The Warrior Run Pathways Partnership

A Program for Land Conservation and Recreational Development in the Warrior Run Community A project of the Warrior Run Community Corporation

July 2006

The Warrior Run Pathways Partnership A Program for Land Conservation and Recreational Development in the Warrior Run Community

A project of the Warrior Run Community Corporation Prepared by SEDA Council of Governments Community Resource Center Lewisburg, PA July 2006 Credits and Acknowledgements

Thanks to the Warrior Run residents who contributed their time Prepared by: and input toward the development of the Pathways concept through SEDA Council of Governments participation in task force meetings, concept outreach meetings, Community Resource Center focus groups and key person interviews. A special thanks to the 201 Furnace Road Warrior Run Community Corporation whose leadership in the Lewisburg, PA 17837 community was invaluable in advancing the discussion of Pathways (570) 524-4491 and the development of the concepts presented in this report. www.seda-cog.org The Warrior Run Pathways project was made possible through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Recreation Prepared for: and through the generous ﬁnancial support of the following local The Warrior Run Community Corporation partners: 4800 Susquehanna Trail Turbotville, PA 17772 PPL Corporation Turbotville Lions Warrior Run Community Corporation This project was ﬁnanced in part by a grant from the Warrior Run Women’s Club Growing Greener Fund, Community Conservation Watsontown Area Business Association Partnerships Program, under the administration of the Watsontown Guild Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Watsontown Lions Club Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Watsontown Lioness Club Delaware Township Gregg Township Lewis Township Turbotville McEwensville Warrior Run School District Warrior Run Residents Contents

Welcome 1 Introduction 2 Community Proﬁle 3 Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 4 Pathways Concepts 5 A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways

Appendix Focus Group Findings Concept Meeting Notes Trail Summary Information Impacted Landowners - West Branch Trail & Warrior Run Trail Cost Estimates- West Branch Trail & Warrior Run Trail Implementation Checklist PNDI Inquiries Summary Phone Call with Centre County Historical Society Pennsylvania Recreational Use Statute & the Private Landowner Sample Liability Disclaimers List of References

Project CD Pathways - Welcome

Dear Warrior Run Residents,

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

Al Reeves, President Warrior Run Community Corporation Executive Summary

The Warrior Run Pathways feasibility study began with an Run Trail, the Muncy Hills Trail and the Warrior Run Touring exploration of the idea of a network of trails and open spaces that Routes map. Each focused on a different opportunity to engage a would capitalize upon the uniquely diverse landscape of the Warrior variety of community resources and recreational user groups found Run school district. The study involved an assessment of the throughout the school district. The design and programming for opportunities and challenges associated with the establishment of each concept was crafted to respond to the needs and opportunities a regional trail network and concluded with a funding and phasing expressed by hundreds of residents, landowners, recreation strategy to begin implementing a Pathways system. users and municipal officials in task force meetings, focus group discussions, key person interviews and public meetings. The study was guided by a resident-driven planning process that examined opportunities to create connections between key The task force ultimately prioritized two trail concepts - the community resources while exploring local land conservation Warrior Run Trail and the West Branch River Trail - which it felt priorities. After completing an inventory and analysis of existing the community should undertake as Pathways demonstration environmental, recreational and heritage resources, a district-wide projects. A phasing and funding approach was developed for each Pathways concept diagram was developed, illustrating the potential of the four projects and generalized cost estimates were prepared for of a future trail system to service the area’s towns, villages and the two prioritized trail concepts. The Warrior Run Community rural areas. The concept diagram depicted a large scale and long Corporation (WRCC) plans to use this phasing strategy to create a range vision for Pathways, utilizing the region’s river and stream nucleus for the Pathways network and then expand on that network corridors, ridges, railroad and utility corridors to interconnect local in the future integrating complementary conservation, education, community resources with natural and recreational assets. and fitness-oriented programming. The WRCC is committed to seeing the Pathways vision turned into reality and is actively The scale of the Pathways vision necessitated the identification of prepared to lead the way in continued community education, key projects that could provide a foundation for the development outreach to local landowners and fundraising. The WRCC’s of a pathways network and broaden the base of active pathways commitment to carrying the project to implementation is a key users in the community. To this end, the Pathways task force component of the project’s overall feasibility. selected four concepts – the West Branch River Trail, the Warrior As with any trail project, the support of local landowners is critical The level of community participation in the development of a to the feasibility of implementation. This project report outlines district-wide Pathways vision for Warrior Run is a testament to the key landowners who will need to be approached by the WRCC’s broad base of community support for undertaking the Pathways Pathways committees to discuss options and opportunities for project. Dozens of local individuals, businesses and organizations Pathways development on their land. The trail concepts purposely have made financial contributions or publicly endorsed the project. allow flexibility to provide landowners with a number of alignment Pathways supporters hail from all parts of the school district and options to encourage participation. Other incentives may include reflect the diversity of age, tenure and socioeconomic backgrounds landscape enhancements, aquistion of development rights or that comprise the diversity of Warrior Run. The school district the outright purchase of land for a trail easement. In addition, itself has been an engaged player in the discussion of the potential those approaching landowners will be prepared to discuss liability for pathways at the school and in the larger community since the concerns using the Pennsylvania Land Use and Recreational project’s inception. The Warrior Run community understands Statute. that it is poised to be a leader as a rural Pennsylvania community working across municipal boundaries to create a recreational benefit Also integral to the success of Pathways is the support of local that will last for generations. Creating the vision is taking the first municipalities. The project was made possible in large part due step. to the financial and in-kind support of 6 municipalities in the school district. For those municipalities not overtly supportive of pathways, the burden of maintenance was typically the most cited concern. However, the capacity of local service organizations and residents enthusiastic about Pathways to at least in part offset the need for maintenance through volunteer-led efforts is one step toward addressing those concerns. The WRCC is committed to keeping communication open with municipal officials in order to find a workable solution to these and other local concerns as they arise. 1 Introduction

1 Introduction

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

Introduction 1.1 In January 2004, the Warrior Run Community Corporation commenced a year-long study facilitated by the SEDA-COG Community Resource Center that involved Warrior Run residents in shaping a vision for Pathways in their community. This report reflects in detail the outcomes of this process and proposes a workable strategy for community action aimed at turning the Pathways vision into reality. It is hoped that this report will serve as a reference and guide for future action as the Warrior Run Community Corporation continues to serve as the local champion for Pathways. What are Pathways? The Warrior Run Community Corporation elected to use the term Pathways to describe the long-term objective of establishing a network of trails and natural areas extending throughout the Warrior Run area. Pathways, also commonly referred to as greenways, interconnect urban, suburban and rural landscapes. Pathways create connections between people and places, often Former railroad beds are commonly converted into trails for recreational use. employing existing natural and cultural landscape features to piece together a network. These ‘pathway building’ elements may include is evidenced by the recent creation of a state greenways action existing parks and natural areas, rivers, streams, floodplains, ridges, plan, Pennsylvania Greenways: An Action Plan for Creating woodlands, roadways, canals, railroads, wetlands and steep slopes. Connections, greenways are widely championed as an integral Pathways can be publicly or privately owned, and their construction component of restoring Pennsylvania’s environmental quality may rely on easements that dedicate a trail to public use while and economic vitality. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, continuing to respect the rights of the private landowner. involving 22 Pennsylvania counties and extending over 500 miles of river corridor, is a leading regional example of how growing Pathways in a Regional Context numbers of municipalities are looking to greenways as a means Pathways are gaining public recognition as more and more to enhance the social, economic and environmental well being of communities, both urban and rural, embrace them as avenues for their communities. While the Susquehanna Greenway sets forth recreation, land conservation, and environmental education. As a unified vision linking rural, urban and suburban communities

Introduction 1.2 throughout the river corridor, individual communities are tailoring the greenway concept to satisfy their local needs and values. Projects ranging from riverfront amphitheaters and downtown revitalization projects to acid mine drainage mitigation sites and heritage interpretation centers are all currently being undertaken to guide the Greenway vision to realization.

Although pathways may vary in their location and purpose, they all function to protect natural, cultural or scenic resources; provide recreational beneﬁts; enhance natural beauty and quality of life in neighborhoods and communities; and stimulate economic development opportunities. When implemented, pathways present an ideal opportunity for residents to simultaneously protect and enhance their enjoyment of the natural, scenic and historic assets of Warrior Run.

The Pathways project is part of a larger regional effort to develop conservation, recreation and community-based projects along the Susquehanna River corridor.

Introduction 1.3 Project Goals Pathways offer a means for the Th e goals of the Pathways project are rooted in a community community to mandate for action validated by the 1993 citizen survey in which simultaneously residents expressed a strong desire to have safe places to walk and protect and learn to implement protections for the region’s farms, villages, and scenic about its historic natural areas. Since the time of the survey, national trends of assets. increasing physical inactivity and obesity have prompted a call for more safe, close-to-home opportunities for fi tness and recreation in the Warrior Run community and beyond. Working to integrate these community desires, the Warrior Run Pathways Project set out to assess the potential for an interconnected trail and natural area network in the Warrior Run school district and, in doing so, protect and preserve the natural, cultural and historic assets of the Warrior Run community for future generations. Th e specifi c intended outcomes of the project were to: The goals of the Pathways • Identify the valued natural, cultural and historic assets of project are rooted in a Warrior Run; community mandate for action • Identify the prime corridors linking community assets and validated by the 1993 citizen natural areas; survey in which residents • Capitalize upon the resources of the Susquehanna River; • Propose water-quality protections centered around the expressed a strong desire to region’s public water supply areas; have safe places to walk and to • Help residents discover and enjoy the region’s towns and implement protections for the countryside and encourage healthy outdoor recreation; and • Create opportunities for school-related environmental region’s farms, villages, and education programs, community service projects, and trail- scenic natural areas. based fi tness.

Introduction 1.4 Warrior Run Pathways Partnership Program The Pathways project was undertaken in January 2005 as a collaborative partnership between the Warrior Run Community Corporation, the SEDA-COG Community Resource Center and the residents of the Warrior Run community. The leadership of the Warrior Run Community Corporation was essential in garnering a broad base of community support for Pathways from the project’s outset. Outreach to local municipal officials, businesses, community groups and residents revealed diverse interest in the benefits of pathways. These benefits included: a means to exercise At the first public and socialize with neighbors, generating educational opportunities kick off meeting for school children, enjoying the area’s scenery and history, in January 2005, spurring downtown economic development, improving access to over 50 residents the Susquehanna River and providing an alternative to driving participated in an excerise that helped an automobile. It was also the outreach efforts of WRCC that to identify the ultimately yielded the financial support needed to help carry the region’s important project forward. places. It is these important places that At the first public kick off meeting, over 100 community residents serve as the basis signed up to participate in the Pathways project task force. Over for interconnecting the course of the planning process, many of these residents the community with participated in bimonthly task force meetings, focus group Pathways. discussions, key person interviews and community presentations. In the initial project stages, the input of community residents and stakeholders was used to develop an inventory of the community’s existing natural, cultural and historic resources and to assess public opinion on the community’s recreation and conservation needs. A detailed account of the findings of these meetings can be found in the Appendix.

Introduction 1.5 Following the initial assessment of community assets and needs The response to the Pathways concepts at community meetings relevant to Pathways, a school district-wide vision for Pathways and discussion groups was overwhelmingly positive. Meeting was created. From this vision, those participating in the process participants felt that pathways would better interconnect their concluded that some level of trail prioritization was needed in communities, offering places for people of all ages to walk and bike. order to garner support from local landowners, residents, and Some residents spoke of the need to invest in their communities municipal officials. Subsequently, four conceptual trail projects – to make them places that can retain young people. They felt were identified and evaluated by local residents in a series of public amenities like greenways are a way to attract businesses and jobs meetings held throughout the school district. Chapter 4 of this that will offer young people an economic future in the community. report presents refined versions of these concepts and Chapter Many older residents wished for results in the near future, so they 5 outlines the actions needed for these Pathways concepts to be will be able to use the trails in their lifetime. implemented.

Pathways are an investment in the community’s future, amenities that can help to attract businesses and jobs that offer an economic future to the region’s young people.

Introduction 1.6 2 Community Proﬁ le

2 Community Proﬁle

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

Community Proﬁ le 2.1 River A prominent feature in the landscape, the West Branch of the Susquehanna River transects the western portion of the school district and serves as the dividing line between Union and Northumberland Counties. The West Branch provides the historical basis to many of the earliest settlements in the area, acting as a conduit for travel and commerce that dates back hundreds of years. Remnants of the Historic Pennsylvania Canal are a testament to the signiﬁcance of the River to communities in the region and remain a source of interest and historic interpretation potential today.

Bridge crossings at Dewart and Watsontown provide access to scenic river views and offer abundant fishing opportunities. The recently established West Branch Water Trail with boat launch access at Montgomery, Allenwood, Watsontown, Ft. Boone campground and Milton provides a recreational amenity for kayakers and canoeists who come to the area to enjoy the remote The West Branch of the Susquehanna River is a natural Pathways corridor linking riverfront experience of traveling by water. The West Branch and its communities to the river’s natural history and recreational opportunities. adjoining floodplains, wetlands, tributary streams and riparian buffers are each essential building blocks of an integrated network of pathways and natural areas. In addition to linking many of the region’s significant environmental and cultural resources, these The West Branch and its adjoining corridors provide significant bird and wildlife habitat, as well as floodplains, wetlands, tributary streams, and enjoyment for birders, hikers, boaters and hunters. riparian buffers are each essential building blocks of an integrated network of pathways and natural areas.

Community Profi le 2.2 Valley Ridge The largest expanse of the Warrior Run School District is its With its highest elevation over 1900 feet, South White Deer Ridge agricultural valley which extends eastward from the base of South is another prominent landscape feature that stands at the western White Deer Ridge in Gregg Township. Bracketed by the Muncy boundary of the Pathways project study area. The steep, forested Hills to the north, the valley reaches eastward across the West north-slope of South White Deer Ridge, located in Union County’s Branch into Anthony and Limestone Townships in Montour Gregg Township, is a mix of both public (Tiadaghton State Forest) County. A patchwork of varied cropland and open pasture crisscrossed by fencerows and forested riparian corridors, dotted with an occasional silo, barn, or farmhouse, this rolling landscape is perhaps the one people identify with the most as representative of the area’s rural character. The valley’s well-drained soils contain the highest concentration of the region’s prime agricultural land and provide the basis for its diverse landscape of small, medium and large scale farms today. The flat and open aspect of the valley affords sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, also making it one of the region’s most marketable locations for new housing development, particularly surrounding the region’s small towns and villages.

View of White Deer Ridge from White Deer Church in Gregg Township. and private land ownership used predominately for hunting, ﬁshing and other outdoor recreation. Tiadaghton State Forest lands extend nearly to the west bank of the river due west of Watsontown. The ridge represents the edge of a large forested tract of land contiguous with White Deer Ridge and Bald Eagle Mountain, linking lands in the Tiadaghton and Bald Eagle State Forests. While access to the South White Deer Ridge is currently limited to a few unimproved roads or trails; pathways oﬀer a tremendous opportunity to connect Warrior Run residents to the abundant scenic and recreational The Valley’s farmland is an essential feature of the region’s landscape. resources of this area.

Community Proﬁ le 2.3 Muncy Hills The Muncy Hills extend across the northern part of the study area, reaching from Delaware Township, across Lewis Township, and into Anthony Township. Like South White Deer Ridge, the Muncy Hills contain large tracts of woodlands; however, the forests of the Muncy Hills are fragmented by clearings for roads, homes and cropland intermingled among hardwood forests. A small tract of state gamelands in Lewis Township provides opportunities for hunting and wildlife viewing. The varied elevation in the Muncy Hills aﬀords beautiful views of the valley and river, and the folded terrain creates isolated hollows tucked away from any sign of development. Many who live in the Muncy Hills value the remote feeling of the landscape; however, newcomers seeking a similar sense of seclusion coupled with the scenic qualities of the Muncy Hills could be a source of residential development pressure in the future.

New housing that capitalizes upon the sense of seclusion and scenic qualities offered in the Muncy Hills could be a signiﬁcant source of development pressure in the future.

Community Profi le 2.4 Open Space and Natural Areas The Warrior Run area has numerous natural, scenic and recreational features that provide a broad framework for Pathways. These elements, held under both public and private ownership, are described in greater detail below: State Gamelands The Warrior Run project area includes over 3,500 acres of state gamelands located in two tracts in Union and Northumberland Counties. These gamelands are a tremendous asset to the Warrior Run community, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation in addition to open space protection and wildlife habitat. Pathways function to interconnect gamelands with other natural Historic downtown Watsontown. areas enhancing their ability to provide habitat as well as connect Town & Village to nearby communities. SGL # 252 (3,018 acres) is located More “town and country” than rural, the Warrior Run landscape features historic town and village centers where more densely populated areas integrate into the surrounding countryside. Stemming out from the West Branch river corridor, settlement patterns reflect a mix of small town, suburban, agricultural and industrial scenes. Each of these communities reveals the street patterns, building types and traditions of the region’s early German, English and Scotch-Irish inhabitants. Though many retain much of their historical identity, the communities of Allenwood, Dewart, Watsontown, McEwensville, Turbotville, Exchange and Limestoneville are today vital village centers to the residents of the school district. With their homes, churches, parks and playgrounds, these town centers reflect both the historic foundations and contemporary lifestyles of Warrior Run residents and contribute significantly to the region’s quality of life. Lewis Township features over 500 acres of state gamelands. The recreational use of these public lands offers a natural complement to Pathways.

Community Proﬁ le 2.5 partially in Gregg Township, Union County and Washington and Brady Townships in Lycoming County. Once a series of World War II ammunitions bunkers, this area is now a diverse mix of mature forest and brushy thickets and a local hot spot for a variety of migratory birds. Lewis Township is home to an additional 500 acres of state gamelands oﬀering a number of unmaintained trails and several parking areas.

