resources on site and addressing air quality by absorbing pollutants.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Manager to sign the interlocal agreement renewal with Durham County, and accordingly approve
the attached park Master Plan and Management Plan.
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November 2021 Updates shown in Bold
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF ORANGE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
and OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
COUNTY OF DURHAM LITTLE RIVER REGIONAL PARK AND
NATURAL AREA
This INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT, hereinafter referred to as "Agreement," is hereby
made and entered into this the 11t day of January, 2022, by and between ORANGE COUNTY,
hereinafter referred to as "Orange County," and DURHAM COUNTY, hereinafter referred to as
"Durham County," pursuant to N.C. Gen. Statute 160A-460 et seq.,and other applicable laws.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Orange County and Durham County own certain adjacent property known
collectively as Little River Regional Park and Natural Area, (hereinafter referred to as " Park"), of
which 136 acres are located in Orange County and 255 acres are located in Durham County, a map
of which property is attached hereto as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and Durham County have agreed to make the Park available
for low-impact outdoor recreational purposes,including picnic areas,play meadows,nature study,
walking trails, and other recreational uses; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and Durham County have agreed to monitor and protect
sensitive natural and cultural resources known to exist on the Park property; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and Durham County desire to share revenues and expenses
equally for the joint use and mutual benefit of the citizens of both counties; and
WHEREAS ,Orange County and Durham County agree that Orange County should operate
and maintain the park to the mutual benefit of citizens of both counties during the term of this
Agreement and any subsequent extended term thereof, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Statute 160A-355 ,
N.C. Gen. Statute 160A-460 et seq., and other applicable law.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, promises and agreements
contain herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
I. General
I. Park Name. The official name of the Park shall be "Little River Regional Park and Natural Area."
Orange County will install a prominent sign, consistent with Orange County zoning
regulations, at the entrance to the park indicating that name as approved by both counties and
included in the Park Master Plan. In some instances, the name may be shortened to the "Little
River Park".
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2. Guiding Documents
A. Operations and Management of the park shall be guided by the Park Master Plan and
Management Plan. These documents have been jointly developed by Orange and Durham
counties and approved by their respective board of county commissioners. The Master Plan
shall include adopted functional uses, a general land use map that depicts existing site
constraints and locations for existing and proposed phasing of Park improvements and
general programming. The Master Plan shall acknowledge and incorporate existing park
development. The Master Plan will include a Management Plan section that provides
greater specificity regarding implementation of the Master Plan goals and park operations,
including priorities for future park improvements. Amendments and revisions to the Master
Plan and/or Management Plan shall require the approval of both Boards.
Orange and Durham staffs shall develop administrative Partnership Guidelines for
ensuring the park is run with shared goals and mutual agreement on park policies,
personnel issues, communications, and related. The Partnership Guidelines may be
amended by mutual consent.
3. Names on Park Facilities. Any formal naming of park amenities (e.g., trails, shelters, etc.) or
acknowledgment of people or entities on signage (e.g., project partners, monetary
contributors, etc.)will be in accordance with the naming policies of both counties-
4. Ownership. The land shall continue to be owned as separate parcels with Orange County
owning the 136 acres located in Orange County and Durham County owning the 255 acres
located in Durham County.
a) Conservation Easements. Both counties recognize that the Park was acquired with
grants from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund and NC Parks and
Recreation Trust Fund and that there are conservation easements in place
encumbering the property as a result of those grants. The conservation easements are
recorded at the Orange County Register of Deeds, Book 2198 Page 256 and atthe
Durham County Register of Deeds, Book 3027 Page 194.
b) Access Easements. Any access easements acquired for the public use of adjacent
private property shall be approved by both Boards.
c) Additional Land. As opportunities develop in the future, additional land
areas may be considered by the two counties for potential acquisition to expand
the park boundaries. Amendments to the Master Plan to include the additional
land will be initiated through the joint county staff with recommendations to
both Boards for approval. If the proposed additional land requires additional
costs for maintenance and/or operations, then the additional cost shall be
negotiated and approved by both Boards. If, however, the additional land is
located in only one of the counties, and its acquisition would have no financial
impact on costs associated with Park operations and maintenance, then the
purchase of the proposed land may be made by the county in which the land is
located. If the land is located in both counties, both Boards must approve the
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purchase and mustapprove the manner in which title to the land is conveyed.
Il. Park Management
1. Allowed Uses. The Park shall be open and available to the general public regardless of
age, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender,
gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, source of income,
disability,political affiliation,veteran status,or disabled veteran status. Orange County and
Durham County, through their respective Boards, with input from a citizen advisory
committee and other members of the public, have agreed on what uses will and will not be
allowed in the Park.Modification of the approved uses will be considered through the joint
county staff and recommended for consideration and approval by the Boards.
2. Annual Objectives. Operations at the Park shall be guided by a jointly approved set of
priorities and actions developed by fiscal year in conjunction with the annual budget. The
Annual Objectives may be modified as needed throughout the year based on agreement from
both counties. The Annual Objectives should specify major new capital projects, major
maintenance or operational issues, general programming and other activities. Orange and
Durham staff will meet four times annually to discuss the budget and objectives. Annual
objectives shall be consistent with the approved Management Plan and park Master Plan.
3. Park Policies and Regulations. Orange County,with input from Durham County,shall approve
all rules, regulations, ordinances, policies, and fees for operation of the park, that are not
inconsistent with any Durham County rules, regulations, ordinances polices or fees. Orange
County shall provide a summary of rules, regulations, ordinances, policies and fees related to
Little River Park and any changes made therein in the Park's Annual Report.
4. Budget. The Orange and Durham County Managers, or their designees shall meet to consider
and make recommendations regarding an annual budget for the operation of the Park, and a
capital budget for periodic capital expenditures. The annual budget should be based on proposed
Annual Objectives as detailed above. The capital budget shall include proposed capital
improvements to be made to the Park within the next fiscal year. However, donations of monies
received for Little River Park, or other earmarked funds for park capital and operating
expenses may be deposited into a special account to allow for accumulation of saidfunds and
expenditures as needed over a period of multiple fiscal years. The recommendations of the
County Managers shall be submitted to their respective Boards. The Boards shall each consider
such budget recommendations and take such action as deemed appropriate. If the Boards do
not both agree to the annual budget as submitted by the County Managers, the County
Managers shall meet again to try to create another budget proposal, and the Boards shall again
attempt to come to agreement. The failure of the respective Boards to agree upon an annual
budget after a second attempt shall be grounds for terminating this Agreement. Transfers
between FY budgetary line items of up to $1,000 may be made administratively by Orange
County; transfers over $1,000 require the consent from the Durham County Manager or his
designee.
5. Annual Reports. Reports on the activities in the park shall be prepared annually on a calendar
year basis (or as otherwise needed)for presentation by Durham and/or Orange counties. Any
reports preparedfor presentation by one county will be shared with the other county.
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III. Park Funding.
1. Annual Operations. All operating and maintenance costs of the Park shall be shared equally by
both counties (Orange County 50% and Durham County 50%). Orange County shall be
responsible for operating and maintaining the Park and shall invoice Durham County twice
annually for 50% of the actual operating and maintenance costs, including building and
grounds maintenance, personnel costs, indirect costs, property insurance and any other costs
incurred to properly operate and maintain the Park. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Durham
County shall not share in the cost to repair damage to the Park and its facilities caused by the
intentional or gross negligent acts and omissions of Orange County personnel or its contractors
in the performance of their obligations rendered pursuant to this Agreement, nor share the
cost for park expenses that were not agreed to by Durham County. Orange County shall not
share in the cost to repair damage to the Park and its facilities caused by the intentional or gross
negligent acts and omissions of Durham County personnel or its contractors in the performance
of their obligations rendered pursuant to this Agreement. In no event shall the amount invoiced
exceed the budgeted amount for the Park in the then current fiscal year.
2. Emergency Expenses. Amounts budgeted for the Park as part of each county's annual budget
may be increased to cover unforeseen and unbudgeted expenses. Such unforeseen and unbudgeted
expenses shall be invoiced as provided here but only after it is approved by both County
Managers and both Boards as an amendment to the applicable Park budget. Provided, however,
emergency repairs (as defined herein) needed may be undertaken after their cost is approved
in writing by both County Managers. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "emergency
repair(s)" shall mean those repairs made necessary as the result of natural occurrences that
cannot be postponed for approval of a budget amendment by both Boards. After the costs are
approved by the County Managers,both Boards shall be presented with said emergency repair
costs as an amendment to the applicable Park budget at the next regularly scheduled meeting
of each Board. Each county will provide to the other county detailed accounting of both direct
and indirect costs for reconciliation purposes. Insurance reimbursement for repairs shall be
accounted for in the applicable Park budget and made a part of the reconciliation.
3. Alternate County Expenses.
a. Single County Expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either county may budget
and/or expend funds for Park activities which the other county will not or cannot
approve, so long as such expenditure or any portion thereof is not invoiced to the other
county for reimbursement or charged against the other county as an expenditure. Such
unshared expenditures shall not be considered a part of the Park budget and shall not
become a cost to be reimbursed. Any such activities financed byone county must still
be an approved as an activity by both counties, and shall be in accordance with the
Master Plan. Alternate County Funding. By mutual agreement, any activity(ies) may
be funded by the two counties using a cost-sharing ratio other than 50/50 if mutually
agreed to in writing in advance of the activity.
4. Capital Costs. Capital costs of the Park shall be shared equally by both counties (Orange
County 50% and Durham County 50%) and paid for as provided in Section III.6. of this
Agreement.Notwithstanding the foregoing, either county may budget and/or expend funds for
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jointly approved capital investment projects for the Park, for which the other County will not
or cannot approve funding for, so long as such expenditure or any portion thereof is in
accordance with the Master Plan, and not invoiced to the other county for reimbursement or
charged against the other county as an expenditure. Such unshared expenditures shall not be
considered a part of the Park budget and shall not become a cost to be reimbursed in the event
of termination.
