HAW RIVER STATE PARK Master Plan April 2010 Division of Parks and Recreation Departmentof Environment and Natural Resources North Carolina Documentpreparedby: Swanson andAssociates, P.A. Carrboro, N.C. CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY HAW RIVER STATE PARK MASTER PLAN 65 1 SUMMARY OF MASTER PLANNING PROCESS 3 Introduction 65 Master Planning Process 3 Program of Use 65 Community Input Process 3 Master Plan Overview 66 Resulting Capital Projects 4 ParkTrails Review 67 PropertyAcquisitions 5 The Greater Park- Public UseArea 67 SITE CONTEXTAND HISTORY 7 ParkAccess 67 Circulation 67 Site Description 7 Cultural Resources 7 TVirsaiitlohreCaednstearn.dDay UseAreas 7700 LandAcquisition History 10 MaintenanceArea 70 Circulation /Accessing the Park 12 RECREASRTteIagtOieoNnaAanlLdLRRaEengSdiOoUnUsaRelCTrEaiSl ASyNsDteVmIsSIaTnAdTOIpONen Space Planning 111524 NGTerenowtupaInnCtdearmTprrpaeiitlnievgreCTarmaiplgsraonudnBdoardwalks 777122 Mountains-to-Sea Trailhead 72 Programs and Visitation Summary for Backpack Camping 73 The Summit Environmental Education Center 15 RangerResidences 74 EnvironmentalEducation Program 15 Separation ofActivities 74 Conference CenterAmenities 16 The Summit Environmental Education Center 74 Visitation 16 Entry Sequence, VehicularCirculation andParking 74 Recreational Opportunities 16 Campus Pedestrian Circulation 77 Interpretation 16 EnvironmentalEducation Shelter 77 EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE 18 Youth Cabins 77 Existing Park Facilities and Internal Circulation 18 EnvironmentalEducation Program/Classroom Building 77 Buildings and Structures Inventory 21 Canopy Walkway. . 78 Roads and Utility Inventory 25 Robins NestLake Vicinity 78 Existing Roadsand Trails 25 Managed Open Field 79 Existing ParkingAreas 26 Observatory 79 Existing WaterSystems 27 ParkLighting 80 Existing SewerSystems 27 Interim Public Day Use 80 ExistingElectrical System 28 SeasonalStaffHousing 80 Existing Gas/OtherFuel Systems 28 OtherElements 80 Existing Telephone System 28 New Trails 80 Existing Satellite Provider/Cable Provider. 28 RelocatedMaintenanceArea 82 Pond and Dam Inventory 29 Connectionsto Regional Trails and the Larger Context 83 NATURAL FEATURES 30 Protection Plan 85 Introduction 30 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN IN A STATE PARK MASTER PLAN 87 Topography 33 PROPOSED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS WITH COST ESTIMATES 91 Elevation 35 PHASING PLAN 92 Slope 37 STAFFING REQUESTS 93 Aspect 39 Hydrology 40 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 95 Geology 45 RESOURCESAND REFERENCES 96 Soils 51 APPENDICES 99 Flora and Fauna 55 AppendixA- Summary ofCommunity Input and SITEANALYSIS SUMMARY 61 Public Comments 99 Conservation and Sustainable DevelopmentValue 61 Appendix B - State ParksAct 99 Shaping the Plan forthe Park 61 Appendix C - Existing Utilities Map for Park Purpose Statement 61 The Summit Main Campus 102 NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Parks and Recreation Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor Lewis R. Ledford, Director Dee Freeman, Secretary Greetings to friends and supporters ofHaw River State Park. Haw River State Parkwas authorized in 2003, one ofthe first created through the New Parks foraNew Century initiative. Its natural resource base is the headwaters ofthe Haw River, one ofcentral North Carolina's most vital river systems, andthe park is located nearone ofthe state's largest population centers. The fortunate acquisition ofconference facilities from the Episcopal Diocese-which immediately began serving asThe Summit Environmental Education Center -was quickly followed bythe addition ofundevelopedproperty, including 692 acres from Bluegreen Corp. in 2007. Throughout this acquisitionprocess, the state parkhas enjoyedremarkablepublic support from the GeneralAssembly, stakeholders, local governments and the local community. The prospect ofdeveloping traditional state park amenities alongside a busy environmental education and training centercalled fora masterplan to guide our course. In essence, a masterplan is ablueprint forthe long-term development offacilities and recreation opportunities and forprotection ofnatural resources. Such aplan shouldbe an organic document that evolves as the park grows and knowledge is gained about the resources andpublic use. It is also frequently atthis pointthat a statepark's characterbegins to take shape. Its purpose and goals are clearly defined, and its identity crystallizes. With this new masterplan, Haw River State Park enters a new phase that will help us realize the vision ofourpartnership with supporters ofthe park, the local community and generations offuture visitors. Swanson andAssociates, P.A., a Carrboro-based landscape architecture firm, developed this plan in full consultation with state park staffand withthe community, through a public meeting andcomment period. The result is a long-range, attainable plan that balances recreation opportunities with ouroverriding mission as stewards ofthis remarkable natural resource. At all our state parks, we are committedto ourmission ofprotecting natural resources, educating