Montour Preserve The Montour Preserve is situated in a broad valley in the Appalachian foothills of Anthony Township. Developed by PPL Corporation in 1972, the preserve is surrounded by two long, rolling ridges — Montour Ridge to the south and the Muncy Hills to the north. In the center of the preserve is 165-acre Lake Chillisquaque, developed to provide a backup reservoir of cooling water for the PPL Corporation’s coal fired power plant. The preserve now offers a variety of educational and recreational opportunities, including a living history demonstration of maple sugaring, hiking trails, nature observation and photography, birding, boating and fishing, as well as hunting nearby. A willing partner of the Pathways project, Montour Preserve has a wealth of outdoor recreation and educational resources that pathways can serve to link to the community at large.

Montour Preserve has a wealth of outdoor and recreational resources including hiking trails, boating and ﬁshing access on Lake Chillisquaque and an environmental education center.

Community Profi le 2.6 Rivers, Streams and Watersheds The West Branch Susquehanna River flows north to south through the study area. Chillisquaque Creek is a PA DEP 303 (d) listed the western third of the project study area. Approximately eight impaired stream with different segments of stream degraded by miles of the River, from just south of Montgomery through industrial point source pollution, habitat alterations, and flow Watsontown to just north of the Interstate 80 bridge, provide a alterations. scenic corridor of river-edge forests and river islands, interesting Limestone Run drains the southern section of the study area, cultural features including remnants of the “old ordinance” dam flowing through Limestoneville, before exiting the study area and (used during WWII for TNT production), the Montgomery flowing through the Borough of Milton. Limestone Run is also Railroad Bridge and the recently restored historic Watsontown listed on the PA DEP list of impaired streams, with water-quality Bridge. The West Branch is an important regional corridor, degradation linked to urban runoff, storm sewers and water flow offering connectivity up and down river and numerous outdoor variability, due to the urban segment of stream flowing through recreational opportunities for the Pathway Project. Milton. Research conducted at Limestone Run is just a part of a Chillisquaque Creek and its many tributaries (Beaver Run Branch, larger study performed by the students at Milton Area High School, County Line, McKee Run, and East, Middle and West Branch which was awarded grant money from the Pennsylvania Growing Chillisquaque Creeks), drain a large segment of the eastern half of Greener Program coordinated by Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Warrior Run and Delaware Run are two smaller streams that drain south from the Muncy Hills and empty into the West Branch Susquehanna River. These two streams drain a predominantly agricultural area and are impacted by nutrient, sediment and thermal pollution due to lack of riparian buffers. While these are smaller streams, they connect key resources within the Pathways Project study area. Delaware Run interconnects the Muncy Hills and Dewart to the historic Canal corridor just north of Watsontown. Similarly, Warrior Run and its tributaries links the Muncy Hills, Turbotville, the High School and Middle School complex, Church, Hower-Slote Farm and Fort Freeland sites, McEwensville and the historic canal corridor just south of Watsontown.

The watershed boundaries of the Warrior Run study area. Community Proﬁ le 2.7

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

Community Profi le 2.8 Prime Farmland Agriculture, a hallmark of the Warrior Run area, contributes significantly to the local and regional economy and to the region’s scenic view sheds. With approximately 1,353 farms expanding over 218,140 acres, farmland preservation is a critical component for the realization of Warrior Run Pathways. The soils of the Pathways Project study area are as diverse as the landscape. The shale and sandstone geology of the Muncy Hills and South White Deer Ridge produce shallow soils best suited for forests and woodlands. The valley soils, underlain with limestone (karst), are highly productive farmland soils. Prime farmland soils occupy large segments of the lower valley landscapes, and occupy the rich alluvial floodplains of the West Branch Susquehanna River.

The proximity of much of the land area in (Above) Map of prime agricultural land (dark green) Warrior Run to the river, streams and or a and preserved farms (yellow) in the Warrior Run study shallow water table inﬂuences its agricultural area. Because of their suitability for agriculture, lands and development potential. The numerous with prime soils should be prioritized for protection ponds and wetlands of the eastern portion of from development. (Right) The numerous ponds and the study area and State game lands #252 are wetlands found in State Game lands #252 are made possible by their low depth to the water table. made possible by low depth to water table. This mix of open water, wetland and upland habitat make for diverse and productive wildlife habitats.

Community Profi le 2.9 Cultural & Historic Resources Historical Themes Beyond the towns themselves, the cultural landscape of Warrior Warrior Run possesses a rich history that residents want to interpret Run is also reflected in the region’s railroads and canal beds, historic and share. Pathways provide an opportunity to examine and churches and cemeteries, forts and factories, each of which present a interpret the diverse culture and history of Warrior Run while lens for viewing the area’s transformation throughout history. The integrating the histories of individual communities into a broader cultural imprint of the Pennsylvania German sects, predominantly regional framework. Working with local historians and heritage the Amish and Mennonite groups, are especially apparent in the societies, Warrior Run residents can piece together a history that Limestonville area. The Historic Warrior Run Church, the Hower- can be told through walking and bicycling tours, interpretative Slote Farm, Fort Montgomery, the Turbotville Cemetery, and the signs and other forms of educational outreach. West Branch of the Pennsylvania Canal are but a few examples of the region’s significant historic assets. Patterns of Settlement Settlement in the Warrior Run area began in 1768 when 300-acre parcels of land were given to army officers as payment for duty served during the French and Indian War. Open settlement began The historic Warrior in 1769, with a 300-acre limit placed on purchases to avoid land Run Church (right) speculation. The area around today’s Watsontown, McEwensville and Hower Slote and Allenwood (formally known as Uniontown) was quickly settled House (below) are two excellent resources by farmers hoping to take advantage of the limestone-rich valley for the interpretation soil. As time passed and open land became sparse, many people of Warrior Run’s moved into towns to find work in factories and other businesses. settlement history. The predominate forces that shaped human settlement in Warrior Run remain evident today in local architecture, road and farmstead patterns.

Forts Dating back to the early 1700’s, forts are an important part of the heritage of Warrior Run. Forts were, for the most part, fortiﬁed homes that emerged out of a desire for community protection during periods of outside attack. Many of these historical sites

Community Proﬁ le 2.10 can still be visited today. Fort Freeland, today located next to the Warrior Run school complex, was once the home of the Vreeland family who emigrated from New Jersey in 1772 and subsequently made a stockade around their new home around 1778. In Lewis Township, Fort Montgomery was another fortiﬁed home that was burned to the ground in 1779 following the battle of Fort Freeland. In 1780 a portion of the “German Regiment” commanded by Captain Rice built the present stone structure. Today this fort location provides great potential to interpret the region’s settlement history.

Illustration of Fort Rice. Source: The Frontier Forts Within The Historic Turbotville Church & Cemetery. North And West Branches of the Over the past two hundred and fifty years, many congregations Susquehanna have formed and reformed. There were two churches in the town River, 1896. of Alvira, which was bought by the government in 1942 in order to build a munitions factory. Today there are churches of all denominations in the area, including the Beaver Run Church, an Amish congregation. Churches and Cemeteries Factories The Warrior Run area contains a number of historic churches and Factories were integral to the development of the Warrior Run cemeteries that help trace the community’s history of religious area. Factories offered prospects of employment as open farmland denomination, military service and family lineage. Historic became scarce. Watsontown came to be known as “Brick City” churches can still be found today in the communities across the with five brick factories and a brick paved street that ran from school district, including White Deer, Watsontown, McEwensville McEwensville all the way through Watsontown. Watsontown also and Turbotville. The Warrior Run Church, located outside of boasted a shoe factory, railroad car freightors, a plowing mill, a Turbotville near the school complex, was rebuilt on three separate lumber company, a match factory and a furniture factory. Today, occasions in different locations around the area beginning in 1774. only one of Watsontown’s original brick factories remains open.

Community Profi le 2.11 In McEwensville, there were three buggy shops and a washing Like the canals, railroads were also a boon to commerce and machine factory. Milton was extremely well known for its railroad development throughout Pennsylvania. Dewart experienced car factory. Allenwood had a small lumber mill that processed logs substantial growth in the 1850’s due to its railroad connection. transported along White Deer Hole Creek. Limestoneville was Reading Railroad and Pennsylvania Railroad dominated the home to a saw mill and buggy maker. railroad industry in Central Pennsylvania. In 1853 a bridge was built from Dewart to Allenwood with the hope of opening up new markets for farm products from the White Deer Hole Valley. In 1928 a much-celebrated bridge between Watsontown and White Deer was opened creating another important connection between two river communities. Today, the Pennsylvania railroad track remains an active line while the Reading Railroad line is inactive, though still under the jurisdiction of a joint rail authority. As Warrior Run looks to the development of an integrated network of Pathways linking local communities, railroads can serve as an important framework. Watsontown Brick Company. Photo courtesy of R.S. Franks, Difficult Crossing, 2004. Transportation Other towns in the area developed around strategic locations along Pennsylvania’s extensive canal and railroad network. Watsontown experienced its boom as a direct result of its proximity to the canal and, later, to the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad. Built in the 1830’s, the canal served the area until competition with the railroads took over by the 1850’s. The West Branch canal ran past White Deer Train Depot. Photo courtesy of Dewart and Watsontown and was used to transport lumber into R.S. Franks, Difficult Crossing, 2004, the late 1870’s. South of Watsontown was a lock at Port May and a canal aqueduct at the mouth of Warrior Run Creek and Tannery Run. Though only in use for around thirty years, the canal was integral to the development of many towns along the Susquehanna River. White Deer Train Depot restoration.

Community Proﬁ le 2.12 Population Demographics/ Trends With more than a third (36.3 percent) of the population being Th e Warrior Run area is growing. According to the US Census, youth and seniors, pathways present an important opportunity to the population of the Warrior Run study area increased 34 percent create a means for people of all ages to engage in active and healthy (from 12,345 to 16,542 residents) between 1990 and 2000, ten lifestyle habits while safely enjoying the area’s scenic rural character. times Pennsylvania’s growth rate. Th e average age for individuals Pathways add a vital element to a school district and have the in the Warrior Run School District is 36.5 years old with 24.4 potential to attract families with school-aged children who value percent of the population under the age of 18, 63.7 percent of the the physical and educational opportunities that Pathways have to population between the ages of 18 and 64, and 11.9 percent of oﬀ er. the population 65 and over. Th ough there has been an increase Th ough there has been an increase in unemployment in the past in population between 1990 and 2000, there has been a steady two years, there has been a steady decrease in unemployment in decrease in school enrollment at Warrior Run district schools. the Warrior Run area since 1991. Th e average unemployment 2,245 total students were enrolled in the school district between in the Warrior Run area in 2001 is 4.2 percent, less than both 1991 and 1992, dropping to 1,900 students between 2001 and Pennsylvania and the United States. Total employment in the 2002, a loss of approximately 25 students a year. Warrior Run school district was 69,800 as compared to 64,200

Change in Population 1990-2000 for Counties in the Warrior Run School District Compared to Pennsylvania & Nation 1990 2000 % School District 12,345 16,542 34.0% Northumberland 96,771 94,556 -2.3% Montour 17,735 18,236 2.8% Union 36,176 41,624 15.1% Pennsylvania 11,881,643 12,281,054 3.4% U.S. 248,709,873 281,421,906 13.2%

Source: US Census Bureau 1990, 2000

Community Profi le 2.13 in 1991. Th e areas biggest employers are Evangelical Community Hospital, Bucknell University, and US Northeastern Penitentiary. Housing and population trends in the Warrior Run Th ere are a total of 5,083 housing units in all of the municipalities in the Warrior Run School District. US Census fi gures show community over the last housing growth in all three counties in the school district between thirty years point to a 1990 and 2003 with the highest growth rates in Union (17.2 steady trend of growth percent) and Montour (13.4 percent) Counties. Northumberland experienced the slightest growth in housing units at 3.8 percent. that, if unmanaged, could have a potentially Housing and population trends in the Warrior Run community over the last thirty years point to a steady trend of growth that, signifi cant impact on the if unmanaged, could have a potentially signifi cant impact on the rural character and quality rural character and quality of life that Warrior Run residents enjoy of life that Warrior Run today. In order for the area’s continued increase in population to not degrade the rural landscape, careful planning must be used and residents enjoy today. conservation measures put in place to ensure that future growth fi ts into and perpetuates the “town and country” character valued by residents of the Warrior Run community.

Annual Estimates of Housing Units in the Warrior Run School District: 1990-2003

% Housing Geographic Area Housing unit estimates Total Housing Units growth 1990-2003 July 1, 2003 July 1, 2002 July 1, 2001 July 1, 2000 2000 Census 1990 Census Pennsylvania 5,365,486 5,328,266 5,294,087 5,258,616 5,249,750 4,938,140 8.7% .Montour County 7,806 7,755 7,700 7,642 7,627 6,885 13.4% .Northumberland County 43,482 43,374 43,276 43,186 43,164 41,900 3.8%

1990 US Census: Summary File Tape 1: General Population & Housing Characteristics & Table 4: Annual Estimates of Housing Units for Counties in Pennsylvania: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2003 (HU-EST2003-04-42) Source: Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau Release Date: July 23, 2004

Community Profi le 2.14 Pathways Priorities Residents consider the Warrior Run community to have a high ‘quality of life,’ which means different things to different people – friendly neighbors, community pride and spirit, a clean and healthy environment, good schools and recreational amenities. Quality of life is intricately and inherently connected to the natural, scenic and historic resources of a community. Community Identifies Opportunities and Threats The community recognizes both the opportunities and threats associated with the area’s natural and scenic resources. Diversity is considered to be one of the community’s greatest assets, and is used to describe its diverse population as well as its varied landscape. When asked to describe the community’s most important natural Residents want Pathways that are tailored to a variety of uses for all ages and abilities. assets, focus group participants stated that they valued the area’s rural landscape, complete with its farms, forests, sweeping views and historic small villages. The West Branch of the Susquehanna River was considered to be a very under-utilized resource. When asked about the greatest threat to these natural assets, unmanaged development was a primary concern. Complementary to that concern was the loss of “traditional” farmland, either to residential development or conversion to factory farming. Participants felt the loss of family farms threatened the rural character of the area and could lead to a decline in community pride, values and self-worth.

When asked what local action is needed to address the environmental and natural resource issues of the community, participants felt the need for a regional plan and regional cooperation to guide future decision making aﬀecting the school district area. Raising awareness and teaching stewardship of the The diversity of the land and people of Warrior Run is considered to be one of the community’s greatest assets.

Community Profi le 2.15 community’s natural resources was also a priority, with particular emphasis on cultivating the involvement of younger generations in conservation efforts. Participants recognized a need for clear standards with regard to managing future growth and development in the area. Participants expressed a strong desire to take the long view on economic development, building on the community’s natural and historic assets to attract residents with similar values to those in the community today. Perspective on Pathways Participants’ vision for a preferred future, with respect to pathways, reflected a desire to provide an array of trail types tailored to different ages and abilities that preserve the scenic rural character of the area while linking the community to its most important assets – including places of recreational, historic and cultural value (parks, playgrounds, towns and villages, and the Susquehanna River).

When asked what pathways should look like in their own community, respondents felt that loop trails of varying lengths would provide the greatest range of use and enjoyment for diﬀerent user groups (walkers, cyclists, joggers, equestrians, etc.). Participants emphasized the importance of connecting to the community’s existing natural and cultural resources and liked the idea of thematic trails that emphasized a particular piece of the area’ history or natural features. Handicapped accessibility, multi-season use, and pet-friendly facilities were each cited as important features of pathways.

Loop trails allow Pathways users to enjoy a multitude of the community’s important places including historic sites like the Warrior Run Church, natural areas like the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, and historic downtown features like the Watsontown Theater.

Community Proﬁ le 2.16 3 Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run

3 Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run

Conservation Greenways primary highway corridors make the area an increasingly desirable place to locate. Future impacts associated with the Central Pathways are a great resource for engaging in a public dialogue Susquehanna Valley Thruway (CSVT) project will bring significant about larger community conservation ideas and priorities. Scenic development pressure around highway interchange areas with the rural character is one of the most important assets of the Warrior potential for increased residential development as the area becomes Run community, and a strategic approach to conserving and better connected to regional employment centers. preserving the resources that support those rural qualities is critically needed. The Warrior Run study area is a diverse landscape containing varied resources with characteristics that require a strategy for land and While all pathways are greenways, not all greenways are pathways. resource conservation uniquely tailored to the River, Valley, Ridge, Some exist primarily for recreational purposes, while others exist Muncy Hills, Town and Village settings. Investment in pathways primarily for conservation purposes. Many pathways serve a can encourage development in and around towns and villages, primary purpose of natural resource conservation and not for where existing infrastructure is already in place and best suited to recreation. Examples of conservation greenways include viewshed handle new development. Pathways offer great potential to achieve protection along a scenic byway; land use controls around a recreation conservation and objectives for the introduction and municipal water supply; native tree buffers along stream corridors application of smart growth ideas throughout the Warrior Run in agricultural or developed areas; fields planted to create wildlife community. habitat feed plots; or a wetland wildlife preserve. Other important conservation priorities that can be addressed by pathways include farmland preservation and preservation of historic sites. Conservation Strategies for Warrior Run The Pathways project has the potential to achieve multiple objectives. The development of a pathways network can be accomplished in conjunction with natural and cultural resource conservation. The pathways concept can engage residents and community leaders to think about how the community will grow and develop in the future – addressing specific issues such as where (Above) Pathways offer the potential to help protect and how new development should be integrated into the landscape. the scenic qualities of the region’s undeveloped areas. The Warrior Run community is faced with significant growth and (Right) Pathways can provide an impetus to protect or improve water quality along stream corridors, such as development pressures as its scenic landscape and proximity to Warrior Run Creek.

Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 3.1 Conserving River Assets The River landscape divides the study area and connects the villages of Dewart, Allenwood Warrior Run school district to river communities extending for and White Deer could utilize miles in either direction. The Susquehanna Greenway has been existing river bridges and identified as a greenway of statewide significance and is envisioned various elements of canal, as a trail corridor that will interconnect river towns and rural stream corridors, fencerows, landscapes of the entire river. There already exist several plans for edge of farm fields, roadway West Branch Susquehanna River corridor, including the Lower shoulders and sidewalks, railroad West Branch Rivers Conservation Plan, the Susquehanna Greenway corridors and river woods. Links Concept Design, and the upper reach of the West Branch Water to population centers and to Trail map. The Rivers Conservation Plan and Greenway Concept the aesthetic and recreational Design both address conservation needs and priorities of the river opportunities associated with the landscape. river are some of the advantages The river landscape is larger than the river itself and includes the afforded by such a trail with floodplain as an extension of the river landscape. The 100-year virtually limitless interpretation floodplain is narrow in some places and quite wide in others, opportunities. extending to and across Route 405 north of Watsontown, for example. The river was the original highway in the region and is an excellent place to reconnect to the region’s diverse heritage from (Above) Map of the Native Americans through European settlement; from the canal the West Branch era and the lumber boom era; and from periods of environmental 100-year floodplain. degradation to ecological re-birth. (Left) Non-motorized river access along the Although a river trail already exists, there are excellent opportunities West Branch. The for a pathway loop trail along the West Branch river corridor. The river affords many potential for trail development connecting Watsontown to the opportunities for land and water-based recreational use.

Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 3.2 RIVER CONSERVATION TOOLS Watershed Research & Planning The Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Studies (SRHCES) is a watershed organization whose geographic Resources directs the Rivers Conservation Program. Since the mid focus is Pennsylvania’s entire West Branch Susquehanna River 1990s, there have been over one hundred River Conservation watershed. The West Branch Susquehanna watershed drains an Plans developed across the state of Pennsylvania. These plans area of approximately 4.5 million acres, just under 7,000 square inventory and analyze watersheds and make specifi c project miles. At present, SRHCES partners include representatives from six recommendations to protect and enhance the water quality of academic institutions (Bloomsburg University, Susquehanna University, these watersheds. Large segments of north central Pennsylvania Bucknell University, Lock Haven University, Kings College, and lack a Rivers Conservation Plan. Other than the Lower West Lycoming College), the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Branch Rivers Conservation Plan, developed by the Northcentral Protection, the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, there are no other plans in the Pennsylvania Conservancy, SEDA-COG, Forum for the Future, and Pathways Project study area or surrounding region. The lack of a the Geisinger Health System. SRHCES’s stated mission is to promote Rivers Conservation Plan presents an opportunity for the region to collaborative, community-based research opportunities between undertake more watershed planning activities, raising awareness local organizations, colleges and universities. SRHCES recently of the importance of the region’s critical water resources. initiated a riparian buffer project to reduce non-point source pollution in the Chillisquaque Creek at PPL Corporation’s Montour Preserve. Improved River Access Private land ownership is a common obstacle to river access along the West Branch. This segment of the river generally has good river access for boating with designated public boat launches in Montgomery, Allenwood, Watsontown, and Milton; however, river access for other passive uses, such as fi shing and swimming, are less prevalent. Floodplain Management Our region’s river communities prospered due to their proximity to river, canal and rail transportation links, but were at the same time devastated by the fury of fl ooding. Floodplains are needed to slow and reduce the spread of fl ood waters and to provide natural areas suited for both active and passive recreation and wildlife habitat. Floodplains should be kept free from obstructions, including structures, to ensure the protection of life and property. Regional fl oodplain management projects have acquired homes located the fl oodplain along Lycoming Creek in Lycoming County.

Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 3.3 RIVER CONSERVATION TOOLS

Historic Preservation / Restoration Wildlife Habitat There are several historic buildings located along the Bald Eagle and Peregrine falcons are returning river and many more eligible for designation and to nest along the West Branch river corridor. restoration. These historic sites are as essential to the A wide, natural river corridor is an excellent character of the river landscape as the river and its conduit for wildlife of all types. Water quality natural features. Preservation of the scenic and historic has generally been improving on the West landscape is needed to prevent the proliferation Branch as municipal sewage treatment plants of development along Route 405. Remnants of have developed or been upgraded and as the Pennsylvania Canal are found throughout the more farmers integrate best management corridor and offer unique opportunities for heritage practices. The ecological health of the river interpretation and restoration. landscape is negatively affected by invasive plant species such as Japanese Knotweed and Farmland Preservation Purple Loosestrife that that choke out existing The expanse of prime agricultural soils in the river native plant communities that wildlife rely upon landscape are some of the largest in the study area. for food and shelter. A program to control or Preservation of these farms will achieve multiple eradicate invasive plants would improve the objectives including limiting low density development, river landscape for wildlife. preserving scenic rural character, and enhancing wildlife habitat. Viewshed Protections Things look different from the river, as a canoe or kayak trip down the West Branch will show. The river corridor is highly scenic and one can often enjoy quiet solitude within a landscape of water, forest and rolling hills. To maintain the qualities of the river, the streamside forests, hillsides and ridges should be protected. A scenic assessment was completed as part of planning the Susquehanna Greenway. This information could serve as a starting point for established viewshed protections for the river corridor. A viewshed analysis would be performed to identify the most highly visible areas, and land use policies and standards would be enacted to protect the most scenic and highly visible areas.

View northwest to cliffs overlooking the West Branch. Steeper terrain along the river’s edge provides abundant plant and wildlife habitat and scenic qualities that warrant protection.

Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 3.4 Conserving Valley Assets The valley landscape is characterized by flat to rolling topography, Implementation of pathways can achieve multiple benefits, striking much of which is underlain by limestone geology with soils well a balance between smart growth, resource conservation and new suited for agricultural production. While well suited for growing recreational opportunities. crops, the valley landscape is also positioned to shoulder the burden Agriculture remains the most extensive land use in the Valley, of the bulk of new residential development pressure because of it capitalizing upon the prime farmland soils that overlay its limestone contains the majority of towns and villages in the study area. and shale geology. There are several farms held in farmland The valley is where the people live. The stated desire to have safe, preservation scattered throughout the study area, with one sizeable easily accessible walking and biking opportunities ‘close to home’ cluster in Delaware Township. Preserving working, small and make the valley landscape a logical focus for trail development. moderate scale farms in a manner that is compatible with some degree of new development is essential to preserving the rural qualities of the Warrior Run community. Karst refers to a distinctive landscape characterized by features formed by the dissolution of bedrock by acidic water. The study area includes typical karst features such as sinkholes, “disappearing” streams, dry valleys, large springs and conduits (natural pipes). The karst geology that characterizes the valley landscape typically provides for The Valley is positioned to bountiful, but vulnerable groundwater supplies. The same fissures shoulder a large portion of and channels that provide for rapid recharge and large storage the region’s future growth. If capacity in the water table also make the area’s natural water sources unmanaged, this growth could vulnerable to contamination. Sinkholes are a common occurrence have a significant impact on the in karst geology and are, in effect, direct conduits to groundwater. quality of the region’s water supply. A common practice of using sinkholes for refuse disposal has had negative impacts on the groundwater supply and has been a continuing legacy in some areas. Sinkholes and other refuse areas, if improperly used, pose potential threats to the local water supply.

Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 3.5 Agriculture and development each contribute different stresses to the area’s water resources. Both surface water and groundwater are negatively affected by improper nutrient management from excessive fertilizer applications, improper management of livestock waste, or the use of archaic or malfunctioning wastewater treatment facilities. All of the Valley’s municipal water supplies are wellfields. The water quality of any well is influenced by a wide range of factors including land use, depth of soil and subsurface geology. The “area of influence”- the land area that has impact on a well’s water quality, especially in a karst area - is quite large. The region within this area of influence should implement policies and programs that support long term water quality. As the old adage says, the best way to treat water is to never get it dirty in the first place. A degraded stream section along Warrior Run Creek. Poorly buffered stream corridors are more succeptible to erosion and contamination from agricultural run off. Surface water quality is also significantly impacted by land use and land management practices. The quality of water in streams and rivers can be viewed as a measure for our stewardship of the land. Many valley streams are negatively impacted by agriculture and development. Many valley streams lack forest cover that has demonstrated benefits including reducing nutrient and sediment pollution, stream temperatures and stream bank erosion, as well as improving wildlife habitat. Smaller valley streams such as Delaware Run, Dry Run, Warrior Run, Spring Creek and the headwater streams of Chillisquaque Creek could benefit from improved watershed and stream corridor management practices such as the installation of stream buffers, appropriate nutrient and waste management, stream fencing and reforestation projects.

Map of the region’s wellhead locations. Areas shown in red are “zones of inﬂuence” around public water sources. Land management practices supporting sound water quality are critical to the protection of the region’s water supply.

Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 3.6 VALLEY CONSERVATION TOOLS

Regional Planning and Zoning – Regional comprehensive Farmland Preservation – The Warrior Run community should planning and zoning is probably the single most important tool devise a plan to prioritize the preservation of farmland by needed to guide regional growth and development. Plans providing local money to be matched by state contributions to and policies should defi ne targeted growth areas and provide the Farmland Preservation Program. Farmland preservation incentives for good quality development. Quality regional should be done strategically to assist in developing agricultural planning and zoning will reduce redundant land uses and allow core areas that will ensure the economic viability of farming for more strategic investment in costly water, sewer and road in the future. Preservation of working farms and the infrastructure. implementation of a pathways network could be mutually benefi cial endeavors. Source Water / Wellhead Protection – Protecting municipal water supplies requires proper land management in large Agricultural Best Management Practices – Practices such as areas around existing and future wellhead locations. Local nutrient management, no-till farming, stream fencing, installation governments should continue to utilize the opportunities of stream crossings and livestock waste management can have presented in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code signifi cant impacts on water quality. Pathways can integrate to develop comprehensive land management ordinances that many of these features, including stream buffers, grass swales, address groundwater resource protection and enhancement. fencerow and windbreak plantings. Forest and farmland, when properly managed, can produce good groundwater quality. Wellhead areas of infl uence should Watershed Restoration – Most valley streams are degraded be zoned for low-impact development, and timber, forest and due to nutrient and sediment pollution stemming from agricultural best management practices, especially those that agriculture, and nutrient and thermal pollution linked to govern nutrient management, should be implemented. municipal wastewater treatment facilities. The relatively small size of these streams makes tangible water quality improvement possible. The school district could be a leader in this area by engaging in Adopt-a-Stream and Adopt-a-Watershed programs as long-term applied community service projects for elementary, middle and high school students.

Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 3.7 Conserving the Assets of the Ridge Th e Ridge landscape is limited to the north face of South White RIDGE CONSERVATION TOOLS Deer Ridge at the southwestern edge of the study area. Th e Ridge landscape is generally characterized by linear and uniformly sloped forest land, typical of the ridge and valley geographic region. Land Use / Design Guidelines – These lands are best suited for land use policies that encourage woodland conservation, sound Ridges are highly sensitive to erosion due to their steep slopes management and stewardship. and thin soils, making them most suited for forestry. Th e ridge landscape is an existing conservation greenway – providing clean Sustainable Forest Management – Timber production from air and water, wildlife habitat and aesthetic benefi ts. Th e state the Ridge landscape is a suitable use of forest resources, forest lands also provide recreational benefi ts to hunters and hikers but best management practices that ensure the sustainability though no formal trail system exists. of timber harvest, while protecting other resources such as water, wildlife, aesthetic qualities and recreation should be Ridge landscapes, because of their elevation, steep slopes and high encouraged. Private landowners engaged in timber production degree of visibility, can be easily impacted by development on the should do so under the guidance of a timber management plan ridge tops and side slopes. Development on the ridge can be highly that implements sustainable forestry and best management visible, impacting a substantial ‘viewshed.’ Forested ridges provide practices and that encourages selective, sustainable yield numerous benefi ts that include providing clean surface and ground cutting as an alternative to clear cutting. Participation in water supplies, large contiguous wildlife habitat areas, and dramatic voluntary programs such as the Forest Legacy Program should scenic backdrops to our valley landscapes. Th ere are several ‘tools’ also be encouraged. that are useful in the conservation of the Ridge landscape. Scenic / Viewshed Protections – Visual and light pollution from poorly planned and designed ridge development will impact a View of South White Deer Ridge from the large area. While land uses that preclude development should Interstate 80 corridor. be the fi rst priority, if limited development is allowed in this Signifi cant development area – stringent zoning and performance standards should be along this ridge would developed to address the use of natural materials and colors, be highly visible from un-obtrusive lighting, natural landscaping and placement of the highway. structures – all with the intent of minimizing negative visual impacts.

Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 3.8 Conserving Assets in the Muncy Hills Th e Muncy Hills are at the headwaters to Delaware Run, Warrior Run, and the numerous tributaries of Chillisquaque Creek. Th ere is little development in the Muncy Hills, yet homebuilders and property investors may fi nd the striking views from this location an attractive development opportunity. Th ree and fi ve acre minimum subdivision allowances are a common in the Muncy Hills, a typical Depicted in orange, the steep slopes of the Muncy Hills are highly visible from the Valley below. zoning practice for those seeking to preserve rural character. Similar Th e unique qualities of the Muncy Hills dictate a diff erent zoning practices in other areas, however, have shown that these pathways concept. Th e Muncy Hills possess the most variety of minimal restrictions can have quite the opposite eff ect, creating a diff erent landscapes with topographic and aspect variability, diverse landscape scattered with homes often perched in the most visible plant community and habitat types and views in all directions. location to take advantage of the views. Th e Muncy Hills with its Th e natural qualities of the landscape suggest more rustic hiking, unique assets and views is a threatened landscape. mountain biking and even equestrian trail uses.

MUNCY HILLS CONSERVATION TOOLS

Wildlife Habitat – The sparse development, steep slopes and Hills. Municipalities may choose to seek a more ﬂ exible approach by complex mix of woodland and ﬁ elds in the Muncy Hills offer adopting conservation design guidelines and encouraging an interactive excellent wildlife habitat. Edge species will especially thrive in this development process requiring preliminary plan submittal for those type of environment. initiating the development process.

Scenic / Viewshed Protections – The views from the Muncy Hills are Design Standards and Guidelines - While placement of new striking, overlooking the river and the bucolic agricultural valley development on the land in a visually sensitive manner is important, below. It is likely that the assets of the Muncy Hills will eventually design standards should be developed to address the use of natural be discovered. With this discovery comes the potential for materials and colors, non-obtrusive lighting, natural landscaping and conﬂ ict to arise when residential homes capitalizing on the prime placement of structures, all with the intent of minimizing negative visual views of hillside locations have a visual impact on views from the impacts. The Muncy Hills, with its woodlands and rolling character, Valley below. Existing minimum lot sizes, while well intended, has the potential to integrate signiﬁ cant amounts of development in a many not be the best strategy for visual protection in the Muncy subtle and unobtrusive manner. Planning, zoning and design standards are needed to realize the potential of sound quality and site-sensitive development.

Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 3.9 A TALE OF TWO DEVELOPMENTS The Muncy Hills landscape can look very different depending on the type of development approach that is used to accommodate new housing. Current zoning allowances in the Muncy Hills permit the type of low density residential development pictured in Development Scenario A that disrupts the views of the surrounding hillsides. Working with the contours of the existing landscape, the visual impact of ten homes can be signiﬁ cantly minimized by more a compact design, as pictured in Development Scenario B.

Development Scenario A.

Development Scenario B.

Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 3.10 Conserving Town & Village Assets The distinct character of the Warrior Run area owes much to the The ability to walk or bike to school, the library or corner store traditional pattern of town and village development. Because is an experience that few residents of newer homes can easily this area has historically not been a high growth area, there is enjoy. The Warrior Run Pathways project has the potential to be still relatively little suburban development to detract from the a catalyst for a more positive form of growth and development in classic town and country landscape. Historically, development the region. Investment in Pathways can spur private investment was characterized by more compact communities, with a distinct in traditional neighborhood development (TND) in and around town edge surrounded by agricultural land and forests. Towns and existing communities that will revitalize these historic communities villages contained mixes of uses that include shops, stores, eateries, and encourage more active recreational opportunities. Pathways schools, churches, offices, libraries, parks and community buildings encourage healthy lifestyles by providing safe and accessible routes interspersed with homes and apartments. Times have changed. to access daily needs and provide for interaction with friends and New highway improvements in the area have brought the potential neighbors. Targeted growth areas should be complimented with for significant development pressure that is only expected to conservation of prime farmland and preservation of historic sites increase in the foreseeable future. and important environmental resources to protect Warrior Run’s unique character for future generations. With Watsontown as the largest community in the region, other communities in the district, such as Allenwood, Dewart, Exchange, McEwensville and Turbotville, could be better described as crossroad villages. These communities already have the basic utilities and services for growth and can serve as centers for targeted new development in a manner that is cost effective and resource efficient. Encouraging development around existing town and village centers will enhance quality of life within and around these communities and in the overall region.

Historic communities like Watsontown are an equally important component of the Warrior Run landscape as the surrounding farms and countryside.

Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 3.11 VILLAGE CONSERVATION TOOLS

Smart Growth - Smart growth is about smart investment and livable communities. Infrastructure is costly to build and maintain. Smart growth encourages new development to be integrated with the community in the most efﬁ cient manner, strategically targeting areas for future development by providing necessary services such as roads and sewer and water services only where new development is desired. Because the traditional town and village model is so important in deﬁ ning the character of the region, it is a logical model for how to incorporate new growth and development. One method of smart growth development is Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND).

Traditional Neighborhood Design - TND is a style of new An example of a pathway integrated within a residential community located in Village Homes, Davis, California. Pathways are one of the most well known and development that mimics historic models of development marketable features of this nationally acclaimed smart growth development. that included mixed uses, compact development, walkble streets and abundant public spaces (streetscapes, parks Plan Today for Change Tomorrow and trails). These elements of TND are often associated the characteristics people use to deﬁ ne quality of life. No matter where it is located, a landscape is always changing. Th e In the Warrior Run community TND can best be used Warrior Run area is no exception. Th e River, Valley, Ridge, Muncy within and around existing towns and villages. Targeted Hills, and Town and Village landscapes are each susceptible to a investment and development will bring new vibrancy as variety of pressures with the potential to permanently alter their well as new economic opportunity to these valued historic existing character. Th e key to protecting these landscapes from communities. the potentially adverse impacts of growth involves anticipating change and ensuring that the appropriate land use protections are in place to guide the location and impact of new development. Provisions that are adapted to the unique qualities of the Warrior TND is inﬂ uenced by the Run landscape are needed in order to safeguard the environmental walkability and traditional character of communities integrity and rural character of the school district for current and like Turbotville. future generations.

