The Warrior Run Pathways Partnership

Transcription

1 The Warrior Run Pathways Partnership A Program for Land Conservation and Recreational Development in the Warrior Run Community A project of the Warrior Run Community Corporation July 2006

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3 The Warrior Run Pathways Partnership A Program for Land Conservation and Recreational Development in the Warrior Run Community A project of the Warrior Run Community Corporation Prepared by SEDA Council of Governments Community Resource Center Lewisburg, PA July 2006

4 Credits and Acknowledgements Thanks to the Warrior Run residents who contributed their time and input toward the development of the Pathways concept through participation in task force meetings, concept outreach meetings, focus groups and key person interviews. A special thanks to the Warrior Run Community Corporation whose leadership in the community was invaluable in advancing the discussion of Pathways and the development of the concepts presented in this report. The Warrior Run Pathways project was made possible through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Recreation and through the generous financial support of the following local partners: PPL Corporation Turbotville Lions Warrior Run Community Corporation Warrior Run Women s Club Watsontown Area Business Association Watsontown Guild Watsontown Lions Club Watsontown Lioness Club Delaware Township Gregg Township Lewis Township Turbotville McEwensville Warrior Run School District Warrior Run Residents Prepared by: SEDA Council of Governments Community Resource Center 201 Furnace Road Lewisburg, PA (570) Prepared for: The Warrior Run Community Corporation 4800 Susquehanna Trail Turbotville, PA This project was financed in part by a grant from the Growing Greener Fund, Community Conservation Partnerships Program, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

5 Contents Welcome 1 Introduction 2 Community Profile 3 Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 4 Pathways Concepts 5 A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways Appendix Focus Group Findings Concept Meeting Notes Trail Summary Information Impacted Landowners - West Branch Trail & Warrior Run Trail Cost Estimates- West Branch Trail & Warrior Run Trail Implementation Checklist PNDI Inquiries Summary Phone Call with Centre County Historical Society Pennsylvania Recreational Use Statute & the Private Landowner Sample Liability Disclaimers List of References Project CD

6 Pathways - Welcome Dear Warrior Run Residents, We are pleased to release this report on our Warrior Run Pathways project. It is the culmination of a year of work by many residents from all parts of the school district and the professionals of SEDA-COG. We could not have done this without your support and participation and the financial support of our civic groups, municipalities and school district. We feel the Pathways project has produced exciting results and ideas that raise great expectations for the future of our community. The Warrior Run Community Corporation (WRCC) began the Pathways Project following a survey of Warrior Run residents finding that more than 90 percent of our neighbors wanted both a safe place to walk and to preserve the rural character of our area. The WRCC is dedicated to providing community service for residents across all municipalities in the Warrior Run School District. Our region comprises 3 boroughs, 5 townships, 3 villages and 3 counties, covering an area of 113 square miles. The Pathways Project will help us to fulfill our goal for the entire region to work together. Our area is ripe for future growth. The completion of the Susquehanna Thruway will ensure that growth. We all want growth to be a good thing. The Pathways Project will be one tool that can help direct positive growth by providing a good, healthy recreational resource that links our communities to each other, to the river and to our beautiful natural areas, farmland and historic sites. A Pathways system will help to make our region an even more desirable place to live and work. Pathways will also serve to remind us of the many treasures that surround us and motivate us to adopt sound development policies that preserve those treasures. This report is about more than just Pathways. It includes a great deal of information about our natural and community resources, the character of the landscape, our farms and water supplies that will be very useful for our Boroughs and Townships as they strive to direct future growth in ways that preserve our lifestyle and the rural character of the region. We hope that you find this report useful, interesting and exciting. We want and need your help to make the Pathways system a reality. We must all work together for the future of our community and our children and grandchildren. We hope that you will choose to get personally involved. Al Reeves, President Warrior Run Community Corporation

7 Executive Summary The Warrior Run Pathways feasibility study began with an exploration of the idea of a network of trails and open spaces that would capitalize upon the uniquely diverse landscape of the Warrior Run school district. The study involved an assessment of the opportunities and challenges associated with the establishment of a regional trail network and concluded with a funding and phasing strategy to begin implementing a Pathways system. The study was guided by a resident-driven planning process that examined opportunities to create connections between key community resources while exploring local land conservation priorities. After completing an inventory and analysis of existing environmental, recreational and heritage resources, a district-wide Pathways concept diagram was developed, illustrating the potential of a future trail system to service the area s towns, villages and rural areas. The concept diagram depicted a large scale and long range vision for Pathways, utilizing the region s river and stream corridors, ridges, railroad and utility corridors to interconnect local community resources with natural and recreational assets. The scale of the Pathways vision necessitated the identification of key projects that could provide a foundation for the development of a pathways network and broaden the base of active pathways users in the community. To this end, the Pathways task force selected four concepts the West Branch River Trail, the Warrior Run Trail, the Muncy Hills Trail and the Warrior Run Touring Routes map. Each focused on a different opportunity to engage a variety of community resources and recreational user groups found throughout the school district. The design and programming for each concept was crafted to respond to the needs and opportunities expressed by hundreds of residents, landowners, recreation users and municipal officials in task force meetings, focus group discussions, key person interviews and public meetings. The task force ultimately prioritized two trail concepts - the Warrior Run Trail and the West Branch River Trail - which it felt the community should undertake as Pathways demonstration projects. A phasing and funding approach was developed for each of the four projects and generalized cost estimates were prepared for the two prioritized trail concepts. The Warrior Run Community Corporation (WRCC) plans to use this phasing strategy to create a nucleus for the Pathways network and then expand on that network in the future integrating complementary conservation, education, and fitness-oriented programming. The WRCC is committed to seeing the Pathways vision turned into reality and is actively prepared to lead the way in continued community education, outreach to local landowners and fundraising. The WRCC s commitment to carrying the project to implementation is a key component of the project s overall feasibility.