5. Park Revenues. Except as otherwise provided for,all revenues generated from operation of the
Park shall be shared equally by the two counties (Orange County 50% and Durham County
50%). Revenues shall be collected,when due,by Orange County,netted against operating and
maintenance costs of the Park and designated as a set off on the invoice from Orange County
to Durham County provided for in Section III of this Agreement.
6. Review and Reconciliation. At the end of each fiscal year, the Finance Directors of both
counties shall conduct a review and reconciliation of amounts paid and payable under this
Agreement. Such adjustments or payments as may be necessary to effectuate the reconciliation
agreed upon by the Finance Directors of both counties shall be made promptly. Reconciliation
shall be completed prior to October 15 of each year.
IV. Park Operations
1. Park Operation and Maintenance. During the term of this Agreement, Orange County shall
manage the Park according to the terms of this Agreement, jointly-approved Partnership
Guidelines, and jointly-approved Annual Objectives, and shall provide operation and
maintenance services customarily provided for in the management of a park. Orange County
shall do and perform any and all things reasonably necessary for the pleasure, comfort, service
and convenience of those who use the Park, as well as to protect and preserve the natural
resources and facilities within the Park.
a) Maintenance of Grounds. Maintenance of the Park grounds shall be performed by
employees of Orange County or contractors as necessary to ensure proper and adequate
maintenance. All contract maintenance costs shall be documented and accounted for
as provided in Section III of this Agreement.
b) Maintenance of Buildings. Maintenance of all buildings and structures located on Park
property shall be performed by employees of Orange County or contractors as
necessary to ensure proper and adequate maintenance.
c) Personnel. Personnel at the Park will be Orange County employees or independent
contractors employed by Orange County under the jurisdiction of Orange County and, if
Orange County employees, will fall under the personnel rules and policies governing the
hiring, discipline, dismissal, pay and any other procedures established by Orange County
affecting its employees. Any proposed changes to staffing levels at the park will require a
formal request by the initiating county during the annual budget preparation, and include
a detailed description of the need and proposed change. Both counties must agree to the
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changes in staffing level during this time and submit the request to their respective
Boards.
i. Any changes to existing staff job descriptions must be reviewed and approved by
both counties prior to adoption.
ii. Representatives from both counties will take part in the interview and hiring of
any new permanent park personnel,with the final hiring decision made by Orange
County.
2. Contracts. Orange County shall contract with engineers, consultants, contractors and other
parties as necessary to operate the Park in accordance with the Master Plan,Management Plan,
Annual Objectives, Partnership Guidelines, and Annual Budget. In all cases, Orange County will
comply with both counties' shared goals of enabling minority-owned firms to participate as
contractors and sub-contractors in contracts for the development of the Plan. Orange County
shall also comply with bidding procedures set forth by general statute and shall not exceed
budgeted amounts by either county. Durham County agrees that the engineers, consultants,
contractors and other parties as necessary may access so much of the Park owned by Durham
County as necessary to accomplish the contracted work for the purposes outlined above.
Those contracts required by State law to be approved by a county board, shall be approved by
the Orange County Board. Those contracts not requiring board approval by State law shall be
approved in accordance with Orange County fiscal policy.
3. Insurance. Both counties will share equally the cost of property insurance pursuant to Section
III. I. of this Agreement. The cost of liability insurance maintained by either party, if any,
shall not be shared.
4. Park Security and Public Safety. Orange County and Durham County shall coordinate their
efforts in providing for safety and security of users of the Park, Park staff, and adjacent
landowners in the most effective and efficient manner possible. Orange County and Durham
County agree to enter into a mutual aid agreement providing for response to fire and
emergency medical services.
5. Park Caretaker Residence. Orange County shall contract with engineers, consultants,
contractors and other parties as necessary to establish and maintain a Park caretaker residence
near the main entrance to the Park in a manner mutually agreed upon by both Boards. Rent
may be charged for the caretaker residence as agreed upon by both counties, and such funds
collected may be deposited into a special account to allow for accumulation of said funds and
expenditures as needed over a period of multiple fiscal years.
6. General Provisions.
a) Relationship of Parties. Durham County and Orange County shall not have the
power to bind or obligate the other party.
b) Assignments. This agreement is not assignable by either party without the written
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consent of the other.
C) Notices. All notices provided for in this agreement shall be in writing, addressed
to the respective county managers.
d) Governing Law. This agreement shall be construed under the provisions of the law
of the State of North Carolina.
e) Good Faith. The parties mutually agree to deal in good faith one with the other in
all respects in performing their duties under this Agreement. All actions
recommended and implemented in the Plan will require joint approval by both
Boards.
7. Entire Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement contains
the entire agreement between the parties. Amendments, if any, shall be in writing and signed
by both parties.
8. Duration. This Agreement shall be effective as of the above date and will expire December
31, 2026, unless terminated or extended as provided herein. Orange County and Durham
Countywill discuss, prior to July 1, 2026, whether either county intends to assume or make
other arrangements for operation of the Park upon the expiration of the term of this Agreement, or
whether Orange County and Durham County desires to continue a contractual relationship for
operation of the Park and upon what terms. In the event that this Agreement has not been
terminated, renewed or amended prior to the expiration date listed above, it will remain in
effect until such time as both Boards have adopted a new agreement, but no longer than a 12-
month period.
9. Termination.
a) This agreement shall be subject to annual review and may be terminated at the end
of the fiscal year upon one (1)year advance written notice by one party to theother
party.
b) Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement,park amenities and the costs
associated therewith will be distributed as follows:
i) Real Property: The land shall continue to be owned as separate parcels with
Orange County owning the 136 acres located in Orange County and Durham
County owning the 255 acres located in Durham County. With respect to
additional land area(s) acquired during the term of this Agreement and any
extensions thereof,the additional land shall be owned in the manner acquired,
as provided for in Section I.V. of this Agreement.
ii) Costs of Improvements: The counties agree to share equally in the value
of the improvements made to the Park, including but not limited to picnic
shelters, campsite facilities, restroom structures, and the park caretaker
residence. (For example, if the value of the improvements made to the
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portion of the Park that sits in Orange County equals $20,000 and the value
of improvements made in Durham County equals $10,000, then Orange
County will reimburse Durham County the amount of$5,000.) The value of said
improvements shall be determined at the time of termination.
iii) Grant Funds: The parties acknowledge that grant funding has and may be
awarded to Durham and Orange counties for the development of the Park.
Orange County administers said grants and shall continue to do so for the
joint benefit of both counties. Upon termination, Durham County shall be
reimbursed by Orange County in an amount equal to 50% of the total grant
funds received, not yet expended and not subject to being returned to the
granting authority, which have been planned for expenditure on amenities
situated or to be situated in the Park.
iv) This Agreement shall survive termination for the purposes of reconciliation
or payment of any amount due and unpaid at the time of termination.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Interlocal Agreement to be executed as
of the day and year first written above.
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FOR DURHAM COUNTY:
Attest:
By:
Claudia Hager,Durham County Interim Manager Clerk to the Board
Date:
This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget abd Fiscal
Control Act.
Durham County Chief Financial Officer
FOR ORANGE COUNTY:
Attest:
By:
Bonnie B. Hammersley, County Manager Clerk to the Board
Date:
Approved as to Form and Legal Sufficiency:
Orange County Attorney
This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget abd Fiscal
Control Act.
Orange County Financial Services Director
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Exhibit A: Little River Regional Park
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Acknowledgements
This plan is the result of a collaborative effort between staff from Durham and Orange counties, and
input from various advisory committees and the general public. The following contributed to the
development of this Master Plan.
Durham County Durham County Durham County Staff
Board of Manager Jane Korest
Commissioners Claudia Hager Division Manager
Brenda Howerton Open Space and Real Estate
Chair Brendan Moore
Wendy Jacobs Open Space Land Manager
Vice-Chair Celeste Burns
Nida Allam Open Space and Real Estate Coordinator
Nimasheena Burns
Heidi Carter
Orange County Orange County Orange County Staff
ORANGE Board of Manager David Stancil
COUNTY Commissioners Bonnie Hammersley Department of Environment,
NORTH CAROLINA Renee Price Agriculture,Parks and Recreation
Chair Director
Jamezetta Bedford Marabeth Carr
Vice-Chair Landscape Architect
Amy Fowler Dan Derby
Parks Superintendent
Sally Greene
Michelle Pesavento
Jean Hamilton Park Manager,
Earl McKee Little River Regional Park
Anna Richards Travis Bogle
Marketing,Events,&Operations
Coordinator
Peter Sandbeck
Cultural Resources Coordinator
Chris Hirni
Land Conservation Manager
Rich Shaw
Land Conservation Assistant
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Table of Contents
Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Park History&Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
The Durham-Orange Park Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Site Analysis/Current Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Geology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Hydrologyand Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Vegetation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Cultural/Archaeological Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Surrounding Land Uses and Site Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Existing Facilities and Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Public Input and Current Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Initial Park Advisory Committee and Use Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Recent Public Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Park Usage Trends and Staff Observations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Findings/Summary/Opportunities and Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Goals and Guiding Principles
Recommendations and Proposed Action Strategies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Proposed Facility Improvements and Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Improvements to Existing Nature Trails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Expansion of the Paved Loop Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Increase Areas of Pollinator Habitats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Addition of a"Natural Playground. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Renovations of Park Infrastructure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Priorities for Future Capital Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Issues for Further Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Additional Land Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Potential Horse Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Additional Cultural Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Park Office-Assessment of Function and Future Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Disposition of the Laws Farmhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Scope of Program Offerings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
16
Table of Contents, cont.
