Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail Master Plan

March 2008 FINAL DRAFT FINAL DRAFT Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail Master Plan

Prepared for: The Muncy Historical Society

Prepared by: SEDA-Council of Governments Community Resource Center 201 Furnace Road Lewisburg, PA 17837 (570) 524-4491 www.seda-cog.org March 2008 FINAL DRAFT

CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Study Committee Representatives Project Funding: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation Ryn Agnew and Natural Resources (DCNR) Tom ‘Tank’ Baird Mal Barlow Planning and Design: SEDA Council of Governments, Dan Berninger Community Resource Center Steven Fairchild, PhD Tom Grbenick, Director Ed Hannan Brian Auman, RLA, Landscape Architect/ Anne Katz, PhD Principle Planner Harvey Katz, PhD Mandy Burbage, Community Planner Bob Keintz Stephen Keefer, Student Intern, Carol Lundy Penn State Department of Robert Olmstead Landscape Architecture John Piper, PhD Alison Stevenson, Landscape Architecture Bill Poulton Graduate & Publications Linda Poulton Consultant Dennis Ringling, PhD Amy Rogers Geographic Information Systems: SEDA Council of Governments, Dave Rupert GIS Services Linda Stein Linda Swisher Printing and Graphics: SEDA Council of Governments, Alice Trowbridge Graphics and Printing Services Robin Van Auken Andrea Young Development Plan Production: SEDA Council of Governments, Community Resource Center This project was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program- Keystone Recreation, Park and Unless otherwise noted, all historic photographs are from the Muncy Historical Conservation Fund- under the administration of the Pennsylvania Society; historic postcards are from the collections of Robin Van Auken. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. This project could not have been completed without the support, commitment, and assistance of the Muncy Historical Society

For leadership in this project, special thanks also go to: Bill & Linda Poulton and Robin Van Auken

CONTENTS Executive Summary i Master Plan Report Chapter 1: Project Overview 1 Chapter 2: Community Profile & History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site 2 Chapter 3: Site Information and Analysis 3 Chapter 4: Master Plan Design 4 Chapter 5: Operations, Maintenance & Security 5 Chapter 6: A Strategy for Action 6

Appendix 7 Site Inventory Image Gallery: River Landscape 7.1 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Meadow 7.4 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Recreation Pond and Tributary Creek 7.8 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Mill Pond 7.12 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Canal Corridor and Towpath 7.14 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Woodlands 7.19 Site Inventory Image Gallery: North Entrance 7.22 Site Inventory Image Gallery: South Edge 7.24 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Archcological Dig Area 7.25 Cost Estimates 7.27 Mule Barn Kit: Cost Comparison 7.32 Site Survey Maps 7.34 Ecological Assessment: Flora, Fauna, Soils and Drainage 7.47

List of References 8 Muncy Master Plan 9 Project CD 10

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The hamlet of Port Penn grew up in direct response to the building of the West Branch Canal and also used to occupy the site. Port Penn was a Project Background full community with a range of businesses, mills and residential houses; the sawmill and lock tender’s house once sat on the park property. The In 2004, 11 acres of undeveloped land just outside Muncy, Pennsylvania, were importance of Port Penn diminished with the end of the canal era, leaving it donated to the Muncy Historical Society and History Museum. This generous a sleepy residential community on the outskirts of Muncy. Houses from Port act set in motion the process to turn the ecologically and culturally rich Penn still sit at the north end of the park site. Many remnants and artifacts property into an incredible public park for the residents of Muncy and visitors found at the park attest to the presence of the once thriving community. from the region and beyond. Over the past three years, a vision has been Several areas have been identified as containing a large number of historic created for the park to become a place for quiet recreation and celebration of artifacts. These will be excavated and interpreted through an ongoing the region’s unique beauty as it is expressed through the park’s woodlands, archeological dig on the park property. meadow, pond, stream and river landscapes. The park will also be a bastion for teaching and interactive learning about the local environment, local The park site is also tied to the region’s lumber heritage; timber was the heritage and the creative arts. More than an isolated resource, the park will major industry in the heavily forested West Branch watershed throughout actively tie into and promote the missions of regional projects designed to most of the 19th century and log rafts were regularly being corralled and promote healthy living, connect to the history, culture and environment floated down the river for milling. The Muncy dam shortly downstream from of the Susquehanna and improve quality of life throughout Northcentral the park created a log boom that held timber for processing at many local Pennsylvania. These regional efforts include the Susquehanna Greenway mills including the saw mill that once sat on the park site. Overexploitation Partnership, the Lumber Heritage Region, and the Lycoming County of timber led to a fall in the industry by the early 1900’s; over the decades, Comprehensive Plan. those who had actively worked the log rafts down the rivers were becoming scarce. Pride in the lumber past was strong, however, and in March 1938, a The donated land is culturally significant to Muncy and the region in several commemorative log raft was constructed to be floated 200 miles down the ways. First, it straddles the entrance to the Muncy section of the West Susquehanna to Harrisburg. Known as the “Last Raft,” the festive journey Branch Canal that was opened in 1834 and operated throughout the 19th met wtih tragedy when the rafters failed to maneuver a recently constructed century until it was badly damaged by floods in 1889 and 1894. Having railroad bridge at Muncy. All but one of more than 45 passengers were served for decades as a major seasonal route for shipping and transportation thrown into the icy water and seven died as a result of the ill-fated event. The that tied into a statewide network of canals, the West Branch Canal was Muncy Heritage Park sits in view of the ‘Last Raft’ crash site. rendered obsolete by railroads and finally decommissioned in 1901. The Muncy Heritage Park sits where the branch entered from the Susquehanna From an ecological perspective, the park land exhibits a wonderful diversity River, includes a double and single set of locks, a wide basin where canal of landscapes and plant communities. Within a relatively small space, there boats could be pulled to a dry dock and repaired, and a length of the canal are areas that display the variety, uniqueness, beauty and charm of the channel and tow path. Many of these historic features are still discernable Northcentral Pennsylvania landscape. Visitors will explore woodlands, a within the landscape, including the canal locks, basin and channel. native meadow, an open pond and one that is overgrown and slowly turning into a marsh. They will enjoy views of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, working agricultural lands, the historic canal corridor and a tributary

Executive Summary i creek crossing to the river. As a whole, these areas offer rich opportunities restore, interpret and interact with the historic resources found throughout for visitors to enjoy their park experience while also serving important the property. ecological functions as habitat for wildlife and vegetated open space to clean the air and filter water before it enters the Susquehanna. Looking at the park The primary gathering place for programs and picnicking will be at the through its layers of cultural, environmental and scenic resources, it clearly Mule Barn Pavilion, to be constructed on the upper slopes of the native possesses incredible potential to become an ecologically valuable place that grass and wildflower meadow. The design of this pavilion and other park celebrates and encourages the recreation, education and healthy living of elements will be inspired by vernacular structures of the region, such as barns local residents, school groups, and visitors alike. and outbuildings. In this way, the appearance and feel of the park will be contextually appropriate to the area and the park as a whole will take on a cohesive and harmonious character that melds with the historic remnants The park will support a number of uses, programs and activities. It will serve already present on the property. the Muncy community as a place to walk, bicycle and access the river for canoeing and kayaking. Ranges of educational programs will be developed The park will be open year round, from dawn to dusk. Restroom facilities, that are geared to different age groups. Some of these will center around lighting, storage and electricity will all be provided at the Mule Barn Pavilion. the ongoing archeological dig on the site that already engages school The front façade of the structure will appear solid from the lock house and children, college students and the general public with different participatory main trail; sliding barn doors will reveal an open air pavilion with moveable events and educational programs. The park as a whole will be treated as picnic tables and informational displays. an outdoor classroom where school children will participate in a variety of learning activities. Education programming will be developed to promote The Master Plan illustrates how the park will meet goals to provide environmental education, teach about local history and encourage creativity recreational opportunities; visitor access and circulation; space for and arts through participatory interaction with the landscape. educational programs, events and gatherings; and how it will capitalize on opportunities for cultural interpretation and environmental learning. Master Plan Overview The park will contain a network of trails that highlight the unique areas, Community Involvement & Local Partnerships historic features and viewpoints found throughout the property. The remnants of the canal corridor and towpath will create the spine of the park Along with the unique range of cultural, natural and scenic resources by carrying the main pathway and by connecting to both the north and south associated with the park come very fruitful opportunities to connect with ends of the property. The heart of the property will be a canal demonstration regional projects and develop programs in association with a variety of area within the historic canal basin and lock area. This rewatered section of partner organizations. The archeological dig already initiated on the site is canal will be complemented by interpretive signage that will help transport the perfect example of how partnerships could be developed. This project visitors back to the canal era of the 19th century. Narrower secondary has already involved school children on field trips, college students doing trails will branch off from the core trail and take visitors to other places of hands-on work through an extended field school and local residents at public interest, such as the overlook to the Last Raft crash site at the railroad bridge. dig days. Throughout the park, there will be a mix of approaches used to stabilize,

Executive Summary ii The recreational, artistic and educational programming at the site could be Phase I successfully developed through collaboration with key partnership groups. Improve park access, construct a covered educational facility and Each organization will be approached according to their area or areas of develop the main spine of the canal tow path. interest and expertise. For example, the Lumber Heritage Region would develop tourism and cultural connections. The Susquehanna Studio would Phase II be an ideal program to work with to design and build unique park elements Create the river overlook, extend the tow path trail to the north end while teaching college and even high school students about design and of the property and enhance the meadow and woodland habitat of construction techniques. the site.

The local community can also be brought in to participate in the construction Phase III and program development for the park. Local artists and artisans, for Create an archaeological dig interpretation area, construct the example, could be commissioned to help creatively design park elements nature trail system, and boating river access and signs. Volunteers would also be welcomed to aid in the construction of park trails and structures., Engaging the local community is an ideal route Phase IV for building excitement for the park and encouraging the establishment of a Restore and re-water the canal basin, develop a canal boat caring group of active park users. demonstration, develop the saw mill interpretation area and trail and the elevated river overlook

Project Needs, Phasing & Implementation In recent years the Muncy Historical Society has development a network of supporters who are sold on the vision of a heritage park. This grassroots support for the park has the potential to pay large dividends as the The site has a rich history – from the bustle of commerce in Port Penn park moves into final design and construction. In addition to state and during the canal era, the coming of the railroad, to the tragedy of the last federal funding sources typically tapped for recreation, trails, heritage raft accident. The site today is a wonderful mix of historic remnants of a and tourism development – the local partners can lend money, technical forgotten era in a context of farms and fields, wetlands, woodland and river. assistance, equipment, materials and labor towards creating the park. The The park master plan seeks to have a light hand, respecting and celebrating Muncy Historical Society should take maximum advantage of established the site’s cultural and natural resources, and building the park infrastructure partnerships with regional, county and municipal agencies, private that complements the natural setting and needs of park users. foundations and university service-learning activities to achieve the match required by many grant programs. The Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail The Muncy Heritage Park is used now by hundreds of school children each should make slow, steady progress towards implementation over the next year and by dozens of people who participate in the on-going archaeological five years. dig. The park can grow incrementally, developing all the elements outlined in the master plan, as funding and other resources become available. The Park master plan outlines four phases of development.

Executive Summary iii Executive Summary iv Master Plan Report

1 Project Overview

1 Project Overview Regional Connections What is a Greenway? The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Nearly half of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania lies within the Greenways are linear corridors that sustain or improve the vitality of an area Susquehanna Watershed, which covers over 30,000 square miles from its by creating ways for people, plants, water and wildlife to move through upper reaches in New York and Pennsylvania to the mouth of the river in an area while promoting natural ecological functions and processes. They Havre de Grace, Maryland. Indeed, the Susquehanna River runs with the are typically designated in order to conserve natural areas and provide cultural and ecological lifeblood of the Central Pennsylvania region, but most people with recreation and transportation opportunities. They can range in residents have no regular way to appreciate or interact with the river. There length and width, accessibility, character, and use. Greenways can be river, are few places where people can spend significant amounts of time in the To Cooperstown canal or stream corridors; they can carry roadways, paths or trails and they New York presence of the river. Just as connections to the river landscapeSayre decrease, can support one or many different modes of transportation, from hiking obesity ratesPennsylvania are rising throughout the nation, children are spendingAthens less and or canoeing to mass transit lines. Linear greenways can also encompass less time out-of-doors and many natural and scenic resources are being lost SUSQUEHANNA and include landmarks and destinations, such as public parks and historic to the development of rural areas. BRADFORD sites. What greenways have in common is that they strive to support the Towanda health of the landscape and Many Pennsylvanians have recognized and felt troubled enough by theseWyalusing its inhabitants through the trends to consider how they might be redirected into a more positive protection of natural, cultural outlook for the future. In the face of concerns, the Susquehanna Greenway Tunkhannock and scenic resources and Partnership was formed by Pennsylvanians who also recognized that theyWYOMING are SULLIVAN the provision of passive and fortunate enough to live in an area that is still very rich in cultural, natural and LACKAWANNA active recreational activities. Inset Greenways can be major Renovo LYCOMING Williamsport LUZERNE assets in rural, suburban, and To Cooperstown Wilkes-Barre New York Sayre Pennsylvania Athens BRADFORD SUSQUEHANNA Muncy urban areas; they can improve Towanda Wyalusing Nanticoke CLINTON Jersey Shore Tunkhannock

WYOMING SULLIVAN the overall quality of life for LACKAWANNA Renovo LYCOMING

CLEARFIELD Williamsport LUZERNE Wilkes-Barre COLUMBIA Muncy Lock Haven Nanticoke CLINTON Jersey Shore communities by enhancing CLEARFIELD Lock Haven COLUMBIA Milton Berwick MONTOUR Clearfield Lewisburg Bloomsburg The Susquehanna Greenway Region UNION Danville Berwick CENTRE Sunbury Milton INDIANA Selinsgrove the natural beauty of a place, NORTHUMBERLAND CherryTree SNYDER MONTOUR Clearfield Carrolltown Bloomsburg Liverpool Millersburg Lewisburg JUNIATA CAMBRIA The Susquehanna Greenway Region DAUPHIN promoting multi-modal Duncannon PERRY Danville Harrisburg UNION

CUMBERLAND LANCASTER travel, connecting people to Marietta CENTRE Columbia Wrightsville Sunbury the outdoors and revitalizing YORK Pennsylvania INDIANA Maryland Selinsgrove Havre de Grace 3 historic neighborhoods and Chesapeake Bay NORTHUMBERLAND business opportunities. CherryTree The Susquehanna River SNYDER is a major feature within Greenways are linear corridors, both Carrolltown the Commonwealth of large and small, that serve many Pennsylvania. Source: Liverpool Millersburg beneficial purposes for people and the Susquehanna Greenway JUNIATA environment. CAMBRIA Partnership. DAUPHIN Duncannon PERRY Project Overview 1.1 Harrisburg

CUMBERLAND LANCASTER Marietta Columbia Wrightsville

YORK

Pennsylvania Maryland

Havre de Grace 3 Chesapeake Bay scenic resources. The partnership sees the mighty Susquehanna River as an Project Background incredible resource that can be embraced and employed for the benefit of the region. Residents can be reconnected to the long-ignored and underutilized On June 20, 1972, a young river, giving them places to recreate, spend time outside, enjoy nature and Bill Poulson stood with live healthful lives. a friend on the Muncy railroad tracks watching Attention to the Susquehanna can also be aimed at protecting and improving the Susquehanna the regional environment, its fish and wildlife populations and the function floodwaters rise to of vital natural processes. Economic benefits will arise from smart-growth unprecedented levels in initiatives, attracting families and businesses to the revitalized river towns the wake of Hurricane whose strong identities are tied to their heritage, the landscape and a variety Agnes. Amidst massive of public amenities that foster community pride and connectivity. destruction, a casual remark was made that The West Branch Canal was a major route for shipping and The designation and development of a greenway along the branches of the started a chain of events transportation through the end of the 19th century. Susquehanna River has the potential to improve the quality of life throughout leading to the creation of the Commonwealth. The regional greenway aims to create environmental, this master plan and the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail. Poulson’s cultural, economic, educational and recreational benefits. As a project of the friend quipped that it was too bad that the canal was flooding. Poulson’s Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature curiosity was piqued. He wasn’t Trail promotes the mission of the larger Susquehanna Greenway. It will familiar with canals and didn’t know serve as a model by supporting healthy living through recreation and the that there used to be one in Muncy. protection and celebration of natural, historic and scenic resources along the Once the floodwaters receded, he river. began exploring the historic canal, and soon after began mowing and Part of the beauty of the Susquehanna Greenway is that regional goals can maintaining the canal corridor. be achieved through the implementation of many local, small and mid-scale projects so that the total effect is greater than any individual effort. As each project builds upon or complements another, quality of life will improve throughout the region. Individual projects like the Muncy Heritage Park can help achieve regional goals by enhancing the natural beauty of a place, promoting multi-modal travel, connecting people to the outdoors and revitalizing historic communities and enhancing economic opportunities.

The Last Raft crashed into the railroad bridge at Muncy on March 20, 1938.

Project Overview 1.2 It became a dream of his to save the canal and to share it with others. Thirty The Muncy Historical Society and Museum of History acquired the land years later, circumstances fell into place that gave Bill Poulson, his wife, Linda with the intent of creating a public place to teach art, science and history to and other devoted Muncy residents the opportunity to turn that dream into a visitors and schoolchildren through interpretive elements and interaction reality. The driving force behind the project was to save the canal and protect with different parts of the park. This heritage park and trail will allow Muncy it in perpetuity. Once it seemed possible to achieve that goal, the Poulsons to showcase the history and natural beauty of Port Penn, a commercial center started talking with various agencies and organizations to think about and residential community that grew out of and around the bustling West what other opportunities were available. Through that process, the idea of Branch Canal of the 1800s. With its many cultural, scenic, environmental creating a heritage park was born. and recreational benefits, the Muncy Heritage Park will support and enhance many other local and larger regional initiatives including the Susquehanna The site of the proposed Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail is a culturally Greenway Partnership, the Lumber Heritage Region and the Lower West and environmentally rich property that holds incredible potential for being Branch River Conservation Plan. developed into a valuable resource for residents and tourists throughout the Northcentral Susquehanna Valley region. It is set along a curving sweep of the The 11-acre park site is located southwest of Muncy, just south of the historic West Branch of the Susquehanna River at the historic entrance to the Muncy Port Penn neighborhood in Muncy Creek Township, Lycoming County. The division of the West Branch Canal. The park site is also within view of the tragic Susquehanna River runs just to the west of the site where it bends sharply “Last Raft” crash site of 1938 where seven passengers were killed and all but around the base of Bald Eagle Mountain. An active rail line curves around the one of the raft’s passengers were spilled into the icy river. The hamlet of Port property on its south and east edges. The land was donated by Betty Fisher Penn once occupied part of the park site, tying it to the canal-era and the to the Muncy Historical Society in 2004. Since then, a plan has slowly evolved lumber heritage of the region through location and local trade and industry. to turn the land into a heritage park that will engage residents and visitors alike in passive recreation, nature and the site’s canal-era history.

