Durham Valley Scenic Byway
Corridor Management Plan
The Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor will articulate a community that has successfully balanced growth and economic development with protection of its rural and agricultural landscapes, scenic vistas and mountain views, natural areas, cultural traditions, and historic places, all of which give the Durham Valley its sense of place and make it proud. It is a place where both visitors and residents experience, understand, and appreciate the Durham Valley’s heritage through respectful exploration and learning.
Acknowledgements
The Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Hudson River Valley Greenway Durham Valley Land Trust Management Plan was prepared under the Elizabeth Campochiaro, Trails Coordinator Richard Goldstein guidance of the Durham Valley Scenic Byway Daniel Clifton Coordinating Committee with the assistance and Greene County Legislature Ken Mabey input of a diverse group of stakeholders. The Sean Frey – District 9 Nick Miller project was made possible by a grant from the Gunther Ohm – retired Federal Highway Administration through the Association for the Greene County Department of Economic Preservation of the Durham Valley National Scenic Byways Program and matching Development, Tourism and Planning funds from the Durham Valley Land Trust. The Barry Garfinkel Warren Hart, Director Linda Sutton Corridor Management Plan would not have been Dave Czajkowski, GIS Supervisor possible without the support, energy, and continued Ed Diamante, Principal Planner Durham Center Museum enthusiasm of the agencies, organizations, and Daniela Marino, Tourism Director Sancie Thomsen, Director individuals listed below. Ling YaoCzajkowski, GIS Specialist Doug Thomsen, Director Durham Valley Scenic Byway Greene County Soil and Open Space Institute Coordinating Committee Water Conservation District Joe Martens, President Jeff Flack, Executive Director Katie Stone, Land Project Manager Richard Goldstein, Chair Carrie Miles, Stream Conservation Technician Alan Beechert Catskill Center for Conservation and Daniel Clifton Town of Durham Development Barry Garfinkel Gary Hulbert, Town Supervisor Peter Manning, Regional Planner William Carr, Jr., Council Member Gunther Ohm Residents Linda Sutton Jerry Cunningham, Council Member Linda Sutton, Council Member Karl Heck, Vice President David Pohle, Vice President Stakeholders Jodi Wood, Council Member Wesley Moore, Highway Supervisor Jo-Ann Rascoe, Board Member New York State Department of Transportation Alan Beechert, Deputy Highway Superintendent Mark Woods, Environmental Specialist 2 Nick Nahas, Town Historian Consultants Balraj Malhotra, Program Coordinator Town of Durham Historic ERO Resources Corporation New York State Historic Preservation Office Preservation Commission Computer Terrain Mapping, Inc. Kathleen LaFrank, Historian Ken Mabey, Chair CW&H Graphics Mundus Bishop Design, Inc. Cornell University Cooperative Extension Daniel Clifton Roy (Mick) Bessire, Extension Educator James Cullie Elizabeth LoGiudice, Extension Educator Ken Dean Marilyn Wyman, Extension Educator Naida Jackson Mary Lou Nahas Linda Sutton
v Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan
Table of Contents
Introduction Corridor Identification ...... 3 Definition of the Scenic Byway Corridor ...... 3 Description of the Durham Valley Scenic Byway and Corridor ...... 3 Benefits of a Scenic Byway ...... 4 Purpose of the Corridor Management Plan ...... 4 Plan Contents ...... 5
Public Participation Background ...... 6 Public Involvement Actions ...... 6 Ongoing Public Participation ...... 7 Vision ...... 8 Goals ...... 8
Intrinsic Qualities Scenic Qualities ...... 9 and Stewardship Issues and Opportunities - Scenic ...... 10 Management Actions - Scenic ...... 13 Natural Qualities ...... 13 Geology ...... 13 Streams and Wetlands ...... 13 Forest Lands ...... 16 Wildlife ...... 16 Issues and Opportunities - Natural ...... 16 Management Actions - Natural ...... 16 Agricultural Qualities ...... 18 Issues and Opportunities - Agricultural ...... 19 Management Actions - Agricultural ...... 19 Cultural and Historic Qualities ...... 19 History ...... 19 Historic Preservation in the Durham Valley ...... 20 Existing Cultural and Historic Resources ...... 23 Issues and Opportunities - Cultural and Historic ...... 23 Management Actions - Cultural and Historic ...... 24
vii Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Intrinsic Qualities Recreational Qualities ...... 24 and Stewardship Fishing ...... 24 The Long Path ...... 25 Issues and Opportunities - Recreational ...... 25 Management Actions - Recreational...... 25
Resource Composite Mapping Analysis ...... 26
Transportaion Existing Scenic Byway Conditions ...... 28 Traffic Volume...... 28 Roadway Safety and Maintenance ...... 29 Public Safety ...... 29 Management Actions - Transportation ...... 29
Signage General Sign Description ...... 30 Safety Signage ...... 30 Interpretive Signage ...... 30 Funding and Maintenance ...... 30 Outdoor Advertising Controls ...... 30 Trailblazing – Scenic Byway Signage ...... 30 Standard Sign Hierarchy ...... 30 Management Actions - Signage ...... 30
Tourism and Development of Tourism in the Durham Valley ...... 32 Economic Development Other Tourist Attractions ...... 32 Visitor Amenities ...... 32 Preservation, Conservation, and Economic Sustainability ...... 33 Management Actions - Tourism and Economic Development...... 33
Marketing, Promotion, and Existing Marketing and Promotion ...... 34 Education Future Marketing and Promotion Efforts ...... 34 Community and Visitor Education ...... 35 Management Actions - Marketing, Promotion, and Education ...... 35
Wayfinding and Wayf inding...... 38 Resource Interpretation Wayfinding Recommendations ...... 38 Resource Interpretation ...... 38
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan viii Wayfinding and Interpretive Audience ...... 38 Resource Interpretation Interpretive Themes and the Stories of the Durham Valley ...... 40 Catskill Creeks Theme...... 40 Geologic Theme ...... 40 Habitat Diversity Theme ...... 40 Cultural History Theme ...... 41 Conservation and Stewardship Theme ...... 41 Interpretive Framework ...... 41 Interpretive Sites ...... 41 Visitor Center/Orientation Wayside ...... 41 Potential Scenic Wayside ...... 42 Scenic Gems ...... 42 Logo ...... 42 Management Actions - Wayfinding and Interpretive Strategy...... 42
Financial Resources Federally Funded Programs ...... 43 State Funded Programs ...... 43 Other Funding Opportunities ...... 45
Support and Implementation Corridor Management Plan Implementation Responsibilities ...... 46 Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee ...... 46 Impact Assessment ...... 46 Partnerships ...... 46
Appendixes Appendix A Community Resolutions and Support ...... 49 Appendix B Historic Property List ...... 51 Appendix C Durham Valley Scenic Byway Website ...... 73 Appendix D Newspaper Articles ...... 75 Appendix E Sign Inventory ...... 77 Appendix E Five-Year Strategic Work Plan ...... 83
ix Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Figures Setting ...... 1 Viewshed Analysis – Unforested ...... 11 Viewshed Analysis – Forested ...... 12 Hydric Soils ...... 14 Forested Areas ...... 15 Agricultural Resources ...... 17 Historic Resources ...... 22 Resource Composite ...... 27 Wayfinding and Interpretive Framework ...... 39
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan x loosely defined as the Mid-Hudson Valley. Mid-Hudson the as defined loosely area geographic the of Valley part is Durham The Sullivan 05 NY NJ Miles 01 20 15 10
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s Schenectady Greene Albany Rockland Durham of Town Hudson Hud s o n R i v e r Bronx Putnam Westchester Dutchess Albany Rensselaer CT MA Setting Durham Cornwallville. and The Setting encompasses several roads the Hamlets of in of Durham. The Durham Valley Byway Scenic York State-designated Roads Scenic the Town in enhancing 21 of miles mostly contiguous New management recommendations for protecting and Management Plan provides the vision, and goals, The Durham Valley Byway Scenic Corridor loosely asthe Mid-Hudson defined Valley. Durham Valley of the geographic area ispart Albany east and to the Hudson River Valley. The Mountains to that aplain gently rolls north to the northernmost escarpment of the Catskill Albany. Byway The Scenic Corridor slopes from aboutand southwest miles 30 of the state capital, about 24 northwest miles of of the Catskill Village the Town of Durham, Greene County, New York, The Durham Valley Byway Scenic islocated in description for each road isprovided below. the following page highlights these roads a and • CountyRoute20 • Dugway Road). County Route 20(atthesouthernend of 20 (Susquehanna Turnpike)east torejoin Chochrane Road 20B. Cornwallville tothejunction with miles thencontinuing mile thencontinuing southtoSuttonRoad; 3.0 the forkedintersectionatStonebridgeRoad ; 0.9 Dugway Road); 0.75milethencontinuing Cochrane Road(thisportionbeingalsoknownas Turnpike) 0.8milethencontinuing portion beinga County lineeast oheHamlet of lso knownasthe –4.0milesfromthe - 3.0 milesfrom CountyRoad 1 east hrough Susquehanna Durham (this County Route
south to figure on Schoharie east o Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Management Corridor Byway Scenic Valley Durham • • Stonebridge R • • • CornwallvilleRoad • SuttonRoad • Road 10 east to Sutton Road. Road westtoCountyRoute20. Road. 20 (Susquehanna Prink HillLane Route 20(atthesouthernendofDugwayRoad). 20 (Susquehanna forked intersection with Cunningham Road. Cunningham with intersection forked the to south Turnpike) (Susquehanna 20 Route Cunningham Road Road east oCountyR oute 20. State Route23 junction. Road 20inthe HamletofCornwallville southto Cochrane Road County from miles 1.46 - 10 Route County –3.4milesfromCunningham oad –1.0milefromShadyGlen –3.0milesfromCountyRoute Turnpike)southtoCochrane Turnpike)east torejoin County – 0.7milefromCountyRoute – 0.5milefromCounty –3.4milesfromCounty
at the time of the scenic road designation, New York Byway Corridor, runs from the top of Mount State Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pisgah (2,912 feet), over Mount Nebo (2,590 feet) Thomas C. Jorling noted the “extraordinary scenic and Mount Hayden (2,830 feet), then across Barlow quality along these roads,” and observed that “Marvelous Notch (2,330 feet) to Ginseng Mountain (2,810 feet), vistas, mountains, woodlands and other natural features and across Jennie Notch (2,430 feet) to Mount Zoar in the Town of Durham have made these roads worthy (2,730 feet), and from there across State Route 23 of the scenic roads designation… This designation will and up Windham High Peak (3,524 feet). Today, help focus attention on the importance of preserving, this ridge is also the route of the Long Path, a protecting and enhancing the natural, historical, and 326-mile public hiking trail that extends from the cultural qualities these roads possess.” George Washington Bridge, traverses the Scenic Byway Corridor, and continues on toward Albany. The Durham Valley retains its rural character. At upper elevations, second growth mixed-hardwood forest stands have reclaimed the mountaintops, due in part to replanting efforts by the Civilian Benefits of a Scenic Byway Conservation Corps (CCC). At lower elevations, fallow agricultural fields are juxtaposed with Like all scenic byways, the Durham Valley highly productive plantings of corn, wheat, and Scenic Byway is a source of local pride, a chance hay; second growth forests; and thick brush. The for citizens to showcase the beauty of their Durham Valley is an intimate landscape that offers region. Moreover, the Scenic Byway provides the travelers a chance to sample the local flavor and community with what one proponent called a “road interact with the regional character of the Town map to the future” — a way for stakeholders to of Durham in Greene County. Part of that flavor determine what they like about their community and character are the Catskill Mountains, diverse and how to preserve these qualities while natural and scenic beauty, agricultural heritage, and encouraging economic growth. The scenic byway Transportation into and through the Durham the variety of historic and cultural sites along the designation is a unique tool, in that it can be used Valley was revolutionized by construction of the Scenic Byway. to achieve a wide variety of the Durham Valley Susquehanna Turnpike in the period of 1800 to community’s goals. 1806. The Susquehanna Turnpike was particularly important because it provided a route from the Purpose of the Corridor Mid-Hudson Valley over the northern tip of the Management Plan Catskills and down to the Susquehanna River A Corridor Management Plan reflects the value Valley, a significant transportation route and the public places upon a particular resource. A settlement area. First listed on the National Corridor Management Plan articulates a vision Register in 1974, the Susquehanna Turnpike is of the public for a scenic byway and represents a the backbone of the Scenic Byway Corridor and commitment to conserve and enhance the byway’s provides some of the most spectacular views from intrinsic qualities. The Corridor Management the Scenic Byway. Plan specifies the actions, procedures, operational Most of the western boundary of the Town of and administrative practices, and strategies to Durham was set at the top of a ridge of mountains maintain the natural, scenic, recreational, historic, surveyed by David Baldwin in 1806. The ridge, cultural, and archaeological qualities of a byway which defines the western border of the Scenic corridor while recognizing the need to promote tourism and economic development. A Corridor Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 4 Plan Contents This Corridor Management Plan provides a vision for preserving and enhancing the Durham Valley Scenic Byway and prescribes management strategies, including:
• Preservation of the Scenic Byway’s intrinsic qualities • Development of interpretive features to enhance the visitor experience • Recommendations on existing and future marketing needs • Implementation of the Corridor Management Plan • Continuing agency, organization, and community participation
This plan has been prepared under the guidance of the Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee and cooperatively funded by a grant from the Federal Highway Administration through the National Scenic Byways Program and matching funds from the Durham Valley Land Trust.
Management Plan also is a working document. Therefore, the Corridor Management Plan will be reviewed continually and revised as new information arises. The Durham Valley Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee (Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee) comprises interested individuals and stakeholders who will continue to work to implement the Corridor Management Plan and update it as needed. The Corridor Management Plan is not a document of new laws, regulations, or ordinances, but instead draws on existing land use plans plus recommendations, by property owners and stakeholders, to assist in protecting and promoting the Scenic Byway.