Figures
1. Context Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2. Current Park Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3. RockTypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4. Plant communities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5. Site Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6. Master Plan Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Appendices(To view appendices go to<link>)
A. Management Plan for Little River Regional Park
B. 2001 Little River Park Advisory Committee Recommendations on Allowed Uses in the Little
River Regional Park and Natural Area
C. Site Plan for Initial Construction (by Haden Stanziale)
D. Clean Water Management Trust Fund Easement Deed
E. Summary of Survey and Park Usage
F. List of Programs Offered at Little River Park
G. Plant and Wildlife List
H. Detailed Description of Park Improvements
References
A. Planning Documents:
1. Little River Corridor Open Space Plan
2. Orange County Comprehensive Plan 2030
3. Durham County Comprehensive Plan
B. Physical Studies
1.1999 Durham County Inventory of Natural Areas and Rare Species
2.NC Natural Heritage Program Site Survey(2019-20)
17
Background
The Little River Regional Park and Natural Area is a The park is accessed from Guess Road (S.R. 1003) in
391-acre parkjointly owned by Durham and Orange northeastern Orange County,with the park entrance
counties located along the county line.This master plan located approximately one mile north of the Durham—
establishes a 20-year vision for the park and provides Orange county line.The park area is in both Durham
guidelines for its land management and any future and Orange counties with roughly 256 of the 391 acres
developments for continued public use. in Durham County and 135 acres in Orange County.The
The process took into consideration Durham County's majority of developed facilities are in Orange County.
2001 Little River Corridor Open Space Plan,the Orange
m � �
Count 2030 Parks and Recreation Master Plan,and "°"N5
County u. ��" Little River Regional Park
other related documents;as well as the park's setting, Vicinity Map
natural resources and the region's recreational and 9°= $f i o
educational needs.The plan will also serve as a tool for °
public presentations and applications for outside fund-
ing.Although comprehensive,the master plan—like
the park-remains dynamic and will evolve over time.
This plan will guide future park improvements,yet be
flexible enough to change based on increased knowl-
edge,experience,and changing public needs. ° o
PRS
The Little River Regional Park and Natural Area (here-
inafter,"Little River Park") opened to the public on
December 5,2004. It is the firstjoint partnership park
between Durham and Orange counties.The park is
funded by both counties and managed by the Orange
County Department of Environment,Agriculture, Parks
and Recreation.The park offers recreational opportu-
nities with over seven miles of natural surface hiking yR° E
trails,seven miles of dedicated single-track mountain R�
V RSf
biking trails,a playground,a 1/3-mile paved,accessible
path with individual picnic sites,two large group picnic o 3
shelters, public restroom facilities,a large play meadow,
pollinator garden,and a park office that includes edu- pCwnty b-ndnry
cational displays and materials.The developed area of opa, iverReg1 .lPa"
P-1 boundary
the park covers less than 15 acres of the total 391-acre
property,and the remaining natural area includes some
of the hiking trails,frontage along a 1.5-mile segment Figure 1
of the North Fork Little River,and is comprised of sev- Context Map
eral distinct forest types. Biological Inventories of plant
and bird species are extensive and include several re-
gionally rare species. Inventories of the flora and fauna
observed within the park are maintained by park staff.
October 2021 5
18
Park History and Development
s ,
The property was not originally identified for use as a �,. t �` •-�
park. Beginning in 1998,Orange County,as part of a "-
multi-government organization under the name of the
Landfill Owners'Group,was charged with locating a site
for a new construction and demolition (C&D) landfill for � `- - -
Orange County.The Landfill Owners Group identified
a 178-acre parcel located on Guess Road in Orange y
County(adjacent to the future Little River Park) as a po-
tential site.A grass-roots volunteer group called People
Opposed to the Pollution of the Little River(POPLR)
mobilized against the proposed landfill location.This
prompted the Orange County Board of Commissioners
to revisit the siting of the C&D landfill,and in October with park development: $262,000 from the federal Land
1999 the board voted unanimously to reject the plan and Water Conservation Fund and $50,000 from the NC
for a landfill at this location. Recreation and Trails Program.
Around that same time,George Newton,a neighboring In the fall of 2000,the counties formed an advisory
landowner and philanthropist,donated an adjacent committee to evaluate the property,assess appropriate
391-acre tract to the Triangle Community Foundation, uses for the park,and recommend what facilities were
with the eventual proceeds of its subsequent sale to desired and appropriate for public use.The Committee
be used by the Foundation for philanthropic purposes. incorporated its recommendations based on input
Durham County had been long interested in protecting from citizens and potential user groups in a final report
land along the Little River,which supplies high-quality that was presented to both county boards of commis-
water to the Little River drinking water reservoir,and sioners.The Committee recommended allowing the
is known to have high wildlife habitat and high State following uses in the park: hiking/nature trails,picnic
Natural Heritage value.The Little River corridor was area/shelter, hard surface trail/picnic loop, playground,
specifically identified by Durham County as a priority open play meadows,and fishing.The Committee also
area for open space acquisition.With this in mind,the recommended allowing camping, horseback riding and
Triangle Land Conservancy(TLC)and the Eno River mountain biking provided certain conditions were met
Association (ERA) decided to join forces to help protect (Appendix B).
this area and to create a potential 570-acre,two-county,
regional park. The Durham—Orange Park Partnership
The original 178-acre potential landfill site was pur- As described in the history, Little River Park is a jointly
chased by a group of local landowners (the Little River owned and managed park.
Land Company). In partnership with TLC and the ERA,
Durham and Orange counties pursued negotiations Each county owns the portion of the park within its
with the Triangle Community Foundation to purchase jurisdiction,with Durham County owning 256 acres,
the 391 acres that would comprise the new park. In the and Orange County owning 135 acres.The counties
winter of 1999-2000 the two counties applied for and contributed equally to the initial site development,and
were awarded land acquisition funds from the NC Clean each county contributes equally to the park operating
Water Management Trust Fund ($370,000).TLC and ERA costs. Park operations are managed by Orange Coun-
raised $170,000 in private funds through a joint fund- ty.This park relationship is governed by an Interlocal
raising campaign for land acquisition.An additional Agreement adopted by both counties and renewed
grant from the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund on a regular basis.The Interlocal Agreement mandates
($250,000)assisted with the cost of land acquisition. that the park is managed pursuant to a jointly adopted
In July 2001 each county purchased the land within its Master Plan (this document),Management Plan and
jurisdiction for a total of$1,015,000($2,600/acre).Soon Operating Guidelines.Annual priorities are determined
afterwards,two more grants were awarded to assist based on the Master Plan and the Management Plan.
6 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan
19
530 do
Mountain Bike Trails
Hiking Trail •�N� t
CL
• Trail Junction Paved walking Loop �ko w ?7
_ Access Trail Park Boundary 55
0 z
0
Residential Access Only O Group Campsite n
�°op •
a�
•
_ Large Picnic
Bird Trail
shelter
Meadow and )
- - Mountain Bike; Playground Restrooms
Trailhead
-- small Picnic
Corn Shelter
Crib
Park Office -
Paved Walking
Loop
Maintenance Area
i
46*
„
N-00,
a
firI�,' 2 c 61 .
It.IL
.°�....�
S
Feet
0 550 1,100
Figure 2
Current Park Map
October 2021 7
20
Site Analysis/Current Conditions
This section will summarize the natural and cultural "An Inventory of Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats
features that provide the basis for the park's uses and for Orange County, North Carolina! Dawson Sather
development potential. Restrictions on the park use, and Stephen P.Hall and (1988);Bruce Sorrie and Rich
including easements and stream buffers,will also Shaw(2004).
be described.The existing level of development and "Plant Communities and Management Plan for the
programming will be summarized as the framework for Little River Regional Park"Brenda Wichmann,Wade
recommended park improvements. Wall,and Andrew Walker. (2010).
During the park's first 15 years of operation,there were
numerous improvements and facilities constructed, Geology(Bradley,2011)
including 7 miles of hiking trails,7 miles of biking trails, Little River Park is located in the Carolina geologic ter-
an accessible looped trail,two picnic pavilions,play- rane(Figure 3).The Carolina terrane underlies northern
ground, parking lot, restrooms and park office. Orange and Durham counties,and consists of approx-
Between 2001 and 2011 Durham and Orange counties imately 630-to 615-million-year-old metamorphosed
also conducted several studies focusing on the park's crystalline rocks of volcanic and intrusive origin. Rocks
archaeological and cultural resources,geology,and of the present-day Carolina terrane were originally part
plant communities.The findings of those studies sup- of a volcanic island arc that formed over 630 million
plement other State and local natural resource invento- years ago off the coast of the ancient continent called
ries and reports. Gondwana.These rocks were originally formed hun-
dreds of miles from ancient North America (then called
The following reports helped guide the development of Laurentia)and through the process of plate tectonics
this section: accreted to what is now North America.The volcanic
• "Cultural Resource Survey of the Little River Regional processes that produced these Carolina terrane rocks
Park and Natural Area in Orange and Durham Coun- millions of years ago can be observed today on the
ties,North Carolina:'Linda France Stine and Deborah modern-day volcanic island arcs of Japan,the Aleutian
Joy,Legacy Research Associates, Inc. (2001). Islands and the island of Java.
• "Archaeological Testing Investigation sat 31 OR547 Lit- The Carolina terrane rock formations present within Lit-
tle River Regional Park and Natural Area Durham and tle River Park include the rock types shown in Figure 3.
Orange Counties, North Carolina:'Deborah Joy and The southern portion of the park is underlain by mixed
Amy Carruth, Legacy Research Associates, Inc.(2003). epiclastic-pyroclastic rocks that are interlayered with
lavas of dacitic origin (Zhe/pl),while the rocks present
• "Additional Cultural Resources Work for the Little in the northern portion of the park are lavas and tuffs
River Regional Parkin Orange and Durham Counties, (Zhdlt(u)).The rocks found in the northernmost por-
North Carolina:'Legacy Research Associates,Inc. tion of the park are andesitic to basaltic lavas and tuffs
(2009). (Zhablt).