Archeological work has already engaged local students and residents who have helped uncovered The Muncy Heritage Park will celebrate the beauty of Northcentral Pennsylvania. remnants from the canal-era.

Project Overview 1.3 Project Development Needs The Muncy Heritage Park project formally began in 2004 with the donation The Lycoming County Planning Commission has identified a need for more of land to the Muncy Historical Society. The property was heavily overgrown, greenways, trails and opportunities for recreation in the area. A 2003 survey much of which had to be cleared in order to properly inventory extant site of Northcentral Pennsylvania residents by the Susquehanna Greenway resources. In 2004, experts were also brought in to identify plant and animal Partnership also identified a deficiency in river access points and a lack of species on the property in order to guide the subsequent clearing of trees knowledge about places where residents could connect to the river. A lack of and plants in preparation for further park development. Historic remnants trails characterizes the region and was recognized as a community priority in were discovered during the clearing, and archeologists were brought in to the adjacent Warrior Run School District. In a statistically valid community investigate the site. Robin Van Auken is the principal investigator of the survey, Warrior Run residents identified safe paths and trails for walking to be archeological work being done. Initially, Lycoming College’s Archeological a top community priority. A Pathways feasibility study has been completed Field School was brought in to excavate around a well found near the canal in the Warrior Run community with plans to tie into significant regional entrance and lock house foundation. After the field school initiated the communities such as Muncy via both land and water trails along the West exploration, a public dig was started to continue the investigation and raise Branch and overland by way of the Muncy Hills. The closest proximity to a public awareness and interest in the site. Many volunteers, including families quality trail system is in Williamsport’s growing pedestrian and bikeway trial and schoolchildren, have since helped with the ongoing archeological work. system (10 miles away) and Jersey Shore’s access to the Pine Creek Rail Trail Several areas have been identified with significant historic remnants, and (25 miles away). A major goal for this project is to provide quality outdoor archeological work will continue into the future. recreational opportunities close to where people live.

In 2006, the Muncy Historical Society wrote a successful grant application Obesity has been recognized as a national epidemic. Statewide, to Pennsylvania DCNR. In 2007, a task force was established to develop a Pennsylvania residents are at the high end of the spectrum with greater than vision for the park design and programming. The emphasis on education 20% of its residents considered obese (2000 CDC data). The situation is and connecting to regional arts, environment and heritage resulted from worse in rural Central Pennsylvania. Geisinger obesity data from the region this process. It also became clear that the park would serve the community shows that most counties in the Geisinger service region have obesity rates better as a place for walking, biking and passive recreation, rather than of 40 – 45%, and the trend at both serving as a more traditional sports and playground facility. The task force the state and local level is that both met five times over the course of the year. Key person interviews and figures are increasing. Obesity is focus group discussions were also held to determine many key elements of linked to many health problems the project such as: recreational needs of the community, resident issues including heart disease and adult- and concerns, operations and maintenance options, policing and security onset diabetes, having a profound issues, long-term funding partners and organizational self-sustainability and impact on health care costs and heritage park marketing and promotion. Two public meetings were held services. during the process to solicit public input on the project during the conceptual The heritage park’s walking and biking trails design and draft final design phases of the master site plan. will encourage healthy living practices within the local community.

Project Overview 1.4 Park Benefits and Project Goals: Passive Recreation and Community Partners and Public Involvement Heritage, Environmental and Arts Education The Muncy Canal Heritage Park planning process has involved a wide range Recreation and the out-of-doors experiencing of nature are primary goals of community perspectives including key community members with unique for the park. Trails will allow visitors to enjoy a diversity of ecological zones, insights into history, anthropology, science, recreation and education. including riverbank, deciduous woodland, open meadow, marsh and pond. Collaboration and support from a variety of organizations will greatly add to Within the park, the primary recreational use will be walking, but the park the success of the heritage park. The Muncy Historical Society and Museum will also be a stopping point along the West Branch Water Trail and should of History see potential to work with many organizations for the design and eventually be connected into regional bike trails as well. programming of the heritage park.

The richness of the heritage park site lends it to many creative and Existing Partners and Supporters of the Muncy Canal Heritage Park: educational uses that are limited only by imagination. Heritage connections • Lycoming County Planning Commission– the heritage park is supported and learning will be encouraged throughout the park through interpretive by the county comprehensive plan. signage, design elements, historic remnants, interactive archeological • Muncy Borough and Muncy Creek Township – the borough and township digs and programs and events. Environmental education will be promoted support the project and have pledged in-kind services and material once through the use of outdoor classroom elements found throughout the the project moves to implementation. park. The diversity of the site will allow it to support a number of learning • Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy – the heritage park is supported objectives, ranging from hydrology and water quality studies to plant and in the Lower West Branch – Rivers Conservation Plan. wildlife biology to geology. • Lumber Heritage Region – the park is supported by the heritage region, The park site will also be an ideal place to promote creative arts. Local with expressed interest in partnering on signage and interpretation once artists and illustrators will be invited to share their talents in the design of the project moves to implementation. signs and interpretive elements. Groups of school children will be able to • Susquehanna Greenway Partnership – the heritage park supports the engage artistically with the vision and numerous benefit areas of the Susquehanna Greenway Vision site by drawing from nature, and Strategic Action Plan, including community revitalization, recreational collecting fallen leaves for enhancements, environmental stewardship, and heritage education. rubbings and collages or • Lycoming College - Archaeology, History and Art Departments. using landscape elements and the history of the site as • Pennsylvania College of Technology, The Natural Sciences and Integrated inspiration for poems and Studies Department. short stories. • PA State Senator – (23) Rodger Madigan

Providing cultural, environmental and • PA State Representative – (84) Brett Feese creative arts education is a primary • SEDA-Council of Governments – Community Resource Center mission of the park.

Project Overview 1.5 Potential Partners and Supporters: Overview of Contents and the Purpose of the Master Plan • PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) The purpose of the Muncy Historical Park and Nature Trail Master Plan • PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) project was to investigate the opportunities to provide outdoor recreational • PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and educational opportunities on the 11-acre property owned by the Muncy • U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Historical Society at Port Penn. Through a variety of public and task force meetings and key person interviews, local residents weighed in and helped to • PA Fish and Boat Commission shape a vision for the park. • Service Learning Programs: a consortium of regional colleges and universities offering applied community service research. Participantis Field work was done by the Muncy Historical Society and SEDA-COG to are: Bloomsburg, Bucknell, Lock Haven, Lycoming, Penn College, Penn develop an in-depth inventory and analysis for the site. A master plan State and Susquehanna. illustration has been developed that identifies key sites, opportunities, • Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission constraints and regulatory requirements that will guide the development of the heritage park and nature trail. This report complements the graphic plan • The Humanities Council by expanding upon design concepts and planned programming. Information • The PA Arts Council is provided for the park’s security, operations and management. This master • National Canal Museum plan report also looks at options and considerations for the successful phasing and implementation of the park design and associated programs. • PA Canal Society • Northcentral Chapter of the Society of Pennsylvania Archaeology • Geisinger Health Systems • PA Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC) • Lycoming County Conservation District • PA DCNR-Bureau of Recreation and Conservation

The complementary resources of these organizations and the expertise of the scientific volunteers will result in a unique program and provide access to a varied audience. Robin Van Auken is the principal investigator overseeing the archeological work being done at the heritage park site. Van Auken is an anthropologist, author and independent historic consultant with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Applied Anthropology, Archaeology Track. SEDA- Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is actively involved with the Muncy Heritage Park. SEDA-COG has overseen and developed the master plan for the heritage park and has ongoing interest in project implementation.

Project Overview 1.6 2 Community Profile and History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site

Project Overview 1.7 Project Overview 1.8 2 Community Profile and History of the Muncy Muncy Creek Planning Area Heritage Park Site Location: Lycoming County, Geographic Location Northcentral Pennsylvania, USA Muncy, Pennsylvania, lies within the Northcentral region of the Commonwealth which is a predominantly rural, mountainous area cut through Size: by the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Once known as the “lumber 60.22 square miles or 38,540 acres capital of the world,” Lycoming County also contains Williamsport, the home of Population (2000): 12,203 persons; the Little League World Series and the birthplace of Little League Baseball and 3.1 % increase since 1990 Softball. The Muncy Heritage Park is located on the Muncy Division of the West Branch Canal within Muncy Creek Township in Lycoming County. Muncy Creek Community / Economic Profile: Township surrounds the borough of Muncy, which has a population of almost Median Age: 39.7 years p. Map 1 2,700 residents. Muncy Creek 1999 Median Household Income: $34,056

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K Ctr Rd R L r Tivoli e e House t S l e developed; over half of the land Waterfowl m l w d d o Hill Rd Ext Deerwood Way o r to d l R l Spring House Rd allow Bot R l l d o T Farms Rd High View d R Peavine i o R In 2004, a comprehensive plan was adopted for the Muncy Creek Planning W Beaver R R u H er S B Reese n H Beav L r e a H i a Howe n Hollow Rd t k Ln e l Ter e m l s st g 220 l R u R R

o d p l l

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R i b u u Hill n n a C d o e B R R m Hollow Bower

C d F e F Rd u te d Top Rd act ry R

a Ferrell N ory Rd Van T St a Rd is wooded, while agricultural

R ES t The Rocks Park Ln

r S Pic ture R Rensaler t g Fribley S Rd d P Rolling a d Park y Picturer Rocks Fire Co.

l o e u H E

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o h e t o Hill Ln R e w Church o t eit e z D H a head er Z

s h W w Dr u c C h d t St H t o i S i Penn d n e c Area. Through this planning process, a number of needs were identified Wolf r

a L n r ker o r o

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t W Nunn Ln Rocksl ll d H r

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Dr Bush ll R Transfer Station arto R Snyder Rd l

Red a 220 B d

Rd d H H d u Rd Rd s R rgreen e h R i i r Ridg rc o e G t Crawley d Pine hu ll H n d n o r R Dibble D a Frymire C w lands cover another full quarter.

hy Goas Estates Dr e d R er r to Hill Rd Ext n y Hill G r s Ln R ak Rd a Hollow dy Hill Rd u Chas Rd r Rd ud

d B H

r B u a

B e Twp. Reese Rd is Ln t t rtlow D for the area. Following a statewide trend, cities, towns and older suburbs

Harr gs Hessler a r i Grig R s B F

R r Huddy Hill h d R a Rd W i d n ue d Irion Ln d Rd t rfieldR z l c re d Twp. st R R Road Ext B W H

C R Country Ln d s ce e d e r Dogwood Ln 220 Francis Dr u

R o

m Metzger r Sechler Shick e s Shaggy Bark H pr

r Wentzler i a l w S

e e r ack Rd r Fai Dr Rd h b din rf Ln Rd der g l

i t Highland Dr Ext n e t Keller Ln R e el o Rd an e d l u d R o a d e

Church K

l G n d R S Sperry R

r Highland Dr g

o A t Rd u w d

l Major employers in the area

Lycoming C P c d u y

Laurel Dr T Rd Ru h l r b e e muty R Rd i a H

n Fry D R MuncyCarpenters McConnell Pky H u Mall Rd p d q d k Ln Reservoir Rd y

Confair Blvd r C Easy St Arlyne Ave c Ln r are losing population. In particular, young workers are moving out of these

Pond Aderhold Dr e r a 220 a r D e

onfair l Worthington Rabbittown Red Barn Price e l P o M a l u m Gehron Pkwy Carriage B n s kwy O Rd Ln Woodbine Rd t Rd Ln Rd e

Sq d 220 m

C 220 r D a

y Va Rd Richard Ave e Hampton e l t Mt y l t

Baum Cemetery w e S G r a v A d r A le a t

wp. C p o S Strawberry Ln l a r d M M B aB i l C i N o lu l S l lr eb t e R i A e N l r Way Equity a y ry Dr BB R e C N Rd t Bella Vista Rd R r u 180 S enn 220 D Bodine Park y S n r e tr El P Heller Dr d n aw ai e t Woodland Ct d b rb S h d d Rd o r e e Effie Ave D r M r d R W r y ry r l A A y a Wa ly N ly in te N 3 d a

r r r S y n a l

C D t A y ly W a m e d Pennsdale d A l t R l E d S P n e e G d u Runyan g an o t t h r a R o S W A t l S t r Lycoming w l e i g c Hughesville t g N 4 S o a les L ar a d d h V D

t O e d H

t a m s k y Fire Co. R i o P A t G l C S l in ly y 118 S t E e l Ste A A h l t Bl c t R y 405 k 5 a Oak Ln u a E A n c l St t Wa k W y N H Henry Ave s be e r r at Ly h d ry C L l FB i A e Mall Cir n l D C e e y r Hun m r include Susquehanna Health l A S s c Rd d i n et ly t A ger r o Hughesville e y ly i s r l

ey R y O A r

m S t a l s t S k Evergreen A e e t e l r Jr/Sr HS n t ly A E a S d i LL t ugh R e r e W Rocky H n a c t Hughesville i

l p u S t d

S R Legion S SB t pr r g Mal t Gemini S H e S e d E h e m r A d l 3 c Be t a o B a e D oa ck r S d c 6 r 118 l h e Chad t o B n A t A Br t ly S a ir m ly Rd S d y c y Old Cement Rd l y w h S d t d a A St A St L r y l a Narber Fry Rd a S n y m h l y School 2 l A Hill o P S E t l lr ar S t 4 r i e t n k S S n R Ln a i d t D R t S Hughesville Rd m Ashkar ES a or m

S H T h R Rd G M ic Loganow t Ln k traditionally populated centers, and many are leaving the state altogether. r h o n 5 T Wilson T M S ry se Police a n S r d Al d r y A D W d C l y

d Boak Ln Long Twp. r Rd Drick e R t a Kristi t B g e h Lycoming F Fair s Ln i R Echo Wilson d Reach i Ave Ground H Rd d Dr J Rd Rd i County E o Brookfield Dr y xt Ln h d L p D Valley Rd L Rd Eastern Mall Dr n Douglas p r Fairgrounds Stan e Spring T l n T

r Ln e n e e Gregg Run Rd o Mall Pkwy e f T d Warn m o w

t R t Richart

t R f p Hollow S i e c a C l Western Mall Dr d u Bank Rd e Parkway Y Wolf a n o R l Laird BRd L n Rd R Rd Mill

Dr Ridge e Shawnee d Farm Rd d r Oxbow r B Wolf Twp. l ad d Ln B System and Andritz Sprout- a l t Branch Sus Davis a Rd Bluf Dr Heatherbrook Est n H O rn s que d f 405 n ld a h L i L sv W an e d w aird il n Ln I y m R Industrial Area L ll le a Ashler n i e V Shaner Rd w d D L e l R R t Old Rt i x R L Van Horn Blvd l o access) u o E Woolen D d E B d Manor r i a l imite iv s g Beacon Country t d r t In response, efforts need to be made to make these older communities more Rd (l t a Rd

A n a

ong er r Sawmill H r r Dr i D e Cookie Dr Mill 118 Rd rmst m a r Light Rd Ln t Art Moreland

A s Star Lite Dr l P Carol Rd Rd Rd S l t m

r ark il Rd d Shaner Rd Ext Lycoming o R Chippewa Ln i Linvic h R

Middle Rd d d G d n k k C n L n Hunter s Sha R r L ine R w c eed Rd e Rd d dd ck h g u i dy nd Dr u R l f n a p k o k R Neidigs a V o o t B Shortcut Nic u R f C o s Dr H Rider Rd Industrial k L ro k r Magargel St Mall Rd Dr K c w d i b r G e t h Rd e h Beeber o Pkwy N Industrial Tyler Rd w a r

Woodling Ln o l p e d Old Ln

e d D b S a C M

Woodland Me n e R Dr x r t e r

Pkwy n Lairdsville d Bauer.

Muncy

Walmet Ln r a

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s C Rd R lar C o F

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Industrial Park a n h V r o h

c n e y l M e c t y S n d o n s u l D t a N M

t t Burgett

i G i n n p m v s W u R

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g s e attractive to retain and attract residents, especially a young work force.

n Grant St o

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t n b S l

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en i S a V e S State Correctional r k t G m u F W St n a

Brady s Neufer p N M N McCoy Rd d ly S R A p

A t l lt t e

y r Covered i M Ma S W Aquatic Rd d b Tom

n i u

i St ain o r r M

Institution R n

k Muncy rg

i R c a e t a d

C F r S y T n S t T l a g ly r A

Noble A r Police e s

Bastian Rd i W ty g R 405 Wat t g er St t a ri W d

A E G Ponderosa a

l 442 Bridge B t n y G r S n Meck Senior G te Hollow n

S pe R

Center d h R r

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d e Hill a Plum Aly s d R r Keystone Hook m n Confer Dr d d w a Rd J & Ladder Fire Co o n Muncy Cemetery t n St P e St

S High

l t m ner S R g

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n n Ln m

L n A Rd

k T

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S E Ln l m

t i FB Ward L Myers a t

h Lloyd Aly d S te St R w t SB Ridge a e Lafay e P Muncy G H B ES D n

enA reen a e w uf F e R Ave h r o uyler St a k t a h r f Sc Cente s s

i s P P i Rd BB k R l n

r a A l r d l

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a n t New St C Std t o r

e n C Ln r n l S S o y St r t ly h A ve Sout W Peach Aly i e

a e r S

s W A a

Rd Clarkstown

igles Fe d m h t l o o y S er S i o

p n d i m t p T Pe g C R D t St d ln co S

Girton Lin t s o o Tescier h t S Mai

n

S h R l H d e R R

S t r H e d u r n R

t o b r Strouse m Sp w h d e n a d

a R s r n s

l n rle o M Dr i

S a

L dell h n Rid r i C

S t t g

r t ks

d G

e n L RT l n l E a a R d d n d B x Rd Rd R e d y o g l t S rr

S ua o le Ru Fish h Q w 180 i

M w n B o u n R a Heilman a o o C o t d d i r ll w d a r t Waldron e r F o R H t R k x t d t o o

l F u p e C t e x i B t W Shoemaker Rd

i r

e H H S a n l

i

t o

c Blessing Dr l L

l W t l e Twp. m K l e Cir o R d Ln p p w S k e d o Ros o w d r r

p Eds Rd Hill Ln ria n

B e C R e M l t H

P s e E Shoemaker Rd r Biichles Wallis h S R Childs u g e i Ross Rd

r r w l R Ritter Hill

u Hemlock n o l e Rd e d

o F H W ese Bottom Sherwood Dr r Ln Bishop d a E Shoemaker k

c Hill PA-405 c F R S R i n u d Rd c G h Ln n y l Rd Ext n Rd ardn R Rd l s Industrial L Beiber Dr n e A

e d L k er

s e Rd R R e rc Walters d y l t

u d a Vandine d h y S

d r d H d R Corridor r G

o i e i Pet D R M G

r Park Cardinal Ln g i c Rd

e a i r

B n l Rd

d R a l O d r a C Private 158 Rd L n r Glenwood MuncyGlade e e d

Dr r R l

h m d d ve R r Mu e c

Dr i Weaver d e P n Koppers Ln R Run x d R R R t ner t Rd

n E R o d ag Rd ch H e s ck d e W e Another troubling statewide trend is that while the population has grown n o Rd Susquehanna Trail R r kn o pki i Rd d y R e u r um t s J s s P T a H o u e

nter e t Rd k Ce S u n b Riddell Turkey Opp Berriman W e 4 Rd b R E c K Turner Hill Rd a B Moreland u y s E rle p a h r

i Rd Bottom p

s L Dr O Moyer n r M Hollow Rd x t t e terli d g B S n s g R g Smith i l S Deer d Rd n c o l R L se D L Rd l Hou E e ool St x d Sch d t r d a i H ro y n R i a g e B S h Av Rd S S l i h R t er H Baylor d l Sulphur Spring Rd v 405 l 54 H i p Rd t e M S L i t Hollywood n ly e lm e R e A w The Muncy Creek Planning n r a ly i r b i n 8 A r i a a s S t a W t S t t ick t s S h d i t S Sh e i s a r S t d h K M c T l c R n n h 7 h e Gle L i n S n A o y S t o m T s rch St o l t h t Rd o l A S t m d s t 6 Rd i t e S r d t m S e S a t a h t y t e