5 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Public Participation
This Corridor Management Plan was developed prior to the creation of the Scenic Byways Program. the Durham Valley), sponsorship by the Durham under the guidance of the Scenic Byway This original designation was as a result of a Valley Land Trust, and endorsement by Resolution Coordinating Committee, which includes community-based, grass roots initiative led by the of the Town Board. Four of the six members of the representatives from the Town of Durham, Town Association for the Preservation of the Durham Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee reside in of Durham Historic Preservation Commission, Valley and supported by local government. The the Scenic Byway Corridor. Association for the Preservation of the Durham effort was in large part in response to a proposed Valley, and Durham Valley Land Trust. During the county landfill in the Durham Valley. Residents Subsequent activities by community-based planning process, the Scenic Byway Coordinating felt that the county landfill would be totally organizations within the Scenic Byway Corridor Committee served as the primary vehicle for public incompatible with the Durham Valley’s national have resulted in the protection of more than 1,000 input and the distribution of information. The beauty, winding and tree-lined county roads, acres of corridor viewshed (Durham Valley Land Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee will likely and spectacular views of the majestic Catskills. Trust); the creation of the Cornwallville Historic continue to fill this role during implementation of At that time, more than 20 volunteers from the District and a detailed inventory of historic the Corridor Management Plan. community evaluated over 21 miles of road and resources (Town of Durham Historic Preservation corridor creating an inventory of natural features, Commission); and individual efforts to preserve In addition to the members of the Scenic Byway structures, and road characteristics. and maintain the natural and scenic qualities of Coordinating Committee, many agencies and the corridor. The Corridor Management Plan is a organizations provided valuable input in the project of the Durham Valley Land Trust, Inc. development of this Corridor Management Plan The following agencies and organizations Public Involvement Actions offered assistance and support throughout the planning process: New York State Department At the onset of the planning process, a project of Transportation, New York State Historic brochure was created that introduced the Scenic Preservation Office, Hudson River Valley Byway, goals of the Corridor Management Plan, Greenway, Cornell University Cooperative Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee, Scenic Extension, Greene County Planning and Economic Byway Corridor map, and contact information. Development, Greene County Soil and Water The brochure was distributed to stakeholders Conservation District, Town of Durham, Town and members of the public, as well as posted on a of Durham Historic Preservation Commission, website (http://www.eroresources.com/Durham/) Durham Valley Land Trust, Association for the established to host project information. Also, Preservation of the Durham Valley, Durham posted on the website for the duration of the Valley Planners, Inc., Durham Center Museum, planning process were open house presentations, Open Space Institute, and Catskill Center for The Scenic Byway enjoys broad support in meeting announcements, maps, and additional web Conservation and Development. the community as evidenced by the makeup links (i.e., to the New York Scenic Byways Program of the Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee and National Scenic Byways Program). Background (Town Board member, Town Highway Deputy During 2008, two public meetings were held in Superintendent, members of the board of the conjunction with regular meetings of the Town The original designation of the Durham Valley Durham Valley Land Trust, members of the Scenic Byway as “Scenic Roads” was implemented of Durham Board. An open house was held on Durham Historic Preservation Commission and September 27, 2008 to present information about by the New York State Department of Conservation trustee of the Association for the Preservation of Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 6 scenic byways, corridor management planning, overcome with future public participation is the the Scenic Byway must include a concerted effort to and existing conditions within the Scenic Byway rural nature of the community and difficulties actively engage the community. Corridor. Invitations to the September open house associated with information distribution. were sent via U.S. Mail to 250 residents along Community participation is an ongoing activity the Scenic Byway. Some of the significant issues Every opportunity must be taken to generate throughout the life of the Scenic Byway. identified at these meetings included: regional support and commitment to the byway Documented, strong community participation will designation during implementation of the Corridor enhance the Scenic Byway’s chances of receiving • Advantages and disadvantages of a Scenic Byway Management Plan. The Scenic Byway’s success can funding from federal, state, and other sources. only be assured if local residents, business owners, The Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee will • Types of grants available for the Scenic Byway and public officials understand and support the continue to ask for public comment and update the • Availability of grants to keep the Scenic Byway designation, as well as the strategies to maintain Corridor Management Plan accordingly, as it is a clean and scenic the intrinsic qualities. Therefore, management of living document. • Different levels of Scenic Byway promotion • Ways to maintain the number of significant trees along the Scenic Byway • The need for locations along the Scenic Byway where people can pull off and enjoy the view or have a picnic • Promotion of bicycle safety along the Scenic Byway and/or potentially the addition of shoulders to the Scenic Byway for bicyclists
Finally, an open house was held for the community on May 15, 2010, to present the Draft Corridor Management Plan.
Ongoing Public Participation From the beginning of the process to prepare the Corridor Management Plan, the Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee has been interested and concerned about gaining input from the public and grassroots organizations about the Durham Valley Scenic Byway. Even though the Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee does not have power or authority to regulate or enforce public participation, it has made many attempts to provide the community with information about the corridor management planning process, and opportunities for people to give their input. The biggest obstacle the Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee will need to
7 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Vision and Goals
Vision Goals The vision statement for the Corridor Management Goals are developed to translate the vision into Plan describes the value, purpose, and future of reality. Goals address specific steps that can be the Durham Valley Scenic Byway. It also provides implemented through policy and management. The a foundation from which to establish goals and Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee identified management strategies that will protect the Scenic the following goals: Byway’s intrinsic qualities. The vision statement for the Corridor Management Plan was crafted by • Maintain community support and involvement the Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee and • Protect, conserve, and enhance Scenic Byway reflects a diverse set of interests. Corridor resources • Develop collaborative strategies to protect and conserve the scenic, natural, cultural, historic, The Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor and recreational resources of the Scenic Byway will articulate a community that has successfully Corridor • Enhance the visitor experience through balanced growth and economic development with interpretation and educational opportunities protection of its rural and agricultural landscapes, • Develop collaborative strategies that encourage scenic vistas and mountain views, natural areas, visitors to enjoy the unique qualities of the corridor while staying in the communities cultural traditions, and historic places, all of surrounding the Scenic Byway Corridor which give the Durham Valley its sense of place • Promote the Scenic Byway consistent with and make it proud. It is a place where both community goals and resource protection needs • Upgrade and maintain roads and facilities for visitors and residents experience, understand, and the safety of visitors, residents, wildlife, and appreciate the Durham Valley’s heritage through livestock respectful exploration and learning. • Ensure appropriate access to support the various Scenic Byway uses • Design and build interpretive sites to enhance visitor’s knowledge, appreciation, and enjoyment • Develop an integrated highway signage program
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 8 Intrinsic Qualities and Stewardship
transmission line traverse the Durham Valley. These landscapes combined striking vistas with a high In the course of the proceedings, the Town of degree of local irregularity in the form of subtributary Durham, Sierra Club, and the Association for the cuts, boulder piles, and twists and turns in the major Preservation of the Durham Valley presented a stream courses. These features together convey a number of experts and exhibits on the scenic and remarkable degree of small scale diversity.” aesthetic attributes of the Durham Valley. Professor Lowenthal was opposed to a transmission Judge William C. Levy and the full Federal Power line through the Durham Valley, commenting that Commission ruled that the transmission line should such an intrusion: “would destroy for the present and not be placed in the Durham Valley because of the future generations a unique heritage.” adverse environmental effects. Judge Levy and the Federal Power Commission concluded: Narendra Juneja, then Assistant Professor in the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of “[T]he most scenic, aesthetic, historical, and cultural Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning, values in the impact area are found in the Durham testified on the special scenic character of the Intrinsic qualities are defined as inherent, essential, Valley and along the Susquehanna Turnpike looking Durham Valley: south to the northern rim of the Catskills.” unique, or irreplaceable features representative “The uniqueness of this natural scenic value is further or distinctly characteristic of an area. Intrinsic The Greene County Planning Board and the Sierra complemented by the culture of the place to an extent qualities create a sense of place that is unique. Club endorsed the position of the Town of Durham which is remarkable for our times. Many a glorious The Durham Valley Scenic Byway has five intrinsic and the Association for the Preservation of the scenic resource has been lost elsewhere by rapacious qualities that combine to give the area its distinct Durham Valley concerning the unique aspects of development. But Durham Valley is a cul-de-sac of rural character—scenic, natural, agricultural, the Durham Valley. Some of the testimony before serene delight, which has maintained a continuity of cultural and historic, and recreational. For each of the Federal Power Commission is included here tradition since the 18th century.” the intrinsic qualities separate sections provide: to specifically highlight the scenic qualities of the Durham Valley. • A description of the resources David Lowenthal, then Professor, Department • An overview of issues and opportunities of Geography, University College London and • Recommended management actions a former executive officer of the American Geographical Society in New York, described the • Individual maps special features of the Durham Valley: “The area comprises – particularly in its central Scenic Qualities portions between West Durham and Hervey Street – a The scenic beauty of the Durham Valley is without remarkably coherent, well integrated, and instantly parallel in the Catskill Region with the significance visualizable set of landscapes, with the heights of the of this intinsic quality having been well documented Catskills to the southwest as a framing background, and by the community in the 1970s when the Federal a series of gentle swales as local relief. Power Commission had under consideration whether it would be appropriate to have a 345 kV 9 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan John Hightower, the former Executive Director The protection of the Durham Valley’s scenic of the New York State Council on the Arts, who character is critical to the Scenic Byway. Of traveled extensively throughout New York State to particular importance is the protection of the review places of particular historic, cultural, and significant views, including the foreground views, scenic interest, stated: the viewshed, and those elements that contribute to these views. The scenic character is important “Among the many places I have visited in New York to the Town of Durham’s tourism and recreational State, I would say the Durham Valley is one of the two base, and is also highly valued by residents as it or three most beautiful. The combination of the rolling provides a sense of place and contributes to the hills with the extraordinary backdrop of the northern community’s quality of life. edge of the Catskills give the area a quality that is not duplicated elsewhere.” Issues and Opportunities - Scenic In addition to driving growth and development, The Durham Valley Scenic Byway provides a the Durham Valley’s scenic beauty draws tourists Both man-made and natural elements are visible, 21-mile corridor that accesses the northernmost and recreationists who collectively bring important and many contribute to the scenic character. The escarpment of the Catskill Mountains stretching economic benefits to the entire community. Scenic working landscapes, as well as abandoned fields, of from the summit of nearby Mount Pisgah character is also noted by residents as being an the Durham Valley and diverse natural areas are along Ginseng ridge past Windham High Peak. important reason for living in the Town of Durham. Unobstructed views stretch across the upper some of the elements within the foreground that elevation pasture lands and hayfields to the forested are significant. These foreground views accent the • The connection between scenic beauty, rural areas along the Durham Valley’s streams and extensive panoramic views from the Scenic Byway character, and sustainable long-term economic creeks. A spectacular “five state view” that extends across the plain that gently rolls north to Albany viability has to some degree been recognized by over the Hudson River Valley to the Berkshires, and east to the Hudson River Valley. the broader community. Vermont, Connecticut, and New Hampshire and The analysis also revealed sections along the Scenic north to the Adirondacks is possible from portions • All of the Durham Valley’s intrinsic qualities Byway that offer “priority” views – those that of the Scenic Byway. contribute to its scenic character, which in turn provide the most significant or characteristic views contributes to the Town of Durham’s economic During development of the Corridor Management into the Durham Valley showcasing significant well-being. The Town of Durham’s growth and Plan, the scenic character was analyzed through natural, historic, and agricultural resources. The plans for new development should be carefully viewshed mapping. Two figures, Viewshed Analysis – “priority” views were identified through field evaluated and designed to minimize impacts on Unforested and Viewshed Analysis – Forested, illustrate reconnaissance with additional input from the natural, agricultural, and historic resources. the findings from this analysis. Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee and the local community. These “priority” views are found • Because the Scenic Byway Coordinating The viewshed analysis documents those areas along along the following Scenic Byway segments: Committee does not specifically manage or own the Scenic Byway that are most visible to a traveler the resources that contribute to this character, by identifying the regions, at ground level, that are • County Route 20 – that portion of the the role of the Scenic Byway Coordinating visible from a series of viewpoints along the Scenic Susquehanna Turnpike between County Route Committee is to provide support, advocacy, and Byway. The first phase of this analysis did not 10 and Dugway Road assistance in securing funding, and to generally take vegetation into consideration, while the second assist with the identification and protection of phase of the analysis considered forested areas to be • County Route 10 – from County Route 20 south significant resources. a 60-foot visibility barrier. to the Town of Durham line • Cunningham Road – east to Sutton Road The analysis revealed that most of the foreground along the Scenic Byway is visible to the traveler. • Sutton Road – east from Cunningham Road approximately 1.5 miles Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 10