ourvisitors about those resources andproviding quality outdoor recreation opportunities. Haw River State Park offers us an outstanding opportunity to realize those goals. That commitment, the continued support ofourpartners andthoughtful planning will combine fora lasting legacy. Sincerel NORTH CAROLINA Lewis R. Ledford STATE ]>\RKS ^Br 1615 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1615 Phone: 919-733-4181 • FAX: 919-715-3085 • Internet: www.ncparks.gov AnEqualOpportunity•AffirmativeActionEmployer-50%Recycled• 10%PostConsumerPaper EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Haw River State Park is situated along the Haw River in its ofthe N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation is to manage Haw headwaters region in the northern Piedmont Province ofNorth River State Park as one park with two components, these being: Carolina. The park lies on the shared boundary ofRockingham 1) the greater park, to serve traditional park uses, educational and Guilford counties, north ofthe city ofGreensboro, and is a programs, and connection to state and regional trails including key destination on the state's Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The length the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and 2) The Summit Environmental ofriver in the park and vicinity is defined by relatively broad Education Center, to continue as a center for environmental floodplains for the region as well as significant lengths ofwetlands education, conference center, and training facility within the stretching along the river corridor. Several high quality natural greater area ofthe park. communities in and around the park property also distinguish the park with a number ofdiverse scenic experiences within short The park's primary distances from one another including piedmont oak-hickory forest, interpretive themes are floodplain swamp, and early successional field. connecting with nature and the value ofwetlands The park was authorized by the General Assembly ofNorth along the headwaters of Carolina for addition to the state parks system in 2003. In 2005, the Haw River. Secondary the N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation purchased and took interpretive themes include possession ofthe astronomy, cultural Summit Episcopal history, "green practices" Center, a retreat and and sustainable living, conference center and wildlife and plants formerly owned ofPiedmont forests. by the Episcopal Additional secondary themes may be developed Diocese. This facility is now operated in the future as the park Wetlands at Haw River State Park as The Summit grows. Environmental Education Center, A thorough site inventory and analysis was performed as a the first residential component ofthis planning process. Through this process, the environmental project consultant and other stakeholders in the park gained a education center better understanding ofthe opportunities and constraints within operated by the N.C. Robins Nest Lake in autumn the park and how these might influence land conservation and Division ofParks and protection ofnatural resources, site planning and development Recreation. The park has since grown in size with the assistance ofnew and improved facilities that will support the current ofpublic and private conservation partners, adding several other interpretive themes. parcels ofland to bring the current park holdings to 1,374 acres. The master plan for Haw River State Park provides for further The general study area for this master plan was identified between conservation and protection ofthe Haw River's unique lands and U.S. 29 to immediately west ofWitty Road, and generally bounded natural resources while establishing a blueprint for long-term on the north by U.S. 158 and to the south by N.C. 150. The intent development ofpark facilities, recreation, and environmental education opportunities. 1 The masterplan proposes specific project opportunities relating to Since planning is a dynamic process, the availability ofmore traditional park uses primarily on an area ofexisting park property detailed information over time may result in a final built product noted in the master plan as the Church Street Section. The plan that is different than that depicted in this plan. This plan presents for this area ofthe park includes circulation and access elements, a balanced approach for a clear development plan and guide for a visitor center, day use areas including picnic shelters and future activities and recreational opportunities. It also seeks to trailheads, group camping areas, a looped hiking trail system, and meet the mission ofthe state parks system to conserve and protect facilities for maintenance and operations functions, among others. the park's significant resources and provide for environmental education opportunities about the natural heritage ofthis park. The master plan proposes the expansion ofThe Summit Environmental Education Center from its current campus toward the east. Interim public day use access is proposed on this eastern portion ofthe park property to provide public access to the park until proposed day use facilities can