Conserving the Natural, Scenic & Historic Assets of Warrior Run 3.12 4 Pathways Concepts

4 Pathways Concepts

Pathways were first envisioned as a broad framework for land conservation, linking the community’s towns and villages to its scenic countryside through an extensive network of trails and open space. The proposed corridors utilize the region’s stream and river corridors, roads and railway lines to build connections between destinations that capture the full spectrum of diversity across the Warrior Run landscape. Creating Connections Two examples of community hubs that can be linked by Pathways - the Montour Preserve educational center Pathways and greenways are about creating connections that bring and the McEwensviulle Community Hall. people together and that connect people to a place. A greenways well-planned land use - a network for people, nature, and livable or Pathways network is similar to a roadway network, which communities. The Warrior Run community has the benefit connects all kinds of destinations through a linear system. However, of many unique qualities and places from which to develop a a Pathways network is designed for recreation, conservation, and Pathways system. The two basic elements to create a greenway network are often referred to as hubs and spokes. The “hubs” are significant community, recreational or natural resources that serve as trail destinations. The “spokes” are linear connecting elements that link the various hubs. The result is an interconnected trail and open space network. Hubs - Pathway Destinations Hubs, or pathways destinations, are essential elements in designing greenways. A starting point for developing any trail and open space network is the existing assortment of public and semi-public lands. For the Warrior Run study area these areas include the State Game Lands, State Forest Lands, PPL Preserve lands and the West Branch Susquehanna River. All of these are significantly large pieces of An early conceptual diagram depicting the Pathways concept in the Warrior Run study area. land open to public use, each managed for different resource and Pathways corridors (light green) link communities (yellow) to cultural (purple) and recreational recreational management objectives. State Game Lands, while (dark green) resources. primarily managed for wildlife habitat and hunting, also serve

Pathways Concepts 4.1 as excellent areas for hiking, biking, birding and nature study. often provide a corridor Montour Preserve, owned and managed by PPL Corporation, has well suited for trail a 165 acre recreational lake, Lake Chillisquaque, extensive hiking development. Roadway trails, an environmental center and many public hunting areas. networks already exist as Tiadaghton State Forest lands along South White Deer Ridge in public domain connections Gregg Township, Union County connect an extensive state forest but some roadways system to the west of the study area. Pathways hubs in the Warrior are more conducive to Run study area are not limited to natural areas and also include pedestrian and bicycle use. towns, schools, historic sites and recreational facilities. Wide shoulders, low traffic Spokes - Pathway Connections volumes and lower speed Spokes are the linear greenway components that interconnect the limits influence the real and various pathway destination hubs. Spokes can follow natural or perceived safety of roadway- manmade resources such as streams, rivers, ridges, canals, roadways based trail systems. and railroads. Because development in the floodplains of streams and rivers is often restricted, floodplains are commonly allocated to recreation and conserving natural areas. Ridges, fencerows and woodlands are other elements that can form the framework for Pathways Concept Overview a trail system. Historic resources such as canals and abandoned Following the community’s assessment of its pathways potential railroads create the opportunity for heritage interpretation and at the project’s outset, the Warrior Run Pathways Partnership identified several key Pathways projects that succeeded in Railroads and rivers are manmade integrating the community’s conservation priorities with its desire and natural for enhanced fitness, recreation and educational opportunities. corridors that Each concept, presented in further detail below, provides a strategic provide a basis for link in the creation of a school district-wide Pathways network. building pathways The process of selecting these priority projects was based upon connections. an interest in linking the community’s best utilized assets - its towns, its school, and its riverfront - as well as creating varied opportunities to enjoy the area.

Pathways Concepts 4.2 Table 1. Pathways Trail Concept Overview

PATHWAYS OBJECTIVES PATHWAYS CONCEPTS Conservation Fitness & Recreation Education

. Preserve or enhance riparian forests & forested . Close-to-home recreation with trails linking . Local history stream buffers Watsontown, Dewart, Allenwood & White Deer . Canal / industrial history . Preservation of canal remnants . Link to elementary school, senior housing & . Natural history - River West . Linkages to historic town centers parks Branch . Preserve scenic quality of the river corridor . Link to Dewart ballfield complex River Trail . Link to river trail . Walk to work opportunity for Great Stream Commons . Farmland preservation . School facility – cross country course . Environmental education – outdoor classroom & . . Warrior Run Stream corridor restoration (Warrior Run) Link to AYSO fields Adopt-A-Watershed . . . Trail Linkages to historic village centers Link to Turbotville ballfields & playground History – Warrior Run Church, Hower Slote . Smart growth development House & cemeteries

. Habitat connectivity – state gamelands & PPL . Link to trails at Montour Preserve & PPL West . Montour Preserve Environmental Center land Branch Trail . Cemeteries . Protection of scenic viewsheds . Diverse trail users . Environmental conservation Muncy Hills . Woodland & farmland preservation . Hiking, biking & horseback riding Trail . Wildlife Habitat Enhancement . Wellhead Protection . Conservation Design

. Protection of scenic viewsheds . Routes with variable distance and level of . Interpretation of historic sites & landscapes Warrior Run . Historic Site / Landscape Preservation difﬁculty . Promotion of community health and ﬁtness Touring . Recreation or commuter option Routes . Connect with Milton & Muncy

Pathways Concepts 4.3

Th e West Branch River Trail A Gateway to the River & Its History

Segment 1: Watsontown-Dewart Canal Walk Th e Watsontown Canal Walk creates linkages between the natural and historic assets of the West Branch Susquehanna River and the river communities of Watsontown, Dewart, Allenwood and White Deer. In Watsontown, the tow path of the historic Pennsylvania Canal exists today as an in-town walking trail extending north from the Watsontown Memorial bridge to the residential neighborhood abutting the path between 2nd and 10th Streets. Th e canal was a key factor in the development of the Pennsylvania lumbering regions in the middle 1800s. Extensions from the existing trail off er potential connections to community destinations such as Watsontown Memorial Park, the community pool, historic downtown Watsontown, Watsontown Elementary School and a nearby senior housing facility. Concept illustration of an integrated Pathways netwrok at the Watsontoown Memorial Bridge. Multi-use trails create An extended alignment following the tow path north to Dewart important linkages between the river, the community park and downtown Watsontown. Canal remnants provide the would provide opportunities to interpret the area’s canal history opportunity to interpret the community’s canal history. as well as the related manufacturing and industrial heritage of Dewart Canal Trail. Level terrain provides an easy walking or biking trail these river towns. With minor shoulder improvements, Turbot linking the communities of Allenwood and White Deer. Future extensions Avenue could provide an alternate pedestrian connection from the trail could include more rugged hiking or mountain biking spur between Dewart and Watsontown, completing a loop between trails that link to more extensive trail networks in the Bald Eagle State Forest the two communities. on South White Deer Ridge. Other extensions from the trail can be made northward to the future site of the Great Stream Commons housing and Segment 2: West Shore Trail industrial development complex. Th e trail’s proximity to the river, to White Across the river (via the Route 44 Dewart-Allenwood Bridge), Deer Hole Creek, a high quality cold water fi shery, and to vast acres of open an added trail segment aligned with the western shore of the space on state forest lands generates numerous opportunities for birding, West Branch would complete a loop with the Watsontown- wildlife viewing, hunting and fi shing.

Pathways Concepts 4.5 Land Use Watsontown and Dewart but are in various stages of degradation. Land uses adjacent to the West Branch River Trail include Historic structures and districts in Watsontown, Dewart and residential, commercial, agricultural and highway uses as well as an Allenwood provide opportunities for interpretation of the inactive railroad right-of-way. area’s canal and manufacturing history. Restoration of riparian Land Ownership areas along the West Branch, White Deer Hole Creek, Warrior Watsontown’s existing trail section between 2nd and 10th Streets is Run Creek and Tannery Run provide further opportunities for owned and maintained by Watsontown Borough. Lands along environmental education. the proposed trail corridors to the north between Watsontown and Challenges Dewart are privately owned and held by multiple landowners. The Across the river between Allenwood and White Deer, steeper terrain railroad right-of-way on the west side of the river is owned by the and the presence of Route 15 limit the potential trail alignments SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority and is immediately to the east of to complete a loop with the Watsontown Canal Trail. The inactive a large tract of state forest land. section of the former Reading Railroad is a favorable option; however, present ownership of the railroad is not permissive to trail Opportunities conversion due to its potential for being reactivated as a railroad. The West Branch River Trail corridor is host to many The West Shore Trail could alternately make use of a combination environmental and historic interpretation elements. Canal of rail bed, rail corridor, surrounding woods and ﬁeld edges to remnants from the historic Pennsylvania Canal exist between incrementally develop a connection between Allenwood and White Deer. The potential for rail banking could also be explored.

Regulatory Issues The River Walk will need to be assessed for its potential impact on environmental, historic and cultural resources. A preliminary review request will be sent to the Pennsylva- nia Natural Diversity Index (PNDI), which will review the study area for potential impacts to rare and endangered plant and animal species. Another review request will be The West Shore Trail completes a loop connecting the communities of Allenwood (upper left) and White Deer to the east side of the river. The existing canal tow path in Watsontown (upper right) is currently used as a community walking trail.

Pathways Concepts 4.6 sent to the Pennsylvania His- Funding Sources toric and Museum Commis- • Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Transportation sion (PHMC), to identify any Enhancements potential impacts to historic • National Parks Service – Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network cultural artifacts. The focus of • Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural the River Walk on enhancing Resources (DCNR) – Growing Greener Fund the environment and celebrat- • DCNR - Pennsylvania Forest Stewardship/ Stream ReLeaf ing the area’s history should Program be conducive to the agency • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – Wildlife objectives of both PNDI and Habitat Incentive Program PHMC. PennDOT will also • USDA Conservation Reserve Enhancements Program (CREP) need to be consulted on the • National Fish & Wildlife Federation feasibility of the various Path- • Chesapeake Bay Foundation – Trees for Streams Program ways concepts and in outlin- • Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ing necessary approvals such – Growing Greener Fund as for Highway Occupancy Permits required for the trail in highway • Pheasants Forever right-of-ways, bridge crossings, sidewalk and crosswalk design stan- • Ducks Unlimited Habitat Programs dards. • Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission Historic Preservation Grants Phasing • National Endowment for the Humanities – Interpreting Given the existence of an active trail section in Watsontown America’s Places Grants Borough, development of a section extending north to Dewart • Local Partners would be a logical initial phase. The completed Watsontown- Dewart Canal Walk will create more leverage when working with the Joint Rail Authority to develop a shared use approach to the railroad right-of-way for the development of the West Shore Trail. As the development of Great Stream Commons progresses, an extension/ trail connection at Allenwood should be pursued.

Pathways Concepts 4.7

Th e Warrior Run Trail Active Living, Active Learning

Th e Warrior Run Trail builds upon the position of the Warrior Run School complex as a social and geographic focal point of the community. Th e school’s proximity to the historic Hower Slote house, the Warrior Run Church, the AYSO soccer fi elds, and a nearby wetland mitigation area present numerous opportunities for enhanced educational and recreational benefi ts. Th e school’s small network of walking and cross country trails are currently used by the school’s athletic department and by Warrior Run residents for fi tness and recreation during non-school hours. Extensions from these existing trails to the nearby communities of McEwensville and Turbotville would give residents easy access to walking trails of varying lengths immediately out their front door. A key quality of the trail’s design would be to integrate seamlessly with Schematic illustration of the Warrior Run Trail as it could connect to the Warrior Run school complex. the surrounding landscape to allow students and residents the opportunity to enjoy and interpret the rich history of Warrior Run’s Land Use agricultural valley. Land use in the vicinity of the Warrior Run school complex is primarily agricultural and low density residential. Land Ownership Th e Warrior Run Trail concept incorporates a mix of private lands, state road right-of-way, PPL rail corridor, and private utility right-of-ways. Opportunities Th e proposed alignment of the Warrior Run Trail capitalizes upon the Warrior Run stream corridor and fl oodplain and PPL Corporation railroad/ water line right-of-way to create a Pathways connection between McEwensville, the school complex and Turbotville. Both would provide a logical connection between these desired community destinations. Due to the largely agricultural use of the valley, conservation easements could play an instrumental role in simultaneously protecting farm land and securing easements for the development of pathways.

The Warrior Run High School and Middle School complex is ideally situated to serve as the centerpiece of a regional Pathways network. Pathways Concepts 4.9 Challenges next logical step, followed by the creation of a direct connection Easements or use agreements with multiple landowners would between the two communities. Alternate loops could be developed be required for Pathways to be developed. The sheer number of over time in conjunction with additional willing landowners. landowners involved presents the greatest challenge. Funding Sources Regulatory Issues • Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Transportation The Warrior Run Trail will need to be assessed for its potential im- Enhancements pact on environmental, historic and cultural resources. A prelimi- • Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Safe Routes to nary review request will be sent to the Pennsylvania Natural Diver- School sity Index (PNDI), which will review the study area for potential • Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural impacts to rare and endangered plant and animal species. Another Resources (DCNR) – Growing Greener Fund review request will be sent to the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum • USDA Conservation Reserve Enhancements Program (CREP) Commission (PHMC), to identify any potential impacts to historic • Ducks Unlimited cultural artifacts. The trail’s approach to integrating with the sur- • Pheasants Forever rounding environment as well as its conservation and educational • Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection components should be conducive to the agency objectives of both – Growing Greener Fund PNDI and PHMC. PennDOT will also need to be consulted on • Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission Historic the feasibility of the various Pathways concepts and in outlining nec- Preservation Grants essary approvals such as for Highway Occupancy Permits required • Con Agra Foods Foundation Civic and Community for the trail in highway right-of-ways, sidewalk and crosswalk design Betterment Grants standards. • Local Partners Phasing The Warrior Run Trail builds upon existing trail segments and can be phased to create Pathways connections to nearby McEwensville and Turbotville. The Warrior Run Trail should focus first around the school’s existing trail facilities and their proximity to the historic Warrior Run Church and Hower Slote House. Cooperation of the school district and public land ownership should ease the process of developing the first phase of the trail. Creating a connection between the school and one of the two nearby communities is the The school’s network of cross country trails utlizes mowed paths to define the trail’s edge.

Pathways Concepts 4.10 Th e Muncy Hills Trail A Bird’s Eye View of Home

Stretching from the banks of the West Branch across the entire northern portion of the study area, the Muncy Hills are perhaps the best vantage point for taking in the pastoral character of the Warrior Run landscape. Th e Muncy Hills Trail links substantial acres of open space found in natural areas like Montour Preserve and its associated PPL Corporation land and the state game lands located in Lewis Township. Th rough voluntary conservation easements protecting the character of privately owned forests, ﬁ elds, Pathways integrated into an existing landscape can also serve as an amenity to a clustered residential development. and farmland, the best qualities of the Muncy Hills can be preserved for future generations and enjoyed by residents Land Use today. Land use in the Muncy Hills is primarily a mix of woodland preservation, light residential and agricultural uses. Approximately 550 acres of state game lands exist in Lewis Township.

Land Ownership Land in the Muncy Hills is primarily in private ownership with large parcels of state game lands and PPL Corporation ownership.

Opportunities Th e Muncy Hills Trail capitalizes upon the scenic vistas aﬀ orded by the elevation of the Muncy Hills, as well as the seclusion of its folded hillsides and extensive tracts of hemlock and hardwood. While these views are a blessing, they also create the potential for The Muncy Hills are a scenic mix of woodlands and agricultural ﬁ elds offering development pressure from those seeking to locate their homes captivating views of the Valley landscape below. with favorable views of the valley below. Beyond a recreational amenity, the Muncy Hills Trail is also a strategy for protecting a prominent viewshed in the Warrior Run area. Keeping the relatively undeveloped character of the Muncy Hills is important

Pathways Concepts 4.11 Pathways Concepts 4.12

Illustration of Muncy Hills Pathways concept integrating a mix of recreational uses on shared hiking, biking and equestrian trails.

Phasing Phasing of the Muncy Hills Trail could begin with a small scale to maintaining the remote quality enjoyed by those who live and connection in the eastern area of the Muncy Hills between the state recreate there. Pathways can be used as an opportunity to leverage game lands and the PPL Preserve. The trail could be undertaken as scenic viewshed protections for lands across the Muncy Hills. a joint partnership between PPL Corporation, Lewis and Anthony

Townships and a group of cooperative landowners as an exploratory Challenges demonstration project for the Muncy Hills. Trail termini could be Due to the expansive nature of the Muncy Hills, securing use built around existing “trail heads” at parking areas in the game lands agreements with multiple land owners will be the greatest challenge. and at Montour Preserve. Future extensions to the Muncy Hills Trail toward the river and beyond Montour Preserve can be made Regulatory Issues incrementally with the participation of willing land owners. The Muncy Hills Trail will need to be assessed for its potential impact on environmental, historic and cultural resources. A prelimi- Funding Sources nary review request will be sent to the Pennsylvania Natural Diver- • Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural sity Index (PNDI), which will review the study area for potential Resources (DCNR) – Growing Greener Fund impacts to rare and endangered plant and animal species. Another • DCNR - Pennsylvania Forest Stewardship/ Stream ReLeaf review request will be sent to the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Program Commission (PHMC), to identify any potential impacts to historic • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – Wildlife cultural artifacts. The trail’s location in a relatively rugged, unde- Habitat Incentive Program veloped environment should not present a conﬂict with the agency • USDA Conservation Reserve Enhancements Program (CREP) objectives of both PNDI and PHMC. • Chesapeake Bay Foundation – Trees for Streams Program • Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection – Growing Greener Fund • Local Partners

Pathways Concepts 4.14 Warrior Run Touring Routes Walk It, Run It, Ride It Land Use Roadways create both opportunities and challenges Land uses along the Touring Routes are predominately for pathways development. Th e extensive network agricultural or low to moderate density residential with the of rural routes running throughout the Warrior Run exception of mixed commercial and residential uses in and area presents tremendous and achievable potential to around towns and villages. better connect residents to the scenery and history that lie in wait outside their front door. Th e area’s lesser Land Ownership traveled rural back roads off er enjoyable routes that are Warrior Run’s rural road network is owned and maintained conducive to shared use by pedestrians, runners and by either state or local municipal governments. cyclists. Opportunities In addition to identifying opportunities for a leisurely weekend or after work ride, these preferred routes may be tailored to follow a thread of local history or to interpret a series of environmental features. Numerous examples from around the country indicate that packaging a riding or walking experience increases the chance of its being used for a recreational purpose. Th e act of composing these routes is itself a means to both explain and garner support for the Pathways project. Chapter 5 outlines specifi c actions as to how this can be achieved. Challenges High traffi c roads like Routes 405, 54, and the Susquehanna Trail are not conducive to serving as pathways until signifi cant retrofi tting can make the experience of walking and biking adjacent to traffi c a safer and more palatable experience.