Management Actions - Scenic mountains to the east 360 to 400 million years ago. Layers of sandstone were uplifted high above Promote the importance of the preservation sea level. The Catskill Mountains are primarily of the intrinsic qualities that are visible from the products of stream erosion with the waterways the Scenic Byway and that create its scenic eroding deep valleys into the ancient plateau. character. Protect the priority views along the Scenic Byway and throughout the Scenic Byway The majority of the surficial geology of the Durham Corridor. Refer to the Viewshed Analysis and Valley was determined during the last 1.6 million Wayfinding figures. years. Four ice ages inundated this area, most a. Continue to promote the viewshed analysis as recently the Wisconsin advance. The Wisconsin a valuable tool to the Town of Durham, Greene glaciers finished retreating from the Durham Valley County, state and federal agencies, and private only about 14,000 years ago. The majority of the landowners. Encourage its broad distribution and Durham Valley is composed of glacial till – material use in land protection and land use planning. b. Assist private property owners and efforts of that is unstratified, unsorted, and is made up of a wide range of sizes. Glacial till generally acts as about 11 miles through the Durham Valley. Several local, state, and national conservation organizations important tributaries to Catskill Creek traverse the as they identify the most significant lands for their an aquifer, holding large amounts of ground water. The surrounding sandstone and conglomerate Scenic Byway Corridor. These include Thorp Creek, conservation value and pursue appropriate long- Cornwallville Creek, Fall Creek, Bowery Creek, term arrangements to ensure their protection. mountaintops were scoured and scraped by glaciers c. Advocate the protection of the foreground views moving around and over their summits, leaving Tenmile Creek, Durham Creek, and Squirmer Valley through land use regulations and incentives. virtually no loose material. Creek. These streams were an important stimulus d. Advocate the implementation of regulations that to the Durham Valley’s early settlement in the 18th century and formed the basis of a history of timber protect against development along ridgelines. Streams and Wetlands harvesting, milling, and industry. Catskill Creek, one of 65 tributaries to the Hudson Natural Qualities River entering the Hudson River Estuary south About 1,160 acres of wetlands have been identified in the Durham Valley. Hydric soils, along with The Durham Valley’s natural resources were hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology, are inventoried and mapped to identify the extent of used to define wetlands. Those over 12.4 acres are forested lands, riparian areas, potential wetlands, regulated by the Department of Environmental and other important natural resources that Conservation. The Hydric Soil figure shows that contribute to the character of the Scenic Byway. wetlands are fairly evenly distributed along streams A number of sources were consulted in the throughout the Durham Valley. inventory preparation, including the Department of Environmental Conservation, Greene County In total, the Durham Valley contributes 33,000 Soil and Water Conservation District, and the acres and a little more than 100 miles of classified Catskill Center for Conservation and Development. stream to the Hudson River watershed. These This section provides a summary description of headwater streams form the interface between those natural resources (i.e., geology, streams wetlands, ground water, and the land surface; are and wetlands, forest lands, and wildlife) that vital to the area’s aquatic biodiversity and ecological characterize the Scenic Byway Corridor. function; and play a critical role in maintaining the health and condition of the downstream Hudson Geology of the Troy Dam, is the Durham Valley’s principal River Estuary. waterway. The coldwater creek with whitewater The Durham Valley was part of a shallow sea areas (relatively uncommon in the Hudson Valley that filled with clay and silt washing off the high region) descends about 600 feet over a course of
13 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan
Forest Lands Wildlife for the Town of Durham. Members of the Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee actively Active agriculture is still present in parts of the The extensive northern hardwood forests of the participated in this process, advocating goals and Durham Valley, but most historical fields are now Durham Valley provide habitat for a variety of objectives to balance growth and development in mid- to late stages of succession of a closed- wildlife species. White-tailed deer are common in with the preservation of the Durham Valley’s canopy forest. Although some remnant old-growth the Durham Valley, so much so that their excessive rural character and local quality of life—key forest may be present on the steep ridge that browsing in some places may have a negative elements of its heritage. forms the western boundary of the Scenic Byway impact on forest regeneration. The area is part of Corridor, most forest cover is second and third major core habitat for some regionally rare large • Development approaches that will protect natural growth. The Forested Areas figure shows the extent mammal species, including black bear and bobcat. resources is consistent with the survey for the of this cover in the Durham Valley. The Department of Environmental Conservation 2008 Comprehensive Plan in which 80 percent of lists the cougar as extirpated from New York, but respondents indicated it was important or very Forests in the Durham Valley are dominated by some residents report seeing them in the Durham important for the Town of Durham to review the mixed oaks at elevations below 1,600 feet, with Valley. Beaver occur within the numerous streams impact of new development on the environmental northern red oak (Quercus rubra), chestnut oak and coyotes are often heard. Avian species include and natural resources. (Quercus prinus), and red maple (Acer rubrum) Cooper’s hawk, northern harrier, common raven, frequently dominating. Eastern hemlock (Tsuga eastern bluebird, golden-winged warbler, and Management Actions - Natural canadensis) can still be found along streams and on vesper sparrow. A study conducted by Hudsonia in some north-facing slopes, despite extensive harvest 1990 documented 7 butterfly species, and 14 other Support and advocate responsible development of this species to provide bark for a vigorous species (including fish, turtles, salamanders, and and sustainable land use through the municipal tanning industry during the early part of the 19th birds) as regionally rare or of heritage designation. planning processes. century. On the west side of the Scenic Byway a. Promote the adoption of the Corridor Corridor, mid-elevation forests (1,600 to 3,300 feet) Management Plan by the Town of Durham. Issues and Opportunities - Natural are dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccharum), Advocate its use as a planning tool to guide policies American beech (Fagus grandifolia), and yellow Few incentives or regulatory controls are available and regulations and to identify important resources. birch (Betula alleghaniensis). While the forest to preserve the Durham Valley’s scenic, natural, b. Actively assist the Town of Durham, in an types described here are typical, other mixtures of agricultural, or historic resources. The limited advisory role, in reviewing proposed development deciduous tree species are not uncommon. number of planning tools offers few options for for consistency with the Corridor Management Plan. c. Promote the Corridor Management Plan so that landowners or the community to protect lands that the Town of Durham, Greene County, and New York provide the Durham Valley with its rural character. State can use it in developing policy and identifying resources. • Private property owners are looking for tools d. Support and advocate policies of the 2008 that will assist them in protecting their lands, Comprehensive Plan that protect important resources. while maintaining their property rights and ability to generate income. Work with partners to promote land • There is a need for land use policy that promotes conservation through conservation easements creative and progressive development that and other tools. maintains open lands and respects natural a. Partner with local, state-wide, and national conservation organizations actively working in the landscapes while still offering economic benefits Catskill Region to protect important natural areas, to landowners. agricultural lands, and open space. • In response to these issues, the community b. Provide and obtain updates on land recently completed the Town of Durham conservation activities from the Durham Valley Land Comprehensive Plan (2008) to help set direction Trust, Open Space Institute, The Trust for Public Land, and American Farmland Trust.
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 16
Agricultural Qualities The agricultural heritage of the Durham Valley Productive agricultural land accounts for less than Alan Gussow, an acknowledged expert on dates to the mid 19th century. By 1845, over 27,000 20 percent of the Durham Valley’s total land area, landscape analysis, visited the Durham Valley in acres (about 90 percent of the land area in the but contributes disproportionately to its heritage 1973 and again in 1990. In his 1973 assessment Town of Durham) were in agricultural production. and scenic quality. These lands are generally of the Durham Valley, Gussow highlighted the Today, the rural working landscape of farmlands located along the Scenic Byway in highly visible significance of the agricultural heritage: and grazing areas provides a distinct character for areas, making them significant contributors to the Scenic Byway Corridor. Farming operations the cultural heritage and the pastoral views along “…the preservation of this pastoral valley [Durham are valued by the community for their contributions the Scenic Byway. However, the Durham Valley’s Valley] permits the public to experience themselves to the Durham Valley’s scenic beauty, helping to relatively small amount of agricultural land in something of their cultural heritage. . . A pastoral valley attract tourists and contributing to the quality of current production, along with the region’s close such as we have here in Durham is an increasingly rare life for residents. Agriculture is valued as a key proximity to New York City and its appeal due landscape example. School children seeing this Valley as economic sector with a direct positive impact on the to its scenery, make these farmlands particularly it exists today will learn in ways that text books cannot community. Agricultural lands are also valued for vulnerable to development. convey what it was like to live and work with the land their heritage, reflecting the history of settlement in times past. Yet, this is not a museum diorama. This of the Durham Valley. The Town of Durham’s Comprehensive Plan is a living landscape which can never be recreated and planning process clearly identified that residents which can still instill in the visitor an appreciation Large expanses of the Durham Valley are conducive feel the community’s very identity is threatened by for his American heritage.” [Testimony before the to hay production and livestock grazing. Pastures the loss of the economic viability of agriculture and Federal Power Commission in 1973] and hay meadows interspersed with small areas of tourism, outside development pressures driven by cropland make up large areas of agricultural lands growth in the Hudson Valley, and the expansion of Following his return visit in 1990, he wrote that within the Scenic Byway Corridor. Abundant water second home developments. the landscape of the Durham Valley reflected: enhances the agricultural productivity, as well as Conflicts between development and agricultural lands “…the harmonious ways in which the man-made supports adjacent vegetation communities. The Durham Valley’s agricultural resources have been exist in some areas. As part of a survey conducted elements – the farm buildings and related structures by Durham Agriculture Community Partnership, 25 – blend with the present lively agricultural landscape mapped using data from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Agricultural Resources percent of the respondents (i.e., ranchers and farmers) of the area . . . [and] that we must recognize the need noted that neighbors objected to agricultural activities. for the preservation of representative natural landscapes figure illustrates areas by their potential levels of productivity and includes prime farmland, prime This finding generally centered around new residents and I would regard the Durham Valley as an excellent who are not tolerant of the dust, noise, and smells of example of the pastoral landscape at its best.” farmland if drained, and farmland of statewide importance. productive agricultural lands.
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 18 Local ranchers and farmers recognize the value Cultural and Historic Qualities of their lands to the economic viability of the The Durham Valley is a unique landscape and Durham Valley, as well as for their development its distinct natural setting provides the basis for potential. Because of this, they formed the Durham its heritage. The history of the land from early Agriculture Community Partnership and have occupation by indigenous people to milling, iron been working collaboratively with state and county works, tanning, and agriculture, and onward to agencies and regional experts. Together, they today’s recreation and tourism has left a variety are identifying issues and proposing solutions to of cultural, historic, and archaeological resources. minimize conflicts, protect important agricultural These vestiges of the past are the physical remnants lands for their open space value, and provide that assist in telling the Durham Valley’s story of ranchers and farmers with viable economic options evolution from early Native American habitation to that allow them to continue sustainable production. • Only one percent of the Town of Durham is today’s diverse rural community with an economic public land. Almost all lands adjacent to the base that includes ranching and farming, as well as Issues and Opportunities - Agricultural Scenic Byway are privately owned, much of tourism and recreation. The Durham Valley’s scenic beauty, temperate which is productive agricultural land. Farming climate, and affordability make it an attractive place is valued for its historic role, contribution to the for development and growth. local economy, and function in maintaining the Durham Valley’s authentic rural character, but it • The Durham Valley is experiencing moderate is also endangered by development. Farmlands growth, resulting in new development and may indeed be more financially valuable as patterns of development that may impact development property than for farming income. its scenic, natural, agricultural, and historic Management Actions - Agricultural qualities. For example, new growth and smaller development patterns such as small lots located Promote the protection of important along major travel routes are already beginning agricultural lands that contribute to the Scenic to impact the significant scenic views adjacent to Byway Corridor by using tools that provide an or visible from the Scenic Byway. economic benefit to the landowner. a. Identify agricultural resources that also hold This section presents an overview of the cultural • According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Town important heritage value such as important historic of Durham has grown by 3.7 percent since structures, sites, or land uses. and historic qualities that characterize the Durham 2000 (contrasted with a Greene County rate b. Actively participate in the Durham Agriculture Valley. A brief history of the Durham Valley is of 2.2 percent and a New York State rate of 1.7 Community Partnership to support its work in followed by a description of historic preservation percent). The Town of Durham’s population is protecting important agricultural lands as working activities that have enriched the area since the currently about 2,690 based on the July 2007 landscapes. 1980s and a summary of existing resources. The estimate. c. Partner with land trust organizations to promote Historic Resources figure highlights a number of the conservation tools (i.e., conservation easements unique attributes in the Durham Valley. • Most new growth adds a financial strain on and land acquisition) that protect significant private the Town of Durham and Greene County in lands and provide a benefit to the owner. Assist History providing public services. Most of this growth with support letters, grant funding, and education of is scattered residential development, frequently landowners concerning benefits and constraints of Evidence points to the presence of Paleo-Indians on small lots with little or no clustering to these approaches. in the Catskill region approximately 10,000 years preserve open space, which is changing the d. Support the preservation of important lands ago, after the glaciers had receded and the climate Durham Valley’s rural and scenic character. through services such as grant writing, education, was beginning to warm. A flint quarry found on and collaboration. a hill near Athens, Greene County, is the earliest