8 As with any trail project, the support of local landowners is critical to the feasibility of implementation. This project report outlines key landowners who will need to be approached by the WRCC s Pathways committees to discuss options and opportunities for Pathways development on their land. The trail concepts purposely allow flexibility to provide landowners with a number of alignment options to encourage participation. Other incentives may include landscape enhancements, aquistion of development rights or the outright purchase of land for a trail easement. In addition, those approaching landowners will be prepared to discuss liability concerns using the Pennsylvania Land Use and Recreational Statute. Also integral to the success of Pathways is the support of local municipalities. The project was made possible in large part due to the financial and in-kind support of 6 municipalities in the school district. For those municipalities not overtly supportive of pathways, the burden of maintenance was typically the most cited concern. However, the capacity of local service organizations and residents enthusiastic about Pathways to at least in part offset the need for maintenance through volunteer-led efforts is one step toward addressing those concerns. The WRCC is committed to keeping communication open with municipal officials in order to find a workable solution to these and other local concerns as they arise. The level of community participation in the development of a district-wide Pathways vision for Warrior Run is a testament to the broad base of community support for undertaking the Pathways project. Dozens of local individuals, businesses and organizations have made financial contributions or publicly endorsed the project. Pathways supporters hail from all parts of the school district and reflect the diversity of age, tenure and socioeconomic backgrounds that comprise the diversity of Warrior Run. The school district itself has been an engaged player in the discussion of the potential for pathways at the school and in the larger community since the project s inception. The Warrior Run community understands that it is poised to be a leader as a rural Pennsylvania community working across municipal boundaries to create a recreational benefit that will last for generations. Creating the vision is taking the first step.

9 1 Introduction

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11 1 Introduction Project Background The Warrior Run community has long valued its landscape of working farmland and historic towns and villages as a hallmark of the region s character and quality of life. This landscape traces the story of the people living in Warrior Run over the course of several generations. The ability of a landscape to tell such a story is increasingly rare in a nation losing more of its unique qualities on a day to day basis. Despite the relatively tranquil and secluded feeling of much of Warrior Run, there is a recognition that even this place is not forever sheltered from the forces of change shaping the national landscape. Today more than ever Warrior Run residents understand the importance of safeguarding their community s assets for future generations to enjoy. Park view of the Watsontown Memorial Bridge. Watsontown s canal tow path provides a logical foundation for Pathways development. Protecting the region s rural character for future gnerations is a number one priority. A mounting awareness of the threats to the region s natural, cultural, and historic assets and a desire to protect these valued resources was affirmed by a 1993 citizen survey of Warrior Run households which revealed that a majority of residents wished to see the region s rural character protected in the face of future growth and development pressure. A decade later the Warrior Run Community Corporation (WRCC) turned its focus to Pathways as a framework for protecting the scenic, cultural and environmental assets of the area through an interconnected system of trails and natural areas for the community to use and enjoy. In 2004, the Warrior Run Community Corporation was awarded a $20,000 Growing Greener grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to investigate the potential for Pathways development in the Warrior Run School District. Financing for the project was matched locally through a combination of municipal and school district funds coupled with donations by individuals and community service groups. Introduction 1.1