• "The(Brief)Geologic Story of the Little River with There are several locations within the Little River Park,
Reference to the Rocks of the Little River Park Area easily accessible from the parking area and hiking trails,
Kit:'Phil Bradley, North Carolina Geological Survey with rock outcrops that are good examples of the three
(NCGS). (2011). consolidated rock types found in the park.Several of
• "1999 Durham County Inventory of Important Natural the locations listed below Figure 3 also demonstrate
Areas, Plants,and Wildlife."Stephen P.Hall and Robert various geologic principles of interest.
D.Sutter.(1999).
8 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan
21
aft4F 7jp i
f/` • 4 t
M
Daum
INA
a Trail Location and Feature Description
��. 1. Bike Trail
5` Fin-shaped outcrop of metamorphosed
dacitic tuff on Bike Trail.Easily accessible
location from parking area. (Zhe/pl)
2. Paved Walking Loop
Rounded outcrop of metamorphosed pla-
gioclase crystal-rich tuffaceous sandstone.
Geologic Map of the <' a
Little River Regional Park Ji4 ; � Located adjacent to Loop at intersection
and Natural Area with BlkeTrail. (Zhe/pl)
1� Point of Geologic Interest /
0 250500 1.000 1,500 20 0 A' I 3. Bird Trail
Large fin-shaped outcrop of metamor-
Figure 3 phosed conglomerate. Fragments of rock
Map of Points of Geological Interest in Little River Park are easily visible on surface of rock. (Zhe/pl)
4. South River Loop
Topography Outcrop area of reddish-colored,metamor-
phosed tuffaceous sandstones,tuffs and
Orange and Durham counties are located in north-cen- dacites. (Zhe/pl)
tral North Carolina.This area is within the eastern
Piedmont topographic region,which extends from 5. Access Trail
southern portions of New York into northern Alabama. Area of boulders,cobbles and small out-
The Piedmont is one of three geographic divisions in crops of reddish-colored metamorphosed
North Carolina and comprises almost half the land in sandstones and conglomerates near the
the state.The state's Piedmont region begins along the geologic contact(location where rock type
changes) between the Zhdlt(u)and Zhe/
southeastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains and
continues eastward to the edge of the Coastal Plain. pl units on the Access Trail connecting the
The Piedmont region generally consists of gently rolling Ridge Trail to the South River Loop.
hills. Elevations within Little River Park range from 470 6. North River Loop
feet above mean sea level along the North Fork Little Outcrops and blocks used in construction of
River to 600 feet above mean sea level near the western the former mill dam. (Zhdlt(u))
property line of the park(Legacy,2009).
7. North River Loop
Fin-shaped outcrop of metamorphosed tuff
located between trail marker 77 and 79 on
the North River Loop trail. (Zhablt)
October 2021 9
22
Hydrology and Soils
The Piedmont region has a complex pattern of streams "
and rivers,with the northern portions of Orange and
Durham counties lie within the Neuse River Basin.The
main rivers in this area are the Little River, Eno River and
Flat River.These rivers all flow into Falls Lake,a major
source of drinking water for the City of Raleigh,which
in turn forms the Neuse River.The North Fork and the
South Fork of the Little River meet to form the Little
River approximately one mile southeast of Little River
Park.The northern and eastern boundaries of Little Riv-
er Park are formed by the North Fork Little River.Buffalo
Creek feeds into the North Fork Little River along the
eastern boundary of the park.An unnamed tributary Vegetation
flows northeastward through the middle region of the Little River Park consists of four plant communities
park before it joins the North Fork Little River. identified by Wichmann,Wall,and Walker(2010).
Routine monitoring of fish and macroinvertebrate Most of the park is in varying degrees of succession
populations are conducted immediately downstream due either to previous logging or tilling for agricul-
of Little River Park in the North Fork Little River by the ture.The plant communities are summarized as:
NC Division of Water Resources (DWR).The most recent 1.Dry-Mesic Oak/Hickory Forest(DMOH)•
sampling events conducted by DWR in the North Fork This vegetation community accounts for 81%of
Little River determined that the fish and benthic com- the Little River Park. It occurs over vast areas of
munities yielded"Good"ratings. In 2015, DWR staff also the upland slopes and flats. Most of the acre-
determined that this site possessed the"highest quality age is in varying degrees of succession,from
habitats of any of the sites in the Neuse Piedmont in pine-dominated to oak-dominated forest.
2015....no change since 2000 reflecting stable land use
in the watershed;a typical high quality Carolina Slate 2.Mixed Mesic Hardwood Forest(MMH):
Belt-type stream with riffles, runs, pools..:' This community occupies the northern parts of
the park and along the bluffs on the west side of
The upland soils of Little River Park are generally silty the North Fork Little River.
loams in the soil series Nason, Herndon,Tatum,and
Georgeville.These four soil series are generally wide- 3.Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest
spread and are closely related to each other;they (PAF):
account for 76%of the site.There are a few isolated This community type occurs along rivers and
areas of the Iredell soil series. Iredell soils have higher other low-lying areas in the Piedmont where
pH and are weathered from parent material that tends the rivers are not large enough to create distinct
to be higher in iron and magnesium,relative to the landforms and vegetation zones. This commu-
aforementioned soils. In the Piedmont,the Iredell soil nity occupies 6%of the park, mainly along the
series is also associated with a different suite of species North Fork Little River and several small tributar-
that prefer to be on higher pH soils(Wichmann,Wall, ies.
and Walker;2010). 4.Upland Depression Swamp Forest(UPS):
This community type was only found at one lo-
cation at the park and it only occupied 0.2 acres.
This community type is generally of small size in
the Piedmont,occurring in poorly drained up-
land flats or depressions where seasonal pooling
of water occurs due to an impermeable layer of
clay hardpan or bedrock.
10 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan
23
The authors note that"extensive,good quality wood-
'' ' land tracts such as those in the Little River Uplands are
almost gone in the county.This area is large enough for
i excellent wildlife habitat: The presence of otter, bea-
ver,and red-bellied water snakes within the Little River
Corridor,all of which,according to the report, moved
up from the Eno River Valley,indicates that the corri-
`- dor is still negotiable by at least semi-aquatic species.
1 The report also notes that black vultures,state listed as
Special Concern,and striped skunks,a regionally rare
species,are also frequently observed along the upper
k reach of the Little River.Other wide
A9 ranging species associated with
fairly large tracts of undeveloped
habitat that were noted within this
area of the Little River Corridor
-' including wild turkey, barred owls,
pileated woodpeckers, black vul-
ture,striped skunk,and long-tailed
4 weasels. `., ...
Since 2004 park staff has kept lists of all species ob-
served and identified in Little River Park.To date,they
have documented 99 bird species (a third are consid-
ered migratory),44 moth and butterfly species,30
reptiles and amphibians, 13 spiders,49 insects,3 mush-
IM -Cl and 15 mammals(not including bats).A much
° 9' P1 44 larger, more-detailed list of the park flora was created
L. a
Figure 4 by park staff early in the development stage of the park
Plant Communities and has been augmented over the years with assistance
from knowledgeable members of the public.These
lists, however,are not complete.There are numerous
Wildlife sightings and observations that could not be identified
The Orange and Durham county natural heritage (especially insect species).There is no staff-maintained
inventories compiled an extensive list of the wildlife list of freshwater invertebrates although numerous
observed along the length of the Little River Corridor. decapods,whirligig beetles(Gyrinus natator),damselfly
These reports list several significant findings regarding (Zygoptera spp.)and other unidentified species have
important aquatic species, including populations of been observed.
three freshwater mussels listed by the state as threat- The use of the motion cameras has proved to be
ened: the triangle floater,the squawfoot,and the extremely valuable documenting nocturnal wildlife
notched rainbow.Two other freshwater populations species such as striped skunk,opossum and raccoon.
listed as threatened and candidates for federal listing Species such as beaver,deer and coyote have also been
were observed:the yellow lampmussel and the Atlantic captured during daylight hours along the North Fork
pigtoe.The Orange County inventory notes populations Little River.Some species of note captured are river
of pinewoods shiner(state significant)and Eastern otter and bobcat,the latter on just one occasion.The
lamp mussel (state threatened) in stretches of the North use of this technology by future studies and programs
Fork Little River upstream from the park.The Durham can aid in the identification of additional species in
County report also recorded 36 species of fish within the park. Further studies and programs will additional
the Little River,including eight species that are indica- species.
tors of high-quality waters.
October 2021 11
24
Cultural/Archaeological Resources
Three cultural/archaeological resource surveys were \ •x .� ,
conducted on the Little River Park property by Legacy
Research Associates, Inc. The first,a cultural resource
survey for a selected area of the 391 acres was conduct-
ed in 2001 prior to the development of the park. The
second,in 2003,was an archaeological test of a poten-
tial cultural site(identified in the 2001 survey)that was
located within the area for the proposed entrance road +for the park. The final survey(2009)was a follow up to
the 2001 survey,conducted to determine the signifi-
cance of several sites identified in 2001.