19 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan identified site in the region. Another site, between century farms in the Durham Valley raised a mix of The foundries, four of which were located in Oak 9,200 and 8,200 years old near Cobleskill, is cash crops and livestock. The predominant outputs Hill, were among the Town of Durham’s most believed to have been a manufacturing site for were wool and apples. Neither commodity required prominent enterprises. The most famous of these points and other stone tools. The Paleo people were extensive barns, so both were relatively easy to was the Cheritree Foundry, which began in 1833 possibly the ancestors of the Mohican, Delaware, produce. Sheep could be grazed on the hillsides as the Oak Hill Malleable Iron Company. The and Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), who inhabited the and other untillable lands, thus making use of the company was developed by Cambell and Scofield to region when the first Europeans arrived. upland areas within the Durham Valley. In the make the Dutcher Plow No. 2. The factory burned early 20th century the milk industry flourished to the ground in 1865; was soon rebuilt as the The Durham Valley was first permanently settled throughout the Hudson Valley with railroads Empire Foundry; continued operations until about in 1784 by families from Durham, Connecticut. promoting dairy operations to the farmers and then 1900; and was famous for the Climax brand plows The principal draw to the Durham Valley was transporting milk to the urban centers. and other hardware. In addition to the Cheritree the water power available from the numerous Foundry, there was a lesser known iron works in streams in the area. The rolling landscape of the Tanning was also a large and early industry in the Oak Hill, as well as secondary manufacturers and upland township offered reasonably fertile land, upland areas in the Durham Valley and throughout other home industries common in a rural culture. which was heavily farmed in the 19th century. the Catskills. During the 1830s and 40s, Greene The development of the township came with County tanned more leather than did the rest of Historic Preservation in the Durham Valley small villages centered at first around the small industrial communities of Oak Hill and Durham. In 1989, the Town of Durham enacted Local Law Settlement and expansion came quickly and by No. 1 to “protect and enhance the landmarks and 1825 the population had peaked to a level that has historic districts which represent distinctive elements not been matched since. The post-Revolutionary of Durham’s historic, architectural, and cultural War settlement and growth of the Durham Valley heritage” and to “enhance Durham’s attractiveness to represents a unique period of American history, and visitors.” Following the enactment of this law and is exemplified by the homes, farms, and cemeteries meeting the requirements of the National Historic located within the Scenic Byway Corridor. Preservation Act, New York State designated the Town of Durham as a Certified Local Government The Durham Valley has a rich history of diverse (CLG). The CLG is a nationwide program that and prosperous endeavors. One of the most notable supports local preservation through the creation was the high-profile iron works in Oak Hill. of local preservation commissions (i.e., the Town However, from the first settlement the principal of Durham Historic Preservation Commission). industry in the Durham Valley has been farming. The Town of Durham Historic Preservation Other enterprises such as milling, iron works, the state combined. The tanners used the acid- Commission subsequently designated the tanning, retail stores, and boarding houses all containing hemlock tree bark to cure hides for Cornwallville Historic District and completed a flourished in their time, but none dominated the leather. At first, the bark and wood used in tanning historic resources reconnaissance survey in 1997. local economy for so long a period and to such a was secondary to the lumber industry, but by the degree as has agriculture. middle of the 19th century, the tanning industry The increased interest in historic preservation had become quite extensive. Trees were cut, often of local buildings and other sites also led to the Farming encompassed the entire Durham Valley establishment of a Greene County Register under from the lowest bottom land along Catskill Creek in excess of what could be run through the saw mills, simply for their acid bark. Some of the excess the auspices of the Greene County Historical to the foothills of the Catskill Mountain Range. By Society in 1990. The purpose of this register is 1845, about 90 percent of the land within the Town from this process was used to pave the early plank roads or to construct barns. The industry slowly to document Greene County’s structures and sites of Durham was improved for agriculture. In 1875, of historic and architectural significance, and the farms tended to be fairly large, typically over 50 faded from five operations in 1835 to one in 1855. By about 1875, the last tannery in the Durham to advance public awareness, appreciation, and acres, with almost half ranging in size from 100 to preservation of the County’s historic resources. 500 acres – there were over 300 farms. Nineteenth Valley had shut down. Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 20 Historic Resources in the Durham Valley Listed on a Register Historic Resource Date Location Register Town County State Federal Historic Buildings and Structures Charles Pierce House c 1840 Route 81, Oak Hill x x Chittendon-Atkinson-Swanson Home c 1795 Susquehanna Turnpike, Durham x x Cutting Bagley House c 1802 Cornwallville Road, x x Deer Watch Inn c 1800 Route 27 x x Dutch Colonial A.T. House c 1787 Route 81, Oak Hill x x Fords General Store c 1870 Route 81, Oak Hill x x Grove Cottage c 1830 Durham x x Hull-Cowles-Bright House c 1867 Mansard Avenue, Durham x x Icicle House c 1845 Route 22, Oak Hill x Ken Dean Home c 1790 Route 81, Oak Hill x L.E. Cleveland House 1840 Route 81, Oak Hill x x Lyman Tremain Opera House 1895 Route 81, Oak Hill x x Makely Farm c 1810 Makely Road, Oak Hill x x Mt. Zoar Villa c 1860 Route 23, East Windam x x Oak Hill United Methodist Church 1859Route 81, Oak Hill xxxx Osborne House c 1850Route 81, Oak Hill xxxx Parks House 1806 Cornwallville x x Phinias Tyler House c 1795 Cornwallville x x Redbrick House c 1812 Stonebridge Road x x St. Paul’s Lutheran Church c 1834Route 81, Oak Hill xxxx The Parsonage c 1815Route 81, Oak Hill xxxx Tremain House c 1854 Route 81, Oak Hill x x Tripp House and Store Complex c 1832Route 81, Oak Hill xxxx W.F. DeWitt Hotel c 1865 Route 81, Oak Hill x x Weldon House Route 145, East Durham x x Whittlesey-Reynolds c 1820 Susquehanna Turnpike, Durham x x Historic Roads and Mile Markers Susquehanna Turnpike c 1800 xxxx Susquehanna Turnpike Mile Marker 15 c 1800 Susquehanna Turnpike x x Susquehanna Turnpike Mile Marker 22 c 1800 Susquehanna Turnpike x x Susquehanna Turnpike Mile Marker 25 c 1800 Susquehanna Turnpike x x Historic Stone Arch Bridges Allan Teator Road Stone Arch Bridge Allan Teator Road, West Durham x x Brand Hollow Road Stone Arch Bridge Brand Hollow Road, West Durham x x x Hervey Street Stone Arch Bridge Hervey Street, Sunside x x Moore Road Stone Arch Bridge Moore Road, Cornwallville x x x Stone Arch Bridge at County Route 22 c 1800 Susquehanna Turnpike, Durham x x Stone Arch Bridge at Stone Bridge Rd. c 1800 Susquehanna Turnpike, Durham x x Woodard Road Stone Arch Bridge Woodard Road, East Durham x x A full list of historic properties from the 1997 Historic Resources Reconnaissance Survey appears in Appendix B 21 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan
Since that time, over 200 historic homes or sites early expansion westward, and was the longest have been listed on the register – about 20 are in continuously operated toll road in the United States; the Durham Valley. the eastern section remained in continual operation until 1901. The Susquehanna Turnpike was listed Existing Cultural and Historic Resources in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the first road ever given such designation. The range of existing cultural and historic resources in the Durham Valley is the tangible Cornwallville Historic District – the district evidence of the area’s heritage. A sampling of was created by the Town of Durham Historic resources that contribute to the character of the Preservation Commission in 1989, following Durham Valley includes: the enactment of the local historic preservation law. The district covers the historic hamlet of Cornwallville, as well as much of the viewshed to the north and south. Historical and continuing agricultural use has created a distinct cultural landscape pattern resulting from the geometric patterns of pastures juxtaposed with woodlands. The accompanying table provides list of resources Oak Hill – the hamlet was the first major pre- found on historic registers (i.e., town, county, revolutionary war settlement in the Durham Valley. state, or federal), while the Historic Resources figure In recent years, local residents have restored a number illustrates some specific highlights within the Scenic of its important historic buildings, which are now Byway Corridor. The Historic Resources figure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. was developed using the New York State Historic Preservation Office GIS database; through review Stone Arch Bridges – eight stone arch bridges of the 1997 Resources Reconnaissance Survey; and from the 19th century in the Durham Valley are with the contributions of members of the Town of listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Durham Historic Preservation Commission. The two earliest bridges were built around 1800 Susquehanna Turnpike – the Susquehanna as part of the construction of the Susquehanna Issues and Opportunities - Turnpike was one of the first turnpikes authorized Turnpike. The remaining six were built in the late Cultural and Historic by the State of New York. Legislation enabling 1800s under the supervision of Durham Highway Commissioner Jeremiah Cunningham. Historic buildings, landscapes and features are its creation was passed on April 1, 1800, and the visible throughout the Durham Valley, helping to first section was opened August 20, 1801. The Century Farms – the Century Farm program tell the story of settlement, industrial activity, and road stretched from Catskill (on the Hudson River) is testament to the traditions of progressive agriculture. Unfortunately, some residents and westward to Wattles’ Ferry (Unadilla), New York agriculture and community service by farm visitors are not aware of the significance of these on the Susquehanna River. In the Durham Valley, families in New York State. The program began resources, and the means to protect these important the turnpike passed through the hamlets of East in 1937 and honors New York farms in continuous resources are not always easily available. Although Durham (State Route 145), Durham, and West operation on the same land by the same family the Town of Durham has a Historic Preservation Durham (County Route 20). for 100 years or more. Two farms in the Durham Commission that has been actively protecting Soon after its opening, the turnpike was serviced Valley (i.e., Hull-O-Farm and the Cunningham important resources for decades, there are many by a weekly stage route. The overland stage took Farm) have been recognized by the New York State more sites and properties that have yet to be fully three full days to make the passage from Catskill Agricultural Society. identified and designated. to Unadilla and initially charged 10 cents a mile. The Susquehanna Turnpike played a key role in 23 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan • The Durham Valley has a number of designated e. If requested, assist the Durham Center Museum c. Assist with the preparation and submittal of historic sites. Most of these properties continue with its depository of information on local historic grant applications to the New York State Historic in their historic use or in an adaptive reuse that resources (e.g., a catalog of photographs or copies Preservation Office to conduct additional survey is compatible with their historical qualities. And, of inventory forms). work. reuse of historic sites and buildings is recognized as a positive and sustainable approach in the Encourage local hamlets to recognize historic Explain the economic options and benefits of community. resources through historic designation (local, historic preservation, such as gaining eligibility state, or national) or through other planning for historic grants for public and community • There are potentially many more properties measures. projects and obtaining tax credits for private that may be historically significant, such as a. If requested, work with the Oak Hill community properties that are designated and rehabilitated agricultural lands, structures on agricultural to recognize a historic district. as historic properties. lands, and roads that may not have been b. Support Cornwallville’s historic designation a. Assist partners by providing services such as considered significant in previous inventories. through restoration awards. presentations and participating in grant writing and c. Support East Durham’s Main Street Project. providing letters of support. • The Durham Valley has an excellent state- d. Work with the Town of Durham to ensure chartered museum with an emphasis on local b. Work with partners to create publications, adherence to an implementation of Local Law No. 1 brochures and other media to promote the interest. The research library, the mainstay of of 1989 for Historic Preservation. importance and benefits of historic preservation. the facility, attracts users from well beyond the borders of Greene County. Recreational Qualities Management Actions - Recreation has continued to grow to the extent Cultural and Historic that it is one of the most significant sectors of Greene County’s economic base, and the pastoral Assist with the county-wide process to setting of the Durham Valley provides the perfect document significant historic resources. setting for outdoor recreation and exploration in a. Encourage the Greene County Historical Society unparalleled scenery. The Durham Valley offers to maintain the historic resource database. Update many outstanding active and passive recreational to include any historic resources identified by this Corridor Management Plan. Update the database activities for youth, families, and senior citizens. on an annual basis, or more frequently if significant Bicycling, farm stays, hiking, and landscape information becomes available. painting are increasingly popular activities in the b. Coordinate with the Historic Preservation Scenic Byway Corridor. Commission and New York State Historic Preservation Office annually to obtain the most Fishing recent listing of inventoried properties. c. Work with the Historic Preservation Commission Work with the Historic Preservation The Catskill Mountains are considered to be the on a regular basis to obtain information on Commission to craft projects for additional or birthplace of fly-fishing. Theodore Gordon, the properties that it is inventorying, surveying, or new inventory, evaluation or designation of dean of American fly-fishermen, first recorded his designating. historic resources. experiences on Catskill waters in the early 1900s. d. Collaborate with the Historic Preservation Today the region continues to offer some of the best Commission to provide their most recent inventories a. Work with partners and private property owners fishing opportunities in the United States. Rainbow, for inclusion in the database. including farmers to secure funding and technical brook and brown trout in Esopus Creek, Beaverkill, support for evaluation and inventory projects. the Willowemoc, Schoharie Creek, Neversink River, b. Contribute a list of potential historic resources to Greene County Historical Society database as sites Catskill Creek, Batavia Kill, and the Delaware River needing additional study. draw anglers from around the world.