Warrior Run has a wealth of scenic rural back roads that can be enjoyed through a number of uses.

Pathways Concepts 4.15 Pathways Concepts 4.16 Pathways Concepts 4.17 Phasing Chapter 5 outlines a speciﬁc approach to launching and phasing a Touring Routes concept.

Funding Sources • Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Transportation Enhancements Regulatory Issues • Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Safe Routes to While use of public roadways presents few land ownership School challenges, the issue of liability in promoting Pathways in • Bikes Belong Grants Program conjunction with shared use of public roadways must be accounted • Local Partners for. Liability disclaimers should be included with any promotion of their use. A sample liability disclaimer can be found in the Appendix.

Bike routes, also called shoulder bikeways, are often constructed along rural road sections with no curb and gutter. 5 A Framework for Action: From Partnerships to Pathways

5 A Framework for Action – From Partnerships to Pathways

Overarching Themes political boundaries. People, whether they live in downtown Watsontown or on a farm in Limestone Township, understand the Organization is Key! value of a scenic landscape or a safe place to teach their children A champion organization is critical to ensure the future success of how to ride a bike. Pathways. Even committed groups of citizens require some level of organization in order to bring about the change they hope to As a regional concept with overarching values, pathways flourish realize. Currently, the Warrior Run Community Corporation in an environment where individual municipalities can come (WRCC) is dedicated to advancing Pathways as a means to protect together and reconcile their individual needs with the goals and celebrate the unique assets of the Warrior Run community into of the larger community. The recent collaboration of eight the future. WRCC’s joint collaboration with partners who share municipalities during the Central Susquehanna Valley Throughway similar interests in the region will set the stage for future success. Interchange Study is a local model for how this can be achieved. An organization like the WRCC can help to bridge relationships Multi-municipal zoning and consistent land use standards across between these partners while striving to bring in new perspectives the school district that are supportive of Pathways conservation from the community. An involved, focused group of volunteers can objectives can prevent unnecessary duplication of land uses that be a catalyst for turning the Pathways vision into a reality. WRCC compromise the scenic and environmental qualities of Warrior can broaden the base of community support for Pathways by Run. creating programs, projects, and social activities that are tailored to Pathways - Not Just for Walking the community’s interest in safe and healthy fitness and recreation. In a project with an extensive scope and time frame, it is easy Through the incremental stages of Pathways development, the to lose track of the bigger picture. The Pathways project can WRCC can increase its organizational capacity and invigorate or quickly become an initiative focused on community trail building reinvent its existing committee structure as it undertakes the joys and nothing more. While increasing the availability of facilities and challenges of creating a brighter future for the residents of to engage in active and healthy living is a clear priority for the Warrior Run. residents of Warrior Run, to lose sight of the role that pathways Seek a Collaborative Approach to Zoning and Land Use can play in leveraging protections for open space and natural areas Pathways are a useful framework for exploring a regional approach would be a missed opportunity. A well planned pathways network to land use. Like the natural landscape, pathways make no can set the stage for sound development practices that safeguard distinction across political boundaries and are inherently an the community’s natural and cultural resources for years to come. expression of the land they traverse. The Pathways concept has Every effort should be made to include the conservation element as been embraced by a wide variety of Warrior Run residents because an integral component of the Pathways mission and message. it speaks to community needs and desires that also transcend

A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways 5.1 General Considerations Relevant to Pathways A municipality’s ability to own land, hold easements, carry insurance, levy taxes, access grants, and deploy labor and Funding maintenance equipment and staff make the municipal ownership A regional Pathways network is by its nature an extensive of some Pathways amenities a desirable option. However, it is undertaking whose cost when considered in totality can be understood that the limited staff and resources of individual overwhelming. It is important to recognize the Pathways project as municipalities to maintain even the current level of public a long term undertaking that can be broken down into a series of infrastructure constrains their ability to take on this added attainable goals. Through creative partnerships, workable funding responsibility. Municipal ownership of trail heads and parking strategies can be formed that capitalize upon a combination of areas is most convenient, but shared use of existing parking areas state, federal and private dollars that can be used to help leverage should also be sought whenever possible. public and private resources at the local level. Despite the existence of myriad government and foundation grant programs Cost to build and maintain the Pathways network will be a to fund the creation of trails, environmental conservation and challenge to overcome, but a collaborative arrangement between the historic interpretation initiatives, the capacity of local citizens municipality and allied interest groups can help to defray costs by and businesses should not be overlooked. A primary purpose of sharing resources, coordinating labor and improving opportunities a Pathways stewardship group like the WRCC is to carry the idea to secure grants and donations. As the Pathways network extends forward building strategic funding partnerships around attainable across municipal borders, it is essential for a coordinated inter- project goals. municipal effort to develop in order to guarantee that additions to the trail network will have a uniform design and consistent Pathways Ownership and Governance maintenance program. The WRCC is the recommended steward for the proposed concept of a Pathways trail and open space network. Due to the extensive Risk Management and Liability coverage of the Pathways plan, a multifaceted approach to land Liability is a primary concern of groups undertaking a trail project. ownership and governance is essential. It is important to note that Municipalities, trail organizations, private landowners, railroads lands don’t need to be purchased outright for a public purpose, and utility companies all share a concern about the potential legal unless they are likely to be places of intensive public use such as ramifications of trail ownership. There is no guarantee that the the Watsontown Canal Walk or trail system around the school owner of a trail will not be sued. The case law precedents, however, complex. When it is necessary to seek access to private lands for are firmly on the side of the trail owner. State law typically removes Pathways development, flexibility is key. Easements that also liability from landowners who open their property to public carry some benefit to landowner, such as accommodations for recreation, except in cases of gross negligence. This state law is trail screening or stream bank stabilization, are likely to be more known as the Land for Recreation – Limiting Liability of Owners attractive.

A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways 5.2 Act of 1965. The intended goal of the Act was to “encourage Operations and Maintenance landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for Recent studies show that the top three factors influencing trail use recreational purposes by limiting liability in connection therewith, are safety, aesthetics and convenience. Proper trail maintenance and repealing certain acts.” The Pennsylvania legislature more is critical to address issues of safety and aesthetics. A well- recently passed a Recreational Use Statute providing protections maintained trail improves perceptions of trail safety and enhances for landowners allowing public access on their land for recreational the overall experience of the trail user. Conversely, deteriorating purposes. Additional information on this statute can be found trail conditions, overgrown vegetation, unchecked vandalism and in the Appendix or at http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca/ poor trail surfaces will reduce the number of users and encourage helpfultools/recusebrochures/pennsylvaniarecliabbrochure.pdf. further abuse. Designing trails for easy maintenance by municipal A recent national survey by the Rails to Trails Conservancy equipment is a simple early step that can save money down the examined 100 trails over a 12-year period and found only 11 road. lawsuits. Based on trail use figures, that is more than 150 million One of the most common techniques to defray maintenance cost is trail visits with only 11 legal incidences. Most lawsuits of this the ‘Adopt-a-Trail’ concept, in which residents, businesses, schools type are dismissed because of the Limiting Liability of Owners Act and organizations are encouraged to participate in maintaining or because it was evident that the plaintiff was seeking to collect the trail. There are many local groups in the Warrior Run School damages due to his or her own illegal or inappropriate use of the District that may find the ‘Adopt-a-Trail’ idea consistent with their trail. own organizational goals. Some potential Pathways partners are listed in the Community Partnership Building section below. The Rails-To-Trails Conservancy lists the following suggestions on how to minimize exposure to liability suites: • Place the trail in public ownership. • Design the trail for safety. • Regularly inspect the trail and correct unsafe conditions Adopt-a-Trail immediately. programs are • Keep detailed records of trail inspections and maintenance commonly used to activities. help defer the cost • Prominently post hours of use. of constructing and • Prominently post trail rules and emergency contact maintaining a trail. information. • Buy insurance.

A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways 5.3 Local municipalities could play a role in the operation and Community Outreach & Organization maintenance of Pathways in areas of intensive public use such as the Watsontown Canal Walk and the trail network around the WRCC Leadership school complex. An upfront investment in sound trail design The Warrior Run Community Corporation has an important and construction can reduce maintenance costs over the life role to play in the continued mobilization of public support for of the trail. These measures include creating a solid and stable Pathways. As a conduit for channeling community involvement trail surface, maintaining clear trail shoulders for easy mowing, in the Pathways project, the WRCC can generate and fulfill placing trash receptacles only at trail heads and employing native, an extensive list of ideas and actions supportive of community low-maintenance landscaping wherever possible. Pathways will building, environmental conservation and the creation of new essentially require maintenance and upkeep duties similar to those opportunities for recreation, fitness and education. needed for a park. The municipality may need to budget for additional staff and equipment costs associated with the trail. It Citizen Involvement is recommended that the municipality factor in a maintenance Community input during the planning phase suggests that schedule for the trail and open space system into their overall residents are more apt to participate in projects than in maintenance plan. committees. To draw additional support from the community, ad hoc committees of the WRCC may be formed around Upfront specific projects and tasks related to Pathways development and investment implementation. Potential projects drawing upon the interest in sound trail of a particular user group (e.g. a community bike ride or river float), a community (e.g. Watsontown) or a specific area of design and

601 PRINCE STREET interest (e.g. canal history) are immediately achievable actions ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA

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FAX 703 549 5869 WWW.EDAW.COM construction PROJECT NAME that have great potential to broaden the base of community 31st Street Parking Garage Virginia Beach, VA support for Pathways. Beyond raising awareness of Pathways, 10 can reduce 9

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DRAWN BY CHECKED BY CU WC DATE SHEET NO. is the formation of trail districts. Trail districts can give 4/5/04 PROJECT NO. 3W043.01 SCALE residents an enhanced sense of ownership of a particular

A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways 5.4 Table 2. Recommended Action Strategy for Pathways Development and Implementation.

ACTIONS RECOMMENDED TIMELINE ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ORGANIZATION WRCC Leadership Citizen Involvement Community Partnership Building Early Implementation Projects

WARRIOR RUN TOURING ROUTES Conceptual Routes Route Validation Map Development Map Publication Healthy Living Program Development Healthy Living Program Implementation Route Deﬁnition & Signage PRIORITIZED TRAIL CONCEPT Concept Reﬁnement Landowner Agreements Trail Design Funding Construction

A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways 5.5

project that is situated in relative proximity to their home or Community Partnership Building place of employment. During the planning phase of the project, From this point forward, outreach to key stakeholders in four Pathways Districts were delineated across the school district the Warrior Run community should be ongoing. Strategic suggesting a framework for organizing residents around the four outreach to municipal officials to report project milestones identified trail concepts. These districts are roughly organized as well as future goals and directions is critical to setting the around the landscape characterizations elaborated on in Chapter stage for their future support, whether verbal or financial. 2 and are named for their prominent geographic or watershed Outreach to the Warrior Run school district administration, features. as well as to teachers, parents and students, over the next year, will help to shape Pathways as resources that will be readily used and supported by the school, students and their families for years to come. Regional businesses & industries such as Kellogg, PPL Corporation and Great Stream Commons can play a key role in helping to actualize certain stages of Pathways development either through corporate sponsorship of Pathways events or direct contributions to trail implementation. It is important to seek creative approaches to bridging the corporate missions of these companies with the interest of the Warrior Run community in Pathways. The Warrior Run/ Fort Freeland Historical Society is a critical resource for the development of the historic interpretation element of the Pathways program. As concepts are developed and further refined, the expertise of the WRFFHS should be sought to identify historically The formation of Pathways districts can help to garner community involvement in the development and ongoing significant sites as well as potential themes that can form stewardship of pathways. the basis for future Pathways concepts and trails. Working in conjunction with history students at the high school, the scope of local heritage interpretation can be greatly expanded.

A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways 5.6 Early Implementation Projects school students should be convened to brainstorm how these routes It is recommended that the WRCC concurrently undertake the could be structured around a particular theme. Suggested themes development of the Pathways Preferred Routes map and one trail include: scenic routes, historic routes, family-oriented rides, after- project of its choosing. The Touring Routes concept is an ideal work rides, physically challenging rides, and routes provocative of first project for the Pathways Partnership to undertake because the the area’s local color (e.g. Fireman’s breakfasts, unique architecture, existing road network offers immediate opportunities to engage pick-your-own farms, etc.) Sub-themes from these categories can residents in the exploration and use of Pathways. be used to structure a long list of routes (e.g. different types of historic routes) so that no one route becomes exhausted by any It would be beneficial for the WRCC to agree on one trail concept particular user group. that it wishes to advance over the next 3-5 years. The consultant feels that it should be at the discretion of the WRCC to select a Route Validation project that it believes has the necessary breadth of community After a series of routes have been suggested, individual or support, including landowner support, and that reflects a scope and group rides can be organized to evaluate the accuracy, distance, budget that is within the capacity of the Corporation to undertake attractiveness and level of difficulty of individual routes. These in the next several years. Once this project has been identified, it is group rides can be used as the foundation for more regular outings recommended that the strategic actions outlined in the Prioritized or the formation of local trail clubs. Trail Concept section below be followed. Map Development Warrior Run Touring Routes Once touring routes have been established, the format and content of the map will need to be decided. The map is an opportunity Conceptual Routes to package rides that tell a story about Warrior Run’s history and The framework for Touring Routes is the extensive network of rural landscape, as well as the history and context of the larger Pathways back roads that run throughout the school district. The possibilities project. Careful attention should be paid to what is in the map for crafting routes that cater to a wide variety of users are endless. and what is left off of the map to ensure that it is effective in its The selection of specified routes should be considered an ever message without appearing cluttered or overwhelming. To ensure a evolving process that capitalizes on the diversity of landscape, high quality product that reflects the values of the Pathways project terrain and history that exists across the Warrior Run landscape. and the pride of the Warrior Run community, the consultation of To refine the potential of these routes, interest groups such as the a graphic designer for reconciling content and layout is strongly Warrior Run Ft. Freeland Historical Society, the Boy Scouts, the recommended. Warrior Run Area Volunteer Fire Department, cycling clubs, and

A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways 5.7 Map Publication The WRCC may choose to go the route of a printed map, a web-based map or both. A paper map oﬀers the advantage of portability, but also the expense of printing and the eventual reality of becoming outdated. Paper maps of a durable quality are likely to be used more than once, but will be more expensive. Using the web as a point for map distribution oﬀers the added value of an interactive approach to obtaining trail information. Routes can be selected based on a user’s area of interest and maps downloaded directly from the site. Additional information relevant to the ride, such as historical information and location of facilities such as parking areas, bathrooms and water sources, can also be provided. Should the WRCC choose to use their own website to host the Warrior Run Touring Routes homepage, it is likely to increase visitation to their own website and foster further interest in the larger Pathways undertaking. Whatever the map format, a safety disclaimer is absolutely necessary to prevent unnecessary legal complications in the future. A sample safety disclaimer developed for a cycling trail system in the Southern Alleghenies can be found in the Appendix.

The creation of a touring routes map provides an opportunity to tell a story about the landscape of Warrior Run, to publicize the Pathways project and convey important safety information.

A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways 5.8 Pathways to Healthy Living Program 1. Develop a Healthy Living Partnership: Assemble a diverse Integral to the realization of any Pathways concept is the working group of school, regional health system, parent/ development of a complimentary healthy or active living program student organization, community service organization, and that would promote the benefits walking, biking and other forms Scout representatives to actively promote healthy living of exercise and identify the close-to-home facilities for engaging habits in the Warrior Run community. in these fitness activities. Mounting concerns surrounding the national obesity epidemic have given rise to numerous programs 2. Pilot a Healthy Living Program: Invite several local that attempt to address the problems of physical inactivity at the schools to host a summer program challenging students local level. Many of these programs, including Safe Routes to to track their level of participation in some form of School and the Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition & Activity physical activity (i.e. miles walked or biked). Friendly (PANA) Keystone Active Zones program, tend to focus on “competitions” between different grades with a healthy school-aged children with benefits that extend to the rest of the catered lunch reward the following fall could help community. Other programs, like the Blue Cross Blue Shield Silver encourage participation. Family miles could be counted to Sneakers program, focuses on increasing physical activity in seniors encourage parents to become involved. Access to existing and older adults. trail locations (Watsontown, Warrior Run High School, Montour Preserve) in the community could be highlighted The following is a suggested list of actions to be used in the in conjunction with the program. development of a healthy living program that would complement 3. Establish Annual Community Events: The launch of an the Pathways initiative: annual community event can help to broaden community awareness of and regular participation in active and An active living healthy lifestyle habits. Events are also an opportunity to program encourages bring media attention to important community issues in children to have fun while engaging a positive light. Some suggested events to advance the in physical activity, development of Pathways include: helping them to • Family Fun Bike Ride / Unveiling the Warrior Run develop healthy lifestyle habits at a Touring Routes Map young age. • Muncy Hills Hike and Game Land Tour • Warrior Run Pathways – Family Fun Run • West Branch Walk and Canal Heritage Program

A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways 5.9 4. Post Event Evaluation – Targeted evaluation of community events can help to determine interest in the continuation or expansion of the healthy living program. Event surveys or follow up focus groups with targeted audiences can help determine how well these have served and/ or furthered the interests of the community. Engaging the support of diverse local partners will help to ensure that events cater to the broadest possible audience.