The 2001 survey was commissioned by Orange County -
V
with the purpose of identifying areas of cultural sig- - - •,
nificance that should be preserved prior to the cre-
ation of a site plan for the park. Twelve new sites were
identified during the survey,two previously recorded
sites were revisited,and two isolated finds of cultural
material were recorded.Of these,there were three large of the work was to assess the historic significance of
prehistoric scatters that are relatively rare in this region the sites,to determine the relationship between them,
and recommended for further study.The other small and to provide recommendations for site protection
prehistoric sites and multi-component scatters were and interpretation. Individually,according to the report,
not judged worthy of nomination the National Regis- these sites do not meet the criteria for NRHP eligibility.
ter of Historic Places (NRNP). In addition to the further Together, however,they could be eligible for the NRHP
work at the three sites mentioned,this report recom- as an Archaeological District as examples of agricultur-
mended that two of the prehistoric sites were judged to al,domestic,industry(milling),and transportation ac-
be deserving of protection through avoidance. tivities in the late 19th/early 20th centuries.The report
recommends several possible methods of public inter-
The 2003 archaeological testing done in the area of pretation of these four sites.These include providing a
the proposed entrance road was based on findings of historic context of the area,adding historic information
the 2001 survey.The 2003 test was of only one identi- to the park's website, posting interpretative signs at the
fied site of potential significance and was conducted sites,creating a historic archaeological tour of the sites,
to ensure the construction of the entrance road was or creating a brochure for park patrons describing these
appropriately placed in the site plan.The survey found sites,their significance,and how the area surrounding
this site contained an unknown prehistoric lithic com- these prior settlements has been relatively unchanged
ponent and a late 19th-to-20th century historic artifact since they were in use.
scatter comprised of glass and ceramics,very likely
associated with the abandoned Laws farmstead nearby. Additional historic elements in the park that have not
The survey concluded that the portion of historic com- been assessed include a former public roadbed dating
ponent that fell within the proposed road development back to the early 1900s that parallels the hiking trail in
area was extensively disturbed, not unique, had limited the southern portion of the property.The public road
information potential,and did not meet the criteria for shows up on the earliest NC Department ofTransporta-
eligibility for the NRHP. tion map for Durham County dated 1920.There are also
remains of an additional former home site adjacent to
The 2009 cultural resources survey was commissioned the road,which is presently unassessed.Further assess-
by Durham County to follow up on four sites identified ment may provide interesting and valuable information
in the 2001 survey.These included two house sites,a for park interpretation.
mill site,a seasonal spring with minor fieldstone en-
hancements,and an historic river crossing.The purpose
12 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan
25
Surrounding Land Uses and Site Restrictions
Surrounding Land Uses _
Little River Park has 391 acres,with the western por-
tion at the Guess Road entrance very narrow,and
bound on both the north and south sides by residential
properties.The caretaker residence is located at this _
western-most portion of the property. Behind the park F
r
office there are two private residences with associated
i�
outbuildings.These homes,along with others,pose a
constraint on the park usage for this area,both in terms
of avoiding impacts to those residences and ensuring
the best recreational experience for park users,and the
sense of"being away from it all! On the southeastern
border within Durham County the park abuts a residen-
tial subdivision with several homes.This portion of the
park is fully wooded and contains a section of moun-
tain bike trail.
CWMTF Conservation Easements
Funding to acquire the park was provided in part by
the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust
Fund (CWMTF).The grant required that a permanent
conservation easement be recorded that restricts devel-
opment within the most water quality sensitive por-
tions of the site along the North Fork Little River and its v � : ver •:' ' `�' ` a
tributaries within the park.The conservation easement
area consists of 300-foot-wide riparian buffers along the Other Limitations
river frontage and the perennial streams totaling 131 Durham and Orange counties were awarded a $250,000
acres of the 391-acre park(Figure 5).The conservation
easement is attached as Appendix E;the land manage- North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund
ment requirements of the grant are summarized below. (PARTE)grant to assist with land acquisition costs and
a $262,000 federal Land and Water Conservation Fund
Activities that are expressly forbidden within the ease- (LWCF)grant to assist with the initial park construction.
ment area that are relevant for the park development As a condition of these grants,the park must remain
and management include: permanently in open space and available for outdoor
1. Timber harvesting,grazing,and horticultural use recreation.
2. Disturbance of natural features,plants and animals Several smaller streams within the park(outside of the
conservation easement area) are restricted by Durham
3. Construction of buildings County and Orange County requirements for stream
4. Strict limitation on impervious surfaces buffer protections.
5. Signage not used as boundary marking,easement
identifying and/or information
6. Activities that threaten the water quality
7. Dumping of trash and other materials
October 2021 13
26
Site Constraints for:
Little River Regional Park "
& Natural Area
A Durham/Orange County Partnership
Legend
t
Park Boundary
County Line
Conservation Easement
— Stream Buffer Limit
River
Stream
5 Contour
Paved Trail
Bike Trail
Hiking Trail
0.
mom
•
Figure 5
Site Constraints
14 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan
27
Existing Facilities and Programming Later improvements included:
Initial park development was guided by a report of Bird watching trail (1/4 mile)
recommended uses (Appendix B) prepared by the Organized group camping area (4 camp pads;up to
Advisory Committee set up to advise the two boards of 30 campers)
County Commissioners on the park. Funding for initial Pollinator garden
park development was assisted by a $262,000 LWCF
grant and a $50,000 State Trails grant,with the remain-
ing park for capital costs split equally by the two counties. Other amenities include an historical pack house
(trail head shelter),tobacco drying barn,and corncrib.
Initial Site Development Funding Administrative and support facilities include a small
LWCF Grant $262,000 office building,equipment storage building (repur-
Orange County $340,138 posed tobacco barn),and caretaker residence.Some of
Durham County $340,138 these facilities are showing their age after more than
State Trails Grant $50,000 15 years of usage.The Laws family farmhouse sits at the
entrance to the park and may someday be preserved
Total $992,276 separately by Orange County.
In 2003,the two counties approved a site plan for con- Existing Programs
struction within a 15-acre area at the entrance of the Over the years, park staff has developed a slate of
park(Park Developed Area) (APPENDIX Q. The park's programs with a focus on environmental education.
trails were developed by two sets of volunteers. A vol- These programs are developed and marketed to park
unteer group of mountain biking enthusiasts, DOMBO patrons based on age.Among these,Tiny Trekkers
(Durham Orange Mountain Biking Organization-now and Discovery Club are monthly programs for young
Triangle Off-Road Cyclists,orTORC)constructed seven children.Tiny Trekkers is a series of programs designed
miles of mountain bike trails over 30 weekends and for toddlers accompanied by an adult.The children
using over 1,500 volunteer hours.Similarly,the hiking learn about nature through stories,activities,crafts,and
trails were completed with the help of over 200 volun- games. Discovery Club programs are geared towards
teers and 1,400 hours,and included the efforts of an elementary school-age children accompanied by an
AmeriCorps service crew under the direction of Orange adult.These programs focus on learning about nature
County. and science through hands-on activities and explora-
Major park construction was completed in October tion.Additional programs for teens,adults and families
2004,and a grand opening celebration was held in are offered throughout the year including astronomy
December of 2004. sessions,Citizen Science projects,guided nature hikes
and stewardship projects.More information about
Existing Facilities existing park programs may be found in Section III and
The initial recreational components of Little River Park VI and Appendix F.
completed in 2004 consisted of:
There are also resources within the park for self-guided
• Hiking trails(7 miles) nature study such as the bird watching trail,pollinator
• Single-track mountain bike trails (7 miles) garden,and the paved interpretive loop trail.Informa-
• Accessible, looped walking trail (1/4 mile) tional materials are available at the park office,which
allow visitors to learn about the natural resources of the
• 5 picnic sites with grills(located on accessible loop park at their own pace.
trail)
The park also holds several special events for the public
• Two picnic pavilions (large and small) that build on the natural features of the park such as
• Playground for children (ages 5— 12) the Little River Trail Runs,Statewide Star Party, Hallow-
• Large open play field een Hike with C.L.A.W.S.,and star gazing with staff from
the Morehead Planetarium.
• Restrooms
• Park Office
October 2021 15
28
Public Input And Current Usage
Initial Park Advisory Committee and
Use Recommendations -
6 L �4•
Durham and Orange counties acquired the 391-acre
property in 1999. In the fall of 2000, both boards of
county commissioners established the Little River Park
Advisory Committee to assist the staff in the develop-
ment of use recommendations and proposed facilities
for the new park.This early input included research by
staff,comments and review by the Committee,and a
series of community input meetings.Seven meetings 3"
were held during the fall of 2000 and spring of 2001, m
during which members toured the property,evaluated
resources,received input from several users'groups
and held two larger community meetings to gather
input from potential park users and adjacent property _
owners.
The resulting report was adopted by the two Boards of
County Commissioners for future park development.
The allowed uses included hiking trails,picnic area,a The 2019 demographic data indicates that approxi-
hard surface loop trail,open play meadows,playground mately half(51%)of the number of park visitors were
and fishing.Several conditional uses that were rec- from Durham County,with Orange County providing
ommended if additional requirements could be met, 33%or one-third,and the remainder(16%)from other
including horseback riding, mountain biking and group counties,with Wake County leading this contingent.
camping.The development of Little River Park has Overall,visitors from other counties were significantly
accommodated all of the recommended uses except higher in 2019 than in 2012. On average,84%of park
for horseback riding,due to the conditional use require- users came from Durham and Orange counties,allow-
ments (See Appendix B). ing this Master Plan to be developed with substantial
input from the park's primary users.While the data
Recent Public Input skewed more heavily toward male respondents in 2012,
Orange County and Durham County staff developed in 2019 there was a more even gender representation.
and distributed public input surveys in 2012 and 2019 There was also a good distribution of age represented
to solicit user feedback and help guide development of in the 2019 survey.
a park master plan.The surveys were available for park The surveys delved into more detailed questions re-
patrons to complete (both onsite and online)for those garding reasons for visiting the park,and questions de-
interested in contributing to the master plan process. signed to determine the preferences for how Little River
The results of the surveys can be found in Appendix E. Park moves forward regarding facility development,
A total of 193 park users completed the survey in 2012 programming,and options for funding these improve-
and another 123 users took the survey in 2019.The ments.The majority of questions followed a format that
surveys collected informational and demographic data, asked respondents to rate the questions on a scale of
a summary of which follows: 1 (low)to 5 (high),depending on how important they
thought each question was to the future of the park.