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 24 further by creating a blazed hiking trail along to support the preservation and adaptive reuse of Schaefer’s route. Today the Long Path is a 326- historic features such as railroad routes that may mile hiking trail that extends from the George pass through private lands. Washington Bridge, passes through the Scenic • Providing waysides or new trails in the Scenic Byway Corridor, and continues north to John Boyd Byway Corridor will require collaboration Thacher Park near Albany. The Long Path is between potential users and private land owners. accessible from the west side of the Scenic Byway A balance between protecting resources and Corridor. Future plans are to extend the trail to the ensuring that the rights and opinions of private Mohawk River and eventually into the Adirondacks. landowners are respected must be made when exploring potential waysides or trails. Issues and Opportunities - Recreational
Catskill Creek parallels Route 145 through the The Durham Valley’s setting provides outstanding Management Actions - Recreational Durham Valley. Its waters run cold and nurture outdoor recreation opportunities coupled with unparalleled scenery. Support and advocate protection of public lands brown, rainbow, and brook trout. Four points that contribute to the recreational values of the allow public access to Catskill Creek, but public Scenic Byway Corridor. opportunities to use the creek are limited. Access a. Work with Department of Environmental to Catskill Creek adjacent to the Durham Town Conservation in reviewing proposed management Hall is routinely used for fishing and swimming. plans for Mount Pisgah State Forest to ensure Cars parked along County Route 27 to use this consistency with Corridor Management Plan to the point can be a hazard during the summer; however, extent allowed by Department of Environmental it is a well-known and popular spot with residents Conservation’s mandates. and tourists. There is also an access point in Oak b. Support Town of Durham efforts via code Hill, one at the confluence with Ten Mile Creek, procedures that discourage inappropriate and one near East Durham. Catskill Creek is development adjacent to public lands. c. Promote a partnership with the Department stocked annually with trout by the Department of of Environmental Conservation to influence future Environmental Conservation. plans impacting state lands to preserve recreation resources. The Long Path • There is increasing demand for access to public d. Support and advocate policies of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan that protect important The Long Path was the vision of Vincent J. lands by local residents and families, as well recreation resources. Schaefer of Schenectady, who proposed that New as by users from outside of Greene County. e. Support efforts of public or private partners York establish its own “Long Path” similar to the Maintenance of the Long Path by the New York- who may seek to acquire or otherwise protect Long Trail in Vermont. Unlike the Long Trail, New Jersey Trail Conference is a continuing land adjacent to existing public lands that are Schaefer saw the Long Path as an unmarked challenge. There is a need to enhance the trail considered critical for recreatin or other intrinsic route meandering from the George Washington segment through the Scenic Byway Corridor to qualities. Bridge to Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks, provide a safe, enjoyable hiking experience. connecting together a series of landmarks. The • Through private enterprise, new recreational name of the trail came from Walt Whitman’s poem opportunities may arise that include the addition Song of the Open Road – “There lies before me a long of hiking and biking trails on historic routes brown path, leading wherever I choose.” such as the Canajoharie and Catskill Railroad. Beginning in the 1960s, the New York-New Jersey Their impact or enhancement of heritage values Trail Conference took Schaefer’s vision a step should be considered. It will also be important
25 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Resource Composite
Mapping Analysis Careful planning and analysis have given the Scenic Byway Committee a detailed knowledge of the Scenic Byway, as well as a broad perspective of the Scenic Byway Corridor. The ultimate goal is to see the intrinsic qualities of the Scenic Byway Corridor preserved. To be efficient and strategic, the Scenic Byway Committee harnessed technology to identify areas with the highest coincidence of intrinsic value overlap. Using Geographical Information System (GIS) technology, the Scenic Byway Committee has been able to synthesize information from a variety of sources and scale it into a concise format. The resource figures (i.e., Hydric Soils, Forested Areas, Agricultural Resources, and Viewshed Analysis) are based on extensive data analysis and a series of stakeholder meetings. Selection of a set of intrinsic values for analysis for the Resource Composite does not preclude incorporating other resources in the final decision-making process when seeking partnerships, acquiring grants, or implementing on-the-ground projects. For example, cultural and historic resources (see the Historic Resources figure) in the planning area are diverse, and will be considered in all of the Scenic Byway Committee’s efforts. The individual resource maps are combined to create the Resource Composite figure. An illustration of this process is provided here. The Resource Composite depicts areas with a high coincidence of overlapping intrinsic values. The map should not be interpreted to mean that the all the high coincidence areas shown will be conserved, whether by public acquisition or by other means, in the future. It does, however, show in broad outline the major areas to consider for future actions as outlined throughout the Corridor Management Plan. Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 26
Transportation
New York State Routes 23 and 145 connect the Durham line and continues east to Sutton Road. Town of Durham to the New York State Thruway The segment has an oil and stone surface type. and are the primary access highways to the Traffic volumes appear low. Durham Valley. Located north of New York State • Sutton Road – This segment of Scenic Byway Route 23 and southwest of New York State Route descends 3.4 miles from west to east into the 145, the Scenic Byway Corridor may be accessed Durham Valley from Cunningham Road to from either of these roads. County Route 20. The upper 1.4 miles of road surface are dirt while the remaining 2 miles are Existing Scenic Byway Conditions oil and stone. Town residents generally oppose resurfacing the dirt portion. Traffic volumes • County Route 20 – This segment of Scenic appear low. Byway along County Route 20 extends about 9.5 miles from the Schoharie County line east • Cornwallville Road – The three, short Scenic through the Hamlet of Durham and the Hamlet Byway segments (0.3 miles from County Route of Cornwallville to the junction with County 20 in the Hamlet of Cornwallville south to the Route 20B. The road surface is paved and traffic Flinn Road junction; 0.8 mile from Fall Creek volumes appear moderate. then continuing to the Hervey Street junction; and 0.4 mile from Throp Creek continuing east • County Route 10 – This segment of Scenic to a point beyond the next creek (unnamed)) are Byway traverses the west side of the Scenic oil and stone. Traffic volumes appear moderate Byway Corridor for 1.4 miles beginning at because there is easy access to State Route 23 to County Route 20 (Susquehanna Turnpike) and the south. continuing south to the Town line. The roadway is paved and striped. Traffic volumes appear moderate. Traffic Volume • Cochrane Road – The 3-mile Scenic Byway Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) information segment descends from County Route 20 for the Scenic Byway is not available because traffic (Susquehanna Turnpike) east to rejoin County the Town of Durham in 2008. Traffic volumes count data are not collected for County or Town Route 20 at the southern end of Dugway Road. appear low. roads in the Durham Valley. Based on traffic The road surface is dirt from Prink Hill Lane • Stonebridge Road – The 1-mile segment from volumes along state routes between 1989 and 2004, heading west. Upper elevations of the Scenic Shady Glen Road west to County Route 20 there have been small to moderate increases in Byway segment are lined with a number of old provides an entry point from the east into the traffic adjacent to the Scenic Byway Corridor. For hardwood trees. Traffic volumes appear very Scenic Byway Corridor. The segment has an oil example, in the most recent traffic counts, Route low. and stone surface type. Traffic volumes appear 145 traffic volume through the Town of Durham • Prink Hill Lane – The Scenic Byway segment low. increased about 4 percent. Compared to other follows 0.7 mile of Prink Hill Lane from County nearby areas, the traffic volume increases of 4 • Cunningham Road – This short, 0.4-mile percent are quite moderate. Route 20 (Susquehanna Turnpike) south to Scenic Byway segment begins at the west side Cochrane Road. This segment was paved by of the Scenic Byway Corridor at the Town of
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 28 Management Actions - Transportation Promote vehicular safety a. Explore with the New York Department of Transportation solutions to mitigate hazardous intersections in the Scenic Byway Corridor. b. Some locations in the Scenic Byway Corridor may be potentially hazardous to visitors not familiar with road conditions. The following locations should be examined and solutions sought to mitigate potential hazards: o County Route 22 and State Route 145 o County Route 20 and Cochrane Road
c. The network of scenic roads that make up the Scenic Byway is truly unique. Develop an informational brochure that clearly informs the visitor of individual road conditions and speed limits.
Suggest improvements that will enhance safety and the overall Scenic Byway experience a. Incorporate multiple modes of transportation within the Scenic Byway Corridor. Private vehicular traffic is adequately accommodated on existing roadways. However, areas large enough or designated for short-term parking of tour buses Roadway Safety and Maintenance Eight stone arch bridges are found in the Durham should be considered. Valley, which the Town of Durham is working to b. Promote methods of vegetation management One of the most important aspects of managing preserve and save from further deterioration. An (e.g., tree removal) that maintain both road safety a Scenic Byway is maintaining or improving the area of current concern is the Hervey Street Bridge and the scenic qualities of the Scenic Byway road to ensure adequate roadway safety. The Town over Thorp Creek near the Scenic Byway. Flooding Corridor. of Durham Highway Maintenance Department in April 2005 weakened Hervey Street Bridge. has eight full-time employees and maintains about Although necessary funding is not presently 77 miles of road. Paved roads comprise about available, the Town of Durham is seeking funding 36 miles, oil and stone comprise about 23 miles, for restoration of the Hervey Street Bridge. and there are 18 miles of dirt roads. The annual budget for the Highway Maintenance Department Public Safety is about $880,000 and there is a 5-year equipment replacement program. The Town of Durham is Emergency services in the Durham Valley are working to reduce the amount of dirt road by 0.5 provided by E-911, through Greene County as well mile each year. No formal maintenance agreements as through local police, the county sheriff, the New with other towns, the County, or the State are in York State Police, and several local volunteer fire and place. Snowplowing is an informally shared service rescue departments (e.g., Town of Durham Ambulance with Greene County. Squad, Oak Hill-Durham Volunteer Fire Company, and East Durham Volunteer Fire Company).
29 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Signage
General Sign Description Safety Signage • The Scenic Byway marker will have possible additions: Three types of signage are present along the Safety signage helps promote safe travel for o“Begin” or “End” to mark Scenic Byway Scenic Byway. These include on-premise signs, motorists and non-motorists alike. The Scenic starting and ending points off-premise signs, and official signs. These types Byway Coordinating Committee should also o“To” and appropriate arrow directing travelers of signs are defined below. A Sign Inventory for the support efforts to provide signage in appropriate to next Scenic Byway segment, when Scenic Byway is included as an appendix. areas that inform drivers of sharing the road with necessary pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians, and livestock. • Scenic Byway signs could piggyback on existing • On-premise signs – are located on the property highway signs, or be mounted on new posts of the activity that they advertise. Signs that Interpretive Signage advertise the sale or lease of the property that • Scenic Byway entry signs should be placed near they are on are also included in this category. Interpretive signage needs and design points of entry recommendations are described in detail in the • Off-premise signs – display a wide range of Resource Interpretation section of the Corridor • Scenic Byway entry signs should use non- messages and are the most commonly seen Management Plan. obtrusive colors such as a light brown “billboard” type signs. They can range from background with white text or green oversized billboards to small posters. Funding and Maintenance background with white text • Official signs – are erected and maintained by Signage construction, installation and maintenance public officers, departments, or agencies within responsibilities will be determined based upon the Standard Sign Hierarchy their territorial or zoning jurisdiction. These location of the signs. All signs must be approved by The signage graphic on the next page shows a signs are generally authorized under New the appropriate highway agency. standard sign hierarchy typically associated with York State or Federal Law. Historical markers a scenic byway. These are included to show the authorized by State law and found in the Scenic variety of materials, looks, and thematic styles Byway Corridor are considered official signs. Outdoor Advertising Controls that, if done properly, can extend the community’s Federal law prohibits new off-premise signs (e.g., identity within its signage program. The intent While much of this signage is limited and in billboards) along Scenic Byways. The goal of this of the typical hierarchy is to provide a standard sufficient quantity so as not to detract from the requirement is to maintain an attractive right-of- reference and template for all future sign needs. overall visitor experience, there are some areas way for the highway and avoid distracting clutter. where signage needs to be added, removed, or A principal strategy of this Corridor Management replaced. General signage recommendations Plan is to inform local government (i.e., the Town Management Actions - Signage provided by the Coordinating Committee and of Durham and Greene County), as partners in the Create an integrated and cohesive system of community included the following: management of the Scenic Byway, of this prohibition. graphic signing and materials to identify the Scenic Byway and Scenic Byway Corridor. • Design a sign specific to the Durham Valley Trailblazing – Scenic Byway Signage a. Develop a graphic design for the Scenic Byway’s Scenic Byway interpretive signs. A system of consistent and identifiable route • Concentrate signage near points of entry b. Develop a graphic design for a family of markers would serve to distinguish the Scenic interpretive installations and interpretive media. • Facilitate loop-tour travelers and better direct Scenic Byway from other non-designated routes. visitors to tourist services • Signage should comply with New York State and • A Scenic Byway logo marker alone will confirm Federal Law that traveler is on the Scenic Byway Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 30 Signage
C TOD -Tourist-oriented directional STANDARD NYSB SIGN HIERARCHY 36” wide (Provided by businesses) G HISTORIC MARKERS (Provided by resource or community- Not part of the NYS Scenic Byways D DESTINATION sign program ) MARKERS 12” wide (Provided by busi- The NYS Scenic Byway nesses or NYSDOT) sign manual shows recommended and required signs in the portions of the hierarchy shown on this sheet. Signs A, C and D are located in the A BYWAY IDENTIFICATION (TYP.) WITH DIRECTIONAL ARROWS WHERE NEEDED rights-of-way, therefore 12” wide (Provided by NYSDOT) Logo shown is sample of an approved byway logo. are more strictly Durham Scenic Byway would need a color logo which could translate well into white. controlled by NYSDOT. They are also paid for by the NYSDOT.
Signs B, E, F, and G E PEDESTRIAN DIRECTIONALS (Variations) have more latitude 18” wide single panel, variable width arrow panels (Provided by when it comes to design community) and local character. It is recommended that these signs be designed to reflect the local character of the area.
As is mentioned under Sign B, the Durham Valley Scenic Byway needs its own B BYWAY COMMUNITY ID- (existing) distinctive logo which (Provided by Municipality) NYSB SAMPLE WITH BYLINE should appear on all signs, both standard F INTERPRETIVE and custom. of the area. With periodic maintenance and/or refurbishing, these are an appropriate part of the signage hierarchy for the scenic byway. Adding a byline that reads “A Durham Scenic Byway Community” would be
31 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Tourism and Economic Development
Tourism is a major source of economic vitality Other Tourist Attractions to the State of New York and within the Catskill Region. Many rural communities, in particular, Other tourist attractions in the Durham Valley rely on the economic benefits derived from include the Zoom Flume Water Park, K&K/Ravine tourism and travel-related activities. Tourism can Farm or Tanglewood Ranch for horseback riding, represent an economic development alternative for and the Hull-O Farms family farm vacations. The communities in addition to agribusiness and other Durham Valley Scenic Byway, the Durham Center industries. Increasing the economic benefits from Museum, and antiques and restaurants in Oak Hill tourism to rural communities is an important part are other tourist draws. of a community’s economic development strategy. Also of great importance to tourism in the Durham Rural tourism appeals to travelers seeking some Valley are Windham Mountain (a ski resort in type of experiential tourism product such as auto the neighboring Town of Windham), and the touring, bird watching, nature tourism, and cultural established hiking trails such as the Long Path and and heritage tourism. While rural areas often the Escarpment Trail in and around the Catskill serve as the backdrop for these types of natural During the mid 19th century, many farmers in Park. These trails are popular destinations for eco- resource and cultural/heritage activities, the rural the Durham Valley supplemented their income tourists visiting for the day or weekend from the stakeholders do not always derive direct financial by opening extra rooms to guests. Typically, a nearby population centers. benefits. However, through careful tourism family would give their best rooms, often their own development and focused marketing strategies, the bedroom, to the boarders. Tourism is still active in Visitor Amenities Durham Valley can increase the traveler’s length of the Durham Valley, but it has changed dramatically stay and the amount of traveler spending. from this 19th century foundation. By the mid Most traveler amenities in the Durham Valley 20th century, bungalow colonies often developed are concentrated along New York State Routes Development of Tourism in the in conjunction with the smaller boarding houses. 23, 81, and 145. Some, such as gas stations, Durham Valley Over time, East Durham, situated prominently on convenience stores, and banks are scattered outside New York State Route 145, became a center for the of developed areas, especially along New York Even prior to the Civil War, tourists have been Durham Valley’s tourism. drawn to the scenic beauty and natural grandeur of the Durham Valley. East Windham was a popular Today, tourism in the Durham Valley is largely spot and had at least four large and successful event based. The largest annual event is the boarding houses. Built in 1848, the Summit House Irish Festival, which takes place Memorial Day was considered the grandest and largest for its Weekend in East Durham. Featured are music time. By the mid 1880s, the establishment could groups from the U.S., Canada, and Ireland. Each accommodate 90 guests. July, East Durham is also the host for the Catskills Irish Arts Week. The best teachers and students “The splendid hotels and boarding houses here have a of Irish culture, particularly musicians, travel to vast throng who are spending the beautiful August days East Durham from throughout the world to attend at the summit of the mountain, where they can see the classes and perform together at the local pubs. In world at their feet.” addition, the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival takes -New York Times (August 14, 1910) place over four days in July in Oak Hill. Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 32 State Route 145, detracting from the beauty of the • Additional opportunities exist for expanding Management Actions - Tourism and setting. There are only a few retail commercial the Durham Valley’s tourism base to include Economic Development enterprises remaining in the Durham Valley. The heritage tourism, agri-tourism, visits to public Milk Run sells both gasoline and diesel fuel and lands, and other sectors of the tourism industry Work with partners on their existing historic operates a convenience store and grill. Lawyers that respect the qualities of unique places. sites to bring the sites up to a high level of is a small general store situated in East Durham. Travelers in these categories generally bring a service (visitor ready) and authentic quality for Dean’s Mills is a grain and feed store. There are high level of respect to a place with historic or interpretation, programming, and events. five restaurants, two each in Oak Hill and East agricultural significance, and are usually willing a. Work with partners on those sites that are already identified as high priority for improving Durham, and one on New York State Route 23. to pay a premium for quality lodging, food, and facilities and interpretation (i.e., getting them visitor collectibles. High-end accommodations, such as a large inn in ready). a historic building, are missing from the Durham b. Work with partners and private property Valley. In addition, the Town of Durham does owners to secure funding and technical support for implementation. not have a full-service grocery or department store. Some visitor amenities, although they may Develop and enhance tourism to increase the be appropriately located, are not yet fully “visitor economic base. ready” in the sense that their standards of service, a. Educate the community about the Scenic Byway quality of facilities, and maintenance may not be at Corridor’s resources and tourism benefits. Raising levels expected and demanded by travelers. community awareness is key to the promotion and maintenance of the Scenic Byway’s intrinsic qualities. Preservation, Conservation, and b. Design programs to heighten local familiarity Economic Sustainability with the Scenic Byway Corridor’s assets. These programs could take the form of a bus tour, The economic benefits of historic preservation and photo or painting exhibition, or school field trips. land conservation are not readily familiar to the Restoration of a particular landmark or installation broader community. Tourism and agriculture are of interpretive signage along the Scenic Byway will better understood for the positive benefits they also call attention to the Scenic Byway Corridor. provide to the Durham Valley’s economic viability. c. Continue to catalogue and monitor existing visitor services in the Scenic Byway Corridor, • There is an opportunity to promote historic including accommodations, restaurants, and other pertinent businesses. preservation within the local community for d. Determine priorities for new and/or improved the benefits that it offers, including its role in services based on community input. The attractions environmental sustainability such as returning and amenities within the Scenic Byway Corridor potentially underutilized buildings and sites to a provide its character and make the Durham Valley productive use, and the local economic benefits a unique destination. It is important to consider the that are gained in the form of new jobs and fabric of the community as well as the needs of the increased tax revenue. visitor. • The Durham Valley has a local land trust that can act as catalyst to promote how land conservation has helped communities grow smart, attract investment, revitalize areas, boost tourism, protect farms, prevent flood damage, and safeguard the environment.