12 In January 2004, the Warrior Run Community Corporation commenced a year-long study facilitated by the SEDA-COG Community Resource Center that involved Warrior Run residents in shaping a vision for Pathways in their community. This report reflects in detail the outcomes of this process and proposes a workable strategy for community action aimed at turning the Pathways vision into reality. It is hoped that this report will serve as a reference and guide for future action as the Warrior Run Community Corporation continues to serve as the local champion for Pathways. What are Pathways? The Warrior Run Community Corporation elected to use the term Pathways to describe the long-term objective of establishing a network of trails and natural areas extending throughout the Warrior Run area. Pathways, also commonly referred to as greenways, interconnect urban, suburban and rural landscapes. Pathways create connections between people and places, often employing existing natural and cultural landscape features to piece together a network. These pathway building elements may include existing parks and natural areas, rivers, streams, floodplains, ridges, woodlands, roadways, canals, railroads, wetlands and steep slopes. Pathways can be publicly or privately owned, and their construction may rely on easements that dedicate a trail to public use while continuing to respect the rights of the private landowner. Pathways in a Regional Context Pathways are gaining public recognition as more and more communities, both urban and rural, embrace them as avenues for recreation, land conservation, and environmental education. As Former railroad beds are commonly converted into trails for recreational use. is evidenced by the recent creation of a state greenways action plan, Pennsylvania Greenways: An Action Plan for Creating Connections, greenways are widely championed as an integral component of restoring Pennsylvania s environmental quality and economic vitality. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, involving 22 Pennsylvania counties and extending over 500 miles of river corridor, is a leading regional example of how growing numbers of municipalities are looking to greenways as a means to enhance the social, economic and environmental well being of their communities. While the Susquehanna Greenway sets forth a unified vision linking rural, urban and suburban communities Introduction 1.2

13 throughout the river corridor, individual communities are tailoring the greenway concept to satisfy their local needs and values. Projects ranging from riverfront amphitheaters and downtown revitalization projects to acid mine drainage mitigation sites and heritage interpretation centers are all currently being undertaken to guide the Greenway vision to realization. Although pathways may vary in their location and purpose, they all function to protect natural, cultural or scenic resources; provide recreational benefits; enhance natural beauty and quality of life in neighborhoods and communities; and stimulate economic development opportunities. When implemented, pathways present an ideal opportunity for residents to simultaneously protect and enhance their enjoyment of the natural, scenic and historic assets of Warrior Run. The Pathways project is part of a larger regional effort to develop conservation, recreation and community-based projects along the Susquehanna River corridor. Introduction 1.3

14 Project Goals The goals of the Pathways project are rooted in a community mandate for action validated by the 1993 citizen survey in which residents expressed a strong desire to have safe places to walk and to implement protections for the region s farms, villages, and scenic natural areas. Since the time of the survey, national trends of increasing physical inactivity and obesity have prompted a call for more safe, close-to-home opportunities for fitness and recreation in the Warrior Run community and beyond. Working to integrate these community desires, the Warrior Run Pathways Project set out to assess the potential for an interconnected trail and natural area network in the Warrior Run school district and, in doing so, protect and preserve the natural, cultural and historic assets of the Warrior Run community for future generations. The specific intended outcomes of the project were to: Identify the valued natural, cultural and historic assets of Warrior Run; Identify the prime corridors linking community assets and natural areas; Capitalize upon the resources of the Susquehanna River; Propose water-quality protections centered around the region s public water supply areas; Help residents discover and enjoy the region s towns and countryside and encourage healthy outdoor recreation; and Create opportunities for school-related environmental education programs, community service projects, and trailbased fitness. The goals of the Pathways project are rooted in a community mandate for action validated by the 1993 citizen survey in which residents expressed a strong desire to have safe places to walk and to implement protections for the region s farms, villages, and scenic natural areas. Pathways offer a means for the community to simultaneously protect and learn about its historic assets. Introduction 1.4

15 Warrior Run Pathways Partnership Program The Pathways project was undertaken in January 2005 as a collaborative partnership between the Warrior Run Community Corporation, the SEDA-COG Community Resource Center and the residents of the Warrior Run community. The leadership of the Warrior Run Community Corporation was essential in garnering a broad base of community support for Pathways from the project s outset. Outreach to local municipal officials, businesses, community groups and residents revealed diverse interest in the benefits of pathways. These benefits included: a means to exercise and socialize with neighbors, generating educational opportunities for school children, enjoying the area s scenery and history, spurring downtown economic development, improving access to the Susquehanna River and providing an alternative to driving an automobile. It was also the outreach efforts of WRCC that ultimately yielded the financial support needed to help carry the project forward. At the first public kick off meeting, over 100 community residents signed up to participate in the Pathways project task force. Over the course of the planning process, many of these residents participated in bimonthly task force meetings, focus group discussions, key person interviews and community presentations. In the initial project stages, the input of community residents and stakeholders was used to develop an inventory of the community s existing natural, cultural and historic resources and to assess public opinion on the community s recreation and conservation needs. A detailed account of the findings of these meetings can be found in the Appendix. At the first public kick off meeting in January 2005, over 50 residents participated in an excerise that helped to identify the region s important places. It is these important places that serve as the basis for interconnecting the community with Pathways. Introduction 1.5

