COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DCNR-2017-Plan DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES Plan-GPM – 11 Rev. 12-12 BUREAU OF RECREATION AND CONSERVATION COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
GREENWAYS PLANS
General Information and Scope of Work Guidelines
INSTRUCTIONS: The following general information and examples of specific work tasks are provided to assist in the development of a scope of work for Greenway Plans. Please use this information to first determine if your proposed study is best conducted under this project type. If appropriate, this information can be used to develop a proposed project scope of work. If your project is selected for a grant, a detailed project scope of work, tailored to meet the planning needs of your community, must be submitted to the Bureau for review and approval before proceeding with the project.
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Before submitting a grant application and developing your scope of work, please contact the Bureau's Regional Advisor for your area of the Commonwealth to discuss your project and to develop a scope of work that meets your needs and the Bureau’s requirements. (A directory of Regional Advisors can be found in the Application Manual or by visiting the DCNR website at: www.dcnr.state.pa.us).
B. Identifying the Appropriate Greenway Planning Project:
According to “Pennsylvania Greenways: An Action Plan for Creating Connections,” greenways are linear corridors of public and private land that serve as the linkages between specifically identified natural resource-based or manmade features. They can be either land or water based and serve a variety of functions and benefits including recreation, transportation, community revitalization, economic development, natural resource conservation, environmental protection, wildlife habitat and migration and education. These corridors often follow old railways, canals, ridge tops, rivers and stream valleys. The Community Conservation Partnerships Program offers four (4) planning project types under which greenway projects could be studied: Greenways and Open Space Network Plans, Greenway Plans, Rails-to-Trails Plans, and River Conservation Plans.
Here is basic guidance on how to determine which project type will best meet your needs:
1. Greenway Plan: The scope below is for planning that targets a specific linear
1 corridor of open space that may have been identified in a greenways and open space network plan, comprehensive plan or other local/regional planning effort. This scope is best used for a greenway along a river/stream, ridge top, canal, road, and utility corridor, etc. There can be a broad study purpose addressing both recreational use trails and resource protection or a narrower focus on one or the other.
2. Greenways and Open Space Network Plan: A planning effort that involves identifying natural and manmade resources and a network of greenways that will connect these important resources. The available scope was developed for county planning but can be tailored to multi-municipal and municipal greenways and open space network planning. The Bureau encourages such planning after a county has initiated its own planning effort, established county policy and a countywide greenway network.
3. Rails-to-Trails Plan: If most (75%) of your proposed greenway is on or adjacent to an abandoned railroad rights-of-way and you want to study converting to trail, refer to the Rails-to-Trails Plan scope.
4. Rivers Conservation Plan: If your project involves a significant water resource (watershed, river or large creek) and you are most interested in restoring, maintaining or enhancing this water resource, refer to the Rivers Conservation Plan scope.
C. Expectations of the Bureau
The Bureau has several expectations for greenway plans. The purpose of your plan should be developed to ensure that these expectations are met. We expect the following:
1. Substantial citizen involvement/public participation throughout the process.
2. A thorough examination and analysis of local conditions, questions or concerns related to developing the proposed greenway(s).
3. The development of a series of recommendations to acquire and/or develop the proposed greenway(s). These recommendations must set forth proposed actions, priorities and costs.
D. Public Participation
Your scope of work must include a public participation process that substantially involves citizens to ensure that local attitudes are fully identified and addressed. Special attention should be given to involving adjacent property owners, stakeholder groups, and impacted local municipalities. Please review the Bureau’s "Public Participation Guide" for specific information. Grantees must have an approved public participation process that includes at least a study committee and two public meetings. Past grantees have found that citizen surveys and key person interviews provide useful results with greenway projects.
2 E. Study Report Organization and Final Products
The final study report must cover all scope of work tasks in a logical order in a bound document, beginning with an executive summary, and followed by clearly labeled sections for each of the study's components. The Bureau recommends producing at least twenty-five (25) copies of the narrative report. The exact number of copies should be stated in the scope of work and are based on the grantee’s needs. An electronic version and three (3) copies of the final plan must be submitted to the Bureau.
F. Greenway Resources
For more information on the State Greenways Plan, visit the PA Greenways Clearinghouse Website at www.pagreenways.org. A Fact Sheet is available on County Greenways and Open Space Network Planning that provides a comprehensive list of useful resources that can assist in greenway planning activities.