33 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Marketing, Promotion, and Education
Existing Marketing and Promotion related businesses. The county’s Main Street Businesses located along the byway can become an Revitalization Program has also been a vital part effective mini-chamber of commerce for the Byway Greene County recognized the significance of of improving the tourism allure of Greene County’s Corridor, functioning both as rest stops as well as local tourism organizations many years ago, due to villages and towns. places to get maps, directions and information from their importance as an economic development tool. “Scenic Byway Supporters.” Clear vinyl Byway Greene County has an operating division of county Plans call for a strategic planning initiative to be logo stickers could be displayed in the window of government, which is responsible for tourism undertaken in conjunction with the Greene County member businesses, showing travelers that the marketing and promotion efforts. In November Industrial Development Agency and Greene County community is supporting the efforts to promote 2008, the Greene County Legislature merged the Chamber of Commerce to develop a rebranding of Greene County Tourism Promotion Department the county’s image that capitalizes on its location in the Durham Valley. As part of this effort, it will into the Greene County Department of Planning the Catskills and Hudson Valley, while conveying be important to increase the awareness of business and Economic Development. The consolidated its unique attributes. The combined department owners and their staff to the multitude of scenic department is now known as the Department of also expects to launch a series of Tourism and historic sites, recreational activities, and other Economic Development, Tourism and Planning. Roundtables to continue meeting with key leaders intrinsic qualities of the Scenic Byway Corridor. Integration of tourism and economic development in the hospitality sector, as recommended in the Familiarization tours for both business owners, under a single umbrella is not new. New York State Comprehensive Economic Development Plan, with residents, and the tourism trade would be valuable. Tourism, for example, is under the aegis of the New the goal of getting the tourism industry more Maps featuring the Scenic Byway and walking York State Department of Economic Development. involved in advancing priority projects. Regional tours of Oak Hill, Cornwallville, and other historic meetings with the hospitality industry and support areas could be created and available at the Durham A prime example of Greene County economic of the Greene County Industrial Development development and tourism initiatives working Center Museum, Durham Town Hall and all Agency’s Retail Destination Park are among other businesses that are “Scenic Byway Supporters.” hand-in-hand was the Tourism Enhancement plans in the works. Program spearheaded by the Department of A suggested map concept is shown below and available at www.zcardna.com. Planning and Economic Development. Established Future Marketing and Promotion Efforts in September 2005 and active through the end of 2007 when federal funding through the Small Providing information regarding the Scenic Cities Community Development Program ended, Byway will be the starting point for all future the Tourism Enhancement Program was designed marketing and promotion efforts. Coordination to assist the county’s resorts, lodging, restaurant, and cooperation with regional and state tourism attractions and other tourism-related businesses organizations, recognizes that tourists travel with enhancement of their properties. The grants to a region and a destination. This will require helped pay for exterior/façade improvements, that the Byway Coordinating Committee and signage, furnishings, installation of high-speed promotional entities such as the Greene County internet service, and additions of restaurants, Tourism Promotion Department work together conference facilities, and gift shops. to ensure that existing marketing materials are In addition to the Tourism Enhancement updated and future marketing materials include the Program, Greene County Planning and Scenic Byway. In addition, the Byway Coordinating Economic Development regularly makes loans Committee should provide information to the State through its revolving loan programs to tourism- and National Scenic Byway programs for inclusion with their marketing materials and web sites. Suggested map concept for the Scenic Byway. Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 34 Web support for the Scenic Byway could include community, private property owners, and others Broaden the participation on the Scenic downloadable maps, histories of area features, who own, manage, or otherwise control important Byway Committee to include all interested blogs, and other traveler information. The Byway agricultural properties, significant natural stakeholders. Coordinating Committee should consider building resources, and potential historic buildings, sites or a. Work to add additional members to the and hosting a web site to assist the tourist with cultural landscapes. Scenic Byway Committee. Consider adding one making plans to visit the Durham Valley. stakeholder with interests in agricultural lands and Management Actions - Marketing, one stakeholder with a local business interest. The Existing Character and Developing Image b. Re-evaluate the composition of the Scenic graphics on the following pages illustrate a Promotion, and Education Byway Committee on a regular basis to ensure that suggested approach how to “brand” the Scenic Implement an interpretive, educational, and it provides broad participation from all interested Byway Corridor in future marketing and marketing program to educate the local stakeholder groups. promotion efforts. community and visitors on the intrinsic values of the Scenic Byway Corridor. a. Develop a marketing approach and a marketing Community and Visitor Education brochure to promote the Scenic Byway Corridor. The Durham Valley is a special place where the b. Create a logo for use in identifying the Scenic past and present intertwine in a way that creates Byway Corridor. c. Create a Durham Valley Scenic Byway web its dynamic character. Articulating these qualities site. Maintain and update on an annual basis the and making history visible is an important aspect web site. Consider a web address that has Durham of the role of the Byway Coordinating Committee. Valley Scenic Byway in the name. Creating broad support and enthusiasm for the d. Develop and maintain a speaker’s bureau resources of the Byway Corridor includes reaching (a listing of available experts) to visit schools, out to local communities, educating children and organizations, or other groups to promote the Byway adults, and interpreting the Durham Valley’s Corridor. Develop lecture topics and potential heritage for visitors and local residents. venues. e. Provide information to the State and National The process of developing this Corridor Scenic Byway programs for inclusion with marketing Management Plan included outreach by the Byway materials and web sites. Provide stories to New York Coordinating Committee through a series of public State Scenic Byways Program for use on its web site. presentations and community meetings, where each f. Write items for publication such as press releases, contributions to heritage tourism presentation was accompanied by a series of maps publications, and articles for other industry and illustrative graphics that convey the intrinsic publications. qualities of the Byway Corridor. It is important to the Byway Coordinating Committee to promote Create training and outreach programs to the rural character of the Durham Valley and its engage the community. intrinsic qualities, so that those intrinsic qualities a. Work with Scenic Byway partners to develop and are valued by visitors and residents alike. provide a training program for business owners and other organizations to educate them on the Scenic The Byway Coordinating Committee will Byway, resource protection, benefits, and methods provide a lead role in educating and engaging the to integrate the Scenic Byway into their business community (residents, business owners, and others) offerings. and visitors about the importance of the Byway b. Organize tours of existing businesses and Corridor and the Durham Valley Scenic Byway. evaluate materials available to travelers. This role includes promoting the economic benefits of the Scenic Byway and its components to the
35 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Existing Character
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 36
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37 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Wayfinding and Resource Interpretation
Wayfinding within the Scenic Byway Corridor, and to potential • Consider looking at sign system design that waysides. Informational signs are needed to could be applied to Greene County with a Wayfinding refers to the ways in which travelers identity important places and events along the series of three variations: Mountains, Valleys, orient themselves as they move from place to Scenic Byway, and a visual acknowledgement at the and Historic River Towns. The design could place. It includes sensory as well as signs and gateways or portals into the Scenic Byway Corridor accommodate interchangeable markers or colors, other graphic communication elements that provide is needed to cue the traveler that they have arrived. while offering a unifying county-wide theme. cues to orienting oneself and to choosing a path A hierarchy of wayfinding and interpretive within an environment. These cues can include • Work with the local business community to signage occurs on the following page. Specific reduce “sign pollution” along New York State natural features and formations, travel routes, and recommendations are outlined below. These directional and informational signs. Mapping, Route 145, the Scenic Byway, and adjacent to recommendations are also illustrated on the Wayside important historic sites. web-based information, and travel brochures are and Interpretive Framework figure.. also elements of wayfinding. Another important aspect is safe travel, which includes road safety and • Subtly announce the Durham Valley Scenic Resource Interpretation condition of travel routes. Byway at each of its five natural entries within Interpretation is about connecting people with An analysis of the current condition of wayfinding the Scenic Byway Corridor. A two-tiered program of wayfinding signage would bring the places. Its role is to bring forward and explain the in the Scenic Byway Corridor and along the Scenic underlying meaning of the places, people, events, Byway determined that there are a few wayfinding traveler from a State Route (i.e., 145, 81, and 23) to a County Road (i.e., 67, 67A, 31, 22, 20, 20B, and natural forces that have marked and shaped an techniques in use, but there is an inconsistent and 10), and ultimately to Scenic Byway roads area. The resources that characterize the special application. There is a general lack of directional such as Cornwallville, Sutton, and Cochrane. nature of the Durham Valley are known as the and informational signs, especially those directing intrinsic qualities— scenic, natural, agricultural, travelers to destinations. The only interpretive › Tier 1 Wayfinding – signs located on State cultural, historic and archeological, and recreational installations in the Scenic Byway Corridor are the Routes would utilize New York Department resources. The intrinsic qualities are described in of Transportation standard blue and white historic markers from the State Historic Marker the Intrinsic Qualities section. Program. Commercial signage exists along and brown and white signs, typically the more travelled routes in the Scenic Byway indicating “Historic Marker” or “Point of The interpretive plan for the Scenic Byway Corridor, principally along New York State Routes Interest,” with arrows as needed. They Corridor is based on these intrinsic qualities, would work to direct traffic to the Scenic 145, 81, and 23. Along New York State Route offers unique experiences, and builds on existing Byway, and if permitted, would list the Scenic amenities. It focuses on portraying the Durham 145 commercial signs detract from the scenic and Byway by name. historic character of the Scenic Byway Corridor. Valley’s character as a combination of remarkable There are no roadside waysides along the Scenic › Tier 2 Wayfinding – signs found along natural resources coupled with a fascinating and Scenic Byway. county and local roads would have a visitor-attractive social and cultural history. distinctive design reflecting the character Wayfinding Recommendations of the area, and listing historic, cultural, Interpretive Audience and scenic highlights throughout the Scenic A consistent wayfinding approach is required Byway Corridor. Traffic would be directed The Scenic Byway Corridor interpretive audience for the Scenic Byway Corridor and the Scenic to areas where travelers could stop for passive is two parts: the first is the traveler or visitor who Byway. Wayfinding should include directional viewing, or to engage in more intensive arrives for the first or a repeat visit; the second is and regulatory signs to help visitors find their activities such as visitor centers with traveler the resident who has chosen to live in the Durham way along the Scenic Byway, to interesting sites information, or interpretive waysides. Valley. In attracting visitors, the objective is to Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 38 interest those who will sustain the character of Interpretive Themes and the Stories this exceptional place—its environment, culture, of the Durham Valley aesthetics, heritage, and the well being of its residents. For new or returning visitors who enjoy Typically, an interpretive theme provides a key the area’s recreational or natural resources, it is message that is used to organize all interpretive important to provide additional experiences related activities at an individual site. For an area as broad as the Scenic Byway Corridor with an equally broad to heritage that will encourage longer stays. range of stories, the interpretive themes recognize The interpretive and marketing audience for the the important stories and places of the area, and Scenic Byway Corridor is focused on the heritage convey those that express the qualities of the entire and agri-tourism traveler. The goal is to provide a area. The interpretive themes convey a complete high quality and authentic experience to the traveler message and should be used primarily to provide that will attract those visitors who share the same information that relates to the entire Scenic Byway values of the Durham Valley community – an Corridor. In most cases, interpretive information appreciation of rural life and the desire to protect its on the Scenic Byway Corridor will be incorporated with existing facilities and be used to promote the intrinsic qualities. By focusing on heritage tourism area as a whole. Catskill Creeks Theme and agri-tourism, the Durham Valley will be able to attract a specific type of visitor that will provide an Five themes have been identified for the Scenic The creeks of the Catskills are a dynamic economic benefit, versus attracting large numbers Byway Corridor. They were created with the force that modify and profoundly influence the of visitors. assistance of the Scenic Byway Coordinating landscape of the Durham Valley. Committee and through the inventory and analysis • Topics related to this theme include: creek Heritage tourism is a well-documented and of the Durham Valley’s historic and natural dynamics, geology, flora, fauna, human growing industry. The traditional heritage traveler resources. The