16 Following the initial assessment of community assets and needs relevant to Pathways, a school district-wide vision for Pathways was created. From this vision, those participating in the process concluded that some level of trail prioritization was needed in order to garner support from local landowners, residents, and municipal officials. Subsequently, four conceptual trail projects were identified and evaluated by local residents in a series of public meetings held throughout the school district. Chapter 4 of this report presents refined versions of these concepts and Chapter 5 outlines the actions needed for these Pathways concepts to be implemented. The response to the Pathways concepts at community meetings and discussion groups was overwhelmingly positive. Meeting participants felt that pathways would better interconnect their communities, offering places for people of all ages to walk and bike. Some residents spoke of the need to invest in their communities to make them places that can retain young people. They felt amenities like greenways are a way to attract businesses and jobs that will offer young people an economic future in the community. Many older residents wished for results in the near future, so they will be able to use the trails in their lifetime. Pathways are an investment in the community s future, amenities that can help to attract businesses and jobs that offer an economic future to the region s young people. Introduction 1.6

17 2 Community Profi le

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19 2 Community Profile Study Area The Warrior Run Community Corporation selected the Warrior Run School District as the project study area boundary. The Warrior Run School District encompasses an area of approximately 113 square miles extending across Union, Northumberland and Montour Counties and includes the Boroughs of McEwensville, Turbotville and Watsontown, in addition to Anthony, Delaware, Gregg, Lewis and Limestone Townships. The school district was chosen as a logical boundary for the project because of the WRCC s long standing relationship to the area and the strong community ties felt by many Warrior Run residents and families. Early in the project, the Warrior Run School District expressed its support for the Pathways project, understanding the important role that Pathways can play for the school and the larger role that the school plays in the community. Landscape Character The distinctiveness of the Warrior Run area is intimately linked to the character of its landscape. Its mix of natural and manmade features together tells a story that traces the evolution of the community through time. The broad expanse of the Warrior Run School District contains a variety of landscape types ranging from forested mountain ridges to agricultural valleys and rolling hillsides. Each offers a distinctive experience and sense of place that is unique within the school district. Each landscape component provides an important piece of the tapestry that, when woven together through a system of pathways and open spaces, has the ability to capture and convey the essence of the Warrior Run experience to Pathways users. (Lower left) Diagram of the Warrior Run School District, the Pathways project study area. (Lower right) Schematic illustration of the region s landscape types. Community Profi le 2.1

20 River A prominent feature in the landscape, the West Branch of the Susquehanna River transects the western portion of the school district and serves as the dividing line between Union and Northumberland Counties. The West Branch provides the historical basis to many of the earliest settlements in the area, acting as a conduit for travel and commerce that dates back hundreds of years. Remnants of the Historic Pennsylvania Canal are a testament to the significance of the River to communities in the region and remain a source of interest and historic interpretation potential today. Bridge crossings at Dewart and Watsontown provide access to scenic river views and offer abundant fishing opportunities. The recently established West Branch Water Trail with boat launch access at Montgomery, Allenwood, Watsontown, Ft. Boone campground and Milton provides a recreational amenity for kayakers and canoeists who come to the area to enjoy the remote experience of traveling by water. The West Branch and its adjoining floodplains, wetlands, tributary streams and riparian buffers are each essential building blocks of an integrated network of pathways and natural areas. In addition to linking many of the region s significant environmental and cultural resources, these corridors provide significant bird and wildlife habitat, as well as enjoyment for birders, hikers, boaters and hunters. The West Branch of the Susquehanna River is a natural Pathways corridor linking riverfront communities to the river s natural history and recreational opportunities. The West Branch and its adjoining floodplains, wetlands, tributary streams, and riparian buffers are each essential building blocks of an integrated network of pathways and natural areas. Community Profi le 2.2

21 Valley The largest expanse of the Warrior Run School District is its agricultural valley which extends eastward from the base of South White Deer Ridge in Gregg Township. Bracketed by the Muncy Hills to the north, the valley reaches eastward across the West Branch into Anthony and Limestone Townships in Montour County. A patchwork of varied cropland and open pasture crisscrossed by fencerows and forested riparian corridors, dotted with an occasional silo, barn, or farmhouse, this rolling landscape is perhaps the one people identify with the most as representative of the area s rural character. The valley s well-drained soils contain the highest concentration of the region s prime agricultural land and provide the basis for its diverse landscape of small, medium and large scale farms today. The flat and open aspect of the valley affords sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, also making it one of the region s most marketable locations for new housing development, particularly surrounding the region s small towns and villages. The Valley s farmland is an essential feature of the region s landscape. Ridge With its highest elevation over 1900 feet, South White Deer Ridge is another prominent landscape feature that stands at the western boundary of the Pathways project study area. The steep, forested north-slope of South White Deer Ridge, located in Union County s Gregg Township, is a mix of both public (Tiadaghton State Forest) View of White Deer Ridge from White Deer Church in Gregg Township. and private land ownership used predominately for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation. Tiadaghton State Forest lands extend nearly to the west bank of the river due west of Watsontown. The ridge represents the edge of a large forested tract of land contiguous with White Deer Ridge and Bald Eagle Mountain, linking lands in the Tiadaghton and Bald Eagle State Forests. While access to the South White Deer Ridge is currently limited to a few unimproved roads or trails; pathways offer a tremendous opportunity to connect Warrior Run residents to the abundant scenic and recreational resources of this area. Community Profi le 2.3