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3 II. SCOPE OF WORK TASKS
Note: You will be expected to address the major tasks provided below. We do not require you to address every provided sub-task, but to tailor your project scope of work to meet the needs of your municipality and project. If selected for funding, Bureau staff will assist grantees in finalizing the scope of work.
A. Study Purpose
1. Describe why the study is being conducted.
2. Describe the area under study.
3. Provide general mapping of the study area.
4. Identify any boundaries or limitations of the study.
B. Public Participation
Note: In your scope of work, identify in-house and consultant roles.
1. Conduct needed study committee meetings and public meetings with representatives from impacted municipalities, local business leaders, neighborhood and community groups, and adjacent property owners.
2. Conduct other public participation techniques like surveys of adjacent property owners, key person interviews, etc. as needed.
4. Provide a written summary of the public participation process results.
C. Data Collection and Analysis -- inventory and analyze the following:
1. Prepare base mapping of the proposed greenway at an appropriate scale. (You must determine what existing mapping is available from local planning agencies, USGS, etc. and can be provided to your consultant.)
2. Determine the ownership status of the proposed greenway.
Identify property owners and contact, if appropriate, to describe the project and determine level of interest in supporting the project
3. Identify physiographic characteristics a. Length, dimensions and boundaries b. Steep slopes c. Topography (Use of topographic information on USGS maps is acceptable) d. Surrounding land use e. Geology, soils, etc.
4 4. Identify natural features
a. Adjacent or intersecting streams b. Significant natural features (lakes, ponds, rock outcroppings, wetlands, floodplains, etc.) c. Water quality d. Existing vegetation and wildlife analysis (identify any species of concern or sensitive habitat areas)
4. Conduct a wildlife analysis within the corridor
Detail any wildlife habitats that may be negatively impacted by developing the greenway
5. Identify cultural, historic, and recreational resources
a. Historic sites b. Existing and proposed parks, schools, and recreational areas c. Existing and proposed trails
6. Evaluate existing and planned land use patterns and zoning
D. Determine Demand and Potential Use of Greenway
1. Provide general demographics of potential users
a. Define reasonable project service area b. Describe the community character (rural, urban centers, suburbs, industrial zones, etc.) c. Project area population information and demographic patterns (current and projected) d. Develop profile of potential users (bikers, walkers, anglers, horseback riders, cross country skiers, etc.)
2. Analyze potential demand and use of the greenway
3. Identify potential linkages/connectors
a. To neighboring developments. b. With other existing or proposed trails
4. Compatibility of greenway development with adjacent land uses
Identify and address potential impacts on adjacent land uses (agricultural lands, industrial properties, school facilities, businesses, residences, etc.).
E. Identification of Key Organizations and Individuals
Identify key "stakeholders" needed to plan and implement the project and define
5 their possible roles.
F. Identification of Issues, Opportunities and Potential Threats
Through this process, you should identify issues, which can be expected to arise relative to greenways, opportunities to take the project forward, and potential threats to both the greenway corridor and the success of implementing a greenway program.
G. Greenway Development and Protection Options
1. Provide options for the development of different types of greenways (natural habitat, walking trail, facilities for more active use, etc.).
2. Develop a greenway concept plan incorporating all data obtained and conclusions.
3. If appropriate, divide the proposed greenway into more manageable sections and provide the following:
a. Protection measures (easements, zoning, acquisition, etc.) b. Appropriate development options and estimated costs c. Issues, opportunities and threats that became evident through the planning process
H. Implementation Plan
Provide a focused set of recommendations to develop the greenway. Recommendations should include:
a. proposed roles of public and non-public agencies;
b. the appropriate organizational structure to establish and maintain the greenway;
c. a prioritized list of acquisition and development steps with estimated costs;
d. techniques to address concerns and potential threats to developing the greenway; and,
e. potential and most likely sources for capital and operating revenues such as, but not limited to, grants, direct municipal contributions, user fees and private sector support.
6 I. SUMMARY
Provide an executive summary of findings and recommendations.
J. FINAL PRODUCT (S)
a. Prepare a draft report that describes the study methodology, study findings, and recommendations and provides required mapping. (You must determine and specify how many copies are needed.) The Department must approve the draft and may request revisions to the draft before a final plan is prepared.
b. The Bureau recommends that twenty-five (25) copies of the narrative report be provided to the municipality/owner. The exact number of copies should be determined based on the community’s needs and whether an electronic version of the report is required which the municipality can reproduce. Three (3) copies of the report must be submitted to the Bureau.
c. You can include other desired products such as a promotional slide show, schematics of key sections, brochures, color-rendered drawing, etc.
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