Route Definition & Signage As public use of Touring Routes increases, roadway signs depicting roads favorable to biking may be desired. The state looks favorably upon sign design that is consistent with (but not necessarily identical to) the Bicycle PA Route signage. Signs should be designed to fit within the character of the surrounding landscape in order to (Above) Community events like the Tour avoid marring the visual beauty of the landscape it is highlighting. De Toona in Western While signs are a visually effective approach to defining bike routes, Pennsylvania are an an approach is needed to address the costs of not only purchasing, excellent means to but maintaining these signs over time. Funding for bikeway promote the use of the signage may be sought through the next federal transportation region’s scenic back roads. enhancements funding cycle in 2008, accessible through the local (Right) Bikeway Rural Planning Organization (RPO) housed at SEDA-COG. A signage can be used to highlight the Warrior modified version of Touring Routes signage could be adapted to be Run Touring Routes and used as an off-road trail blaze. should be consistent with standards outlied iu the Pennsylvania Code.

A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways 5.10 Prioritized Trail Concept

Concept Refinement There are many steps necessary to take a trail project from A Summary of the Trail Development Process concept to reality. The feasibility study is an essential 1. Establish the lead organization that will take responsibility to first step for greenway and trail development, laying the coordinate and implement the Pathways vision. groundwork vision and framework for action. The concepts 2. Communicate the Pathway’s vision and priority projects to the presented in this report are meant to identify the feasibility greater Warrior Run community. of particular localized trail sections that achieve multiple 3. Establish a broad network of pathways ‘Partners’ that include conservation, recreation and educational objectives in the school district representatives, local businesses leaders, community. The alignments depicted in these concepts have municipal officials, landowners, community organizations, youth organizations, trail advocates and potential funders. been suggested on the basis of logical natural or manmade 4. Organize a coordinated landowner outreach program to corridors that also link desired destinations to one another. determine interest in participation in the Pathways project. The process of refining these concepts will entail outreach 5. Produce a trail development master plan that details the trail to landowners in the vicinity of the proposed alignments alignments, outlines an acquisition / easement procurement to engage as partners to the Pathways project. Landowners strategy, trail design, trail support facilities, bridge and willing to participate in the Pathways Partnership Program drainage needs, permitting requirements, landscaping, trail will ultimately help to shape the alignment and character of maintenance schedule, equipment needs, construction and the trails. maintenance cost estimates, qualified contractor lists and potential funding sources. TheWest Branch River Walk and Warrior Run School 6. Acquire land and/ or long-term or permanent easements for trail construction. Trails build upon existing trail segments and can be phased 7. Implement a fund raising strategy for trail construction to create Pathways connections to nearby communities. seeking diverse funding partners from local, state, federal, The Preferred Bike Routes concept also builds upon the public and private sources. existing network of rural back roads, while the Muncy 8. Produce final engineering design and construction bid Hills concept relies primarily on creating linkages between documents for the trail project. public and privately held lands. Funding to advance these 9. Develop a local volunteer network to assist with donation Pathways concepts to a point of defining proposed facilities, of materials, trail construction, trail theme development alignments, and cost estimates may be sought through and interpretation, trail policing and trail maintenance and DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program repairs. Possible volunteers include scouting organizations, planning grants, more specifically the Greenway and Trails school students, community organizations, historical societies and conservation organizations. component.

A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways 5.11

Landowner Agreements The success of creating a trail is dependent on the willing Trailhead Parking – Some parking for Pathways users may be ac- participation of landowners. Most funding sources require either commodated around existing community hubs such as schools, ownership or long-term or permanent easements on the property community parks or recreation facilities. Additional parking loca- before agreeing to support the project. When approaching key tions should be identified according to anticipated demand for use landowners, it is important to represent the immediate need within and proximity to other parking facilities. Schemes for shared parking the larger context of the Pathways concept, and to be receptive with destinations of limited daily use should also be explored. It is to any concerns the landowner may have about the public use of hoped that multiple centralized pedestrian access points to the pro- their land. Common concerns that were identified by Warrior posed pathways system will allow many residents to reach the trail Run residents during focus groups included liability, maintenance, without having to drive. ATV access, vandalism, littering, and security. The development Trailhead Amenities – Typical amenities found at a trailhead include and refinement of the Warrior Run Trail should be an interactive an informational kiosk, trash cans, picnic tables and benches, a bath- process with the involved landowners, fully addressing his or her room facility, a potable water source and a telephone. Trailhead loca- concerns while exploring potential enhancements to the property tions in Watsontown, Dewart and Turbotville, as well at the school such as historic designations, farmland preservation, landscape complex and Montour Preserve, could provide for many of these plantings, wildlife habitat enhancement, fencing and fencerow and facilities. Smaller trail access points between these community hubs stream buffer restoration. may not warrant all of these facilities, but should, at a minimum, provide parking and a trail identification sign. Trail Design After a master plan has been developed for a prioritized pathway, the project will need to go through final design. Final design entails the selection of a trail type and surface which ultimately influences the cost of implementing a project. At this stage, needs for trail amenities and access points must be specified and future stages of trail development elaborated upon. Funding for the final design phase of a pathways project is available through DCNR and, in some cases, through PennDOT’s Transportation Enhancements program. The following, at a minimum, should be considered during final design: Sample layout of a typical trailhead location: Wooden bollards obstruct motorized access. A kiosk details important trail information. A bench provides a place for rest in the shade. A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways 5.12 Informational Kiosk – The main trailhead kiosks should contain the To Pave or Not to Pave - The final selection of a trail surface should following: a map, a list of rules and regulations, interpretive infor- be based on the trail’s location, suitability to trail users, construction mation and sponsoring organization(s), Adopt-a-Trail and emergen- costs, replacement costs and frequency of use. In predominately ru- cy information. Suggested kiosk locations for the Warrior Run Trail ral areas, paving is likely to be costly and would detract from the ex- include the Warrior Run Middle/ High School complex, the War- perience of traversing a natural or agricultural landscape. In areas of rior Run historic church, the Hower Slote House, McEwensville and more frequent use, particularly around village centers, paving some Turbotville. Suggested kiosk locations for the West Branch River sections of trail would allow for handicapped access and ease of use Walk include Watsontown, Dewart, Allenwood and White Deer. for cyclists and strollers.

The choice between paving and not paving is complicated by the issue of replacement frequency. Studies have shown that a typical asphalt trail has a 17 year longevity and requires a trail sealing about nine years after paving. The typical frequency for re-surfacing or re-grading non-asphalt trails is about nine years. Generally speak- ing, the most cost eﬀective trail surface would be one in which the asphalt is less than twice the cost of a gravel trail, due to the surfacing needs.

(Above) Non-intrusive trail signage allows pathways users to interpret what they see along a trail. (Right) A cross-section detail of a paved and unpaved trail surface.

A Framework for Action - From Partnerships to Pathways 5.13 Funding The combination of recreation, conservation, historic interpretation and environmental education-related pathways program elements opens the door to diverse funding opportunities. Funding strategies tailored around speciﬁc programs may be packaged for private, state and federal funding sources. A recreation program could emphasize a trail’s proximity to a school, which provides a model for active, healthy living and walk-to-school opportunities. A conservation program could emphasize stream and watershed restoration opportunities around the West Branch, its tributary creeks and nearby wetland areas. The proximity of these resources to schools in Warrior Run establishes a logical tie in with hands-on environmental and conservation education opportunities. Historic resources can also become the basis for the development of historic interpretation components of a trail.

The combination of recreation, conservation and environmental elements opens the door to diverse funding opportunities. Appendix

Warrior Run – Recreational Discussion Group Findings - Front range (Colorado) system April 7, 2005 Warrior Run School Cafeteria, 7 – 8:30PM - Painter’s Den / off of Rte. 118, motor cross course for pay in Elkland – on farmland. This project is the called the Pathways Project -- when you hear the - Trails that have themes? Examples: term “pathways” what do you picture in your mind? • Battlefield at Gettysburg w/ markers - Bikeways, jogging, walking trails, hard surface, •Equestrian horse trails Montoursville model, safety is important, paved / • Trails with directional signage from point to point macadam paths •Car radio tours - Pathways are safe from traffic, combine similar uses on it •Walking tour of homes in New Orleans – for a distance, jogging, walking, rollerblading • Would they be multiple purpose trail(s) - Boston’s Emerald Necklace – pathway multiple purpose •State forest – hikers, bikers, ATVs, horseback, takes you from city to Nature to name water access and multi-use trails water Falls - Emerald “necklace”/ greenbelt – Ohio and Boston - Jamesville, WI: park that leads from town into fields and - Wisconsin: dedicated paths / uses, water areas, leash free dog path, roller blade path with - Network of paths / choices / interconnections signage, wondered how it was maintained? - Rural: Boulder, CO: ? = natural, towers - Don’t see one path but interconnecting paths giving you - 50 Mile PA Grand Canyon; trees, springs, gravel paths, options rails-to-trails/Pine Creek trail - Pathways with biking & walking – Boulder, Colorado - Bathroom facilities - 50 mile trail Pine Creek Trail, hiked/bikers – overnight - Mileage signs backpacking linear, w/ rest area / hand dryers and running - In Warrior Run water • Varied terrain, woods & fields - Birding / wildlife – not sterile – nature • Not sterile - Trails through game lands • In State Gamelands • Along water What are the best examples of recreation in this community? Are there • Not necessarily paved other good examples you have seen or visited in other communities? • Paved in areas with higher traffic - Collegeville, PA- system an “ultimate” objective, systems • No ATV’s of trails, safe road crossings, Interpretive trails, easy access • Thematic Trails: Gettysburg to home • Horseback trails, historic panels, audio tape

Appendix 1 narrated tour, guided map - Few activities for people of all ages - Biking / jogging paths - Boating and River access • Connecting one thing to another - Natural Areas • Variety of surfaces - River corridors • Thinks of Montoursville and the paths around - Warrior Run Loyalsock Creek / Walmart no place to ride bike with kids - Something that can be level or with some difficulty to it… mountain roads to hard for kids for conditioning can ride in town but in alleys - Safe environment For smaller kids up to 8 / no place - Collegeville area, (Montgomery Co.), entire community No bikes / scooters on sidewalks has a macadam path around it. Some of the suburbs No bike paths that’s safe for elderly of Collegeville, where they now live – when their Shoulders of road not adequate developments went in the developers has to put in Boy Scouts no long trail pathways… for walkers and bikers extending for miles Montour Preserve: 3-5 miles around Lake Chillisquaque beyond the town to Philadelphia..on and on.. and the – good place for seniors, and others, to walk thing that impresses me most is crossing roads…They No safe place for kids to ride or elderly to walk have markings you can not miss. .vehicles can not miss the No place to get off road signs. While not our immediate objective, he can vision Need place that accommodates skater and handicapped it down the road. (Note: referring to the Schuykill River (wheelchair) accessible Heritage Trail extending from Schuykill County to the For hospital, narrow, crumbling shoulder Delaware River at Philadelphia through the Fairmont Park/ No long trails > 5 miles (Montour) Art Museum Area) Seniors need easy trails for slower walking - Stranded in Montana during 9/11 – mining towns – What recreational opportunities are missing from this area? superfund sites, trails/tunnels designed around interstates, - There is little opportunity for family-oriented activities person toured the whole town. They celebrated their - Organized sports only heritage and tours “up in those hills” .. I took advantage - Moser field, 2 pools, Must drive to of the good opportunity for me while I was there.. people - Youth soccer – Turbotville field – priority high, can have path were walking, talking, jogging, and talking to each other… around. it was great while I was there. - Need county help - Suggested auto tour to tie in with Heritage Day Festivities..

Appendix 2 like making a tape to give to people to tour the area in - Linear possibly following a feature (i.e. river) at the end their cars to see landscape/homes etc. have a place to take a respite - Many things for kids to do, not many things for adults - Should have a thematic intent or scenic vistas - Make some use of Moser’s field, Lewis Township - Maybe have something branching off the linear - Gregg Township – great trail along White Deer (Hole?) - Handicapped accessibility needs to be considered Creek exploring an old stagecoach station/hotel under re- - Nursing homes could bring them out to participate construction along with an old mill sites - Collaboration with school district use of trail, at football, - One member who resides close to Moser Field is opposed cross country to ATV-snowmobile traffic - Not linear, following a river, places to rest at terminus 1-3 - Told of experience in Colorado with paths and trail ways, miles easy, loops – size options, “add-ons” sees a lot of family activity on those areas - 10-12 mile hike/bike, loops - Interest in developing paths along river from Watsontown - Feeling of exploring north to Montgomery along old canal and south - Using cross roads from Watsontown to Milton along river… suggested - Themes – excursion trail, cross country skiing Watsontown Brick Co might own land located along - White Deer golf course and Crystal Lake – x-county skiing Susquehanna River in Delaware township - Interest in river activities, boating and such during Does your vision of Pathways include multiple seasons of use? discussion, participants reminded some activities might be What kinds of seasonal recreational activities could be regulated be seasons and depth of river accommodated ? - Dogs – Yes What should pathways look like in this community? - NO ATV’s, snowmobiles, etc. - Easy access with out driving - Cross-country skiing - Off-road if possible or wide shoulders, macadam path, Wtn - Horse-back riding need an area to do to Dewart, Ft. Boone to Ft. Freeland - Crystal Lake / snowshoeing - Where would paved trail be? - More looped than linear What are the challenges to creating pathways in your community? - Ideal distance – not really one What needs to happen to overcome some of these challenges? - Different options: maybe a choice of loop trails of 1, 3, 5 - Policing, motorized vehicles miles - Maintenance - Lots of choices for longer - Juvenile delinquents – Vandalism

Appendix 3 - Prisoners – potential labor source for implementing and maintenance, financing, land ownership, liability: signage maintaining the trail prevents liability?, respect land, not during harvest, state game - Lions – potential advocate for the Pathways Project lands – hunters are pushing out other users, Soln’s = designated - Community Service Projects – scouts and high school areas of use; out in the woods? State Game lands, Watsontown, projects municipality - Maintenance - Financing the project and operations and management Walkers/Joggers: - Getting the landowner cooperation - For horseback riding respect for the land – ride anywhere 1. What are the major obstacles to walking / hiking in this community? as long as there is respect for crops High Traffic, no bike able shoulders on the roads - Favorite Horseback trails through game lands No connectivity to anything - How do you get around liability issues? Difficult terrain for walking - Issues with PA Game Commission on use of the No place to walk at night - Gamelands no lighting - Is there an opportunity to work with Game Commission Able to walk in local communities like Watsontown – from to develop Horseback paths? Short Stop Convenience Store to Community Pool is two - What about getting emergency vehicles on the pathways? miles - round trip; one mile each way. - People who are avid users will “police” the maintenance and safety of the trails and pathways 2. What are your specific trail needs or expectations (paved vs unpaved - Trail Issues trail surfaces; directional signage or blazes; shade; toilets, landscaping, Liability lighting; etc.)? Homeowner No routes that allow safe walking Municipal Portable toilets Trial association Trash Receptacles – Need a specific resolution to address liability issues Bags for Pet Waste Legal system has set precedence Handicapped accessible If liability not a concern, what are the issues if trail is in Pet user friendly someone’s backyard Separate walking and biking - wide enough for both activities garbage Adequate lighting maintenance Exercise areas Loops instead of straight trails

Appendix 4 3. How great of an impact is the presence of automobile traffic on the 3. How great of an impact is the presence of automobile traffic on the enjoyment of your walk/jog? (i.e. is there a strong feeling about off-road enjoyment of your ride? (i.e. is there a strong feeling about off-road trail preference?) trail preference?) Preference - Off road - separated from the road. Loop rides very important.

4. How important is it to you to have a destination on your hike/ walk/ 4. How important is it to you to have a destination on your ride – what jog – what types of destinations do you prefer (natural, cultural types of destinations do you prefer (natural, cultural – historic site, – historic site, store, park facility)? store, park facility)? Scenery - nature (by rivers, corn fields, nature) Pretty homes No place for families to bike, esp. loops Ending in playgrounds (in towns) Keep as much commercialization out as possible 5. Do you prefer single use or multi-use trails dedicated to bikes (shared Variety with pedestrian, horses, etc.)? 5. Do you prefer single use or multi-use trails dedicated to pedestrians Kids like off-road. (shared with bikes, horses, etc.)? Separate walkers / bikers Hikers/ Horseback Riders: specify uses _ walkers/bikers vs. ATV, horses.... community policing - young offenders tend to vacate areas 1. What are the major obstacles to trail riding or hiking in this used by adults community? - problems subside (Schuykill River Heritage Corridor Lack of suitable trails – dedicated for that use; that go - Regional - 5 counties Schuykill to Philadelphia) somewhere, fences, ag lands, trail riding more of an access Uses depends upon width of trail and location issue for landowners; designated areas are treasured; leaving designated areas; garbage; hikers – manure a problem Bikers: • Lack of suitable trails 1. What are the major obstacles to biking in this community? • To many fences hinder riding and hiking • Landowners who are uncooperative in granting Safety is a big issue. Only Rte. 44 McEwensville to permission for trail riders to enter their property Watsontown • Too often a landowners fear crop damage or litter left behind by horseback riders. 2. What are your specific trail needs and expectations (paved vs unpaved • Too often trail riders and hikers don’t mix well on the trail surfaces; directional signage or blazes; shade; toilets; lighting; same trail due to manure on the trail. landscaping; etc.)? Paved Systems best for families.