22 Muncy Hills The Muncy Hills extend across the northern part of the study area, reaching from Delaware Township, across Lewis Township, and into Anthony Township. Like South White Deer Ridge, the Muncy Hills contain large tracts of woodlands; however, the forests of the Muncy Hills are fragmented by clearings for roads, homes and cropland intermingled among hardwood forests. A small tract of state gamelands in Lewis Township provides opportunities for hunting and wildlife viewing. The varied elevation in the Muncy Hills affords beautiful views of the valley and river, and the folded terrain creates isolated hollows tucked away from any sign of development. Many who live in the Muncy Hills value the remote feeling of the landscape; however, newcomers seeking a similar sense of seclusion coupled with the scenic qualities of the Muncy Hills could be a source of residential development pressure in the future. New housing that capitalizes upon the sense of seclusion and scenic qualities offered in the Muncy Hills could be a significant source of development pressure in the future. Community Profi le 2.4

23 Historic downtown Watsontown. Town & Village More town and country than rural, the Warrior Run landscape features historic town and village centers where more densely populated areas integrate into the surrounding countryside. Stemming out from the West Branch river corridor, settlement patterns reflect a mix of small town, suburban, agricultural and industrial scenes. Each of these communities reveals the street patterns, building types and traditions of the region s early German, English and Scotch-Irish inhabitants. Though many retain much of their historical identity, the communities of Allenwood, Dewart, Watsontown, McEwensville, Turbotville, Exchange and Limestoneville are today vital village centers to the residents of the school district. With their homes, churches, parks and playgrounds, these town centers reflect both the historic foundations and contemporary lifestyles of Warrior Run residents and contribute significantly to the region s quality of life. Open Space and Natural Areas The Warrior Run area has numerous natural, scenic and recreational features that provide a broad framework for Pathways. These elements, held under both public and private ownership, are described in greater detail below: State Gamelands The Warrior Run project area includes over 3,500 acres of state gamelands located in two tracts in Union and Northumberland Counties. These gamelands are a tremendous asset to the Warrior Run community, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation in addition to open space protection and wildlife habitat. Pathways function to interconnect gamelands with other natural areas enhancing their ability to provide habitat as well as connect to nearby communities. SGL # 252 (3,018 acres) is located Lewis Township features over 500 acres of state gamelands. The recreational use of these public lands offers a natural complement to Pathways. Community Profi le 2.5

24 partially in Gregg Township, Union County and Washington and Brady Townships in Lycoming County. Once a series of World War II ammunitions bunkers, this area is now a diverse mix of mature forest and brushy thickets and a local hot spot for a variety of migratory birds. Lewis Township is home to an additional 500 acres of state gamelands offering a number of unmaintained trails and several parking areas. Montour Preserve The Montour Preserve is situated in a broad valley in the Appalachian foothills of Anthony Township. Developed by PPL Corporation in 1972, the preserve is surrounded by two long, rolling ridges Montour Ridge to the south and the Muncy Hills to the north. In the center of the preserve is 165-acre Lake Chillisquaque, developed to provide a backup reservoir of cooling water for the PPL Corporation s coal fired power plant. The preserve now offers a variety of educational and recreational opportunities, including a living history demonstration of maple sugaring, hiking trails, nature observation and photography, birding, boating and fishing, as well as hunting nearby. A willing partner of the Pathways project, Montour Preserve has a wealth of outdoor recreation and educational resources that pathways can serve to link to the community at large. Montour Preserve has a wealth of outdoor and recreational resources including hiking trails, boating and fishing access on Lake Chillisquaque and an environmental education center. Community Profi le 2.6

25 Rivers, Streams and Watersheds The West Branch Susquehanna River flows north to south through the western third of the project study area. Approximately eight miles of the River, from just south of Montgomery through Watsontown to just north of the Interstate 80 bridge, provide a scenic corridor of river-edge forests and river islands, interesting cultural features including remnants of the old ordinance dam (used during WWII for TNT production), the Montgomery Railroad Bridge and the recently restored historic Watsontown Bridge. The West Branch is an important regional corridor, offering connectivity up and down river and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities for the Pathway Project. Chillisquaque Creek and its many tributaries (Beaver Run Branch, County Line, McKee Run, and East, Middle and West Branch Chillisquaque Creeks), drain a large segment of the eastern half of the study area. Chillisquaque Creek is a PA DEP 303 (d) listed impaired stream with different segments of stream degraded by industrial point source pollution, habitat alterations, and flow alterations. Limestone Run drains the southern section of the study area, flowing through Limestoneville, before exiting the study area and flowing through the Borough of Milton. Limestone Run is also listed on the PA DEP list of impaired streams, with water-quality degradation linked to urban runoff, storm sewers and water flow variability, due to the urban segment of stream flowing through Milton. Research conducted at Limestone Run is just a part of a larger study performed by the students at Milton Area High School, which was awarded grant money from the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Program coordinated by Pennsylvania s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Warrior Run and Delaware Run are two smaller streams that drain south from the Muncy Hills and empty into the West Branch Susquehanna River. These two streams drain a predominantly agricultural area and are impacted by nutrient, sediment and thermal pollution due to lack of riparian buffers. While these are smaller streams, they connect key resources within the Pathways Project study area. Delaware Run interconnects the Muncy Hills and Dewart to the historic Canal corridor just north of Watsontown. Similarly, Warrior Run and its tributaries links the Muncy Hills, Turbotville, the High School and Middle School complex, Church, Hower-Slote Farm and Fort Freeland sites, McEwensville and the historic canal corridor just south of Watsontown. The watershed boundaries of the Warrior Run study area. Community Profi le 2.7