16 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan
29
Summary Overview of Selected Survey Results,2012 and 2019
2012: 193 respondents 2019: 724 respondents
County of Residence Top Reason for Visiting
• • •
Durham 53% Durham 50.83% Mountain Biking 99 Mountain Biking 42
Orange 46% Orange 33.33% Trail Hiking/ 27 Trail Hiking/ 32
Other 1% Other 15.83% Running Running
Walking 1 18 Walking 10
Gender
Top Answers to Ranking New/Renovated Facilities
Male 70.5% Male 44.17% Will
Female 29.5% Female 55.83% Develop new 95 Develop new 68
multi-use trails multi-use trails
Expand children's 22 Expand children's 21
Age(Top 3 Categories) playground playground
' • Expand paved 15 Expand paved 12
36-45 34.6% 36-45 36.67% walking loop walking loop
46-55 23.4% 46-55 26.67% Top Program Interests
26-35 22% 26-35 16.67%
Visits to Park Program 98 Program 43
promoting promoting
' physical fitness physical fitness
Occasionally 37.0% Occasionally 38.46% Environmental 29 Environmental 29
Weekly 28.3% Weekly 36.75% education education
Monthly 25% Monthly 13.68% Special events 27 Special events 27
The results of the 2019 survey were fairly similar to the at the park, including such things as a playground,shel-
results of the 2012 survey. Respondents stated that ters,trails,and programming facilities.
their primary reasons for visiting the park were for cy- Other items of note in the survey assessment include:
cling (mountain biking), hiking,and walking,with 144 additional paved trails for either children or people with
persons in 2012,and 69 in 2019, listing one of those disabilities,additional special events and concerts,and
three uses as their number one reason for visiting Little for the trail networks to remain separated by distinct
River Park.The data suggests support for preservation user groups(e.g.,hiking trails for walkers only,bike
of the park's natural resources,expansion and improve- trails for cyclists only).There were also several com-
ments of the trail system as well as expansion of the ments in support of developing horse trails,as well as
children's playground.There was also support for pos- several comments expressing a desire to not add horse
sible increases in facility and program fees to expand
trails.
park offerings and facilities,and support for programs
and facilities that promote physical fitness. In terms of potential program opportunities, both
Expansion or improvement of the existing trail system the 2012 and 2019 surveys show the same pattern of
as funding is available garnered support from 69 re- interest—programs that promote physical fitness first
spondents. Improving existing facilities and expanding (43%in 2019),followed by environmental education
environmental education programs were the next high- (34%) and special events(29%).The survey also shows a
est vote-getters with 14 each.The 2019 survey report- desire for programming for both adults and children in
ed that 54%of respondents"strongly agree"and 63% additional programming opportunities.
"agree"that they support development of new facilities
October 2021 17
30
Park Usage Trends and Staff Observations Little River Regional Park and Natural Area
Park staff has tracked visitor trends and statistics since Park Trends/Usage
the park was opened (December 2004),including the ,
number of visitors,number of facility reservations,
number of days open per year,program participants, " 23,788 357 No data No data
number of days bike trails were open,rainfall,and daily oil 28,678 365 241 76
temperature.The following table summarizes four key
statistics,which illustrate the continued rise in park at- ' °r 28,915 362 534 88
tendance and number of program participants,as well ; 31,200 363 286 109
as facility reservations since December 2004.The data
is through 2020,which is the last year that full records " 31,711 359 325 76
are available. It should be noted that beginning in 2014 , 34,063 360 585 85
annual park attendance has doubled.The number of
program participants has also risen markedly since 36,685 361 420 79
2015. 39,045 362 500 79
40,102 363 434 75
j ��% *�` r ,� y • � 47,416 362 495 74
47,960 360 805 82
L•,:
56,700 359 893 95
Y 57,079 358 941 86
' J
54,042 355 785 69
59,472 362 859 62
75,120* 362 150* 18*
If *Beginning in March 2020,reservations and programs were
discontinued for the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,which
affected participation and visitation(in very different ways)
r _ - during 2020.
The park staff interact frequently with the park users
and have a good sense of what kinds of improve-
ments and new amenities are of particular interest
to the users. Park staff report that the need for trail
improvements is among the most mentioned items,
along with playground improvements, improving the
driveway and the nature programs.Other suggested
improvements include a shade sail for the playground,
an addition to the ADA accessible loop trail,and a place
for youth to ride bikes. Staff also notes that members of
the public are generally highly complementary of the
park and its programs.
18 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan
31
Findings/Summary/Opportunities And Constraints
Great Location
Little River Park provides a valued refreshing getaway
to Orange and Durham county residents. Hikers are
rewarded with quiet and solitude,and beautiful river + �
front views.One of the park's greatest strengths is its !
relative isolation and absence of typical urban noises '
such as roads and highways.
Interpretive Opportunities r
An extensive number of studies have been conduct-
ed at Little River Park detailing the historical,cultural, 2
geological,and environmental story of the park.These s '
reports offer opportunities for developing new inter-
pretative materials to the public,such as additional
interpretative signage, new brochures/maps,and guid-
ed hikes. Additionally,there are numerous historicalDii 4
amenities on site(packhouse,old mill site)that help tell
the story of the land on which the park now sits. 64
Site Restrictions _
There are very restrictive land use requirements in
place that limit future development and park use.These
restrictions need to be taken into consideration when -
considering the proposed facility and program im-
provements.The park would benefit from maintaining Horse Trails
a forested buffer to separate park development from There is a desire among some members of the public
existing residences that border the western edge of the for horse trails within Little River Park.This is not feasi-
park. ble at the current time due to the land restrictions cur-
rently in place as well as not enough land available for
Large Base of Existing Trail Users the desired length of trails within the park boundaries.
The largest user group of the park are trail users(hiking, The possibility exists for the construction of a horse-
biking, running).Work should be done to a) determine back trailhead within the park if adjacent landowners
if any new trails can be added (both for recreation and were to develop a network of horse trails outside park
interpretation) in appropriate areas,b) continue to im- boundaries. Horseback riding trails could be devel-
prove the trail signage system,and c) continue to work oped in the future if more land were acquired for the
with volunteer groups on trail construction and mainte- park,thereby allowing more space to build sustainable
nance projects. horseback traiIs.
Aging Park Infrastructure Additional Programming Potential
Many of the existing park infrastructure—its buildings, The public has shown support for additional program-
parking lot, maintenance shed,playground and oth- ming options at Little River Park and the park could
er structures—are now at least 15 years old and are expand future offerings if the two counties were to
showing wear and tear.Some park buildings have been mutually decide to invest in additional programming.
re-purposed from the preceding farm that was on site
and will require special consideration in their upkeep.
Attention will soon be needed to these important com-
ponents of the park and its operations.
October 2021 19
32
Goals And Guiding Principles
As summarized earlier in the document,Durham and ��od
yr,C,
Orange counties acquired the park property together �°` , � xfi
for its water quality,habitat and recreational values;had
input from a citizen advisory committee regarding ap iZ
propriate public uses,and had over a decade of expert-
ence managing the park and its resources for park pa-
trons to enjoy. Based on that history and background, f�
this Master Plan and park Management Plan are guided
by the following goals and guiding principles:
Guiding Principles
}
To jointly manage the Park under the following guiding ;
principles: ..; ,
• Protect the natural habitat,water quality and other Protecting and Conserving Nature
unique cultural resources of this significant Park and
natural area Goal 1:
Maintain the Park largely in a natural state.
• Preserve the Park's cultural and ecological heritage
while highlighting these resources for the public Objective 1:
Minimize development within the Park.
where feasible
• Ensure the safety of all Park visitors Goal 2:
Manage the Park in a way that respects and protects
• Strive for the highest quality visitor experience key natural values on-site.
through regular self-evaluation and within mutually
agreed upon goals and budget Objective 1:Develop visitor opportunities in ways
that consider natural area sensitivities.
• Implement the vision and goals of the Master Plan
through collaboration and partnership of the two Objective 2:Work with others to manage or main-
tain key values.
jurisdictions
• Evaluate financial and management options to Connecting with Nature
creatively achieve Park goals as cost effectively as Goal 3:
possible Create a connection between the public and the
• Incorporate Orange County's and Durham County's Park's natural and cultural values that fosters appreci-
sustainability goals and policies in everyday Park ation and respect.
operations and long-term planning. Objective 1:Provide opportunities for low-impact
These principles translate into goals and objectives in recreation that are based on,and linked to,experi-
the following four categories: encing the natural values of the Park.
Objective 2:Provide information on-site that
connects visitors to the Park,its history,and its
key values.
Objective 3:Promote awareness of ways the
public can assist in the protection of nature and
the Park.
20 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan
33
Providing Recreational Experiences
Goal 4: _
Provide engaging recreational opportunities while
protecting and conserving natural areas.
Objective 1:Work cooperatively with Park users
to encourage respectful use of the trails.
Objective 2: Develop additional signage, both - 1
interpretative and informative,detailing the natu-
ral features of the Park,and the need to preserve
them.
Objective 3 Continue to maintain the existing
g
hiking and biking trails,and other Park amenities
to minimize erosion and impact while still provid-
ing positive outdoor experiences. '
Collaboration and Cost-effective Management
Goal 5:
Foster collaboration and partnership between
Durham and Orange County, Park Managers,and
stakeholders,and seek ways to manage the park "
with the most efficient use of public funds to create
quality recreational and conservation opportunities.
s
Objective 1:Work collaboratively to identify and
secure additional funding sources to assist with
development of park appropriate amenities ort °
programs.
Objective 2:Identify conservation needs within
the park and seek funding opportunities or addi-
tional expertise to develop appropriate manage-
ment priorities.