Appendix 5 2. What are your specific trail needs and expectations (paved vs unpaved 4. How important is it to you to have a destination on your ride/hike trail surfaces; directional signage or blazes; parking / trailhead; shade; – what types of destinations do you prefer (natural, cultural – historic toilets; lighting; landscaping; etc.) ? site, store, park facility)? Trail ruggedness – smoother for hikers, fording streams; not Old Inns (accommodate horses); scenic vistas, family cemetery; fields or fences; variation in landscape and terrain; benches; polo grounds; chuck wagon trail; pack trips; campsites, bars, horse and carriage in conjunction with historic reenactments; Fort Freeland; PPL Montour Preserve, White Deer Creek flowers and plantings; trail markings; Golden Eagle / Pine – rock climbing Creek trail/ Grand Canyon of PA; maps; Trailheads: parking, • Destinations are very important a destinations should large for horse trailers, 40 foot, horse- less upkeep, places for pique the interest of the rider / hiker. refuse, facilities, “trail” name/ signage, hitching rails, not linear • A great destination would be a Bed and Breakfast with facilities for horses. • Trail riders need more of a remote trail as opposed to • Historic sites make great destinations for both hiker hikers. and trail riders. • Trail riders prefer a mixture of both open and forested • An unusual or breathtaking remote vista makes a trails. wonderful destination. • Mapped and or signed trails would be beneficial. • Another interesting idea is a Chuck Wagon trail for the • Trailhead facilities needed would be adequate parking riders. for larger trailers, ample room to load / unload horses, • Trails should be non linear if possible personal facilities, water for horses. • Trails should have camping facilities with limited • A big benefit would be camping facilities for overnight personal facilities. trail rides. • Hiking trails should be cleared and free of obstacles. 5. Do you prefer single use or multi-use trails (shared with pedestrian, • Paved paths for handicapped people would be great. bikes, etc.)? Shared uses ok; ATV’s no; a problem when its unexpected 3. How great of an impact is the presence of automobile traffic on the enjoyment of your ride/hike? (i.e. is there a strong feeling about off- • Between hikers / trail riders dedicated use usually isn’t road trail preference?) that great of an issue. Mixed use including bicycles and horses could be a problem. Asphalt: horse hooves, noise, visibility, ride on road, bank/shoulder • Any biking trail should be geared for family usage • Automobile traffic always poses a safety hazard and id since young children often accompany parents and the possible should be avoided. trail shouldn’t be overly challenging. • The consensus seems to be that riders / hikers prefer off road trails wherever possible.

Appendix 6 Warrior Run – Environmental and Natural Resource - Farms – The Mega-Far (10,000 acre farm) IS NOT as big a Discussion Group Findings threat as pig and chicken farms May 12, 2005, Warrior Run School Cafeteria, 7 – 8:30PM - Have to consider the types farming – do not want a transition to larger scale commercial farms What do you consider your community’s (The Warrior Run School District - Unmanaged growth – negative impact on farms and rural Area’s) greatest asset (not necessarily environmental)? character - The Diversity of People – Amish to PhDs - Future of Farming – the generations transfer of farmland - The Susquehanna River - ‘rural character’ is threatened – more than farmland – it - Interesting Landscape – varied topography* includes architecture (old barns, silos, farm house and out - Farms and Farmland buildings), fencerows, hedgerows, walls - Architecture - Delaware Township – water supply threatened - Rural character - Muncy Hills – under development pressure – offers views - Authenticity / Aesthetics – development ‘viewshed’ would affect the entire valley - Open Spaces - Many little threats – subtle change is NOT noticed – but will - No Congestion ultimately degrade the region - Pathways Project – offers the potential to draw back, or retain, - Economics of Farming – difficult to keep land in farming young people - Roadway safety is degrading - Proximity to urban centers (New York, Philadelphia, etc.) - Trail – threat of use by motorized vehicles - Transportation Crossroads (both an asset and liability) - Pattern of deterioration - economic margins with deteriorating homes, abandoned autos and dump sites What do you consider the community’s most important environmental or - Threats: Community Values, Community Pride, Community natural resource? Self Worth - Farmland - Existing Land Use (town and country landscape) What local action is needed to address the environmental / natural resource - River (a very under-utilized resource) issues of the Warrior Run Community? - The sense of the sky - views and open lands - Regional plan and regional cooperation - The look and feel of a place – the landscape includes buildings, - Need a future plan / vision – define a plan and goals that will farms, hedgerows guide decisions - Civic engagement - Raising awareness - White Deer Creek Watershed – forested, protected watershed - Teaching stewardship (not assuming others will learn it) provides Watsontown’s water source - Need to emphasize good stewardship - Having standards What are the community’s most threatened resources (farmland, clean water, - Raising expectations and feeling of community’s self worth air, soil quality, etc)? Describe the threat. - Farming – opportunity to nurture small scale agriculture - Apathy and indifference of the residents - Need actions by municipal and county planners Appendix 7 - Growth needs to be managed This activity is part of the Warrior Run ‘Pathways’ Project – one that hopes - Old facilities are not practical (treatment facilities) to define a preferred future of recreation, trails and land conservation. - Involve youth – community service, scout projects, etc. Describe your preferred vision for your community 50 years from now? - County to contribute funds for farmland preservation (increase state allocation) - Walking Paths – offering outdoor enjoyment for people of all - Don’t sell short - Avoid survivor mode to needed any and all ages development in the name of jobs - Playgrounds - Build on Assets – we’re in it for the long haul (Next 20 years - Safe travel for kids – to theater and parks 1/3 of jobs will be done in the home or at independent - Establish a network of trails locations (knowledge workers) - Develop a new, positive identity for the Warrior Run - Standards – Property Maintenance Codes (must be fairly community enforced, but enforcement can bankrupt the township) - Muncy Hills – preserved the aesthetics of hills and views of the - Clean Up – an incentive program to clean-up rural junk yards valley - Develop the Pathway’s Highland Trail through the Muncy Hills How do you feel about the quality of the built environment in the historic - Passive recreation – sitting towns and villages? - Establish places for the Boy Scouts - Allenwood Route 15 Commercial strips are bad – side streets - Continued growth of Farmland Preservation program good - 8th Street Park could use some work - Watsontown – Elm Street “Tornado” – widening of the street was a terrible loss of street trees - McEwensville – could be something great - Towns (ex. Watsontown) lacks connectivity (not pedestrian friendly) - Lewisburg’s Huffnagle Park is a good regional example - Exchange – good example of a crossroads village – community values and pride - Memorial Park (Watsontown 10th street to Dewart)

Appendix 8 Working Committee – West Branch River Trail Proposed Phasing? Monday, October 17, 2005, 6 – 7:30 PM - don’t forget regional connections – Milton and Muncy, etc. Warrior Run Fire Company Hall, Watsontown - Watsontown – Dewart – logical first phase of work… - Do your homework before outreach to private landowners and 1. Feedback on Plan municipalities – info on legal liability – information packet / Reactions to concept (strengths & weaknesses) program prepared for specialized outreach. Alternative connections – is there a better way to link these - Currently people walk 405 to Dewart and return on places Goosetown Road – this concept would be a preferred Beyond building a trail what other complementary alternative. opportunities exist. What are the conservation priorities? - Goosetown Road widening of road to improve pedestrian and - It has come a long way from spaghetti. bike safety (land ownership / road widening – may be difficult) - You have 4 trail heads (4 communities) - Prefer a soft surface - Conservation of Natural Resources inherent into the project - Lighting not necessary concept. - Can we get Muncy Creek Township Reps to see this? Bring 2. Opportunities and Challenges Concept Addressing the Implementation Hurdles—What are they? - How do you get ownership from larger community? Involve Community Good and Private Property Rights—Are they the school. Reconcilable? - Highlight Elementary School and Senior Housing (Warrior What would entice private property owners to Run Manor) participate? - What would dissuade property owners from - Build on heritage concept – historic walking tours, to help participating? develop and maintain community pride. - Private Land ownership is going to have to sell the landowners - The Brick Route – link south – but they should be approachable. - Connect to Dewart Fields, Allenwood Fire Co. Building, - Liability is a huge issue and concern for landowners. Watsontown Elementary, Senior Housing - WRCC – can it hire a local attorney to research case law. - Leaf Walk – identify trees – tie into school projects - Maintenance – who will maintain the trail – - Outdoor Classrooms for schools – river ecology, water quality, - Dog walking – very popular with existing tow path in river habitats Watsontown - Enhancements for Watsontown – year round used - Ice skating - Borough currently maintains the tow path on pond / warming hut. - Borough Council (majority) against the Pathways project. - 10th street – recycling / waste dumping – negative history with - Seek win-win solution for the Borough – minimize boro boro and landowners expense - Prison Labor – used to clean existing trail - Volunteer trash pick up – informal clean ups by trail users. Appendix 9 Public Access and Public Safety—Who will use this trail? What economic benefits of the project. user groups and concerns must be addressed? - Message: this is for community residents - Soft or gravel trail surface - Message: give regional and local (relevant) examples - No lighting necessary - Message: Pine Creek advocate - Needs proper maintenance - Get the message out in digest and one more public meeting o Trail Development and Maintenance—Who will - Milton standard journal / Williamsport / Sunbury Daily Item provide the money and the labor? What Public-Private – outreach Partnerships are possible? - Results of the Four Concepts – Series of articles o Active Sponsoring Businesses and Organizations (WRCC, - Local Match – difficult to get from municipalities Friends groups) - Tax Incentives – for easement or donation. o Resource Conservation (land trusts; conservation - Tax Maps – abandoned easement of Canal – Railroad. easements) - Consist message and outreach to landowners o Property Acquisition and Pathways Development - Cost Estimates – high – medium - low cost estimates o Pathways Maintenance (Adopt A Trail programs; - Contract for Bid Costs – or – volunteer equipment, materials municipalities; private landowners) and labor Is there Citizen and Municipal Support for Pathways? - PPL – Right of way experience - Watsontown River Bridge – historic structure has limited How can WRCC build local support for Pathways? potential for changes (flags, etc.) Who benefits from Pathways? Does anyone lose? Name the Key Persons Necessary to Advance Pathways? Working Committee – Muncy Hills Trail - WRCC – appropriate messenger for landowner and municipal Monday, October 18, 2005, 6 – 7:30 PM outreach Montour Preserve - Farmhouse - Finish the Report - Phone Survey – random survey (statistically valid) on project 1. Feedback on Plan support Reactions to concept (strengths & weaknesses) - Logical sequence – approach key landowner like Yordi Alternative connections – is there a better way to link these - WRCC – will be the follow up advocate for the project places? - There are about three landowners between Watsontown and Beyond building a trail what other complementary Dewart opportunities exist. What are the conservation priorities? - Maintenance – pursue ‘friends’ groups to help trail - PPL – new site in Columbia County – for mixed use – soccer, maintenance ball fields, trails, camping, sledding hill, - Needs proper maintenance and upkeep. - West Branch Trail – in the northern PPL parcel - Keep in mind – flooding / flood damage in the maintenance - PPL approached for Bike base camping area – for local roads. and upkeep budget - Protection of Rural character – keep small farmers farming - What tools do you need – education, health and wellness, - Priorities of residents of Muncy Hills – - Loop trails perceived differently in Muncy Hills – vs. residents Appendix 10 of the valley - Difficult to convince landowners - People moved to Muncy Hills for privacy - Message: going along property lines – avoiding close proximity - Selling Points to Muncy Hill residents – to home, etc. - Security concerns with outside users - Message: - Fire and arson (brush fires) incidents in the Muncy Hills - Concern: crime and litter - Sunday Hunting – would lose recreation use in Game Lands - Volunteer groups to help with upkeep and maintenance - Conservation – people are generally against development - Pine Creek – had to increase staff rangers to police / regulate - New buyers often looked on with suspicion for wanting to trail users subdivide - Must have proper plan for upkeep, maintenance and security - Zoning – Lewis – 5 acre min. conservation zoning – may - Local community groups – adopt pathway – for partial upkeep increase to 10 ac woodland preservation zoning of trail - Review Zoning - What incentives??? – money!!! Powerful too - Conservation Easements for money or tax incentives (financial - PPL Utility Lines – Robert Farley – How would PPL view bike benefits to family) use on overhead utility lines. - Renee Carey – discuss conservation easements and options - Water Line – easements – potentially include - Powerlines – easements?? - Must connect to Muncy (make regional connections) Public Access and Public Safety—Who will use this trail? What user groups and concerns must be addressed? Proposed Phasing? - Privacy - Muncy should be the northern termini of the Muncy Hills trail - Trash - We need paved and unpaved roads shown - Maintenance - Advocate use of unpaved roads - Safety issues of using gravel roads for trails – ok for bikes - Top of the hills (North Bend Road) has some higher speed traffic on gravel road – but great views Tr ail Development and Maintenance—Who will provide the money - Use of roads – PennDOT restrictions on state roads – how and the labor? What Public-Private Partnerships are possible? about township roads Is there Citizen and Municipal Support for Pathways? How can WRCC build local support for Pathways? 2. Opportunities and Challenges Who benefits from Pathways? Does anyone lose? Addressing the Implementation Hurdles—What are they? Name the Key Persons Necessary to Advance Pathways? o Community Good and Private Property Rights—Are they - State Grants to match local Reconcilable? - Townships Maintenance – will be a difficult sale PPL What would entice private property owners to participate? Corporation – large grant - What would dissuade property owners from participating? - Horse owners - Equipment – use of PPL, game lands, municipalities, etc.

Appendix 11 – inventory equipment, wear, and labor costs • McE nearing limit of sewer/ water capacity - Maintenance Program – grants and assistance short term – but • 8th St. good connection between McE & Watsontown must have long-term sustainability • PENNDOT – rigid requirements for pedestrian corridors along state roads • Gas pipeline between Oaks Lane & Layman good walking path Working Committee – Warrior Run Trail – 50’ + from RR; Oaks family owns land? – Sunoco owns pipeline? Tuesday, October 25, 2005, 6 – 7:30 PM Not well maintained for vegetation, etc. Warrior Run Middle School Library • Path would also link into Muncy Hills ** find map of Sunoco lines in Warrior Run – what are the 1. Feedback on Plan connecting alternatives between Watsontown-Turbotville- Conservation priorities – look at Warrior Run Creek McEwensville-Muncy Hills riparian corridor potential – might appeal to landowners ** don’t use spaghetti map – show concept areas and logical for flood control connections to pursue (gas lines, RR, creeks, etc.) McEwensville sewage treatment is not adequate – dumps • Idea of display centers telling the story of pathways and orienting into Warrior Run Creek – needs upgrade people to the bigger picture (School, Montour Preserve, Turbotville, Preserve character of stream as is – does not need to have Watsontown, McEwensville community hall, etc.) an “urban” feel • Shell Rd. good connection btwn McE & Turbotville • Warrior Run Trail is the community trail – Watsontown is Proposed Phasing and options for future expansion? economic (new industrial park) • Subdivision outside of school area would create another road-based • Good concept – how to use it academically/ for school close to home loop athletics? • Already a wetland on school property – maybe not need 2. Opportunities and Challenges connection to wetland for env interpretation Addressing the Implementation Hurdles—What are they? • Extended trail network good for conditioning for sports Is there currently public support for Pathways (public vs teams – eliminate need for making loops municipal)? • Crushed cinder path ideal – 6’ adequate; 10’ for mixed What would entice private property owners to participate? use; dawn to dusk – lighting not needed What would dissuade property owners from participating? • Trail to WR church follow east side of rd. to gravel drive or to parking area Public Access and Public Safety—Who will use this trail? • McEwensville will host a lot of development in the next What user groups and concerns must be addressed? 15 years – partner with school to promote active living in curriculum – walk to school; community activities, Trail financing—Who will provide the money and the labor etc.; potential for new elementary school for land acquisition? Construction? Maintenance? • Turbotville will also harbor development Policing? Resource conservation? Appendix 12 What creative Public-Private Partnerships are possible? Who else will become users of these routes? How can WRCC build local support for Pathways? Who should be responsible for outreach to municipal leaders? Rest/ facilities – where are the places people can start from (parking)? Find access to water, restrooms, food, seating? Name the Key Persons Necessary to advance the West Branch River Trail concept? Dealing with safety and liability along public rights-of-way • This trail is a community asset How can the map be more than just a map? How can • Build upon the community partners to garner it inform trail users about the history and landscape local support -School district (teachers who might of Warrior Run? About the Pathways project (as a use these resources, athletics) – need to meet with promotional tool and to give the perspective of the bigger teachers to present idea & build school support picture)? • Leon Hagenbuch is supportive landowner - Muncy is less than one mile away – should make the • Connect with families with children as advocates connection. Muncy and Muncy Creek Township has • Non-local Koch is best person to talk to about approximately 5,000 residents. farm - Dave Wallis, liason (Muncy Creek Township Planning • Friends of the trail partners – get students involved Commission PO Box 421, Muncy, PA 17756. – add to in creating interpretation materials; signage (wood contacts list for this project) shop) - Routes – how do they relate to different age groups. Choice of • Brief Dan Schaeffer (school), Warrior Run routes for all ages. Heritage Society; meet with Lewis (December) - Trail head facilities – what resources are good for this function? – include Muncy Hills & WR Trail -- and Mosier Complex (in the future), Warrior Run AYSO (parking Delaware Twp to brief and let them know they are and portipotties), proposed Delaware Township ball fields. key players to make this happen & how can they - Bed and Breakfasts – Baumburgers, others? benefit from Pathways - Clyde Peelings – commercial tie-in. • Athletic association could help with maintenance - White Deer – gateway for ride to Mile Run (long ride) on White Deer Pike (near covered bridge) Working Committee –Preferred Bike Routes - Assess surface material (differentiate paved, tar and chip, gravel) Tuesday, October 26, 2005, 6 – 7:30 PM - Safety – liability – provide riders with sufficient information on Beaver Run Mennonite Church roads, safety concerns, etc. - Signs – expensive to maintain – 1. Feedback on Concept - Turbotville Hotel – Reactions to concept (strengths & weaknesses) - Connection from Turbotville Elementary to School Complex Would you use it? - Turbotville – Spouttown - underground railroad – Alternative routes – What routes make sense for this - Interpretive center (kiosk) – you are here, map, local interests community (young/ old; after work vs weekend rides)? Appendix 13 - Inter-community connections - Turbotville – School – want to ‘create’ something – must define and refine bike McEwensville – Watsontown (connecting the communities concepts. with alternatives to the automobile) - Map project should emphasize ‘healthy living and lifestyles’ - Encourage people to get out and bike. 2. What should it look like? - Routes or Trail Districts should have an identify and - Not just directions (left, right on this road…) theme. - Map of milestones – with points of interests - Road Safety / Level of Security 3. A Strategy to Move Forward - Wider Shoulders – needed on main routes; paved shoulders Who are the partners to take this to the next level? would just encourage faster travel on back roads. - Don’t do shoulders on back roads – but during field Phase 1: verification (identify obviously dangerous situations and Groundtruthing – community riders; Boy Scouts correct) Map Content & Layout – high school and college students - Improvements can be integrated into township road review and improvement program Phase 2: - Liability issues – how does the WRCC protect itself from Printing lawsuits? Distribution - Map should market larger Pathways Concept Signage – is this necessary as a first step? - Rules of the road (etiquette) – Share the road message Kick off event? – timing the map release; letting people know - Simple signage on routes (6” x 8”) simple it’s out - Build in the info centers (Kiosks) – also used by local community businesses, and organizations. Phase 3: - Interpretation – Historical Society, Bob Franks, Fire Web based information Company, Watershed Associations (black hole creek Signage watershed, Chillisquaque Creek watershed, Montour Follow-up editions? Preserve. - Library in McEwensville – connection / kiosk Map financing—Who can be approached to help finance the - Muncy Historical Society map? - Muncy B&Bs, Marty’s bicycle shop, etc. - Directed routes – or just map of all the roads. If we RPO – TE funds