26 Floodplains, Wetlands & Steep Slopes At the outset of the project, the Warrior Run Pathways Partnership Program identified the primary conservation areas within the school district that included its 100-year floodplains, wetlands and slopes of 25% grade or greater. These lands are generally less suitable for development, and, in many cases, are protected from any type of development or manmade disturbance by federal, state or local regulations. The flat valley landscape produces nearly milewide floodplains along Chillisquaque Creek in the eastern portion of the study area and along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Narrow floodplains bracket the river s smaller tributary streams. The study area is largely devoid of wetlands, although a wetland mitigation area southeast of Turbotville and a wetland adjacent to the school complex provide opportunities for birding, wildlife viewing and environmental education. The region s steep slopes are concentrated in the Muncy Hills and along the northern slope of South White Deer Ridge, part of the Tiadaghton State Forest lands. As lands somewhat resistant to the threat of development, floodplains, wetlands and steep slopes can provide key linkages in creating broader networks of natural areas. Primary conservation areas include 100-year floodplains, wetlands and steep slopes. Because these ateas are not well suited for development, they are ideal for conservation lands and passive recreational uses. Community Profi le 2.8

27 Prime Farmland Agriculture, a hallmark of the Warrior Run area, contributes significantly to the local and regional economy and to the region s scenic view sheds. With approximately 1,353 farms expanding over 218,140 acres, farmland preservation is a critical component for the realization of Warrior Run Pathways. The soils of the Pathways Project study area are as diverse as the landscape. The shale and sandstone geology of the Muncy Hills and South White Deer Ridge produce shallow soils best suited for forests and woodlands. The valley soils, underlain with limestone (karst), are highly productive farmland soils. Prime farmland soils occupy large segments of the lower valley landscapes, and occupy the rich alluvial floodplains of the West Branch Susquehanna River. (Above) Map of prime agricultural land (dark green) and preserved farms (yellow) in the Warrior Run study area. Because of their suitability for agriculture, lands with prime soils should be prioritized for protection from development. (Right) The numerous ponds and wetlands found in State Game lands #252 are made possible by their low depth to the water table. The proximity of much of the land area in Warrior Run to the river, streams and or a shallow water table influences its agricultural and development potential. The numerous ponds and wetlands of the eastern portion of the study area and State game lands #252 are made possible by low depth to water table. This mix of open water, wetland and upland habitat make for diverse and productive wildlife habitats. Community Profi le 2.9

28 Cultural & Historic Resources Beyond the towns themselves, the cultural landscape of Warrior Run is also reflected in the region s railroads and canal beds, historic churches and cemeteries, forts and factories, each of which present a lens for viewing the area s transformation throughout history. The cultural imprint of the Pennsylvania German sects, predominantly the Amish and Mennonite groups, are especially apparent in the Limestonville area. The Historic Warrior Run Church, the Hower- Slote Farm, Fort Montgomery, the Turbotville Cemetery, and the West Branch of the Pennsylvania Canal are but a few examples of the region s significant historic assets. The historic Warrior Run Church (right) and Hower Slote House (below) are two excellent resources for the interpretation of Warrior Run s settlement history. Historical Themes Warrior Run possesses a rich history that residents want to interpret and share. Pathways provide an opportunity to examine and interpret the diverse culture and history of Warrior Run while integrating the histories of individual communities into a broader regional framework. Working with local historians and heritage societies, Warrior Run residents can piece together a history that can be told through walking and bicycling tours, interpretative signs and other forms of educational outreach. Patterns of Settlement Settlement in the Warrior Run area began in 1768 when 300-acre parcels of land were given to army officers as payment for duty served during the French and Indian War. Open settlement began in 1769, with a 300-acre limit placed on purchases to avoid land speculation. The area around today s Watsontown, McEwensville and Allenwood (formally known as Uniontown) was quickly settled by farmers hoping to take advantage of the limestone-rich valley soil. As time passed and open land became sparse, many people moved into towns to find work in factories and other businesses. The predominate forces that shaped human settlement in Warrior Run remain evident today in local architecture, road and farmstead patterns. Forts Dating back to the early 1700 s, forts are an important part of the heritage of Warrior Run. Forts were, for the most part, fortified homes that emerged out of a desire for community protection during periods of outside attack. Many of these historical sites Community Profi le 2.10