P S h r

t t v g N o e ia S y u y r t s e A P S Penn l r r B e n r l A G S n e s y t G ch 5 t R r r o u a hu m t n us y C h r t n o o on t s A S t g S v A i J eS s t t s A S r t l e S e n H l y v Creek Twp. R b k A o M n

e o o M 4 d

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t

l r o s t r R u

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n i B H Montgomery S n E t v y S A n S l a d t k

e Fire Co r d St L e S y A G r

c h l y 3 a A sa l r D n o o t n i y r o e V oh u n d d g P J e a B

J o n l e n

L B T H a S W ly t d o H R A w e Mont- Michael Hollow Rd l C e P e 1 a r ix s t d n y R m t S gomery e t r r r S t M -

p S t e e y e t d S n s v b Police i n m i H e r d R Emily Aly Lester Aly t l o o d o R e l R r

g a Ridge s E y by only 2.5% from 1982 to 1997, the consumption of land for urbanized uses l M h R Northum

l n S k c n kw r r i

h M P a a a a s o r l P O n d

J a B l i r n g n i a a

d d h R Montgomery berland Coun

S g h

e l u

t e

s ve u B a S q

i A

t s c R Rd z

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b

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e ra m B l d

R L u d t Montour yons R o es

e W G i

H d t W Area. Source: Muncy Creek k 405 RidgTwp.e d a L c R g la n

B e r Harris Hill Rd H Rd County County Line Rd Comprehensive Plan, 2004. has grown by 47%. This means urban sprawl is eating up large amounts of Columbia Cou

Community Profile and History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site 2.1 Countywide Vision Muncy Creek Planning Area

(! Barbours

previously undeveloped lands. As a result, population centers are becoming less dense, infrastructure is becoming more expensive to provide to NATURAL RESOURCE increasingly dispersed households and traditional downtowns and historic Shrewsbury Twp. neighborhoods are losing their vitality.

The following issues were noted by the Planning Advisory Team and the

Glen Mawr Lycoming County Planning Commission, as being of particular importance (! within the Muncy Creek Planning Area:

(! Tivoli 1. Exodus of Younger Generation with Increasing Elderly Population– Wolf Twp. The social fabric of the community can destabilize when it becomes Picture Rocks disproportionately weighted towards a single age bracket. Young workers !( Picture Rocks Boro. typically generate a greater proportion of the tax base required to support COUNTRYSIDE necessary community services required by older individuals. The flight of younger workers can create the potential for budget deficits and adversely impact the provision of community services to all.

Hughesville Boro. Lairdsville 2. Low Wages and Income – Adverse impact on the stability of the younger !( worker population and generation of tax revenues to support community

service needs. AGRICULTURE RIDGE

3. Lack of Employment Opportunities and Lower Paying Jobs –Employment is Muncy Boro. generally the key factor that dictates where younger workers will settle. 4. Housing Stock and Diversity – An increasing elderly population needs affordable choices for a changing lifestyle. It is also important to younger families with limited budgets. Muncy Creek Twp. 5. Low Migration Rates – Important indicator of close-knit stable communities.

Vision Overlay- Countywide Existing Land Use Base 6. Diverse Economy – A real need for the future of Lycoming County. Ridge field Natural Resource cultivated 7. Good Labor Force – Important to business development and expansion in Agriculture woods Countryside res Lycoming County. Designated & Future Growth Areas multi Major Roads inst Main Streams comm 8. Storefront Vacancies – Creates a bad image for new business development. !( Rural Center ind (! Village vac Miles 9. Increasing Crime and Drug Use – Create social service concerns as well as a water 00.5 1 2 2004 O Map 2 community image concern for business development. Existing Land Use in Muncy Creek Township. Source: Muncy Creek Comprehensive Plan, 2004. Muncy Creek Comprehensive Plan, 2004 (2-1, 2-2).

Community Profile and History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site 2.2 Lycoming County Recreation Plan McNett Twp. Percentage Population Change by Municipality Jackson Twp. McIntyre Twp. 1970-2000 Map Brown Twp. Pine Twp.

Cascade Twp.

Cogan House Twp. Lewis Twp. McHenry Twp. Gamble Twp. Plunketts Creek Twp.

Shrewsbury Hepburn Twp. Eldred Twp. Twp. Cummings Twp. Mifflin Twp. Upper Lycoming Fairfield Twp. Mill Creek Twp. Twp. Anthony Wolf Twp. Twp. Loyalsock Twp. Picture RocksPenn Twp. Salladasburg Old Lycoming Fairfield Twp. Jordan Watson Twp. Twp. Muncy Twp. Montoursville Twp. Woodward Twp. Williamsport Hughesville Franklin Twp. Piatt Twp. South Duboistown Williampsort Susquehanna Twp. Moreland Jersey Shore Muncy Armstrong Twp. Clinton Twp. Twp. Porter Twp.Nippenose Twp. Bastress Twp. Muncy Creek Twp. Percentage Population Change Brady Twp. Montgomery

by Municipality Limestone Twp. 1970-2000 Washington Twp. Lycoming_County PCHG_70_00

-39.83 - 0.00 %

0.01 - 10.00 % 10.01 - 25.00 % O 25.01 - 50.00 % Miles Map 4 50.01 - 429.80 % 0 2.5 5 10

Change in population density, Lycoming County. Source: Lycoming County Comprehensive Plan Map Book, 2007. Community Profile and History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site 2.3 Lycoming County Recreation Plan Rural Centers and Villages Map !(Roaring Branch

Oregon Hill !( Cedar Run !( !(Ralston

!( Slate Run

US 15 SR 14!( SR 414 !(English Center Bodines

!( Cammal !(Barbours !(Trout Run SR 287

!( Jersey Mills SR 87

US 15 Warrensville SR 973 !( !( !(Loyalsockville Glen Mawr Waterville SR 973 !( !( Hepburnville Tivoli SR 44 Cogan Station!( !( Ramsey Salladasburg !( !( US!( 220 SR 42 SR 973 Picture Rocks I 180/US 220 !(Tomb I 180/US 220/US 15 SR 118 Unityville Linden I 180/US 220 Lairdsville !( !( !( Nisbet I 180/US 220/US 15 US 220 !( SR 44 SR 405 I 180 !(Antes Fort SR 54 SR 442 I 180

Oval US 15 !( !( !( Oriole !( Rural Center SR 44 !(Elimsport !( Village

! Existing Buildings

Main Roads Roads O Main Streams Miles Map 3 0 2.5 5 10

Rural Centers and Villages Lycoming County. Source: Lycoming County Comprehensive Plan Map Book, 2007. Community Profile and History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site 2.4 Many common goals have been set to address trends and maintain or elevate or greatly diminished, but the river still serves as a major presence in the quality of life within the area. The following are just a few which the Muncy region. In the face of change and development, the river can be looked Heritage Park would help accomplish: to as a resource in the revitalization of river towns. Doing good for the • Maintain and enhance the communities of the Muncy Creek Planning Susquehanna by improving water quality, protecting and restoring its riparian Area, while reducing suburban sprawl across the rural countryside. buffers, and improving river connections and appreciation for residents is a • Manage open space lands, agricultural and other lands, with clear regard wise investment for the future. Residents can benefit from river-connected for economic, environmental and aesthetic values regional trail systems and greenways. Businesses and downtowns can promote a healthy river system as a public amenity, helping to attract a • Reduce the loss of life and property due to flooding by restricting young and vital workforce. Because of flooding and erosion issues, near- floodplain development river property is ideal for providing public open spaces such as parks and • Maintain and develop our cultural identity recreational areas. In this way, and specifically though the actions of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and local partners such as the Muncy The comprehensive plan also noted that the Susquehanna River is a Historical Society, the historic importance of the river can be recaptured and tremendous local resource with areas of good accessibility, but general public enjoyed in a significant, yet altogether new manner. access and boating access could be greatly improved. The area also lacks connection to the region’s bikeways. The heritage park will provide river access and a small-scale soft boat landing. It will also be a place to celebrate the natural beauty of the regional landscape which is considered a significant resource. Against the backdrop of changing demographics and urban sprawl, the heritage park can serve as an influence towards more positive trends. It will be a landmark connected to a much larger regional system of parks and trails that will help draw young professionals to the area through recreation potential. The celebration of canal-era and lumber history will reinforce the strong pride Muncy residents already feel for their town and heritage. The park and adjacent land will demonstrate the value of habitat restoration, farmland preservation and conservation easements.

Regional River Connections, Then and Now Muncy and Port Penn are river towns connected to the Susquehanna River and the historic West Branch Canal. The presence of the river has shaped the growth of the region by providing food, supporting livelihoods, and serving as a route for travel. Historically, towns depended on the river to support daily life; they were, therefore, located within close access to the waterway. Today, the reliance of most residents on the river is either gone A postcard of the West Branch Canal from the early 1900’s after it was decommissioned.

Community Profile and History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site 2.5 History The heyday of Port Penn ran from the opening of the canal in 1834 through 1860’s after which the canal began to decline until it was devastated in the Port Penn successive floods of 1889 and 1894. Like the canal, the railroad was also built through Port Penn, but the railroad never supported businesses and The heritage park sits on land that used to be the historic hamlet of Port industries in the village to the extent that the canal could. Over time, the Penn. What today is a small, residential neighborhood was once a bustling sawmills, hotels, blacksmiths, merchants, and other shops and mills closed community of 300 people. Port Penn was purchased as a speculative venture in Port Penn. It was left to become a quiet and secluded neighborhood lying by John P. Schuyler and Joshua Alder who bought the 50 acres of land prior outside the more vibrant and bustling town of Muncy. to the building of the canal. Port Penn was firmly established in the 1830’s in conjunction with the construction of the Muncy division of the West Branch Canal. Port Penn grew rapidly and supported many canal-related businesses Transportation and the Landscape: Rivers, Canals and and trades. According to the Muncy Historical Society, Port Penn boasted Railways hotels, restaurants, and taverns which served residents and visitors traveling The Susquehanna River has long been a major artery for transportation on the canal’s packet boats. The area also had lumberyards and sawmills, throughout the region. The Susquehanna was declared a navigable highway boatyards and docks where canal boats could be built and repaired. in the 1770’s, yet traveling along the untamed river was a slow and often treacherous venture through which goods were regularly lost or damaged. Despite the dangers, river shipping and passenger travel continued to grow through the opening decades of the 19th century. The rafting of harvested

Historic map of the Port Penn community. Map of the canal system in Pennsylvania.

Community Profile and History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site 2.6 logs from forested hills down the West Branch to mills near Harrisburg was Construction of the West Branch Canal was completed by 1834, resulting in an especially common practice. The Susquehanna Boom Company was major growth in population, traffic and industry for the region. The West established in Williamsport in 1846 to hold harvested logs in the river and Branch Canal ran between Northumberland and Bellefonte, but was part of a serve 30 local sawmills rather than sending the logs a full 200 miles downriver much larger regional canal system of which the Pennsylvania Main Line was for milling. the primary artery. The North Branch Canal connected to the Main Line via a branch known as the Susquehanna Division. The canal system thrived for several decades in Pennsylvania. Anthracite coal, pig iron, limestone, brick, lumber, molasses and farm products were just some of the major goods that were regularly shipped along Pennsylvania’s canals at the height of their use.

Canal traffic probably reached its height in the region during the Civil War; yet even at its peak, the successor to the canal system was already firmly established in the region. Some of the first railroads in Pennsylvania had actually been built to serve as links between canals where the waterways were not feasible. Eventually, many railways were built through previously canal-dominated routes, rendering them obsolete. One of the major downsides to canal shipping was that canals could not be used during winter when they were emptied and otherwise frozen over and used as recreational skating rinks.

Major floods in 1889 and 1894 caused catastrophic damage to the West Branch Canal and many of the towns within the region. At the same time, the rapid logging and depletion of timber over the course of the century was resulting in a rapid decline in the industry. Neither the canals, nor the timber industry, ever recovered. Canals were losing money and becoming obsolete in the face of faster, year-round operable train travel and transport. The West Branch Canal was sold to the Philadelphia and Erie Railroads in 1889 for $75,000. The canal was officially closed and drained in 1901. Soon afterwards, the automobile era began. It was in this climate of change that led old time lumber workers to be nostalgic for the old days and commemorate that time with the building and voyage of the Last Raft that crashed in 1938 just downstream of the heritage park site.

Images of the West Branch Canal. The Canal ran through the Muncy With its canal lock and channel remnants, the still-used railroad and the site Heritage Park Site. of the ‘Last Raft’ crash, the heritage park serves as a unique and poignant

Community Profile and History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site 2.7 place to reflect upon the methods and changes in transportation over the and completed the voyage to Fort Hunter despite the tragedy that had past two centuries. Without an interactive place such as this, this successive occurred. history of transportation will remain largely un-interpreted and unknown to the local community. A towpath trail and partial restoration of the canal and lock system would provide firsthand interaction with the historic route at a pace of travel reminiscent with that of the canal-era.

The Last Raft The single most significant event associated with the Muncy Heritage Park site is the crash of the “Last Raft.” Throughout the 19th century and early 20th century, timber was the major industry in the region. The virgin forests of white pine and hemlock allowed the timber industry to boom, so that Lycoming County became generally known as the “lumber capital of the world.” Trunks were regularly lashed together and rafted down the West Branch of the Susquehanna to Harrisburg where they would be milled and planed. This practice had died out in the opening decades of the 20th century with the decline of the timber industry. In 1938, however, many old timers still remained who had rafted logs down the river in their primes at least some 26 years earlier. An event was sponsored by R.D. Tonkin of Tyrone to commemorate the former way of life by floating a log raft 200 miles Images of the last raft crashing into the down the Susquehanna to Fort Hunter above Harrisburg. A 112-foot-long railroad bridge at Muncy in March 1913. raft was built of white pine and on March 14, 1938, the raft was launched from McGee’s Landing, 30 miles above Clearfield. Over 5,000 spectators crowded the banks to watch the historic event. Over the course of the next six days, the raftsmen successfully navigated many obstacles and challenging stretches of river. However, on March 20th, they were forced to navigate a new railroad bridge at Muncy that had been built after the days of floating timber rafts down the river had come to an end. The unfamiliar obstacle proved to be too great a challenge for the cumbersome vessel. The raft first crashed into one pier, resulting in only minor damage, but causing the whole raft to swing around broadside where it hit a second pier and was caught between the two. This second impact threw all but one of the more than 45 passengers into the icy water. Seven died as a result of the crash, which occurred within view of many onlookers. Survivors of the crash persevered

Community Profile and History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site 2.8 Heritage Today By definition, the past is always behind us, but it is still a powerful force and a valuable resource to which we can connect and from which we can learn. The heritage of a place helps shape its identity, as does how that place relates to its heritage. The quality of life in Muncy is owed partly to the town’s readiness to embrace and celebrate its small town past. Major historic influences that have shaped Muncy’s identity are the lumber industry, the canal-era and the rail-era. The Muncy Heritage Park will be a place to strengthen connections to those eras and industries. Through interpretive elements, historic restoration practices, the interactive archeological dig and events like workshops and lectures, residents and visitors will be invited to learn about and appreciate the influences and events that have shaped culture and identity for the town and the region.

The interpretation of historic remnants from the site will teach and connect people to the canal era.

The historic canal corridor is still visible throughout the park site.

Community Profile and History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site 2.9 Community Profile and History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site 2.10 3 Site Information and Analysis

Community Profile and History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site 2.11 Community Profile and History of the Muncy Heritage Park Site 2.12 3 SITE INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS pond terminates just above the dogleg of the canal. Just south of the dogleg, there is a second pond of distinctly different character than the first. This Landscape Character southernmost pond is rectangular in shape, surrounded by mown grass, and characterized by open water with a small island covered in brush at its center. The Muncy Heritage Park is an 11-acre property southwest of Muncy on the Following the sweep of property south, a tributary crosses under the railroad Susquehanna River. It is bounded along its eastern edge by the Lycoming and into the park. This stream used to parallel the canal, but now feeds Valley Railroad. Pepper Street wraps around and cuts through the south end directly into the historic canal channel. Across this tributary lies a rectangular of the property before turning north and east again where it again provides open field that slopes down from the railroad to the northwest. This grassy access to the northern tip of the park. The northern part of the property field is currently maintained through mowing. Pepper Street crosses through is restricted to the former canal bed, a low, narrow parcel of land between the site below the field. A narrow strip of overgrown wooded land separates residential properties. Moving south, the property widens to the east as far Pepper Street from the river. A major power line right-of-way also runs just as the railroad right of way. The canal bed runs due south and then bends south of the site between the park property and a railroad bridge. southwest midway through the property where it again runs straight towards the river. The parcel of land sitting in the wide wedge of land created by the canal bend is privately owned; it is dominated by a large agricultural field and is currently under a conservation easement. On the highpoint toward the southern end of this private property, a house and historic barn sit within a forested area.

There are three distinct zones east of the historic canal. At the north half of the property, a long narrow pond is slowly turning into a marsh. This pond is surrounded by woods and shrubs; the pond itself is highly vegetated. This

The park site has a diveristy of environments, including deciduous woodlands, ponds, and meadow The north entrance to the property looking down the canal chanel. areas.

Site Information and Analysis 3.1 The south edge of the property looking towards the archeological dig and the meadow.