Appendix 14 Kellogg – local corporation Trail Summary Information Visitors Bureaus Degenstein Foundation? West Branch River Trail - Trail Districts – get input to define preferred routes (and whole Trail Connections: Phase I – Watsontown - Dewart safe route network) from local bikers. Trail Distance: 2.75 Miles - Briefings with community input meetings Trail Character: 10’ wide pathway – comparing Gravel and Paving and estimated trail amenities costs - Current project needs to define specifications for the map product and action strategy to achieve the map Warrior Run Trail - Event (race or family biking event) to kick off the WR Bike Trail Connections: McEwensville and Turbotville to the Warrior Run School campus Route project Trail Distance: 6.0 Miles - WR – joined the Watsontown and Turbotville High Schools Trail Character: 10’ wide pathway – gravel surface with trail amenities – creates connections - Neighborhood concept - Develop bike clubs - Local neighborhoods kick off the project - Timing – Events to reach kids - Definitely use the web to minimize printing cost – ease of updating, lots of detail for interpretation, etc. - Put People first – maps and signs second; educate, market and promote recreation, fitness and community resources - This project is a process of engaging the community (get neighbors, schools, historic societies and community groups plugged in) - Potential Funders – advertisers – bike shops, B&Bs, Dave’s bike shops, Bike donation – for event, Marty’s Bike Shop, - Potential Funders – PPL Corporation, Kellogg, - Big events – but also think about small, informal, monthly events - Involve the kids / encourage active lifestyles at early age - Visitors Bureau – Hotel Tax funding (Susquehanna Valley, Columbia-Montour) – but not a lot of local business to promote or benefit from this - Does Visitors Bureau promotion make sense for this rural area? - Maps are premature if you don’t have facilities to back it up (visitors need facilities, food, and other services) Appendix 15 Impacted Landowners - West Branch Trail (Watsontown to Dewart)

Property Owner Parcel Address Parcel Location Land Use Total Parcel Acreage ADAMS GREGORY T /IRMGARD RR 1 WATSONTOWN RESIDENTIAL 2.8 WARRIOR RUN MANOR RR 1 WATSONTOWN EXEMPT 3.0 WEST MILTON STATE BANK RR 1 WATSONTOWN COMMERCIAL 4.7 YORDY RUSSELL F JR/ HELEN M RR 1 BOX WATSONTOWN RESIDENTIAL 6.8 VANDRUFF HELEN C / WEAVER WATSONTOWN RESIDENTIAL 11.0 BRYFOGLE KENNETH G JR RR 1 WATSONTOWN RESIDENTIAL 30.4 STAHLNECKER DAVID R/DALE C RR 2 WATSONTOWN AGRICULTURE 40.0 WITMER KEITH D/ PATTI S RR 2 WATSONTOWN AGRICULTURE 42.7 SPENCER WILLIAM A/AMBER E RR 1 WATSONTOWN AGRICULTURE 42.8 WITMER KEITH D RR 2 BOX 296 WATSONTOWN AGRICULTURE 55.1 YORDY RUSSELL F JR/ HELEN M RR 1 BOX WATSONTOWN AGRICULTURE 89.4

Appendix 16 Impacted Landowners - Warrior Run Trail (Turbotville to School)

Property Owner Parcel Address Parcel Location Land Use Total Parcel Acreage MOSER JOHN R/THELMA L RR 2 TURBOTVILLE AGRICULTURE <1 TOWNSHIP OF LEWIS TURBOTVILLE EXEMPT <1 LEWIS TWP ELECTION HALL TURBOTVILLE EXEMPT <1 ROVENOLT DONALD O/PEGGY A RR 1 WATSONTOWN AGRICULTURE <1 KNOLL WILLIAM C/ CATHY E 51 KOCH RD TURBOTVILLE RESIDENTIAL 1 MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY TURBOTVILLE EXEMPT 1 TURBOTVILLE BOROUGH TURBOTVILLE EXEMPT 2 BIXLER TERRY W RR TURBOTVILLE RESIDENTIAL 4 BIXLER TERRY W RR TURBOTVILLE RESIDENTIAL 4 JARRETT CARL E/ LUCILLE M 1 1ST ST TURBOTVILLE RESIDENTIAL 4 WEBB JONATHAN B/ DEBORAH A 951 SCHELL RD TURBOTVILLE AGRICULTURE 10 TURBOTVILLE MUNICIPAL TURBOTVILLE EXEMPT 14 STEIN H. WILLIAM JR/ FAYE D 495 SHELL RD TURBOTVILLE AGRICULTURE 21 LONG SQUARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP RR 2 TURBOTVILLE RESIDENTIAL 30 WARRIOR RUN SCHOOL DISTRICT RR 2 TURBOTVILLE EXEMPT 117 LONG SQUARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP RR 2 BOX 103 TURBOTVILLE AGRICULTURE 151 LONG SQUARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP RR 2 BOX 103 TURBOTVILLE AGRICULTURE 151 LONG SQUARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP RR 2 BOX 103 TURBOTVILLE AGRICULTURE 151

Impacted Landowners - Warrior Run Trail (McEwensville to School)

Property Owner Parcel Address Parcel Location Land Use Total Parcel Acreage HAGENBUCH LERA J WATSONTOWN AGRICULTURE 54.1 MARTIN MELVIN M/ SUETTA H 565 GLAZE RD WATSONTOWN AGRICULTURE 62.1 HAGENBUCH LERA J RR 2 BOX 49 WATSONTOWN AGRICULTURE 78.3 HAGENBUCH LERA J RR 2 BOX 49 WATSONTOWN AGRICULTURE 78.3 MENGES CALVIN W LIFE ESTATE 40 MENGES RD WATSONTOWN RESIDENTIAL 82.2 STAHLNECKER R C CO RR 2 WATSONTOWN AGRICULTURE 88.0 WESNER G FRED/ BETTY L 3640 SUSQUEHANNA TRAIL WATSONTOWN AGRICULTURE 89.7 WESNER G FRED/ BETTY L 3640 SUSQUEHANNA TRAIL WATSONTOWN AGRICULTURE 89.7 WARRIOR RUN SCHOOL DISTRICT RR 2 TURBOTVILLE EXEMPT 116.9 Appendix 17 Cost Estimates - West Branch Trail Project Elements Description Estimated Costs Final Design, Construction Documents, Estimated to be 15% of Trail Construction Costs $ 85,000 and Construction Services Bridge Underpass Due to complexity of design / approvals associated Not Included with the trail under Watsontown bridge, an accurate cost estimate is not feasible Easement Documents / Legal Fees Legal Review and Assistance $ 5,000 Fee Simple Land Acquisition WRCC will seek cooperative landowner agreements N/A Cross Walk Striping 1 - 35’ Painted Cross Walks - $ 2,500 2 – 50’ Painted Cross Walk (Route 405) Trail Crossing – Roadway Signage 6 Signs - 3 Crossings w/ 2 signs each $ 2,500 Trail Crossing Highway Occupancy Permit $ 1,000 Gravel Trail 4,000’ Improved Trail (Watsontown) $10/LF $ 225,000 - 2.0 Miles of New Trail $20/LF $ 275,000 Includes: clear / grub, grading, granular base, granular surfacing, seed / mulch trail edge Trail Drainage General Drainage for small swales – included in N/A Cost of trail construction (above) Roadside Trail 1,500’ of improved sidewalk and street-side trail $ 50,000 Bridges 3 – 25’ Bridge Crossings of Warrior Run $ 75,000 bridges designed to accommodate tractor and mowing / maintenance equipment assumed 10’ width at $100/SF Specialized Equipment Maintenance Vehicle (Gator with dump bed plow $13,500 and sweeper options - $10,000); 2 Weed Wackers – $1,000; 2 backpack blowers - $1,000; Hand tools – $1,000; backpack sprayers - $500 Landscaping Tree and shrub plantings $20,000 Security Bollards 8 Bollards to control motorized access to trail from $2,500 Roadway / allow emergency and maintenance access Trash Receptacles 5 trash cans @ $400 each $2,000 Interpretive Signs 3 – interpretive signs @ $800 each $2,400 Benches 4 – heavy duty benches @ $800 each $3,200

Appendix 18 Total Estimated Granular Trail Costs $ 484,600 - $ 534,600 Cost Estimates - Warrior Run Trail

Project Elements Description Estimated Cost Final Design, Construction Documents, Estimated to be 15% of Trail Construction Costs $ 145,000 and Construction Services Easement Documents / Legal Fees Legal Review and Assistance $ 5,000 Fee Simple Land Acquisition WRCC will seek cooperative landowner agreements N/A Cross Walk Striping 4 - 30’ Painted Cross Walks $ 1,000 Trail Crossing – Roadway Signage 8 Signs 4 Crossings w/ 2 signs each $ 2,000 Trail Crossing Highway Occupancy Permit $ 1,000 Gravel Trail 6 miles - 10’ wide rolled gravel trail; $20 / LF $ 550,000 - $650,000 Includes: clear / grub, grading, granular base, granular surfacing, seed / mulch trail edge Trail Drainage General Drainage for small swales – included in N/A Cost of trail construction (above) Railroad Trail Crossing 2 Improved Crossings for Bike / Pedestrian $ 10,000 Bridges 2 – 25’ Bridge Crossings of Warrior Run $ 50,000 bridges designed to accommodate tractor and mowing / maintenance equipment assumed 10’width at $10/SF Specialized Equipment Maintenance Vehicle (Gator with dump bed plow $13,500 and sweeper options - $10,000); 2 Weed Wackers – $1,000; 2 backpack blowers - $1,000; Hand tools – $1,000; backpack sprayers - $500 Landscaping Tree and shrub plantings and landscaping $20,000 Security Bollards 8 Bollards to control motorized access to trail from $2,500 Roadway / allow emergency and maintenance access Trash Receptacles 6 trash cans $2,500 Gates 2 - Self-closing gates for access to farm properties $1,500 Interpretive Signs 4 – interpretive signs $3,200 Benches 6 – heavy duty benches $4,800

Total Estimated Granular Trail Costs $ 812,000 - $ 912,000

Appendix 19 Warrior Run Community Corporation Pathways Committee Action Items

Pathways Organization - Warrior Run Community Corporation Warrior Run Corridor Subcommittee √ Recruit new members to the WRCC √ Recruit members and civic groups for the subcommittee √ Form Pathways Committee of the WRCC √ Identify local residents, who support pathways, to meet with √ Identify and engage potential funding partners path corridor landowners √ Inform and seek cooperation of municipalities √ Develop a strategy to engage middle / high school students, parents and staff. √ Develop a strategy to engage business interests in the Pathways West Branch River Corridor Subcommittee project √ Recruit members and civic groups for the subcommittee √ Identify best possible pathways trail alignment √ Identify local residents, who support pathways, to meet with √ Implement a Landowner Outreach program path corridor landowners √ Develop √ Develop a strategy to engage elementary school students, √ Speak to landowners about easements parents and staff. √ Apply for funding for acquisition and/or final design √ Develop a strategy to engage downtown business interests in the Pathways project Warrior Run Touring Routes Subcommittee √ Identify best possible pathways trail alignment √ Recruit members and civic groups for the subcommittee √ Implement a Landowner Outreach program √ Identify local residents, who support pathways, to meet with √ Develop path corridor landowners √ Speak to landowners about easements √ Develop a strategy to engage school students, parents and staff √ Apply for funding for acquisition and/or final design √ Develop a strategy to engage downtown business interests in the Pathways project √ Apply for funding for maps, activity program, website, signs

Appendix 20 Warrior Run Touring Routes – Design & Development Pathways Communications And Outreach √ Establish Field Survey Group Pathways Project Information √ Conduct Field Inventory of Touring Routes √ Recruit new members » Assess safety for biking, running/walking, driving tours √ PowerPoint – identify hazards √ Concept Plan Boards » Determine Route Lengths √ Concept Sketches » Inventory basic amenities (water, stores, bike shops, √ Report Documents (hard copy and pdf file) parking) Pathways Outreach Program » Determine degree of difficulty with elevation change √ Pathways Project Press Releases √ Identify Recommended Routes √ Meetings with DCNR and other potential funders √ Develop Interpretation Program (natural, cultural, historic and √ Updates to County Commissioners (Northumberland, scenic points of interest) Montour, Union) √ Delineate the Routes (either physically with small blaze signs – or virtually on the web) Landowner Outreach Program √ Scope and Produce the most appropriate Touring Routes √ Pathways Project Information (see above) map (disposable map, high quality map, website interactive √ Pathways Concept Sketch mapping) √ Landowner Options √ Develop a WR Touring Routes activity program » Donation » Family bike rides » Easement » West Branch river float » Fee Simple Acquisition » Competitive rides and runs √ Pathways Design Assistance » Fund raising rides and walks √ Liability - Pennsylvania law, safety issues, liability » Heritage driving tours √ Maintenance & Operations » Nature / Birding Walks √ Pathways benefits for community and landowner legacy √ Develop list of feasible funding sources √ Trail Examples and Landowner and Project Contacts Appendix 21 PNDI Inquiry - Watsontown- Dewart Canal Trail

Appendix 22 Appendix 23 Appendix 24 PNDI Inquiry & Response - Warrior Run Trail

Appendix 25 PNDI Response - Warrior Run Trail

Appendix 26 CCHS Conference Call Summary Assisting CCHS in preparing the application: Sally McMurry – PSU Faculty, History – with expertise in Agriculture Jackie Melander, President and Director Resources Centre County Historical Society Cecilia Rusnak – PSU Faculty, Landscape Architecture / Preservation Conference Call; January 6, 2006, 2PM PHMC – Historic Preservation Grant Participants: Brian Auman, Mandy Burbage, Bob Hormell, Lyle FHWA – Funding for Farmland Preservation Studies Horn, Jackie Melander Carol Lee – PHMC – is a good contact and could come out for a visit RE: Penns Valley - Rural Historic District Designation The Penns Valley area has been designated as eligible for historic register status. The Southcentral Centre County Transportation Study (SCCCTS Eligibility has served as an impetus for invigorated interest joint municipal “Sits”) project and the threat of the highway through eastern Centre planning. Region and Penns Valley - was an impetus for undertaking this study. Jackie encourages an open process to keep municipalities and the public People Value the Rural Character of Penns Valley – Which historically apprised of the process included up to Boalsburg Designation does not limit township autonomy – but provides some A Historic Site Survey was completed 20 years earlier (undertaken by conservation/ preservation tools. Municipal Support Resolution is not needed the Centre County Commissioners and CCHS). The survey focused for the application almost entirely on dwellings and ignored barns / outbuildings. A partnership between WRCC, Historical Society and Heritage Society would The new inventory focused more on other buildings, agricultural make for an excellent team in the preparation of an application. buildings, landscape and settlement patterns (crossroads, hedgerows, woodlots, farmstead locations, etc.), deﬁned the diﬀerent eras of The CSVT Interchange Study documents local concern in Warrior Run development and change, etc. municipalities for context sensitive design.

Outreach to local municipalities about the pursuit of historic landscape Rural Historic District – National Park Service Guidelines are an excellent designation. Had to educate local leaders about the diﬀerence from reference*. local historic designation which places restrictions on how properties can be altered, etc. Doug MacNeil’s new book on Penns Valley (Penns Creek) was produced with $ from the Visitor’s Bureau and is good at Interpretation of the Penns Valley A thick packet of information was prepared for a landscape-scale Rural Region. Historic District throught the National Register of Historic Places. Some municipalities sent letters of support and no municipalities had *Reference: objections to the application. NPA Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/hli/introguid.htm Appendix 27 Appendix 28 Appendix 29 Appendix 30 References APA. Planning and Urban Design Standards, 2006. 259-260.

Auman, Brian, Mandy Burbage and Lara Steele. Selected photography of the Warrior Run area, 2005-2006.

Franks, Robert Scott. Diﬃcult Crossing. Watsontown: West Branch Heritage, 2004.

Franks, Robert Scott. Warrior Run Church (1774-1964). Harrisburg: Harrisburg Blue Print, 2002.

Google Images www.images.google.com

McMahon, Edward T. and Shelley S. Mastran. Better Models for Development in Pennsylvania. The Conservation Fund, 2005.

National Parks Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance. Pennsylvania Recreational Land Use Statute and the Private Landowner. http://www.nps.gov/rtca/helpfultools/recusebrochures/pennsylvaniarecliabbrochure.pdf

Natural Lands Trust. Growing Greener: Conservation by Design, 2001.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. BikeSafe: Department of Transportation Disclaimers, 2002. http://www.dot.state.pa.us/BIKE/WEB/index.htm#

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Northeast Regional Oﬃce. Rail-Trail Maintenance & Operation: Ensuring the Future of Your Trail – A Survey of 100 Rail-Trails, 2005.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Promoting Active Living Communities: A Guide to Marketing and Communication.

SEDA Council of Governments. Findings and Recommendations of the Central Susquehanna Thruway Interchange Study. 2005.

Southern Alleghenies Regional Tourism Confederation. Cycling Links: Cycle the Southern Alleghenies. http://www.cyclesa.com/links.php

United States Census Bureau. 1990 United States Census Survey.

United States Census Bureau. 2000 United States Census Survey.

Appendix 31