29 can still be visited today. Fort Freeland, today located next to the Warrior Run school complex, was once the home of the Vreeland family who emigrated from New Jersey in 1772 and subsequently made a stockade around their new home around In Lewis Township, Fort Montgomery was another fortified home that was burned to the ground in 1779 following the battle of Fort Freeland. In 1780 a portion of the German Regiment commanded by Captain Rice built the present stone structure. Today this fort location provides great potential to interpret the region s settlement history. Illustration of Fort Rice. Source: The Frontier Forts Within The North And West Branches of the Susquehanna River, Churches and Cemeteries The Warrior Run area contains a number of historic churches and cemeteries that help trace the community s history of religious denomination, military service and family lineage. Historic churches can still be found today in the communities across the school district, including White Deer, Watsontown, McEwensville and Turbotville. The Warrior Run Church, located outside of Turbotville near the school complex, was rebuilt on three separate occasions in different locations around the area beginning in Historic Turbotville Church & Cemetery. Over the past two hundred and fifty years, many congregations have formed and reformed. There were two churches in the town of Alvira, which was bought by the government in 1942 in order to build a munitions factory. Today there are churches of all denominations in the area, including the Beaver Run Church, an Amish congregation. Factories Factories were integral to the development of the Warrior Run area. Factories offered prospects of employment as open farmland became scarce. Watsontown came to be known as Brick City with five brick factories and a brick paved street that ran from McEwensville all the way through Watsontown. Watsontown also boasted a shoe factory, railroad car freightors, a plowing mill, a lumber company, a match factory and a furniture factory. Today, only one of Watsontown s original brick factories remains open. Community Profi le 2.11

30 In McEwensville, there were three buggy shops and a washing machine factory. Milton was extremely well known for its railroad car factory. Allenwood had a small lumber mill that processed logs transported along White Deer Hole Creek. Limestoneville was home to a saw mill and buggy maker. Watsontown Brick Company. Photo courtesy of R.S. Franks, Difficult Crossing, Transportation Other towns in the area developed around strategic locations along Pennsylvania s extensive canal and railroad network. Watsontown experienced its boom as a direct result of its proximity to the canal and, later, to the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad. Built in the 1830 s, the canal served the area until competition with the railroads took over by the 1850 s. The West Branch canal ran past Dewart and Watsontown and was used to transport lumber into the late 1870 s. South of Watsontown was a lock at Port May and a canal aqueduct at the mouth of Warrior Run Creek and Tannery Run. Though only in use for around thirty years, the canal was integral to the development of many towns along the Susquehanna River. Like the canals, railroads were also a boon to commerce and development throughout Pennsylvania. Dewart experienced substantial growth in the 1850 s due to its railroad connection. Reading Railroad and Pennsylvania Railroad dominated the railroad industry in Central Pennsylvania. In 1853 a bridge was built from Dewart to Allenwood with the hope of opening up new markets for farm products from the White Deer Hole Valley. In 1928 a much-celebrated bridge between Watsontown and White Deer was opened creating another important connection between two river communities. Today, the Pennsylvania railroad track remains an active line while the Reading Railroad line is inactive, though still under the jurisdiction of a joint rail authority. As Warrior Run looks to the development of an integrated network of Pathways linking local communities, railroads can serve as an important framework. White Deer Train Depot restoration. White Deer Train Depot. Photo courtesy of R.S. Franks, Difficult Crossing, 2004, Community Profi le 2.12

31 Population Demographics/ Trends The Warrior Run area is growing. According to the US Census, the population of the Warrior Run study area increased 34 percent (from 12,345 to 16,542 residents) between 1990 and 2000, ten times Pennsylvania s growth rate. The average age for individuals in the Warrior Run School District is 36.5 years old with 24.4 percent of the population under the age of 18, 63.7 percent of the population between the ages of 18 and 64, and 11.9 percent of the population 65 and over. Though there has been an increase in population between 1990 and 2000, there has been a steady decrease in school enrollment at Warrior Run district schools. 2,245 total students were enrolled in the school district between 1991 and 1992, dropping to 1,900 students between 2001 and 2002, a loss of approximately 25 students a year. With more than a third (36.3 percent) of the population being youth and seniors, pathways present an important opportunity to create a means for people of all ages to engage in active and healthy lifestyle habits while safely enjoying the area s scenic rural character. Pathways add a vital element to a school district and have the potential to attract families with school-aged children who value the physical and educational opportunities that Pathways have to offer. Though there has been an increase in unemployment in the past two years, there has been a steady decrease in unemployment in the Warrior Run area since The average unemployment in the Warrior Run area in 2001 is 4.2 percent, less than both Pennsylvania and the United States. Total employment in the Warrior Run school district was 69,800 as compared to 64,200 Change in Population for Counties in the Warrior Run School District Compared to Pennsylvania & Nation % School District 12,345 16, % Northumberland 96,771 94, % Montour 17,735 18, % Union 36,176 41, % Pennsylvania 11,881,643 12,281, % U.S. 248,709, ,421, % Source: US Census Bureau 1990, 2000 Community Profi le 2.13