The property includes access to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

The canal bed can be seen as a depression running just inside the western edge of the property. Its sides are mostly wooded, but the historic channel is The railroad runs along the eastern edge of the site. largely open. From the entrance at the river, two sets of locks brought boats At the southern end of the property, the towpath ran along the eastern to the level of the canal. The canal then widened into a large basin; this area edge of the canal; it is still discernable as a linear mound sitting above the was probably accessed by a dry dock where boats could be brought out of the surrounding land. Somewhere past the third lock, the towpath crossed over water and repaired. This basin is still visible as a wider depression in the earth. to the western edge. A bridge formerly spanned the canal, but no evidence The lock tender’s house sat to the southwest of the basin. The well under of this structure remains today, unless a grouping of rocks at the canal side excavation is also in this area. Beyond the basin, the sides of the canal appear are part of the historic bridge’s support structure. A narrow trail also runs more regular and linear. Another lock was found above the basin. The old along the west bank of the canal, about three-quarters up the sloped side. locks are evidenced by stone walls, some of which are still visible today.

Site Information and Analysis 3.2 The property and its core areas.

Site Information and Analysis 3.3 Site Inventory of the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail property.

Site Information and Analysis 3.4 Site Inventory of the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail property.

Site Information and Analysis 3.5 Detail 3

Detail 2

Detail 1

Historic canal survey maps overlaying current site conditions

Site Information and Analysis 3.6 Detail 1

Site Information and Analysis 3.7 Detail 2

Site Information and Analysis 3.8 Detail 3

Site Information and Analysis 3.9 Topography & Orientation Surroundings The site slopes down from its east and west edges into the historic canal bed, With the exception of the Port Penn neighborhood to the north, the land which acts as a spine for the property. The two ponds that sit to the west of surrounding the property is largely rural and undeveloped. Agricultural lands the canal bed are other low points on the property. The land is roughly level lie on both sides of the property. The field between the park and the river around the ponds. The eastern edge of the property is steeply sloped up to is isolated, but there are large fields across the railroad track. North of the the railroad. This edge tends to be overgrown with tangled trees and brushy park site, the Port Penn neighborhood spreads and connects into Muncy. To shrubs, although the land immediately adjacent to the tracks is kept clear of the west, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain are the dominant growth. The field is sloped, but less steeply so, in the direction of the historic features within the landscape. The Muncy Hills also rise up to the south canal. The land also rises on the far side of Pepper Street, leading up to the of the site. The presence of the river and railroad give a sense of regional railroad tracks and the historic railroad bridge abutment. context and connections to the site.

The property slopes down from Pepper Street wraps around the railroad to the and connects to the property canal corridor. at the north and south ends.

The Susquehanna is a significant feature within the region.

Site Information and Analysis 3.10 Ownership The property is owned by the Muncy Historical Society and Museum of History. The Northeast corner of the site is also governed by an existing conservation easement administered by the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy. The railroad is owned by the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority; mandatory setbacks of trails will be necessary to accommodate the safe and simultaneous use of the park and railway for visitors and trains, respectively. There is also an open section of land between Pepper Street and the river, the railroad bridge and the Historical Society owned property. This land is privately owned, but sits in the right-of-way for major regional power lines. There is a mandatory 75 foot setback from the center of the lines on either side in which no structures may be built for health and safety reasons. Because of these restrictions, a landowner agreement will be considered for the development of trails on this parcel. A landowner partnership will also be considered for use of the barn and surrounding land to the immediate west of the property. Respecting the needs of private owners on other surrounding properties will also be a priority, especially where the trail will run between the back of residential houses through the northern section of the property. The shed on the property is in disrepair and will be torn down.

Site Resources Existing Utilities: The site is currently not supplied by any existing utilities. The closest electrical tie in to the core of the property is from the large barn on the adjacent property to the west of the park. Structures: 1. There is a small shed in general disrepair at the southwest corner of the recreational pond. This shed is a hazard and will be torn down. 2. There is a protective structure that was built around the lock tender’s well during excavation. This structure will be altered or removed to improve sight distance along Pepper Street. A privately-owned barn sits within view of the property on a rise west of the canal basin.

Site Information and Analysis 3.11 Access: Pepper Street provides access to the north and south ends of the property. Limited vehicle parking is available at the southern end of the site. There is currently no formal parking lot available on the property. Cultural Resources: Many remnants of the West Branch Canal and its associate structures still exist on the property. 1. Two sets of canal locks 2. Lock tender’s house foundation and well 3. Possible bridge abutment where the towpath bridge may have spanned the canal 4. Canal channel 5. Canal basin 6. Towpath 7. Dry dock site 8. Sawmill site with dock 9. Historic rail bridge abutment (off site - possibly accessible through The historic lock remnants where the West Branch Canal used to connect into the Susquehanna. landowner agreement) 10. Stone culvert allowing tributary creek to cross under the railroad

Pepper Street as it divides the property near the river.

Site Information and Analysis 3.12 Viewsheds: 1. Important views from the site include: 2. Riverbank view to the Susquehanna River, the Muncy railroad bridge and the “Last Raft” crash site 3. Overlook view from the historic railroad bridge abutment of the bridge and river 4. Seasonal view from hill leading to bridge abutment looking back over the meadow and the core of the property 5. Views over the agricultural field west of the property 6. Internal views: meadow, pond, canal & marsh area

Bodies of Water: 1. Tributary stream feeding through the stone arch and into the canal A stone arch lets the creek flow under the railroad and onto the property. basin 2. Recreational pond 3. Marsh pond that may have served the historic sawmill 4. The West Branch Susquehanna River

Vegetation and Habitat Types: 1. Riparian riverbank with early succession deciduous woody species 2. Deciduous upland woodlands 3. Old field agricultural (currently managed through mowing) 4. Stream corridor 5. Open pond 6. Eutrophic pond 7. Old field agrigculture 8. Fencerows The barn on the adjacement property.

Site Information and Analysis 3.13 Local and Regional Connections. The site is currently located along the West Branch Water Trail, which was developed by the Lumber Heritage Region and includes the entire West Branch Susquehanna River.

Water bodies on the property include a recreational pond and tributary stream.

Site Information and Analysis 3.14 The street network around the park site.

Site Information and Analysis 3.15 Site Advantages The site has a number of features and qualities that make it ideally suited to develop into a heritage park and nature trail. From a heritage standpoint, the site has cultural importance because of the Last Raft crash, the West Branch Canal and Port Penn. The many historic remnants are significant resources for interpretation that can engage visitors in the site. The diverse landscape, which varies topographically and contains multiple plant communities, from woodland to marsh and open meadow, will allow for rich and varied visitor experiences within a relatively small area. The combination of cultural and natural resources means that there are incredible opportunities for interpretation, education and programming throughout the property.

The proximity of the West Branch Susquehanna River is a definite asset for the site. Although it means that the park sits within the river’s floodplain, it puts the park in an ideal place for regional bike and water trail connections. Access to the river can also serve recreational and educational purposes, and it is highly scenic in and of itself. The two ponds on the property can also be used for education and recreation and have the advantage of attracting birds and wildlife to the site. The grassy field has potential for restoration into a meadow; early tests show a wide diversity of plants that will grow within the field if it is simply left fallow. Another advantage of the site is its proximity to the Port Penn community while also providing a very secluded and rural- feeling experience due to surrounding agricultural lands. The presence of the There are mandatory setbacks from the railroad and power river, in conjunction with setbacks and development restrictions associated lines that both run next to the park. with the railroad, powerlines, floodplain and conservation easement will combine to protect the rural character of the park and its surroundings into the future.

Site Constraints Several particularities of the site will put constraints on the design and particularly the placement of structures on the property. Safety concerns and minimum setbacks require that no permanent structures be built within 75 feet of the powerlines and within 50 feet of the railroad. Trails will also not be

Site Information and Analysis 3.16 The park will experience periodic flooding, as shown in this 100- and 500-year flood map.

Site Information and Analysis 3.17 allowed within the railroad setback without a physical barrier and even so, special exemptions from the Rail Authority would be required. Similarly, the building of structures is not permitted within the conservation easement around the marsh pond.

The whole of the site sits within the floodplain of the Susquehanna River. The river reaches flood stage regularly. Between the years of 1889 and 1975, the West Branch of the Susquehanna reached flood stage 86 times. The worst flood event occurred in June 1972 when Hurricane Agnes dropped as much as 20 inches of rain in parts of the region, causing the river to flood 34,435 acres of Lycoming County alone.

The potential for the property to flood will also put constraints and challenges on the design of the park. Structures and features will need to be built with floods in mind, meaning that they will need to withstand high waters as much as possible, be removed for winter, or easily reparable or replicable if damaged. Flood potential will also affect management and maintenance programs for the site.

Park Use and Area Suitability The park will be highly suitable for a number of uses. In particular, passive recreation will be available through walking trails, birding and wildlife viewing around the ponds and at the river. Fishing could be accommodated at the recreational pond and along the river as well. The park will be a place for sightseeing, especially of the river and seasonal changes. It will also be a destination for heritage tourism focused on the canal-era and logging industry that were both major economic influences for the region in the 19th century.

Due to its geographic location, the park has the potential to be more than an isolated public resource. It can immediately be accessed from the existing West Branch Water Trail and should also be connected to bike trails proposed by the Lycoming County Planning Commission, Lumber Heritage Historic remnants like the canal tow path and channel need to be protected and maintain, but also offer Region and the Susquehanna Greenway. The property’s cultural importance opportunities for interpretation and education.

Site Information and Analysis 3.18 and unique historic features make it a place that will be better suited to provide opportunities for education and passive recreation rather than active recreation and sports fields. The Muncy Historical Society envisions a wide array of programs and events for which the site it highly suited. The archeological dig will be continued and used to train college students in archeological field techniques, encourage public participation within the park, and teach schoolchildren about archeology and local history through interactive field trips. The park will also be suited to hold a variety of outdoor classrooms for heritage, environmental and creative learning. To create a hub for these educational activities, a covered area and gathering space is needed.

Special Environmental Protections Conservation easements through the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy protect land on either side of the property. Permitting to construct the proposed park facilities is not expected to be cumbersome since the proposed site improvements seek to have a light hand on the natural and Nature trails in the park will encourage visitors to spend time outside. cultural/historic resources of the site. The Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and Lycoming County Conservation District staff have all visited the site and see few permitting issues with the proposed program.

The park has many cultural resrouces around which many educational programs and events can be developed.

Site Information and Analysis 3.19 Neighborhood Compatibility Public opinion surveys for the Susquehanna Greenway Project reveal that the creation of public amenities, greenways and trails is a priority for area residents. The park will give Muncy and Port Penn residents both a public open space to visit, learn and recreate and will also provide river access for people and small boats.

Surveys show that residents would like more public open spaces and places for residents to use and enjoy the river.

Site Information and Analysis 3.20 4 Master Plan Design

Site Information and Analysis 3.21 Site Information and Analysis 3.22 4 MASTER PLAN DESIGN

Project Vision and Goals The primary goal of the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail is to serve residents and visitors alike by creating a place to connect to Muncy’s heritage and local landscape and promote healthy living through passive recreation and arts, environment and history focused educational opportunities. In keeping with the historic context of the site, design elements will be inspired by historic vernacular structures of Northcentral Pennsylvania and the canal era. Doing so will give the park a cohesive, unified character. It will also create an identity for the park that will be recognizable, enjoyable and memorable, helping to draw regional visitors and encourage repeat visits.

The park master plan seeks to be ‘green’ with a light hand on the land. To support this mission, the Muncy Canal Heritage Park will consider the use of reused, recycled or locally available materials for the trail and site amenities. Native vegetation and design elements that facilitate ecological processes will be encouraged throughout the site. Park elements such as signage, benches, structures and trail surfaces will also be built to withstand flooding as well as the region’s hot, humid summers and freezing winters. At the heart of the project is the goal to save the West Branch Canal. To this end, the canal will sit at the heart of the park and the design.

Outdoor classroom illustration demonstrating the numberous types of outdoor educational opportunities found on the site, including art, environmental studies, health and wellness.

Master Plan Design 4.1 Master Plan Design

The master plan showing design concepts for the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail. For detail views, refer to the master plan .pdf file on the project cd

Master Plan Design 4.2 Muncy Hertitage Park and Nature Trail Master Plan Water Features: Pond and Unnamed Tributary flows through Project Information site. West end of property abuts West Branch Park Name: Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail Susquehanna River Municipality: Muncy Creek Township, Lycoming Co., Pennsylvania Wetlands: Man-made hydric soil conditions may be present Owner: Muncy Historical Society in historic canal bed. Elevated auger- system boardwalk should be use for Plan Information canal bed trail crossing Scale and North: 1” = 100’ and graphic scale as shown Floodplains: Most of the site is in the 100 year floodplain with Acreage of Site: 11 Acres the high point adjacent to the railroad Landscape Architect: Brian S. Auman, RLA PA#1503R located in the 500 year floodplain Drainage Structures: Historic masonry stream culvert under railroad, Site Information corrugated metal pipe under Pepper Site Boundaries: See Appendix: Site Boundary Bearings & Distances Street all properly sized Soils: Chenango gravelly loam Site Control: Access gate – needs to be replaced to fit historic Holly silt loam character of the site and new gate for Bardour fine sandy loam parking area (See Appendix: Muncy Soil Data) Rights-of-Way: PPL Electric Utility overhead power line requires Site Zoning: Agriculture/Conservation Zoning which allows setback of all building structures a park as a conditional use and a zoning – impacting the southern edge of site hearing has been requested. – but does not impact parking area Surrounding Zoning: Single Family Residential Vegetation: Mix of woods, open water, old field agriculture, Single Family w/ Conservation Easement fencerow, and riparian forest. Some Agriculture/Conservation with Utility invasive plants along riverbanks and Corridors railroad right of way. (Transportation and Electric) Soils and Geology: Soils suitable for park and recreational open space Adjacent Easement: Held by NorthCentral PA Conservancy – sufficient depth to bedrock and no other Topography: Slopes are minimal and do not limit park program subsurface limitations Existing Structures: None Riparian Buffers: Unnamed tributary has degraded riparian buffer Historic Structures: Historic canal-era structures to be stabilized, offering an excellent stream restoration preserved and restored. opportunity; Susquehanna River forest buffer in good condition but has lots of Circulation: Access to both ends of the site via Pepper Street; trash and large woody debris hierarchy of trails from towpath trail to Other Site Features: Remnants of two canal locks, the location of lock rustic nature trails tenders house, North Branch PA Canal Barriers: See Water and Wetlands Below and canal towpath

Master Plan Design 4.3 Design Elements consistent look. These signs are being created using high quality embedded fiberglass panels that are durable, easy to clean, full color and fade resistant. Signage The materials used are to National Park Service standards. The sign supports Several types of signage will be necessary within the Heritage Park, including and frames will be made of painted high strength aluminum, mounted at a 30 wayfinding, interpretive, and regulatory signs. Signage will guide visitors degree angle for ease of reading. to the park from the highways and surrounding communities. These will be created in partnership with Susquehanna Greenway Partnership’s sign program and may be included as a pilot program. A prominent project sign will mark the vehicle entrance to the park from Pepper Street. Inside the park, an information kiosk at the parking lot will display a map of the park, orient park visitors and describe the park’s history and significance. The kiosk will also post all rules and regulations. A small map and park rules will also be posted at the northern pedestrian entrance to the park. “No Parking” and a sign directing motorists to the parking lot will be necessary at the north entrance to respect private residences.

Internal wayfinding signs will direct visitors to points of interest, including the Susquehanna River and railroad bridge overlook, the Mule Barn Pavilion, and interpretive lock area. Other signs may be placed to help visitors navigate the trail system. Interpretive signing will be placed at key cultural sites. One sign will describe the ongoing archeological work at the park. Another will tell the history of the Port Penn Hamlet that used to occupy the site. The interpretive lock area will contain a series of signs relating to various aspects of canal life. At the rail bridge overlook, a sign will tell the story of the last raft. Educational panels in nature can be useful for visiting students and wildlife enthusiasts and should be coupled with wildlife enhancement projects.

The Lumber Heritage Region has pledged to work with the Muncy Historical Society for signage and interpretation because the Muncy Heritage Park Interpretive signs such as these can teach visitors about local and regional history. directly supports the management plan of the Lumber Heritage Region. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership also has a sign program with which the heritage park signs will comply. Two interpretive signs have already been developed for the Port Penn area and the Susquehanna River. These will serve as a template for other signage on the property to maintain a

Master Plan Design 4.4 Access Pedestrian Pedestrians will be able to access the park from the north entrance on Pepper Street or via the parking lot entrance, also off of Pepper Street at the south end of the property. The north entrance will be the primary pedestrian access point since it will be closer for the bulk of Port Penn and Muncy residents. Safe pedestrian access from town to the park is essential for visitors from town. Since many regular visitors could be from town, a safe walking area with signs should be considered. Due to low traffic density around the park, sidewalks could be seen as an over-expenditure of limited resources. A “share the road” concept for vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian safe roads may be more appropriate in response to expected vehicle and pedestrian density. Pedestrian-safe corridors could be created from the park and into nearby neighborhoods using the existing street network. Painted street surfaces could define a safe pedestrian lane. In key problem areas, traffic calming devices such as bump-outs could be used to slow traffic and increase safety for pedestrians and bicycles.

The primary pedestrian access will be from the north end of the park, visitors will move through the park on three scales fo trails.

Master Plan Design 4.5 Historic structures from the canal will inspire the design of park features. Source: Robert N. DeVoss & David A. Hainley. West Branch Canal, 1975, pages 38 to 40.

Master Plan Design 4.6 Bicycle Locally, bicyclists can access the heritage park via surface streets. Eventually, it is hoped that the heritage park will be tied into regional off-street bike trails and greenways proposed within the Lycoming County Planning Commission’s 2007 Comprehensive Plan. Bike racks will be located at both entrances to encourage cycling to and from the park as a healthy alternative to driving. Biking will be easily accommodated along the main trail through the park and will also be possible on secondary trails. The nature trails will likely be too narrow to safely allow for bicycling in the presence of pedestrians. Vehicle Motor vehicle and bus parking will be provided from Pepper Street at the south end of the property. The short, curving drive into the parking lot will provide motorists with a look over the meadow before directing their views to the parking lot itself. The on-site parking lot will appear to be within the woods; this effect will reduce the visual impact of the vehicles when in the park, plus it will frame views of the park from within the parking lot. This will be achieved through careful design using slope, orientation and perimeter vegetation around the lot. The parking lot will have angled parking spaces, handicap spaces and a bus pull-off. It will be sized to accommodate approximately two handicap and eight non-handicap cars. In order to reduce surface runoff, parking for one to two buses will be located on pervious (“grass-crete”) pavers at the far side of the turn around. Grass-crete, while it promotes infiltration of surface water, is not recommended for heavily used parking spaces because the grass will not survive.

Maintenance The access road at the end of Port Penn Road will not be used as a public vehicle entrance; it will be the service entrance for maintenance vehicles. This dual purpose access point will be designed as the main pedestrian trail and would accommodate emergency and maintenance vehicles.

Master Plan Design 4.7 The circulation and access plan for the park showing entrances and core, secondary, and nature trails.