be completed on property to the west ofThe Summit Environmental Education Center. The plan also makes specific recommendations for improving and Great Spangled Fritillary expanding existing facilities, improving pedestrian safety and experience, as well as establishment ofnew facilities to support the mission ofenvironmental education. These include expanded indoor and outdoor covered facilities, including an environmental education building, multi-use covered shelter, and a small-scale observatory, among others. Through the planning process, existing park land holdings were evaluated andjudged inadequate to support all ofthe full conservation and recreational program ofuse for the park. Some facilities, therefore, are considered land-dependent at this time. These include tent-and-trailer camping, backpack camping, A potential multi-use trails, and regional trail connections. detailed protection plan indicates additional land desirable for the park to meet recreation and conservation goals into the future. SUMMARY OF MASTER PLANNING PROCESS The consultant performed a thorough site inventory and analysis in order to fully understand the opportunities and limitations offered Master Planning Process by Haw River State Park. The consultant also analyzed usage trends for the park based on visitation logs kept by park staff. The purpose ofa master plan is to serve as a guide for protection and development ofpark resources. It includes an analysis of The North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Plan 2009-2013, prepared cultural, scenic, recreational, geologic, and natural resources as by the N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation, also was reviewed. well as site analyses and development recommendations. It also This plan addresses the problems, needs, and opportunities related considers public demand. to public outdoor recreation in North Carolina based on input from public meetings, a national survey summarized by the state, and an inventory ofpublic outdoor recreation areas and facilities in the state. Table 1 is a condensed summary ofthe 2002-2007National State Parks System Mission Statement Survey on Recreation andthe Environment discussed in Chapter II ofthe Outdoor Recreation Plan. Ofthe outdoor recreation The North Carolina State Parks system existsfor activities with the highest priority ranking, the following appear the enjoyment, education, health andinspiration of to be compatible with the natural resources ofHaw River State all our citizens andvisitors. The mission ofthe state Park: walking for pleasure; view/photo natural scenery; picnicking; parks system is to conserve andprotect representative view/photo wildlife, wildflowers, trees, birds; visit a primitive examples ofthe natural beauty, ecologicalfeatures area; day hiking; and camping. andrecreation resources ofstatewide significance; to provide outdoor recreation opportunities in a safe and Concurrently, the consultant worked with N.C. Division ofParks healthy environment; andtoprovide environmental educational opportunities thatpromote stewardship of and Recreation staffand other stakeholders to refine a program of the state natural heritage. use for the park. The master plan was developed in response to this 's program ofuse and the park opportunities. The master plan is based upon the best mapping data available For any state park, careful planning is crucial to balancing at the time ofits preparation (See Resources and References). recreational demands with protection ofthe state's valuable natural This data is not survey quality; therefore, more detailed soil, resources. In essence, the master plan is a strategy for long-term geotechnology, topographic, floodplain, wetland, ecological and development offacilities and recreation opportunities, and for other studies may be warranted in future phases ofdesign in order protection ofa park's natural resources. to fully assess feasibility. Since planning is a dynamic process, the availability ofmore detailed information over time may result in a The landscape architecture firm Swanson andAssociates, P.A. of final built product that is different than that depicted in this plan. Carrboro, N.C. served as the design consultant for preparation ofthe master plan. Apart ofthe consultant's mission was to Community Input Process examine the park as a whole and evaluate opportunities and constraints for new facilities. Swanson andAssociates, P.A. Park neighbors, representatives from local governments and other explored ways to provide public access to park resources and agencies, and members ofthe general public were invited to recreation opportunities, connect the park to other existing and participate in a public meeting on October 20, 2009. The meeting proposed regional trail systems, and improve environmental took place at the Haw River State Park from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. education opportunities and walkability at the existing Summit Environmental Education Center (The Summit). Table 1: Percentage of North Carolina Residents The meeting was attended by approximately 119 people, including Participating in Outdoor Recreation Activities 15 N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation staffand three stafffrom Summaryofthe2002-2007NationalSurveyonRecreationandtheEnvironment Swanson andAssociates, P.A. (N.C. DivisionofParksandRecreation, 2008) Rank Activity Percent The meeting included a presentation ofthe proposed improvements, maps and renderings ofthe park. Staffand design consultants were 21 WFaamliklyfograptlheearsiunrge 8742.6 available to answer questions. Comments about the plan were 3 Gardening or landscaping 65.4 accepted at the meeting and afterward by letter, e-mail, telephone 4 Driving forpleasure 58.2 and numerous individual conversations. 