historic and natural resources settlement, watershed protection, Hudson River is looking for an authentic experience and is inventories (presented in the Intrinsic Qualities Estuary, and recreation. willing to spend dollars on a high quality product. section) helped to identify events, people, and These types of travelers generally prefer local resources that tell the story of the Durham Valley. merchants and products over chains and franchises. Geologic Theme Agri-tourism provides an important link to the The thread of the Durham Valley’s natural setting, Reading the surrounding cliffs and landscape Durham Valley community’s current work with its and its role in the development of the region, of the Durham Valley reveals a remarkable 400 Agricultural Economic Development Project, which is a consistent idea that is woven through all million-year story. is focusing on economic well-being and lifestyle by five themes. The themes convey the historical development of the Durham Valley. The five supporting farmers and ranches, and by making • Topics related to this theme include: geology, themes are: 1) Water Resources, 2) Geography and geologic time, glaciation, fossils, plant and local products available locally. Geology, 3) Ecosystems, 4) Human History, and 5) animal adaptations, soil, and soil erosion. This audience is a good fit with the Scenic Byway Culture and Arts. Corridor as these types of travelers are respectful The thread of the Durham Valley’s natural setting, Habitat Diversity Theme of the lifestyle of the places they visit. This is and its role in the development of the region, important to the Durham Valley since so much of is a consistent idea that is woven through all The Durham Valley is at the transition between the Scenic Byway is immediately adjacent to and five themes. The themes convey the historical mountains and rolling plains providing a variety provides access to private homes and farms. development of the Durham Valley. The five of unique habitats for a great diversity of The overarching goal is to provide an economic themes are: 1) Catskill Creeks, 2) Geologic, 3) plants and animals. Habitat Diversity, 4) Cultural History, and 5) benefit and showcase the special qualities of Conservation and Stewardship. The themes and • Topics related to this theme include: ecosystems, Durham Valley without a substantial increase in related topics are further developed below. flora, fauna including tracks and signs, traffic along the Scenic Byway. migratory songbirds, raptors, threatened and
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 40 endangered species, wetlands, riparian systems, media, including a Scenic Byway logo and Overlook. These locations would include such interconnectedness of habitats, edge effect, and marketing brochure, are also important elements services as visitor parking, staffed or unstaffed fragmentation. that will support the Interpretive Framework. structures with interpretive panels, brochures and maps, picnic areas, rest rooms, and even river access. Cultural History Theme Interpretive Sites The story of the people of the Durham Valley A hierarchy of places and sites will be created to • Durham Center Museum – the Durham Center is a rich tale embracing many cultures and convey the stories of the Durham Valley and the Museum provides exhibits and interpretive spanning thousands of years. Scenic Byway. The sites are intended to allow information on local history as well as serving residents and visitors to gain knowledge about • Topics related to this theme include: History as depository for genealogical information. The the Scenic Byway Corridor through a variety museum is situated at a key location that will and associated culture of Paleo-Indians, of experiences. Some of the proposed sites are Native Americans (Mohican, Delaware, and be supported by the Scenic Byway. It is also in locations where there is an infrastructure already a location where information about the Scenic Haudenosaunee), European settlers, farmers, and available. A few new sites have been proposed conservationists. Byway Corridor can be distributed, and activities specifically to provide panoramic views and tell the undertaken by the Scenic Byway Coordinating story of the Scenic Byway Corridor. The type and Committee can be conveyed. Conservation and Stewardship Theme amount of information and level of detail will vary by site, depending on its role in the interpretive • Durham Town Hall – the Durham Town Hall The Durham Valley’s resources are fragile and framework. is staffed on a consistent basis with individuals it requires the combined efforts of partnering already knowledgeable about the Durham Valley. agencies, the community, and visitors to • Visitor Center/Orientation Wayside It is also located on one of the few publicly- preserve and protect this special place. owned parcels in the Durham Valley. The Town • Potential Scenic Wayside • Topics related to this theme include: stewardship, Hall site provides an excellent opportunity to agricultural sustainability, visitor impacts, • Scenic Gems create an orientation wayside for the Scenic human-wildlife interactions, livestock safety, Byway Corridor. There is access to Catskill impacts on aquatic resources, water quality, and Visitor Center/Orientation Wayside Creek adjacent to the Durham Town Hall that forest management. is routinely used for fishing and swimming. Two visitor center/orientation waysides are However, parking along County Route 27 can be proposed for the Scenic Byway Corridor in a hazard during the summer months. Expansion Interpretive Framework conjunction with existing facilities. The function and enhancement of creek access would benefit The interpretive framework describes an of the local visitor center/orientation waysides permanent and seasonal residents as well as integrated current and future system of physical will be to provide basic information about the tourists. infrastructure that will provide facilities necessary Durham Valley to aid in trip planning and general • Five-State Overlook – the existing wayside to interpret the natural and cultural heritage of interpretation, complemented by providing more on New York State Route 23 offers the famed the Scenic Byway Corridor. in-depth interpretation about the immediate place “Five State View” that extends over the Hudson in which the center is located. Because each would River Valley to the Berkshires, Vermont, Specifically, the interpretive framework be incorporated within an existing site and/or Connecticut, and New Hampshire and north recommends adding several interpretive sites, program the local visitor center would provide an to the Adirondacks. The overlook provides an including local visitor center/orientation individual focus on that locale while also providing immediate opportunity for enhancement through waysides. Potential scenic waysides included in broader information about the Durham Valley. interpretive panels and some simple site design the interpretive framework are also important elements. amenities because they offer ways of logically Suggested places to locate full or partial visitor directing travelers through the Scenic Byway information centers include the Durham Center Corridor to its significant places. Interpretive Museum, Durham Town Hall, and Five-State
41 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Potential Scenic Wayside their own cultural, historic and recreational Management Actions - Wayfinding and features. Because of this, it is important that the Interpretive Strategy In addition to the visitor center/orientation Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee introduce a Create three scenic waysides to convey the waysides, two potential scenic waysides are simple mechanism that identifies the Scenic Byway. proposed along the Scenic Byway where interpretive stories of the Byway Corridor and opportunities exist to provide information related provide additional visitor opportunities. to the Scenic Byway Corridor and to complement a. Work with NYSDOT to improve the Five-State A M V A Overlook site as a pilot project for interpretive wayside other materials. A potential scenic wayside H L development. Provide site improvements, interpretive R L would typically include a small parking area, safe E U signs, and visitor amenities. ingress and egress into the wayside, educational Y D b. Work with NYSDOT to add the logo and and interpretive media, and a means to explore or interpretive information to the Five-State Overlook S further enjoy the setting such as a trail connection, C Y c. Develop a typical wayside site plan for use in E A
N W developing interpretive waysides. Consult NYSDOT
a picnic site, or a photographic opportunity. I C B Y
D
U M and other partners. R A Interpretive media would include wayfinding H information, panels or signs conveying information d. Work with private landowners in evaluating on the history of the site or its surroundings, an locations along the Susquehanna Turnpike for a illustrated map of the Scenic Byway Corridor for potential scenic wayside. orientation, and seating if appropriate. Potential e. Work with private landowners in evaluating locations along County Route 10 for a potential scenic waysides are recommended at select locations scenic wayside. on the Susquehanna Turnpike and County Route 10 near the Long Path. A M V A H L Create two visitor center/orientation waysides, R L to convey interpretive, educational, and U E Scenic Gems Y marketing information. D a. Work with the Town of Durham and other There are dozens of significant places within the S Y partners to develop visitor center/orientation Scenic Byway Corridor that contribute to Durham C A E W waysides.
Valley’s heritage. Many are not located immediately N I C B Y b. Work with the Town of Durham in evaluating the
D
U M R A adjacent to the Scenic Byway, and some are found H Town Hall site as a potential visitor center/orientation in more remote locations. Collectively, these places wayside. play a vital role in telling the broader Durham A simple logo that identifies the Scenic Byway will be c. Work with the Town of Durham in developing Valley stories to residents and visitors. They are added to existing and future interpretive sites. architectural and site plans and interpretive termed Scenic Gems. Scenic gems are interpretive installations for a visitor center/orientation wayside. A simple logo that identifies the Scenic Byway will d. Work with the Durham Center Museum in stops within the Scenic Byway Corridor that might be added to existing and future interpretive sites. include historic farmhouses, overlooks, short hikes, evaluating the site as a potential visitor center/ The logo can be displayed prominently on partner orientation wayside. and stone bridges. With little room to park and no sites, and at new visitor centers or waysides. The e. Work with the Durham Center Museum facilities for the traveler, these might simply require logo will also serve to visually tie the proposed in developing architectural and site plans and a marker on the roadside with the name of the stop. interpretive sites and elements of the Scenic interpretive installations for a visitor center/ Byway Corridor into a cohesive image. It is also orientation wayside. Logo envisioned to be a part of the threshold signs to the There already exists a wealth and diversity of Scenic Byway and other Scenic Byway Corridor markers, signs, logos and identifying symbols wayfinding signs. Two designs of potential logos that are used by the multiple public agencies, were completed during the planning process and municipalities, and preservation groups to highlight are presented here.
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 42 Financial Resources
As scenic byway, the Durham Valley Scenic Recreational Trails Program Heritage Areas Program Byway is eligible for several funding and financing options. Three main sources of funding A matching grant program for the acquisition, A matching grant program for projects to preserve, opportunities exist for scenic byways— federal, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of rehabilitate or restore lands, waters or structures, state, and other. The majority of funding will trails and trail-related projects. Funds are available identified in a management plan approved by the be found at the federal and state levels through to non-profit organizations, municipal, state and Commissioner. Projects must fall within a New government grants, trusts, and assistance federal agencies, Indian tribal governments and York State Designated Heritage Area. other public agencies and authorities. Funded programs. Additional funding may be found in Acquisition other public agencies or from private groups. projects must be identified in, or further a specific goal of, the SCORP and must be available to the A matching grant program for the acquisition of a Each funding program has requirements for public. permanent easement or fee title to lands, waters or eligible applicants and stipulations on how Certified Local Government Program structures for use by all segments of the population the monies can be used. Most often, these for park, recreation, conservation or preservation determinations are made on a case-by-case basis A matching grant program for the expansion and purposes. To be used for all three program areas dependent on the applicant’s needs. Several maintenance of the National Register of Historic where acquisition is of more importance than funding opportunities that could be applied to the Places and support of historic preservation development. Scenic Byway Corridor are detailed below. activities, to include survey and inventory. Only Certified Local Governments may apply. Snowmobile Trail Grant Program Federally Funded Programs A grant program that allocates funds to local National Scenic Byways Discretionary Grants State Funded Programs governments that engage in the development and Parks Program maintenance of snowmobile trails designated as Provides merit-based funding for byway- part of the State Snowmobile Trail System. The related projects each year. The eight categories A matching grant program for the acquisition or authorization for the program is found in Article of eligible project activities include: State and development of parks and recreational facilities 27 of New York Parks, Recreation and Historic Tribal Programs, Corridor Management Plan, for projects to preserve, rehabilitate or restore Preservation Law. Funding is allocated on a pro- Safety Improvements, Byway Facilities, Access lands, waters or structures for park, recreation or rated basis. to Recreation, Resource Protection, Interpretive conservation purposes. Funds may be awarded to Information, and Marketing Program municipalities or not-for-profits with an ownership Legislative Initiatives Land and Water Conservation Fund Program interest, for indoor or outdoor projects and must A program for recipients pre-designated by the reflect the priorities established in the SCORP. State Legislature. A matching grant program for the acquisition, development and/or rehabilitation of outdoor Historic Preservation Program Water Quality Improvement Project park and recreation facilities. Funds are available A matching grant program to improve, protect, (WQIP) Programs to municipal public agencies and Indian tribal preserve, rehabilitate or restore properties listed on Statewide Grant Program provides funding for governments. Funded projects must reflect the National or State Registers of Historic Places. projects demonstrating direct environmental the priorities established in the Statewide Funds are available to municipalities or not-for- benefits that will help reduce polluted runoff, Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) profits with an ownership interest. improve water quality and restore habitat in New and be available to the public. York State waters.