Master Plan Design 4.8 Boat & River Access Small boats such as canoes and kayaks following the West Branch Water Trail will be able to access the property from a small, soft landing spot where the park property extends to the river. The landing site will be kept clear of major vegetation, but will not be paved. A sign will mark the river landing site for boaters that is consistent with existing signage for the West Branch Water Trail or signage used by the Susquehanna River Trail Association.

The possibility of acquiring additional land in order to increase the size of the park and expand river frontage should be explored. Increasing the amount of useable river frontage would open up further possibilities for outdoor classroom spaces, trails, vistas and recreational uses such as fishing. The additional space would also reduce potential conflict for user groups wanting to pursue one or more river based activities simultaneously.

Circulation The trail system developed within the park will be hierarchical according to location within the park along with encouraged and anticipated usage. The core trail will be broad and linear; it will run along the old towpath that forms the spine of the property between the interpretive canal demonstration area and the restored mule bridge that crosses the canal where the towpath historically switched banks. Secondary trails will branch off from the core trail to major points of interest throughout the park. North of the restored mule bridge, the extension of the core towpath trail will be in the form of a secondary trail as far as the Pepper Street pedestrian entrance. Secondary trails will access the following: • Parking lot • Recreational pond youth fishing dock area • River overlook from historic bridge abutment • River overlook and soft boat landing (via Pepper Street crosswalk) • Mule Bridge to Pepper Street north entrance • Mule Barn Pavilion picnic area and amphitheatre A boat landing area will give paddlers access to the park from the West Branch Water Trail. • Sawmill site Master Plan Design 4.9 Nature trails will be the smallest and most natural of the three trail types; property’s barn if it is acquired for park uses. Because there are currently no rather than providing access to major points, these primitive trails will power lines serving the park site, electricity will be run underground from let visitors enjoy and explore the park. The nature trails will highlight the the existing barn to the pavilion. Underground lines will help preserve the scenery and hidden treasures found throughout the property, such as the naturalistic character of the park. stone arch culvert and the restored native meadow. Lighting will be provided at the parking lot and Mule Barn Pavilion. The The primary and secondary trails will both be surfaced with rolled rock trails will not be lighted in order to reinforce the dawn to dusk park hours. dust and will be universally accessible. Rock dust, quarry fines, and similar Limiting lighting will also reduce energy consumption, saving money and materials are a secondary top layer of stone that are laid out on top of a 2b promoting the green mission of the park and the Susquehanna Greenway stone base. They can be compacted by hand or with a roller to make a nice Partnership. Alternative energy sources, such as solar panels, will be solid surface. The primary distinction between the primary and secondary considered. The lighting around the pavilion will only operate around dusk in trails will be width. The primary trail will be built to a minimum width of 10 order to minimize light pollution within the park which will improve its value feet, while the secondary trails may have regular widths of 6 or 8 feet. The as wildlife habitat. surface of nature trails, however, will vary in response to their surroundings. Within the meadow, for example, the trail will be defined by a simple mown Gathering Spaces corridor through the otherwise unmanaged field. Compacted earth, bark chip and gravel might be other materials used to surface the nature trails The Mule Barn Pavilion will include program space, a picnic area and simple throughout the park. outdoor amphitheatre. There will be picnic tables under the pavilion and out in the open to give visitors an option where they would like to gather As part of the circulation plan, safe pedestrian crossings will need to be and eat at the park. The amphitheatre, adjacent to the pavilion, will be a created where trails cross Pepper Street by improving sight distances and the place for classes or groups to gather together for discussions or educational implementation of traffic calming methods including a painted pedestrian programs. The Mule Barn Pavilion will be designed to have the façade of a crosswalk. The excavation site structure around the lock tender’s well will be vernacular structure, such as historic barns from the canal era. For increased removed to improve sight distance on Pepper Street and other traffic calming versatility, the façade will include sliding barn doors as can be found on other methods will be considered barns in the area. From the parking lot, the pavilion will have the appearance Utilities of a solid structure due to the façade; in fact, the structure will have open walls as is common with a pavilion, making it adaptable to a wide range of Restrooms will be provided within or near the Mule Barn Pavilion. Portable programmatic uses. restrooms that could be removed in the off-season or in anticipation of flooding are likely to be selected as the most economic and practical option for the park. It is, however, recommended that a contextually appropriate structure be designed and built to house the portable restroom facilities so that they blend with the historic character of the site.

Electricity will also be available at the Mule Barn Pavilion and at the adjacent

Master Plan Design 4.10 Illustration of the mule barn pavilion and outdoor amphitheater - the hub for educational activities.

If aquired by the park, the adjacent barn would be a good place to create a welcome center and The park pavilion will fit into the architectural heritage of the region. event space for the park.

Master Plan Design 4.11 Seating will be available throughout the park.

Master Plan Design 4.12 Seating Storage Benches will be available throughout the park to give visitors the chance Storage space will be provided within the Mule Barn Pavilion for park to sit and rest, relax and enjoy the scenery. The highest concentration of maintenance and regular programs such as tools for the archeological dig benches will be along the core trail which will attract the most pedestrian and other items used for field trip lessons. A first aid kit and an emergency traffic. Other benches will be placed at vistas and overlooks throughout cell phone will be an essential part of what is stored in the Mule Barn Pavilion. the park to highlight the natural and diverse beauty of the different areas. Benches will not be located within 75 feet of the power lines. Regional Connections Views and Vistas The boat landing will tie the heritage park into the West Branch Water Trail that has been developed by the Lumber Heritage Region. It could also be Vegetation will be cleared to create a river overlook from the secondary connected by the county trail and greenway systems proposed through trail. In order to minimize environmental impacts, the vista will be created Muncy within the Lycoming County Comprehensive Plan adopted in August by removing understory trees and shrubs and selectively pruning limbs of of 2007. Regional trails currently planned as far as Williamsport could also canopy trees. Maintenance will be required to retain views out towards the be expanded as far as Muncy. Further downstream on the Susquehanna, the river. One overlook will use the elevated historic bridge abutment to provide Warrior Run Pathways Partnership has been initiated to develop a system a raised, sweeping view of the river. Another vista will be cleared at river level of pathways in and around the Warrior Run Community. Collaboration near the boat landing. to create linkages between projects such as these would be an ideal way to expand community open space and greenway resources and create an interconnected regional network of trails.

Recreational Spaces The trails are the most purely recreational spaces within the park for walking, biking, jogging and enjoying the scenery. A dock will be built on the east side of the open pond to give youth a safe place for fishing. The dock will be in an open area with little or no overhead tree canopy; it will be built for universal accessibility. A life ring will be stored at the dock in case of accidents, but swimming will not be allowed within either pond area. It is not the intent of the project to provide active sports or playground facilities within the park; these types of structures and activities would detract from the desired look and feel of a heritage park. However, creative outdoor play could occur informally throughout the park, using natural materials.

Vistas to the Susquehanna will be maintained through selective pruning.

Master Plan Design 4.13 A universally accessible dock will be a place where children can learn to fish.

Environmental Pond and Natural Area The park as a whole is being designed with strong consideration for the If a suitable location with a clear view of the marsh pond can be identified environment. Due to the historic resources found on the site, all earth outside of the conservation easement, a bird blind will be constructed to disturbances will be minimized. In locations where earth work will be improve wildlife viewing opportunities. The pond and its surroundings will performed, such as at the parking lot and pavilion, test pits will be dug to be maintained to protect its naturalistic character and good habitat value for examine the presence of historic artifacts prior to construction. This will birds and wildlife. allow for adjustments to be made in the location of structures to minimize disturbance to historic resources. Wherever possible, the special nuances within the local landscape, flora and fauna will be both highlighted and protected. Natural areas will also double as outdoor classrooms, although there will generally be no built structures or signage to designate the spaces as such.

Master Plan Design 4.14 Lycoming County has a number of trails planned or proposed for the area. Source: Lycoming County Comprehensive Plan, 2007.

Master Plan Design 4.15 Native Meadow A native meadow surrounded by farmland and forest offers an opportunity to enhance bio-diversity while creating a low-maintenance landscape. The change from canopy vegetation to forbs and grasses allows for greater bio-diversity of plants and wildlife. The following native grasses could be considered for seeding or planting as plugs into degraded or problem areas that are not exhibiting good bio-diversity or habitat value: • Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum • Little Bluestem, Schizachryium scoparium • Big Bluestem, Andropogon gerardii • Indian Grass, Sorghastrum nutans • Deertongue, Panicum clandestinum • Canadian Wild Rye, Elymus canadensis • Bottlebrush Grass, Elymus hystrix • Riverbank Wild Rye, Elymus riparius • Silky Wild Rye, Elymus villosus • Virginia Wild Rye, Elymus virginicus • Purple Top, Tridens flavus • Eastern Gamma Grass, Tripsacum dactyloides

If meadow restoration does require more intensive efforts, native seed mixes or plantings could be considered. The following is a Showy Northeast Native Wildflower Mix from the Ernst Seed Co. that gives an example of the types of native plants that could be used to introduce more seasonal color to the field: • Partridge Pea, Chamaecrista fasciculata • Black Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta • Wild Senna, Senna hebecarpa • Great St. John’s Wort, Hypericum pyramidatum A bird blind like the one shown here could be built to let visitors and students watch birds at the mill • Wild Bergamot, Monarda fistulosa pond without disturbing them.

Master Plan Design 4.16 • Ohio Spiderwort, Tradescantia ohioensis in a more abstract or creative manner that would also help to shield the • Tall White Beard Tongue, Penstemon digitalis parking lot from view of the park but would not interfere with the ecological functioning of the bioswales. Other means of engaging local artists could be • Blue False Indigo, Baptisia australis through the design of signage and decorative elements to park structures. • Ox Eye Sunflower, Heliopsis helianthoides • Appalachian Beard Tongue, PA Ecotype, Penstemon laevigatus Historic Interpretation • Early Goldenrod, Solidago juncea Saving the historic West Branch Canal was the driving force that has • Smooth Blue Aster, Aster laevis ultimately led to the idea of creating a heritage park and this master planning process. Historic preservation, restoration, and connections to the history • Whorled Rosinweed, Silphium trifoliatum and heritage of the property are a key element to the mission of the park. • Golden Alexanders, Zizia aurea Canal-era history and lumber heritage, including the Last Raft story and the history of Port Penn, are the central cultural elements that will be explored, Stormwater Management interpreted, and taught throughout the park. The Muncy Historical Society wishes to be an environmentally responsible Canal Demonstration steward of the land which means that negative impacts to the land and ecological functions should be anticipated and minimized. The construction Flow from the existing stream will be used to re-water a section of the canal of a parking lot and the subsequent parking of vehicles will result in an and display a life size canal boat. This will be in the wide area of the canal increase of polluted stormwater on the property. Bioswales will be designed basin towards the south end of the property. The water level within the canal to capture parking lot runoff where it will be filtered and cleaned, thereby demonstration will rely on flow from the stream, which varies considerably improving water quality and wildlife habitat. Otherwise, the park will throughout the year. The canal lock also offers an opportunity for restoration promote stormwater management by limiting the use of non-porous surfaces and/or interpretation. The possibility of creating an interactive full-size or and built structures so that current levels of infiltration are maintained. scaled-model working lock that the public could manipulate will be explored. This will be the most formal area of the park; the canal will be restored using historic documents and photographs in collaboration with the Muncy Arts Historical Society and the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission. The arts could be incorporated into park design in a number of ways. Collaboration with local artists, illustrators and craftsmen is recommended Sawmill to explore opportunities for artistic expression throughout the site. One The canal corridor divides private property that lies to either side and is place this could take place is at the entrance from the parking lot. It has been protected under a conservation easement. That private property contains proposed that a life-size canal boat be built and placed at the entrance where historic sites that are significant to the canal and prehistoric Native American visitors could explore it and begin their time at the park with a connection to cultures. The land is currently for sale, but a partnership will be sought with the canal-era and a good sense of the true size of the historic boats. Working the new owners for public use of the eastern section of private land around with local artists or craftsmen, this same objective might be achieved the mill pond. Specifically, the Muncy Historical Society will be seeking a land

Master Plan Design 4.17 acquisition at the dry dock site and also at the old sawmill site. In exchange, present. Although some of the archeological record may be covered by trails, the Muncy Historical Society will grant an access easement to connect the it will not be disturbed, leaving the possibility for its excavation in the future. two pieces of land. The sawmill, located across the canal from the dry dock site, allowed for easy access to lumber to build or repair the large canal boats. The site could be used as a boat building display. Education: The Heritage Park as an Outdoor Classroom

Stone Arch Culvert Education is central to the mission of the Muncy Heritage Park. Due to its rich endowment of cultural, natural and scenic resources, the entire site can The beautifully constructed stone arch culvert that allows the tributary be conceived of as a learning environment. The key is in promoting potential stream to flow beneath the railroad should be cleared and displayed. It will educational opportunities through park design and programming. The be accessible via a nature trail. “outdoor classroom” model can be used to enhance learning opportunities. The Arbor Day Foundation has developed a book entitled the Learning With The Last Raft Nature Idea Book with ten guiding principles for creating successful outdoor classrooms. The principles include having a range of activity areas, such as The river overlook location offers an excellent opportunity to interpret both an open area for large-motor activities, a nature art area, a “messy materials” canal heritage and an important event of the lumber era. The site overlooks area and a climbing and crawling area. It also recommends designing with the stone masonry of the Canal Lock #21 and the Last Raft crash site. The regional materials, including a variety of natural materials such as trees and overlook will include an interpretive sign panel describing the event and its live plants. The principles within the book are really intended for focused significance within the lumber heritage region. This overlook could also be outdoor classroom spaces, but many of the ideas are applicable to how a place where collaboration with an artist could be explored to design an the park could be used and programmed for outdoor learning. The Muncy installation commemorating the Last Raft. Heritage Park as a whole will be treated as an outdoor classroom. The park will include much more flexible spaces that can be adapted to outdoor Archaeological Interpretation Area classroom use for school groups and field trips; these spaces will also be As the archeological dig continues, a display area will be used to present site accessible and inviting to the full range of park visitors. research findings and to keep the public informed about how the research is proceeding. A plan will need to be developed to accommodate the ongoing dig so that other important cultural areas of the park, such as the sawmill, could be explored without disrupting other park programs or designed elements. Trail alignments should be approved by the lead archeologist to avoid future conflicts in which a trail has been built over a future dig area.

The entire design of the park will need to be sensitive to the ongoing archeological excavation and to the presence of historic remnants throughout the site. One simple way to do this will be to build up to create trails and features rather than digging into the earth where artifacts may be

Master Plan Design 4.18 The archeological dig is a great way to actively engage students in exploring and learning about local heritage.

Master Plan Design 4.19 Master Plan Design 4.20 5 Operations, Maintenance and Security

Master Plan Design 4.21 Master Plan Design 4.22 5 OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE and SECURITY management methods will be the preferred method of controlling invasive species. Harmful chemicals such as herbicides and insecticides are not to be used on the property except as a last resort to eradicate the growth of Park Ownership and Governance plants that pose a greater threat to the health of the site than the chemicals themselves. This choice is made for the health and safety of park users, in The park is owned by the Muncy Historical Society and Museum of History an effort to provide the best habitat potential for resident and migrating which will oversee the maintenance and operations for the site, at least in birds and wildlife and to promote the protection of the Susquehanna River. the short term. In the long term it may determined that the more cost and Throughout the park, native plants will be given preference over non-natives. resource efficient approach would be to establish partnerships with logical Invasive plants will generally be suppressed through routine maintenance. organizations to take over maintenance responsibilities for the park. There If an outbreak of invasive or pest plants occurs that threaten the ecological have been discussions by SEDA-COG and the Susquehanna Greenway health of the park, special removal efforts will be organized according to Partnership of forming a Regional Trail Authority to assume operations and best management practices. Manual and mechanical methods will be used maintenance responsibility for trail projects throughout the region. whenever sufficient. One native plant of concern is Poison Ivy; a plan to control it is needed to help protect park users. Recommendations for the control Vegetation Management of Poison Ivy are included in the appendix. Except within the open meadow Overview and significant viewsheds, the presence of deciduous canopy trees will be encouraged. Because the park contains a number of distinct ecosystems It is the intent of the park to be maintained in a naturalistic state, enhancing (meadow, deciduous hardwood forest, marsh, riparian riverbank, etc), and protecting the historic and ecological values of the park using a light- maintenance practices will be tailored to retain and support the unique qualities handed approach to maintenance. Manual and mechanical integrated pest of each zone, including plant communities, vegetative density and form.

Restoration of the native meadow will provide exellent habitat for birds and insects, educational opportunities and seasonal interest.

Operations, Maintenance and Security 5.1 Native Meadow The large sloping open field on the property is currently maintained through mowing. However, a test patch of field that was not mown over the course of the 2007 growing season revealed a diverse plant community that rapidly developed into excellent habitat for small birds, animals and insects. It is recommended that the entire field be allowed to grow in this manner. Native plant seed mixes could also be purchased and used to direct the meadow restoration with more, but not perfect. control; but this method would be significantly more costly and would still be susceptible to the volunteer growth of non-native and invasive species. The test patch shows that allowing the meadow to regenerate naturally will probably result in a A special maintenance plan good diversity of plants. Should an abundance of invasive plants reduce should be developed with the habitat value of the meadow over time, maintenance practices should the Joint Rail Authority for the sensitive and attractive be adjusted to control those invasives and promote native species. Nature management of vegetation trails through the meadow can initially be created by mowing paths through next to the tracks. the area. Following this practice, the paths could be different each year to create a fun element of surprise for visitors. Maintained in this way, the meadow will provide a strong element of seasonal change as the grasses and groundcovers emerge in the spring, grow tall by summer and subsequently brown out and die back in the fall and winter.

Railroad Right-of-Way With regard to the adjacent railway, an agreement should be reached with SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority to change the vegetation management practices for the railroad right-of-way that neighbors park property. Recognizing that the right-of way still needs to be kept clear of growth, manual methods, possibly in conjunction with park maintenance, should be utilized in favor of the current chemical spraying control practices.

Trail Edges A minimum of 8’ of clearance will be maintained above trails for headroom. Woodlands will be actively Low vegetative groundcovers, shrubs, or bare ground will be maintained maintained for visitor safety within the park but will retain a naturalistic alongside of trails as well to prevent trails from becoming overgrown and appearance.

Operations, Maintenance and Security 5.2 to maintain safe sightlines. The widths of strips maintained will vary by trail type, with the core trail having the widest maintained borders. Nature trails will be kept clear of growth, but will have minimal border strips.

Woodlands Diseased or damaged trees will be tagged and harvested by a forestry consultant or arborist every two years for processing by Penn College Forestry Management students and faculty. This has been done twice so far and is a successful way to manage the mature trees on the property while creating an opportunity for college students to learn and benefit from the management program. In the short term, trees harvested from the property could also be used to construct park elements including the welcome kiosk and Mule Barn Pavilion.

Natural Area The northern mill pond is privately owned and controlled by a conservation easement; no structures will be built on this land. If a land acquisition or partnership is secured with the new owners of this land, Muncy Historical Society will seek to partner with the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy on wetland and habitat enhancement projects and plantings.