5 View/photo natural scenery 57 6 Visit nature centers, etc. 52.9 Revisions to the master plan maps were made after careful 7 Sightseeing 52.9 consideration ofpublic comments received. These maps were 8 Picnicking 50 posted on the N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation website for 9 Attend sports events 48.6 additional public review. 10 Visit a beach 44.2 11 Visit historic Sites 43.1 All comments received during the community input process were 12 View/photo otherwildlife 43 thoroughly evaluated and considered through this master plan 1134 VSiweiwm/mpihnotgoiwnialndfloouwtedroso,rtproeoels 4319.9 process. A summary ofall comments received through this process 15 Swimming in lakes, streams, etc. 39.7 is appended to this document (seeAppendixA). 16 Yard games, e.g., horseshoes 38.5 17 View/photograph birds 34 Resulting Capital Projects 18 Bicycling 31 19 Boating (any type) 31 All proposed capital projects in the state parks system are 20 Freshwaterfishing 30.9 individually scored and assigned priority before being added 21 Attend outdoorconcerts, plays, etc. 30.6 to a statewide capital improvements list. These priorities 22 Visit a primitive area 29.8 are periodically re-evaluated. This will be the case for new 23 Day hiking 29.7 infrastructure (roads, utilities, etc.), facilities, or trails at Haw River 24 Running orjogging 28.3 State Park. The time frame for building new facilities will depend 25 Visit a farm 28.2 26 View/photograph fish 26.5 on how each newproject is evaluated and scored inrelationto other 27 Gathermushrooms, berries, etc. 26.3 stateparkprojects. 28 Warmwaterfishing 25.9 29 Visitotherwaterside (not a beach) 24.4 Generally, funding forpark development comes from the Parks 30 Motorboating 22.5 and Recreation Trust Fund, created in 1994 and supported by 31 Boattours orexcursions 21.7 a portion ofthe state's tax on real estate deed transfers. The 32 Drive off-road (any type) 20.7 Parks and RecreationAuthority, an appointed body, allocates 33 Developed camping 20.5 money for capital projects and land acquisition after considering 34 Visitarcheological sites 18 recommendations from the N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation. 35 Snow/ice activities (any type) 17.9 36 Saltwaterfishing 17 37 Mountain biking 15.7 38 Tennis outdoors 148 39 Primitive camping 14.6 40 Golf 13.9 Haw River State Park Master Plan Haw River State Park Master Plan Public Information Meeting, October 2009 Public Information Meeting, October 2009 Property Acquisitions identified between U.S. 29 to immediately west ofWitty Road, and generally bounded on the north by U.S. 158 and to the south by Land acquisition objectives for Haw River State Park include N.C. 150. protecting water quality and natural resources, buffering these resources and visitor activities, protecting scenic views, providing The N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation works in conjunction land for park facilities and recreational opportunities, and with the State Property Office to acquire property. Each transaction improving park operations. Properties that contain or buffer rare with a landowner is unique and includes an independent appraisal species, natural communities, high water quality, and natural and approval by the Joint Legislative Committee on Governmental features are given the highest priority. Protecting the natural Operations and Council ofState. Funding for land acquisition heritage areas and wetlands along the Haw River is especially generally comes from the Parks and Recreation, Natural Heritage, important at Haw River State Park. and/or Clean Water Management trust funds. The Parks and Recreation Trust Fund is described in more detail in the State Parks Data and surveys from the N.C. Division ofParks and Recreation, Act included inAppendix B. N.C. Natural Heritage Program, local governments, and N.C. Center for Geographic Information State Clearinghouse have been used to identify land in need ofprotection. Where park land suitable for potential facility development is not currently available, the master plan includes alternates dependent on additional property. The general study area for this master plan was HAWRIVER STATEPARK Durham Raleigh Asheville BlueRidgeProvince PiedmontProvince InnerCoastalPlain OuterCoastalPlain StatePark StateNaturalArea StateRecreationArea State Trail + StateLake ft Mountains-to-Sea Trail Municipality North Notto Scale RegionalContext(Figure2) Figure 1: North Carolina Context for Haw River State Park