October 2021 21
34
Recommendations And Proposed Action Strategies
Based on Little River Park's site analysis and site con- -"
straints,as well as previous decisions during the park's
initial planning and development,the park can general- ,
ly be divided into three management areas:
• "Park Developed Area"
The area towards the front of the park that has most
developed amenities including parking lot,shelters,
playground and park office.This area includes only a
small portion of CWMTF easement on the northern y
edge of the central meadow. x "
• "Low-Impact Natural Area" b,. ..
Area shown in pale green,this encompasses they
bulk of the park acreage,and includes low-impact
hiking trails and mountain biking trails.The intent of
these areas is to respect the vegetative and cultural
features,while making this area available for public
recreation that does not impact the resources.This Proposed Facility Improvements and Actions
designation includes the majority of the acreage Improvements to Existing Nature Trails
included within the CWMTF restrictions. Based on both staff observation and survey results,the
• "Permanent Preservation Area(Wildlife Corridor)" most-used amenities at Little River Regional Park are
Area shown in darker green on the attached map the hiking and biking trails.The Park currently offers
(Figure 6),this area is generally intended to have seven miles of hiking trails and seven miles of sin-
little active public use in order to preserve a relatively gle-track mountain bike trails.In addition to being the
natural part of the park for wildlife habitat.This area most-used facilities,surveys have shown that residents
includes a long stretch along the North Fork Little and patrons feel that expansion and improvement of
River that is included in the CWMTF easement and the trail networks are a top priority.This is also consis-
adjoining areas of natural resource significance. tent with Orange County's 2030 Parks and Recreation
Based on the findings and analysis of the site con- Master Plan (adopted in 2014).
straints,existing conditions,and park user input con- The addition of new trails or expansion of existing trails
tained and summarized in the preceding sections,a would be very challenging under current conditions
number of recommendations have been developed for and protections.This worthy interest must be weighed
the future of the park.These include: against the need/desire to maintain portions of the
park as a natural area. It is important to note that the
land for the park was acquired with the intention to
preserve and protect a large wilderness area along the
North Fork Little River. However,equally important was
the goal to provide a new outdoor recreation opportu-
nity to citizens. Staff has worked hard in the 15 years
of park operation to balance these goals and provide a
unique outdoor recreation facility.
22 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan
35
LIT L 1tIYt7Z
Park Management Areas for: Ea EMEr�
Little River Regional Park
& Natural Area
A Durham County/ Orange County Partnership /
LOW IMPACT
') NAW RAL
/ ` -
I J/ EA
''rrrr rrr r rr rrrr rrrr / iir",r7 r�irr 'cp;i
rirr//rrirrr%�,r rrr/rrr%/rrrr r i r-, rrr Arr
rl r i riirr irr,rr r�ir rr it iir Y�/
rr,,.;;i�;;�;r;;;�r r;;�;;;rr r;,r rrr�V,,;• -- aaa���,
err,rrrr r,;;ri;��r�r'r• �
/pA
op
T
ARK St�CE ...
Gr.
i _ MAINT. AREA 1
Enlarged Park Developed Area
0 ,0020
tR
LOW-IMPAC Ac ss 'vL „..>
NATURAL cL AN warztf
AREA MANAGEMENT,
II :, iFUSTWNG "
/ EASEMENT .•...•.• �( f�
GLEA WATER
M UMENT ( "BIK
AGEE TRAILS• •:/ ;
F sT EUND � -
EASEMENT Bl{E TFAILS '� •yy
GROUP
C
CARIP—UND •..••••.. ',
���gggyyy8 .... l\ �.-� �NPTURA4. •.: :'•.' �` p .:/ •
LARGE PICNIC" ...: '•BIKE TRAILS :: �}•`"4\•\ .
SNELTER f
PARK MEA.— R •• \i•�/
!� M
DEVELOPE I GRo, „+BMAL4
AREA, P .% LO.-IMPACT
NRAL
Ey L P
PARK
1 MAINT.AREA CLEAN WATER ,
Mft AGEMENT '
PARK sr FUND
ENTRA BIKE TRAILS •.'EASEMENT
o .
4D •\••\ .•••
Master Plan
4A� •BIKE TRAILS•.• '
Figure 6
Park Management Areas
October 2021 23
36
There are opportunities to improve the existing trails
and enhance park patron experience, by researching .f.
the potential for such things as: x _:
Interpretive Trail Improvements,using existing
trails and recent technology
The park contains a vast array of natural beauty,ar- 4
eas of historical interest,geological features,and di- ' ^ " �?
verse plants and wildlife.Over the past 15 years,staff
has been documenting these features,and develop-
ing tools and exhibits to teach the public about the
park's unique appeal.The success of programs such
as star gazing,the live-stream camera in the bluebird
box,and Tiny Trekkers point to a strong interest from
the public to learn and enjoy the many features the Improvements to Trail Signage
park has to offer.The greatest number of park users Several comments were received in the 2012 and
are hikers.Additional interpretative features could 2019 park user surveys from visitors who found the
highlight the site's'natural and cultural resources in trail signage confusing. In an effort to provide the
a cost-effective manner.This could include devel- safest and most enjoyable park experience for all
opment of an interactive, interpretive hiking trail users,efforts should be made to review and improve
using existing trails and recent technology that may the existing trail signage to eliminate possible points
appeal to some park users as a way to better learn of confusion.
and appreciate these aspects of the site,and would
seem a natural fit for the park.Opportunities exist Expansion and improvement to the trail system may
with recent/current technology to provide interac- be possible with the help of volunteers.The park
tive trail experiences,which were not available when has a long,positive relationship with local running
the park first opened. club (Trailheads)and regional cycling club (Triangle
Off-Road Cyclists),and these relationships have led
Trailhead Displays at the Pack House to the creation of the mountain bike trails, numerous
The pack house was moved from the front of the site improvements to the trails over the years,and large
to its present location along the main trail to serve as donations from the running club's annual event.
a trail head destination for displays and information These relationships have a solid foundation and
about the trails.While the building has been moved should be encouraged and augmented and st-
and stabilized,this area could still have improved tempts to develop additional working relationships
displays about natural features on the trails,infor- with other area groups whose interests align with
mation about what might be seen on different trails, the natural resources of the park should be pursued
seasonal displays,etc.to enrich the experience of in order to increase the pool of volunteers.
trail users.
Expansion of the Paved Loop Trail
Overlooks/Wildlife Viewing Areas One of the most popular facilities at Little River Park
Another way to enhance the existing trails is through is the accessible, paved walking loop trail. It provides
construction of additional overlooks or nature a consistent walking surface and survey respondents
viewing platforms.There are numerous vistas and noted a desire to see an expansion of the paved trail.
locations within the park that provide prime wildlife Sites where the loop could be expanded,or areas for
viewing,and the creation of a larger viewing area/ a new loop such as around the perimeter of the large
overlook would create a destination point for hikers. open play field could also be explored. In addition,the
Several sites throughout the park are well suited for asphalt surface of the existing path has been under-
such development, but an assessment of each site mined by roots and will need to be regraded and paved
should be conducted to determine an area best suit- to maintain its accessibility.
ed for such use,and what limitations may be in place
due to conservation measures.
24 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan
37
Increase Areas of Pollinator Habitats , %
The protection and expansion of pollinator habitat is a gi w
national and even global issue.Pollinator species sus- `� e 4" �
•a . J
tain the environment and are critical to food supplies. x
Orange County has set a goal of increasing pollinator
habitat within its parks and open spaces,as well as en- c • '
couraging habitat along roadsides and on private lands. "
Little River Park,with its natural resources and open
spaces, lends itself to being a place where pollinator
habitats may be expanded and introduced.The current
pollinator garden is a good start and a popular edu-
cational component, but more is possible at the park. *4
Additional areas of pollinator-friendly habitats could be
researched for future development.
Addition of a"Natural Playground"
Over the past decade, research indicates that children - "A
benefit greatly from playing and learning in nature. Needed renovations include, but are not limited to:
Natural play areas often engage the mind and allow . Driveway resurfacing (currently needed)
children to use their imaginations more,and cooperate
more in play.These types of play areas reduce symp- • Buildings (equipment shed,etc.)
toms of attention deficit and depression,and many • Playground replacement(within the next 5 years)
experts note that access to nature for a child is akin to . Resurfacing the paved looped trail
the need for good nutrition and adequate sleep.
In a large natural setting,a natural play area at the park Priorities for Future Capital Improvements
would be very much in keeping with the surrounding As noted in the preceding sections,a number of re-
environs,and allow children to connect, play,and learn placement or new capital improvements to Little River
in nature.This idea also allows the incorporation of Park will be needed in the next 10 years or more.Some
the existing landscape and vegetation to bring nature of these improvements will need to be assessed and
to children's daily outdoor play and learning environ- funded through the Capital Investment Plans of the two
ments. counties,while other(smaller) items may be addressed
The steps needed to develop such a play area at North through Annual Objectives and park management.
Fork Little River could be researched and incorporated It is recommended that the two counties assess these
into upcoming improvements.In many cases, natural needs as part of their respective Capital Improvement
play areas are not expensive to construct. It is recom- Program,or through then Annual Objectives (and
mended that the existing conventional playground be annual park budget),and schedule prioritized needs
retained (and when scheduled, replaced). accordingly.
Renovations of Park Infrastructure While it is not possible to provide a complete list of all
Having reached the 15-year mark,some of the park priorities for future capital improvements at the park,
infrastructure(including buildings)are beginning to it may be help to start with a starter list of priorities di-
age or no longer efficiently serve their purposes.One vided into two categories: 1) Renovations of Existing Fa-
such building is the equipment shed,which is not large cilities,and 2) New Improvements.The following initial
enough to accommodate needed storage and work list should be re-evaluated on a regular basis as funding
space and is beginning to show signs of wear and tear. and other processes allow,and other needs may also be
From park staff perspective,indoor storage and renova- added as they are identified.
tions to the maintenance building are important.Anal-
ysis of renovation versus replacement of the equipment
shed and other similar buildings should be undertaken.