Riverbank Vegetation and accumulated debris will regularly be cleared from the small boat landing area along the river to provide clear access to the park for boaters.

Signage Vegetation will not be allowed to grow up and block any park signs.

Canal The bed of the canal will be maintained either as a clear area or with a regular groundcover. One option is to use a regular planting to artistically represent The canal channel, locks and towpath will require a special maintenance plan to preserve the historic resources.

Operations, Maintenance and Security 5.3 the historic level of the canal. Plants adapted to shade and periodic wet conditions will be necessary for the channel, which receives seasonal runoff and remains wet throughout the spring. Trees and large woody shrubs will not be allowed to grow within the historic canal corridor. Special maintenance will be required to protect and maintain the historic stone walls of the canal locks. Vines, as well as trees and shrubs with aggressive and destructive root systems, will not be permitted to grow on or near the historic stone walls. Conversely, some vegetative groundcover should be maintained around these structures to prevent soil erosion and destabilization of the walls. A stabilization and management plan for vegetation in and around historic remnants will be developed in consultation with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Viewshed Management Trees on the property will be selectively pruned to maintain clear views within designated viewsheds. Similarly, shrubs and understory trees will also be selectively cleared or pruned back if they grow into major sightlines. The pruning of all trees and shrubs should be done to maintain a naturalistic effect; the resulting “windows” should appear to be the work of nature. Trees and shrubs should not be hedged, cut, or topped in any regular or geometric way. In some instances, a shrub or the branches of a tree could be left within a viewshed if they serve to enhance the picturesque quality of the view. Mature trees will typically be left within viewsheds to provide canopy cover, with lower branches being removed to open views. If particular nuisance shrubs or trees repeatedly grow and block significant views, these may be removed and replaced with low- growing native shrubs or perennials. Vegetation management will also consider ‘visual access’ to the site to aid in policing the site.

Flood Preparedness and Response The majority of the park property lies within an area prone to frequent flooding. As previously stated, trail surfaces, signage, seating areas and structures will be designed to stand up to flooding. Management practices, therefore, will need to be established to evaluate and repair damage quickly and efficiently after flood The active management and preservation of viewsheds will help visitors understand and enjoy the events. park within the context of its surroundings.

Operations, Maintenance and Security 5.4 Risk Management and Liability Liability will be limited and safety promoted through the posting of park rules and regulations at all designated park entrances. Insurance will need to be acquired and maintained for the park. The Muncy Historical Society should consider partnering with a larger recreation provider for insurance. This partnership could possibly be achieved at the county level or with an organization such as a Regional Trail Authority in the future.

A Park Maintenance Plan needs to be developed to minimize risk exposure to park visitors. The Park Maintenance Plan will include a list and schedule of all regular and periodic park maintenance needs. Maintenance can be completed more efficiently and safely during off-peak hours when fewer visitors are in the proximity of maintenance equipment. The plan will specifically coordinate with programmed uses of the park, such as school field trips, to minimize risk exposure to scheduled visitors like groups of school children. The Park Maintenance Plan should also coordinate with the SEDA-GOC Joint Rail Authority to find an alternative to chemical spraying for vegetation control within the railroad right-of-way adjacent to the park The posting of rules and regulations, provision of life-saving equipment, and adherence to minimum property. Design standards will be followed so that there are no liability risks setbacks will help minimize risks associated with the railroad, ponds and river, improving safety for or safety concerns created for park users because of the adjacent active rail park users. corridor.

The Susquehanna River and numerous water bodies on the property present a moderate safety risk for park users. “No swimming” signs will need to be posted at the recreational pond because of liability concerns. Lifesaving safety gear will be kept at the fishing dock site and boat landing for use in the event of an accident. A first aid station will be maintained at the Mule Barn Pavilion. This station should be regularly checked and replenished. An emergency phone should be available near the parking lot or Mule Barn.

Operations, Maintenance and Security 5.5 Archeological Dig Program The project also will serve as an archaeological field school for several local colleges and universities and as independent research for undergraduates, grad students and scientific professionals. Pennsylvania high school students must complete a multi-year senior project and may utilize the project for independent research. The public archaeology portion of the project will focus on the training of undergraduate archaeologists and anthropologists as field and research specialists within an authentic, historical framework as well as offer an opportunity for training and support to individuals interested in history as a career or as an enhancement to an academic career. In addition to the academic impact, the public archaeology of the canal project will include on-site outreach programs such as community lectures, exhibits on archaeology and demonstrations. Public and private school students will be invited to make annual field trips to the excavation site and laboratory to participate in tours and hands-on activities with artifacts. Public digs will also engage local residents by inviting them to actively participate in the archeological exploration on the site. School children, college students and community members of all ages have participated in the ongoing archeological dig.

Operations, Maintenance and Security 5.6 Operations, Maintenance and Security 5.7 Operations, Maintenance and Security 5.8 6 A Strategy for Action

Operations, Maintenance and Security 5.9 Operations, Maintenance and Security 5.10 6 Strategy for Action In recent years the Muncy Historical Society has development a network of supporters who are sold on the vision of a heritage park. This grassroots Project Needs, Phasing & Implementation support for the park has the potential to pay large dividends as the park moves into final design and construction. In addition to state and The site has a rich history – from the bustle of commerce in Port Penn federal funding sources typically tapped for recreation, trails, heritage during the canal era, the coming of the railroad, to the tragedy of the last and tourism development – the local partners can lend money, technical raft accident. The site today is a wonderful mix of historic remnants of a assistance, equipment, materials and labor towards creating the park. The forgotten era in a context of farms and fields, wetlands, woodland and river. Muncy Historical Society should take maximum advantage of established The park master plan seeks to have a light hand, respecting and celebrating partnerships with regional, county and municipal agencies, private the site’s cultural and natural resources, and building the park infrastructure foundations and university service-learning activities to achieve the match that complements the natural setting and needs of park users. required by many grant programs. The Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail should make slow, steady progress towards implementation over the next The Muncy Heritage Park is used now by hundreds of school children each five years. year and by dozens of people who participate in the on-going archaeological dig. The park can grow incrementally, developing all the elements outlined in the master plan, as funding and other resources become available. The Park Regulatory Issues master plan outlines four phases of development. The Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Lycoming County Conservation Phase I District staff have visited the site and see few permitting issues with the Improve park access, construct a covered educational facility and proposed park master plan. develop the main spine of the canal tow path.

Phase II Create the river overlook, extend the tow path trail to the north end of the property and enhance the meadow and woodland habitat of the site.

Phase III Create an archaeological dig interpretation area, construct the nature trail system, and boating river access

Phase IV Restore and re-water the canal basin, develop a canal boat demonstration, develop the saw mill interpretation area and trail and the elevated river overlook

A Strategy for Action 6.1 Lycoming County Recreation Plan, West Branch Susquehanna Greenway Map. Source: Lycoming County Comprehensive Plan Map Book, 2007.

A Strategy for Action 6.2 Lycoming County Recreation Plan, Greenway Map. Source: Lycoming County Comprehensive Plan Map Book, 2007.

A Strategy for Action 6.3 Lycoming Planning Commission has been progressive in proposing greenway and trails for the county that can be connected into a regional system. Source: Lycoming County Comprehensive Plan Map Book, 2007.

A Strategy for Action 6.4 Detail view showing Munch Heritage Park site

Countywide Vision, Muncy Creek Planning Area. Source: Muncy Creek Comprehensive Plan, 2004.

A Strategy for Action 6.5 A Strategy for Action 6.6 Community Participation visitation and by supporting, organizing and attending events at the park. Going to the community can be a wonderful way to maintain interest and Encouraging the community to participate in park design, construction, and the upkeep of trails in perpetuity. Communities often rally a great deal of program implementation can be a successful way to create a base of active enthusiasm during the construction phase of project, but once the project and involved people who will use and care for the park after construction is is finished, have no place to channel that collective energy. A “Friends of complete. The natural range of individual skills and preferences regarding Muncy Heritage Park” member organization could also be established to give public participation means that it is always a good idea to offer several ways visitors a means of actively supporting the park. An “adopt-a-trail” program for people to participate. Some residents will enjoy sharing ideas at meetings is another way for community groups to transfer their excitement for a park where they can help shape the vision for educational programming at the park. and trail system from its construction to its ongoing maintenance. These Others will prefer to volunteer their labor and will help clear and construct the types of programs should be established as soon as trails are completed in trails or other structures at work party events. Still others might simply prefer order to capitalize on community excitement and motivation. to donate money to advance the project or to network with other groups to aid in fundraising efforts. Residents will continue to be able to participate Through the program, local businesses, neighborhood organizations, and share their excitement for the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail in a schools, churches and other organizations or even families can “adopt” variety of ways that draw upon their skills and interests. The project will seek sections of trail and thereafter will support the upkeep of the system of trails a partnership with the local school district and a network of regional colleges within the park. The program helps maintain trails in several ways. Local and universities to bring together community service and applied research in involvement through the program helps keep the trails functional, safe and support of the project. Local residents will be invited to share their skills and enjoyable, but also helps keep it in the minds of the public as a place to go time to help with the construction of park elements such as trails. and use and as source of pride for the community. Maintaining a level of enthusiasm within the community will be crucial for the ongoing development and overall success of the park. As the park reaches completion, the community will be able to participate through Funding Sources The combination of recreation, conservation, historic interpretation and environmental education-related park elements opens the door to diverse funding opportunities. Funding strategies tailored around specific programs may be packaged for private, state and federal funding sources. These mutual interest programs could focus on park mission elements such as heritage, education, the environment, recreation and tourism.

Each funding source will be approached according to that organization’s priority mission. DCNR, for example, could be approached to help fund the construction of recreation components of the park such as trails, which provide a model for active, healthy living.

Community participation will bring life and vitality to the park. The Lumber Heritage Region, which emphasizes heritage tourism, would

A Strategy for Action 6.7 be a logical partners to aid with elements such as interpretive signage, the parking lot and welcome area that improve visitor experience and draw tourists. An environmental stewardship and conservation program could emphasize watershed and habitat restoration and enhancement opportunities along the river, the tributary creek and around the ponds. The historic resources from the West Branch Canal and Port Penn can also become the basis for the development of historic interpretation components of the trail. Areas of the park associated with particular natural or cultural features could be developed into outdoor classrooms where groups would learn the historic and environmental lessons of the greenway corridor.

The following list of organizations should all be considered as potential sources for funding elements of the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail: • PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources • Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission • Lycoming County • PA Department of Community and Economic Development • The Lumber Heritage Region • PennDOT Transportation Enhancement Partnerships The Muncy Historical Society will seek a number of partnerships with local and regional organizations to develop a rich and thorough range of educational programs for school groups and other park visitors. As with funding sources, program partnerships should be established according to mutual interests as shown in the diagram to the right.

Partnerships should be developed around mutual interests, such as recreation, education, and the environment.

A Strategy for Action 6.8 Regional Partnerships collaboration on the design and construction of unique features for public projects within the region. The proposed Susquehanna Studio could be The Muncy Heritage Park has special potential to tie into and support the developed into an incredible program that would be used to help with the goals of several important regional plans and efforts. The Lumber Heritage design and construction of elements within the Muncy Heritage Park and Region of Pennsylvania “is a local grassroots project with the purpose Nature Trail. The Studio will also benefit the local community through of highlighting and interpreting the rich cultural, historic, natural and collaboration between local universities. Through the studio, engineering, recreational resources of Pennsylvania’s forests.” Among other aspects of landscape architecture, architecture and trade school students will work their mission, the organization “coordinates programs which interpret the together to design and construct key park elements such as trails, bridges, region’s unique lumber history, celebrates its living heritage, and foster a fences, and interpretive elements. The institutions of Penn State, Bucknell greater understanding of the contemporary lumber and forest products University, Penn College and Sun Tech have all expressed interest in this industry and rural life.” The Lumber Heritage Region covers 15 counties in collaborative effort. It will benefit students by allowing them to work and Northcentral Pennsylvania, including Lycoming County. learn beyond their own disciplines through partnerships with other university departments. The studio would provide a rare educational opportunity The Muncy Heritage Park has important connections to the historic lumber to see a project through from conceptual and schematic design to design industry through its location on the Muncy log boom above the Muncy documents and actual construction. Dam, and as the site of the Last Raft crash that had been envisioned as an event to commemorate the timber industry’s noble past. The Lumber Heritage Region has already established important projects within the area, Financial Feasibility including the West Branch Water Trail passes the Muncy park site. Additional The Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail master plan calls for the park to interpretive signage in the park about the crash site and the river as a be implemented in four phases over the next 5-7 years. The current costs highway for timber will help promote the educational aspects of the heritage to construct all park elements in over one million dollars, with the value of area’s mission. phase I elements estimated to cost $323,000. To achieve financial feasibility the source of funds for park implementation needs to be expanded. Because The Lycoming County Planning Commission has also laid down significant of the diversity of the park program, the Muncy Historical Society is well groundwork for the establishment of trails and greenways throughout the positioned to pursue money from a wide range of funding sources such as area. The Planning Commission has been very progressive in proposing recreation, historic preservation, education, healthy-living, wildlife habitat and working to implement a comprehensive greenway and trail plan for the and environmental restoration. Different elements of the park will target county. The Muncy Heritage Park can serve as a destination or stopping point specific funding sources. The Funding Strategy for Phase I categorizes the within this larger system of trails in the county. To the south, the Warrior Run park elements into areas of recreation, education and the environment – and Community Pathways Partnership is another network of community-based targets specific grant programs that support these different focus areas. The paths that the regional system can tie into. park is well positioned to receive funding from state agencies such as the PA Department of Transportation, PA Department of Community and Economic The Susquehanna Studio Development, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and PA Department of Environmental Protection. Given the diversity of potential The Susquehanna Studio is a program that is being developed to bring a funding sources, broad public support and ample opportunities for in-kind variety of academic institutions, departments and students together for

A Strategy for Action 6.9 and technical assistance support for creating the park - the realization of the Muncy Heritage Park is financially feasible.

Cost Estimates and Phasing

The Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail will be implemented in four phases. At the time of preparing this report - the following represents a logical implementation approach. However six months or a year from now – new opportunities and challenges may appear that will require the Muncy Historical Society and the park development committee to re-prioritize. The park development committee should be flexible enough to seize unique opportunities as they present themselves. An adaptive approach to park implementation will explore unique and novel ways to raise the necessary funds for construction, operations and maintenance, and to assemble volunteers, technical assistance and skilled labor to build and maintain a quality park and recreational facility.

A Strategy for Action 6.10 7 Appendix

A Strategy for Action 6.11 A Strategy for Action 6.12 Site Inventory Image Gallery: River Landscape

Appendix 7.1 Site Inventory Image Gallery: River Landscape

Appendix 7.2 Site Inventory Image Gallery: River Landscape

Appendix 7.3 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Meadow

Appendix 7.4 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Meadow

Appendix 7.5 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Meadow

Appendix 7.6 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Meadow

Appendix 7.7 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Recreation Pond and Tributary Creek

Appendix 7.8 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Recreation Pond and Tributary Creek

Appendix 7.9 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Recreation Pond and Tributary Creek

Appendix 7.10 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Recreation Pond and Tributary Creek

Appendix 7.11 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Mill Pond

Appendix 7.12 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Mill Pond

Appendix 7.13 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Canal Corridor and Towpath

Appendix 7.14 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Canal Corridor and Towpath

Appendix 7.15 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Canal Corridor and Towpath

Appendix 7.16 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Canal Corridor and Towpath

Appendix 7.17 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Canal Corridor and Towpath

Appendix 7.18 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Woodlands

Appendix 7.19 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Woodlands

Appendix 7.20 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Woodlands

Appendix 7.21 Site Inventory Image Gallery: North Entrance

Appendix 7.22 Site Inventory Image Gallery: North Entrance

Appendix 7.23 Site Inventory Image Gallery: South Edge

Appendix 7.24 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Archcological Dig Area

Appendix 7.25 Site Inventory Image Gallery: Archcological Dig Area

Appendix 7.26 Cost Estimates Phase I - Funding Strategy DCNR Grant - $50,000 (State) Muncy Heritage Park Heritage Area Grant - $25,000 (State) Cost Estimates Williamsport / Lycoming Found. $25,000 (Local) March 28, 2008 Local Cash Contribution $50,000 (Local) Other $33,000 Phase I – Parking Area, Educational Pavilion and Tow Path (Core Trail)

Design $ 16,000 Design / Engineering (15%) $ 15,000 Permitting and Approvals $ 1,000

Access and Parking Area $ 32,000 Clearing and Grubbing $ 2,000 Gravel Road and Parking $ 25,000 Stormwater Bio-Swale $ 5,000 Bus and Overflow Parking w/

Educational Pavilion $ 110,000 Access Trail to Pavilion $ 5,000 Architecture Design $ 10,000 Mule Barn Educational Pavilion $ 80,000 Portable Toilets and Shelter $ 15,000

Tow Path Trail $ 25,000 Tow Path Trail – 1,100 LF Clearing and Grubbing Grading Clean Fill Drainage ______

Phase I Cost Estimate - - $ 183,000

Appendix 7.27 Muncy Heritage Park Elevated Board Walk – 75 LF $ 26,000 Cost Estimates (across canal) March 28, 2008 Bridge – 12’ x 6’ $ 7,500 at break in tow path Phase II – River Overlook, Trail and North Entry and Meadow Trail – Native Plantings $ 1,500 Enhancement and Habitat Restoration Meadow Enhancement / Habitat Restoration $ 15,000 Design $ 24,000 Plant Inventory of Meadow $ 2,500 Design / Engineering (15%) $ 22,000 Site Preparation (till or spray) $ 2,500 Permitting and Approvals $ 2,000 Specialized Seed Mix $ 5,000 Broadcast Seeding $ 1,500 River Overlook $ 61,000 Mulch and Tackifier $ 1,500 Removal / Moving the Dig Shelter $ 10,000 Follow up Maintenance $ 2,000 Cross Walk Striping and Signage $ 2,500 E & S Control $ 1,500 ______Clear, Grub and Removal for $ 12,000 Trail and River Views Phase II Cost Estimate - - $ 165,300 Bollards (4) $ 3,200 Trail Construction $ 3,500 Plaza Pavers $ 20,000 Benches (2) $ 3,000 Landscaping $ 2,500 Phase II – Funding Strategy Interpretive Sign – Lock #21 $ 2,500 DCNR Grant - $ 80,000 (State) Heritage Area Grant - $ 20,000 (State) North Entry and Connector Trail $ 65,300 PA DEP / Pheasants Forever $ 15,000 (State / Private) E & S Control $ 2,500 Williamsport / Lycoming Found. $ 25,000 (Local) North Entry Plaza – Pavers $ 20,000 Local Cash Contribution $ 25,300 (Local) Port Penn Interpretive Sign $ 2,500 Bollards (4) $ 3,200 North Entry Benches (2) $ 3,000 North Entry Landscaping $ 2,500 Tow Path Connector Trail $ 20,000 Clearing and Grubbing Grading and Drainage Gravel Trail Material – 1,100 LF