43 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Grants Program for the Hudson River Estuary Act of 1996 (1996 Bond Act). Enhancements to the the definition of terrestrial invasive species. A list program were enacted on October 7, 2003. Under of species is included in the grant application and The Estuary Grants were created to help fulfill the Environmental Restoration Program, the State instructions booklet. those goals of the Hudson River Estuary Action provides grants to municipalities to reimburse up to Agenda that can be implemented most effectively 90 percent of on-site eligible costs and 100 percent New York State Conservation by municipalities, not for profits, and other local of off-site eligible costs for site investigation and Partnership Program partners. Estuary grants are offered in five remediation activities. Once remediated, the property categories: Community Interpretive Centers and Created in 2002, the New York State Conservation may then be reused for commercial, industrial, Partnership Program (NYSCPP) is a public- Education; Open Space Planning and Acquisition; residential or public use. Community-based Habitat Conservation private partnership between the New York State and Stewardship; Watershed Planning and Landowner Incentive Program Department of Environmental Conservation and Implementation; and Hudson River Access. the Land Trust Alliance that invests in New York The Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) is a land trusts. Grants are funded through the NYS Aquatic Invasive Species Eradication unique partnership between the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) annually. Grant Program Department of Environmental Conservation and The program is managed by the Land Trust private landowners to protect the habitat of at-risk Alliance in coordination with the New York State The New York State Department of Environmental species on private lands. The program is funded by Department of Environmental Conservation. Conservation provides State assistance funding a grant from the Department of the Interior, United through reimbursement for projects to eradicate States Fish and Wildlife Service. Farmers’ Market Grant Program aquatic species identified as being invasive within water bodies and wetlands of New York State. Urban and Community Forestry Grants Article 22 of the Agriculture and Markets Law Acceptable projects are proposals to kill and/or authorizes grants for the purpose of providing state permanently remove plants or animals that meet The State Urban and Community Forestry assistance for the construction, reconstruction, the definition of aquatic invasive species or aquatic Program encourages and assists municipalities improvement, expansion or rehabilitation of nuisance species from waterbodies or wetlands in as they develop and implement sustainable local farmers’ markets. New York State. urban forestry programs Grants are designed to encourage communities to actively enhance tree County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program cover along their streets and in their parks, to Planning Grants properly care for and maintain their community Article 25-AAA of the Agriculture and Markets Under the Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program, trees, to develop tree inventories and management the New York State Department of Environmental Law authorizes a State agricultural and farmland plans, and to inform their residents of the value and protection program to provide financial and Conservation, in partnership with the New York benefits of urban trees. State Department of State, provides financial technical assistance, within funds available, to and technical assistance to municipalities and Terrestrial Invasive Species assist counties and municipalities in developing community-based organizations. Funding can Eradication Grant Program agricultural and farmland protection plans and be used to complete revitalization plans and to assist both in the implementation of such implementation strategies for areas affected by The New York State Department of Environmental plans. The purpose of these programs is to fund the presence of brownfield sites, as well as site Conservation will provide State assistance local initiatives that are intended to maintain assessments for strategic sites. funding through reimbursement for projects to the economic viability of the State’s agricultural eradicate terrestrial species identified as being industry and its supporting land base and to protect Environmental Restoration Program invasive within the boundaries of New York State. the environmental and landscape preservation Acceptable projects are proposals to kill and/or values associated with agriculture. In an effort to spur the cleanup and redevelopment of permanently remove plants or animals that meet brownfields, New Yorkers approved a $200 million Environmental Restoration or Brownfields Fund as part of the $1.75 billion Clean Water/Clean Air Bond
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 44 Other Funding Opportunities throughout the region, the Open Space Initiative gives preference to projects that are identified The Main Street Revitalization Program within the Open Space Initiative’s core focus areas: – Greene County Adirondacks, Catskills, Capital Region, and Hudson Offers matching grants covering up to 50 percent River Valley. of a project’s cost as well as architectural assistance Northern Forest Protection Fund for exterior improvements along traditional Main – Open Space Initiative Streets throughout Greene County. A matching capital fund created to support the Microenterprise Assistance Program permanent protection of large forest landscapes – Greene County in northern New York and New England. The Assists in the establishment and expansion of small Northern Forest Protection Fund appreciates the businesses and the creation of new jobs through delicate and intricate balance between community business training, low-interest loans and technical development and natural resources in the Northern assistance. All business sectors – including Forest and works to preserve this equilibrium by industry, retail, services, agriculture and tourism supporting acquisitions that protect ecological – are eligible for the program. reserves and working forestlands. The Northern Forest Protection Fund is administered by the Small Grants Program – Greenway Conservancy Open Space Conservancy, an affiliate of the Open for the Hudson River Valley Space Institute. The program provides funding for trail planning, construction and amenities, historic landscape preservation, regional and local partnership development as well as many other resource enhancement and economic development projects. Greenways Communities Grants – Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley The Greenway Council awards matching planning grants, up to $10,000 for single municipality projects, to communities who vote to become a Greenway Community. The Council also awards grants to communities that adopt a regional or subregional Greenway Compact plan. New York Land Protection Fund – Open Space Initiative Capitalized in part with a Program Related Investment (PRI) from the Kaplan Foundation, operates from the Adirondacks to the Hudson Highlands just north of New York City. Though unsolicited applications for loans are accepted
45 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Support and Implementation
The Scenic Byway’s outstanding intrinsic Coordinating Committee also will be responsible enforcement, and emergency services. Existing and qualities are an important resource for both the for filling vacancies that occur. potential partners in the management, operation, local community and the region. In order to and marketing of the Scenic Byway are listed below. continue the Scenic Byway’s resource protection, Impact Assessment the Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee is • Federal Highway Administration The Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee will committed to long-term monitoring and evaluation • New York State Department of Transportation of the resources found within the Scenic Byway evaluate the impact of Scenic Byway designation on • New York State Historic Preservation Office Corridor. The Scenic Byway Coordinating the Scenic Byway Corridor and local community. Committee recognizes that many agencies and This will involve monitoring traffic changes along • New York State Department organizations are engaged in routine monitoring the Scenic Byway, monitoring future orientation of Economic Development and management of the Scenic Byway Corridor. As or scenic waysides for visitor impacts, surveying • Hudson River Valley Greenway visitors and businesses to determine the economic part of this effort, the Scenic Byway Coordinating • Greene County Legislature Committee will conduct meetings quarterly, and impact of increased visitation, and assessing the implement an on-going evaluation and monitoring quality of visitor services. • Greene County Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Planning program consisting of an impact assessment, tourism organization review, and partnerships. Tourism Organization Review • Green County Soil and Water Conservation District Every three years, the Scenic Byway Coordinating Corridor Management Plan Committee will meet with tourism organizations • Town of Durham Implementation Responsibilities involved with the Scenic Byway to address • Town of Durham Historic Preservation Commission Individuals responsible for implementing the marketing issues, challenges, and opportunities. Corridor Management Plan will include all of the The key tourism organizations include: • Durham Valley Land Trust members of the current Scenic Byway Coordinating • New York State Department of Economic • Durham Agriculture Community Partnership Committee. Since all of the individuals on the Development • Association for the Preservation of the Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee have been Durham Valley involved with the project for several years, they will • Greene County Department of Economic provide continuity and ensure that the cooperative Development, Tourism and Planning • Durham Valley Planners, Inc. spirit engendered by the work accomplished thus • Greene County Chamber of Commerce • Durham Center Museum far will be sustained. • Greene County Council on the Arts • Catskill Center for Conservation and Development • Catskill Association for Tourism Services • Open Space Institute Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee • Hudson Valley Tourism • Greene County Chamber of Commerce The Scenic Byway Coordinating Committee • Greene County Council on the Arts will meet quarterly, beginning in January 2010. Partnerships In addition, any member of the Scenic Byway The future management of the Scenic Byway • Cairo Chamber of Commerce Coordinating Committee may call a special meeting presents an opportunity for several partnerships • Catskill Association for Tourism Services together with the consensus of the Scenic Byway between the Town of Durham, Greene County, New • Hudson Valley Tourism Coordinating Committee as needed or when York State, and the private sector. This partnership • New York-New Jersey Trail Conference special opportunities arise. The Scenic Byway provides management, maintenance, law
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 46 Appendixes
Appendix A Community Resolutions and Support Letters
49 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 50 Appendix B Historic Property List from Historic Resources Reconniassance Survey – 1997
51 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 52 53 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 54 55 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 56 57 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 58 59 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 60 61 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 62 63 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 64 65 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 66 67 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 68 69 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 70 71 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 72 Appendix C Durham Valley Scenic Byway Website
73 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan
Appendix D Newspaper Articles
75 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan
Appendix E Sign Inventory
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Sign Inventory
Route or Road: 20; 22; Sutton Road; Cornwallville Road; Stone Bridge Road
Date: July 1, 2008
Photo Route or Road Location Size Legend and/or Owner Mile Side Length Width 1 20/20B 0.0 S 4’ 2’ Tanglewood Ranch 2 20 0.1 S 4’ 2’ Horseback Riding/Tanglewood Ranch 3 20 0.4 S 3.5’ 2’ Durham Valley Farms 4 20 1.1 N 4’ 3’ Horseback Riding/Tanglewood Ranch 20 18” 18” Organic Tomatoes Center 5 20 4.1 12” 6” Farm Stand Island 20 12” 6” Black Walnut Farm 6 20 4.3 S 2’ 1.5’ Good Tidings Bible Conference 7 20 4.8 N 6’ 4’ Hull-O Farms 8 20 7.4 S 4’ 3’ North Winds 9 Sutton/Cunningham 0.0 W 12” 18” State Land/State of New York 10 Sutton 1.4 S 3’ 3’ Good Tidings Bible Conference 11 Sutton 1.4 S 2’ 3’ Good Tidings Bible Conference 12 Sutton 1.5 S 8’ 4’ Good Tidings Bible Conference 13 Sutton 2.1 S 30” 20” Zoar Mtn. Hunt Club 14 Sutton 2.7 N 30” 20” Zoar Mtn. Hunt Club Cornwallville/23 0.0 15 Cornwallville 1.1 W 3’ 2’ Tanglewood Ranch 16 Stone Bridge/20 0.0 S 4’ 5’ Black Walnut Farms 17 Stone Bridge 0.2 S 10” 24” Hull-O Farms 22/20 0.0 18 22 0.2 N 3’ 4’ Durham-Oak Hill United Methodist Church
77 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan
Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3
Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6
79 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Photo 7 Photo 8 Photo 9
Photo 10 Photo 11 Photo 12
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 80 Photo 13Photo 1: Photo 14 Photo 15
Photo 16 Photo 17 Photo 18
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Appendix F Five-Year Strategic Work Plan
Milestone/Task Start Date Duration Responsibility Justification Submit the Corridor Management Plan 07/15/2010 6 months DVSBCC This task involves obtaining Resolutions of Support from the Town to the New York State Scenic Byways of Durham and Greene County that are partners in the Scenic Program for approval Byway. The DVSBCC will be responsible for obtaining Resolutions of Support, as well as soliciting and obtaining letters of support for the Scenic Byway and the Corridor Management Plan.
Prepare and submit grant application to 09/15/2010 6 months DVSBCC This task involves completing and submitting a grant to the New New York State Scenic Byways Program York State Scenic Byways Program to design and implement for Five-State Overlook improvements improvements for the Five-State Overlook site as a pilot project for interpretive wayside development.
Hire consultant(s) to assist with 08/15/2010 3 months DVSBCC This task involves the preparation of educational and display preparation of display and educational material that will be used for meetings that the DVSBCC will material for use at public meetings attend to inform the public about the Durham Valley Scenic Byway. Material will be prepared by the DVSBCC and consultant(s).
Hire consultant(s) to assist with 08/15/2010 4 months DVSBCC This task involves the preparation of educational material that will be preparation of educational material for used to educate the byway traveler about the Durham Valley Scenic distribution to the byway traveler Byway’s intrinsic values, as well as transportation safety. Material will be prepared by the DVSBCC and consultant(s).
Education of representatives, public, 09/15/2010 60 months DVSBCC; Scenic With this task, the DVSBCC or Scenic Byway Coordinator will attend and potential byway funders about the Byway Coordinator meetings and present information about the Durham Valley Scenic Durham Valley Scenic Byway Byway to the Town of Durham, Greene County, New York State Agencies, Durham Valley businesses, not-for-profit organizations, potential sponsors, and others.
83 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Milestone/Task Start Date Duration Responsibility Justification Outreach regarding visitor center/ 09/15/2010 60 months DVSBCC; Scenic This task is conducted concurrently and in unison with the education orientation waysides Byway Coordinator task above. The DVSBCC or Scenic Byway Coordinator will work with private landowners in evaluating locations along the Susquehanna Turnpike and County Route 10 for potential scenic waysides. In addition, the DVSBCC or Scenic Byway Coordinator will work with the Town of Durham and the Durham Center Museum in evaluating those sites as potential visitor center/orientation waysides.
Hiring Scenic Byway Coordinator 02/01/2011 6 months DVSBCC This task involves the DVSBCC working to hire an employee to coordinate the activities of the DVSBCC.
Expansion of DVSBCC 02/01/2011 4 months DVSBCC This task involves the DVSBCC working to expand the committee to adding one stakeholder with an interest in agriculture and one stakeholder with a local business interest.
Development of a more dynamic 02/01/2011 12 months DVSBCC; Scenic This task involves technical assistance with creation of a more website for information on the Durham Byway Coordinator; dynamic website for the Durham Valley Scenic Byway and assistance Valley Scenic Byway website consultant with the development of online information that will assist the byway traveler with information about the Durham Valley Scenic Byway. Consultant (if determined necessary), Byway Coordinator and the DVSBCC shall work together on development of this website.
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 84 Milestone/Task Start Date Duration Responsibility Justification Promotion of vehicular safety 04/01/2011 24 months DVSBCC: This task involves exploring with the New York Department of Scenic Byway Transportation solutions to mitigate hazardous intersections in the Coordinator: Town Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor. The following locations of Durham Highway should be examined: Department; Greene • County Route 22 and State Route 145 County Highway • County Route 20 and Cochrane Road Department
Continuing education 05/15/2011 48 months DVSBCC; Scenic This task includes continuing education for the DVSBCC or Scenic Byway Coordinator Byway Coordinator to attend conferences such as the National Scenic Byways Conference and seminars and classes such as grant writing, preservation easements, funding sources that can assist with better implementation of the Corridor Management Plan and better assistance to Durham Valley the Scenic Byway. Continuing education would allow the DVSBCC or a Byway Coordinator to obtain knowledge on topics, to partake in peer-to-peer exchanges, and to gain insight in moving this program forward so that more assistance can be given to Durham Valley Scenic Byway sponsors.
Development of wayside guidelines 09/15/2011 12 months DVSBCC; Scenic This task is associated with the Five-State Overlook improvements Byway Coordinator; task and involves the development of wayside guidelines. The task design consultant shall include initial meeting between consultant and the DVSBCC to discuss guidelines, at least one meeting with staff at the New York State Scenic Byways Program, and at least two additional meetings with the DVSBCC discuss the wayside guidelines. Ten draft color copies of the wayside design guidelines shall be printed for review. All changes shall be incorporated into updated design guidelines. One revised copy shall be reprinted and reviewed by the Byway Coordinator or Chair of the DVSBCC before final printing. Byway Coordinator or Chair of the DVSBCC will take the lead in working with the consultant.
85 Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Milestone/Task Start Date Duration Responsibility Justification Workshops 09/15/2011 48 months DVSBCC; Scenic This task involves sponsoring workshops for the Durham Valley Byway Coordinator Scenic Byway, potential byways, DVSBCC, counties, and consultants involved with the scenic byways program. Workshops will include topics that affect the Durham Valley Scenic Byway and can assist the community with improving the Durham Valley Scenic Byway to provide a better experience for the byway user. Possible topics are marketing, grant writing, visitor experiences, vegetation management, and land conservation. Workshops allow participants peer-to-peer exchanges and the chance to ask questions. The DVSBCC or Scenic Byway Coordinator will be responsible for sponsoring workshops, preparing material, and obtaining speakers.
Update strategic work plan 05/15/2014 3 months DVSBCC; Scenic This task involves revisiting the Corridor Management Plan and Byway Coordinator revising the five-year strategic work plan to take into consider accomplishments and incorporate new action items identified by the DVSBCC. All changes suggested by the DVSBCC shall be incorporated into and updated work plan.
Durham Valley Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan 86