October 2021 25
38
Renovations of Existing Facilities—Priorities
• Pave/repair park entry road
• Repave existing ADA paved walking loop trail
• Replace existing 15-year-old playground
• Build or renovate existing maintenance building �r
New Improvements—Priorities
• Trail improvements(interpretive trail, Pack House, E
overlooks)
• Create new and improve existing pollinator habitat
• Develop natural play area s f r
• New/expanded ADA accessible paved trailZ. � -
.. a�
The items addressed in this master plan will likely needy
to be implemented at a gradual pace as funding and
V�staffing allows. There is a wide range of improvements
and renovations that will take place at Little River Park
over the next 20 years,and by developing a multi-
prong and phased process to handle both the improve-
ments desired by the public and the routine mainte-
nance and renovations needed,park staff can better
plan and budget to meet these needs.
The implementation of this master plan should also
include a close look at outside funding opportunities,
including grants and donations.The leveraging of
county funds,when approved,with grants from entities
such as the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, NC
Recreational Trails Program and other sources is one
possibility.
The support of both counties'governing bodies in
funding park operations has allowed Little River Park
to thrive and offer a unique recreation opportunity for
residents.Future renovations,expansions,and increas-
es in operating costs will be,as always,contingent on
the budget and capital funding capabilities of the two
counties.
Relationships with local clubs, like the Trailheads and
TORC,who use the park and have provided substantial
donations that benefit all users should continue to be
fostered. Donations by the local running club have
allowed the park staff to purchase a wide range of
equipment benefiting the park.
26 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan
39
Issues For Further Study
While there are several measures and improvements
recommended in this Master Plan for action,a number
of other topics have been identified that may be worthy c
of future pursuit, but need additional research and
assessment:
Additional Land Protection
When the park was initially proposed, it included as a
possible additional purchase the 178-acre property that
borders the park on the north and to create an overall
569-acre park.This adjacent property was originally
proposed for an Orange County C&D landfill (before
the park was initially under consideration),and it was
subsequently purchased and has remained in private
ownership.Development of this property into multiple Additional Cultural Studies
home sites would reduce the park user experience,and There are historical and cultural resources within the
reduce the size of the significantly large area of unde- park, namely the historical road bed and old home site
veloped habitat.This property would be a desirable on the southern portion of the property,that have not
addition to the park if it became available. been properly assessed for their significance.As fund-
Potential Horse Trails ing permits, it would be desirable to conduct further
assessments to better understand the history of this
When the Little River Park Advisory Committee was portion of the site and for possible interpretation.
gathering public input for future uses in the park,there
was significant support for horse trails(the property Park Office—Assessment of Function and Future
had been used by local equestrians before the property Needs
was purchased by Durham and Orange counties). Horse
trails were a recommended"conditional use"of the Park staff has noted the limited size of the current park
park,but to date those additional conditions have not office and the inability to bring park visitors or program
been met. The public surveys in 2012 and 2019 contin- participants inside to get out of the weather or to see
ued to show interest in horse trails,though there were exhibits such as the herpatorium and other indoor
also several comments requesting that any horse trails features.The current office has limited storage space,
be separated from hiking or biking trails.Additional and it may be that its functions and uses have expand-
land is needed in order to have sufficient trail length, ed over the years to the point where an expansion or
and the trails would likely need to connect with other larger new facility is warranted.An initial assessment
privately owned horse trails to create sufficient length. could be done to examine in what ways the park office
The design and management of the horse trails would has become something more than an office,and the
require the active support and maintenance of local functions and needs that it now serves,or could serve
equestrian groups. Any further study on the potential in the future with additional space.From that evalua-
for horse trails would need to be led in collaboration tion,decisions could be made as to what changes or
with local volunteer groups. improvements are needed.
October 2021 27
40
Scope of Program Offerings
A significant decision for the future of the park is the
scope of program offerings.Current programs offered
at the park,as noted in the preceding sections,are
-� popular and well-received,and serve an important role
in helping connect the public to nature.
x With the passage of time and regular public input,it is
- - possible to evaluate the strength of existing programs
at the park and assess the possibility for new or revised
programs for the future. Both counties will continue to
evaluate the potential for new programs and tweaks to
current programs to match the community's interests.
Disposition of the Laws Farmhouse There two types of programs currently offered at the
park,and that will likely be part of the mix of program-
The Laws farmhouse is located in Orange County along ming going forward-a) staff-led programs and b)
Guess Road near the entrance to the park and is re- contracted programs.
moved from all of the other park amenities,facilities Staff-led programs are offerings that are developed
and parking.The house was built ca. 1929 and contains and implemented by park staff.These programs utilize
a portion that may be 19th-century in origin and have existing resources in the park and are budgeted and im-
historical significance. During the initial park planning plemented using internal plans and procedures.
and development,the house was determined to have
no uses or function for the park.The potential for Contracted programs are those which are scheduled
relocating the house was pursued, but because of the and offered by contract from outside organizations.
nature of the construction this was not practical. During The wildlife group CLAWS, Inc.would be an example
the initial park development,the house was planned of a contracted program.Staff uses park patron and
and budgeted for deconstruction. Later,Orange County public interests in programs to identify offerings in
requested that the funds slated for deconstruction be areas where staff may not have expertise or materials,
used instead to stabilize the house to mitigate its fur- but that non-profit and other related organizations may
ther deterioration while Orange County decided what have along with a structured program. In many cases,
to do with the house.The two boards formally agreed contracted programs require funding to pay the organi-
that Orange County would pursue any further actions zations for their program offering.
with respect to the house independent of additional While Orange County's Department of Environment,
funding from Durham County,an option provided for in Agriculture,Parks&Recreation has nature programs
the Interlocal Agreement. as a key part of its mission and function,the Durham
At this point in time,Orange County cultural resources County Open Space program does not include pro-
staff and the Historic Preservation Commission remain gramming as a part of its current function and mission
interested in exploring the possible 19th-century for budgetary or staff time.Any new proposed pro-
portion of the house,and whether that portion (or the gram initiatives should be presented during the annual
entire) structure is worthy of renovation/restoration.As budget preparation,and both counties should discuss
per the Interlocal Agreement,if the house is retained the impacts and feasibility during the budget meetings.
and further work on it is pursued,this will be done by Any decisions on programming will be mutually agreed
Orange County alone. upon at that time.This said,however, it is also possible
that Orange County may have an interest in expanding
its nature program offerings consistent with its mis-
sion and goals,without Durham County in a position
28 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan
41
x
MEMO
i fIA�S
to support such an expansion.To address this type of especially programs that promote physical fitness,
situation,the Interlocal Agreement includes language did not ask respondents to identify specific program
to allow one county to undertake a program or event choices.The range of potential programs is broad,so
on its own,with communication and concurrence of a more detailed survey of park users may be helpful in
the other partner. determining where to focus efforts for program devel-
As this discussion proceeds in coming years, both coun- opment.In addition to soliciting demand for additional
ties will engage in a dialogue about the future scope of programs,financial costs and revenues and facility/staff
program offerings and program expansion though the resources will need to be considered.
Annual Objectives process,and proceed with a mutual- While not exhaustive,the following ideas were identi-
ly-agreed upon plan. fied from the surveys as possible new programs:addi-
If both counties agree that increased program oppor- tional environmental education classes;environmental
tunities are desirable,more data may be needed to education summer camps;and orienteering/backcoun-
determine the most appropriate programs to offer. try skills classes.Also mentioned were running clubs/
Data from the survey suggests support for increased classes;cycling clubs/classes;outdoor fitness classes
program offerings at Little River Park.The 2012 survey,
and"Track Out"camps (for year-round schools).
though showing support for increased programs,and
October 2021 29
42
Conclusion
Collaborations and partnerships have been a part of Lit-
tle River Park since its very beginning.The community, `
h <_
the two counties, land conservation agencies and local
trail groups have all contributed to the protection of
this large tract of land along the North Fork Little River.
As one of sources of water for Durham,it would make '
sense to protect this stretch of river. It supports spe-
cies of fish which are indicators of high water quality. '
a, s
Other species of wildlife that are listed as threatened,of
special concern or regionally rare including freshwater .
mussels,black vultures and striped skunk have been
documented within the park.The land mass which
formed under this area tells the story of 650 million
years of volcanic activity,tectonic upheaval and ero-
sion.At least 12 areas of cultural importance have been
documented within the park that can trace its land use
records back to the 1790s.After nearly 15 years of oper-
ation, Little River Park continues to grow into a unique
place for nature recreation. }
Public input indicates thepublic's desire to preserve
the park's natural resources as well a need for growth.
Improvement or expansion of the trail network and the
addition of programs or facilities that promote physical
fitness also ranked as top priorities.There is also strong
support for fee increases to support the expansion of
park programs. Park statistics reflect the support of the
community:annual attendance and program participa-
tion has more than doubled in the park's first ten years.
Accomplishing the goals of the master plan will require
the support of both counties governing bodies. For the
park to grow and thrive and continue to offer a unique
natural and recreational opportunity for the region will
require a combination of increased budget,funding for
CIP projects,and outside revenue through grants and
donations.
The future Little River Park lies in finding the balance
between the desire for growth and expansion of
recreational opportunities weighed against the inten-
tions with which this partnership began:to preserve
and protect a large wilderness area along an import-
ant source of clean water.The projects and objectives
outlined in this master plan can serve to strengthen the r
partnerships already in place and to also to explore new
partnerships.
s.p
30 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan
43
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