32 Housing and population trends in the Warrior Run community over the last thirty years point to a steady trend of growth that, if unmanaged, could have a potentially significant impact on the rural character and quality of life that Warrior Run residents enjoy today. in The areas biggest employers are Evangelical Community Hospital, Bucknell University, and US Northeastern Penitentiary. There are a total of 5,083 housing units in all of the municipalities in the Warrior Run School District. US Census figures show housing growth in all three counties in the school district between 1990 and 2003 with the highest growth rates in Union (17.2 percent) and Montour (13.4 percent) Counties. Northumberland experienced the slightest growth in housing units at 3.8 percent. Housing and population trends in the Warrior Run community over the last thirty years point to a steady trend of growth that, if unmanaged, could have a potentially significant impact on the rural character and quality of life that Warrior Run residents enjoy today. In order for the area s continued increase in population to not degrade the rural landscape, careful planning must be used and conservation measures put in place to ensure that future growth fits into and perpetuates the town and country character valued by residents of the Warrior Run community. Annual Estimates of Housing Units in the Warrior Run School District: Geographic Area Housing unit estimates Total Housing Units July 1, 2003 July 1, 2002 July 1, 2001 July 1, Census 1990 Census % Housing growth Pennsylvania 5,365,486 5,328,266 5,294,087 5,258,616 5,249,750 4,938, %.Montour County 7,806 7,755 7,700 7,642 7,627 6, %.Northumberland County 43,482 43,374 43,276 43,186 43,164 41, % 1990 US Census: Summary File Tape 1: General Population & Housing Characteristics & Table 4: Annual Estimates of Housing Units for Counties in Pennsylvania: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2003 (HU-EST ) Source: Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau Release Date: July 23, 2004 Community Profi le 2.14

33 Pathways Priorities Residents consider the Warrior Run community to have a high quality of life, which means different things to different people friendly neighbors, community pride and spirit, a clean and healthy environment, good schools and recreational amenities. Quality of life is intricately and inherently connected to the natural, scenic and historic resources of a community. Community Identifies Opportunities and Threats The community recognizes both the opportunities and threats associated with the area s natural and scenic resources. Diversity is considered to be one of the community s greatest assets, and is used to describe its diverse population as well as its varied landscape. When asked to describe the community s most important natural assets, focus group participants stated that they valued the area s rural landscape, complete with its farms, forests, sweeping views The diversity of the land and people of Warrior Run is considered to be one of the community s greatest assets. Residents want Pathways that are tailored to a variety of uses for all ages and abilities. and historic small villages. The West Branch of the Susquehanna River was considered to be a very under-utilized resource. When asked about the greatest threat to these natural assets, unmanaged development was a primary concern. Complementary to that concern was the loss of traditional farmland, either to residential development or conversion to factory farming. Participants felt the loss of family farms threatened the rural character of the area and could lead to a decline in community pride, values and self-worth. When asked what local action is needed to address the environmental and natural resource issues of the community, participants felt the need for a regional plan and regional cooperation to guide future decision making affecting the school district area. Raising awareness and teaching stewardship of the Community Profi le 2.15

34 community s natural resources was also a priority, with particular emphasis on cultivating the involvement of younger generations in conservation efforts. Participants recognized a need for clear standards with regard to managing future growth and development in the area. Participants expressed a strong desire to take the long view on economic development, building on the community s natural and historic assets to attract residents with similar values to those in the community today. Perspective on Pathways Participants vision for a preferred future, with respect to pathways, reflected a desire to provide an array of trail types tailored to different ages and abilities that preserve the scenic rural character of the area while linking the community to its most important assets including places of recreational, historic and cultural value (parks, playgrounds, towns and villages, and the Susquehanna River). When asked what pathways should look like in their own community, respondents felt that loop trails of varying lengths would provide the greatest range of use and enjoyment for different user groups (walkers, cyclists, joggers, equestrians, etc.). Participants emphasized the importance of connecting to the community s existing natural and cultural resources and liked the idea of thematic trails that emphasized a particular piece of the area history or natural features. Handicapped accessibility, multi-season use, and pet-friendly facilities were each cited as important features of pathways. Loop trails allow Pathways users to enjoy a multitude of the community s important places including historic sites like the Warrior Run Church, natural areas like the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, and historic downtown features like the Watsontown Theater. Community Profi le 2.16