Appendix 7.28 Muncy Heritage Park Soft Surface Trail Install $ 3,500 Cost Estimates Trail Blaze & Post (8) $ 1,000 March 28, 2008 Woodland Habitat Enhancement $ 17,000 Phase III – Archaeological Dig Interpretation Area, Nature Trail System, / Invasive Plant Control Woodland Habitat Enhancement / Invasive Control, and River Access Woodland Inventory $ 2,500 Forestry Mower (3 days) $ 4,500 Design $ 30,000 Understory Seeding $ 1,500 Design / Engineering (15%) $ 20,000 Follow Up Spraying – 2 times $ 3,500 Permitting and Approvals $ 2,000 Native Plantings $ 5,000

Archaeological Dig Interpretation Area $ 125,000 River Access $ 5,500 E & S Control $ 3,000 Clearing and Grubbing $ 1,500 Clearing, Grubbing and Grading $ 8,000 Rock Stabilization $ 1,500 Pedestrian Bridge (10’ x 50’) $ 60,000 Signage $ 2,500 ______Trail Network $ 10,000 Fencing $ 7,500 Phase III Cost Estimate - - $ 225,000 Board Walk Area $ 15,000 Benches $ 3,000 Landscaping $ 5,000 Interpretive Signage / Displays $ 10,000 Phase III – Funding Strategy Bollards (4) $ 3,200 DCNR Grant - $70,000 (State) PHMC $30,000 (State) Fishing Dock $ 40,000 Heritage Area Grant - $20,000 (State) ADA Access PA Fish and Boat $20,000 (State) Piers and Decking Williamsport / Lycoming Found. $30,000 (Local) Handrails Local Cash Contribution $30,000 (Local) Fishing Platform Community Forestry Grants $25,000

Nature Trail System $ 7,500 E & S Control $ 1,000 Clearing and Grubbing $ 2,000 Selective Thinning $ (see woodland habitat enhancement)

Appendix 7.29 Muncy Heritage Park Cost Estimates River Overlook (at Railroad Bridge) $ 53,700 March 28, 2008 Vegetation Maintenance $ 5,000 Access Trail $ 10,000 Phase IV – Canal Basin Restoration, Canal Boat Demonstration, Saw Mill Bollards $ 3,200 Interpretation Area and Trail, and River Overlook Overlook Paver Plaza $ 25,000 Fencing $ 5,000 Benches $ 3,000 Design $ 97,500 Interpretive Signage $ 2,500 Design / Engineering (15%) $ 70,000 Landscaping $ 4,500 Boat Design $ 15,000 ______Permitting and Approvals $ 12,500 Phase IV Cost Estimate - - $ 704,000 Canal Basin Restoration $ 356,000 E & S Controls $ 5,000 Timber Clearing $ 15,000 Clearing and Grubbing $ 18,000 Grading $ 10,000 Phase IV – Funding Strategy Masonry Retaining Walls $ 285,000 DCNR Grant - $250,000 (State) Benches $ 3,000 PennDOT – Enhancement Funding $250,000 (Federal / State) Signage $ 5,000 DCED $100,000 (State) Seeding / Landscaping $ 15,000 Heritage Area Grant / $ 52,000 (State)

Canal Boat Demonstration $ 175,000 Local Cash Contribution $ 52,000 (Local) Craftsman Labor $ 75,000 Materials $ 75,000 Display Materials $ 10,000 Programming $ 15,000

Saw Mill Interpretation Area and Trail $ 22,500 E & S Control $ 1,500 Access Trail $ 12,000 Interpretation Signage $ 5,000 Bench $ 1,500 Fencing $ 2,500

Appendix 7.30 Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail Park Operations and Maintenance

Yearly Costs Cash Costs Volunteer Value

Taxes $

Liability Insurance $ (piggy back with township)

Lighting Costs / Electric $ 2,000

Part Time Maintenance Person $12,000 Park Stewardship Manager

Volunteer Donation of Time $ 7,500 (500 Volunteer Hrs. @ $15/hr)

Equipment – tractor depreciation $ 3,500

Specialized Equipment – $ 2,500 Rental Fee Allocation

Parking Lot and Trail Maintenance $ 4,500

Forestry and Landscape Maintenance $ 4,500

Park Structure Maintenance $ 2,500

Appendix 7.31 Mule Barn Kit: Cost Comparison

www.mainebarncompany.com 24 x 36 Single Story Timber Frame in Hemlock. Kit Price is $15,770.00 – FOB Edgecomb, Maine. Kit includes foundation plan, oak pegs, numbered timbers, instruction manual for raising and phone support. Transportation is not included to work site. Floor joists for lo� available with design modification

Appendix 7.32 Appendix 7.33 Site Survey Maps

Appendix 7.34 Appendix 7.35 SOIL SURVEY OF LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

348000 348200 348400 348600 348800 349000 349200 349400 349600 349800

BUFFINGTON ST

PAINTER ST

RAILROAD ST

LINCOLN ST 4562400 4562400

Bb WsB PEPPER ST

Ba 566T Bd WsA

4562200 4562200 FISHER LN

PORT PENN RD 4562000 4562000 W WsB Lycoming West Branch Susquehanna River Bb W

Pennsylvania HEBERLING RD 4561800 4561800 Lm WsA W Ho

ChA 4561600 4561600 Ho

AvA Bc WsB MUSSERS LN 4561400 4561400

MUSSER LN

348000 348200 348400 348600 348800 349000 349200 349400 349600 349800 Meters Feet 050 100 200 0250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000

Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 1 of 3 Appendix 7.36 Soil Survey of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania SOIL SURVEY OF LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Map Unit Legend Summary

Lycoming County, Pennsylvania

Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION Soil Map Units AvA Alvira silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes 7.9 3.7 Cities Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service Detailed Counties Web Soil Survey URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov Ba Barbour fine sandy loam 20.4 9.5 Detailed States Coordinate System: UTM Zone 18 Bb Barbour fine sandy loam, occasionally 17.4 8.1 Interstate Highways flooded Roads Soil Survey Area: Lycoming County, Pennsylvania Rails Spatial Version of Data: 3 Bc Basher silt loam 0.4 0.2 Water Soil Map Compilation Scale: 1:20000 Hydrography Bd Basher silt loam, occasionally flooded 15.1 7.1 Oceans Escarpment, bedrock ChA Chenango gravelly loam, 0 to 3 12.5 5.8 Escarpment, non-bedrock percent slopes Gulley Ho Holly silt loam 17.3 8.1 Levee Slope Lm Linden loam 21.7 10.1 Blowout Borrow Pit W Water 61.7 28.8 Clay Spot Depression, closed WsA Wheeling silt loam, 0 to 3 percent 24.5 11.4 Eroded Spot slopes Gravel Pit WsB Wheeling silt loam, 3 to 8 percent 15.2 7.1 Gravelly Spot slopes Gulley Lava Flow Landfill Map comprised of aerial images photographed on these dates: Marsh or Swamp 4/13/1999 Miscellaneous Water Rock Outcrop Saline Spot Sandy Spot Slide or Slip Sinkhole Sodic Spot Spoil Area The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background imagery displayed on these maps. Stony Spot As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident. Very Stony Spot Perennial Water Wet Spot Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 2 of 3

Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 3 of 3

Appendix 7.37 PH (1 TO 1 WATER) RATING FOR LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

348200 348400 348600 348800 349000 349200 349400 349600 349800

BUFFINGTON ST

PAINTER ST

RAILROAD ST

LINCOLN ST 4562400 4562400

Bb

WsB

Ba 566T Bd WsA

4562200 4562200 FISHER LN

PORT PENN RD 4562000 4562000 W WsB Lycoming West Branch Susquehanna River W Bb Pennsylvania HEBERLING RD 4561800 4561800 Lm WsA PEPPER ST W Ho

ChA 4561600 4561600 Ho

AvA Bc WsB

MUSSERS LN 4561400 4561400

MUSSER LN

348200 348400 348600 348800 349000 349200 349400 349600 349800 Meters Feet 050 100 200 0250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000

Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 1 of 3

Appendix 7.38 pH (1 to 1 Water) Rating PH (1 TO 1 WATER) RATING FOR LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Tables - pH (1 to 1 Water)

Summary by Map Unit - Lycoming County, Pennsylvania

MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION Soil Survey Map Unit Name Rating Total Acres Percent of AOI Area Map Unit in AOI pH (1 to 1 Water) Symbol Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service (All Layers), {Dominant Component, >} Web Soil Survey URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov Ultra acid (ph < 3.5) AvA Alvira silt loam, 0 to 3 percent 4.6 7.9 3.7 slopes Extremely acid (pH 3.5 - 4.4) Coordinate System: UTM Zone 18 Very strongly acid (pH 4.5 - 5.0) Ba Barbour fine sandy loam 5.4 20.4 9.5 Strongly acid (pH 5.1 - 5.5) Soil Survey Area: Lycoming County, Pennsylvania Spatial Version of Data: 3 Moderately acid (pH 5.6 - 6.0) Soil Map Compilation Scale: 1:20000 Bb Barbour fine sandy loam, 5.4 17.4 8.1 Slightly acid (pH 6.1 - 6.5) occasionally flooded Neutral (pH 6.6 - 7.3) Slightly alkaline (pH 7.4 - 7.8) Bc Basher silt loam 5.2 0.4 0.2 Moderately alkaline (pH 7.9 - 8.4) Strongly alkaline (pH 8.5 - 9.0) Bd Basher silt loam, occasionally 5.2 15.1 7.1 flooded Very strongly alkaline (pH > 9.0) Not rated or not available ChA Chenango gravelly loam, 0 to 3 6.0 12.5 5.8 Soil Map Units percent slopes Cities Detailed Counties Ho Holly silt loam 6.5 17.3 8.1 Detailed States Interstate Highways Lm Linden loam 5.0 21.7 10.1 Roads W Water Null 61.7 28.8 Rails Water WsA Wheeling silt loam, 0 to 3 5.6 24.5 11.4 Hydrography Map comprised of aerial images photographed on these dates: percent slopes Oceans 4/13/1999 WsB Wheeling silt loam, 3 to 8 5.6 15.2 7.1 percent slopes

The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background imagery displayed on these maps. Description - pH (1 to 1 Water) As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident. Soil reaction is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. It is important in selecting crops and other plants, in evaluating soil amendments for fertility and stabilization, and in determining the risk of corrosion. In general, soils that are either highly Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 alkaline or highly acid are likely to be very corrosive to steel. The most common soil laboratory measurement of pH is the National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 2 of 3 1:1 water method. A crushed soil sample is mixed with an equal amount of water, and a measurement is made of the suspension. For each soil layer, this attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used. Parameter Summary - pH (1 to 1 Water)

Aggregation Method: Dominant Component Component Percent Cutoff: Tie-break Rule: Higher Interpret Nulls as Zero: No Layer Options: All Layers

Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 3 of 3

Appendix 7.39 PATHS AND TRAILS RATING FOR LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

348200 348400 348600 348800 349000 349200 349400 349600 349800

BUFFINGTON ST

PAINTER ST

RAILROAD ST

LINCOLN ST 4562400 4562400

Bb

WsB

Ba 566T Bd WsA

4562200 4562200 FISHER LN

PORT PENN RD 4562000 4562000 W WsB Lycoming West Branch Susquehanna River Pennsylvania Bb W HEBERLING RD 4561800 4561800 Lm WsA PEPPER ST W Ho

ChA 4561600 4561600 Ho

AvA Bc WsB

MUSSERS LN 4561400 4561400

MUSSER LN

348200 348400 348600 348800 349000 349200 349400 349600 349800 Meters Feet 050 100 200 0250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000

Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 1 of 4

Appendix 7.40 Paths and Trails Rating

Tables - Paths and Trails

Summary by Map Unit - Lycoming County, Pennsylvania

Soil Map Unit Name Rating Component Rating Total Percent of Survey Name Reasons Acres AOI Area (Percent) in AOI Map Unit Symbol

AvA Alvira silt loam, 0 Somewhat Alvira (90%) Depth to 7.9 3.7 to 3 percent slopes limited saturated zone

Ba Barbour fine sandy Somewhat Barbour (90%) Flooding 20.4 9.5 loam limited

Too sandy

Bb Barbour fine sandy Somewhat Barbour (90%) Too sandy 17.4 8.1 loam, occasionally limited flooded

Bc Basher silt loam Somewhat Basher (90%) Flooding 0.4 0.2 PATHS AND TRAILS RATING FOR LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA limited Depth to saturated zone Bd Basher silt loam, Somewhat Basher (90%) Depth to 15.1 7.1 occasionally limited saturated zone flooded MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION ChA Chenango gravelly Not limited Chenango 12.5 5.8 Paths and Trails loam, 0 to 3 percent (90%) Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service slopes {Dominant Condition, >} Web Soil Survey URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov Very limited Ho Holly silt loam Very limited Holly (100%) Depth to 17.3 8.1 Somewhat limited Coordinate System: UTM Zone 18 saturated zone Not limited Soil Survey Area: Lycoming County, Pennsylvania Not rated or not available Ponding Spatial Version of Data: 3 Soil Map Units Soil Map Compilation Scale: 1:20000 Flooding Cities Detailed Counties Lm Linden loam Somewhat Linden (90%) Flooding 21.7 10.1 Detailed States limited Interstate Highways W Water Not rated Water (100%) 61.7 28.8 Roads Rails WsA Wheeling silt loam, Not limited Wheeling 24.5 11.4 Water 0 to 3 percent (100%) Hydrography slopes Oceans WsB Wheeling silt loam, Not limited Wheeling 15.2 7.1 Paths and Trails3 to Rating 8 percent (100%) slopes Summary by Rating Value Paths and Trails Rating

SummaryRating by Rating Value Total Acres in AOI Percent of AOI Map comprised of aerial images photographed on these dates: 4/13/1999 Somewhat limited 83.1 38.8 NotRating rated 61.7Total Acres in AOI28.8 Percent of AOI NotSomewhat limited limited 52.283.1 24.338.8 Not rated 61.7 Web Soil Survey 1.128.8 5/30/2007 Very limited 17.3 National Cooperative Soil8.1 Survey Page 3 of 4 Not limited 52.2 24.3 The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background imagery displayed on these maps. Very limited 17.3 8.1 As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident. Description - Paths and Trails Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 2 of 4 Paths and trails for hiking and horseback riding should require little or no slope modification through cutting and filling.

Paths and Trails Rating The ratings are based on the soil propertiesDescription that affect traffi -cability Paths and and erodibility. Trails These properties are stoniness, depth to a water table, ponding, flooding, slope, and texture of the surface layer. Paths and trails for hiking and horseback riding should require little or no slope modification through cutting and filling. Tables - Paths and Trails The ratings are both verbal and numerical. Rating class terms indicate the extent to which the soils are limited by all of the soilThe featuresratings are that based affect on the the specified soil properties use. "Not that limited" affect traffi indicabilitycates that and the erodibility. soil has features These thatproperties are very are favorable stoniness, for dept theh to a specifiedwater table, use. ponding, Good performance flooding, slope, and veryand texture low maintenance of the surfa cance layer. be expected. "Somewhat limited" indicates that the soil has Summary by Map Unit - Lycoming County, Pennsylvania features that are moderately favorable for the specified use. The limitations can be overcome or minimized by special planning,The ratings design, are both or installation.verbal and numerical. Fair performance Rating classand moderat terms indicatee maintenance the extent can to be which expected. the soils "Very are limited" limited byindicates all of the that thesoil soilfeatures has one that or affect more the features specified that use. are unfavorable"Not limited" for indi thecates specified that the use. soil The has limitations features that generally are very cannot favorable be overcome for the Soil Map Unit Name Rating Component Rating Total Percent of withoutspecified major use. Goodsoil reclamation, performance special and very design, low maintenanceor expensive caninstallation be expected. procedures. "Somewhat Poor performancelimited" indicates and high that maintenancethe soil has Survey Name Reasons Acres AOI canfeatures be expected. that are moderately favorable for the specified use. The limitations can be overcome or minimized by special Area (Percent) in AOI planning, design, or installation. Fair performance and moderate maintenance can be expected. "Very limited" indicates that Map Numericalthe soil has ratings one or indicatemore features the severity that are of unfavorable individual limitati for theons. specified The ratings use. The are limitations shown as decimal generally fractions cannot rangingbe overcome from Unit 0.01without to 1.00. major They soil indicatereclamation, gradations special between design, orthe expensive point at whi installationch a soil featureprocedures. has the Poor greatest performance negative and impact high onmaintenance the use Symbol (1.00)can be andexpected. the point at which the soil feature is not a limitation (0.00). AvA Alvira silt loam, 0 Somewhat Alvira (90%) Depth to 7.9 3.7 Numerical ratings indicate the severity of individual limitations. The ratings are shown as decimal fractions ranging from to 3 percent slopes limited saturated zone 0.01 to 1.00. They indicate gradationsParameter between the Summary point at which -a soilPaths feature and has the Trails greatest negative impact on the use (1.00) and the point at which the soil feature is not a limitation (0.00). Ba Barbour fine sandy Somewhat Barbour (90%) Flooding 20.4 9.5 loam limited Aggregation Method: DominantParameter Condition Summary - Paths and Trails Too sandy Component Percent Cutoff: Aggregation Method: Dominant Condition Bb Barbour fine sandy Somewhat Barbour (90%) Too sandy 17.4 8.1 Tie-break Rule: Higher loam, occasionally limited Component Percent Cutoff: flooded Tie-break Rule: Higher Bc Basher silt loam Somewhat Basher (90%) Flooding 0.4 0.2 limited Depth to Appendix 7.41 saturated zone

Bd Basher silt loam, Somewhat Basher (90%) Depth to 15.1 7.1 occasionally limited saturated zone flooded ChA Chenango gravelly Not limited Chenango 12.5 5.8 loam, 0 to 3 percent (90%) slopes Ho Holly silt loam Very limited Holly (100%) Depth to 17.3 8.1 saturated zone

Ponding Flooding Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 Lm Linden loam Somewhat Linden (90%) Flooding 21.7 10.1 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 4 of 4 limited Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 W Water Not rated Water (100%) 61.7 28.8 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 4 of 4 WsA Wheeling silt loam, Not limited Wheeling 24.5 11.4 0 to 3 percent (100%) slopes WsB Wheeling silt loam, Not limited Wheeling 15.2 7.1 3 to 8 percent (100%) slopes

Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 3 of 4 PICNIC AREAS RATING FOR LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

348200 348400 348600 348800 349000 349200 349400 349600 349800

BUFFINGTON ST

PAINTER ST

RAILROAD ST

LINCOLN ST 4562400 4562400

Bb

WsB

Ba 566T Bd WsA

4562200 4562200 FISHER LN

PORT PENN RD 4562000 4562000 W WsB Lycoming West Branch Susquehanna River W Bb Pennsylvania HEBERLING RD 4561800 4561800 Lm WsA PEPPER ST W Ho

ChA 4561600 4561600 Ho

AvA Bc WsB

MUSSERS LN 4561400 4561400

MUSSER LN

348200 348400 348600 348800 349000 349200 349400 349600 349800 Meters Feet 050 100 200 0250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000

Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 1 of 4

Appendix 7.42 Picnic Areas Rating

Tables - Picnic Areas

Summary by Map Unit - Lycoming County, Pennsylvania

Soil Map Unit Name Rating Component Rating Total Percent of Survey Name (Percent) Reasons Acres AOI Area in AOI Map Unit Symbol AvA Alvira silt loam, 0 Very limited Alvira (90%) Depth to 7.9 3.7 to 3 percent slopes saturated zone Shelmadine Depth to (5%) saturated zone Ba Barbour fine sandy Somewhat Barbour (90%) Flooding 20.4 9.5 loam limited Too sandy Bb Barbour fine sandy Somewhat Barbour (90%) Too sandy 17.4 8.1 loam, occasionally limited flooded Bc Basher silt loam Somewhat Basher (90%) Depth to 0.4 0.2 limited saturated zone

Flooding Bd Basher silt loam, Somewhat Basher (90%) Depth to 15.1 7.1 PICNIC AREAS RATING FOR LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA occasionally limited saturated zone flooded ChA Chenango gravelly Somewhat Chenango Gravel 12.5 5.8 loam, 0 to 3 percent limited (90%) content slopes

MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION Ho Holly silt loam Very limited Holly (100%) Depth to 17.3 8.1 saturated zone Picnic Areas Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service {Dominant Condition, >} Web Soil Survey URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov Ponding Very limited Somewhat limited Coordinate System: UTM Zone 18 Flooding Not limited Soil Survey Area: Lycoming County, Pennsylvania Not rated or not available Spatial Version of Data: 3 Lm Linden loam Somewhat Linden (90%) Flooding 21.7 10.1 Soil Map Units Soil Map Compilation Scale: 1:20000 limited Cities Detailed Counties W Water Not rated Water (100%) 61.7 28.8 Detailed States Interstate Highways WsA Wheeling silt loam, Not limited Wheeling 24.5 11.4 Roads 0 to 3 percent (100%) Rails slopes Water Hydrography WsB Wheeling silt loam, Not limited Wheeling 15.2 7.1 Oceans 3 to 8 percent (100%) slopes

Picnic Areas Rating

Summary by Rating Value Map comprised of aerial images photographed on these dates: 4/13/1999 Rating Total Acres in AOI Percent of AOI

Somewhat limited 87.6 Web Soil Survey 1.140.9 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 3 of 4 Not rated 61.7 28.8 Not limited 39.7 18.5 The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background imagery displayed on these maps. Very limited 25.3 11.8 As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.

Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 2 of 4

Picnic Areas Rating Description - Picnic Areas Tables - Picnic Areas Picnic areas are natural or landscaped tracts used primarily for preparing meals and eating outdoors. These areas are subject to heavy foot traffic. Most vehicular traffic is confined to access roads and parking areas. Summary by Map Unit - Lycoming County, Pennsylvania The ratings are based on the soil properties that affect the ease of developing picnic areas and that influence trafficability and the growth of vegetation after development. Slope and stoniness are the main concerns affecting the development of picnic areas. For good trafficability, the surface of picnic areas should absorb rainfall readily, remain firm under heavy foot traffic, Soil Map Unit Name Rating Component Rating Total Percent of and not be dusty when dry. The soil properties that influence trafficability are texture of the surface layer, depth to a water Survey Name (Percent) Reasons Acres AOI table, ponding, flooding, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), and large stones. The soil properties that affect the growth Area in AOI of plants are depth to bedrock or a cemented pan, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), and toxic substances in the soil. Map Unit The ratings are both verbal and numerical. Rating class terms indicate the extent to which the soils are limited by all of the Symbol soil features that affect the specified use. "Not limited" indicates that the soil has features that are very favorable for the specified use. Good performance and very low maintenance can be expected. "Somewhat limited" indicates that the soil has AvA Alvira silt loam, 0 Very limited Alvira (90%) Depth to 7.9 3.7 features that are moderately favorable for the specified use. The limitations can be overcome or minimized by special to 3 percent slopes saturated zone planning, design, or installation. Fair performance and moderate maintenance can be expected. "Very limited" indicates that the soil has one or more features that are unfavorable for the specified use. The limitations generally cannot be overcome Shelmadine Depth to without major soil reclamation, special design, or expensive installation procedures. Poor performance and high maintenance (5%) saturated zone can be expected. Ba Barbour fine sandy Somewhat Barbour (90%) Flooding 20.4 9.5 Numerical ratings indicate the severity of individual limitations. The ratings are shown as decimal fractions ranging from loam limited 0.01 to 1.00. They indicate gradations between the point at which a soil feature has the greatest negative impact on the use (1.00) and the point at which the soil feature is not a limitation (0.00). Too sandy Parameter Summary - Picnic Areas Bb Barbour fine sandy Somewhat Barbour (90%) Too sandy 17.4 8.1 loam, occasionally limited flooded Aggregation Method: Dominant Condition Bc Basher silt loam Somewhat Basher (90%) Depth to 0.4 0.2 Component Percent Cutoff: limited saturated zone Tie-break Rule: Higher Flooding Bd Basher silt loam, Somewhat Basher (90%) Depth to 15.1 7.1 occasionally limited saturated zone flooded Appendix 7.43 ChA Chenango gravelly Somewhat Chenango Gravel 12.5 5.8 loam, 0 to 3 percent limited (90%) content slopes Ho Holly silt loam Very limited Holly (100%) Depth to 17.3 8.1 saturated zone Ponding Flooding Lm Linden loam Somewhat Linden (90%) Flooding 21.7 10.1 limited Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 4 of 4 W Water Not rated Water (100%) 61.7 28.8 WsA Wheeling silt loam, Not limited Wheeling 24.5 11.4 0 to 3 percent (100%) slopes WsB Wheeling silt loam, Not limited Wheeling 15.2 7.1 3 to 8 percent (100%) slopes

Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 3 of 4 PLAYGROUNDS RATING FOR LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

348200 348400 348600 348800 349000 349200 349400 349600 349800

BUFFINGTON ST

PAINTER ST

RAILROAD ST

LINCOLN ST 4562400 4562400

Bb

WsB

Ba 566T Bd WsA

4562200 4562200 FISHER LN

PORT PENN RD 4562000 4562000 W WsB Lycoming West Branch Susquehanna River W Bb Pennsylvania HEBERLING RD 4561800 4561800 Lm WsA PEPPER ST W Ho

ChA 4561600 4561600 Ho

AvA Bc WsB

MUSSERS LN 4561400 4561400

MUSSER LN

348200 348400 348600 348800 349000 349200 349400 349600 349800 Meters Feet 050 100 200 0250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000

Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 1 of 5

Appendix 7.44 Playgrounds Rating PLAYGROUNDS RATING FOR LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Summary by Map Unit - Lycoming County, Pennsylvania

Soil Map Unit Name Rating Component Rating Total Percent of Survey Name (Percent) Reasons Acres AOI Area in AOI MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION Map Playgrounds Unit Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service Symbol {Dominant Condition, >} Web Soil Survey URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov Very limited Holly (10%) Depth to Somewhat limited Coordinate System: UTM Zone 18 saturated zone Not limited Soil Survey Area: Lycoming County, Pennsylvania Not rated or not available Spatial Version of Data: 3 Flooding Soil Map Units Soil Map Compilation Scale: 1:20000 Cities Ponding Detailed Counties Detailed States Bd Basher silt loam, Somewhat Basher (90%) Depth to 15.1 7.1 Interstate Highways occasionally limited saturated zone Roads flooded Rails Water Flooding Hydrography Oceans Gravel content ChA Chenango gravelly Very limited Chenango Gravel 12.5 5.8 loam, 0 to 3 percent (90%) content slopes Ho Holly silt loam Very limited Holly (100%) Depth to 17.3 8.1 Map comprised of aerial images photographed on these dates: saturated zone 4/13/1999 Flooding Ponding Lm Linden loam Very limited Linden (90%) Flooding 21.7 10.1

The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and Holly (5%) Depth to digitized probably differs from the background imagery displayed on these maps. saturated zone As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident. Flooding

Web Soil Survey 1.1 5/30/2007 Ponding National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 2 of 5 W Water Not rated Water (100%) 61.7 28.8 WsA Wheeling silt loam, Not limited Wheeling 24.5 11.4 0 to 3 percent (100%) slopes WsB Wheeling silt loam, Very limited Wheeling Slope 15.2 7.1 3 to 8 percent (100%) slopes

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Appendix 7.45 Playgrounds Rating Playgrounds Rating

Tables - Playgrounds Summary by Rating Value

Summary by Map Unit - Lycoming County, Pennsylvania Rating Total Acres in AOI Percent of AOI Very limited 95.5 44.6 Soil Map Unit Name Rating Component Rating Total Percent of Not rated 61.7 28.8 Survey Name (Percent) Reasons Acres AOI Area in AOI Somewhat limited 32.6 15.2 Map Unit Not limited 24.5 11.4 Symbol AvA Alvira silt loam, 0 Very limited Alvira (90%) Depth to 7.9 3.7 to 3 percent slopes saturated zone Gravel content Description - Playgrounds Shelmadine Depth to Playgrounds are areas used intensively for games, such as baseball and football, and similar activities. Playgrounds require (5%) saturated zone soils that are nearly level, are free of stones, and can withstand intensive foot traffic. Gravel The ratings are based on the soil properties that affect the ease of developing playgrounds and that influence trafficability and content the growth of vegetation after development. Slope and stoniness are the main concerns affecting the development of playgrounds. For good trafficability, the surface of the playgrounds should absorb rainfall readily, remain firm under heavy Ba Barbour fine sandy Very limited Barbour (90%) Flooding 20.4 9.5 foot traffic, and not be dusty when dry. The soil properties that influence trafficability are texture of the surface layer, depth loam to a water table, ponding, flooding, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), and large stones. The soil properties that affect the growth of plants are depth to bedrock or a cemented pan, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), and toxic substances in Gravel the soil. content The ratings are both verbal and numerical. Rating class terms indicate the extent to which the soils are limited by all of the Too sandy soil features that affect the specified use. "Not limited" indicates that the soil has features that are very favorable for the specified use. Good performance and very low maintenance can be expected. "Somewhat limited" indicates that the soil has Holly (5%) Depth to features that are moderately favorable for the specified use. The limitations can be overcome or minimized by special saturated zone planning, design, or installation. Fair performance and moderate maintenance can be expected. "Very limited" indicates that the soil has one or more features that are unfavorable for the specified use. The limitations generally cannot be overcome Flooding without major soil reclamation, special design, or expensive installation procedures. Poor performance and high maintenance can be expected. Ponding Numerical ratings indicate the severity of individual limitations. The ratings are shown as decimal fractions ranging from Bb Barbour fine sandy Somewhat Barbour (90%) Flooding 17.4 8.1 0.01 to 1.00. They indicate gradations between the point at which a soil feature has the greatest negative impact on the use loam, occasionally limited (1.00) and the point at which the soil feature is not a limitation (0.00). flooded Gravel Parameter Summary - Playgrounds content Too sandy Aggregation Method: Dominant Condition Bc Basher silt loam Very limited Basher (90%) Flooding 0.4 0.2 Component Percent Cutoff: Depth to Tie-break Rule: Higher saturated zone Gravel content

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Appendix 7.46 Review of Muncy Canal site - 22 April 2004

Harvey M. Katz, Ph.D. & Anne Harris Katz, Ph.D.

The site examined extends along the 1830’s canal in Muncy, Pennsylvania from the west branch of the Susquehanna River near the south end of Pepper Street to the northerly end of Pepper Street. The river end of the canal bed drains a series of ponds. The result is that there is a stream in the canal bed which is approximately 100 m. long, 1 – 1.5 m. wide & 5 cm. deep. This stream empties into the Susquehanna River.

Examination of the site included macrobiotic identification of prominent flora, fauna, soil types and drainage and a general ecological assessment.

Aquatic flora and fauna identified in the stream include bryophytes, various invertebrates (dragonfly, damselfly and caddisfly nymphs, hellgrammites, water striders), and one fish species, the common shiner. Shells of aquatic snail and crayfish exoskeletons were found in the riparian area of the stream, but no living specimens were found in the stream.

Riparian invertebrates included earthworms, isopods, millipedes, centipedes, ants, and spiders. Vertebrates included red-backed salamanders, green heron, various sparrow species, goldfinches, Canada geese, hairy woodpecker, gray squirrels, and chipmunks. No reptiles were found. There were numerous mouse tunnels and deer tracks in the soil, and several burrows of the size to house woodchucks and fox were noted. However, no specimens of these species were sighted.

Riparian vegetation included the following. Trees: maple, cherry, oak. Shrubs: barberry, viburnum species, multiflora rose, blackberry. Ground cover plants: poison ivy, spring beauty, Solomon seal, trout lily (dogtooth violet), purple violet, bluets (Quaker ladies), wild mustard, nettles, iris, day lily, may apple, rockcress and skunk cabbage.

Portions of the canal bed are subject to intermittent flooding from snow melt and heavy rain. However the flooding is insufficient to sustain wetland plants. Ecological Assessment: Flora, Fauna, Soils and Drainage Plants identified in and along the canal bed site are of the upland type. No obligate wetland plants were found.

Review of Muncy Canal site - 22 April 2004 Soil samples were assessed using Munsell soil color charts and were classified dark red 2.5yr 3/6. No wetland soils were found in the samples Harvey M. Katz, Ph.D. & Anne Harris Katz, Ph.D. taken in the canal bed and riparian areas. The site examined extends along the 1830’s canal in Muncy, Pennsylvania Overall the area appears ecologically stable and healthy. There is significant from the west branch of the Susquehanna River near the south end of Pepper and robust riparian vegetation that stabilizes the canal bed banks. Street to the northerly end of Pepper Street. The river end of the canal bed drains a series of ponds. The result is that there is a stream in the canal bed Recommendations: which is approximately 100 m. long, 1 – 1.5 m. wide & 5 cm. deep. This º Care should be taken to retain bank stability in the canal area along stream empties into the Susquehanna River. the Susquehanna River. This can be accomplished by retaining riparian vegetation. Examination of the site included macrobiotic identification of prominent flora, fauna, soil types and drainage and a general ecological assessment. ºUse the services of a forester for complete vegetation identification. Aquatic flora and fauna identified in the stream include bryophytes, various invertebrates (dragonfly, damselfly and caddisfly nymphs, hellgrammites, water striders), and one fish species, the common shiner. Shells of aquatic snail and crayfish exoskeletons were found in the riparian area of the stream, but no living specimens were found in the stream.

Riparian invertebrates included earthworms, isopods, millipedes, centipedes, ants, and spiders. Vertebrates included red-backed salamanders, green heron, various sparrow species, goldfinches, Canada geese, hairy woodpecker, gray squirrels, and chipmunks. No reptiles were found. There were numerous mouse tunnels and deer tracks in the soil, and several burrows of the size to house woodchucks and fox were noted. However, no specimens of these species were sighted.

Riparian vegetation included the following. Trees: maple, cherry, oak. Shrubs: barberry, viburnum species, multiflora rose, blackberry. Ground cover plants: poison ivy, spring beauty, Solomon seal, trout lily (dogtooth violet), purple violet, bluets (Quaker ladies), wild mustard, nettles, iris, day lily, may apple, rockcress and skunk cabbage.

Portions of the canal bed are subject to intermittent flooding from snow melt and heavy rain. However the flooding is insufficient to sustain wetland plants. Plants identified in and along the canal bed site are of the upland type. No obligate wetland plants were found.

Soil samples were assessed using Munsell soil color charts and were classified dark red 2.5yr 3/6. No wetland soils were found in the samples Appendix 7.47 taken in the canal bed and riparian areas.

Overall the area appears ecologically stable and healthy. There is significant and robust riparian vegetation that stabilizes the canal bed banks.

Recommendations: º Care should be taken to retain bank stability in the canal area along the Susquehanna River. This can be accomplished by retaining riparian vegetation.

ºUse the services of a forester for complete vegetation identification. Appendix 7.48 8 List of References

Appendix 7.49 Appendix 7.50 List of References

Birnbaum, Charles A., and Christine Capella Peters. The Secretary of the Lycoming County Planning Commission. The Comprehensive Plan for Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines Lycoming County. Lycoming County, PA. August 10, 2006. for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service, Cultural Resource Stewardship and Lycoming County Planning Commission. The Comprehensive Plan for Partnerships, 1996. Lycoming County: Map Book. Lycoming County, PA. August 10, 2006.

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission. McCullough, Robert, and Walter Leuba. The Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. www.nps.gov/blac/home.htm. Accessed June 15, 2006. York, Pa: American Canal and Transportation Center, 1973.

Bobel, Robert and Robinson, Rory. Historic Preservation Through Canal Trail National Canal Museum. www.canals.org. Accessed June 15, 2006. Development. 1999. Prolix, Peregrine. Journey Through Pennsylvania, 1835, by Canal, Rail, and C and O Canal Association. www.candocanal.org. Accessed June 15, 2006. Stage Coach. York, Pa: American Canal and Transportation Center, 1975.

Cuppens, Valerie, Nancy Rosenow, and James R. Wike. Learning with Nature Ohio and Erie Canalway. www.ohioanderiecanalway.com. Accessed June Idea Book Creating Nurturing Outdoor Spaces for Children. Lincoln, Neb: 15, 2006. Arbor Day Foundation, 2007. Susquehanna Greenway Partnership. www.susquehannagreenway.org. DeVoss, Robert N., and David A. Hainley. West Branch Canal ; Lock Accessed June 15, 2006. Haven, Pennsylvania to Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania. State College, Pa: Pennsylvania State University, Dept. of Landscape Architecture, 1975. Susquehanna Greenway Partnership. Susquehanna Greenway Strategic Action Plan: Technical Report. March 2006. Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. www.eriecanalway.org. Accessed June 15, 2006. Susquehanna Greenway Partnership. Susquehanna Greenway Public Opinion Survey. 2003. Hoffmann, Philip J., and William H. Shank. A Picture-Journey Along the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, 1826-1857. York, PA: American Canal and Tonkin, Joseph Dudley. The Last Raft. Harrisburg, Pa: The author, 1940. Transportation Center, 1993. United States Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/ Lycoming County Planning Commission. The Comprehensive Plan for the Muncy Creek Planning Area: Hughesville Borough, Muncy Borough, Muncy Wakefield, Manville B. Coal Boats to Tidewater; The Story of the Delaware Creek Township, Picture Rocks Borough, Shrewsbury Township, Wolf and Hudson Canal. South Fallsburg, N.Y.: Printed by Steingart Associates, Township. Lycoming County, PA. December 20, 2004. 1965. References 8.1 References 8.2 9 Muncy Master Plan Map

References 8.3 References 8.4 10 Project CD

References 8.5